South Florida Opulence Winter 2015/16 by Adriana Naylor

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

Murano at Portofino Miami Beach, Florida

The aragon Deering Bay BocaGables, raton, Florida Coral Florida

Continuum North Tower st. Tropez Miami Beach, Florida sunny isles, Florida

The FinesT in Luxury residenTiaL ProPerTy ManageMenT Csi Management services is a full-service property management company focused exclusively on high-end, luxury residential properties. We offer the highest levels of technical and management competence in residential property management, and our client services include, but are not limited to:

• on site Management by LCaM Managers • Janitorial, general Maintenance and engineering • accounting and Financial Management • Precise Management Transition Plans • Vendor evaluation and supervision • Building inspection and regular site Visits • First Class Customer service and Concierge

Fort Lauderdale Headquarters • 6700 North Andrews Avenue, Suite 400 Phone: 954.308.4305 • Fax: 954.331.6028 Winter 2015/16 South Florida OPULENCE 1 www.csimsi.com

A tale of two skylines: Miamiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Opulence International Realty and Manhattanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s BOND New York are proud to announce a new alliance that bridges the gap between two of the most desirable real estate markets in the world. Together, we can seamlessly service clients in either city. A penthouse overlooking Central Park, a beach condo with stunning ocean views? They can be yours.

MANHATTAN

IN NEW YORK? CALL 212.582.2009 bondnewyork.com I info@bondnewyork.com 2

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

MEETS

MIAMI

IN MIAMI? CALL 305.615.1376 oirfl.com/OM I info@oirfl.com Winter 2015/16

™

South Florida OPULENCE

LUXURY

INTERIORS BY PERLA LICHI

www.perlalichi.com

FL ID #00001727 IB#26001492

*MSRP of 2016 McLaren 570S excludes taxes, tag and fees. Vehicle shown is for illustration purposes only.

aVenturaMaLL.CoM

Cartier tiffany & Co. Louis Vuitton BurBerry Nordstrom fenDi Brooks Brothers BaLLy eMiLio PuCCi st. John BloomiNgdaleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Just CaVaLLi roLex Longines tory BurCh Boss hugo Boss aPPLe + over 300 stores

a Ferretti Group brand

www.riva-yacht.com

NOTHING ELSE

88’ Florida

Iseo • Aquariva Super • Rivar ama Super • Rivale • SportRiva 56’ • 63’ Vertigo • 63’ Virtus 68’ Ego Super • 75’ Venere Super • 88’ Domino Super • 88’ Florida • 92’ Duchessa • 122’ Mythos

Ferretti Group Sales centers FT. LAUDERDALE, FL MIAMI BEACH, FL STUART, FL Palm Beach, FL NEWPORT, RI Huntington, NY SAG HARBOR, NY Newport Beach, CA ferrettigroupamerica.com • Riva.america@riva-yacht.com • Phone: 1.800.428.3727

ARTIST CONCEPTUAL RENDERING. DEVELOPER MAY CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

SUPERIOR LOCATION. LARGER RESIDENCES. STARTING AT $1.2 MILLION.

ONLY 95 BEACHFRONT RESIDENCES / OVER 70% SOLD / NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION 2 Bedrooms, 3 Bedrooms and 4 Bedrooms Available /

ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING THE REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THIS BROCHURE AND TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE.

/ 954.719.5620

PAR K I T IN YOUR P E R SO N A L VAULT

For specialized storage and shipping services, trust RoboVault. Our facility offers flawless security for all your collectibles, from vehicles to wine. Our highly-trained packing specialists can be trusted with anything from a favorite painting to the entire contents of your household. Whether you want to store a piece of jewelry or move a priceless piece of art, you’ll have peace of mind.

PACKING • CRATING • SHIPPING • MOVING • STORAGE • SECURITY For more information or to request a complimentary on-site estimate, call 954-766-9997 or visit RoboVault.com. 14

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

THE

rkenstone www.iRocks.com

Fine Minerals | Precious Gemstones | Natural Art

Visit us at the Palm Beach Jewelry, Antiques, and Design Show December 3-7 | www.pbfallshow.com

Main Image - Natural and cut aquamarine crystals Close-up images of fine crystals - Kunzite, Pyrite-Replaced Fossil, Azurite, Gold, Aquamarine - Joe Budd Photos Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

ASTONISHING

Introducing the Lynx Board From West Palm Beach to South Beach, the all-new Lynx Board is changing the way people work out thanks to its patented, high-friction surface that burns more calories than a treadmill while strengthening your core. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s low impact, fast and effective. Discover the greatest advancement in fitness today. Get On Board at lynxfitness.com

lynxfitness.com sales@lynxfitness.com info@lynxfitness.com

ntitled-3 1

An aerial view of South Floridas Fisher Island overlooking Downtown Miami, South Beach, and the Atlantic Ocean. Summer 2014.

Introducing Palazzo Del Sol. 47 new waterfront condominium residences on celebrated Fisher Island. Where the legacy of original American chic has been brilliantly re-imagined for the New Miami. True luxury is both timeless and timely.

Priced from $6.5 million to $35 million. Now under construction. One Fisher Island Drive, Fisher Island Designed by Kobi Karp with indoor spaces by Antrobus + Ramirez and outdoor spaces by Enzo E On-site Sales Pavilion: 305 535 6071 info@palazzodelsol.com palazzodelsol.com

ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS REPRESENTATIONS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION ORAL CANNOT BE RELIED UPON ASOF CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED B 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, ORAL TO BEREPRESENTATIONS FURNISHED BYFLORIDA ACANNOT DEVELOPER TOTO A BE BUYER LESSEE. All artist’sTO or Aarchitectural renderings, sketches, graphic materials and photos depicted orand otherwise described herein are proposed and STATUTES, FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER BUYER OR LESSEE. artist’s or architectural renderings, sketches, graphic materials photos depicted otherwise described herein areSECTION proposed BE RELIED UPON ASOR CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF All THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THEorDOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY conceptual only, and are based FLORIDA upon preliminary plans, which are subject toAchange. This isarenot an offering any isstate in whichOFregistration iswhich required but in registration haveTO not yet been met. This and based upon preliminary development plans, which subject to change. This not an offering inTHE any DEVELOPER. state ingraphic registration iswhich required but in which registration requirements have notproposed yet been met.concept This ad STATUTES,development TO BE are FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER BUYER OR All artist’s orin architectural renderings, sketches, materials and photos depicted orrequirements otherwise described herein are and ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BETO RELIED UPON ASLESSEE. CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY advertisement is not an offering.and It isare a solicitation of interest in the advertised property. No offering of the advertised units can be made and no deposits can be accepted, or reservations, binding or non-binding, can be made in New offering. It is a solicitation of interest in the advertised property. No offering of the advertised units can be made and no deposits can be accepted, or reservations, binding or non-binding, can be made in New York until an offeringa based upon preliminary plans, which are subject to change.TO This is not an any stateor inarchitectural which registration is required butgraphic in which registration requirements not yet been met. herein This advertisement FLORIDAdevelopment STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER A BUYER ORoffering LESSEE.inAll artist’s renderings, sketches, materials and photos depictedhave or otherwise described are proposed York State Department of property. Law. York until an offering plan is filed with the NewNew York State of Law. development offering. It is a solicitation of interest inDepartment the advertised No offering of the which advertised units can be made and no deposits can or reservations, or but non-binding, can be made in New York until offering planThis is filed and are based upon preliminary plans, are subject to change. This is not an offering in be anyaccepted, state in which registration binding is required in which registration requirements have notanyet been met. adv New York State Department of Law. offering. It is a solicitation of interest in the advertised property. No offering of the advertised units can be made and no deposits can be accepted, or reservations, binding or non-binding, can be made in New York until an offering New York State Department of Law.

ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTIO FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER A BUYER OR LESSEE. artist’s or architectural renderings,REPRESENTATIONS, sketches, graphic materials photos depicted orDOCUMENTS otherwise described herein BY are SECTION proposed and conce ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATINGTO REPRESENTATIONS OFAll THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT MAKEand REFERENCE TO THE REQUIRED 718.503, based uponBY preliminary development plans, which are subject to change. This is not anrenderings, offering any state ingraphic whichFOR registration is required in which registration requirements have notproposed yet beenREQUIRED met. This advertisemen ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BETO RELIED UPON ASLESSEE. CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OFinTHE DEVELOPER. CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, REFERENCE TOherein THE DOCUMENTS BY SECTION FLORIDA STATUTES, TOand BEare FURNISHED A DEVELOPER A BUYER OR All artist’s or architectural sketches, materials and photosbut depicted orMAKE otherwise described are and conceptual only, offering.FLORIDA It is a solicitation of interest inORAL the advertised No offering of the advertised units can beSTATING made and no deposits can OF be accepted, or reservations, binding or non-binding, can be REFERENCE made in New York until an offering plan is file STATUTES, TOplans, BECANNOT FURNISHED BY Aproperty. DEVELOPER TO A OR LESSEE. artist’s renderings, sketches, materials and photos depicted or otherwise described herein are proposed and concep CANNOT BEBUYER RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY REPRESENTATIONS THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED ORAL REPRESENTATIONS BE UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. CORRECT MAKE REFERENCE TO THE REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.5 and are based upon preliminary development whichREPRESENTATIONS areRELIED subject to change. This is not an offering inAllany stateorinarchitectural which registration isFOR required butgraphic inREPRESENTATIONS, which registration requirements have not yetDOCUMENTS been met. This advertisement is not anB New York State of Law. FLORIDA and are Department based upon preliminary development are to change. This isartist’s not anor offering in anyAllstate in which registration is required but whichmaterials registration requirements have not yetare been met. This advertisemen STATUTES, TOwhich BE FURNISHED BYcan AOR DEVELOPER TO AnoBUYER OR LESSEE. artist’s oror architectural renderings, sketches, and photos depicted oruntil otherwise described herein are proposed FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY Aplans, DEVELOPER TO subject A units BUYER LESSEE. All architectural renderings, sketches, graphic materials andingraphic photos depicted or otherwise described herein proposed and conceptual offering. It is a solicitation of interest inORAL the advertised property. No offering of the advertised be made and deposits can be accepted, reservations, binding or non-binding, can be made in New York an offering plan is filed with theo REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FORstate CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BYmet. SECTION ORAL REPRESENTATIONS BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, offering. Itand isCANNOT aare solicitation of interest in the advertised property. No offering of the advertised units can be made and no deposits can be accepted, or reservations, binding or non-binding, can be made in New York until an offering plan is and are based upon preliminary development plans, which are subject to change. This is not an offering in any in which registration is required but in which registration requirements have not yet been This ad based upon preliminary development which are subject to change. This is not an offering inTHE any state in whichFOR registration is required butCORRECT in which MAKE registration requirements have not yet been met. This advertisement isfile no ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON REPRESENTATIONS AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OFCORRECT THE DEVELOPER. FOR REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIEDplans, UPON AS CORRECTLY OF DEVELOPER. REPRESENTATIONS, THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.5 New York State Department of Law. FLORIDA STATUTES, TOItBE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TOartist’s ASTATING BUYER ORNo LESSEE. All artist’s or architectural renderings, graphic materials and photosREFERENCE depicted orTO otherwise described are proposed and concept FLORIDA STATUTES, TOItState BE BYof Aoffering. DEVELOPER TO A BUYER LESSEE. All or architectural renderings, graphic materials and photos depicted or described herein are and conceptual only, is aadvertised solicitation of interest inoffering the advertised offering of advertised can be made andsketches, no deposits can be accepted, orotherwise reservations, binding or non-binding, can beherein made in New York until an offering New York Department Law. STATUTES, TOOR BENo FURNISHED DEVELOPER TOartist’s A BUYER OR LESSEE. Allrenderings, artist’s or architectural renderings, sketches, graphic materials and photos depicted orproposed otherwise described herein are a offering. is aFURNISHED solicitation of interest inFLORIDA the ofBY theAproperty. advertised units can bethe made andsketches, nounits deposits can be accepted, or reservations, binding or non-binding, can be made in New York until an offering plan isproposed filed with FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BEpreliminary FURNISHED BY Aproperty. DEVELOPER TO Aare BUYER OR LESSEE. All or architectural sketches, graphic materials and photos depicted or otherwise described herein are proposed and conceptual on and are based upon development plans, which subject to change. This is not an offering in any state in which registration is required but in which registration requirements have not yet been met. This advertisement York State Department of change. Law. and are based upon development plans, which subject to This is not an offering inare any statetoinchange. which This registration is required butstate in which registration requirements notregistration yet been met. This advertisement is not an This adv and areare based upon preliminary development plans, which subject is notinan offering in any in which registration is registration required but have in which requirements haveThis not yet been met. Newpreliminary York State Department of New Law. and are based upon preliminary development plans, which are subject to change. This is not an offering in any state which registration is required but in which requirements have not yet been met. advertisement is not offering. It is aadvertised solicitation of interest in the advertised property. No offering of the advertised units can be made and no deposits can be accepted, or reservations, binding or non-binding, can be made in New York until an offering plan is filed offering. It is a solicitation of interest in the property. No offering of the advertised units can be made and no deposits can be accepted, or reservations, binding or non-binding, can be made in New York until an offering plan is filed with the offering. It is aadvertised solicitationproperty. of interest the advertised Nounits offering advertised can be made and no deposits can be accepted, oror reservations, binding or made non-binding, be until madean inoffering New York untilisan offering offering. It isYork a solicitation of interest the Noinoffering of the property. advertised canofbethe made and nounits deposits can be accepted, or reservations, binding non-binding, can be in Newcan York plan filed with New State Department ofinLaw. New York State Department Law. New of York State Department of New Law.York State Department of Law.

HOME AAHOME A HOME A HOME AS PRIVATE A HOME ASAA PRIVATE HOME HOME ASAS AS PRIVATE AS AS PRIVATE AS A HOME YOUR TRAVELS AS PRIVATE A HOME AS PRIVATE AS A HOME YOUR TRAVELS AS PRIVATE ASAS YOUR TRAVELS A HOME YOUR TRAVELS AS PRIVATE AS YOUR TRAVELS A HOME AS PRIVATE AS YOUR TRAVELS AS PRIVATE AS YOUR TRAVELS Introducing Palazzo Del Sol. AS PRIVATE AS YOUR TRAVELS 47 new waterfront condominium residences on AS PRIVATE AS YOUR TRAVELS YOUR TRAVELS celebrated Fisher Island. A haven of privacy Introducing Palazzo Del Sol. 47 new waterfront condominium residences on Introducing Palazzo Del Sol. Introducing Palazzo Del Sol. celebrated Fishercondominium Island. A haven Introducing Palazzo Del residences Sol.of privacy 47 new waterfront Introducing Palazzo Del residences Sol. on 47 new waterfront condominium on Introducing Palazzo Del Sol. 47celebrated new waterfront condominium residences and exclusivity, minutes South and Fisher Island.from A haven of Beach privacyon 47waterfront new waterfront condominium residences celebrated Fisher Island. ASol. haven of Beach privacyon and exclusivity, minutes from South Introducing Palazzo Del 47 the new condominium residences celebrated Fisher Island. AMiami, haven ofBeach privacy cultural attractions of with superbly and exclusivity, minutes from South andon and celebrated Fisher Island. AMiami, haven ofBeach privacy Introducing Palazzo Del Sol. Introducing Palazzo Del Sol. and exclusivity, minutes from South and 47 new waterfront condominium residences onsuperbly the cultural attractions of with celebrated Fisher Island. A haven of privacy and exclusivity, minutes from South Beach and the cultural attractions of Miami, with superbly curated building amenities and 6-star Introducing Palazzo Del Sol. 47 new waterfront condominium residences on and exclusivity, minutes from Beach and 47celebrated new waterfront condominium residences on the cultural attractions of Miami, with superbly Fisher Island. A haven ofSouth privacy the cultural attractions of Miami, with superbly curated building amenities and 6-star and exclusivity, minutes from South Beach and curated building amenities and 6-star white-glove services. Introducing Palazzo Del Sol. 47 new waterfront condominium residences on celebrated Fisher Island. A haven of privacy the cultural attractions of Miami, withand superbly celebrated Fisher Island. A haven ofBeach privacy curated building amenities and 6-star and exclusivity, minutes South curated building amenities and 6-star white-glove services. the cultural attractions offrom Miami, with superbly white-glove services. 47 new waterfront condominium residences on celebrated Fisher Island. A haven of privacy and exclusivity, minutes from South Beach and curated building amenities and 6-star and exclusivity, minutes from South Beach and white-glove services. the cultural attractions of Miami, with superbly white-glove services. Priced from $6.5 million to $35 million. curated building amenities and 6-star celebrated Fisher Island. A haven of privacy and exclusivity, minutes from South Beach and cultural attractions of Miami, with superbly thethe cultural attractions of Miami, with superbly white-glove services. Now under construction Priced from $6.5amenities million to $35 million. curated building and 6-star and exclusivity, minutes from South Beach and white-glove services. Priced from $6.5 million to $35 million. the cultural attractions of Miami, with superbly On-site sales pavilion: 535 6071 6-star Now under construction curated building amenities and Priced from $6.5 million to305 $35and million. curated building amenities 6-star white-glove services. Priced from $6.5 million to $35 million. Now under construction On-site sales pavilion: 305 535 6071 info@palazzodelsol.com | palazzodelsol.com the cultural of Miami,and with6-star superbly curatedattractions building Now underamenities construction white-glove Now under construction On-site sales pavilion: 6071 info@palazzodelsol.com |services. palazzodelsol.com white-glove services. One Fisher Island Priced from $6.5 million to305 $35 535 million. On-site sales pavilion: 305Drive, 535and 6071 curated building amenities 6-star

YOUR TRAVELS YOUR TRAVELS

white-glove services. On-site sales pavilion: 305 535 6071 Priced from $6.5 million toconstruction $35 One Fisher Island Drive, Fisher Island, Florida 33109 info@palazzodelsol.com |million. palazzodelsol.com Now under info@palazzodelsol.com | palazzodelsol.com Priced from $6.5 million to $35 million. Fisher Island, Florida 33109 info@palazzodelsol.com | palazzodelsol.com Now under construction white-glove services. On-site sales pavilion: 305Drive, 535 6071 One Fisher Island One Fisher Island Drive, Now under construction Priced from $6.5 million to $35 million. One Fisher Island Drive, Priced from $6.5 million to305 $35 million. On-site sales pavilion: 535 6071 Fisher Island, Florida 33109 info@palazzodelsol.com | palazzodelsol.com Fisher Island, Florida 33109 Priced from $6.5 million to $35 million.

d, FL 33109 Enea.

On-site sales pavilion: 305 Florida 535 607133109 Now under construction Fisher Island, Now under info@palazzodelsol.com | palazzodelsol.com Oneconstruction Fisher Island Drive, Now under construction info@palazzodelsol.com | palazzodelsol.com On-site sales pavilion: 305 535 6071 Priced from $6.5 million to $35 million. On-site sales pavilion: 305 535 One Fisher Island Drive, Fisher Island, Florida 33109 On-site sales pavilion: 305 5356071 6071 Now under construction One Fisher Island Drive, info@palazzodelsol.com | palazzodelsol.com info@palazzodelsol.com | palazzodelsol.com Fisher Island, Florida 33109 info@palazzodelsol.com | palazzodelsol.com On-site sales pavilion: 30533109 535 6071 Fisher Island, Florida Fisher Island Drive, OneOne Fisher Island Drive, One Fisher Island Drive, info@palazzodelsol.com | palazzodelsol.com Fisher Island, Florida 33109 Fisher Island, Florida 33109 Fisher Island,Island Florida 33109 One Fisher Drive, Fisher Island, Florida 33109

A World A World Apar Apart t

A World Apar t

BY SECTION 718.503, d 718.503, and conceptual only, dvertisement is not an tual only, 718.503, Y SECTION gand isanfiled with the isplan not conceptual only,

dvertisement with the is not an

plan is filed with the

ON 718.503, eptual only, is not an Nnt718.503, edSECTION with the 718.503, ptual only, BY 503, nt is not an d and conceptual only, only, 718.503, ed with the dvertisement is not an ot an Y SECTION 718.503, 503, tual only, plan is filed with the conceptual only, hgand the nly, is not an vertisement an the is not an dtplan with the is filed with the

A | World Apar t BEACH | MARINA TENNIS | GOLF | RESTAURANTS & BEACH CLUB & FITNESS CENTER | BOUTIQUE | CLUB DAYMAINLAND SCHOOL MARKET || FERRY SERVICE TOHOTEL & THE BEACH |SPA MARINA | TENNIS GOLF | |RESTAURANTS &FROM BEACH BEACH |COUNTRY MARINA TENNIS |CENTER GOLF | RESTAURANTS &HOTEL BEACH SPA & |FITNESS BOUTIQUE | DAY SCHOOL COUNTRY MARKET ||FERRY FERRY SERVICE TO & FROM THE MAINLAND SPA & FITNESS CENTER |GOLF BOUTIQUE HOTEL |DAY DAY SCHOOL BEACH | MARINA | TENNIS | RESTAURANTS & BEACH SPA & FITNESS CENTER | BOUTIQUE HOTEL | SCHOOL BEACH | MARINA | TENNIS | GOLF | RESTAURANTS & BEACH CLUB COUNTRY MARKET | SERVICE TO & FROM THE MAINLAND BEACH | MARINA | TENNIS | GOLF | RESTAURANTS&&BEACH BEACH CLUB BEACH | MARINA | TENNIS | GOLF | RESTAURANTS COUNTRY MARKET | FERRY SERVICE TO & FROM THE MAINLAND SPA & FITNESS CENTER | BOUTIQUE HOTEL | DAY SCHOOL COUNTRY MARKET | FERRY TOHOTEL & FROM THE MAINLAND SPA && FITNESS CENTER BOUTIQUE HOTEL |DAY DAY SCHOOL & FITNESS CENTER | BOUTIQUE HOTEL SCHOOL SPASPA FITNESS CENTER | |SERVICE BOUTIQUE | |DAY SCHOOL COUNTRY MARKET FERRY SERVICETO TO& &FROM FROM THE MAINLAND COUNTRY MARKET FERRY SERVICE FROM THE MAINLAND COUNTRY MARKET ||FERRY SERVICE TO THE MAINLAND COUNTRY MARKET || FERRY SERVICE TO &&FROM THE MAINLAND

SOUTH FLORIDA

128 142

T O P F E AT U R E S

109 THE REMARKABLE 3-D OIL PAINTINGS OF REFLECTIONIST JD MILLER

BEST IN CLASS HAUTE CUISINE

sOuth FLORiDa

Capturing the luxury living lifestyle

BEST IN

CLASS haute cuisine

Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

120

ART OF THE CALABASH The Remarkable Gourd Lamp Art of a Polish Artisan

BEST OF THE BEST LUXURY LIVING

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

Miami, 10 NE 39th Street, Miami Design District, 305.573.4331 Los Angeles , Pacific Design Center, 8 6 87 Melrose Avenue, Suite G170, 310.35 8.0 9 01 New York, Decoration & Design Building, 979 Third Avenue, Suite 1424, 212.334.1271

SOUTH FLORIDA

109 62

WINE INVENTORY SURVEYS AND EVALUATIONS For the Serious Wine Collector

64 THE UNCANNY STORY OF THE OPULENT WINE MAKER

Nikki Torres

TAKE A BOW! The SYMPHONIA Boca Raton Celebrates Its Tenth Season

42 MEET THE CHIEF AMBASSADOR OF THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH

67 PHOTOGRAPHER BARRY SEIDMAN Casts a New Light on Wine Photography

An Afternoon with the Contessa at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence

47 KEEP ON SHUCKIN’ Exceptional Handmade Steel Oyster Shuckers

50 BEST IN CLASS

74 PARAMOUNT FORT LAUDERDALE Exclusivity in the Heart of Action

Italian Mediterranean Cuisine: CORSAIR by Scott Conant

52 BEST IN CLASS Dry-Aged Steak: NYY Steak

53 BEST IN CLASS New-Style Japanese: Kuro

55 BEST IN CLASS Modern French Cuisine: Bagatelle

76 THE WORLD Luxurious Living on the High Seas

78 MAKING THE SEASON BRIGHT Historic, Festive Floridian Art in the Landscape

81 82

Coya’s Executive World Chef Sanjay Dwivedi

60 CLAUDIA ZÁRATE VERGÉS Master Sommelier of Wine and Tea

South Florida OPULENCE

BEST ULTRA LUXURY SUV

BEST HIGH PERFORMANCE SUPERCAR McLaren 570S

OPULENCE SELECTS Top 10 Best Wines

BEST OF THE BEST Top 10 Luxury Cigars

Bentley Bentayga

56 FANTASTICO! 59

RENAISSANCE ART PHILANTHROPY

84 BEST SWISS LUXURY TIMEPIECES Ulysse Nardin

BEST NEW TECHNOLOGY The Triumphant Return of Polaroid

Winter 2015/16

LEA FISHER

Laughing Snowball | 3D Oil on Canvas | 30 x 40 inches

SAMUEL LYNNE GALLERIES 1105 DRAGON STREET | DALLAS, TEXAS 75207 214.965.9027 | WWW.SAMUELLYNNE.COM

SOUTH FLORIDA

71 features (continued) 90 BEST MASTER INTERIOR DESIGNER Perla Lichi

94 BEST ITALIAN OPERA MAESTRO A Personal Message from Andrea Bocelli Tour the Bocelli Farmhouse in Tuscany

99 BEST INTERNATIONAL PHILANTHROPY International Red Cross Ball Best Ball Gown Designer: Isabelle Armstrong

102 BEST OF THE BEST SPAS 103 FORT LAUDERDALE’S ICONIC SEASIDE RITZ-CARLTON’S NEW MAKEOVER

106 BEST OF THE BEST LUXURY INTERNATIONAL YACHT CHARTER

108 THE KEEPERS OF CULTURE Karen & Michael Bivins

FAMOUS CARICATURE ARTIST

128 BEACH REAL Thanks to an idyllic Mediterranean locale, abstract painter Greg Kessler explores his more naturalistic side

132 CONSTRUCTIONIST JANE MANUS 133 CARLETON VARNEY’S New York Trumptown Tour

136 DAVID FEDER Mr. Trump’s Right-Hand Man at Trump National Doral

142 JFK’S ASSASSINATION Does Recently Released CIA Data Solve the Biggest Mystery of the 20th Century?

146 EAST BRICK NANTUCKET MANSION Links to the History of Moby Dick

113 DALLAS OPERA’S NOVEL INSTITUTE FOR WOMEN CONDUCTORS

151 DINOSAURS AROUND THE WORLD Discover the Most Realistic Dinosaur Experience Ever!

departments

114 WILLIAM T. WILEY Monkey See

Gadgets

FOR NEWBORNS

Calendar of Events

34-38

Meet The Very First Safe Haven Baby Who Is All Grown Up!

For Her & For Him

Health

131

Art IN Miami Real estate

138

Condo Living: Insurance

154

Condo law: Scandal Prevention

156

117 SAFE HAVEN 118 A MAZING INVESTMENT Quality Tanzanite Sculptures & Jewels

124

THE PAINTINGS OF WINSTON CHURCHILL An Exhibit Curated By His Granddaughter Edwina Sandys

126 FACE TIME WITH A

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

Social Living

156-160

editor’s letter

HORIZON PUBLISHING EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER & OWNER Geoff Hammond, CEO Jayne Hammond, President

Best of the Best Family Holiday Gift: Face Time One of my favorite aspects about our team at South Florida Opulence is that we’re a tight-knit bunch who enjoy learning about each other’s families, heritage, customs and values. With ages ranging from 30 to 83 and different ethnicities, countries of origin, religious beliefs, family structures, political views, personalities (several of us, including yours truly, are Type A – which keeps every day interesting and exciting), and a host of other valuable differences, one thing we all agree upon is the priceless perspective we all gain as a result of sharing our stories with each other. When deadlines get fierce and we’re down to our last box of K-cups on a final 48-hour stretch at the office on the race to upload to the printer, the ultimate prize we keep our eye on this time of year is time with our families during the holidays – quality face-to-face time. Face time is hard to come by in a business based on constant deadlines. Two weeks ago, I was with my husband and four children (25, 20, 16 and 8) at a nice restaurant for dinner. We were all at the same table, but I noticed everyone was quietly staring at their smartphones. I heard the ding, ding, ding of text messages being sent and received. The ironic part was they weren’t texting to their friends, they were texting each other – even though they were sitting at the same table, one sibling just inches from the next. Talk about a wake-up call! My husband collected all of the distraction boxes – including mine – and stashed them away. With social media and virtual offices that never close, our society has turned into one with rapid, endless messaging, but much of it with no eye contact – or even voice contact for that matter. On my family’s cell phone plan, we no longer need a bundle with unlimited calls – because everyone texts. This Christmas season, the most important gift I’d like to receive from my family, and probably most valuable gift I can give them, too, is quality time together to talk, visit, laugh and play – a Christmas Eve and Christmas Day without our iPhones, iPads, Xboxes or laptops. It’s often forgotten but so true: The best things in life are free. This holiday season, why not share the priceless gift of real quality time with your family and friends, too?

Editor in Chief

South Florida OPULENCE

EDITOR IN CHIEF Robin Jay editor@southfloridaopulence.com SENIOR CREATIVE ART DIRECTOR Adriana Naylor artdirector@southfloridaopulence.com 954-331-3912 PR AND MARKETING MANAGER Chantal Forster marketingmanager@southfloridaopulence.com 954-331-3390 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Erika Buchholz ebuchholz@southfloridaopulence.com 954-609-2447 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT Michael Jay 954-593-5060 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: John D. Adams Carol Antman Stephanie Bonilla Jana Soeldner Danger April Erhard Kara Franker Steven Joseph Dante Keeler Dale King & Julia Hebert Dr. Robert Lavinsky Kristen Mager Gary M. Mars

Linda Marx Leslie Miseyko Jill Patterson Denise Reynolds Ava Roosevelt Edwina Sandys Todd R. Sciore Jeffrey M. Spector Clifton M. Thuma Carelton Varney Mary & Hugh Williamson

HAIR & MAKEUP AT OPULENCE YACHT GALA Alexis Dominguez Mobile Salon (954) 425-2175 alexis@alexismobilesalon.com FINE ART EDITORS Michael and Karen Bivins PHOTOGRAPHERS Harry Benson Douglas Lance Silvia Pangaro PROOFREADER Suzanne Shaw GENERAL COUNSEL Barry Weiss bweiss@csiinternational.com South Florida Opulence Magazine is published quarterly by Horizon Publishing LLC. Copyright © 2015. All rights reserved. Horizon Publishing LLC, 6700 North Andrews Avenue, Suite 400, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 – Vol. 5, No. 4, Winter 2015/16 (ISSN # 2157-5274)

Robin Jay,

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER David Hammond

Winter 2015/16

Subscription Rates: $40 per year, $10 per issue. For subscription inquiries or change of address, contact the subscription department, (954) 308-4300 Ext. 4312, Fax: (954) 331-6028. Horizon Publishing, LLC, its affiliates and contributing writers have exercised due care in compiling the information contained herein, but with the possibility of human or mechanical error, cannot assume liability for the accuracy of this data. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in part or in full in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording and any information storage and retrieval system without first obtaining permission from the publisher.

JAMES GILL

MM a Beauty of Itself | Acrylic on Canvas | 39.8 x 29.9 inches

SAMUEL LYNNE GALLERIES

1105 DRAGON ST. | DALLAS, TX 75207 | WWW.SAMUELLYNNE.COM | 214.965.9027

GADGETS THE CHIC SMART S1

Long Mileage, Range per Charge: 20-25km, Weight Limit: 44LB-265LB, Only weighs 10kg, you can take it everywhere. Price $939.99 www.selfbalancingscooterhq.com

RICOH THETA M15

The Theta camera captures the whole world around you in a single shot. By combining two fish eye lenses arranged back-to-back, the camera can continuously grab a 360 degree spherical view, taking in everything in front of and behind you – and everything above and below too. www.forbes.com SRP $435

THE STAR TREK WALL CLOCK

This is the Star Trek wall clock that provides timekeeping with the precise accuracy of a transporter beam. Marking the hour with a model of the U.S.S. Enterprise that projects from a space over the Noon hour, the clock’s hidden speaker accompanies the iconic Starship’s hourly appearance with the ship’s classic “fly-by” sound and the theme music from the Original Series. A handpainted model of the ship replaces a traditional cuckoo clock’s pendulum, imparting period authenticity that compels attention. Lifetime Guarantee. Available for immediate shipment. www.hammacher.com Price $199.95

THE ONLY LIVE STREAMING VIDEO CAMERA PEN

New York, NY, September 1, 2015- Continuing its 167-year history of offering the Best, the Only and the Unexpected, Hammacher Schlemmer introduces The Only Live Streaming Video Camera Pen, the only ballpoint pen that captures high-definition video and streams it to smartphone in realtime. Available for immediate shipment. www.hammacher.com. Price $199.95 30

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

GAME GOLF

Game Golf is a small wearable GPS system that uses SMART CLUB TECHNOLOGY - NFC tags (Near Field Communication) installed into the top of each club to seamlessly capture entire rounds of golf, from tee to green. It will accurately record detailed statistics including Fairway Accuracy, Greens in Regulation, Putts Per Hole and more, providing information you can use to improve your game. All of your shot data is displayed shot-by-shot, hole-by-hole over satellite imagery of the course giving you a bird’s-eye view of your game. www.drivingrangesupplies.com SRP $140.00

TICKETS ON

SALE NOW

SOBEFEST.COM|877.762.3933|

PREFERRED CARD

FEBRUARY 24-28, 2016 FEATURING

TITLE

PRESENTING

BENEFITING

HOSTED BY

SCOTT CONANT

ALEX GUARNASCHELLI

RACHAEL RAY

GIADA DE LAURENTIIS

ROBERT IRVINE

MARTHA STEWART

GUY FIERI

EMERIL LAGASSE

MICHAEL SYMON

BOBBY FLAY

MASAHARU MORIMOTO

& MANY MORE

HOST HOTEL

PREMIER

OFFICIAL AIRLINE

Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management

PLATINUM

DIAMOND

GOLD

SPECIAL THANKS

Confirmed sponsors as of October 2015

UPCOMING EVENTS DECEMBER

DECEMBER

3-6

BECOME OCEAN: A MUSICAL PALINDROME

ART BASEL IN AMERICA

Miami Beach In our American show, 267 leading galleries from North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa show significant work from the masters of Modern and contemporary art, as well the new generation of emerging stars. Paintings, sculptures, installations, photographs, films, and editioned works of the highest quality are on display in the main exhibition hall. Ambitious large scale artworks, films and performances become part of the city's outdoor landscape at nearby Collins Park and SoundScape Park.

New World Center This concert is part of the Sounds of the Times Series. Visionary artists present cutting-edge contemporary music in the state-of-the-art. Miami Beach - Art Deco District/South Beach. 305/673-3331. miamiworldcenter.com.

8-18

Hollywood

American Airlines Arena

MICHAEL MCDONALD RINGLING BROS. AND Seminole Hard Rock LiveBARNUM & BAILEY® Five-time Grammy Award winner Michael McDonald brings “Michael McDonald: This Christmas – An Evening of Holiday & Hits” to Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Thursday, December 17. 8:00PM www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents Circus XTREME - It’s time for your family to be amazed by all the X-TRAORDINARY things you know and love about America’s favorite live family entertainment experience. Be astonished by UN-XPECTED circus spectacles you’ve never seen before and that can’t be seen anywhere else but at The Greatest Show On Earth®. www.aaarena.com

DECEMBER

JAZZ ROOTS: KENNY G 2015 HOLIDAY SHOW Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts Take a festive ride through the smooth sounds of the holidays! With global sales totaling more than 75 million records. www.arshtcenter.org. 305/949-6722

JANUARY

DECEMBER

GOLD COAST JAZZ: ALLAN HARRIS QUINTET

Broward Center for the Performing Arts

SANDY HACKETT'S RAT PACK SHOW

Parker Playhouse

JANUARY

MADONNA REBEL HEART TOUR

Enjoy this entertaining theatrical production American Airlines Arena that captures the magical moments of yes7:45 PM teryear shared among funny man Joey The Gold Coast Jazz Society presents the Bishop; the "King of Cool" Dean Martin; the Allan Harris Quintet in a celebration of the "Candy Man" Sammy Davis, Jr.; and, of music of the late jazz composer and arrangcourse, the "Chairman of the Board" Frank er, Billy Strayhorn. Strayhorn was renowned Sinatra. 8:00 PM. www.parkerplayhouse.com for his collaboration with jazz legend, Duke Ellington and Ellington’s band. www.browardcenter.org As confirmed by Live Nation, Madonna’s global tour promoter, tickets for previously announced Rebel Heart dates will be honored for newly scheduled dates. www.aaarena.com

BROWARD CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS The Musical features magnificent sets designed by John Lee Beatty and costumes designed by Robert Morgan, inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original book, while the Music and Book of Mel Marvin and Timothy Mason breathe new life into this timeless story. For tickets visit www.browardcenter.org; by phone 954-462-0222

DECEMBER 15-27 34

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

PHOTO BY PAPARAZZIBYAPPOINTMENT

NOELIA CHASKIELBERG IS SELLING

South Florida Luxury

BATH CLUB

MEI

SOLD

“To be successful, attitude and ability are equally important. My goal is to continue to work harder than anyone else. You can trust I will deliver.”

APOGEE SOUTH BEACH

SOLD

BRICKELL CITY CENTRE

SOLD

NOELIA CHASKI E LB E RG, SALE S ASSO CI ATE 305.978.3481 I nchaskielberg@oirfl.com

™

2060 N Bayshore Drive I Miami, FL 33137

UPCOMING EVENTS JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

13-14

Seminole Hard Rock LiveHollywood

Kravis Center Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall

Seminole Hard Rock LiveHollywood

Kravis Center

FRANKIE VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS

PATTI LABELLE

Patti LaBelle’s effortless ability to belt out rhythm and blues renditions, pop standards and spiritual sonnets has fueled her popularity for more than 50 years. The Philadelphiaborn star entered the pop charts in 1962 as lead singer of The Bluebelles and went on to receive worldwide acclaim with the trio, Labelle. An award-winning solo artist since the ’70s, the soulful singer’s classics include On My Own, New Attitude, Lady Marmalade and If You Asked Me To. The legendary Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons are back for an encore at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino at 8 p.m. www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com

ANDREA BOCELLI

This February, legendary tenor Andrea Bocelli will be returning to Florida for the sixth consecutive year to perform for Valentine’s Day. This year, Bocelli will perform two very special shows at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, on Saturday, Feb. 13 and Sunday, Feb. 14. Show Start Time: 8:00 PM. www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com

1 Day 2 Performances

I HAVE A DREAM

The Broadway Musical

See the Broadway Musical performance “I Have A Dream” and then enjoy the Miami Heat play the Milwaukee Bucks.

January 19, 2016 Get your tickets today: www.theatresouthatlanta.org For more information: 305.924.3003 Written by Josh Greenfeld Directed by Herman LeVern Jones

ITZHAK PERLMAN

20th Anniversary of In the Fiddler’s House Itzhak Perlman, violin Hankus Netsky, music director, saxophone and piano; Andy Statman, clarinet and mandolin; The Brave Old World and Klezmer Conservatory Band; and other special guests. www.kravis.org

Tw o 1 8 - h o l e l e g e n d a r y G o l f C o u r s e s Club Lifestyle • BOURBON Steak by Michael Mina • CORSAIR by Scott Conant Championship Layouts • Luxury Pools • Exclusive Member Events P r i v a t e D i n i n g R o o m • S p a & Fi t n e s s C e n t e r • C a ñ a s Te n n i s

TO DISCOVER THE TURNBERRY CLUB LIFEST YLE P L E A S E C O N TA C T M E M B E R S H I P A M B A S S A D O R J A I M E G O L D S T E I N AT 3 0 5 - 9 3 3 - 6 5 8 9 or jgoldstein@turnberryislemiami.com

UPCOMING EVENTS

2015/16 BROADWAY SEASON DEC. 15-27

Dec. 8-13

DEC. 29-JAN. 3

JAN. 26-FEB. 7

CONNOISSEUR CONCERT 1

“GYPSY AIRS” December 6, 2015 at 3 P.M. Alastair Willis, Guest Conductor Charles Wetherbee, Violin Soloist

BROWARD CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS BROWARD CENTER FOR BROWARD CENTER FOR ADRIENNE ARSHT CENTER THE PERFORMING ARTS THE PERFORMING ARTS FOR THE broadwayacrossamerica.com broadwayacrossamerica.com PERFORMING ARTS

CONNOISSEUR CONCERT 2

“CELEBRATE THE SEASONS”

broadwayacrossamerica.com

January 10, 2016 at 3 P.M. David Kim, Guest Conductor & Violin Soloist John Dee, Oboe Soloist

FEB. 2-7

FEB. 24-MARCH 6

APRIL 12-17

CONNOISSEUR CONCERT 3

"FROM PARIS TO PRAGUE"

February 7, 2016 at 3 P.M. Carolyn Kuan, Guest Conductor Alexandre Moutouzkine, Piano Soloist CONNOISSEUR CONCERT 4

"A TRIBUTE TO THE MASTERS" March 20, 2016 at 3 P.M. Gerard Schwarz, Guest Conductor Misha Dichter, Piano Soloist

ADRIENNE ARSHT CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

broadwayacrossamerica.com ADRIENNE ARSHT CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

MAY 10-22

ADRIENNE ARSHT CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

BROWARD CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

broadwayacrossamerica.com

Phone: 1-866-music-01 (1-866-687-4201) For General Information please contact: info@thesymphonia.org

BROWARD CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

broadwayacrossamerica.com

2015/16

LADIES NIGHT

WINE DOWN WEDNESDAYS

Sorrisi Every Wednesday. All night at Sorrisi Wine Bar. Enjoy specially-priced small bites paired with fine wines.

Legends Lounge Every Thursday beginning January 2016. Enjoy champagne specials, live entertainment and luxury brand giveaways.

Safe Haven will host an awareness walk on February 27 at Amelia Earhart Park in Miami. For more information on these events, go to asafehavenfornewborns.com.

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

TAKE A

BOW! The SYMPHONIA Boca Raton Celebrates Its 10th Season BY DALE KING AND JULIA HEBERT

Jeff Kaye, renowned trumpeter with South Florida’s world-class chamber orchestra The SYMPHONIA Boca Raton, can frequently be found heading north to perform with the Milwaukee Symphony or returning to his home state to solo with students in the Miami Youth Orchestra. With guitar in hand, Randall Dollahon rushes from one music festival to another and still makes time to play with The Symphonia. Violinist Glenn Basham takes the trip south from Boca to join the players in the Bergonzi Student Quartet in Miami. And in-demand double bassist Jamie Ousley, who has a doctorate in musical art in jazz bass performance, travels back and forth among teaching jobs nationally and internationally. Kaye, Dollahon, Ousley and Basham — representing, joined forces in October to perform at an Evening of Opulence Fine Art at the Vanderbilt Mansion on Fisher Island [see Social Living on page 160].

A CELEBRATED HISTORY Celebrating its 10th season, The Symphonia performs quality classical music for the enjoyment and benefit of the South Florida community. The Symphonia’s performances and educational outreach programs feature nationally and internationally acclaimed conductors and soloists, enhancing the cultural lives of the residents, with special emphasis on its younger citizens.

MEET THE MUSICIANS As part of their vocation, “musicians in Florida crisscross the state endlessly,” said Annabel Russell, executive director of the Symphonia. “If they play a concert with us at 3 p.m., they are often out the door as soon as we finish to perform in Naples or Marathon or other locations.” Most of them teach, or have performance jobs with the Miami City Ballet Orchestra, Palm Beach Opera and Atlantic High School’s instrumental program, among many others. 40

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

Jeff Kaye A faculty member at Palm Beach Atlantic University, Kaye also plays at the Eastern Music Festival in Greensboro, North Carolina. He is associate principal trumpet of the Miami City Ballet Orchestra and has been a fellow at the Tanglewood Music Festival where he played under the baton of Leonard Bernstein and Seiji Ozawa. Jeff’s love for jazz led him to form an ensemble called Jeff Kaye & Friends which plays throughout South Florida. He is also the founder of the Florida Brass. Basham is an artist faculty member at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. A Washington, D.C. native, he is concert master of the Naples Philharmonic and has served in the same capacity at the Grand Teton Music Fest in Wyoming, the Colorado Music Fest, the Hot Springs Music Fest and the Pine Mountain Music Fest. He has been a soloist with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, the Lansing Symphony and the Plymouth Symphony. He is featured on the jazz CDs Blue Moon and Blue Bossa, from a live concert in 2005 with guitarist Simon Salz. Ousley is a local favorite, working the double bass with performers such as Nicole Henry, James Moody and Benny Golson. He is also a composer and member of a trio whose latest album reached No. 8 on the Jazz Week radio charts. Dollahon has been a member of Edgar Winters’ band, the Dixie Dregs and the Dr. Lonnie Smith Trio. He plays regular concerts with saxophonist Lou Donaldson and with jazz pianist Vince Maggio. He was also featured as a soloist in a week’s worth of concerts with the Jaco Pastorius Big Band at the Blue Note in Tokyo, Japan.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS The Symphonia continues the celebration of its 10th Anniversary Year with four stellar Connoisseur Concert Series performances in Boca Raton, as well as two performances in Palm Beach Gardens. In addition, they will perform with The Master Chorale of South Florida. For more information about the Symphonia performance schedule, go to page 38. And to see the members of the Quartet who played at the Opulence Fine Art Event on Fisher Island in October see page 160.

“It’s more than just an option. It’s a way of life” www.feliosiby.com 25 NE 39th Street, Miami, Design District (305) 640-5332 Insta

Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

MEET THE

CHIEF AMBASSADOR OF THE

GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH BY LINDA MARX

“We transport the audience from this world into another. the circus is a perfect marriage of science and miracle.”

JOHNATHAN LEE & PRISCILLA IVERSON PHOTO GALLERY EBONY

– Johnathan Lee Iverson

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

As the youngest and first African-American Ringmaster in the history of Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circus, Johnathan Lee Iverson, now 39, insists he has the greatest job on earth. In his glittering red overcoat and black top hat, Iverson has enchanted audiences for 16 years as Ringmaster of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. “I love seeing what the circus does for people,” says Iverson, who was born and raised in New York City as part of a family who played musical instruments and sang. “It is refreshing to see such joy on the faces of the audience members and to be part of making it happen.” Traveling to 48 cities to perform some 450 shows in the United States during 11 months of the year, this talented song-and-dance man never tires of making his audiences smile. He was no novice with audiences when he secured the Ringmaster job in 1998. At age 11, Iverson sang with the noted Boys Choir of Harlem where he was named lead tenor and traveled to exotic places like Singapore, China, Japan and France. But, as he immersed in the magic of the microphone, Iverson often felt overwhelmed by the grueling long hours of rehearsal. “There were times when I hated singing in the choir, but my mother made me stay,” he says. “I am so glad I listened to her because it prepared me for the career of a lifetime.”

THE GROOMING OF A PERFORMER After the choir, Iverson attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music and Art & Performing Arts in New York City. He went on to the University of Hartford in Connecticut, earning a degree in Music and Performance. While auditioning for dinner theater and opera singing jobs in hopes of landing a gig to take him back to Europe, Ringling representatives rang his bell. He was interviewed for Ringmaster, a position he had never thought of pursuing. “I was clueless!” he quips, “but I agreed to a series of auditions, along with 30 other applicants. The offer came out of left field!” Iverson was honored to accept the job of chief ambassador of the Greatest Show On Earth. And he has never looked back. Every day is an adventure for Iverson, who lives with his wife Priscilla, a former dancer and now production manager of the show, and their two children ages 10 and 6. The family has their own apartment on the largest privately owned train in the world, which allows them a fabulous traveling lifestyle, highly adventurous and intellectually stimulating. Each family member has a compartment as they ride from city to city.

MANAGING THE UNEXPECTED “Being Ringmaster is never boring because the circus is a living, changing thing – although, truthfully, there are no real life-risking dangers for me,” he says of the circus where he shares the stage with trapeze artists, clowns, jugglers, bike and motorcycle acts, and a variety of animals, horses, elephants, tigers and a male lion named Masai, who has his own trainer and trailer. Iverson does have a script, but there is always a new dynamic, a novel challenge. When a technical glitch recently caused a power outage, Iverson led the audience in song. “They loved it!” A few other times, sadly, when a member of the 100 person performing troupe died unexpectedly before a show, the Ringmaster stoically had to act like everything was okay despite the tragedy of the situation. With so many performers employed, there are occasional injuries. Sometimes the afflicted entertainers want to do the show with a sprained ankle, broken foot, or bad case of the flu. To protect the talent from themselves, “I just say no.” The internal drama among performers can sometimes prove a challenging issue, for which Iverson says he has zero tolerance. “I don’t like people bringing personal baggage to the show,” he says. “It’s not fair to the audience who come to eat popcorn and cotton candy and have fun.”

MAKING LIFELONG MEMORIES One of Iverson’s fondest memories is when he took the circus to Mexico about two years ago. He led the entire show in Spanish. He took pictures with audience members and indulged their tequila, now one of his favorite drinks. “I was genuinely touched by the whole experience. The people were so welcoming, and [he laughs] they were fascinated to see that I was black and not a basketball player. The experience was enriching for all of us.” Iverson says the circus is the ultimate celebration of living things, an opportunity for dynamically diverse people of all ages and backgrounds to witness the genius of human artistry and animals thriving in a world that they love. “We transport the audience from this world into another,” says Iverson. “The circus is a perfect marriage of science and miracle. The guests cannot possibly enjoy what we do without contemplating something bigger.” Tickets can be purchased at www.ringling.com for January 2016 Winter Winter 2015/16 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

COUNCIL OAK STEAKS & SEAFOOD

South Florida’s

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida

ENTERTAINMENT DESTINATION

Th e Zagat-rated and Wine Spectator magazine award-winning Council Oak Steaks & Seafood offers genuine, 100% USDA prime dryaged and Cabassi Wagyu stockyard beef, the freshest line-caught seafood and king crab legs flown in fresh from the Bering Sea. Council Oak features a menu of over 300 wines from more than 13 countries with an exclusive bottle and wine by-theglass selection.

E x p e r i en c e S outh F l o r id a’s p re m ie r d e s t in a t ion f o r f u n a n d e n t e r t a i n m e n t w h e n yo u p l ay a n d s tay at S em i nol e H a rd R o c k Ho t e l & C a s in o H o l l y wo o d . T h e A A A Fo u r -D i a m on d -r a t e d h o t e l f eatu res 4 6 9 l ux ur y g u e s t ro om s a n d s u it e s , a w a rd -w i n n i n g re s t a u r a n t s , a H a rd R o c k -i n s p i re d c a s i n o f l o o r, a t r o p i c a l l a g o o n - s t y l e p o o l a n d B e a c h C l u b, a R o c k S p a , a n d u n i q u e n i g h t l i f e e x p e r i e n c e s . T h e l u x u r y r e s o r t n o w a l s o f e a t u r e s L B a r, t h e h o t e l ’s c o n t e m p o r a r y l o u n g e a n d c o c k t a i l b a r, a n d K u r o, t h e h o t e l ’s n e w e s t c u l i n a r y i n n o v a t i o n t h a t w o w s d i n e r s w i t h i t s handcrafted, new-style Japanese cuisine.

HARD ROCK LIVE ACTION & EXCITEMENT Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood is home to South Florida’s largest casino, with more than 100 table games, 2,000 of the most popular slots, high-limit table and slot rooms, and a stand-alone Poker Room, located just outside the casino doors in Seminole Paradise, where the fun continues.

For more information, call (954) 327-ROCK or 1-800-937-0010 or visit seminolehardrockhollywood.com High Limit tables room

Hard Rock Live plays host to the hottest acts as H o l l y w o o d ’s ultimate live music venue. The 5,500-seat, state-of-the-art indoor arena features top-name a c t s i n m u s i c , c o m e d y a n d sporting events. Noteworthy performers include Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton,Billy Joel,Carlos Santana, Pitbull, Jerry Seinfeld and more.

Kuro at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

A Taste of

Named by Zagat as one of its Top 10 Restaurants to Try Now and by New T i m e s B r o w a r d - Pa l m B e a c h a s B e s t N e w R e s t a u r a n t i n B r o w a r d County (2015), Kuro has made its mark at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood with its Japanese cuisine.

KURO THE VIBE

Experience Kuro’s luxe, light and interactive space with its open, theater-style dining room, bar and lounge, chef ’s table, sushi bar, private dining rooms and floor-to-ceiling windows that give the indoor-dining space an al-fresco feel.

THE MENU

Make dining a social event with Kuro’s familystyle kaiseki menu, a traditional Japanese multicourse dinner that is designed with sharing in mind and moves from lighter fare to bolder, richer dishes.

THE MIX

Pair your dishes with handcrafted cocktails, Old and New World wines, premium sakes, Japanese-imported and local craft beers, Japanese whiskeys and shōchū. Designed around the five Japanese taste profiles of sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami, Kuro’s cocktail menu offers the perfect pairing for each course.

THE CHEF & CUISINE Executive Chef Alex Becker has more than two decades of culinary experience, with a background in both Italian culinary arts and traditional and newstyle Japanese cooking techniques. At Kuro, Becker has teamed up with Executive Sushi Chef Shuji Hiyakawa, who presides over the restaurant’s sushi offerings. Kuro’s menu is designed with sharing in mind and features locally sourced ingredients from Florida, as well as specialty items imported direct from Japan.

CONTACT www.opentable.com 1-866-502-7529

PURE SPIRIT PRISTINE NEWFOUNDLAND WATER

HERKIMER DIAMOND FILTERED

NATURALLY SMOOTH

Use your head...drink responsibly crystalheadvodka.com ©2015 Crystal Head and the Crystal Head bottle design are registered trademarks of Globeﬁll Inc. Product of Canada. Vodka distilled from grain. 40% alc./vol.

Keep on Shuckinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; O BY JOHN D. ADAMS

yster roasts are an integral part of Carolina Low Country

tradition and cuisine. Across newspaper-strewn tables,

Southern family and friends armed with knives spend hours cracking oysters, downing cold beers, and forging re-

lationships and memories that stretch generations. The oyster roast goes beyond any standard beach or dinner party. It is a rite of passage, a ritual that Carolina natives Kirk Davis and Michael Waller appreciate as only coastal residents can. And with their company, Carolina Shuckers, the two artists

have guaranteed a place at these tables with their exceptional, handmade, steel shuckers.

Winterl 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

KNIFE TALES

METALS AND MANNERS

The kind of knife you carry to an oyster roast says a lot about a person. “There’s always a story behind folks’ own oyster knives,” says Davis. “You start talking to someone who got his knife from his grandfather. A lot of the older guys will be like: ‘Oh, I’ve got this knife. I’ve had it since the ‘20s…’ We’ve seen some really interesting knives out there. People get really attached to them.” Waller adds: “And usually the knives that we see are all handmade. They’re all usually carbon steel, which is what we use. So you see these knives that have been around for 100 or more years, it’s pretty amazing.” “They are treasures meant to be handed down for future generations to enjoy,” says Davis. “It’s part of the culture.” “It’s ‘shuck life,’ ” quips Waller.

A FORGED FRIENDSHIP With their rapid back-and-forth rapport, you would be forgiven for thinking Davis and Waller are brothers. They grew up together in Kinston, attended school together, and carried their friendship forward to East Carolina University, where each received BFA degrees in sculpting. In addition to running Carolina Shuckers, both men maintain their own art studios; Davis on the coast in Morehead City, and Waller, further inland, in Hillsborough. “Before the economy crashed, Kirk was doing really large architectural projects and I was doing large-scale public sculpture and 48

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

historic metal restoration,” says Waller. “All of that work was wiped out.” “The plan was to come up with a product that we could work on together. And have a price point set well enough where we could do our ‘quick nickels’ as opposed to the ‘slow dime,’” says Davis. “We would go to oyster roasts and people wouldn’t have a knife,” explains Waller. “We thought, we forge all this other stuff, why don’t we make oyster knives?”

They began Carolina Shuckers with just four product designs. That quickly expanded. “People started hearing about us and seeing the quality of the product, and it just took off,” says Davis. The men’s distinctive styles are reflected in every handmade shucker. They work with salvaged, steel railroad spikes as well as carbon steel bar stock. Each piece is engraved with their initials and company logo. And while their styles vary, they share a wicked sense of humor, offering products like: “Mother Shucker,” “Cluster Shucker,” and “L’il Big Boy,” among others. They are also united by their Southern upbringing, holding a strong work ethic and a dedication to doing the right thing. “We offer a lifetime guarantee. Break a tip off the knife, we’ll repair it or replace it. If something like that happens we want to make it good. It’s all customer-based.” says Waller. “We both came from families that have always held a strong belief in treating others the way you want to be treated. And that’s very important to us,” says Davis. To learn more about Carolina Shuckers, visit their Web site at: www.carolinashuckers.com To see Michael’s and Kirk’s other works, visit their individual artist Web sites: Kirk Davis: www.artformsstudio.com Michael Waller: www.wallerfoushee.com

SOUTH FLORIDA

Capturing the luxury living lifestyle

BEST IN

CLASS HAUTE CUISINE

Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

italian mediterranean cuisine

CORSAIR BY SCOTT CONANT,

THE MAESTRO OF ITALIAN & MEDITERRANEAN

ou might consider Scott Conant the Michelangelo of the American culinary scene. Like the multitalented Italian painter who excelled as a sculptor, painter, architect, poet and engineer, Conant has mastered status as an American celebrity chef, restaurateur, cookbook author, television culinary competition judge and host of his own television series – not to mention a devoted family man. But if you think Conant’s magic touch lies solely focused on cibo italiano (Italian food), think twice. The auburn-bearded chef has hit it out of the park – again – this time with CORSAIR by Scott Conant at Turnberry Isle Miami where the menu seamlessly blends his signature Italian expertise with the cuisines of America and the Mediterranean. And, without doubt, the novel hot spot deserves a top spot in the 2015 South Florida Opulence Best in Class Dining Hall of Fame. “The dishes at CORSAIR taste so authentically unique – it’s like you’re eating right in mama’s (or, in this case, papa’s) kitchen in the heart of Istanbul, but with a modern American-meets-Italian flair,” said Robin Jay, Editor in Chief, South Florida Opulence. “One of the reasons it’s such a memorable experience is because you can tell each recipe was designed from the heart. Conant himself couldn’t be more down to earth. On the evening we first enjoyed a menu tasting at CORSAIR, Scott was there with his lovely wife Meltem. They sat together privately and gazed into each other’s eyes like newlyweds – and that’s exactly the true passion melded right into the menu. You see, Meltem is from Turkey and her strong influence on Scott has translated into a brilliant influence within the offerings at CORSAIR.” When South Florida Opulence called Scott to tell him the news of being chosen for a Best of the Best Award, he said, “Being part of the Best of the Best is a true honor. The work and the vision that went into CORSAIR has been tremendous. I’m proud of the team and humbled to be recognized.”

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

™

love where you live

665 SE 21 AVENUE #502, DEERFIELD BEACH 2 BED | 2 BATH | 1,455 SQUARE FEET

LARGE BALCONY WITH SPECTACULAR OCEAN VIEWS

$749,000

Magnificient penthouse with marble floors, open kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, raised ceilings and impact windows.

MONICA HOFFMAN

561.282.8938

2141 SECOFFEE STREET, COCONUT GROVE

2020 N BAYSHORE DRIVE #2103, MIAMI PARAMOUNT BAY | 3 BED | 3 BATH | 1,708 INTERIOR SQ FT

3 BED | 3 BATH | 2,195 INTERIOR SQ FT | GATED ENCLAVE

Floor to ceiling windows, hardwood floors, & gourmet kitchen.

Gourmet kitchen, loft, great room with vaulted ceilings. Private street.

TOMI ROSE | 786.229.1949

$1,650,000

7931 SHELBY CIRCLE, BOCA RATON

TOMI ROSE | 786.229.1949

$1,295,000

1881 WASHINGTON AVE #6B, MIAMI BEACH

5 BED | 4.5 BATH | 3,855 INTERIOR SQ FT | 17,423 LOT SQ FT

OCTAGON TOWERS | 2 BED | 2 BATH | 940 INTERIOR SQ FT

Custom home with cathedral ceilings. Breathtaking lake and golf views.

By client known for home appearances on Elle Decor Mag.

DAVID HAMMOND | 908.208.7120 2060 N Bayshore Drive I Miami, Florida 33137

$995,000

PAMELA DIAZ-DE-LEON | 305.720.8439

$550,000

oirfl.com/OM

dry-aged steakhouse

DRY-AGED STEAK, IT DOESN’T GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS

f South Florida Opulence has said it once, it will say it again – dry aging has been a staple for red meat aging and preservation for centuries, but few restaurateurs have followed the traditional route of utilizing a salt-encrusted, dry environment in favor of simple refrigeration. Twenty years ago, American enthusiasts of the culinary technique would wait months for a reservation to enjoy the delicacy at the famous Peter Luger’s Steakhouse in Brooklyn. But now, thanks to the on-site dry-aging facilties and in-house master butcher at NYY Steak, there’s no need to board an airplane to La Guardia to enjoy the delicacy.

“I can say firsthand that the dry-aged cuts of beef at NYY Steak are superior to even those at the legendary Peter Luger’s in Brooklyn,” said Robin Jay, Editor in Chief of South Florida Opulence. “As much as the steaks at Luger’s were memorable back in 1995 – as was the $700 cash-only lunch tab (Luger’s had a strict no-credit-card policy), my first visit to NYY Steak almost two years ago put that memory to bed. To me, there is no better cut of beef than the USDA prime NY strip, dry-aged, cut and prepared Pittsburgh style in the kitchen at NYY Steak.”

Imported pink salt similar to the image (right) is utilized in the aging process.

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

NYY Steak is located in the Seminole Coconut Creek Casino, 5550 NW 40th Street, Coconut Creek. For reservations, call 954-977-6700.

new-style japanese

IT MIGHT MEAN ‘BLACK’ IN JAPANESE, BUT KURO TO US MEANS

BEST OF THE BEST!

If you read our exclusive interview with Kuro mixologist Jared Boller on how to make his recipe for mushroom bourbon in the fall issue of South Florida Opulence, you know that ever since our first sip, this editorial team has been singing Kuro’s praises! We were so impressed with the creative cocktails and clever gastronomy that we invited Kuro to serve their signature Hachi cocktail and appetizers to greet guests at the 5th Annual Opulence Yacht Gala on Fisher Island in October. It is with great pleasure that we name Kuro as Best of the Best New-Style Japanese Cuisine for 2015. “We are incredibly honored to be included in the South Florida Opulence ‘best in class’ awards for 2015. We are doing what makes us happy and trying to express this to our guests through our cuisine, cocktails and service,” said Executive Chef Alex Becker at Kuro. “We are very honored with this award and are excited to celebrate it as a team. We look forward to continuing to strive for excellence moving forward,” said Executive Sushi Chef Shuji Hiyakawa. Pastry Chef Ross Evans added, “For us, to be creating our own cuisine and contributing to the forefront of New-Style Japanese cuisine, it is an honor to be considered ‘Best in Class’ for New-Style Japanese.” Mixologist Jared Boller said,“It’s an honor to work with a talented team in which everyone is equally passionate about raising the level of dining at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood. Each day, we strive to create memorable experiences for our guests and offer them the best cuisine and cocktails they’ve ever had.”

Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

We have a passion for striking textural art and architectural pieces and adding a sweet creative feeling to match it.

designerscake.com unique@designerscake.com Call 786.351.4276

Give clients and colleagues more reasons to celebrate with our hand-made decadent Unique chocolate cake balls!

modern french cuisine

Flaming Hot Bagatelle Socks were knocked off for sure the first time South Florida Opulence visited the eclectic French-inspired dining experience that is Bagatelle, 2000 Collins Avenue, Suite 2. The high-energy venue and culinary-infused dining events – like their crazy good and off-the-wall weekly Brunch party– made it a no-brainer to select Bagatelle as Best of the Best Modern French Cuisine in Miami Beach for 2015. Said Chef Matthieu Godard when asked why Bagatelle should take home the top honors, “Besides our excellent traditional French cuisine with a Miami touch, our engaging staff brings a new level of hospitality that Miami deserves, along with an incredible and festive atmosphere and a ‘Joie de vivre’!”

Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

haute peruvian cuisine

FANTASTICO! H Coya’s Executive World Chef Sanjay Dwivedi BY KARA FRANKER

ow does a London-born chef of Indian ethnicity who is married to a French woman, manage to open up one of the most successful Peruvian restaurants in the world? It’s not about where you are from or where you were born. It’s about a talented chef and his creativity in the kitchen.

The brainchild of Adam Bel Hadj Ammar and Arjun Waney (co-creator of Zuma), Coya Miami is the brand’s first stateside location, after successful high-end restaurant openings in London and Dubai. With chef Dwivedi at the helm, the Peruvian hotspot on Brickell Avenue has received high acclaim from locals and visitors alike, since opening its ornate, Incan-inspired doors earlier this year.

Located in Piccadilly, Coya London has been so successful that Zagat named it “the hottest restaurant in the world” just a few months after it opened. What’s all the fuss about? Well, it simply comes down to the food.

MEET THE CULINARY MASTERMIND

To prepare for the launch of Coya, Chef Sanjay Dwivedi traveled to Peru where he spent months visiting local markets, formulating new recipes and changing his menu more than 20 times. “People want something different, and Coya offers bold and unique flavors,” he says, adding that Peruvian cuisine is a unique blend of Spanish, Japanese and Chinese undertones.

Main dining room

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

“Mr. Waney has the best restaurants in London and worldwide, so it was a no-brainer for me to decide to work for him and it’s probably the best decision I’ve made in my career,” says Dwivedi who was born in London, then spent his childhood in India before moving back to England at the age of 18.

Chef Sanjay Dwivedi

As a child, Dwivedi knew instantly that he was destined to forge his own path in the culinary world and credits his mother and other family members for inspiring him. “One of my uncles owned a hotel in India and when I was 7 years old, I went there on a holiday,” says Dwivedi in his polished British accent. “I can recall the moment when the chef opened up the oven and I caught the distinct smell of butter chicken. I still remember it and I was blown away.”

Dwivedi launched his career working under British celebrity chef Brian Turner. He then served stints at popular London restaurants like Zaiki, Le Caprice and The Ivy, as well as spending time in The Maldives and even cooking for The Rolling Stones during their Bridges to Babylon tour. “The Rolling Stones were great to work for and it was rock and roll all the time—from the concerts to the parties that lasted until the wee hours of the morning.”

looking around in different cities like D.C., New York and Los Angeles,” says the chef, who first launched the London location in 2011.

THE CHALLENGE OF ACHIEVING STATUS IN MIAMI Additionally, the expectations were very different in Miami than in London and Dubai. “It was easier to introduce the Coya menu to Miami, as compared to the other two places, because the locals here are already accustomed to Peruvian food,” says Dwivedi. “I tweaked the menu specifically for Miami and I use as much local produce and fish as I can, like swordfish, snapper and grouper.” The chef’s mouthwatering Arroz Nikkei dish is a showstopper featuring sea bass, rice, fresh lime and chilis, all mixed together in an iron pot. All three restaurants feature a pisco bar, offering twenty varieties of piscos, made in-house and using a selection of fruits, spices and herbs like black currant, aji panca chili and cinnamon orange. But the chef is most proud of his state-of-the-art kitchen, which he designed himself featuring two Josper ovens–perfect for scorching a smokey ribeye topped with chimichurri and homemade salsa.

Now a family man with 7-year-old twin boys, Dwivedi manages to seamlessly balance jet-setting between the three Coya locations and has plans to open more outposts soon. “We’re

(Left to right) Top row: Chilean Sea Bass, Raspberry Pisco Middle row: Coya Members Lounge Bottom row: Calamari Fritos con Ocupa, Corn Salad Winter Winter 2015/162015/16 South South Florida Florida OPULENCE OPULENCE 57

The 220-seat Coya Miami recently launched a new Sunday brunch concept offering a combination of traditional Peruvian dishes like lomo saltado, a buffet with an assortment of fresh ceviches, anticuchos like grilled ox heart skewers and dulces like an amaranth grain pudding doused in aged Guatemalan rum. “Brunch is a big deal in Miami, so we’ve put together a special menu just for the locals,” adds Dwivedi. Each of the four parts of the restaurant (pisco bar, main dining room, outdoor terrace and members-only lounge) evoke South American-inspired aesthetics, even down to the 200-year-old artwork depicting ancient Incan ruins in the members-only area. “The beautiful thing about membership is the fact that it grants you access to all of the Coya clubs, including London,” says Dwivedi. So what’s the secret to joining this invitation-only club? Submit an inquiry via coyarestaurant.com, and if you share the restaurant’s affinity for community and cultural spirit, then you may just be invited to join.

Award-Winning Brunch at Coya – A Peruvian Journey “Brunch at Coya was like stepping into Lima for an authentic Sunday family meal,” said Robin Jay, Editor in Chief of South Florida Opulence. “It was unlike any other upscale brunch my family has ever experienced. Servers explained each course in detail – starting with the breaking of the homemade breads – a tradition, we learned, at the start of a family meal in Peru. We were enchanted by the freshness, the tremendous flavors, unique recipes and attention to detail.” Coya’s Latin American Sunday Brunch concept is offered from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. – perfect for those who love traditional Peruvian flavors, a little bubbly in the early afternoon and the ultimate Sunday Funday with friends and family. Your brunch journey will begin with the option between two allinclusive brunch menus. • The Aguas Calientes ($75) features limitless rose wine “Cape Bleu” JL Colombo, a choice entrée (Salmon a la Brasa, Lomo Saltado, Cazuela de Pato or Papa Seca), a buffet, an assortment of signature anticuchos and dulces. • The Machu Picchu ($95) features limitless champagne “Cuvee Prestige” Taittinger Brut, a choice entrée (Arroz Nikkei, ½ Pollo al Josper, Solomillo de Res or Papa Seca con Setas), a buffet, an assortment of signature anticuchos and dulces. While your entrée is being prepared, guests are invited to enjoy a selection of ceviches, tiraditos, maki rolls, causa and salads from the buffet. For the second course, an assortment of signature anticuchos will be delivered to the table to share and enjoy. After the main entrée, all dulces (dessert) will be sent to the table including Magdalena de Lucuma, Profiteroles, Flan de Carmelo, Mousse de Chocolate, Pancotta de Maiz and Tarta de Limon Verde. Yes, all dulces! At any point during the meal, guests can order specialty cocktails off the brunch cocktail menu including Coya’s original “Pisco Punch.”

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

ASURA CABERNET SAUVIGNON NAPA MT. VEEDER 2012 THE COMPLEX PROFILE OF Asura Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 comes from Mount Veeder, a place of great natural beauty and diversity, with a most unlikely combination of circumstances. 85 percent of the land remains dense natural forest, with homes, roads and only about 1,000 acres of vineyards — due to the rugged terrain- making up the rest. Wines from this area are rare indeed, about 1.3 percent of Napa Valley’s annual production. Asura was made blending grapes from two Mount Veeder vineyards Saffron and Wildcat, both 1,900 feet in altitude, where high risk growing conditions force to limit the production, focusing only on the search of the highest quality wine ever. As a matter of fact, only 3,000 bottles have been produced of Asura 2012, lowering to 2.5 tons per acre the yield production, that is about the half the average in Napa Valley.

THE SOIL AND SEASON Asura comes from a very well drained volcanic soil, while the rest of Mount Veeder soil is composed by pushed seabed. Due to the altitude, machinery cannot be used. The grapes have been handpicked between October 15th and October 24th. Mount Veeder offers the longest growing season and latest harvest in Napa Valley. Controlled fermentation finished in November and extended macerations lasted between 28 and 37 days depending on the lot. Native yeast fermentation, as well as native malolactic secondary fermentation was used to complete the process. Asura was aged for 24 months in French baroque, 80 percent new oak, 20 percent one year old. The additional refining was 4 months in bottle.

THE BOUQUET Asura is intense ruby red colored with youthful shades and bright highlights. It features aromas of intense purple lilac, followed by scents of ripe, juicy fruit, filling the mouth with fleshy plums and berried fruits, evolving to sweet licorice, caramel candy, cinnamon. Hints of smoky flavors, coffee and flint minerality, extend further its long, charming finish. To better appreciate Asura’s structured aromas and flavors, it pairs best with complex culinary preparations; such as ragu pasta, lasagna and stuffed mushroom or truffle ravioli; braised meat; game and aged cheeses.

SOUTH FLORIDA

Capturing the luxury living lifestyle

Top 10 Rated Wines

Point Rating Harlan Estates NAPA Valley Oakville, Ca.................................................. 100 Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon NAPA Oakville, Ca.................. 100 Asura Cabernet Sauvignon NAPA Mt. Veeder, Ca. .......................................99 Penfold Grange Shiraz, Borossa Valley, Australia ........................................99 Chateau Latour Pauillac Bordeaux, France .......................................................98 Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia, Tuscany, Italy ........................................................96 Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Medoc, Bordeaux France.................................95 Nickel & Nickel Cabernet Sauvignon NAPA, Ca............................................ 94 Opus One Bordeaux Blend, NAPA, Ca............................................................... 93 Tenuta dell Ornellaia, Tuscany, Italy ......................................................................93

It’s great also by itself as a “meditation” wine. Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

Claudia Zárate Vergés:

Master Sommelier of Wine and Tea BY DALE KING AND JULIA HEBERT

laudia Zárate Vergés loves to take, talk and teach tea. She can blend just the right ingredients for a superb cup or pot of the steaming, aromatic brew. She admonishes never to make tea with tap water. And she can adjust the level of caffeine to perk up sleepy heads or calm the most Type A of personalities. “Like a wine expert, a tea sommelier has a thorough understanding of tea and its history, processing methods and preparation,” said Claudia, a wine sommelier and certified tea sommelier and tea master. “A well-trained sommelier should be able to recommend a tea to someone who doesn’t know much about the subject.”

TEA MASTER Claudia earned the title of tea master through more extensive and concentrated schooling. Tea masters “have a superior knowledge and are passionate about tea, its health benefits and cultural significance. They have an obligation to share that proficiency with others.” Should you find yourself sharing a restaurant table with the world traveler who calls Mexico City her home, Claudia could easily pair the proper tea with the appropriate entrée. “For white meat, like chicken in a light sauce, I’d recommend Chinese and Japanese teas. Red meat like beef with a strong sauce goes well with smoked teas, Chinese black or Indian black. Steamed vegetables should be accompanied by oolong teas or Chinese and Japanese green teas. She pairs food and tea deliciously. “Dark chocolate like Ghana, with its intense fudgy flavor and undertones of raisins and coffee, can be enjoyed with Earl Grey tea, Bergamot, Wulong and Indian black teas.” Earl Grey is also a tasty side to tangy, sharp Stilton cheese.

in London and studied studio photography and visual arts. While living in England, I became a tea fan – like any British person – and I started learning about tea.” Actually, she began as a wine sommelier in the UK and was wine director for several French restaurants, including Buddha Bar Mexico, a south-of-the-border French franchise. She crafted the wine list and menu pairings and purchased wine for its cellar. “Because of my experience in the beverage world, Bacardi called me to be an ambassador for a French vodka called Grey Goose.” She shopped that brand around awhile, meeting “all the world ambassadors.” She left Bacardi to hook up with Twinings tea. “They took me back to England to learn more about that brand.” Eventually returning to Mexico City, Claudia became the brand ambassador for Twinings. “I held several tea tastings there, at the home of the British ambassador to Mexico, for groups of 20 up to 1,200.” She planned the party at the diplomat’s residence to celebrate the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton and also the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. She continues to promote the Twinings brand at tea tastings focused on VIP groups for specialized lifestyle, food and health magazines and private events at the British Embassy in Mexico. Still an instructor, Claudia says her students must have “a passion and a curiosity” for tea. “They need time for reading and tasting and learning its health benefits.” “Mastery has its own rewards. It is not a destination, but a perpetual journey.”

Certified by the International Tea Masters Association, Claudia is also an educator and has taught would-be tea fanciers and potential entrepreneurs looking to open their own tea-based businesses. The infusion drinks expert wasn’t thinking cups of heated brew when she started her journey toward beverage know-how. “I lived

Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

for the

SERIOUS WINE CONNOISSEUR INVESTO Wine Inventory Surveys and Evaluations

Leslie and Greg Miseyko

f you love what you do, you never work a day in your life. My husband Greg and I love wines, so researching them and working with fine collections suits me perfectly.Â Wine collectors enjoy telling stories about their prizes and the adventures of finding them.Â I enjoy listening to them, demonstrating that wine is the ultimate social lubricant.

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

BY LESLIE MISEYKO

My business is called WISE: Services, for Wine Inventory, Surveys and Evaluations. Collectors hire us to inventory their collections and provide evaluation with easy ways to sort and retrieve their wines. Restaurants have wine lists, so why not collectors? We help them enjoy their cellars more easily.

OUR BACK STORY ON WINE Greg and I married in 1982, a year that was one of several “vintages of the century” in Bordeaux, and that intrigued us. We started enjoying mid-priced wines from 4th and 5th growths, but we invested in the ‘82 Chateau Mouton Rothschild, an auspicious start. Greg’s interest in wine germinated in high school while waiting tables in Asheville, N.C. at an upscale restaurant with a decent wine list. The manager let him taste partial bottles left by diners to learn each wine. None of the waitstaff knew wines, so Greg assumed sommelier duties even before the legal age of 18 at the time. His first diners were the family of Gerald Rafshoon, communications director and campaign strategist for President Jimmy Carter, who was still Georgia’s governor at the time in 1973. At UNC Chapel Hill, Greg and friends splurged on Friday afternoon bottles - wines they had read about - and they made tasting notes. Wine knowledge and experience accumulated and, as a result, his wine background was well developed when we married.

THE CATALYST TO COLLECTING WINE In 1985, we lived in London, where Greg was a bond trader. We discovered an amazing wine shop, La Vigneron, near our home in South Kensington. The owners noticed we kept selecting their rarest wines and invited us into their elite tasting group of wine luminaries like Michael Broadbent, Stephen Spurrier (think “Bottle Shock” movie), Serena Sutcliffe, Clive Coats, and David Peppercorn, a who’s who of wine. We still can’t believe these elite MWs, (Masters of Wine) invited us to their twice-monthly vertical tastings, often presented by chateau owners from France or Italy, like Angelo Gaja. We acquired a solid collection of old-world wines at auction, which we brought back to the states when we settled in California. Frequent stays in the Napa Valley developed our taste for new-world wines, and we expanded our cellar and those of our friends who handed us cash to buy for them. We moved to Florida in 1992 - one day before Hurricane Andrew - and continued collecting and acquiring wines for friends, building our own cellar along the way. We have invested in several wineries, culminating in co-founding Red Mare Wines in the Napa Valley, producing about 5,000 cases of Cabernet, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

WISE SERVICES People usually accumulate wines over many years and grab bottles from the cellar without updating a current inventory. Cellars tend toward disorder, or “cellar entropy.” Wines may grow in value, often dramatically, and may lie dormant in the cellar beyond their prime. Our list might include valuations, but also “drink by dates” condition notes, or suggest certain dishes for an ideal pairing at dinner. Keeping proper records helps people enjoy their wines. An organized cellar with a current inventory can protect the finest bottles in the cellar from raids by family members who know bottles will be missed. We can designate a special section to prevent someone from innocently opening an important wine when a common one would do. Lists help select wines for a dinner out, a short trip or cruise, or taking wines away for the summer.

THE BASIS FOR INSURING WINE COLLECTIONS Insuring wine cellars usually requires a manifest and valuation, which becomes difficult to create after a damaging event or a theft. Our work provides peace of mind and makes replacement much easier. Valuations may be needed to donate wines for a charity event or when owners pass away. Divorces often mean splitting the collection or its value. At WISE, we provide estimated values for each wine from a database of millions of transactions in many countries, either at recent auctions or private sales. We deliver the work on Excel spreadsheets or on popular cellar tracking software.

HOW SERVICE FEES ARE DERIVED Wine appraisers with deep credentials and decades of experience may be necessary in certain cases, but these can be costly and people often find our simpler, quicker approach serves their purposes. We set up quietly in people’s homes with equipment to prevent damaging the wines, and our fee is equal to the average of $1 per bottle and $5 per unique wine. For instance, a 400 bottle cellar with100 different wines would cost approximately $450 for a basic manifest and valuation. That equates to a single bottle of a fine Bordeaux or Cabernet. We give collectors more time to enjoy their cellars. For a complimentary consultation with WISE to evaluate the benefits of wine collection evaluation, you can reach Leslie Miseyko at 561-252-3328 or Leslie.wiseadvisor@gmail.com

Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

THE OPULENT WINE STORY OF NIKKI TORRES BY CLIFTON M. THUMA

hy did you get into the wine business? This is the fabled question most every wine aficionado is asked. And every serious wine drinker answers with a delightful story of good luck. For Jettlynn Winery’s winemaker Nikki Torres, his story is of a brash teenager who walked into a bar. It sounds like the setup for a joke, but he tells his story – the many moments of uncanny serendipity that paved his way.

LUCKY EVENT #1 “Not yet 18, I went to a place known for its wine list and asked for a bottle of their best wine. I explained that I had seen people talking about wine – and giddy with happiness – and was curious to know more about the purple liquid in their glasses,” Torres recalled. “The sommelier, instead of throwing me out [lucky event #1] told me their best wine was $600. Undeterred, I ordered it. The wine steward looked at me in the eyes, and then told me to wait [lucky event #2: at that price you don’t get carded].

mense amount of inventory. This allowed the winery to focus on two aspects: deep cellaring wines for a more profound flavor and developed taste, as well as expanding plantings into a larger variety of grapes. While those vines mature, neighboring vineyards’ fruit has been bought to supplement production. Like Jettlynn, they are within the new, smaller, AVA sub-district of San Miguel. Today the winery offers bottlings* of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Merlot and (soon) Zinfandel. Blending several varieties together, many winemakers believe, makes for more interesting wine. Jettlynn makes three such blends. Their Mon Couer and Opulent are red wines about one-third Cabernet Sauvignon with varying percentages of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah and Syrah. A white, Gout de Miel, is primarily Granche Blanc with RiesAt age 17, sheer luck and $600 led Torres' first ling, Chardonnay and Muscat. The latter grape taste of wine to be Ch. Lafite-Rothschild, 1961. is what gives it a touch of honey (miel) flavor. It inspired his mission to become a winemaker.

properties and 1961 is the finest vintage in the 40 years following the war.

TORRES LUCK TURNED TO PASSION

“I was taken into a back room. A decanted wine was on a small table and a dusty old bottle sat next to it. At first I thought, ‘great, this guy is giving me his cobwebby discards.’ But then, the wine steward began to teach me about wine – and spent the next two hours telling me about the history and wine’s importance to the legacy of human culture [lucky event #3: a professional gives you his time and knowledge]. The wine was Ch. Lafite-Rothschild, 1961.” [OMG! what luck.]

As might be expected, this unusual experience transformed Nikki from interested to impassioned. Twenty-five years later, he was making wine from vineyards he had acquired in San Miguel, California. By the 2000s, he had named his project Jettlynn Winery, and he knew his desire to make an opulent living with his wine would require larger-scale production machinery and storage. And, the winery needed to be approved for federal and state licenses. All this he achieved by 2007, and two years later his great luck (lucky event #4) came in again.

This experience of a lifetime is like a young man learning to drive on a Rolls-Royce. If France is the ‘Mistress of the Vine,’ Bordeaux is her most famous wine region. Within that region there are five or six properties whose wines are the most highly esteemed. Lafite is one of those

The largest fine-wine retailer in the United States is Costco, the chain of volume purchase stores. (They sell $30 million of wine a day.) So when the retailer offered to buy some wines in 2009, Jettlynn sold an im-

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

HITTING IT BIG

So now Nikki grows all of the principal grapes of Bordeaux’s famous chateaux. That’s right, the same grapes that went into producing that fabulous Chateau Lafite, ‘61. * Available at some of Florida’s Costco stores or the winery: (805) 491-2500.

YOU CAN HAVE SOME OF THE DREAM, TOO Owning a winery seems to be one of the dream things to do in life—the seasons of the vineyard, the beautiful landscape, the tastings… Alas, as the trade saying goes, “The way to make a small fortune in the wine business is to start with a large fortune.” Jettlynn, however, is offering partial partnerships in its expanding operation. Their plans are for a “destination” wine center capable of hosting tastings, classes, hospitality events and more. Contact Nikki at info@jettlynnwinery.com to have your dream in the wine country.

The Edenbaum Private Client Group creates an environment of independence and collaboration for their clients to make decisions. The group values Oppenheimer & Co. Inc.’s and Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc.’s open architecture platforms, which allow their clients to remain objective in choosing investments, rather than to be dependent upon proprietary products. We provide investment advisory, wealth management and institutional services to a broad range of individuals, families and businesses. Please call The Edenbaum Private Client Group to receive a complimentary Financial Services Consultation and Plan.

Andrew B. Edenbaum

Executive Director – Investments Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. Boca Village Corp. Center 4855 Technology Way, Suite 400 Boca Raton, FL 33431 (561) 367-4700 Phone (561) 750-0597 Fax (888) 999-3660 Toll Free andrew.edenbaum@opco.com

Mitchell T. Edenbaum

Executive Director – Investments Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. 360 Hamilton Avenue, 9th Floor White Plains, NY 10601 (914) 421-4124 Phone (914) 421-4199 Fax (866) 843-9104 Toll Free mitchell.edenbaum@opco.com

If you select one or more of the advisory services (i.e., Planning Services) offered by Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. or its afﬁliate Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. (OAM), we will be acting in an advisory capacity. If you ask us to effect securities transactions for you, we will be acting as a broker-dealer. Please see the Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. website, www.opco.com or call the branch manager of the ofﬁce that services your account, for further information regarding the differences between brokerage and advisory products and services. Financial Plans are available through OAM. Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. (OAM) and Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. (Oppenheimer), a registered broker/dealer and investment adviser, are both indirectly wholly owned subsidiaries of Oppenheimer Holdings Inc. Securities are offered through Oppenheimer. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. Transacts Business on All Principal Exchanges and Member SIPC.

eidman has done it again. We first profiled Barry as his photo book, “New Eyes,” was premiering last year. It was an apt definer of Seidman’s knack for taking an ordinary subject and making it extraordinary. He has turned his significant talents toward flowers, paper bags, fruits and vegetables, and now, his latest collection of work focuses on the accoutrements surrounding wine culture – namely, glasses, bottles, and the enchanting liquids contained within them.

WINE TIME

The WINE

COLLECTION Photographer Barry Seidman casts a new light on a classic subject BY JOHN D. ADAMS

Seidman says his photo subjects tend to choose him. For his current project, he said: “My wife loves to travel. She’s taken a variety of wine courses; and we have been fortunate enough to travel to many of the world’s greatest wineries. She gets to do all of the tasting and I get to do a lot of looking. I’ll say, oh, look at that shadow of a wine bottle. Years later these ideas can be developed.” Through his process of accentuating beauty within the mundane, Seidman has managed to create a beautiful and dynamic series. “I honed my craft over many years of advertising photography. I learned that when you are trying to please others and they are paying you a lot of money, they need to be happy in the end. Thousands of ads later, I guess I had my skills. Now I have created a series that makes me happy, and I hope others find something inspiring in them, too.”

THE GROWTH OF INSPIRATION As any artist or creative person will tell you, inspiration is elusive. You rarely know where or when that spark will ignite. For this reason, Seidman keeps a digital record of such moments. “Once,

South Florida OPULENCE

erie s a d e t crea have I “Now

I was having dinner with friends at a restaurant and I looked down at my wine glass on the table, the glass had sweat, and when I lifted the glass up, it left a ring. So, I thought: ‘Hmm, there’s something there,’ so I took out my iPhone and took a quick picture. I will often do that. I’ll just take a quick picture of something I want to remember or something that struck me as interesting… “So now, when you look at my collection of wine pictures, you will see one in there that is a glass of wine with a ring of liquid. Now, it looks nothing like that picture I took in the restaurant, I’ve stylized that. But that’s the genesis of a kind of process.”

BUT IS IT ART? Seidman’s photos raise the specter of an ageold question: “What is art?” More directly, are still life photos of any genre truly art? Seidman’s response: “I don’t know… I lie awake at night and see things in my head that need to come out. I’m thinking about how I can employ a back light so the wine appears black, that kind of thing… Does that make it art?

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

tha

t m

h a p p y. e m s e ak

I hope others find som ethi ng i nsp iri ng in

, to o .”

“Years ago, I used to drive in New York and I’d see this billboard that said ‘Perfection Is Not an Accident.’ That has always resonated with me. My work isn’t an accident. By the time you or anyone else sees my work, it is as perfect as I can make it. My whole life has been striving for perfection. Whether that is within those four walls of a frame or a computer monitor or a camera viewfinder,” mused Seidman. “What’s art? I hope people love it. I’m not telling a story. I’m not trying to generate emotions. I’m trying to express an image that I have created in my mind and then present those images to the world, and I truly hope it is meaningful to somebody.” Visit Barry Seidman online at: www.barryseidman.com/wine

Wine #1

Main shot: Bubbles. Left page: Top-Wine #3, Bottom-Wine Ring This page: Still Life Web, Right:-Wine & Glass Silo

Sample Barry Seidman’s Wine Collection during this year’s Art Basel Week at Discover SPECTRUM Miami—a juried, contemporary art show in the heart of Midtown Miami featuring an international slate of artists and galleries. spectrum-miami.com/show-information/ about Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

renaissance art philanthropy AN AFTERNOON WITH THE

CONTESSA AT THE UFFIZI IN FLORENCE BY DANTE KEELER

Contessa Maria Vittoria Colonna Rimbotti

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

South Florida Opulence has been a longtime proud media partner with Friends of the Uffizi Gallery, directed by Lisa Marie Brown in the United States and by the President, Contessa Maria Vittoria Colonna Rimbotti, in Florence.

t is October 2nd, in Florence, Italy. Recently, I finished a three-week blitzkrieg art history course surveying the greatest collections of on-location paintings, sculptures, and architecture of the Renaissance. The day before I visited the Uffizi Gallery: a superb and spectacular museum, born from the ducal collection of the Medici family, and Dante Keeler one of the oldest and most visited museums in the world. Masterpieces such as Giotto’s Ognissanti Madonna, Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, and Leonardo da Vinci’s Annunciation call the Uffizi their home. And today, I talk with the wonderful woman preserving the precious works of the Uffizi, Contessa Maria Vittoria Colonna Rimbotti.

THE CONTESSA’S MISSION TO PRESERVE HISTORY President of the Friends of the Uffizi Gallery and Chairman of the Amici degli Uffizi, Contessa Maria Vittoria collaborates with donors and other board members of both non-profit organizations to combat the decay of the Uffizi’s treasures. Since its inception in 1993, when the museum needed funds after a terrorist attack on the Gallery, the Amici degli Uffizi has raised money to preserve, restore, and promote the artworks within the Uffizi Gallery. Contessa Maria Vittoria has been with them since the beginning and founded the American sister branch, the Friends of the Uffizi Gallery, in Florida in 2006. Seeing the two countries as “brothers,” the Contessa united Italy and America to better protect the keystones of modern culture within the Uffizi. Rejoicing at America’s reception to the project, she said, “I’m glad to have founded the Friends of the Uffizi and to make this link between the two continents…I’m proud, really, I enjoy when I come in [sic] Florida to have the feeling that the people really appreciate what we are doing.”

Restoring such phenomenal works as Fra Filippo Lippi’s Madonna and Child with Two Angels and the Bacchus sculpture, the Friends of the Uffizi Gallery have an impressive resume already. Spreading their network far and wide in search of investors, their reach can even strike close to home, as my father interviewed Contessa Maria Vittoria to write for South Florida Opulence’s Conserving Uffizi with a Contessa’s Touch in 2014, just prior to her visit to Miami. She remembered him so fondly that when she heard I was in Florence, we had to get in touch. So today I walk past the Cathedral, take a right at the Baptistery, keep walking past Gucci, and arrive at a small piazza where Maria Vittoria works. Tucked away near the shopping district of downtown Florence, the Contessa’s discreet office contrasts the grand design of the Uffizi; sitting on the northern bank of the Arno and facing Palazzo Vecchio (City Hall), the “offices” cradle the political center of Florence with its long arms and the interior, with its frescoed ceilings and crimson showrooms, uplift and awe-inspire only as the ostentatious Medici Dukes could. According to Maria Vittoria, the Florentine people treasure the Uffizi and Palazzo Vecchio as “Really, the heart, in a way, of the town, and also the identity of the town.” When asked what the Uffizi meant to her, however, she smiles, looks up, and drifts back to her first night at the Uffizi: “It was almost dark,” she said, “I walked around and the lights were not too strong. And I had the impression that there was no door between the past and the present—the sense that your identity was, with everything, with the people around you—really, that it was yourself living in the past and in the present. And I’m just hoping that this can happen to others, in the future, that this atmosphere, the capacity to talk to your past and … this is what I’d like to remember, to transmit to the next generation, the possibility to have a rendezvous like that.” Preserving the enchantment of the Gallery drives the Friends, the Amici, and the Contessa every day.

GREATEST RENAISSANCE ART GALLERY ON EARTH The Uffizi eclipses all other Renaissance art galleries in the world, unique in its connection to a family pivotal to the patronage of Renaissance art. Florence was the birthplace of the Renaissance, and thus the modern era. Looking forward with its growing contemporary self-portrait collection in the Vasari Corridor—a project Maria Vittoria takes interest in—the Gallery ensures its relevance for future generations. Finally, looking back, the Contessa has another link to the past with her favorite painting of the Gallery; a painting by Piero Della Francesca of two of her ancestors, the Duke da Montefeltro and his wife, Battista Sforza. Their youngest daughter, Agnese, married a Colonna. “So I have a bit of the DNA of those people,” she said, “so every time I go to the Uffizi I pass through, I say, ‘Hello!’ hehe.” It is not every afternoon one meets a Contessa capable of ancestral rapport.

Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

for the love of home

MIAMI 900 Centre Park Blvd., Suite 476

californiaclosets.com 3 0 5 . 6 2 3 . 8 2 8 2

PA R A M O U N T F O R T L A U D E R D A L E B E A C H

Exclusivity in the Heart of Action BY LINDA MARX

f you want the longest swimming pool in Fort Lauderdale, separate guests suites for your family and friends, and room service from the restaurant without living with the transiency of a hotel, PARAMOUNT Fort Lauderdale Beach is the ideal oceanfront residence.

This new luxury high-rise has revolutionized oceanfront living on Fort Lauderdale Beach by offering buyers five-star hotel services in a strictly residential condominium building. Through the PARAMOUNT Attaché, maid service, car service, and prompt maintenance will be readily available, and the latest high-touch technology will be part of each residence. “When people see PARAMOUNT they love the residential only component,” says Daniel Kodsi, the developer. “To get five-star resort service in a residence without a hotel on-site is most unusual. They love it.” Buyers also like that this 18-story, 95-residence (with four penthouses) tower is a quiet and luxurious modern high-rise smack dab in the center of all of Fort Lauderdale’s action. Such an exclusive beachfront lifestyle near A-list activity is rare.

FORT LAUDERDALE - THE VENICE OF THE U.S. The prime location is fascinating when buyers look at the history of Fort Lauderdale Beach. PARAMOUNT Fort Lauderdale Beach is being constructed on the site of the former Howard Johnson motor lodge. The residential tower-in-progress now overlooks the serenity of Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, and miles of pristine shoreline. PARAMOUNT is also in walking distance to fine restaurants, shopping and entertainment offerings in the city. The excitement is infectious. Already, 70 percent of the two, three and four-bedroom residences, priced from $1.2-$4 million, and ranging in size from 1,910-3,474 square feet, are sold. “People want to live on the beach,” says Kodsi. “They like the old Fort Lauderdale Beach area knowing they are close to new luxury like the Four Seasons, W and Conrad hotels. Yet, when in their residences, the owners are secluded.” Buyers are 65 percent American and 35 percent international. The families range from young couples with children to those over 50 who prefer a beachfront lifestyle. Domestically, they come from Boston, Chicago and all over New York and New Jersey. Plus, there is a continuous parade of empty-nesters from western Broward County suburbs. “These Broward County buyers are leaving their 10,000 square-foot homes to downsize on the beach,” explains Peggy Fucci, CEO and Presi-

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

dent of OneWorld Properties, PARAMOUNT’s exclusive marketing and sales firm. “They are excited to sip piña coladas by the pool!” The international buyers come from Canada, China, Mexico, Brazil and Venezuela. “The buyers of PARAMOUNT Fort Lauderdale Beach residences are making analytical decisions because they are not purchasing for investment,” says Fucci. “They are buying these residences to live in.” The building, designed by Revuelta Architecture International with interiors by ID & Design International, is under construction and will be ready for residents to move in by spring of 2017. One of the four penthouses has been sold, and the remaining three, beginning at about $4.5 million each, will go fast. Floor plans can be customized to suit the buyer’s interests.

POST PENTHOUSES The penthouses measure up to nearly 6,000 square feet plus more footage with the outdoor spaces which take the ordinary to a level of extraordinary. They are two-story with stunning ocean, Intracoastal, city and park views. Each penthouse has a private rooftop terrace with a 10x16 dipping pool, outside kitchen and romantic fire pit. Lounging outside is like cruising on a yacht. Buyers selecting either the penthouses or the residences will have access to a large selection of luxury amenities. There is a resortstyle swimming pool, cabanas, club options and a fully-equipped gym. There is a man-cave with a TV and games, wine room, demo kitchen and recreation center for parties.

Very exciting is the recent announcement of an LM Restaurant which will be part of the building and offer buyers room service. The Mediterranean-inspired concept will be located in a 6,700 square foot space with more alfresco seating to take advantage of the ocean views and people watching options along A-1-A. “We are very excited about PARAMOUNT Fort Lauderdale Beach as a whole,” says Kodsi. “Our product is superior, and the location is the best. People buy condominium homes for a variety of reasons. We have satisfied every one of their needs.”

Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

The World:

Luxurious Living on the High Seas BY STEPHANIE BONILLA

Imagine starting your morning enjoying a hot cup of coffee in your living room, while soaking up breathtaking views of New Zealand from your window. You glance at your itinerary. You have a kayaking tour through Miliford Sound at 10 a.m., a private Maori cultural performance back at home at 5:00 p.m., and dinner with a side of stargazing on the upper deck of your residence at 7:00 p.m. This is a typical day in the life of the lucky few who live out at sea. 76

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

ithout ever leaving their home, residents of The World can wake up in Australia, Japan, or even Antarctica. Launched in 2002, The World currently owns the title of the largest residential ship to sail the open ocean. With 165 private residences ranging from studios to 3 bedroom units, 6 restaurants, a state-of-theart spa and fitness center, a full tennis court, and even its own gourmet market, this ship is fantastically decked out to the nines. Residents of this luxury liner hail from approximately 19 nations—primarily from Canada and the United States—while 270 crew members tirelessly work to make them feel right at home. From knowing how they like their coffee to tucking residents in a Bali bed for a night of sleeping under the stars, the staff always goes above and beyond, exceeding the expectations of even the highest luxury hospitality standards. And they are delighted to do so. The World ’s General Manager, Thomas Legner, understands luxury. With a wealth of experience in the hospitality world gained from years of managing high-end hotels such as the InterContinental in Vienna and the Four Seasons in Washington, D.C., Legner works closely with his team to deliver the best service money can buy. “What attracted me to The World was the uniqueness of the concept and the ability to ‘create’ something special. That is very hard to find in the hotel industry these days,” said Legner, when asked why he decided to come onboard as GM. Although not every resident lives aboard The World full time, there is always a sense of community. Various social gatherings are coordinated throughout the year to assist residents in getting to know their fellow travel companions and neighbors. As for the itineraries, those are determined three years in advance by the residents. Seven owners make up the committee designated to plan each year’s voyage, sending out their proposed program to their fellow residents for voting.

The best part of living on this luxury ocean liner are the National Geographic-esque adventures residents get to experience. No excursion is too demanding for those living on The World.

So what’s the price tag for living one of the most exclusive lifestyles imaginable? Unless you’re able to buy into this elite community, you will never know. The clandestine figure is never discussed—so much so that money is never even exchanged on the ship! Rather, residents pay annual ownership costs that cover their food and beverage as well as their share of the ship’s operations, maintenance and fuel. But the best part of living on this luxury ocean liner are the National Geographic-esque adventures residents get to experience. No excursion is too demanding for those living on The World. From being the largest ship to traverse through the Northwest Passage to making eye contact with a polar bear, the possibilities for thrilling experiences are endless. Residents enjoy access to any destination well beyond the beaten path. For the Edwards, a couple who recently purchased a 2-bedroom unit on the ship, life has never been better. Not only did the idea of traveling to some of the most remote places in the world entice them into making the pricey decision, but as avid wine lovers, the thought of taking their wine tasting habits to a whole new level helped seal the deal. One of their favorite experiences to date was one that trumps any wine connoisseur’s wildest dream. The Edwards, along with several other residents, got to experience a private wine and port tasting and dinner at the most exclusive port house in Portugal. Not to mention that they also got to taste wine from a barrel dating back to the 1800s. The Edwards, along with the other residents who call this ship’s gangways their personal driveway, seek a transcendent life full of authentic travel and sublime experiences, living in a constant state of uninterrupted marvel. And that’s exactly what you get when you purchase a little piece of The World. (954) 538-8449 • www.aboardthe world.com Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

M A K I N G

T H E

SEASON BRIGHT Historic, Festive Floridian “Art in the Landscape” BY MARY AND HUGH WILLIAMSON

here is every reason for even the most recent of Florida arrivals to discard the tradition of typically northern holiday décor! Our state’s history and the bounty of natural decorative resources provide all we need for a celebratory expression that is uniquely South Floridian. State and world histories offer wonderful tales of how our traditions came to be.

THE INSPIRATION

Perhaps Addison Mizner’s vision of a Mediterranean-inspired luxury South Florida lifestyle was inspired as travel to the war-torn Mediterranean that was so enjoyed by affluent Americans prior to World War I became inconvenient. World travelers were indeed in need of an alternative to European destinations, but as our Florida environment supports Mediterranean flora, perhaps Mizner had another inspiration. We know that the Spanish brig Providencia, upon wrecking off what is now Palm Beach, full of coconuts, was the genesis of the city’s name and fostered our love of palm trees. That 1878 event may well have been divine providence, influencing the destiny of the gold coast. Palms are not indigenous to Florida, but they are so at home here; a big part of our year-round ambience and of the Christmas and holiday landscape. Combined with other Mediterranean plantings, they provide a magical, sculptural and statuesque base for the lights, glitter and glamor

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

that we relish at this special time of year. As with our revered architecture, many of these wonderful components of our landscapes have a history that is rooted in the Mediterranean. There are also interesting connections to Christmas and the Winter Solstice. It is unlikely that Mizner’s intimate Opening Night Celebration of what is now the Boca Raton Resort and Club on Christmas Eve, 1925 included any fake snow. It more likely reveled in the unique South Florida manner in which we “make the season bright”! George Merrick of Coral Gables fame and James Deering as well were responsible for the Mediterranean Revival trend in South Florida, that just “looks right.” A few additions from other Mediterranean-influenced areas of our country, such as the luminarias which are so popular in New Mexico, have a genesis with Spanish merchants and add to the theme. These simple, candle-lit brown bags can be stirred into the landscape for a heightened experience. Lining a drive, they welcome guests with the holiday glow. Combined with palms, our rosemary, eucalyptus, holly, mistletoe and magnolias afford what with exterior lighting can become a magical expression of the glamor of the season. The branches can be harvested to provide luxuriant bundles for your interior. Add the punctuation of Florida pears and pineapples (gilded or naturally beautiful) for an opulent and festive presentation; a joyous visual celebration. These plants proliferate beautifully in South Florida, and enhance the landscape no matter what the time of year. But they all have the bonus of a special holiday meaning.

A LITTLE HISTORY, & SOME PRACTICAL APPLICATION Rosemary has been said to have been the favorite of the Virgin Mary. Legend has it that on one occasion, while resting, Mary spread her blue cloak over a white-blossomed bush. The flowers miraculously turned blue. The shrub then became known as the “Rose of Mary.” And the legends continue, from Pliny on. Rosemary was credited with preventing unpleasant dreams, with warding off colds, inhibiting gout and even thwarting the Black Plague. Spanish lore suggests the very pungent rosemary plant as a deterrent to witchcraft and even bad incidents on the road. These are all handy applications, but heartily contested. Wealthy sixteenth century nobility presented gilded rosemary as gifts to their guests. Now that notion brings to mind some real uncontested and creative possibilities for holiday décor. Rosemary is also a traditional flavoring for lamb dishes, and was even an ingredient in Queen Anne’s favorite mead!

Modern Day “Queen Anne” Rosemary Mead ½ gallon purified water, in a widemouthed one-gallon jug 24 oz. honey ½ envelope yeast 1 orange, sliced into eighths ¼ cup rosemary 24 raisins • Combine all the ingredients • Shake to aerate for five minutes • Top with a little more purified water, and cap with a balloon, pin-pricked on the top. Sit tight as it racks until next Christmas. It’s worth the wait. We do recommend that you visit the many available wine and mead blogs to ensure proper sanitation and learn of best practice.

Eucalyptus is found all over the world. It enjoyed heightened prominence following Captain James Cook’s expedition to Australia, where it is ubiquitous. Eucalyptus then thrived in Spain and Portugal, and now thrives in South Florida as well. It is also called the “silver dollar plant,” and its combination with other shapes of greenery offers a beautiful texture and a lush presentation. Some do prefer to leave the foliage outdoors, as the fragrance can be suggestive of a spa. Holly was a plant sacred to Celtic Druids long before we decked our halls; its shiny green leaves suggest eternal life, and its cheerful red berries are especially welcome as color in our gardens wanes for a month or two. Holly was also an important part of the Roman Festival Saturnalia… a festival of light that coincides with the Winter Solstice. In addition to holly, many of this pagan holiday’s traditions, including giftgiving and celebratory meals have parallels to the Christian celebration of the nativity. The elegantly-shaped and classic Nellie Stevens holly tree reaches over 15 feet, albeit rather slowly. It thrives in South Florida, and while it is evocative of the holidays, it is a beautiful specimen in the landscape year-round. Mistletoe is found in Florida growing on the native oak laurel. Pagan connections of mystery and fertility have long been forgotten, but the fun and frolic of “kissing under the mistletoe” remain. This “oak mistletoe” is a joyful and festive addition to a garland or centerpiece, but the pearl-like berries are poisonous, and must be kept from small children and pets. It is fun to gather, however. As it often grows on the unreachable tops of trees, some harvesters in southern states find that a carefully aimed shotgun can yield quite a booty. Magnolia trees offer shiny, vibrant greenery that mixes well with pine, cedar, holly and rosemary for a cheerful blend of color and texture in holiday wreaths. It is great base, as its structure is sturdy. Magnolia trees, lighted from the ground, seem to shimmer and become art objects in the landscape. Pruning arms full of luxuriant branches for your home’s interior celebration only encourages the tree to burgeon with new growth. Our sub-tropical treasures are every bit as festive as snowladen boughs, although our celebration of our climate, architectural legacy and sumptuous flora continue through the year.

Mary & Hugh Williamson

Winter 2015/16 2015/16

South South Florida Florida OPULENCE OPULENCE

79 79

SOUTH FLORIDA

Capturing the luxury living lifestyle

BEST OF THE

BEST LUXURY LIVING

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

luxury cigar

SOUTH FLORIDA

Capturing the luxury living lifestyle

TOP 10 CIGAR RATINGS 2015

#1 GURKHA CELLAR RESERVE EDICION ESPECIAL Kaizad Hansotia, CEO of Gurkha – maker of the world’s most prestigious cigars – proudly enjoys a Gurkha Cellar Reserve Edicíon Especial in his mahogany and leather adorned smoking room at the company's South Florida 2. La Flor Dominicana headquarters. The vintage Cellar Reserve recently reThe Chisel.......... 97 ceived a 100 rating, making this esteemed Gurkha stogie Best of the Best. The Cellar Reserve Edicion Especial goes above and beyond in perfecting the Cellar Reserve 3. Davidoff Nicaragua .............. 96 blend with a Corojo wrapper and 18-year aged tobacco. This medium body, full flavor cigar is packaged in a beautiful piano finish, mahogany box. “I partnered with our blenders to search for the rarest tobaccos we could 4. Hoyo De Monterrey............. 95 find and stumbled upon this 18-year old Corojo wrapper and blend. There was only enough to make 100 boxes of each size initially, and we couldn’t be happier with the 5. Ashton VSG .......... 95 outcome. In fact, at this very moment we are searching for another rare blend for next year,” said Hansotia. 1. Gurkha Cellar Reserve Edicion Especial........ 100

6. H. Upmann The Banker ............................. 94

7. Diamond Crown Maximus....................... 94

8. East India Trading Co Classic Cigar: Havana Blend................................ 94

9. Padron 1926 ................ 92

10. Oliva Serie.............. V 92

South Florida Opulence is pleased to honor the Gurkha Cellar Reserve Edicion Especial as Best of the Best Cigar 2015!

Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

ultra-luxury suv

BENTLEY BENTAYGA –

THE WORLD’S VERY FIRST ULTRA-LUXURY SUV An exclusive interview with Michael Winkler, President and CEO of Bentley Motors Inc. BY ROBIN JAY

he evening of October 1, 2015 was rich with exclusive moments at 2020 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Not only was it the unveiling of the new Bentley Miami showroom, it was also the unveiling of the world’s very first ultra-luxury SUV: The Bentley Bentayga. And, for me, it was an exclusive opportunity to interview the new President and CEO of Bentley Motors Inc., Mr. Michael Winkler. “The Bentayga is a logical extension for Bentley. The sports utility vehicle market is still growing very strongly – but we noticed a hole in the market: There wasn’t a single ultra-luxury SUV on the market,” said Winkler, a native of Frankfurt, Germany, who say’s he’s been an automobile nut since he was a little boy, and now is living his dream at Bentley. “Our average Bentley customer – especially here in Miami, one of our largest markets in the United States – has five to eight automobiles in the family garage, two of which are usually premium SUVs. But they’re getting bored with premium SUVs. And so here we unveil the bespoke Bentley Bentayga – the fastest SUV ever. And, like true Bentley tradition it’s still completely made by hand.” What inspired the name Bentayga? Winkler says according to Chairman Wolfgang Durheimer, the name is a combined reflection of the Bentley name, along with the natural world – the dramatic beauty of the Taiga, the world’s largest transcontinental snowforest, as well as the rugged peak of the Roque Bentayga in 82

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

the subtropical Canary Islands. It’s symbolic of how the Bentley Bentayga experience is superior in luxury and high performance, both on-and-off-road, compared to any other sports utility vehicle on the market today. I asked Winkler what Bentayga amenities would surprise evena current Bentley owner. He answered modestly, “The Bentayga has some cool little features, like the option of an exclusive Breitling self-winding clock embedded with mother of pearl, diamonds and gold. It also has an exclusive tailgate option – a refined hand-stitched leather seat that extends out from the back that’s perfect for enjoying pre-game activities with your picnic basket and portable refrigerator. “I still remember vividly the very first time I drove a Bentley 20 years ago,” Winkler reminisced. “There’s a very special feel when you sit behind the wheel. Even before you turn the key to drive, the smell of the leather, the feel of the materials, the craftsmanship of the wood throughout the car – all painstakingly handmade - leave a beautiful impression you simply don’t find with other brands.” No doubt bespoke car enthusiasts will feel the very same way Winkler did the first time they experience Bentley Bentayga. At the time of this interview (perhaps ever), there is no MSRP for Bentley Bentayga. To see it in person, visit Bentley Miami at 2020 Biscayne Blvd. Miami. Or call 877-356-0290 or visit www. bramanbentley.net.

luxury sports supercar

McLAREN 570S: THE BLACK SWAN SPORTS CAR

lack swans represent a metaphor for the seemingly impossible. Following their discovery in Western Australia in 1697, they came to symbolize events that challenged perceived wisdom and reshaped the world. The McLaren Sports Series is the black swan movement for the sports car, with its unique combination of high performance, outstanding luxury and race derived technical innovation. No other competitor offers lightweight and strong carbon fiber chassis construction, incredibly striking dihedral doors or as much horsepower in a sports car weighing so little. And no other sports car is as exciting to drive. It’s dramatic, futuristic design is as eyecatching as it is functional. The distinctive nose is inspired by McLaren Formula 1 race cars, shrink-wrapped dihedral doors are intricately contoured to channel cool air

to the engine bay, and ‘flying buttress’ rear pillars create an athletic silhouette, while increasing downforce for reassuring handling. Inside, the luxurious cabin features handcrafted leather, a Bowers & Wilkins stereo system, excellent visibility and exceptionally comfortable adjustable sports seats. An intuitive seven-inch central touchscreen infotainment system includes satellite navigation, Bluetooth audio streaming, WIFI tethering and voice activation as standard specification. The McLaren designed 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine with amazing performance, incredible response and outstanding refinement is the beating heart of the Sports Series. Positioned behind the driver and sending power to the rear wheels alone to offer the same impeccable agility as our racing cars, this powerful engine is complemented by a

state-of-the-art seamless-shift gearbox for ultra-fast, ultra-smooth gearshifts. Key to the usability of the Sports Series is its versatility: Adaptive suspension can switch from limousine-like comfort to race car composer at the press of a button; the interior is spacious, the generous luggage compartment capable of holding up to 144 litres; even the servicing schedule offers maximum convenience with 10,000-mile or annual intervals. Never before has such an exhilarating sports car been so easy to live with. A winner. Pricing: If you have to ask, don’t bother. But if you’re a serious buyer and want to experience a seriously sensational test drive, visit The Collection McLaren, 200 Bird Road, Coral Gables, call 305-444-5555 or go to www. thecollection.mclaren.com. Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

luxury swiss timepieces

ULYSSE NARDIN At Ulysse Nardin, innovation is the very reason for the brand’s existence. The Le Locle manu-

facturing company, which has been at the forefront of research and development since it was founded in 1846, has not only made its mark on its own history, but on that of mechanical watchmaking as a whole. Ulysse Nardin is the recipient of 4,300-plus watchmaking awards including 18 gold medals and the greatest number of patents in mechanical watchmaking. The brand is constantly recognized as “The Best.”

BEST FUNCTIONAL WATCH Dual Time Manufacture. Born from an iconic line, the Dual Time Manufacture enables the second time zone and date to be adjusted both forward and backward. Endowed with a Big Date double window display, also adjustable in both directions, it boasts a silicium escapement, the height of watchmaking technology that very few brands are able to master. Silicium is an extremely light but hard material that eliminates friction and removes the need for lubrication of the escapement – the watchmaker’s holy grail. It is a nanotechnology which has taken many years to develop. While ensuring perfect readability, the openwork hour and minute hands that sweep around the dial add a delicate, light touch that characterizes truly timeless watches. This chameleon-like piece is equally suited to a day in town or an important occasion. Ref. 3346-126LE/93 Price: $26,500

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

BEST MARINE WATCH Marine Chronometer Manufacture. The Marine Chronometer Manufacture bears all the hallmarks of marine instruments: a generously sized case with a 43 mm diameter for excellent readability, a fluted bezel, a screw-locked crown guaranteeing complete water resistance, and solid lugs to ensure excellent stability on the wrist. Manufactured entirely in-house with its beating heart of silicium and DIAMonSIL, the Marine Chronometer Manufacture embodies the values of innovation, reliability and high-precision that were cherished by the founder, and pays tribute to Ulysse Nardin’s rich history with the sea. Ref.1186126-3/43 Price: $31,800

BEST EXCEPTIONAL WATCH The Freak Cruiser. Due to the ultramodern, minimalist and unconventional design of the Freak’s tourbillon carousel – one that possessed no true dial, crown or hands – and being the first timepiece to successfully present escapement wheels constructed of silicium, the Freak forever changed the course of haute horology. The Freak Cruiser is surrounded by waves and a floating anchor in the form of a swing bridge, designed so that the movement revolves on itself. The Freak watch was honored with the prestigious “New Technology” award from Revolution magazine. Ref. 2056-131/03 Price: $89,000

Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

BEST LADIES WATCH Dual Time Lady Manufacture. The instantly adjustable dual time zone and a large date with a 24-hour dual display is a tribute to the seriousness of making a true complication. In addition to the unique quick time zone setting, it has an 18 ct rose gold case with 60 diamonds, and a black dial with one roman figure set with a total of 32 diamonds. This is the first credible and functional timepiece made specifically for a woman. Ref. 3346-222B/30-02 Price: $24,500 Available at Ulysse Nardin Boutiques: Aventura Mall By Nordstrom Second Floor 305-830-1786 Miami Design District 140 NE 39th Street, Suite 202 786-248-7000

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

new technology A History Worth Repeating:

The Triumphant Return of Polaroid Polaroidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s President and CEO Scott Hardy talks about the venerable companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic influence and exciting return to its innovative roots

BY JOHN D. ADAMS

Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

“I first became exposed to Polaroid as a child when I saw the magic of seeing a Polaroid One Step camera take a picture of my family and then instantly develop right before my eyes.”

– Scott Hardy, Polaroid President & CEO

ike millions of other consumers around the globe, the name Polaroid holds an indelible place in my nostalgic heart. I was just a child when Polaroid’s first instamatic camera came out. Just a glance at that friendly rainbow stripe (sorry Snapchat, Polaroid did it first) and one can almost hear the soft whirl of the camera as it gently delivered its miraculous, printed photo. An entire generation grew up with Polaroid. And while the company has been fairly quiet for the past two decades, Polaroid is now poised to make a comeback. We sat down with Polaroid President and CEO Scott Hardy and talked about the company’s past, present and future.

LOOK BACK, MOVE FORWARD When Scott Hardy became President and CEO of Polaroid in 2012, he inherited a company that had, in many ways, lost its identity. But to Hardy, he saw an opportunity to reignite a beloved brand. “I first became exposed to Polaroid as a child when I saw the magic of seeing a Polaroid One Step camera take a picture of my family and then instantly develop right before my eyes,” reminisced Hardy. “One of my favorite commercials when I was young was the one where the children set up a Polaroid camera on the stairs to snap a picture of Santa Claus when he came to their home to drop off Christmas presents. Perhaps that’s why I was so intrigued to get involved with the Polaroid brand from a business perspective back in 2004.” Hardy smartly turned the company’s gaze inward, back to the glory days when Polaroid was known internationally for its technical innovation and its verve for producing groundbreaking products. “The Polaroid Corporation was founded in 1937 by Edwin Land,” said Hardy. “Land began experimenting with light at an early age using kaleidoscopes. These attempts to filter light led him to invent the world’s first synthetic polarizer for commercial use in 1929. Land and Polaroid are best known for developing the world’s first instant camera but it was his earlier invention of the first synthetic light polarizer that is still the basis for all polarized eye- Scott Hardy wear, photo lenses and screens manufactured today.” 88

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

This look back is critical to positioning Polaroid today. Many people forget that Polaroid had always been first and foremost an “inventor’s” company; always working to delight and innovate. After all, did you remember that we wouldn’t have 3-D glasses without Polaroid introducing them back in 1939? Even though the company is no longer involved in manufacturing, Hardy’s history lesson has brought the company full-circle as an enterprise invested in the development of new ideas. “The company has successfully transitioned from a vertical manufacturing company to a licensing company and we’ve come back as strong as ever,” said Hardy.

POLAROID AND THE DIGITAL AGE Polaroid has historically been a leader in the instant printing category. Hardy emphasized that, again, by looking back over decades of consumer confidence and technological stewardship will help chart the future trajectory of fiscal growth. “Digital photography and mobile technology have changed the ways in which people capture, share and enjoy their memories, but there’s still a desire to share tangible, physical prints with loved ones. The introduction of our instant digital line, which includes products like the Polaroid Zip instant photoprinter and Polaroid Snap instant digital camera, has proved to be the perfect blend of technology and nostalgia consumers have come to know and love. These products also demonstrate that Polaroid can compete in the digital space because we have virtually no other competitors when it comes to combining instant and digital photography.” Beyond their instant digital lines, Hardy and Polaroid are working with a number of best-in-class companies around the world to develop and redefine the Polaroid brand. “We are constantly expanding our product offerings, which current include TVs, tablets, classic digital imaging products, action cameras, smartphones, and accessories,” said Hardy. With Hardy’s emphasis on Polaroid’s rich history, the company seems reenergized. “Polaroid has developed one of the world’s most widely recognized and trusted consumer brands… We have sought new and relevant ways to inspire and help people see and experience the world by merging new technologies, emerging trends and the constantly evolving digital world into the realm of instant photography, cameras and consumer electronics… We are able to compete on the industry’s global stage because of our brand recognition and group of elite partners who are experts in an array of product categories and are able to quickly respond to rising trends in the CE market.” Visit Polaroid online at: www.polaroid.com

A NEW POLAROID FOR A NEW AGE Building upon the company’s venerable 75-year history of research and development, Polaroid is now licensing its name to a variety of exciting new products. We asked Polaroid President & CEO Scott Hardy to give his impressions on a few:

THE POLAROID ZIP PHOTOPRINTER “We’re now taking over 1.8 billion images every day, but many of those images either never escape the confines of a mobile device or are simply uploaded to social media and forgotten. With the new Polaroid Zip instant photo printer, Polaroid is now giving consumers the ability to instantly share a physical print of a memory they’ve captured, no matter where they may be. The Polaroid Zip brilliantly leverages the iconic instant Polaroid experience and makes it relevant for today’s on-the-go mobile photographer. With apps available for both Android and iOS, the Polaroid Zip is OS and device agnostic, ensuring any consumer can enjoy the experience of instantly sharing memories with friends, family and loved ones. Moreover, as it’s deeply rooted in the brand’s DNA, the Polaroid Zip boasts an incredibly simple interface. The device itself features just one button to operate with the remaining features controlled by a fun and intuitive app.”

THE POLAROID SNAP INSTANT DIGITAL CAMERA “The idea behind the Polaroid Snap – one snap, one print– is a concept that has been a part of the Polaroid brand from the beginning. The camera’s design elements and easy-to-use one touch controls are reminiscent of iconic Polaroid instant cameras such as the Polaroid One Step, but with a modern twist. The sleek and compact Polaroid Snap not only allows users to instantly capture, print and share their photos, but the camera also features a 10MP digital camera. Images are automatically saved to a microSD card and can be uploaded to a computer or social network platform and shared with people all over the world.”

THE POLAROID CUBE+ LIFESTYLE ACTION CAMERA “We were able to make some noise last year in the crowded action camera market by taking a different approach to the segment with the debut of the Polaroid Cube. Small, playful, and easy-to-use, the Polaroid Cube is an action camera designed for everyone. Polaroid instant cameras are all about fun, sharing, and impromptu use, and the 35mm Polaroid Cube is another one of our new cameras that recaptures that essence with its one-button controls and iconic design. “With the new Wi-Fi enabled Polaroid Cube+, we’ve taken the idea of capturing and sharing the unique memories taken with the camera to the next level. Now users can instantly share their favorite videos and photos on their mobile devices and favorite social media platforms.”

University LEARN TO TAKE PICTURES LIKE A PRO WITH POLAROID UNIVERSITY Polaroid Teams Up with Professional Photographers to Launch Polaroid University ‘Where Smartphone Photography is taught by the Pros’ Polaroid is offering aspiring photographers everywhere the opportunity to learn photography from the pros with the launch of Polaroid University. Polaroid University is a comprehensive online photography education program available at www.polaroiduniversity.com that allows photographers of all skill levels to learn photography and improve their skills at their own pace. Founded by renowned, award-winning professional photographer Marc Serota, Polaroid University teaches students to master the camera—from mobile phones and tablets, to action cameras, to DSLRs—in order to make better moments. For exciting details and to learn when a complimentary video demonstration will be available for you to try, go to www.polaroiduniversity.com Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

Jewel of The Desert Designer Perla Lichi conjures a magical palace from the sands of Arabia

BY JOHN D. ADAMS

he ageless, storied Arabian Desert remains a land that summons visions of genies, magic carpets and granted wishes. It’s the ideal fantasy playground for master interior designer Perla Lichi. Through her design showroom located in Dubai, Perla was the singular choice for one family to realize their dreams of a 45,000 squarefoot luxury desert palace.

TALE OF 2,555 NIGHTS With tears in her eyes, the wife told Perla, “My dream has finally come true.” It has been 2,555 nights, or seven years, since she first spoke with Perla Lichi about designing a dream palace in the desert. “They knew what they wanted and we all worked so closely together, and by planning it properly, we were able to make the magic happen,” said Perla. The palace itself feels like a physical manifestation of the famed “One Thousand and One Nights.” As with that enchanted collection, Lichi’s interior motifs conjure the magical fables of Arabia, Persia, Africa, the Mediterranean and Europe. “We wanted to create a fusion of these different styles to honor the family’s own experiences,” said Perla. “They are very well-traveled, so every item was chosen or designed and built specifically for this palace. “After two years of discussing every aesthetic aspect of the palace, only then did we begin the actual design process,” remembered Perla. “We began with a shell of a floor plan and completely reconfigured the interior spaces, heights of ceilings, size of rooms, everything.” With many interior design projects, the architects and builders work first, with the design experts coming in

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

master interior designer

Her Master Bedroom is a delicate, romantic riot in pink, purple, silver and gold. The custom-designed, hand-carved, silver-leafed, mahogany Princess Bed is an homage to one you would see in the Palace of Versailles. Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

Counterclockwise from left: The Family Room features comfortable seating and a high barrel-style coffered ceiling. A custom solid mahogany dining table and triple ceiling dome give the formal Dining Room a regal crowned effect. The European style living room has an Arabesque flavor. Custom scrollwork in the marble flooring on the upstairs landing features five colors of mosaic and helps direct traffic. Her two-story Boutique Dressing Room has a spiral staircase (not shown) that goes to a loft providing even more storage. Hand-painted vines and grapes adorn an archway that leads from the Hallway to the Family Kitchen.

Right: The Grand Staircase features an oversized dome ceiling and the illusion of a Mediterranean palace.

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

later. Not for this project. Perla had a vision. Her client’s dream had become one of her own. “I worked as the captain, and the architects and builders worked to realize that vision. If you are creating a work of art, sometimes you need to re-balance how you approach a project.”

A TRIO OF TALES Like a modern-day Scheherazade, Perla’s palace interiors weave beguiling tales around every corner. “We designed and built this dream home from out of the sand,” marveled Perla. “You want opulence? I’ll give you opulence!” laughed Perla. “Some people say less is more? No, more is better.” As with any great story collection, Perla weaves gossamer threads uniting one space to another. “Every floor includes custom medallions and scrollwork mosaic details utilizing 10 different colors of marble,” she said. This whimsical theme is perhaps most prevalent in the formal dining room. “It’s all about the movement,” said Perla. “Who wants another long, skinny table? We designed this table to move in almost an ‘S’ with a central, round area that fuses each side together. We can seat 30 here comfortably.” One room expresses the strongest story to Perla: “Her Master Bedroom. The design concept here was to have a feminine, palatial-style bedroom linked to a dressing room suitable for royalty,” said Perla. “The lady of the house wanted touches of old and new mingled with her favorite colors. The bed was created by special request and features a Renaissance-style hand-carved crown motif. The walls are padded with Renaissance-style gold- and silver-leaf frames while marquetry borders adorn the wood floor. It is a room built for a Queen.”

FROM FANTASY TO REALITY Perla’s Arabian Palace could be considered her ultimate signature project. “This is my baby,” sighed Perla. “We all gave so much TLC to this house. We worked for seven years to bring this dream to life. This, to me, is a jewel. The family has moved in and they just love it. We did it.” Learn more about Perla Lichi online at www.perlalichi.com

Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

italian opera maestro A PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM

ANDREA BOCELLI AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MR. BOCELLI BY ROBIN JAY

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

hen one requests a one-on-one interview with the world’s most beloved tenor – opera maestro Andrea Bocelli, known by many as ‘the most prestigious witness of Italian culture’ and ‘one of the greatest positive myths of the millennium’ alive today – one expects the likely response to be that the conversation will happen on the Twelfth of Never. Imagine my astonishment and utter felicity when I learned my request was granted. Pinch me! If you’ve spent even just one past Valentine’s Day in South Florida, you know it’s tradition for Andrea Bocelli to perform here to a sold-out audience. For every wife, every girlfriend and every mother, it’s the most coveted ticket in town. (Gentlemen, if you haven’t yet bought your love’s concert ticket – hurry up, they may already be long gone.) And ladies, I’m pleased to tell you, that the larger-than-life poetic genius of song is as genuine and humble as the salt of the earth. Following are Mr. Bocelli’s thoughtful responses to my questions… South Florida Opulence: Mr. Bocelli – Valentine’s Day wouldn’t be the same here without your highly anticipated annual performances. What does the day mean to you on a personal level and why do you choose to share it with fans in South Florida? Andrea Bocelli: It is a special day. It is an opportunity to celebrate love. I believe in honoring anniversaries, provided that they are filled with meaning. On Valentine’s Day, we can thank our loved ones, we have a good opportunity to express them more affection and our gratitude. Personally, as I have set my whole life to honor love, through songs, in a sense, my goal is to live as if every day of the year were Valentine’s Day. And this is also the wish I make to those who are reading! Spending and celebrating Valentine's Day in Florida is a tradition that I really like, for the public is so warm and friendly and for the beauty of the place. To confirm these considerations, I have also bought a house in Florida: I have really put down roots in this very special land kissed by the sun and by the sea. SFO: Do you recall how old you were when you made your first visit to Miami? Was it for vacation with your family or for business? What were your first impressions? Andrea Bocelli: We are speaking of the ’90s, when my job gave me the opportunity to visit South Florida for the first time. I do not remember the details, but rather the feelings. I had been impressed by the climate, the cheerfulness of its inhabitants and also by its being a meeting point among different cultures. Today, after so many years, I can only confirm my first impressions. Every time I come, I find a lively atmosphere, and exuberant people, something that it is not easy to find elsewhere. Let me repeat it: It is not by chance it has become my second home.

SFO: When you visit Miami, what are some of your favorite things to do for fun when you’re not on stage? Andrea Bocelli: Miami is one of the few places where I can really rest, enjoy relaxing, experience the natural beauties that this generous land offers, and take long walks with my wife and my children ... SFO: What are some of your favorite Italian food dishes from when you were a young boy in Tuscany? When you visit South Florida, is there a particular place you like to eat that reminds you of authentic Tuscan dishes back home? If so, what are your favorite dishes and why? Andrea Bocelli: In South Florida, we eat very well, for the same reason why, we also live very well. It is a land that brings together many traditions, many culinary experiences, many influences, from Cuba to South America. Not to forget that here you can find many restaurants that offer refined Italian cuisine (too many to mention them here one by one). As for my tastes, I love genuine products, our Pecorino cheese, the Tuscan bread, sausages (handmade ones), the vegetables grown in kitchen gardens… Pasta dressed in whatever way is an Italian food that we have rooted inside our DNA. I like it with pesto, with tomato sauce, with a meat sauce but – as I recalled a moment ago – even simply with oil with a sprinkling of Parmesan on top of it. Pasta must be always “al dente,” that means not overcooked. That way it is easier to digest and infinitely better. By the way, about oil and wine I am very demanding, having the good fortune to produce them in our family together with my brother Alberto, using our vineyards, and our olive trees, in the Tuscan hills of Valdera. A Tuscan recipe of my childhood that takes me back in time is the one of stewed wild boar, which can also be called “Alla cacciatora.” SFO: In our winter issue of South Florida Opulence – our Best of the Best issue – I’m honored to tell you we’ve named you Best Italian Opera Maestro. Is there a message you would like to give to our readers? Andrea Bocelli: I would like to greet them all and let them all have a big hug remarking, however, that it is me who is their fan! I love people who feel emotions, who frankly express their feelings, people who know how to party and have fun, how to be profound and sensitive to social issues, but also light-hearted, when possible, to feel that healthy elation that music offers. For them I have friendship, gratitude, and would like to tell them, “see you soon”…like an old fellow citizen.

Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

SFO: I’ve learned that visitors to Lajatico, Italy, can tour the Bocelli Family Farm – Azienda Bocelli. What do you love about your childhood home most? Andrea Bocelli: I have to say that mine is a “biased” opinion, since I have a true devotion for my land, and I feel I am a “product” of my land. I am proud to be the fruit of a peasant culture, which has given me the values that have shaped my life and maybe, in turn, I express through singing.Tuscany is a region that on one hand holds a lot of amazing wonders of architecture, painting, sculpture and landscape, and on the other offers shelter for the spirit, because it is a land blessed by fertile lands, ideal to find silence and recollection. It is also a region where have been born great artists and, among these, many musicians, both composers and performers.

I love in a special way the countryside where I was born, therefore Lajatico and Valdera, a green and gray land, a triumph of smells and silence ... The main quality of this part of Tuscany is a simple beauty, a true one, a non-adulterated charm, not showing and yet dazzling, thanks to its authenticity, to its own vitality, the result of co-existence between man and nature based on respect and hard work. Here the echo of tractors mixes with the rustling of the trees, here the smell of hay is mingled with the one of grilled meat coming from some farmhouses hidden among dancing cypresses, and the natural contours of the hills may be broken by the contours of a medieval village, or of a church or by the ruins of an old abandoned farmhouse. Fortunately my opinion is shared by anyone who visits today, as in the past, this region of Italy.

A B O U T T H E B O C E L L I FA R M H O U S E

THE AZIENDA BOCELLI COURTESY OF BOCELLIFARMHOUSE.COM

he Azienda Bocelli has been developed over a number of generations. Initially the family worked a strip of land in the region before finally purchasing a small farm. Andrea’s grandfather Alcide was truly passionate about the earth and he devoted his life to the development of the family farm. His son, Alessandro, inherited his father’s passion and brought new ideas and a great deal of enthusiasm in order to develop the family business. Alberto, Alessandro’s son and Andrea’s brother, then proceeded to take on the responsibility of the farm alongside his devoted wife Cinzia. Together they have renewed equipment, innovated numerous sectors of the farm and built an impressive sales network.

picturesque comune of Lajatico. Across 120 hectares of land, the Bocelli family cultivate cereals, grapevines and olive trees. In the year 2000, Alberto and Andrea begin to develop ideas to encourage growth within the wine sector. The family canteens began to take off and the previously straw covered bottles evolved into elegant streamlined and finely labeled works of art. The Bocelli family members are extremely proud of their accomplishments; Andrea readily speaks of the pleasure that greets him when he returns to the farm and enjoys a bottle of fine wine produced on the family farm. He recalls his father and the great love that he had for his land. Alberto, Cinzia and Andrea share this love and it is for this reason that the family FarmHouse business is sure to continue to grow.

The setting of the farm is truly stunning. It can be found nestled in the beautiful Italian region of Tuscany, in the

To arrange for a visit to the Bocelli FarmHouse for a tour, go to bocellifarmhouse.com.

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

best couture handbag Felio Siby "Danya" bag Handmade in Italy of leather and nubuck $6,250 Available at Felio Siby, Miami Design District, www.feliosiby.com

best menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s evening shoes Jimmy Choo Velvet and glitter Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shoes $725

best whiskey decanter set

best luxury backpack Felio Siby backpack Nile crocodile encrusted with 24 carat gold One of a kind $100,000 Available at Felio Siby, Miami Design District, www.feliosiby.com

The Corelli range is made in crystal, with the GA initials etched on the bottom of each article; the bottle has the initials on the top. Available also in a gift box version comprising two glasses and a whiskey bottle. Suitable for dishwasher with neuter soap. Made in Slovenia. For pricing visit Armani/ Casa in Miami. Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

rare fancy colored diamonds

The Ten Million Dollar Marchioness Bracelet

his one-of-a-kind exquisite Marchioness bracelet, a delicate and perfect balance, mysterious and intriguing, is the ultimate in rarity of Natural Fancy Vivid Pinks and Vivid Blue GIA certified diamonds, representing some of the world’s most scarce and desired diamonds of all times: The Argyle Tender stones. This museum-quality bracelet, made for only one deserving woman in the world (could it be you?) is adorned with collection pear shapes to create the perfect flower petals. The combined total weight of just over 29 cts is priced not for the faint of heart, just under $10,000,000.00.

South Florida Opulence selected the Rosenberg Diamonds & Co. Marchioness bracelet as the 2015 Best of the Best Rare Fancy Colored Diamond Jewelry piece not only for its exquisite brilliance and intrinsic value, but also because of the well-respected integrity of its proprietor – Mr. David Rosenberg – one of the most trusted

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

leaders within the Worldwide Diamond Bourse globally, serving as the President of the Diamond Bourse of the Southeastern United States. When Rosenberg was notified of the award, he said, “Diamonds have been a lifetime passion for me. Ever since I discovered rare fancy colored diamonds as a young man, I was completely mesmerized and compelled by their beauty, rarity and limited supply that can only be re-created naturally over billions of years by Mother Earth. My passion and strong desire to protect the integrity of the diamond industry for those connoisseurs who collect and invest in them is what has driven me to be the best I can be. It is an honor to receive the Opulence 2015 Best of the Best Award. Thank you!”

international philanthropy THE INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS BALL Ambassadors, foreign diplomats and international philanthropists from around the globe will be returning to Palm Beach this season when The American Red Cross South Florida Region presents the 59th International Red Cross Ball on Saturday, February 6, 2016, at The Mar-a-Lago Club. The 2016 ball, considered to be the highlight of the Palm Beach social season, is being chaired by long-time American Red Cross supporter, Jeanne Pidot. She will be joined by Honorary Chairs Patrick Park and Patty Myura. “The American Red

Cross depends on the kindness of volunteers and generosity of supporters to achieve its mission,” noted Ball Chairman Jeanne Pidot. Mrs. Pidot is a nurse by education and training and served as a Red Cross nurse after the TWA Flight 800 crash in 1996. “We look forward to raising awareness and to promoting more goodwill among our constituents around the globe,” says Patrick Park, 58th International Red Cross Ball Chairman. For information on tickets, please contact Jennifer Whitaker at 561-650-9105 or Jennifer.Whitaker@redcross.org.

BEST OF THE BEST ball gown designer

THE MIRANDA BALL GOWN BY ISABELLE ARMSTRONG During the recent October unveiling of a Fall 2016 couture gown fashion show hosted at the charming Plaza Athenee Hotel in New York City, the finale extravaganza stunned the audience and had press cameras flashing in a frenzy – including the camera and editorial crew from South Florida Opulence – over the striking crimson Miranda Ball Gown by Isabelle Armstrong. What a divine ball gown Miranda would be at the International Red Cross Ball!

Miranda: Strapless silk faille ball gown with top stitched corset bodice and jeweled neckline with dramatic bias draped skirt. $7,795 www.isabellearmstrongny.com 212-772-9000 Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

haute couture resortwear designer

ST. JOHN The St. John Resort 2016 collection reflects an effortless elegance inspired by the south of France and Italy. Vibrant designs are meticulously crafted. Ensembles are perfectly carefree. From flirtatious tweeds to bold stripes, romantic florals and sensually silvered evening silhouettes, each piece brings a signature entrance where warm Golden Coast Glamour meets continental style. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to see the brand expand to couture resortwear,” said Robin Jay, Editor in Chief of South Florida Opulence, who has collected St. John business suits since age 25. "The classic St. John signature Santana Knit ensembles first designed by founder Marie Gray have been my go-to favorite and timeless business attire pretty much forever. Now, I can't wait to fill my closet with St. John Resortwear!"

This elegant black and white dress from the St. John Resort Collection is available at the St. John Boutique at Aventura Mall in Aventura, Florida.

100

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

BEST ANTI-AGING BY NIGHT: ZO OSSENTIAL Ossential Advanced Radical Night Repair contains a full 1 percent concentration of retinol to stimulate new cell activity and collagen formation in aged and UV-damaged skin faster and more effectively than any other anti-aging treatment. Available at www. zoskinhealth.com. 2 FL ounces $170

BEST PERFUMERY: HOUSE OF CREED Editor’s choice, House of CREED in Paris, is the finest in perfumery pedigree, using the signature 4,000-year-old infusion technique. Royal Princess Oud is the newest scent inspired by the family’s couturier legacy and early 20th century fashion sketches by Master Perfumer Henry Creed II for the most stylish socials in history. Its woody floral with Iris and oud is the glamourous ritual of bespoke dressing – from high tea to grand balls. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. 75 ML/2.5 ounces $385.

BEST HOLIDAY LUXURY GIFT: CAVIAR SPECTACULAIRE

La Prairie and Baccarat, two legendary houses of luxury, come together for creation of exceptional beauty: skin caviar luxe cream nestled in a breathtaking limit addition Baccarat crystal. Only 100 in North America. To be enjoyed initially as a gift of timeless beauty, then treasured for a lifetime as an exquisite crystal caviar server. For assistance in locating this Caviar Spectaculaire, consult your La Prairie representative at Bloomingdale's or Nordstrom at Aventura Mall. $2200. Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

101

ultra luxury spas

For avid spa enthusiasts, the issue in South Florida isn’t finding a luxury spa, it’s choosing among the list of many at which to pamper and indulge yourself. At South Florida Opulence, we’ve prepared for you an overview of our very favorite spa oasis venues. May we suggest you try them all!

Mandarin Oriental

Acqualina Spa by ESPA

BEST PRIVATE ISLAND SPA, BRICKELL KEY

BEST LARGE RESORT HOTEL SPA, MIAMI BEACH

Spa at Mandarin Oriental Miami 500 Brickell Key Drive, Miami (305) 913-8332 www.mandarinoriental.com/miami/luxury-spa Treatment recommendation: Opulent Rejuvenescence Facial (of course!) with Dr. Ivo Pitanguy skincare products

Lapis Spa at Fontainebleau 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach (305) 674-4772, www.fontainebleau.com/spa Treatment recommendation: Spalicious body scrub and lapis mineral soak

BEST CONDOMINIUM/ RESORT-BASED SPA, SUNNY ISLES

100 South Ocean Boulevard, Manalpan 561-533-6000 www.eauspa.com Treatment recommendation: Day pass at the Scrub and Polish Bar, followed by a basket swing in the outdoor toe-splash pool

Acqualina Spa by ESPA 17875 Collins Avenue in Sunny Isles Beach 888.804.4338, www.acqualinaresort.com Treatment recommendation: His & Her massage based on Ayurvedic principles in the couples spa suite

BEST OCEANFRONT BOUTIQUE HOTEL BASED SPA MIAMI BEACH: EAU Spa

The Spa & Salon at Thompson Miami Beach 4041 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach 786-605-4093 www.thompsonhotels.com/hotels/thompsonmiami-beach Treatment recommendation: Signature Rose Petal Massage

Lapis Spa Thompson Spa

102

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

BEST PALM BEACH SPA EAU SPA

beachfront full service spa in fort lauderdale

RITZ-CARLTON ‘SPALIDAYS’ At the first beachfront full-service spa in Ft. Lauderdale

erched seven floors above the Atlantic Ocean, The RitzCarlton Spa, Fort Lauderdale kicks off the fall season with an expanded and updated look. Along with the rejuvenated design, a new menu of custom treatments, and ESPA products have been added to further elevate the experience. Helmed by New York City firm Dash Design, the new 8,500-squarefoot destination spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale now features a new steam room, sauna and a full-service salon, making it the first beachfront full-service spa in Fort Lauderdale.

DESTINATION SPA TO THE NEXT LEVEL The new spa offers 11 treatment rooms including a private couple’s treatment suite and private massage areas as well as Jacuzzis on the seventh floor tropical pool deck. It boasts a state of the art fitness center with Technogym cardiovascular and strength equipment and an intracoastal water view. The all-new marble and mosaic tile wet areas include a steam room, wet room and sauna. The spa’s full service hair, manicure and pedicure salon is available for hotel guests and locals alike, ideal for blowouts, bridal parties and more.

The re-imagined destination spa will serve as a secluded oasis for those seeking to unwind in luxurious style for all beauty and wellness needs. The newly crafted treatment menu with ESPA products speaks to the destination of Fort Lauderdale with nods to the native tribes that inhabit the area, the calming ocean and the state’s beloved Florida oranges. Innovative treatments such as the Cleansing Ceremony, which provides the same benefits as a three day juice cleanse, the Rebalancing Citrus Spring, which offers a local citrus scrub and calming stone massage or the Biodynamic Facial using products harvested based on the phases of the moon are custom and exclusive to the new spa.

WINTER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES Additional holiday programming includes a “Spa White Friday” on Black Friday where guests will receive up to 75 percent off retail for the day. The spa will also celebrate December “Spalidays” with monthly themed holiday specials. Lastly, guests will have the opportunity to Deck the Halls with Spa and Mani’s from December 1st through January 3rd with a Champagne Body Treatment, Vino Antioxidant Facial, or a Peppermint Stick Manicure and Pedicure.

Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

103

PUTTIN’ ON THE RITZ IN FT. LAUDERDALE WITH A MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR RENOVATION

The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale recently completed an $8 million renovation, helmed by architect and interior designer, Streetsense. The enhancement includes an all-new restaurant and bar, transformation of the lobby, new retail outlets, a spa makeover (See page 103) and the new eatery Burlock Coast. BURLOCK COAST COMES ASHORE Named after the burlock bag that sea captain and smuggler Bill McCoy invented to transport his iconic rum safely overseas during Prohibition, Burlock Coast is the hottest new Fort Lauderdale restaurant of the season. Part of the multi-million dollar renovation, the restaurant is located off the lobby, on the ground floor of The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale, just steps from the Atlantic on A1A. Diners and imbibers, locals and visitors can expect a gorgeous, rustic yet sophisticated space featuring an indoor/outdoor bar and a carefully-curated marketplace; resplendent with artisanal goods, from locally-baked breads and roasted coffees to packaged items spotlighting a number of ingredients or dishes on the restaurant’s menu. “Burlock Coast is designed to be more than a restaurant,” 104

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

said hotel general manager Greg Cook. “It’s a morning time gathering spot. A watering hole. A marketplace with amazing packaged goods, as well as prepared foods for those on-the-go. It’s a haven for rum lovers and, of course, a great spot for a business lunch with colleagues or a night out with friends or family.”

MEET THE CHEF AT THE HELM Relying heavily on the bounty of local farmers and fisherman, the menu will be executed by Chef de Cuisine Gavin Pera. “Smart sourcing is the key to any smart menu,” says Pera, who, previously to joining the Burlock Coast team worked at The Maritana Grille Loews Don Cesar as chef de cuisine. “With this menu, we wanted to source as much as possible from our local purveyors but take it one step further and partner with local artisans and give them an oppor-

KEEP THE RUM POURING tunity to spotlight the amazing things they’re doing.” To that end, breads by South Florida’s revered Zak the Baker will not only be part of Burlock Coast’s bread service but also for sale, fresh daily, in the marketplace. Panther Coffee devotees can get a hot cup to go or buy a bag of roasted beans for home brewing; beer aficionados will find a plethora of local brews on tap at the bar and charcuterie selections at both the restaurant and in the marketplace will feature items from Miami Smokers. “We have some truly talented people in South Florida producing delicious food and drink with passion and an attention to detail we admire,” Pera adds. “We love what they’re about and aim to do the same with what comes out of our kitchen and bar when Burlock Coast opens.” Some of those finer details will come to the fore during meal service in the restaurant as Pera promises some unique tableside craft, including a fish n’ chips lunch plate lightly misted with house-made vinegar. “Nothing too showy,” he says. “A little flare goes a long way.”

The beverage program at Burlock Coast will include seven local beers on tap, a generous amount of beers by the bottle, and an array of wines, as well as a progressive cocktail program that embraces the restaurant’s historical touchstones and features an extensive rum list heavy with French, Caribbean and Spanish selections. Part and parcel with some of Chef Pera’s tableside services, during dinner a rum cart will be on the move allowing diners the opportunity to build their own rum cocktail. Enthusiastic diners and Lauderdale’s cocktail set can expect a casual, yet sophisticated service style and setting from the oceanfront restaurant. Design elements will include repurposed goods, marble and copper finishes, and a tip of the hat to antiquity, with many cocktails served in hand-cut cocktail glasses, Julep and mule cups. Natural elements, bringing the outside in, are also in play. The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale is located at One North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304. For additional information, please contact (954) 465-2300 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com/fortlauderdale.

Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

105

best luxury international yacht charter

eet Regina: 184 feet of shapely, sexy, seductive sailing. Chances are, she’s already caught your eye, gracefully gliding by beaches brimming with supermodels, turning every head in sight. You may have spotted her in St. Barths, Saint-Tropez or Santorini. Then again, your most vivid memory of her in all her glory, was most likely indelibly etched in your mind during that heady helicopter shot of her under sail, or the subsequent steamy encounter below deck between James Bond star Daniel Craig and Bond Girl Bérénice Marlohe, who filmed “Skyfall” scenes on Regina.

Regina’s cinematic fame quickly established her as a favorite charter choice for celebrities and sybarites alike, all of whom feel like stars aboard this stunning superyacht. A crew of nine cater to every whim of guests, lavishing them with whatever they desire, be it a dazzling array of water toys—including a three-person jet ski, wakeboard, sea kayaks, water skis, canoes, Zodiac and snorkeling equipment—or quiet time with a loved one lounging on the expansive sunpad on the aft deck, gazing at a view to thrill. “During the day, our guests are out on their private vessel, island hopping and enjoying all the water sports and water toys,” recounts Yossi Sokol, founder of Y Charter, a fullservice luxury yacht charter agency.

SAIL ON BOND'S SEDUCTIVE

CINEMATIC REGINA BY DENISE REYNOLDS

106

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

Shown above – Foredeck; Middle– 2nd Master; Bottom– Main Salon

“You have your own staff onboard. But at the end of the day, you want to come back to the harbor, get off, stretch your legs and walk the town. Speak to the locals, dine at their restaurants, and get the vibe of the place you’re at.” As the night sky twinkles above you, settle back into Regina’s sumptuous staterooms, ensconced by bedheads of honey mousse onyx, as you let luxurious linens caress your body—and dream of the day you’ll return to make more memories on the yacht you call home, if only for a while.

WHY Y CHARTER? Guests who arrange yacht travel through Y Charter receive tremendous added value compared with agencies and clearinghouses that charge broker fees, hand you the captain's phone number and say 'arrivederci.' Instead, Y charter personalizes experiences to every client's unique bespoke needs, ensuring that travel doesn't just meet expectation, it beats expectation. “Everything is customized to your expectations — itinerary, gourmet meals and excursions,” said Sokol. “We ask about your allergies and preferences. We combine all of this and we inform the crew of every last detail." The result: a unique and memorable experience that makes our guests' dreams come true. “In addition to exclusive listings on a fleet of nearly 40 yachts — ranging from 35 to 155 feet — Y Charter can arrange your travel on any yacht that is listed for charter anywhere in the world. Thousands of vessels," said Sokol. For doubly alluring value, consider an eco-friendly sailing yacht to avoid the pricey fuel burn associated with motoring yachts. To arrange your special yacht travel experience, Y Charter is at your service. Call (305) 999-5839 or visit www.ycharter.com.

Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

107

The Keepers of Culture BY JOHN D. ADAMS

curator is a “keeper” or a “custodian” for the art world. For Michael and Karen Bivins, CEO and Director, respectively, of Dallas’ Samuel Lynne Galleries, the word defines not only their business, but their devotion to artists and patrons.

After thriving for nearly three decades as curators in San Francisco, Beverly Hills, Madrid and throughout Europe, the Bivins returned to Dallas to be closer to family. Three years ago, they became managing partners of Samuel Lynne Galleries, an 11,000-square-foot art facility that includes galleries, studio space and even a 40-seat HD theater.

How does a husband and wife team, one an investment banker, the other an attorney, become esteemed curators in the art world? “We had always been big collectors of art, rare documents and 19th century European porcelain. So we already had that mentality,” said Michael Bivins.

Currently the Samuel Lynne Galleries hosts 13 blue chip, midcareer and emerging artists who represent an impressive array of media and genres. “Museums have taken notice of the significant artists we are bringing to Dallas,” added Karen. Among them is Tom Holland, considered one of California’s most important living artists. His vibrantly colored, freestanding and wall-mounted artworks are featured in The Guggenheim, The Museum of Modern Art and The Whitney Museum of American Art, to name just a few. The Bivins also represent Robert Hudson, one of the fathers of the 1950s assemblage movement and recent recipient of the art world’s most prestigious accolade—the Krasner Lifetime Achievement Award. Hudson’s intricately-witty sculptures can also be found at The Museum of Modern Art, The National Gallery, and The Whitney Museum of American Art, among others.

After moving from Dallas to San Francisco in 1989, Karen Bivins decided to forgo her law career, and engage in a deeper understanding of the curator’s role in the art world. “Initially, I worked with the San Francisco Fine Art Exchange. Among this group of curators, I met some of the most important artists of our time and I learned all about the secondary art market.” After two years, Karen opened her own curatorial firm. “Michael was involved from the inception with his marketing expertise and client and collector base development,” said Karen. “I built relationships with artists in the secondary market.” The Bivins’ winning combination of business acumen and art expertise is unique to the art industry. “We provide a comprehensive service,” said Karen. “If a buyer is looking to add a particular artist to their collection, we are their resource to navigate the art industry. If they wish to sell, we provide that service too. Clients have the world as our inventory. Most galleries are locked in to selling just their inventory.”

THE MARKET The primary market is where a gallery or curator takes on an artist or his estate, controlling the promotion and sale of that artist. But let’s say you have a relative who wills you a Warhol painting. If you want to sell it, agents like Michael and Karen bring the work to the secondary market and assist with the sale.

“Our best-selling artist in the gallery right now is JD Miller,” said Michael. A mid-career artist, Miller is making a name for himself through his unique, three-dimensional oil technique. The Bivins also represent Willian T. Wiley, the founding leader of the Funk Art movement, whose work can be found in the permanent collections of The Museum of Modern Art and the Smithsonian American Art Museum, to name a few. “We want to educate and assist our patrons in building comprehensive, objective and meaningful art collections. The United States is still the best marketplace for art in the world,” added Michael. “Twenty years ago, there might have been 50 or 60 people who would, or could, pay in excess of $5 million for a painting. That has expanded 100-fold now. We provide a turnkey solution for these artists, buyers and sellers; and we are privileged to be a part of this new golden age of art.” Visit the Samuel Lynne Galleries online at www.samuellynne.com

108

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

Sky Hawk 36" x 60" Oil on canvas

Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

109

for a moment his revolutionary oil sculpting technique. From across that room, the rhythm of a Miller painting is palpable. Perhaps, then, it is no surprise that for most of his early Texas years, Miller voraciously studied guitar, trumpet, and piano. By college, Miller maintained his musical interest, but found himself equally drawn to pottery and sculpture. By the time he finished his undergraduate music and sculpture work at the University of North Texas, Miller had created a flourishing business producing commercial music. But after 10 years, he was burned out. He sold the business and began work as an account executive with CBS radio.

Emerald Cavern 40" x 40" Oil on canvas

The Pop of Art

Three-dimensional oil artist JD Miller channels passion through paint BY ROBIN JAY AND JOHN D. ADAMS

Miller is standing beside a mounted blank canvas. “I’m going to paint, from start to finish, a three-dimensional oil painting,” he states before a capacity crowd at Samuel Lynne Galleries in Dallas, TX. The crowd erupts. But wait, there’s more. Much more. “The cool thing is,” he continues, “that it’s not just my energy that is going into this painting. It’s all of our energy. I have faith in the universe and I know something will be there.” Welcome to Miller’s very special world of Reflectionist Art. His kinetic approach to both his live event work and his in-studio pieces is astoundingly just the first stop. Miller has developed a signature process of using massive amounts of oil paints to literally sculpt images onto the canvas. The fusion of cosmic energy

110

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

and artistic inspiration has propelled Miller to the forefront of the contemporary art scene while anointing him the founding father and inspirational guru of today’s Reflectionist Art movement.

RHYTHM AND JOY You know a JD Miller painting immediately. Even from far across a room. Forget

As his creative energy recharged, Miller truly had an “a-ha” moment that would change the face of contemporary oil painting. “Because I was trained as a potter I immediately saw the connection between oil paint and the plastic, clay-like qualities of it. I just sort of merged ceramics and classical master oil painting techniques. That’s how I started doing the 3-D technique.” But this is an academic topic. Miller stops for a moment. “I think the main thing for me is that my art is like a mission in life. My work is about joy, it’s about reflecting the higher vibrations of the human experience. There’s a lot of negative art, and I guess it’s a reflection of some of the negativity in our world, but I choose not to dwell on that. I try to be as positive as I can in my life, and grateful, and that’s what I put out. That’s what I put out into the universe and that’s what is mirrored or reflected back.”

COLOR CHORDS Under another artist’s hand, Miller’s sculptural technique could easily devolve into a juvenile’s idea of a relief map. And there are now imitators on the market. But they lack the verve, the

Synthesis of a Dream 72" x 72" Oil on canvas

“I call myself a Reflectionist artist because I believe that the universe mirrors each of us in a unique way.” – JD Miller Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

111

Poseidon’s Playground triptych, 84" x 36", Oil on canvas

JD Miller

life essence that imbues a JD Miller work. That essence is, perhaps, the cornerstone of Miller’s Reflectionist movement. “I really got the idea for it when I was in music,” said Miller. “I had a band called Reflection Theory. We were studying the law of attraction and applying that to music. I finally realized: ‘Wow, I need to apply this to art.’ Because that’s what we do, we reflect the universe and that’s where we came up with the idea. We were looking for something like impressionism, that could give it a term, and that’s when we came up with Reflectionism… “A movement comes with time and I believe it is truly becoming a movement as more and more artists are doing it and word spreads, but it’s more of a school of art. By school I don’t mean an academic school; I mean a type of art that someone has invented and they’re teaching someone, and a lot of those wind up becoming movements, and that’s what we believe Reflectionism is doing, it’s in the process of becoming a movement.” Ultimately, the benchmark of a Miller painting beyond the astounding 3-D technique, is the emotional energy it evokes and shares. Here, again, Miller’s work stands apart. “It’s about bringing joy to people. I feel joy creating it, but I love when people stand in front of 112

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

Miami Twilight, 48" x 60", Oil on canvas

my paintings and their eyes light up. You can tell it just makes them happy. That’s really, really important to me… “I wake up every day and I do what I love, how rare and what a great thing. I don’t take it for granted. I’m just really thankful and I’m aware of it every day.” JD Miller is represented by the Samuel Lynne Galleries. www.samuellynne.com. Visit his Web site at: www.jdmillerart.com

The Dallas Opera Launches Institute for Women Conductors

PHOTO BY SCOTT BUMP

BY JANA SOELDNER DANGER

Lidiya Yankovskaya conducts the Dallas Opera Orchestra.

PHOTO BY KAREN ALMOND

Now, the goal of an elite new program for women conductors is to change that. At press time, the Linda and Mitch Hart Institute for (l-r) Keith Cerny, Women ConducEmmanuel Villaume tors at the Dallas Opera was set to open for its inaugural session at the end of November. “It’s very clear to me that women are underrepresented in conducting jobs,” said Keith Cerny, General Director and CEO of the Dallas Opera. “We want to help women on the cusp of major careers to really take off.”

A MULTIFACETED PROGRAM The IWC will include master classes and one-on-one sessions with Dallas Opera Music Director Emmanuel Villaume and Principal Guest Conductor Nicole Paiement, as well as seminars, discussions, and networking with colleagues. Each participant will receive an overture and an aria to re-

hearse and will also have a rare opportunity to conduct The Dallas Opera Orchestra in a public concert performance. “Our goal is to give them more than just the musical experience they can get from conducting,” said Paiement, who in addition to her role with The Dallas Opera Orchestra also heads Opera Parallelle, a company she founded in San Francisco in 2010. “They’ll talk with the media and address the business aspects of the profession, which are not so often talked about.” Why do so few women become conductors and music directors? “In a few sad cases, it’s outright discrimination,” Cerny said. “But more often, it’s that audiences aren’t used to seeing women on the podium, and decision makers aren’t used to considering women when they’re hiring.” But it is more than that, Cerny continued. Like almost every other profession, careers in classical music require business savvy and aggressive career management, two areas where even very talented women may lack training and expertise “We want to provide really intensive career coaching in what to look for in an artistic manager and what kind of engagements they should be taking,” Cerny said.

GLOBAL RESPONSE More than 100 women conductors from 27 countries applied for six coveted spots.

PHOTO BY ROGER STEEN

woman may well be the next president of the United States. Nonetheless, one professional area where women are greatly underrepresented is on a podium conducting a symphony orchestra—especially playing for a major opera company.

Nicole Paiement Among the Fellows is Jessica Gethin, a conductor based in Perth, Australia. “The opportunity to be a part of the inaugural program is invaluable at this stage of my career,” she said. Natalie Beale from the United Kingdom will also attend. “This program is a vital acknowledgment of female conducting talent,” she said. “Opera is a complex art form that includes drama, music, choreography, technical staging, and direction, and at performance time most of the responsibility falls to the conductor,” Paiement said. “It’s a big leadership role because if one area is not done correctly, the rest won’t be as powerful.” The program is a groundbreaker. “I’m personally excited because it’s one of only a handful of programs in the world to focus on women, and the only one for women that focuses on opera,” Cerny said. “It’s unprecedented.”

Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

113

Monkey See, Charcoal Graphite & Acrylic on Canvas, 61.5 x 74 inches

William T. Wiley and his wife Mary Hull Webster Wit is a tricky tool for an artist to use. For William T. Wiley, pieces often reveal his response to fresh disasters aired on the nightly news. His practice is to scatter ironic humor and profound beauty with serious commentary, usually on current events. For more than 65 years, Wiley has masterfully, elaborately, evocatively, and earnestly made art. Often his work is an amalgamation of many disciplines. One genre could never contain Wiley’s messages on social 114

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

William T. Wiley: Dude Ascending The Stare Case BY ROBIN JAY AND JOHN D. ADAMS

injustice and political issues, most of them involving war and environmental concerns. He has produced: paintings, drawings, assemblage pieces, sculptures, watercolors, tapestries, installations, prints, book collaborations, films and videos, even a Wileydesigned working pinball machine. In 2009-2010 the Smithsonian American Art Museum recognized Wiley’s lifetime of work with a retrospective – What’s It All Mean: William T. Wiley in Retrospect. About Wiley, The Smithsonian stated: “Art, politics, war, global warming, foolishness, ambition, hypocrisy, and irony are summoned by Wiley’s fertile imagination and recorded in the personal vocabulary of symbols, puns and images that fill his objects. His wit and sense of the absurd make his art accessible

to all with multiple layers of meaning revealed through careful examination.”

TRUTH AND CONSEQUENCES If there is one sacred truth to a Wiley art piece, it is this: Integrity. "I often think that when I’m working on a piece,” said Wiley. “It’s about everything – what I’m thinking, what I’m feeling, what I’m hearing, what I’m seeing, what’s scaring me, what’s making me happy, what’s making me laugh, what’s making me cry, what’s making me wonder and question…”

We were delighted to sit down with this American master of provocative art and verbal play to discuss a few of his works, his feelings about contemporary society, and his homage to a beloved early teacher.

MONKEY SEE (Shown Left Page) As we studied Wiley’s Monkey See, the artist spoke passionately. “It’s all about how we treat animals and each other. Somebody once said, ‘We do terrible things to animals but we do worse things to human beings,’

Torture has long been a thing that concerns me, we torture people, torture each other. And my monkey in the piece has several devices hooked up to torture him. He’s also confined in the stocks. If you crank that device, it sends an electric current through, it’s an actual torturing device.” As with most of Wiley’s strongest work, there is also a strong counterpoint. In this case, a beautiful landscape behind his monkey “to give us some relief.”

Dude Defending the Stare Case, Acrylic on Canvas, 60.75 x 65.25 inches

DUDE DEFENDING THE STARE CASE (Shown Above) With Dude Defending the Stare Case, Wiley takes a respite from social messages with his version of a purely joyful homage to Duchamp. “In the last couple of years, I’ve been working on canvas just with black

and white. And I wanted to work abstractly, so that I wouldn’t have to be thinking up a story… I was playing with a blob of black and a blob of white paint… I’d just smear it with the palette knife in one direction or another, and suddenly I saw a motion in it that reminded me of Duchamp’s Nude

Descending the Staircase. And I thought: ‘that reminds me of Duchamp’s work… And you know, if you mess with words, words will mess with you. So I suddenly heard ‘dude defending the staircase’ which is pretty humorous and just didn’t have to be about anything but pure pleasure.” Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

115

James McGrath:

One Teacher’s Remarkable Legacy

The artist/apprentice relationship holds a sacred place in the grand tradition of art history. Most creative individuals can point to an early influencer, someone who ignited and helped fan the flames of artistic expression. For Wiley and his good friend Robert Hudson (profiled in the Fall edition of South Florida Opulence) that influence was James McGrath, a young artist and High School teacher who wasn’t that much older than his students. Now 89, we spoke with McGrath about this influence and his reaction to having mentored not one, but two renowned artists. Post Modern Landscape & the Pressure of Just Us, Mixed Media, 62 x 33.75 inches

POST MODERN LANDSCAPE & THE PRESSURE OF JUST US (Shown Above) This complex painting, with all its layers and commentary, suggests the meshes of law and justice, lawlessness and injustice, with which individuals and most of the planet must contend. Along with the layers of images, icons, symbols, and found illustrations, Wiley has mentioned James McGrath, his high school art teacher, who was a tremendous early influence on Wiley and, remarkably, several other prominent artists. About his friend, Wiley said: “He opened us up to what art could be. He himself is an artist who does work that combines many forms – words and poetry, along with images. His concern for the environment is a full calliope of consciousness.”

TOMORROW AND TOMORROW AND TOMORROW Now 78 years old, Wiley shows no signs of slowing. “The things that have worried me and upset me and caused me great distress, and also great humor, are still very much with us. What we’re doing to the planet and each other is pretty horrendous.” As his work continues, Wiley takes a moment to reflect. “I have been able to practice the artwork that I’ve wanted to do and I’ve found support through people who are willing to help me do that. That’s a great achievement. I feel lucky to have been honored and noticed.” 116

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

“I was 24 at the time and I had students who weren’t much younger than myself so we kind of thought alike and saw the world in a similar way,” said McGrath. The educator fondly remembers Wiley and Hudson as friends who shared a passion for art and had supportive families who nurtured their explorations. “They lived in an area called North Richland, which was where the trailer housing was located. They wore jeans and overalls and shirts. There wasn’t anything particularly elegant about their dress or their homes, but their spirits and presence were elegant. Wiley was tall and skinny and Hudson was a little smaller, a little heavier. Both were very gentle people. Wonderful senses of humor. They used to tease the girls terribly.” “McGrath would often take us on trips up to see hieroglyphics and make rubbings,” recalled Wiley. “I always believed that the art class is not just in a building,” added McGrath. “It’s outside along the river, it’s in the trees, it’s in the grass, it’s in the roots, and it’s in the sky. If you are going to be teaching art, you just better open up the doors and let it all in.” William T. Wiley is represented by Samuel Lynne Galleries. To view more of the artist’s works, visit www.SamuelLynne.com. For more information about the paintings shown in South Florida Opulence, call (214) 965-9027.

Meet the Young Lady First Rescued by A Safe Haven for Newborns BY JANA SOELDNER DANGER

loria Silverio loved children, but she was unable to have any of her own. During the 32 years she and her husband, Nick Silverio, were married, she had two miscarriages — one of them on a Christmas Eve. “So we nurtured our nieces and nephews and our 14 godchildren instead,” Nick said. When Gloria was tragically killed in a car accident by a speeding driver, Nick wanted to do something to preserve her memory. “I knew it would be something either with the elderly or with babies, because they were her favorite people,” he said. One morning at 3 a.m., a grieving Nick was sitting at his kitchen table, aimlessly leafing through a magazine. “I wasn’t thinking about the magazine, but suddenly my hand stopped on a page.” The page held a heart-wrenching story about an abandoned infant. That seemingly chance encounter changed Nick’s life, as well as many others. It led to the creation of A Safe Haven for Newborns, a Miami-based organization that serves pregnant women and new mothers who have nowhere to turn, and whose infants are at risk of abandonment. It also helps to match their babies with adoptive parents who desperately want children. “I believe it was God’s plan for me,” Nick said. “Now it’s my purpose in life.” Florida already had a law that allows a mother to leave a baby within the first three days of its life at a “safe haven,” usually a hospital or fire station, with no questions asked. Nick decided to make it his mission to create awareness of the law and show new mothers that there was an alternative to abandonment.

ANOTHER MIRACLE Although Lori Lewis and her husband Michael were unable to have biological children, they found satisfaction in being foster parents. But each time, there was always the heart-wrenching moment when they had to give the child back. “I kept hoping that maybe someday I’d get to keep one forever,” Lori said.

Safe Haven for Newborns 2015 Gala

Back when A Safe Haven for Newborns first started, they were notified that a fire station in Deerfield took in newborn "Baby Hope." Safe Haven contacted Lori and Michael Lewis, who were overjoyed to adopt her. They named the baby Gloria – who today is a happy young lady in her loving family – she is pictured above with her mom at the Safe Haven for Newborns Gala in November.

Today, the Safe Haven helpline gets an average of seven or eight calls a day, sometimes from girls as young as 13. Everyone in the organization is a volunteer. “We’ve helped 5,000 women, and saved 232 babies,” Nick said. “But I believed from the beginning that if we had saved only one life, all of our efforts would have been worth it. Our programs give these babies a chance at a future.”

Although the Lewises, who own and manage a campground, have since moved to Kentucky, they were living in Broward County when they received a life-changing phone call from Kids in Distress. A young woman had left her newborn at a fire station in Deerfield Beach. The firefighters had named the little girl Baby Hope, and she was now at an area hospital. She needed parents. Would the Lewises be willing to adopt her? Yes, they were willing. They were more than willing. They were thrilled. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think they’d call with a baby who was four days old who would be ours,” Lori said, wonder still in her voice. They knew the birth mother had a certain number of days to decide she wanted her baby back, so when a phone call came two weeks later from KID, Lori’s heart sank. “I thought she had changed her mind.” Instead, counselors wanted to give the new parents a journal containing two letters from the birth mother. One was for the baby, explaining why she had to give her daughter up and how difficult it was. “There was one for us, too, thanking us for loving her child,” Lori said. The Lewises kept the name Hope for the baby’s middle name, but decided her first name would be Gloria. “I’d always thought if I had a girl, I wanted to name her after my mother,” Lori said.

She didn’t know at the time that Nick’s wife was also named Gloria. He believes the name was all part of a divine plan. “I don’t think it was a coincidence,” he said Today, ‘baby Gloria’ is now a beautiful, young and happy preteen. She is pictured here with her adoptive Mom, Lori, at the October 2015 Safe Haven for Newborns Gala at Trump National Doral. To meet more children and their families who’ve been joyfully united thanks to A Safe Haven for Newborns, go to www.southfloridaopulence.com.

Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

117

COLLECTING NATURAL WONDERS BY DR. ROBERT LAVINSKY

Dr. Lavinsky is a scientist and an operator of fine mineral mines, as well as two museum-style showrooms (in Shanghai and Dallas) of natural mineral crystals from around the world.

em crystals are natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s works of art. They are often breathtakingly beautiful and inspiring, and they are collectible like any other high art. Created over millions of years in the dark depths of the earth, they emerge into the light to bring us pleasure and wonder. But finding them and bringing them out of

their original homes can be difficult and dangerous. The journey from the depths of a mine to become part of a treasured collection in a museum or private home, or a centerpiece of fine jewelry, is a long and complex one that can take a year or more. It is a process, and a whole world, really, that many people are unaware of.

Natural tanzanite crystal, ARKENSTONE specimen

118

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

To convey a better understanding of the complexities that are involved, I recently helped complete a documentary video, done in conjunction with French National Television and Cartier of Paris, that tells this fascinating story for a well known African gemstone species: Tanzanite. It has been entered in the May 2016 Cannes Film Festival. I believe people should understand where these beautiful objects come from, because surely they will then appreciate them even more, and understand my own passion for them.

UNIQUE VALUE These minerals have value for many reasons. In earlier times, they were gifts given and received by royalty and the wealthy upper classes. In the 20th century, collectors like JP Morgan, Thomas Edison and Andrew Carnegie coveted them. Now, these natural treasures are often crushed to make common products like eyeliner or mobile phones. And, of course, they are fashioned into jewelry. Those of us who love these mesmerizing minerals, however, would prefer to see worldclass specimens preserved and displayed in museums and private collections, something that is happening more and more today due to outreach and education.

TANZANITE Each mineral is unique. Consider tanzanite, a breathtaking crystal that exhibits rich tones of sapphire blue, deep violet and warm strawberry red, changing almost magically as the light around it changes. It is found in only one place in the world, the East African country of Tanzania, for which it is named. Eons ago, the precious crystals grew in the depths of the mountain that later was pushed above the earth, and today we know as Mount Kilimanjaro. Given that the mines are up to 1.5km deep in the mountain's flanks, it is unsurprising that these treasures were not discovered until 1967. Today, the crystals are found in a single deep mine now controlled mostly by a corporate conglomerate with government oversight on the slopes of the Lelatema Mountains. Most are made into jewelry, including an exquisite line by Cartier and Van Cleef and Arpels (see photo top right provided by Bob Kane of Fine Gems Intl.). But of

course, this unusual and precious mineral is also sought by collectors in its natural and original, dramatic crystalline form. In fact, several natural tanzanite crystals of high quality have recently traded at prices of $1-3 million. These prices are higher than those for record-setting cut gems from the same material - an irony not lost upon those of us who collect the crystals.

COST People are often surprised to learn that a crystal in its natural form can cost more than a piece of jewelry. Here’s why: An independent miner who harvests a crystal might take it immediately into town in search of the instant reward it can offer. The buyer, however, is likely to pay only for the part of the crystal that will be used in the product to be made from it. But if I am in a mine in Thailand, Madagascar, China or somewhere else in the world and a miner offers me a crystal, I would purchase and pay for the whole object, because I plan to keep it intact. The miner earns more, and I save a precious crystal from being crushed. It is much more common to find broken or damaged crystals from which to cut gemstones. But finding a pristine and aesthetic complete crystal is significantly more difficult, and it is much more challenging to find and remove these intact crystals without harming the natural shape. Determining the value of colored stones is a complex process. Many variables are in play,

including subtleties of color saturation, brightness, and provenance of point of origin. Each crystal is unique, formed tens of millions of years ago through eons of heating and cooling, and there will never be two exactly alike. Collecting these beautiful objects is a fascinating hobby. It is available to all kinds of people at different economic levels. I myself started collecting “rocks” that sold for a dollar, and I now routinely sell fine mineral specimens that cost $10,000 to $100,000. But an individual who can afford just a few hundred dollars to a few thousand can get something uniquely beautiful in which he or she can take as much pride as a fine painting, and is still worthy of museum displays or philanthropic donations. As with many collections, part of the reward is the joy of the hunt. In the world of minerals, there will always be something new and beautiful to discover each year for any level of collector. RING TOP LEFT PAGE COURTESY OF THE ARKENSTONE

South Florida OPULENCE

119

ART OF THE CALABASH L BY PRZEMEK KRAWCZYŃSKI

ight is kind of magic: insubstantial, yet visible. It is something that can change our material world and the way we perceive it in a thousand ways. After all, it is light that winds our body clock; it naturally boosts our mood and heals us.

The way in which light brightens up our lives has a profound influence on the way we perceive reality, feel and function. Light is often deprived of its magic and power, when it comes from an ill-conceived source. However, when it seeps through thousands of holes of a gourd lamp’s spherical layer, the magic begins to happen: the light searches for the shortest way to the screen on which it leaves its trace. That screen is the world around us - walls, furniture, curtains. Suddenly it turns out that everything around us, everything we thought we knew by heart and everything that seemed so timeworn becomes the background for the scenery of unspoken beauty.

GREETINGS FROM POLAND My name is Przemek Krawczyński. I was born in 1983. I live in Łódź, the third largest city in Poland. Due to its industrial history, the city is quite particular. One cannot say it is beautiful, but definitely it has its charm. I started making gourd lamps in 2009 when, for the first time in my life, I accidently came across the gourd fruit when my mother’s gardener friend gave her one as a gift. Gourds are not too popular in Poland, but some of its varieties can be cultivated in our climate. Creating gourd lamps is nothing new. One of the first types I encountered were photos of Turkish hanging lamps. I decided to make one for my room. I liked it, so I found more gourds for new lamps. Soon, it evolved into my hobby and passion, for which, nearly one year later, I gave up my studies in polytechnic and job in an architectural design studio. Although I have always had artistic inclinations, first and foremost, I have a scientific mind. I studied building engineering. However, in 2010 I decided to quit my studies and job and devote my energy to doing something I loved the most. Just after that, I made a trip to Senegal from where I brought African calabashes. Since then, they have become the raw material for my lamps.

WHAT IS THIS CALABASH GOURD? The gourd is the annual tropical vine originating from Africa and Asia. Its dried, lignified fruits are used for both decorative and practical purposes. There are several dozen varieties of gourds, 120

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

By day, my lamp is a unique sculpture, while at night the light breathes new life into that sculpture, seeping through intricately carved wood and passing through thousands of holes. Flowing shadows fill the space and cast the patterns on the surrounding surfaces, which turns each interior into a scene of breathtaking spectacle.

Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

121

differing mostly in shapes and sizes.The structure of a dried gourd is entirely different than the structure of the standard wood. It is more homogenous; it does not contain growth rings, fibers or knots. The external layer of the gourd is harder than the deeper one of a light wood. For that matter, the gourd is kind of a phenomenon in nature; it is the raw material that gives enormous processing possibilities. In the past, I was using two varieties of gourds growing in Poland. After my trip to Senegal, I have started creating them from the round African varieties called calabash, which grow on trees and ground. By day, my lamp is a unique sculpture, while at night the light breathes new life into that sculpture, seeping through intricately carved wood and passing through thousands of holes. Flowing shadows fill the space and cast the patterns on the surrounding surfaces, which turns each interior into a scene of breathtaking spectacle. The hypnotizing light can create a dreamlike, romantic atmosphere in a bedroom as well as calm and peaceful vibes in a home office or living room. Regardless of the place, the play of light is a feast for the eyes. At every turn. Depending on type and size, each lamp takes 2-4 months. I never repeat the patterns of my lamps. I want each lamp to be unique and one-of-a-kind. My lamps are quite fragile, which means they may break if they hit the floor. But that is just like with many other things in our houses, especially if they are pieces of art. Although the gourd wood is different than normal wood, as long as you keep them in a cool dry place, they can last for years. The price of my lamps depends on their size, design and intricacy. Smaller lamps start at $2,500 USD and larger floor lamps are $7,000 to 9,000. I welcome you to see more of my Calabarte at www.Calabarte.com.

My lamps are fully handcrafted, beginning with initial sketches, outlining and charting the pattern on the gourd, and then processing, like cleaning, engraving, carving, perforating, painting and protecting, creating the base of the lamp and, at the end, montage of the whole lamp. 122

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

The hypnotizing light can create a dreamlike, romanticÂ atmosphere in a bedroom, as well as calm and peaceful vibes in a home office or living room.Â Regardless of the place, the play of light is a feast for the eyes. At every turn.

Winterl 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

123

“WINSTON S. CHURCHILL – HIS ART REFLECTS HIS LIFE” By Edwina Sandys – Granddaughter of Winston Churchill

View of Chartwell, 24" x 35", Oil on Canvas, circa 1938. Collection Chartwell, British National Trust

“

Painting is complete as a distraction. I know of nothing which without exhausting the body more entirely absorbs the mind. Whatever the worries of the hour or the threats of the future, once the picture has begun to flow along, there is no room for them in the mental screen.”— Winston S. Churchill

Edwina Sandys Photo: Lucien Capehart

Some of my most vivid memories of my grandfather are of him as a painter. He was the first artist I ever knew. As a child I would stand behind him and watch, spellbound by the magic he was creating. As he was the “expert” in the family, I would sometimes show him some small effort of my own.

WINSTON CHURCHILL AT HIS EASEL 1946 You can see Winston Churchill in the little things of life, by the way he enjoys his dinner, by the way he plays cards, the way he pats his poodle – and by the way he puts paint on the canvas.

Winston Churchill painting at Chartwell Photo: Peter Lofts, Broadwater Collection Churchill College Cambridge

124

South Florida OPULENCE

There was art in Churchill’s politics, but no politics in his art. Unashamedly, he painted for pure pleasure, channeling his joie de vivre onto the canvas. Winston Churchill was a Man for All Seasons.

Winter 2015/16

There are qualities that characterize him in his public life, which also show up repeatedly in his paintings. He was BOLD. He was IRREPRESSIBLE. He was filled to the brim with a LOVE OF LIFE. He was INSPIRING, that quality of his which, more than any other, shaped world history. He loved his work. He loved his friends and family. He loved his home. Most men keep their work in the office; whenever possible, Grandpapa brought his home. No time or place was exempt. Wherever he went — the drawing room, the bedroom, the bathroom — was where it was at. The dinner table at Chartwell was the Mecca to which all were attracted — always the hub of the household, frequently the hub of the world. At Christmas, there were little children running around, Rufus the poodle, and the green budgerigar Toby hopping from head to head. The guiding light throughout was Grandmama, always ready with a word or a look to make sure everyone was happy and at ease. The scented room, the flowers, the scrumptious food were a magical combination of warmth and elegance. Later, when the mood had mellowed over brandy and cigars, Grandpapa would frequently hold the table spellbound as he recited poetry until tears came to his eyes.

below.) A fine array of decanters and bottles - and a disarray of halffilled glasses - are quite loosely painted. But you know exactly what each bottle holds, and how it tastes.

CONNECTION OF CHURCHILL'S PAINTING & HISTORIC SPEECHES Throughout his life, Churchill inspired people – through his actions and through his words. What makes for a good speech also makes for a good painting – contrast, imagination, clarity: There was nothing wishy-washy in his speeches or his art. His friend, artist Paul Maze, gave him this advice: “Paint like you write or speak. You can do it — every stroke of the brush must be a statement felt and seen.”

Goldfish Pool, 25" x35", Oil on Canvas, British National Trust

People frequently ask me if my grandfather was a good painter. I always answer, emphatically, “YES!” He was good because he painted the things he loved. He put his own stamp on his canvases, which are brimming over with his personality and love of life: his garden at Chartwell, the black swans in the lakes, particularly the goldfish pond. He would throw worms into the water, delighting at the sudden flashes of orange that leaped to the surface as if from nowhere. He physically created much of that landscape himself - and then he painted it. Through his painting, Churchill achieved a heightened awareness of the beauties of nature. He describes in Painting as a Pastime:

In some ways Churchill’s art began to affect his words, with vivid imagery gained from his new painter’s eye. His World War II “Finest Hour” speech ends with the painterly metaphor: “I see a day when men and women walk together in broad sunlit uplands”. His joy of painting inspired others to take up the brush and “have a go.” What he did for his own pleasure also gave pleasure to others — at first those around him, later to a wider circle, through exhibitions in Britain and abroad. I attended his 1958 exhibition at The Royal Academy, which drew vast crowds. The art critic John Russell wrote: “Nearly all of us are pleased when an amateur outdoes the professionals.” Painting is only a thread in the tapestry of his life, but it mattered deeply because it came to his rescue at key times when he might otherwise have despaired: “If it weren’t for painting I couldn’t live,” he remarked to the art historian Sir John Rothenstein. “I couldn’t bear the strain of things.” He was bold in his choice of colors - so much so that many people, including his wife Clementine, would sometimes suggest that he “cool” them. Whatever the advice, and from whatever quarter, Winston insisted: “I must say I like the bright colours, I rejoice with the brilliant ones and am genuinely sorry for the poor browns. He added: “When I get to heaven I mean to spend a considerable portion of my first million years in painting, and so get to the bottom of the subject. But then I shall require a still gayer palette than I get here below.” I like to imagine Grandpapa on a fluffy white cloud painting away to his heart’s content. Cigar and brush were both so much a part of him that it’s not hard to picture him putting the paintbrush in his mouth and stabbing the canvas with his cigar.

inston Churchill is known today—five decades after his death—as the resolute statesman who led the British during World War II and inspired a nation during its “finest hour.” He was an ambitious, confident, bold, and highly creative man. He was also a passionate writer and orator. He wrote over five thousand speeches and published more than forty books and countless articles ranging from African travel journals to essays about oil painting. In 1953 he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature for “his mastery of historical and biographical description as well as for brilliant oratory in defending exalted human values.” There is, however, another picture to be painted of Winston Churchill: the portrait of him as an artist. A Passion for Painting explores Churchill’s most beloved pastime.

WINSTON CHURCHILL A Passion for Painting

A PASSION FOR PAINTING

Sandys

“I found myself instinctively as I walked noting the tint and character of a leaf, the dreamy, purple shades of mountains, the exquisite lacery of winter branches, the dim, pale silhouettes of far horizons. And I had lived for over forty years, witout ever noticing any of them except in a general way, as one might look at a crowd and say, ‘what a lot of people!”

WINSTON CHURCHILL

Black Swans at Chartwell, 22 x 27", Oil on Canvas, 1948, Collection Chartwell, British National Trust

National

Churchill Museum

by Edwina Sandys Foreword by Boris Johnson

Landscapes, seascapes, skyscapes – he loved to capture on canvas scapes of all kinds. When asked why he preferred landscape painting to portraiture, he replied, “A tree doesn’t complain that I haven’t done it justice.” To me one painting sums up his Love of Life. Bottlescape, symbolizes his love for the good things in life (see Winston's Bottlescapecleverly inset within Edwina's painting 'Finest Hours' of her grandpapa

Finest Hours by Edwina Sandys, 41” x 32”, Oil on Canvas 2012. Collection of the artist Winter 2015/16

Winston Churchill A Passion For Painting By Edwina Sandys $49.95 each. For more information, go to nationalchurchillmuseum.org

South Florida OPULENCE

125

PABLO PICASSO

CHUCK CLOSE

ABOUT FACE

ANDY WARHOL

Whether in the twinkling lights of Times Square or in a parlor on Disney’s Mainstreet USA, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of having a caricature artist pen your portrait. Since the artist draws with such ease and speed, it’s easy to forget that the art of caricature is as intricate and important as any other. Da Vinci dabbled in the art form. So did Monet. And Daumier. But these noted artists only played with the medium. Gene Haas has spent a lifetime drawing exaggerated likenesses. And he has enjoyed every moment of it.

BOB HOPE ON A HELICOPTER What most distinguishes a Gene Haas illustration is an innate sense of fun. And it all started with Bob Hope. During the Korean War, strangely enough, Haas had his first real introduction to creating art. “I was stationed as a forward observer during the war. We 126

South Florida OPULENCE

ROY LICHTENSTEIN

Winter 2015/16

Caricature artist Gene Haas reflects on his long career capturing the most famous faces in the world BY JOHN D. ADAMS

“I drawz ‘em az I seez ‘em.” – Gene Haas

had small helicopters that would fly in to observe gun placements, etc. Some of the pilots wanted to identify their helicopters with a cartoon. When they asked if anyone was interested in doing the drawings, I raised my hand. I’d taken some art classes in high school but that was my extent of experience. One pilot was a big Bob Hope fan, and asked to have the famous entertainer on his Heli. So I drew a picture of him, and instead of riding on, say, a golf cart, I had him riding atop a helicopter. They really loved it.” So did Gene. And he came by it naturally.

AN ARTIST’S VISION OF ARTISTS It’s hard to draw an accurate caricature. Even harder to bring it to life. How does Haas do it every time? “I remember talking with Jack Davis [one of the original artists for “MAD”

magazine] about that,” said Haas. He said there are three features that you should concentrate on: Emphasize the eyes, the mouth, and the ears. Those features really tell a story. That’s what I’ve tried to do.” While flipping through Gene’s collection, we stumbled across several of well-known artists. Interestingly, it seems that in some of those cases, Gene chose to emphasize different physical features than the standard trifecta of eyes, mouth and ears.

ANDY WARHOL “I’ve drawn Andy Warhol a number of times. My brother, Richard, who resides in the NY area, was a contemporary of Andy and they had done some work together and I followed his career. Of course, I thought he was a unique individual and I’ve enjoyed drawing him over the years. It’s interesting, every

parture from how you normally focus in on a subject.”

LEROY NEIMAN “I briefly met Neiman in Branson, Missouri, where he had been working on a project with singer Andy Williams. I thought I’d do a picture of him. But again, this was a departure from how I usually work. I was so drawn to this flowing mustache and his nose feature. You couldn’t do much with his mouth since his mustache obscured most of that feature, the same with his ears, which were covered by his longer hair. So my feature was his nose and his mustache.”

SALVADOR DALI “I found that when I drew Salvador Dali, there were a lot of feature similarities between him and LeRoy Neiman. What interested me most about him were his nose, his mustache, and his protruding chin. Those are the things that I focused on, which were slightly different than what other artists have used. Sometimes, characteristics of various subjects change over time, so you focus differently at different points in their lives. As an artist, sometimes you look for departures from the usual ‘culprits’ that you accentuate.”

SALVADOR DALI

For Gene, his career has been devoted to capturing those magical images that reveal something more about the subject at hand. And those departures, that desire to draw somebody in a different way, is a challenge and a delight. “The reward for me is when the subject might say: ‘That doesn’t look like me.’ And a friend next to them will reply: ‘What do you mean? That’s you!’ I get such a kick out of that.”

ANDY WARHOL

time I have drawn him, it has come out a little differently. I focused the most on his unruly hairstyle. Probably because each time you would see Andy, his hair would show differently, and that intrigued me. I probably put more emphasis on his hair and his glasses than the rest of him, which is such a de-

VINCENT VAN GOGH

One final note: I received my own caricature from Gene Haas. And true to his words, I at first was dubious about the likeness. I showed it to friends and family. Guess what they said? “What do you mean? That’s you!” Thank you, Gene! Truly remarkable. See more of Gene’s work at: www.genehaasdraws.com JOHN D. ADAMS IS AN AWARD WINNING WRITER AND PHOTOGRAPHER. Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

127

Beach Real f Thanks to an idyllic Mediterranean locale, abstract painter Greg Kessler explores his more naturalistic side BY JOHN D. ADAMS

or much of the past decade, abstract painter Greg Kessler has produced a body of work that successfully commingled mythological images with historical or contemporary characters. Indeed, we profiled the painter’s work in a previous editionof SouthFlorida Opulence. More recently, Kessler has been playing around with more “realistic” imagery in his series: “Marmaris.” This lovely series, which could be described as Kessler’s refreshing “Beach Period,” adds another dimension to Kessler’s work: a greater depiction of light and a more grounded yet just as playful study of the human form.

Marmaris 2 2015

128

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

GROUNDED IN WATER

Myriad hues of blue and gold bathe Marmaris, a stunning port town, which lies along the Turkish Riviera on the Mediterranean. It is a magical locale that Kessler has visited for many years. “Over the course of several summers on the beach, I would do sketches. I’d always do ink wash sketches on the beach and draw the figures I would see there. And then after a while I had accumulated this collection of sketches. So I decided to work from them to create finished oil paintings.”

The lapping waves of the Mediterranean seem to have helped carry Kessler to a more realistic form study while still retaining his work’s play with form and color. And he is seeing a positive response to the new work. “I think it is because I would work more from other images as opposed to a live person. And these figures are engaging in much more specific actions while appearing in much more specific light,” said Kessler. Kessler’s composite sketches of women (or is it one woman?) fixing their hair are quite magical. While Kessler has decided to more or less adhere to the rules of gravity for this series, he still plays with perception and point of view. “Before, my figures were literally floating. I was losing gravity with the older works. But a figure can be dynamic by facing forward or back, twisting, performing actions, making physical gestures.” Like Degas, Picasso, and a variety of artists, Kessler’s transition to beach scenes has produced a wider vocabulary to his work. Not relying upon cartoonish representations, these offer more nuanced depictions of form and landscape. “As far as water or sky, I have tried to create a more open feel, as in a sketch. I’ve tried to keep the paint loose and open. In the past I’d almost want to enclose the entire canvas in paint, where with these I’ve left the paint loose with a lighter application … The figures can go in and out of the background with the light and environment.”

LIGHT AND SPEED Kessler’s work has always played with perception, and the “Marmaris” pieces continue that tradition into a new direction. Because his initial sketches had to be done very quickly with real people who are moving quickly around a beach and in the water, Kessler said: “There is a marked difference from the pieces I was creating years ago. I had a period where I worked from live models, then got out of that. But working from real gestures, with real sunlight moving across the landscape, it has brought about a different energy that is more evocative of familiar human gestures, movements or forms.”

ALWAYS EXPERIMENTING Even with his changes in perception, Kessler maintains a singular, striking style. And whether his subjects appear more naturalistic or float towards mythology, the ultimate constant is Kessler’s exploration of what paint can physically do. “Some people paint as photo realistically as they can, and that is fine, but I think one of the great things about working in paint is the ability to show tactility. Manet, for example, would show the variety of shades of white in a dress and the variations that come with reality. Some artists are happy just painting the same still life over and over again. I have a desire to paint whatever comes to me at a certain time. Natural or more cartoony and abstract, it depends on where I’m at mentally. I don’t always know where the journey is going to take me with the paint. And that is exciting.” See more of Greg Kessler’s work by visiting www.gregkessler.net

ARTISTS FOR CAUSE In an effort to bring art, artists, and the public together to help raise financial and physical awareness to a variety of non-profit organizations, Greg Kessler and his co-founder, Idil Cakim, have created Artists for Cause. This curator organization organizes art shows to raise funds for select non-profits. The organization directs 50 percent of proceeds from each event to a cause. Recently, the group kicked off this initiative with a show curated by Greg at New York’s Cipriani to benefit America Needs You.

Winterl 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

129

Our wish for you is a Happy Spine! 2016 is the year to live, laugh and heal.

Dr. Bristow Dr. Weiner Mr. Alava, PA

Dr. Guzeviciene

Mr. Chavez, CDO

Dr. Soto

Dr. Christian Gonzalez

Spine and Wellness Centers of America welcomes you to a new era in spine care - an institute devoted to the diagnosis + treatment of spine related problems and wellness.

MIAMI HOLLYWOOD AVENTURA FT LAUDERDALE 305.974.5533 spinewellnessamerica.com

Sensible Avant-Garde Interdisciplinary Pain Relief

2011 Institute of Medicine (IOM) report “Relieving Pain in America: A Blueprint for Transforming Prevention, Care, Education and Research” made the stunning claim that 100 million American adults suffer in chronic pain resulting in $600 billion annually in medical treatments and lost productivity. That number caused debate among researchers, policy makers and some organizations, because of “concerns that the magnitude of this estimate could contribute to a culture of overprescribing pain medications, especially opioids.” The IOM report, commissioned by Congress, called for a ‘cultural transformation’ in how consumers understand and approach pain prevention and management. Since then, Florida has become one of the leading states in slamming the hammer down on infamous pill mills.

A PRACTICAL, NOVEL SOLUTION IN SOUTH FLORIDA Fortunately, with the public microscope keeping a pulse on avoidance of opioids abuse, reputable medical professionals are now surfacing in the spotlight, making a positive difference in that ‘cultural transformation’ in education, awareness and alternative pain management solutions. Spine and Wellness Centers of America is one prime example. South Florida Opulence sat down with Christian Gonzalez, MD, Clinical Director of the firm and past president of the Academy of Pain Management, to discuss the latest back-pain-relief solutions offered through his practice – especially when it comes to the chronic issue of back pain. “We humans are getting older and living longer,” said Dr. Gonzalez. And while a long life is far superior to the alternative, it does put a strain on parts of our bodies that weren’t designed for the long haul. “Around age 30, our spines begin to deteriorate. You can argue that the spine was made to last about 40 to 50 years. But we are extending our lives, and our spines are becoming more and more compromised.

BY DALE KING AND JULIA HEBERT

Eighty percent of us experience back pain at some time in our lives, and the list of possible causes is lengthy, from poor posture to excess weight, spine diseases to cancer. But the No. 1 generator of backaches is aging.” Dr. Gonzalez, a Harvard Medical School-educated pain management physician, founded the spine and wellness clinic in Aventura 5 years ago. He said Aventura Spine and Wellness Center is dedicated to “the advancement of spine and joint care,” not simply in the back, but also knees, shoulders and other hinged limbs. Dr. Gonzalez specializes in hard-to-treat conditions, such as face pain, chronic headaches and diabetic peripheral neuropathy. “Many people think that because they have back pain, they need to see a back surgeon. That’s not true. Eighty to 90 percent of people with back pain don’t need surgery. There are so many other procedures we can utilize, like injections, therapy and massages.”

Eighty to 90 percent of people with back pain don’t need surgery. There are so many other procedures we can utilize, like injections, therapy and massages.” The Aventura center staff deals with all types of pain, both physical and emotional. While medication can often manage the hurt that people feel, it isn’t the only available tool. That’s why Dr. Gonzalez has a psychologist on staff. “People get depressed and frustrated when pain cannot be managed or eliminated,” the doctor said. “The psychologist uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help patients remove thoughts of pain from

Christian Gonzalez, M.D. their mind.” Biofeedback, meditation and yoga are also encouraged. “We want patients to assume a moment of inner peace. If I’m watching a basketball game, for example, I’m going to focus all my attention on the game and not on the pain.” Many times, treatment of more severe or chronic aches requires the use of sophisticated medical devices and medications. The Aventura center uses stem cells to help restore weakened or diseased parts of the body. Dr. Gonzalez also has a special technique for Epidural Steroid Injections to alleviate the pain of spinal disc herniation and spinal stenosis. In addition, the doctor utilizes a pain pump to “deliver medication directly to the patient’s spinal cord” faster and more effectively than oral pain killers with virtually no concern about patients becoming addicted. The pump is used to treat such conditions as chronic back and neck pain, sciatica, complex regional pain syndrome and cancer. Dr. Gonzalez says high-tech apparatus coupled with cutting-edge physician training are the foundation of the center’s procedures. Much of his data have been written up in peer-reviewed medical journals. Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

131

CONSTRUCTIONIST

JANE MANUS M BY DALE KING AND JULIA HEBERT

Jane Manus with husband Rene von Richthofen

etal sculptor Jane Manus declares her only calling is to create art – Constructionist Art. And after 40 years of crafting abstract and angular works, mainly out of aluminum, she has built a portolio of art objects ranging from small, wall-mounted pieces to monumental three-dimensional constructions that have to be moved by truck and crane.

Jane attended Rollins College and is a graduate of the Art Institute of Boston. She presented her first solo show in 1976, and has since been exhibited throughout the United States, Europe and Canada.

The fabricator herself defines it this way. “My work integrates disparate elements of geometry and can truly transform the spaces they inhabit. Dynamic shapes and massive forms penetrate the viewer’s space and appear to move and change due to their extreme three-dimensionality. I like the idea that viewers can interact with the sculpture by walking around and through it.”

HEAVY METAL

A New York native schooled in Boston and now based in West Palm Beach, Florida, she and husband Rene von Richthofen are artistic mavens. But their styles are vastly different. Jane’s intersecting forms are inspired by constructivist sculpture, minimalism and modern architecture. Rene concocts automobile art by embellishing objects or wall mounts with tiny Matchbox-style cars glued in various patterns.

While in school, Jane worked in wood, but soon learned to beware of consequences. “I had a studio in a little basement on Beacon Street. I was doing constructions in wood and was trying to move it outside. The instructor said to creosote it. I did – and they had to evacuate the building because of the smell.” At that point, her instructor taught her to weld – “and since, I have never done anything but metal work.” She created a steel sculpture for the Mississippi Museum in 1979, which turned out to be her largest and heaviest piece, weighing in at two tons. She then switched to aluminum and now works exclusively in that medium. A South Florida resident since 1981, Jane uses cardboard maquettes and drawings as guides. Her work takes many forms: furniture, outdoor installations, floor- and pedestal-mounted items and even wall hangings. Once she creates a maquette, she can change it, Jane says. But the final piece is her concept, and hers alone. In the end, says Jane, her sculptures, on display in more than 50 public places and hundreds of private collections, “are about harmony with the environment and balance with human form.”

THE MANUS TECHNIQUE In her works, Jane explores symmetry, balance, and form through carefully positioned shapes, often squares, rectangles and linear forms. She says her work is Constructionist because its geometric pattern is not one-dimensional, and it looks different from various angles. “My work is also defined by minimal abstract form: bold color, few parts, highly finished, tactile surfaces and architectural integrity.”

132

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

A TOUR OF

New Yorkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Trumptown BY CARLETON VARNEY

Carleton Varney

onald Trump has become a household name â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from condo towers and hotels, to casinos, and now into the world of politics. The Donald, as his first wife Ivana named him and called him, is always in the spotlight, as is the Tower in which he and I both live. Mind you not together, but different floors and to be sure in different spaces. Our apartments are not equal in size, square footage that is. My digs are simply much smaller and do not occupy a complete floor or floors as does the Donald. When thinking of the Trumptown area of New York City and the restaurants and sights to see and visit in the neighborhood, let us begin with a map of the Trump Tower area. Our tower sits on the northeast corner of 56th Street and 5th Avenue on the land once occupied by the fashionable store called

Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

133

Bonwit Teller. When I think about Bonwit Teller, I always recall the store’s violet flower designed shopping bags with which the store fashionistas and design managers like the late Mildred Custin packaged the loveliest accessories in America. Trump Tower is also the next-door neighbor to the ever-fashionable Tiffany and Co., yes, the store with the aqua boxes and bags. And it is of note that the Donald’s youngest daughter with wife #2 Marla Maples is named, appropriately enough, Tiffany, now age 21. When visiting the Trump Tower on the 5th Avenue side, you will find the flowing waterfall fountains and the arcade where Trump accessories and shirts are sold, and first daughter Ivanka has her bijou shop with her fine jewelry design. The apartments at Trump Tower occupy floors 31 thru 68, the Donald occupying the very upper three floors. Shopping in Trump tower land is rich with Tiffany next door and Gucci occupying the premise on the corner. Directly across the street you’ll find Armani with a restaurant as well. On the opposite corner is Harry Winston, the very crown jeweler of all. And for all the young hipsters, there is an Abercrombie and Fitch, a popular spot where a bare-chested dude will greet you at the door. And did I hear that the bare chests are soon to be covered? Sad news for some! Visiting Trump Tower land requires a visit to the Sony Wonder Technology Lab at Sony Plaza at 56th and Madison, a not-to-be-missed adventure where you and your family will be introduced to the land of new music and video waves. The famous Plaza Hotel, once the very best of New York hostelries, has become a condominium/hotel unit with hotel rooms now only facing 58th Street (the dark side of the street with no park views). The park view side of the landmark building is now all condominium space and the once Edwardian Room has become a men’s fashion shop. Alas, the Plaza Oak Room has been closed and don’t look for the once great Oak Bar, it too is shuttered. But the great news is the marketplace in the basement of the property, once in days past the Polynesian restaurant ‘Trader Vic’, the marketplace restaurant of Todd English is in place and it is accompanied by a number of restaurant stands, including one that sells the best Boston clam chowder and a great new England lobster roll. One can spend an afternoon just food shopping in the building and even shop at the Chez Eloise. Eloise, the creation of artist Hilary Knight, is truly the character of the New York scene. The late

134

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

PHOTO BY LITTLENY

PHOTO BY SEAN PAVONE

Kay Thompson, the author of the book “Eloise at the Plaza,” modeled the character after her goddaughter Liza Minnelli who definitely spent many days and hours in the hotel doing what today might be termed naughty naughties. Read the charming storybooks and find out what naughty naughties truly are.

PHOTO BY PISA

Where to Dine in Trumptown “The Donald” neighborhood is filled with restaurants and bistros that are some of the best in New York and here I am going to give big apples to some of my favorites. BY CARLETON VARNEY Burger Heaven 9 E 53rd St New York, NY 10022

Four Seasons 375 Park Avenue New York, NY 10022

BLT Steak 106 E 57th St New York, NY 10022

Obicà Mozzarella Bar 590 Madison Ave New York, NY 10022

Ralph Lauren The Polo Bar 1 E 55th St New York, NY 10022

La Grenouille 3 E 52nd St New York, NY 10022

Aquavit Park Avenue Tower 65 E 55th St New York, NY 10022

Armani Ristorante 717 5th Ave New York, NY 10022

Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

135

Trump’s Right-Hand Man at the Re-Imagined Blue Monster BY ROBIN JAY, DALE KING AND JULIA HEBERT

136

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

golf resort visionary

ews heralding David Feder’s arrival as Vice President and Managing Director of the Trump National Doral Miami resort in January 2014 says he has “presided over some of the nation’s most prestigious resorts, including the Boca Resort & Club, Fontainebleau, Arizona Biltmore and Turnberry Isle, to name a few.” The amiable maestro of hostelry is shouldering a massive responsibility in his newest gig. He has operated the country’s most spectacular meeting resort and PGA TOUR’s iconic Blue Monster golf course, during a quarter-billion dollar restoration, all while under the microscope to help one of the nation’s most influential families fulfill its dream. “The reason I am here is the Trump family,” said Feder, whose reputation as an industry expert is being recognized by South Florida Opulence, which named him its Best Golf Hospitality Visionary. At Trump National Doral, Feder continues his success using a long-held, unbeatable philosophy of hotel operation: “If it’s legal, moral and the guests want it and will pay for it, we should do it. If you have that philosophy, you don’t determine the product, the clients determine the product. It’s a market-driven strategy with the ultimate objective of delivering a luxurious and memorable experience. Our service and attention to detail has to be second to none.”

BRINGING AN ICONIC MIAMI LANDMARK BACK TO THE GLORY DAYS Located in the rapidly-growing Miami suburb of Doral, the 800-acre, 643-room resort boasts four golf courses, including the infamous ‘Blue Monster.’ Donald Trump purchased it in 2012 for $150 million, then invested another $250 million to bring it up to par, a process that continues today. “Mr. Trump’s personal ties with Doral go back to his childhood, when he spent time vacationing here with his family,” Feder said. “A few years ago, when Mr. Trump purchased the resort, it quickly became a passion project for him and his children.” It was a phone call from Trump himself that enticed Feder to make his way to the paradise for golfers, tourists and business executives in Doral.

of excellence synonymous with the Trump brand,” said Donald J. Trump, Chairman and President, The Trump Organization. “As the property draws nearer to completion, he will ensure that it emerges as one of the most distinguished resorts in the world.” In point of fact, Feder has worked for many rich and famous on his trek to hotel eminence: H. Wayne Huizenga, owner of the former Boca Resorts Inc., a conglomerate which included the Addison Mizner designed Boca Raton Resort & Club at its pinnacle; the Soffer family, operators of the Fontainebleau and Turnberry Isle, and now, Trump. Feder has also held executive positions at other luxury lodgings, such as the Breakers in Palm Beach, the St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco and the PGA National. The resort executive’s brushes with fame were not always hotel-related. While working on his MBA at night and employed in his youth at Britches, a Washington, D.C. men’s store, Feder sold apparel while stand-

“If it’s legal, moral and the guests want it and will pay for it, we should do it. If you have that philosophy, you don’t determine the product, the clients determine the product. It’s a market-driven strategy.”

ing next to budding clothing mogul Ralph Lauren, who spent many weekends in the store building his garment empire.

IN THE TRUMP SPOTLIGHT Working for the Trumps has taken center stage lately. It can be challenging, Feder said, but he embraces it. Three of Donald’s children, Ivanka, Eric and Donald Jr., all with business degrees from top universities, serve as Executive Vice Presidents of Development and Acquisitions for The Trump Organization. “They are bright, savvy and polished business visionaries,” Feder said. “Ivanka is an amazing and passionate entrepreneur who not only leads the design aspect of the company, but also heads development and acquisitions for the company. There is virtually nothing on the property that this dynamic family didn’t have a decision in. They worked with me on all aspects – which is unusual – most other developers would have simply handed the project over to the operations team and moved on. We have created a very tight-knit partnership. Eric is involved with the construction of every inch of the restoration at Trump National Doral. He’s practically had a hammer in his hand ever since he was a young boy. And Ivanka? She’s a superstar. She spearheads the interior design decisions for the Trump Hotel Collection. Everywhere you walk on the property in Doral, you see touches of Ivanka’s timeless glamour and modern sensibility.” While Trump is known throughout the world, Feder said, “Many people don’t realize that he is what he is. When you see him on television, he is the same person off screen. Without doubt, Donald Trump is the brightest, most perceptive and passionate man I have ever met.” The New York billionaire’s demeanor “hasn’t changed since he’s been on the campaign trail for president.” “Except,” said Feder, “that I don’t see him here as much.”

– David Feder

“David is a hospitality visionary with a proven track record that matches the standards

Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

137

Follow the Artists

BY JILL PATTERSON

Artists are our cultural pioneers, our trailblazers challenging the status quo, but they may also be our real estate pioneers. As Miami grows and comes of age, it’s the artists leading the way staking out forgotten neighborhoods and establishing the first enclaves of new life. It brings to mind Manhattan’s Soho or Meat Packing District, both initially re-claimed by artists looking for cheap studio space. Additionally, it is encouraging to see that some of Artist Turgo Bastien's work on mural at the old Claire's Cleaners at 6200 NE 2nd Avenue, where Miami’s key developers and stakeholders are Little Haiti, Lemon City and Little River all intersect. keenly aware of what brings a neighborhood value and longevity, and are willing to do what ing together to create another renaissance it takes to encourage and protect those valu- farther north in the Little Haiti / Lemon City / able and vulnerable cultural interests. It takes Little River areas and, once again, it is the arta combination of artistic substance and urban ists who have led the way. developer knowhow to forge into the un- WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS; known and create a miracle such as Wynwood. MAKE A NEIGHBORHOOD By now, it is common knowledge that most of the actual artists who helped established Wynwood as the hip, artsy area it is, have long since moved to less expensive locations. Rents in Wynwood have seen $60 psf., while a warehouse or studio space can still be found farther north in the $12 range …for now anyway. It’s an age-old question, how do you keep the cool in neighborhoods where landlords eventually up the rents and choke out the very tenants who brought the cool in the first place? For now, the elements are com-

138

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

Lemon City, Little Haiti and Little River all overlap geographically and historically. Lemon City is one of the oldest areas of Miami. It had the first library, first church and first public school, before there was a Miami. Like its name suggests, Lemon City was largely fruit groves. The Little River area reaches farther north and unofficially stretches from 62nd Street to 84th Street and from NE 4th Court to I-95. It started as a farming community and was annexed to Miami in 1925. The railroad runs straight through it and like Wynwood, it is full

of old warehouses. By contrast, Little Haiti began to emerge in the 1970s as the Haitians fled the violence, oppression and poverty in Haiti. The heart of Little Haiti runs north and south on NE 2nd Street from 50th Street to 71st Street, but the neighborhood unofficially is much larger and encompasses all of Lemon City and Little River. Little Haiti is home to a beautiful Haitian Cultural Center built in 2005, the Little Haiti Park and Notre Dame d’Haiti Church at 110 NE 62nd where 2000-3000 people come to worship every Sunday. Little Haiti has been home to some key local artists for a long time. Edouard DuvalCarrie bought his studio building in 1992. Next door, Pulitzer-Prize winning Carl Juste has been artist-in-residence at the Haitian Arts Alliance for 5 years running. Both are outspoken about the importance of the artist as our city grows. While there may be money allocated for showpiece museums and cultural centers, there needs to be more support for the actual artists. Support seems to be coming from different avenues. The privately funded Fountainhead Studios in Little River offers subsidized, affordable studio space to 40 select artists. When local artist/art therapist Dave McCauley discovered that ArtsCenter South Florida planned to

to Find the Cool…and the Property Values sell its space on Lincoln Road after 30 years, he decided to band with other artists and opened Laundromat Art Space in the heart of Little Haiti, across the street from Duval-Carrie and Juste. The space features studios for 9 artists and a gallery. Laudromat Art Space was quietly funded by owner/developer Mallory Kauderer who also purchased the live rock dive bar, Churchill’s Pub, down the street because he wanted to be sure to protect that Little Haiti institution. “Trendy spots come and go, but truly unique, ethnic areas endure.” Kauderer established Little River Studios in 2000, a highly equipped production studio, behind the MacArthur Dairy in Little River, which has been a favorite secret location for celebrity shoots for years. Kauderer serves on the boards of the Little River Business District, the Little Haiti Stakeholders, the NE2P (Northeast 2nd Partnership) and the Little Haiti Football Club.

BUSINESSES WELCOME Big stakeholders like Ben Pumo and Kauderer have invested years into the area working with Michele Spence-Jones, former Commissioner of District 5, to set aside the funds to create an atmosphere for new businesses to come to the area. A neighborhood watch was created, manned by the handicapped, signs were created, changes were made to the code to allow for adaptive use, TDR’s were put

in place and, in general, a foundation was built to pave the way for the kind of development for which the area is now ripe. Monies are still being allocated to add sidewalks and many other improvements. It seems like there is a synergy among interests for the kind of urban renewal and adaptive reuse that will allow and nurture the artists and what is unique. For example, developer Ofer Mizrahi has created Ironside, a fresh, adapted warehouse space on NE 4th Court and just east of the railroad tracks in Little River. It is a workspace for architects, designers, fashion and fixture suppliers, that features a tropical oasis courtyard surrounded by conscious businesses, event space and an outstanding pizza establishment. Avra Jain, the developer with a bond-trading, documentary-producing background, has more recently chosen Little River as one of her next projects. She and her partner, Matthew Vander Werff, have bought up much of the area, and are carefully repositioning their properties inviting the ‘right’ tenants to add value to the area. Their plan, according to the Biscayne Times, is to pack Little River with galleries, tech startups, restaurants, bars, art studios,

and other unique businesses. Their portfolio is now upward of 50 properties and by owning the controlling interest in the area they will be able to shape exactly how that area unfolds. “We are building neighborhoods and how areas feel and what makes people want to be there is something that doesn’t always fit on a spreadsheet,” Jain suggests. “Through art and architecture, life and lifestyle are integrated. Through life and lifestyle, communities and neighborhoods are created.” As Miami grows and its urban areas are renewed, one wonders if it can take a cue from the artists who have helped revive its image and develop itself in a more creative and conscious way. Perhaps developers, artists and the city can actually work together to create something new; inventive reuse spaces in flourishing neighborhoods where artists can create, businesses can thrive, and the integrity and ethnic history of an area can be celebrated and preserved for a long time to come. Jill Patterson is a Broker Associate at Opulence International Realty. 305.203.9985 or visit Opulenceinternationalrealty.com

Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

139

ART

FINDING THE WALLS TO HANG IT ON BY JILL PATTERSON

When you are looking to buy or sell property, it is important you work with someone who speaks your language and someone who might share or, at least, appreciate your aesthetic. Selling your home for the highest price in the shortest time or finding you that killer off-market investment may be the target from a business perspective, but having an agent with a cultured, artistic eye, someone you can ‘vibe’ with, can make the process a whole lot more interesting. Many of the real estate agents at Opulence International Realty have worked in the arts. For the South Florida Opulence Art Basel issue, we thought we would spotlight a few. Take a look.

SYLVIA LU Residential / Feng Shui Expert Sylvia combines the ancient art of Feng Shui with her practice of real estate. She attended the Chelsea College of Art and Design in London for interior design. OIR: How did you get started in Feng Shui and how do you integrate it into your real estate business? Sylvia: My mother, Macy Lu, is a Feng Shui Master and a renowned doctor of Chinese medicine. My father-in-law is architect Albert Lu who has designed buildings all over the world. I have been around art and design all my life. I always knew that I wanted to follow my mother in the practice of Feng Shui, but thought it was important to get a classical education in design to complement those skills. For my clients, I create a customized Feng Shui chart based on their profile and astrol140

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

ogy. I will see the compatibility of my client’s energy to the space, so it is very customized. For the home, it is about promoting overall harmony, good health, positive relationships and for the business, I help them grow their business and prosper.

ANDRENA DIMITRIJEVIC Residential Previous to real estate, Andrena was the Executive Producer and Host of Rapbeat, a syndicated television show. She has interviewed some of the biggest names in the music industry including Stevie Wonder, James Brown (the Godfather of Soul), Snoop Dogg, Easy-E of NWA, LL Cool J, Russell Simmons cofounder of Def Jam Records, Wu-Tang Clan, Miami’s own Luther Campbell (Uncle Luke), Chuck D of Public Enemy and Tupac Shakur. OIR: What drew you to music and how did you get started in television? I started out as a model, but quickly became more interested in what was happening behind the camera, rather than in front of it. By the time I started Rapbeat, I had connections with top record industry executives and access to their major artists. Rapbeat fostered a relaxed atmosphere that allowed stars to be themselves, way before social media gave them a platform to speak directly to their fans. I had a blast doing it and so did they!

TERESA HERRERA Residential/ Commercial/Hospitality Teresa began her career studying art history under Miguel An-

gel Cuadros in Lima, Peru, and then in Rome. She has been involved in the art world, as a curator, collector and art lover for her entire life. OIR: Coming from Peru, how did you end up in the middle of the New York art scene? Teresa: When I was studying Art History in Lima, we had a visiting lecturer who got me very excited about what was happening in New York. I eventually got a job at the U.N. It was exciting because all of the artists of note were still alive and the art world was exploding. I remember going to visit The Factory that Andy Warhol had set up downtown. It was incredible. Leo Castelli’s gallery was wonderful. I met and went to shows by Roy Lichtenstein, Jeff Koons, Willem de Kooning, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, to name just a few. I remember being at Sotheby’s when Picasso’s “Yo-Picasso” sold for over $40M. It was an incredible record sum in those days. There was dead silence and then a burst of applause.

JILL PATTERSON Residential / Hospitality Jill studied acting at Yale School of Drama, worked as an actor in New York and Los Angeles, taught theatre at the American School of Paris and produced a Shakespeare Festival in Sedona, Arizona. OIR: What do you use from your theatre training in your business life? Theatre is known as “the collaborative art.” You could say the same thing about developing real estate. It’s all about communication, negotiation, and, probably a little

showmanship. We all made fun of it, because it was always a disaster, bringing together baby playwrights, actors, designers and directors who had no idea how to communicate with each other. At Yale, the Drama School is right next to the School of Art and the School of Architecture. To get to class from my apartment, I had to walk between Louis Kahn’s Art Gallery and British Museum, past Cesar Pelli’s architecture offices, and Paul Rudolph’s School of Architecture Building. You are surrounded by brilliance. I had a wonderful director once who told me “all great art should delight.” OIR: What’s your favorite Shakespeare play? I can’t pick. Lear? Maybe Winter’s Tale? Once you get inside, each play is like this magnificent land with its own natural laws. It’s too bad there is so much badly produced Shakespeare. He has so much to teach us about the power and resilience of language.

KELLY LYLES Residential Kelly was an image consultant and wardrobe stylist for television and print in Miami, New York and Los Angeles. She also developed, designed and patented her own line of shoe products. OIR: How did you get started in fashion and how does your background inform your real estate business? Kelly: I went to the International Fine Arts College (now AI) for fashion design. My mind is always creating. It is very hard for me to sell a home that is not beautiful. I am drawn to

those clean lines. Interior and fashion design go hand in hand. And I am always looking at a home through that lens. OIR: How did you transition from fashion into real estate? Kelly: Working as a stylist became really stressful, with the traveling and last minute demands. Although my career was going well, especially around the year 2000 when everything was being shot in Miami, I just wanted to be home more with my kids. I was working on music videos featuring R Kelly, Jay Z, Tony Braxton, Beyoncé and Sean Paul and traveling all over the country. Sometimes those music videos would go until 5a.m. and then we would have a call time the next morning at 10 a.m. It was glamorous, but strenuous. I wanted more of a stable life for my family so I decided to get started in real estate.

PAMELA DIAZ-DELEON Residential / New Construction Pamela has been Hospitality and Logistics Director for the Latino Chicago Film Festival for 22 years. She also worked for His Majesty the King of Spain as their Chicago cultural attaché. OIR: What was it like working with royalty? Pamela: It was a fantastic experience. My mission was to promote the knowledge of fine arts, cinema, literature and architecture of all Spanish-speaking countries. I brought

together the finest talent of all art forms. I will never forget the day architect Santiago Calatrava said: “Thank you for hosting me”. Timing, discipline, diversity and teamwork were key factors involved in helping establish the Cervantes Institute office in Chicago.

MICHAEL GRINBERG Residential Michael describes himself as a musical trendsetter. He started as marketing director for many clubs and eventually became known as the person who brought Electronic Dance Music to Central Florida. He has done shows with Skrillex, Tiesto, Dada Life, Hardwell, Calvin Harris, Kaskade and Nicky Romero, to name a few. OIR: How and why did you transition from music to real estate? I conquered it. I got to travel into a cool, different world. That’s what life’s about. You discover more and you become more cultured. The highlight is how many awesome hands I got to shake. I mean, at one point, I found myself in a helicopter with Paris Hilton. I thought, ‘This is a random cool day.’ But eventually, I was over it. I wanted to push the reset button. I can use all those marketing skills, business skills and people skills in a different arena – my passion for real estate. For more information: 305.615.1376 info@oirfl.com www.oirfl.com

Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

141

JFK’s ASSASSINATION

Does Recently Released CIA Data Solve the Biggest Mystery of the 20th Century? BY AVA ROOSEVELT

142

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

ach November 22, for over half of a century, marks the anniversary of the assassination of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the youngest and only Catholic president of the United States, and the only Kennedy to reside in the White House. His death shuttered the dreams of millions worldwide, including those in Poland where I stood, a mere child, holding my father’s hand only to comprehend years later why everyone sobbed.

Countless investigations conducted by the FBI, the Warren Commission, the United States House Select Committee on Assassinations (HSCA), numerous films and documentaries with far-reaching theories (including JFK’s accidental shooting by Secret Service Agent George Hickey) yielded no conclusive results. The mystery remains unsolved except for one undisputed fact. Lee Harvey Oswald a man who fired the shots that killed the president was silenced, shot to death by Jack Ruby, fueling the speculation that Oswald was not acting alone and that Kennedy’s assassination was most probably a result of a conspiracy.

MY THEORETICAL Q&A WITH JFK Your well-known determination to become the president dates to your teens. The tragic death of your brother Joe Jr., the heir apparent to your father’s political ambitions, paved the journey to your presidency. Fate dealt you a trump card extraordinaire and you played it well. Did you ever feel guilty for stepping into the shoes of the man many idolized, you included, and for following his destiny? Luckily, you didn’t live to see the pursuant assassination of your brother Robert F. Kennedy and Ted Kennedy’s Chappaquiddick scandal, which forever sealed your father, Joseph Patrick “Joe” Kennedy, Sr.’s dream to see another of his sons in the White House. A master manipulator and a father of ‘political PR’ in the U.S., Joe Sr., spent his life cleansing the Kennedy name of any innuendos pertaining to its less-than-perfect Irish immigrant background but despite his vast fortune could not stop the Kennedy curse. Were you given a choice, and you had lived, would you have followed in your father’s steps to see your own children aspire to political office, or would you have let them live lives less exposed to the possibility of perpetuating the Kennedy curse? Given the tragic death of your son John, and your daughter Caroline’s ambassadorship to Japan, is there such a thing as controlling one’s destiny with the limitless financial resources at one’s disposal? The Bay of Pigs Invasion, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Space Race– Project Apollo (which later culminated in the moon landings), the building of the Berlin Wall, the African-American Civil Rights Movement, and the far less-popular increased U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War challenged your presidency from the moment you took office. I wonder what it took, in light of your numerous physical disabilities to step up to the prospect of changing the landscape of the nation, the world, and the space.

John Fitzgerald Kennedy in the oval office (circa 1961)

With his movie-star looks and unlike many politicians, JFK never pretended to be a commoner. He could do no wrong even while philandering. He was enormously wealthy yet understood the poor. He shared Martin Luther King’s dream and like King, might have died because of it. He married to fuel the myth of his nearlyaristocratic-pedigree. The man who accompanied Jackie Kennedy to Paris, was idolized by American youth, beloved by millions and he managed to elevate the American presidency to the status of Camelot. Which one of your accomplishments gave you the most joy, made you the most proud? I would give everything to know what was going through your mind as your presidential motorcade turned the corner into Dealey Plaza, which within seconds became the place of your last public appearance. As those responsible for JFK’s death might never be brought to justice, I wonder which of the president’s vast accomplishments concluded in the first thousand days of his presidency (and those voted into the law posthumously) might have led to the evil act to silence the voice of inspiration, the zeal for achievement, the courage in face of adversities, the hope, pride and unity of one nation and millions of Americans. Mr. President, do you think the path to greatness must always be bathed in blood? What would you do differently, given a choice, which might have spared your life? Or would you not alter any of your actions despite the risks? Mr. President, as truth has the tendency eventually to reveal itself, you will be happy to know that on September 16th, 2015, the CIA’s historical review released yours and LBJ’s presidential briefings, thus declassifying the CIA’s knowledge of Lee Harvey Oswald’s visits to both, the Cuban and the Soviet Embassy, less than two months prior to your assassination. Neither you (during your lifetime) nor LBJ (after your assassination) were briefed to that effect.

Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

143

50 years ago a 10-mile drive through Dallas and a speech on national security at the Trade Mart awaited President John F. Kennedy, as he, first lady Jacqueline Kennedy, Texas Gov. John Connally and Nellie Connally, departed Love Field on Nov. 22, 1963. Less than a hour later, three gunshots would shatter the president’s plans, and plunge the nation into profound grief. (Tom Dillard/Dallas Morning News/MCT) How I wish to be able to have your insight today! Instead, I am sitting here with Jefferson Morley, a former Washington Post reporter and author of Our Man in Mexico, who is known to be one of the utmost experts in matters relating to your untimely death.

MY Q&A WITH JEFFERSON MORLEY Ava: Jeff, do you believe that the CIA’s release of JFK and LBJ presidential briefings confirms the speculation that the CIA’s cover-up is further-reaching than originally thought? Jefferson: It isn’t speculation that the CIA had covered up material facts in the death of the president. That fact was confirmed 40 years ago. In 1975, the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence discovered that the CIA was plotting to kill Fidel Castro in November 1963 and didn’t disclose the fact to the Warren Commission. What the CIA’s release of the November 25, 1963, presidential briefing confirmed was an important detail about the JFK cover-up: namely which CIA components were hiding material facts from the White House and law enforcement within 72 hours of JFK’s death. Those components were the 1) Directorate of Operations and 2) the Counterintelligence Staff. It was in those CIA offices that the JFK assassination cover-up originated. That is fact, not speculation. Ava: As the plaintiff in Morley v. CIA, a lawsuit in Washington federal court seeking still-secret JFK assassination records, do you reason the CIA’s release is a direct result of your suit? JM: It is possible but probably not directly. My lawsuit, seeking the records of CIA officer George Joannides, was covered by the New York Times, Fox News, Associated Press, Huffington Post and dozens of news sites around the country. This widespread coverage has called attention to the extreme and bizarre secrecy measures the CIA still invokes around the JFK story. That coverage, in turn, might have increased incentives for disclosure. By engaging in a high profile release of JFK-related material, 144

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

the Agency seeks to refute the impression that it has something to hide. It burnishes its reputation as a responsible custodian of long-secret materials from that era. But remember this, the CIA had long contended in sworn federal court filings that the release of the presidential daily briefings for JFK and LBJ would harm U.S. national security. We know now that those assertions, made under oath, were false. Something caused the CIA to change its collective mind but I don’t know what it was. Ava: Over 50 years passed since Lee Harvey Oswald was named as the assassin of President Kennedy, inspiring vast speculations about who might have been behind him. In your opinion, are Fidel Castro and the Mob the most likely suspects? If not, who else? JM: As a journalist I don’t like to speculate. It gets you in trouble with your readers and your bosses. I prefer to write about facts. It is safer. The “Mafia did it” theory depends on speculative assertions about the ability of organized crime figures to manipulate Lee Oswald. These assertions are not fact-based, in my view. The ability of organized crime figures to manipulate Jack Ruby is less speculative. (For example, see JFK Facts for the story that Ruby’s friend Gail Raven told me about why Ruby did what he did.) So, if organized crime figures were involved in the events of November 1963, I think it is more likely that they were involved in the assassination of Oswald than in the assassination of the president. The claims that the Castro government was behind Kennedy’s assassination are not credible in my view. The CIA paid for the first JFK conspiracy theory to reach public print. This theory was first publicized by the Miami-based Cuban Student Directorate (DRE), which was funded by the CIA. The day after the assassination, the DRE charged that Oswald and Castro were “the presumed assassins.” If and when the CIA acknowledges the role of George Joannides, chief of psychological warfare operations in Miami in 1963, in generating this conspiracy theory, we will be in a better position to judge the DRE’s claims. Until then, the available evidence indicates

“The claims that the Castro government was behind Kennedy’s assassination are not credible in my view. The CIA paid for the first JFK conspiracy theory to reach public print.” — Jefferson Morley

House Select Committee on Assassinations request to examine all materials related to the Kennedy Assassination, 10/07/76.

the “Castro did it” theory originated, not as a factual proposition, but as a propaganda ploy generated by CIA assets.

JM: I don’t think anyone else should start with the premise that the American people need to theorize about who killed JFK and beseech the government to bless one theory or another. That is misguided legally, politically and morally.

Ava: What would motivate the CIA to keep the extent of their knowledge about Lee Harvey Oswald’s activities secret for so long? JM: Fear. Fear of losing credibility and fear of losing budget appropriations.

The U.S. government has an obligation to obey the law. The death of JFK is, legally speaking, an open homicide case. The government was obliged by the 1992 JFK Records Act to release all assassination-related records “immediately.” Twenty three years later, it still has not done so.

Naturally, the CIA is loathe to admit that a half dozen senior undercover officers reporting to deputy director Richard Helms and Counterintelligence Chief James Angleton were fully informed of Lee Oswald’s travels, politics, and foreign contacts by October 10, 1963.

As first reported on JFK Facts last year, the U.S. government retains 3,600 assassination-related records that have never been made public. More than 1,100 of those records are held by the CIA. To be sure, most of these files are not relevant to the JFK story. But some are highly relevant. (See my story, “7 JFK files the CIA still keeps secret” on JFK Facts.)

If they were ever to admit this fact—and it is fact—then they will have to explain the epic intelligence failure that culminated in Dallas. And the day they do that is the day Congress starts thinking about cutting their budget in the next fiscal year. So they don’t go there. That’s why I doubt very much that your publication will hear from any CIA spokesman denying or even disputing anything I say in this interview. They don’t want to address the JFK facts‑and for good reason. Ava: Could it be that the CIA was embarrassed by their contact with the future assassin similar to the Dallas F.B.I. officials who, after the assassination, destroyed a handwritten note Oswald had previously left for an F.B.I. agent? JM: Precisely. Ava: You spent a decade in search of the truth that seems as elusive as it was over fifty years ago. Are there any new facts that could corroborate the array of theories as to why and who would want to extinguish the light of hope and take the life of President Kennedy?

Those 3,600 records are scheduled to be released in October 2017. If and when these files are made public—in their entirety, without redactions—then we can start talking about theories. Until then, we need to stick to the facts and the law. The facts are contained in the still-hidden JFK records and the law requires their release. My only JFK theory is that this will happen in October 2017. This theory, I concede, has yet to be proven.

Jefferson Morley is a former editor at The Washington Post and the author of Our Man in Mexico: Winston Scott and the Hidden History of the CIA. He writes about JFK's assassination at JFKfacts.org. Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

145

East Brick Nantucket Mansion Linked to History of Moby Dick BY KRISTEN MAGER

146

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

PHOTO COURTESY OF TERRY POMMETT PHOTOGRAPHY

hirty miles south of Cape Cod sits a charming seashellshaped island named Nantucket where the Starbuck family thrived as whalers in the richest and most productive port for whale oil in the world. Joseph Starbuck was a successful whaling captain who built three identical homes on Main Street for his three sons in the 1830s.

Homeowners Rick and Marie Wackenhut bought East Brick—the closest of the three to town—in 2005 and embarked on a magnificent restoration of the mansion to its whaling roots. “We thought it would be exciting to be stewards of such an iconic and historic home,” said Marie. It was actually the Starbuck name that inspired Herman Melville to name one of his Moby Dick characters after the family that built East Brick.

my boat,” said Captain Starbuck, ”who is not afraid of a whale.” By this, he seemed to mean, not only that the most reliable and useful courage was that which arises from the fair estimation of the encountered peril, but that an utterly fearless man is a far more dangerous comrade than a coward. – Quote from Moby Dick

RESTORING ITS ROOTS Walking through the four-story East Brick offers a spectacular tour through Nantucket’s history. “We chose furniture that would be appropriate and tell the story of Nantucket for anyone who entered the front door … whether it be the 17th or 20th century … and how this building has stood and represented the whaling industry all this time.” The front right parlor is where the Starbuck family would have received all guests and is adorned in the whaling, or most significant, period. “When this home was built, Nantucket whalers and their catch and merchandising of whale oil lit up the lights of the world,” said Rick.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TERRY POMMETT PHOTOGRAPHY

“I will have no man in

Today, cobblestone streets line the four-block Nantucket historic district where federal mansions like East Brick carry on the whaling legacy. And this December, the dark and dangerous life of a Nantucket whaler will liven up the big screen in Ron Howard’s movie “In the Heart of the Sea”—based on the true story that inspired Moby Dick.

A second parlor represents the China trade room, draped in silks and poised with porcelain. After the discovery of gold in California in 1849, followed by kerosene and petroleum, many merchants who owned ships in search of whale oil turned to the China Trade and started

Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

147

PHOTO COURTESY OF WARNER BROS.

The sleeping quarters are on the second floor, and the top floor of East Brick represents the Nantucket arts and crafts era, which took place in the 1930s and 1950s. After whale oil became obsolete practically overnight, Nantucket went into the Big importing cheese, porcelain, fabrics and coffee (leading some to speculate whether it was the inspiration for the current day coffee brand name Starbucks.)

148

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

A spiral staircase in the arts and crafts lounge leads up to the cupola, where Captain Starbuck would have been able to watch his fleet in the harbor.

WALLS THAT TALK During the renovation, the Wackenhuts stumbled upon an exciting find—the original cooking fireplace — that truly brought back the whaling beginnings of East Brick. It was hidden in the basement behind sheetrock, which is uncharacteristic for the whaling-era.

The bathroom has a surround scene—painted by a local artist—of the whaling ship’s journey as it goes out of the harbor, captures the whale, collects the oil, and returns with the “coming home flag.” The dining room has a circular view of the Nantucket harbor in 1842, which was the height of the industry. “Done in sepia, it really gives reason why this house stands,” said Marie.

Sleep. It remained a ghost town until about the turn of the century when word of the resort climate got out. Then, hotels started popping up, followed by artist colonies.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TERRY POMMETT PHOTOGRAPHY

“We’d been doing some electrical work and through one of the open boxes I saw brick,” says Marie. “A historical mason told us the

The Charles W. Morgan is the last of an American whaling fleet that numbered more than 2,700 vessels. Built and launched in 1841, the Morgan is now America’s oldest commercial ship still afloat – only the USS Constitution is older.

bricks were from 1900 and not 1835—so we took that wall down and lo and behold we uncovered the original cooking fireplace. We’ve turned it into a wine room now; but you still get a great feeling of the history of that room.”

GLORIOUS GREEN GARDENS The splendor of East Brick extends to the lush gardens. During the period the home was built, blueprints were used to create formal and symmetrical English, rose, and cutting gardens. “Spectacular gardens were attached to these homes and it was our intention to bring back that aspect of the yard so it would feel like you were walking through the grounds of an English manor,” said Marie.

Approximately 75 varieties of plants grace the garden. Fluffy white basketball-sized Annabelle hydrangeas encircle a brick patio and terrace down the back of the property. Pink Mandevilla vines, installed on a vertical frame, climb an elegant frame for the walkway. You’ll find a section primarily in shade occupied with ferns and low-to-ground lichen. Blossoming in the sun are a huge variety of flowers. And when the sun goes down, magic happens when a fog comes in at night and provides a cool mist to the flowers. An elegant white covered porch leading out from the bedrooms is not historic to East Brick but was designed to represent the mid-1800s. “It blends nicely with the house and makes it much more livable and grand,” said Marie.

COMING TO THE BIG SCREEN: “IN THE HEART OF THE SEA” You can experience the turbulent, terrifying, and unpredictable journey aboard a Nantucket whaling ship in a new action film coming to theaters on December 11. Starring Chris Hemsworth, Benjamin Walker, and Cillian Murphy, and directed by Ron Howard, the film is based on the story by Nathaniel Philbrick. When a whale of mammoth size and strength attacks the Nantucket Essex in 1819, the crew must drift for more than ninety days in tiny whaleboats. Storms, starvation, panic, and despair lead them to unthinkable actions just to survive. Go back in time to Nantucket’s whaling days and to the Essex, which inspired the story of Moby Dick.

Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

149

insurance

CONDO BOARD MEMBERS ARE YOU PROTECTED?

usan joined her association's condo board as she wanted to contribute to the community. No good deed goes unpunished! Karen was a unit owner who never agreed with anyone. At one association meeting, the board voted to make certain maintenance related improvements and spend other funds for various upgrades to the property. Karen disagreed with the new plans and filed an action against the board, including naming the Board members individually. Karen alleged that the plans breached the board members fiduciary duty and went beyond the authority provided by the associations' bylaws. As with the rest of the board, Susan was individually named in the suit.

Generally, directors and officers insurance cover such things as the mismanagement of association affairs, failure to maintain adequate reserves or records, and failure to enforce condo association rules and regulations. Some of the most frequent claims made against associations and their members include breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract, non-employment discrimination, employment practices disputes and wrongful foreclosure. Policies, subject to their specific terms and conditions, will respond to defend the association and the individual directors. At that point, the directors and officers policy will pay expenses to defend the board and individuals, as well as any settlement amount or judgment that might be incurred.

Susan was lucky, as her condo association was smart enough to have purchased a directors and officers insurance policy. Her association had realized that the board members make many decisions throughout the year that affect all the residents. Even using their best judgment in determining how to use Association funds for repairs, maintenance and improvements, it is not uncommon to have these decisions disputed by association members. The Board and its members can rest easy at night as directors and officers insurance will be there to defend and protect the association and the board members in the event of certain disputes.

Regardless of the size of your condo association, if you are on the board, you are individually exposed for the decisions that you make while administering the association bylaws and while making management decisions. Don't go unprotected. Look into purchasing a directors and officers policy for your condo association today.

150

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

Slaton Risk Services & Socius Insurance Services 5713 Corporate Way , West Palm Beach, FL 33407 Tel: 561-683-8383 ext: 1649 Fax: 561-684-5995 www.slatonriskservices.com

museum realism

DISCOVER THE MOST REALISTIC DINOSAUR

EXPERIENCE EVER!

A Look at the Dinosaurs Around the World from the Eyes of Expert Paleontologists BY STEVEN JOSEPH

My first movie was the animated dinosaur feature, “The Land Before Time.” And like most children between 3 and 7, I went through my paleontology phase, eventually outgrowing it after the first “Jurassic Park.” But even though the “traditional” dinosaur is extinct, dinosaurs are still alive, and they’re all around us. According to paleontologist Dr. Gregory Erickson, “Birds are dinosaurs. One of the biggest things that the movies get wrong is that they don’t give the dinosaurs feathers.” Dr. Erickson is also the conceptualizer behind “Dinosaurs Around the World,” the most realistic dinosaur experience ever created, coming to the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium in West Palm Beach November through April. The exhibit will “rekindle the spark in adults that they had as children. It’s not just animatronics, it’s an educational experience. It’s a museum AND a zoo.” Erickson also helped design many of the accompanying exhibits traveling with the animatronics that include real fossils. Dr. Erickson made his bones, literally, studying under famed paleontologist Jack Horner, and now splits his time between the scientific and the academic worlds. Besides teaching at Florida State University, Dr. Erickson helped discover and design mass-age-growth curves for dinosaurs, and is a foremost expert in the aging of dinosaur bones and teeth. Dr. Erickson believes his biggest contribution to paleontology, though, “is the idea that techniques developed for modern animals can be applied to dinosaurs. That’s the bigger purpose of ‘Dinosaurs Around the World,’ to teach the public about scientific concepts.” Because this exhibit is more than just robots and bones. Dr. Erickson wanted patrons to know “the science behind how we know what we know.” The exhibit also will include many interactive Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

151

Olivia Warford, 5, stares into the eyes of a lifesize Triceratops

elements, introduce the public to new dinosaurs they may be unfamiliar with, and stress that dinosaurs were on all continents. Museum CEO Lew Crampton adds, “’Hands On, Minds On’ is what the museum is about. We want people to come DO science, not just look at it.” The museum is only the second ever location for the traveling exhibit, the first one being the Clinton Presidential Library in Little Rock, Arkansas. The exhibit features the most accurate robotic dinosaurs ever created, two of which are so large they don’t even fit inside the museum. “You’ll be able to see them from the parking lot,” says Crampton. Dr. Erickson helped the animatronics team in China design the pieces, whose movements are “about as real as they can get,” according to Crampton. Few museums in the country might be better suited than the South Florida Science Center to host this exhibit, as Crampton was actually

152

South Florida OPULENCE

Winter 2015/16

part of a team that discovered a dinosaur in Wisconsin. Crampton was working with the Burpee Museum in Rockford, Illinois when he pitched a radical idea to the Board of Directors: Let’s go find a dinosaur. “I had no idea we’d find one.” Crampton’s crew unearthed a complete Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton in Wisconsin a year later, christened “Jane,” which became the cornerstone of an award-winning exhibit of its own. “Dinosaurs are awesome,” Crampton gushes with the enthusiasm of a wide-eyed youngster, “but this exhibit is not just for kids.” The museum is hosting “DinoFest” later this year, using the exhibit as an anchor, but adding lecture series from renowned scientists, and Q&A sessions and discussion panels. Crampton does admit, however, that “the best questions always come from the children.” Crampton also notes that he is “more excited for the programming around the exhibit than the dinosaurs themselves.” The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium isn’t just a one-trick eohippus… er, pony. The museum features interactive brain teasers and a brand new planetarium running Sky Scan, which can show the

night-sky as perceived from any geographic location. The museum also boasts “Science on a Sphere,” a projection orb which can run over 650 different programs varying from weather patterns to tracking bird migrations. And if that’s too much science for your taste, the museum now has an 18-hole miniature golf course in its backyard. Dr. Erickson says the most exciting thing he’s ever found while digging for dinosaur bones is…a second bone at the end of the first. “That denotes the possibility of a real find as opposed to an isolated fossil.” Appropriate, as the museum is hoping “Dinosaurs Around the World” is the metaphorical first bone for a lifetime of discovery for old and new patrons alike. Come be a part of “Dinosaurs Around the World” in only its second exhibition, November 2015 through April 2016, and experience “the most realistic dinosaur exhibit ever created.” No bones about it.

ProPerty tax adjusters, Inc. Is now Part of

ParadIgm tax grouP

Quality Representation & Service to Fisher Island Residents for the Past 20 Years. We now offer nationwide capabilities with 31 offices across the United States.

our exPertIse Is your success!

Real Property, Personal Property and Complex Industrial Tax representation. Federal Tax Credits/Local Abatements Available for the Rehabilitation of Historic Structures. Paradigm Tax Group Bay Point Office Tower, 4770 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 1100 Miami, Florida 33137 Phone 305.576.0033 ptgmiami@paradigmtax.com www.paradigmtax.com

Gary A. Appel, Esq. Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker Senior Managing Consultant - Principal

Adam C. Cappel Senior Managing Consultant - Principal

INSURANCE

BY JEFFREY M. SPECTOR

YACHT INSURANCE – THE BASICS The primary purpose of a yacht insurance policy is to provide coverage for physical damage and liability that is generally caused by an accident. The two main sections of a typical yacht insurance policy are the Physical Damage and Liability section. The physical damage section covers accidental loss or damage to the boat and its machinery. This not only covers the hull and the engine(s), but also the sails and other equipment on board that are required to operate the boat. Physical Damage coverage generally pays for repairs to your boat that is necessary as a result of damage caused by a wide range of perils. The best policies provide “all risk” coverage, which means that if the cause of loss is not specifically excluded, it is covered. Typical causes of loss that are covered include: weather-related perils such as wind, rain, hail, lightning and wave action; fire; loss or damage caused by theft or vandalism; and collisions with docks, submerged or floating objects or other boats. The Liability section, also known as Protection & Indemnity, covers your legal obligations to third parties. Legal liability can arise from bodily injury or loss of life, or damage to someone else’s property, as a result of the ownership or operation of your boat. Liability coverage also helps pay for your legal defense if you are sued for a liability that may be covered under your boat insurance policy. The Liability section of a comprehensive boat insurance policy provides many coverages that are important. Coverage for the removal or disposal

of the wreck of your boat is important to have, especially if the wreck is deemed to be a hazard to navigation. Boat owners may also be responsible for any containment and clean-up expenses resulting from oil pollution or contamination caused by their vessel. It’s important that your boat or yacht insurance policy covers your liability for those clean-up expenses because vessel owners are liable under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 up to the statutory limit (currently $854,400). Finally, boat owners who employ paid crew members should ensure that their policy covers their liability to the crew under the Jones Act and General Maritime Law. The yacht owner has the responsibility to maintain their yacht, and so normal wear and tear is often excluded under a boat or yacht policy. The number and type of physical damage exclusions vary from company to company. For complete policy details of a yacht insurance policy, please contact me anytime. Jeffrey M. Spector l Marine Insurance Advisor Brown & Brown Marine l A Division of Brown & Brown of Florida, Inc. 1201 W. Cypress Creek Road, Suite 130 Fort Lauderdale FL 33309 Direct: 954-331-1359 l Cell: 954-663-3233 l Fax: 954-776-4446

What is it about your community’s risk management program that keeps you up at night? • Does the D&O policy we purchased fully protect the board? • Will our Disaster Preparedness/ Recovery Plan be effective when we need it? • Is our Insurance Program in compliance with our bylaws? • With all these recent natural disasters, how do we effectively budget for next year?

We have the answers.

• If we have a claim will it be adjusted and paid correctly?

S e r v i n g S o u t h F l o r i d a F o r 9 0 y e a r S • 8 0 0 - 6 3 8 - 8 6 6 4 • w w w. S l at o n r i S k S e r v i c e S . c o m

75 Years.

proudly insuring the needs of condos and their residents

At Brown & Brown, we know that we must be as agile as the cheetah in order to thrive in the competitive insurance environment. Our unique culture has enabled us to quickly chase down new opportunities, adapt our products and services to best meet market demands, and satisfy our customers.

AUTO • AircrAfT • bOnds • cOndOminiUm • cOllecTibles • flOOd • heAlTh benefiTs • hOmeOwners • liAbiliTy • mArine * persOnAl • prOperTy • UmbrellA • wOrkers’ cOmp

Fort Lauderdale Division 1201 W. Cypress Creek Road, #130 • Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 Phone: 954.776.2222 • Toll Free: 800.648.9303 • Fax: 954.771.9192 www.bbftlaud.com

Serving Winter South Florida clients’ needsFlorida since 1939 2015/16 South OPULENCE

condo law

HOAS, CONDO ASSOCIATIONS MUST IMPLEMENT SAFEGUARDS TO PREVENT ELECTION FRAUD BY GARY M. MARS A recent case in Las Vegas has set a new bar for the heights to which criminals will go in their efforts to defraud condo associations and HOAs for contracts worth millions of dollars. A U.S. Justice Department investigation revealed that 11 homeowners and condominium associations in Las Vegas were defrauded of millions of dollars in a board of directors takeover scheme that took place from 2003 to 2009. Forty-one defendants were convicted as part of the investigation.

THE SCANDAL DETAILS The defendants were accused of getting their straw unit buyers elected to community associations’ boards of directors through forgery, bribery, ballot stuffing and dirty tricks, all with the help of a Kung Fu grandmaster to intimidate wary board members. As disclosed under his plea agreement, this martial arts expert admitted that the conspirators would rig the associations’ board of director elections by using stolen and forged ballots so that they could win

a majority voting control of the boards in order to secure lucrative contracts once control was obtained. Co-conspirators traveled to Mexico to print phony ballots, used the master key at a condominium complex in order to remove ballots from mailboxes, and retrieved discarded ballots from a condominium’s dumpsters. Community association boards control the purse strings of the communities that they govern, and they have been long-standing targets for unscrupulous board members. For those who own residences in condo and HOA communities, this board takeover scheme underscores the level of involvement and vigilance that is necessary in order to help ensure that their community associations avoid this type of fraud. Unit owners should make every effort to vote in all elections and submit their own ballots, as fraudsters may attempt to secure and utilize forged ballots from those who do not normally vote in the elections. They should also attend

the election meeting and determine whether their ballot was counted or disallowed due to the submission of more than one ballot for their unit.

BOARD INTEGRITY If association members believe that the integrity of their board of directors has been compromised, they should consult with highly experienced legal counsel in order to discuss and determine their next steps. Election recalls, court appointed receivers, and other legal actions are among the measures that can be pursued, and criminal investigations by state and federal law enforcement are also possibilities that can come into play. Partner Gary M. Mars with the South Florida law firm of Siegfried, Rivera, Hyman, Lerner, De La Torre, Mars & Sobel has focused on community association law since 1991. www.srhl-law.com, www.FloridaHOALawyerBlog.com, 305-442-3334.

2015 OPULENCE YACHT GALA , FISHER ISLAND

PARAMOUNT Miami Worldcenter Developer, Dan Kodsi & his wife, Bru

156

South Florida OPULENCE

Executive publishers Geoff & Jayne Hammond with David, Tonya & Ashley Hammond

Winter 2015/16

Alasa & Danny Egorova

Hire a law firm you can trust. Legal Counsel to Community Associations Since 1977

Offices in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Main Office: Suntrust Plaza, 201 Alhambra Circle, Suite 1100, Coral Gables, FL 33134 800-737-1390 | www.srhl-law.com

Genilde Guerra Models representing Van Cleef & Arpels

Paola Rengifo, Karina Jureko & Jola Dussaud

Guests enjoyed the sounds of Jon Saxx & Brad Tallman

Fisher Island Club CEO, Bernard Lackner with Monika Kaczkowska, Maya Le Troadec, Anejade Vaccarella & Elena Woltin

On October 17th, guests gathered on Fisher Island for the 5th Annual Opulence Magazine Yacht Gala. Special thank you to our sponsors Samuel Lynne Galleries, The Collection, Van Cleef and Arpels, Brown & Brown, California Closets, Restore Construction, RoboVault and The Edenbaum Group.

158

South Florida OPULENCE

Kuro Mixologist Jared Boller (middle) serving his famous Mushroom Bourbon

Shayna Sirkin, Eric Pharis & Adriana Ospina

Jon Saxx, South Florida Opulence Editor in Chief Robin Jay, Jim and Jannelle Jonsin, Adriana Villasuso & Brad Tallman

Winter 2015

Melanie Richer and Susan McGregor of RoboVault

Taking your building to another level.

Concrete Restoration • Waterproofing • Painting and more

CONSTRUCTION GROUP, INC.

“A Good Price is Only Remembered for a Short Time The Memory of a Good Job Can Last a Life Time”

All of our services are backed by our 5 year labor and materials warranty. That’s quality you can count on.

For more information: 2411 S.W. 58th Terrace, West Park, FL 33023 Phone: 954-985-5353 • Fax: 954-985-5356 www.restoreconstructiongroup.com Winter 2015/16

#CGC 1515037

South Florida OPULENCE

159

Karen & Michael Bivins & Lea Miller

Robert Griswold & Deirdre Marie Capone

Robin Jay, Jon Olafsson of Icelandic Water & Geoff Hammond

On October 16th, guests experienced the mastery of world-renowned reflectionist painter, JD Miller at the Opulence Fine Art Event on Fisher Island. The event, sponsored by Samuel Lynne Galleries, raised money for Keshet, the philanthropy of choice for the Coe Family of Fisher Island.

160

South Florida OPULENCE

Members of the Symphonia Quartet perform at the Opulence Fine Art Event

Artist JD Miller puts the finishing touches on his masterpiece

JD's painting was purchased by Tom Kelly and Claudia Zarate Verges

Shari Coe, Karen Bivins, Robin Jay, and guest

JD Miller, Mark Coe, Geoff Hammond, Jon Olafsson, David Hammond & Michael Bivins

Winter 2015

Elevate your experience. Play Elevate Play your your favorite favoriteLas LasVegas Vegasstyle styleslots, slots,enjoy enjoythe thethrill thrillofoflive liveBlackjack, Blackjack, indulge at the world-class NYY indulge NYY Steak Steak and andlive liveititup upatatLegends LegendsLounge. Lounge.

LIVE LIVE THE THE GOOD GOOD LIFE. LIFE. seminolecasinococonutcreek.com casinococo.com Must be be at at least least 21 21 years old to play Slots and Must and Table Table Games Games or ortotoreceive receivePlayer’s Player’sClub Clubbenefits. benefits.Must Mustbebe1818or older to play LivetoPoker. If you or someone know has gambling please call 1.888.ADMIT.IT. or older play Live Poker. If you oryou someone youaknow has aproblem, gambling problem, please call 1.888.ADMIT.IT. Winter 2015/16

South Florida OPULENCE

161

Dual Time Manufacture Self-winding manufacture movement with Silicium technology. Patented unique time zone quick setting. BOUTIQUES

18 ct rose gold case. Water-resistant to 30 m. Also available in stainless steel. Limited Edition of 500 pieces. U LY S S E - N A R D I N . C O M

Boca Raton To w n C e n t e r 561-353-1846

Miami Aventura Mall 305-830-1786

N e w Yo r k , C a r l s b a d , G e n e v a , I s t a n b u l , M o s c o w , P a r i s , S t - P e t e r s b u r g , B e i r u t , D u b a i , A l m a t y , B e i j i n g , B i s h k e k , U l a a n b a a t a r , K u a l a L u m p u r , S i n g a p o r e , Ta i p e i .