A proud partner of Issuu, NZ Polo Open, House On Third U.S. Polo Assn., The Impression and Mixam
INANDA POLO CLUB
Nedbank International Polo Cup
Inanda Patrons Cup
Africa Polo Open
POLO DE PARIS
Tournoi de la Ville de Paris
130e Open de Paris
26e Open de Dames
POLO CLUB DOMAINE DE CHANTILLY
Paris Games Polo Challenge
COWDRAY PARK POLO CLUB
British Open Polo Championship for the Cowdray Gold Cup
British Ladies Open Championship
POLO CLUB DE DEAUVILLE
Coupe D'Argent
Coupe D'Or
Coupe de Bronze
Ladies Polo Cup
MIAMI BEACH
Miami Beach World Championship
SCOREBOARDS & COCKTAILS
PARIS GAMES POLO CHALLENGE 2024
POLO LIFESTYLES EDITORS & CONTRIBUTORS
Dana
better BEE-lieve this celebrity trend, page 72 Recognizing (and avoiding) a dark empath, page 104
a sex therapist wants you to
page 78
WHERE DID THE SUMMER GO? I BLINKED AND IT’S OVER. WE HAVE A SPECIAL FEATURE ON THE BEST PLACES TO GO AWAY FOR THE HOLIDAYS – MEANING THOSE FALLING IN DECEMBER – IN THIS ISSUE OF POLO LIFESTYLES, AND IT’S BEEN A REALITY CHECK FOR MY OWN CALENDAR. PLANNING FOR OUR HOLIDAY ISSUE IS WELL-UNDERWAY EVEN AS THE TEMPERATURES SWELTER AND WE DRINK ICED TEA RATHER THAN HOT COCOA.
I find autumn to be the most-dramatic change of season. It’s like everywhere I look, I’m reminded: school traffic clogging my morning commute, my Starbucks app crowded with promotions for pumpkin-themed drinks I’m never going to try, and the non-stop flood of emails in my inbox for Labor Day Weekend sales.
I have a love-hate relationship with the September issue, probably due to all of the things I just listed. This issue is partly end-of-summer, partly lookingtoward-fall and partly in-the-moment. To that extent, our content was selected to fairly represent the unique month of September in the world where publishing meets luxury. As the U.S. Open kicks off and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week follows, we’ll be taking notes in preparation for the annual Fashion Issue next month.
But for now, sit back with your seasonal drink of choice and catch up on all the latest things you may have otherwise missed.
Savor Italy’s “dolce vita” and discover the Maison’s exclusive resort store in Portofino
Rolex Milgauss in stainless steel, by MadParis x Colette Paris. Limited to just five individually-numbered pieces
Make sure you pack all the essentials from U.S. Polo Assn. for your next polo-trip
Discover a culinary experience onboard the @easternoriental as ever-evolving views of Southeast Asia roll by
Legacy Libraries :: a concept where architectural design and historical narrative intersect
belmond
bugatti
Ready
New Heritage collection from U.S. Polo Assn.
Bugatti’s legacy, both past and present, shone at Salon Privé in Blenheim.
luxurywatchub
usopen
Naomi Osaka makes an entrance at the U.S. Open in New York City
uspoloassn
carlosbannon
sirdavis
Redefining the landscape of American whiskey with Sir Davis
uspoloassneur
Click and comment on our choices... Tag @pololifestyles . We will share noteworthy comments with you next month.
The energy of wine country and the Bohemian charm of Sonoma, with the sophisticated feel of a California getaway
Wine bottles that double as Art de la Table are welcome at any party of ours
Not every day a father wins a national tournament with his two sons at @ twilightpolo
Bentley unveiled the new Continental GT at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance this year
Detailed with delicate hand embroidery to light-catching effect, the Daisy jumper from the FW24/25 Collection
As the band entered the river, two stallions had a dramatic battle
Surfs up on National Dog Day - how do you celebrate your furry friend?
PARIS – U.S. POLO ASSN., THE OFFICIAL BRAND OF THE UNITED STATES POLO ASSOCIATION (USPA), AND THE POLO CLUB DU DOMAINE CHANTILLY WERE PROUD TO PRESENT THE PARIS GAMES POLO CHALLENGE 2024, A TRIBUTE MATCH BETWEEN THE USA AND FRANCE ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7. DEFENDING ITS WIN FROM 100 YEARS AGO IN 1924 PARIS,
THE USA TEAM DEFEATED FRANCE IN A HARD-FOUGHT GAME THAT ULTIMATELY ENDED IN A SCORE OF 10- 7.
The Paris Games Polo Challenge 2024 was a sanctioned tribute match between the USA and France, in partnership with the Federation of International Polo (FIP), the Federation Française de Polo (FFP), and the USPA. This historic match, which received unprecedented media coverage for its significance, was the centennial celebration and tribute to the last time France hosted the Olympics, exactly 100 years ago.
THE GAME
On the pitch representing the United States were Quinn Evans (1), Hope Arellano (3), Nicolas “Nico” Escobar (5), and Cody Ellis (5), with USPA Polo Hall of Famer Julio Arellano as Coach and Luis Escobar as Assistant Coach. Representing France were Elena Venot (2), Dorian Bulteau (3), Julien Reynes (4), and Clément Delfosse (5), with Clément Delfosse as captain, alongside National Coach Matthieu Delfosse.
The Paris Games Polo Challenge came to a breathtaking conclusion, with the USA overtaking France in a score of 10 to
7, confirming the Team’s 100-year triumphant history. Clément Delfosse of France opened the scoring with a breakaway, and Quinn Evans of the USA quickly matched him in the first chukker. At the third chukker, the score was 5-5 before the USA took the lead in the fourth, with Nico Escobar catapulting the USA Team to win 10-7.
PARIS GAMES
POLO CHALLENGE 2024
GSTAAD HUBLOT GOLD CUP
2024 HUBLOT GOLD CUP
IT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN THE MOST BEAUTIFUL MATCH OF THE WEEK, BUT WHEN THE FINAL IS ON THE LINE THE ONLY APPEALING RESULT IS A WIN.
Hublot’s 2024 Gold Cup was a sport of strategy, combat, and patience: and Britain’s Max Charlton proved to be the strongest at this game. All the talent of Raul Laplacette could do nothing about it, despite being named best player of the match.
It was a defensive final which, naturally, concluded with a low score of 6-5. It was unbearable suspense until the end, with each team returning goals blow for
blow. With only two minutes left on the clock, a remarkable individual play by Raul Laplacette leveled the score once again, and with mere seconds to go, Max Charlton took advantage of another 60yard penalty. It was the goal that ultimately determined the match.
“Yes, it was a tough fight played out on penalties,” the Briton admitted. “We won today because we were a little bit luckier than Gstaad Palace since both teams were on equal footing. But I’m particularly pleased to have won here, for Phillipp [Müller, his captain]. It’s amazing!”
The opening match, the final for third place, was clinched by French captain François Okala’s team, donning the distinctive J.Safra Sarasin colors, after an ac-
tion-packed second chukker. Argentinian handicap 6 Horacio Fernandez Llorente led the charge, capturing four goals. The “blues” dominated the match from start to finish, after measuring up the pitch they only discovered a few days prior.
“Actually…not quite,” Tete Fanelli was keen to point out. “This is the third time I’ve played here. I’ve been a finalist twice before but lost on both occasions. I thought this would be my year, so I’m not completely satisfied with third place. That doesn’t stop me from enjoying this tournament enormously—the organization, the environment, the atmosphere. So I’m looking forward to coming back here and leaving with the watch!”
2024 HUBLOT GOLD CUP
GSTAAD
2024 HUBLOT GOLD CUP
GSTAAD
BARRIERE DEAUVILLE POLO COUPES D'OR & BRONZE
WIND AND RAIN DIDN’T DAMPEN THE SPIRITS OF THE SPECTATORS, ESPECIALLY AS THE SUN MADE A TIMID APPEARANCE FOR THE FINAL: SEVERAL HUNDRED SPECTATORS FILLED THE STANDS AT THE DEAUVILLE INTERNATIONAL POLO CLUB TO APPLAUD TALANDRACAS’ VICTORY IN THE PRESTIGIOUS COUPE D’OR MARTA ET LUCIEN BARRIÈRE AFTER A GAME THAT WAS DOMINATED FROM START TO FINISH, WHILE LAURENT DASSAULT’S RED FALCON TEAM TOOK THE BRONZE CUP.
And that’s seven for Talandracas and Édouard Carmignac, who completed a perfect season by winning another Coupe d’Or after already lifting the Queens’s Cup in June and reaching the semi-finals of the Gold Cup for the British Open at Cowdray in July. It was their seventh victory, a record they now share with Alex Ebeid, who also won the Gold Cup seven times in 1979, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986 and 1987: “Oh dear,” laughed Édouard Carmignac. “I thought we’d broken that record today. In any case, we’ve beaten André Fabre’s record, but I’d forgotten about Alex. Well, that gives us a new target for next year.”
This marks a dream end to this season for the Carmignacs, with a victory that can only be described as historic, thanks to the magical duo made up of two young Argentinians, Rufino Bensadon who will play in Buenos Aires for Cria La Dolfina and Juan-Martin Zubia who will play for La Ensenada: two major teams that show just how good these players are!
DEAUVILLE POLO CLUB COUPES DE BRONZE ET D'OR
Two prodigies who set the tone from the outset with a spectacular start to the game, winning the first chukker 5-0 and the second 6-2. The gap was already quite wide! Then Barrière woke up, with some fine attacks, often led by Juan Gris Zavaleta, but they weren’t always successful. Instead, Talandracas steamrollered their way to a 14-7 final score: “It’s the first time I’ve won this legendary Coupe d’Or, enthused Juan-Martin Zubia. When I went out on the field today, I knew it was the only title I’d never won in France, so that put extra pressure on me and, thank God, I won it. We started the game well and we managed to keep that four or five-goal lead right to the end. We had to stay calm when Barrière started to play better, and it was that calmness that enabled us to maintain our level of play and win well.”
COUPE DE BRONZE FOR RED FALCON
There was not a single Argentinian on the field, only one Peruvian, 4-goaler Guillermo Li, which is quite rare at this level! Two well-rehearsed teams with two experienced professionals (Pierre Henri N’Goumou and Matthieu Delfosse) and two young upand-coming men of French polo (Elouan Badarello and Diego Belaid). In the end, Laurent Dassault’s team dominated the game from start to finish, winning by the narrowest of margins and having to withstand a fine late comeback from the Ranger Polo team.
DEAUVILLE POLO CLUB COUPES DE BRONZE ET D'OR
DEAUVILLE POLO CLUB COUPES DE BRONZE ET D'OR
TEAM USA REMATCHED TEAM JAMAICA ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 17TH, FOR THE TWENTY-FIFTH YEAR OF RIVALRY IN THE 2024 LINEUP OF THE NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL POLO SERIES, PRESENTED BY TURKISH AIRLINES. THIS WAS A HIGHLY ANTICIPATED MATCH, AS JAMAICA SOUGHT REVENGE FOR LAST YEAR’S GAME WHICH WAS AN INTENSE OVERTIME WIN FOR TEAM USA.
TD Bank cardholders were offered a Behind the Scenes Tour, while musical entertainment accompanied lawn games, picnics and BBQs around the venue for all spectators eagerly awaiting the match. Celebrated author Christy Cashman, who wrote The Truth About Horses, came to sign her books, available at the Pro Shop. Those who got a book signed by Christy were entered into a raffle to win a relaxing getaway trip to Kilkea Castle in Ireland as part of her best-selling tome’s one-year anniversary milestone celebration of achievements including the 2024 IBPA Gold Award for General Fiction!
Jamaica, wearing green, started with Zachary Byles in the #1 position, followed by Conrad Chin in the #2 position, Paul Chin in the #3 position, and finally Shane Chin in the #4 position. Team USA, wearing red, featured Chris Fragomeni at #1, Minnie Keating at #2, Sam Clemens at #3, and George Hempt in the #4 position.
The Official Coin Toss in the Opening Ceremony was performed by Christy Cashman. The first two goals of the match were held off until the last minute of the first chukker, when Byles scored two consecutive goals. Meanwhile, Team USA did not score, which brought the chukker to a score of 2-0, Jamaica. Team USA surged forward in the next chukker, Clemens scoring in the first minute, followed by a goal scored by Hempt. A penalty hit for Team USA allowed for another goal, and Team Jamaica was held off from scoring any goals, putting the score at 3-2, USA. The next period saw a goal
scored by every player on Team USA, starting with Hempt, followed by Fragomeni, then Clemens, and finally Keating. S Chin scored a last-minute goal, so the ending score of the first half was 7-3, Team USA.
Spectators filled the field to participate in the traditional divot stomping to prepare the field for the second half of the match. The International Polo Grounds were buzzing with the relief of the beautiful day after weather forecasts had predicted rain. Spectators refreshed with a variety of options from diverse vendors all around, including the Patio Bar offering a mix of delicious premium options including Veuve Clicquot Champagne, Stella Artois, and Tito’s Vodka. The Cocktail Guru was also serving up specialty cocktails all afternoon made with Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Goslings Rum, while the Pro Shop was packed with customers checking out their lovely 2024 polo and outerwear collections. The weekly Gourmet Food Trucks served an array of options field-side all afternoon from JavaJai Coffee Company, Ben & Jerry’s, From Scratch Cakes, Hawaiian Jims Shaved Ice, Sweet B’s Donuts, Amano Pizza, Cluck Truck, and Newport Chowder Co.
Before the excitement of the second half of the match, customers perused the Pro Shop to look at new items and drop off their raffle tickets hoping to win a special gift this week and an entry to win the Turkish Airlines Grand Prize. This week, a special door prize was raffled by Visit Jamaica for a four-day trip for two to Jamaica at Princess Hotels Negril! Spectators also visited pop-up shops from Cocoa & Co. Portraits, Woof Woof Pet Boutique, Elite Detailing, and Harvey Traveler. At the same time, judges circled the field to find the most One Love-inspired tailgate spread to win the Stella Artois Best in Show Contest, announced at the end of the 4th chukker.
Team Jamaica fought back in the next two periods, keeping Team USA from scoring
NEWPORT POLO CLUB
during the fourth and fifth chukkers. In the fourth chukker, P Chin and Byles both scored, leaving the period at 7-5, USA. The Stella Artois Best in Show Contest winner was announced in between chukkers, to the best One Love themed tailgate - Congratulations to the winner! In the next period, P Chin scored first, then a penalty hit allowed for another Jamaican goal, then yet another goal for Team Jamaica, scored by C Chin, put Team Jamaica in the lead and closed the fifth chukker at a score of 8-7. After this chukker, our raffle winner was announced – congratulations to our winner from Salem, Massachusetts! The final chukker was a nail-biter, as Hempt tied the score within a few seconds, and no goals were scored for a few minutes. Finally, Keating brought Team USA to victory with the last goal of the match, putting the score at a close 9-8!
After the match, USA and Jamaica took a lap around the field in the traditional victory salute, a Newport Polo tradition since 2003. The lap was then closely followed by the Veuve Clicquot Trophy Presentation, where Team USA was awarded the USA vs. Jamaica Perpetual Cup by Visit Jamaica and Hotel Viking. After the celebration and autograph signing, the players and spectators retired to the Modern Luxury Lounge, served by the Cocktail Guru, for the players’ toast. After the match and celebrations, there was a delectable Jamaican Après Polo buffet served by Hummingbird, where players and spectators gathered and enjoyed the beautiful night.
World-First Lung Cancer Vaccine Trials Launched
First patient in UK gets dose of jab designed to kill the most common form of lung cancer – and stop it from coming back
DOCTORS HAVE BEGUN TRIALING THE WORLD’S FIRST MRNA LUNG CANCER VACCINE IN PATIENTS, AS EXPERTS HAILED ITS “GROUNDBREAKING” POTENTIAL TO SAVE THOUSANDS OF LIVES.
Lung cancer is the world’s leading cause of cancer death, accounting for about 1.8m deaths every year. Survival rates in those with advanced forms of the disease, where tumors have spread, are particularly poor.
Now experts are testing a new jab that instructs the body to hunt down and kill cancer cells – then prevents them ever
coming back. Known as BNT116 and made by BioNTech, the vaccine is designed to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most common form of the disease.
The phase 1 clinical trial, the first human study of BNT116, has launched across 34 research sites in seven countries: the UK, US, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Spain and Turkey.
Overall, about 130 patients – from early-stage before surgery or radiotherapy, to late-stage disease or recurrent cancer –will be enrolled to have the jab alongside immunotherapy. About 20 will be from the UK.
The jab uses messenger RNA (mRNA), similar to Covid-19 vaccines, and works
by presenting the immune system with tumor markers from NSCLC to prime the body to fight cancer cells expressing these markers.
The aim is to strengthen a person’s immune response to cancer while leaving healthy cells untouched, unlike chemotherapy.
“We are now entering this very exciting new era of mRNA-based immunotherapy clinical trials to investigate the treatment of lung cancer,” said Prof Siow Ming Lee, a consultant medical oncologist at University College London hospitals NHS foundation trust (UCLH), which is leading the trial in the UK.
“It’s simple to deliver, and you can select specific antigens in the cancer cell, and
then you target them. This technology is the next big phase of cancer treatment.”
Janusz Racz, 67, from London, was the first person to have the vaccine in the UK. He was diagnosed in May and soon after started chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
The scientist, who specializes in AI, said his profession inspired him to take part in the trial. “I am a scientist too, and I understand that the progress of science – especially in medicine – lies in people agreeing to be involved in such investigations,” he said.
He added: “It would be very beneficial for me, because it’s a new methodology not available for other patients that can help me to get rid of the cancer.
“And also, I can be a part of the team that can provide proof of concept for this new methodology, and the faster it would be implemented across the world, more people will be saved.”
Racz received six consecutive injections five minutes apart over 30 minutes at the
National Institute for Health Research UCLH Clinical Research Facility on Tuesday.
Each jab contained different RNA strands. He will get the vaccine every week for six consecutive weeks, and then every three weeks for 54 weeks.
Lee said: “We hope adding this additional treatment will stop the cancer coming back because a lot of time for lung cancer patients, even after surgery and radiation, it does come back.”
He added: “I’ve been in lung cancer research for 40 years now. When I started in the 1990s, nobody believed chemotherapy worked.
“We now know about 20-30% [of patients] stay alive with stage 4 with immunotherapy and now we want to improve survival rates. So hopefully this mRNA vaccine, on top of immunotherapy, might provide the extra boost.
“We hope to go on to phase 2, phase 3, and then hope it becomes standard of
care worldwide and saves lots of lung cancer patients.”
Thousands of patients in England were to be fast-tracked into groundbreaking trials of cancer vaccines in a revolutionary world-first NHS “matchmaking” scheme to save lives. Under the scheme, patients who meet the eligibility criteria will gain access to clinical trials for the vaccines that experts say represent a new dawn in cancer treatment.
Lord Vallance, the science minister, hailed the launch of the lung cancer vaccine trial. “This approach has the potential to save the lives of thousands diagnosed with lung cancer every year,” he said. “We back our researchers so that they continue to be an integral part of projects that produce groundbreaking therapies, like this one.”
Racz hopes once his treatment is over he can get back to running and achieve his lifetime ambition: completing the London Marathon.
HIGH SOCIETY'S FASCINATION WITH BEES YOU'D BETTER
BEE-lieve It
BY JOSH JAKOBITZ / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / PHOTOS COURTESY BROWNHOT EVENTS
High Society's Fall Flex: BEEKEEPING
IN CERTAIN CIRCLES THE BUZZ ABOUT BEES HAS BECOME DEAFENING. TAKE, FOR EXAMPLE, EARLIER THIS YEAR, WHEN DAVID BECKHAM EXCHANGED BEEKEEPING TIPS WITH KING CHARLES III, OR WHEN THE SINGER ZAYN MALIK GAVE KELLY CLARKSON HONEY FROM HIS FARM DURING AN APPEARANCE ON HER TALK SHOW. (CLARKSON REVEALED SHE HAS BEES ON HER PROPERTY, TOO.)
Should you find yourself in a conversation with Beyoncé or Martha Stewart, bring up their backyard hives and you’ll surely win some points—or a jar of honey.
“Our world is drunk on AI, performance, algorithms, and optimization, but making honey hasn’t changed in centuries,” says Richard Christiansen, owner of the garden centric lifestyle brand Flamingo Estate, which sells $250 jars of the stuff harvested from Tiffany Haddish’s Los Angeles yard (proceeds go to charity).
“It’s this analog practice: Put the bees in, wait for the flowers, come back. There’s something beautiful about the simplicity of beekeeping.”
Christiansen’s parents were beekeepers, and today he keeps 30 to 40 hives on his hillside property in L.A. He sells honey from hives located in the yards of LeBron James, Ai Weiwei, and Julianne Moore, and likens the process of making honey to making wine. “There’s a real complexity, snobbery, and rivalry in the honey world,” he says, noting that VIP collaborators often ask him to leave his
hives behind. “There are people who just obsess over it.”
Yao King, who runs a New York City hedge fund, bought a home in Bucks County, Pa., in 2020 and added hives to help keep his small farm’s ecosystem in balance. “It’s a nice way to get out of the city and use my brain in a different way,” he says. “Out here it’s like, ‘Oh, the bee population is dwindling. What’s causing it? What can I do?’”
He’s now a devotee: a reader of bee books, viewer of YouTube bee videos, and a member of various groups for the “beek” (online shorthand for beekeeper) community. “It helps me think about how things fit together, in the broader picture of nature,” he says with a touch of awe.
Bees have long cast their spell over the rich and powerful. Aristotle considered them divine, Napoleon used them as his
High Society's Fall Flex: BEEKEEPING
emblem to represent diligence and orderliness, and they have been a signature motif for Gucci since the 1970s. Ancient Romans gave honey as a welcoming gift, and Samuel L. Jackson gave 10 pounds of bees to Scarlett Johansson as a wedding present. Martha Stewart said in a 2013 interview that there’s something “so romantic” about raising them.
Nature has long fascinated the affluent—just think of Bunny Mellon’s or C.Z.
Guest’s gardens—perhaps because it’s the one thing money can’t control. It doesn’t hurt that honey is also touted for its alleged healing properties, a preoccupation of the upper class. Gwyneth Paltrow has advocated apitherapy treatments to relieve inflammation, and beestings are said to help with everything from Lyme disease to scarring. Christiansen recalls bumping into Stewart at a function and her saying he looked tired.
Her advice? Dab honey and olive oil on his skin.
King thinks something deeper may be at play. “Bees are symbols of freedom and self-sufficiency,” he says. “People feel trapped sometimes, but there’s this calling in our DNA: We want to be out there, growing, nourishing, and cultivating these natural things in their lives.”
Everything That A SEX THERAPIST Would Like You To Know
COUPLES WORRIED ABOUT “MISMATCHED” LIBIDOS. PEOPLE STRUGGLING TO ORGASM. LOVERS WONDERING IF THEY’RE HAVING A “NORMAL” AMOUNT OF SEX.
Sex therapists, educators and researchers tend to see these issues over and over again.
We reached out to several of them to ask: What do you wish more people knew about sex and intimacy?
Here’s what the experts had to say.
1. Comparison is the thief of sexual joy.
Lori Brotto, a psychologist and professor at the University of British Columbia who is the author of “Better Sex Through Mindfulness,” spends a lot of time trying to persuade people to discard the concept of a “normal” sex life when it comes to how and how often they get intimate.
The frequency with which couples have
sex is not a meaningful measure of sexual health, she said, even though it is something “people get really hung up on.” It doesn’t tell you anything about whether individuals are actually enjoying time with their partners, and the sex they’re having, she added.
“I have worked with couples who are having sex every night and are miserable together,” echoed Casey Tanner, a sex therapist based in New York City and author of “Feel It All.” Conversely, she has worked with couples who feel deeply connected and who have sex maybe three times a year.
Let go of the numbers game, Ms. Tanner urged, and instead focus on how each sexual experience feels.
2. It may be time to update your definition of “sex.”
We have a tendency to think of sex as an action, said Esther Perel, a couples therapist and author who is launching a new online course about desire. But she reframes it for her clients and audiences. “Sex isn’t something that you do,” Ms.
Perel tells them. “Sex is a place where you go.”
She often asks questions like: “What do you want to experience there? Is this an experience, for you, of transcendence? Of spiritual union? Of deep connection?” Or, “is it an experience where you can be mischievous and for once not a good citizen?”
Acknowledging that a joint orgasm isn’t the only destination during sex can help couples become unstuck, Ms. Perel finds.
Candice Nicole Hargons, an associate professor at Emory University and author of the forthcoming book “Good Sex,” encourages her clients to think about the idea of a “sexual menu.”
“Most of us get this really unseasoned sexual menu kind of handed to us when we’re kids,” she said.
The types of sex on our menu may be influenced by media, sex education classes and what we pick up socially. But she encourages her sex therapy clients to create a more flavorful, personalized
BY CATHERINE PEARSON / SPECIAL TO POLO LIFESTYLES
menu — “to say for themselves what their yeses are, what their noes are, what their maybe-sos are.”
The only nonnegotiable? Pleasure should be the main course.
“You’d be surprised by how many people I talk to on a day-to-day basis who don’t understand that sex isn’t supposed to be painful,” said Jessica Ross, a sex therapist based in Michigan. “Orgasm? Optional. But pleasure is mandatory.”
3. There is more than one type of desire.
Sexual desire, as it’s portrayed in TV, movies and pornography, is invariably spontaneous — a sudden, overwhelming urge to have sex. But there is another, equally valid type of desire, known as responsive desire. It emerges in response to deliberate pleasure or erotic stimuli, said Lauren Fogel Mersy, a psychologist and sex therapist based in Minnesota and an author of “Desire.”
People who tend to experience responsive desire should feel reassured that “there is nothing wrong with them,” she said. “They’re not broken.” They might simply need to put in a bit more work to understand what kind of erotic stimulation helps them feel open to the possibility of intimacy, like touch, for instance.
Also, couples need to let go of the expectation that they should be aligned in how and when they experience desire. “Desire discrepancy is the norm rather than the exception,” Dr. Fogel Mersy said.
4. Never underestimate the power of the clitoris.
“The clitoris is the powerhouse of the female orgasm, and the vast majority of the sensitive nerve endings that contribute to pleasure are located on the surface of the vulva, not inside the vagina,” said Ian Kerner, a sex therapist based in New York City and author of “She Comes First.”
Most intercourse positions don’t provide a lot of clitoral stimulation, he said, which is a major contributor to the pleasure gap among heterosexual couples. In taking a more “clitoral approach to sex,” activities that are typically thought of as foreplay, like manual and oral stimulation, are not just a precursor to something else. They are the main event, Dr. Kerner explained.
That said, there are women who can orgasm during intercourse, said Debby Herbenick, a professor at the Indiana University School of Public Health and author of “Yes, Your Kid: What Parents Need to Know About Today’s Teens and Sex,” whose research suggests 18 percent of women orgasm from penetration alone. “For women who do want to have an orgasm during vaginal penetration or intercourse, it’s OK to want that — and there are ways to try,” she added.
5. Men are not light switches.
There are many clichés about male sexuality: among them, that all men think about sex constantly, and that “all it takes is a strong breeze for a guy to get an erection,” Dr. Kerner said.
“What gets lost is the bigger truth that male sexuality is as complex and variable as female sexuality,” Dr. Kerner said. Desire discrepancy is the No. 1 issue he sees in his practice, and men are just as likely to be the low-desire partner as women, he said. Often, his male clients feel a lot of shame and embarrassment that they are not initiating sex the way they’re “supposed to.”
“Men are not light switches when it comes to sex,” Dr. Kerner said. “They don’t just turn on and off.”
6. Intimacy should be on the calendar, not just sex.
Putting sex on the calendar is wellworn sex therapy advice, but Ms. Tanner believes it can backfire. “The pressure of having to keep a sexual ap-
pointment can actually decrease sexual desire,” she explained. “Rather than putting sex on your calendar, schedule an activity that opens the door for intimacy.”
What that means will vary from couple to couple, said Jessa Zimmerman, a sex therapist in private practice in Seattle, who offers the same advice to her clients. Perhaps it’s a date night. Perhaps you get into bed a bit earlier than usual and see what happens.
“It’s so different than, OK we’re going to have sex every Sunday night. Because, oh my gosh, it’s not too long before the lower-desire person is starting to avoid that or dread that,” she said.
7. It’s possible to overthink good sex.
Sara Nasserzadeh, a social psychologist and author of “Love by Design,” who works with clients around the world, said she sees a tendency among some of her North American clients to feel as if they must talk about sex ad nauseam.
“It’s ridiculous to me, because sex is something that involves the bodies,” she said. “It involves the somatic.”
That doesn’t mean her motto is “Just Do It,” but sometimes you have to let your bodies connect and “talk” for you, Dr. Nasserzadeh said.
Put another way: Sex should momentarily rob you of your intelligence, said Dr. Stephen Snyder, a sex therapist based in New York City and author of “Love Worth Making.” It should make you a bit selfish and maybe even regress a bit, he said.
“Good sex makes you dumber,” he said with a chuckle. “And great sex makes you really, really stupid.”
THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION APPROVED UPDATED COVID-19 VACCINES ON THURSDAY, PAVING THE WAY FOR THE SHOTS TO SOON LAND IN PHARMACIES, DOCTORS’ OFFICES AND HEALTH CENTERS. THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION HAS SAID IT WILL RECOMMEND THAT ADULTS AND CHILDREN SIX MONTHS AND OLDER GET UPDATED VACCINES. HERE’S WHAT TO KNOW.
FAQS NEW COVID VACCINE
retooled vaccine, which will target JN.1, a variant that is also close to the strains circulating widely now.
What if I just got a vaccine?
If you received a dose of the older vaccine this summer, you may not be able to get an updated vaccine immediately — the shots need to be spread out.
People who are at high risk of developing severe disease should talk with a health care provider about the ideal interval between vaccines, said Fikadu Tafesse, a virologist at Oregon Health & Science University.
What if I just had Covid?
How are the new shots different?
The F.D.A. approved one vaccine from Pfizer and one from Moderna. Representatives from the drug companies said that their shots were ready to ship immediately after approval.
Both vaccines target KP.2, a strain of the coronavirus that started to spread widely this spring. The variants that are most prevalent in the United States right now are very similar to KP.2, and so the vaccines should protect against them.
“When the match is very good, as we anticipate it would be with the current circulating strains, you get actual protection from infection for several months,” said Dr. Paul Sax, the clinical director of the division of infectious diseases at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.
The vaccine that rolled out last fall, by contrast, was geared at an older variant that has since petered out.
The biotechnology company Novavax is waiting for the F.D.A. to authorize its
If you’re one of the many Americans who was infected during the summer, you may want to wait a few months to get a new shot. Rushing out to get one right after you were ill won’t give you much of an added benefit, because you already have strong protection, said Aubree Gordon, an infectious disease epidemiologist at the University of Michigan. The C.D.C. has previously said that people can wait three months after a Covid infection to get a vaccine.
How fast does protection kick in?
It takes around a week or two after getting vaccinated for antibodies to rev up and defend against the virus. Antibodies peak about a month after vaccination, Dr. Gordon said.
Once you are vaccinated, you have a lower risk of infection for at least several weeks, said Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco. “It might even be longer than that,” he said, because the vaccines are so closely matched to the dominant variants that
are currently circulating.
And the vaccines will provide protection against the worst outcomes from Covid — developing severe disease, getting hospitalized and dying — for months.
When should I get vaccinated?
People who are at highest risk for severe disease, including those who are 65 and older, people who are immunocompromised and those with underlying medical conditions, should get the updated vaccines as soon as they are available, Dr. Sax said.
“There’s a lot circulating in the community now — that would help protect them,” he said.
People who are not at high risk may want to wait until October, Dr. Chin-Hong said, both to gain protection heading into the winter and holiday gatherings, and so that they can get flu shots at the same time.
“Convenience trumps everything,” he said.
Can I get it for free?
Many private insurance plans, along with Medicare and Medicaid, cover the cost of Covid shots. And children can receive free vaccines through a federal program. The C.D.C.’s Bridge Access Program, which has provided about 1.5 million free Covid shots to uninsured and underinsured people, will not be renewed for this year. But Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, director of the C.D.C.’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said that the agency had found $62 million in unused vaccine contract funding that would be sent to state and local immunization programs to help cover the cost of shots.
WHERE TO HOLIDAY NEXT Ultra-Luxe Destinations
ONE OF THE PRIVILEGES THAT COMES WITH BEING RICH AND FAMOUS IS GETTING TO VACATION IN SOME OF THE MOST EXCLUSIVE DESTINATIONS ON THE PLANET. HAVING A HEALTHY BANK ACCOUNT AND A WELL-KNOWN NAME MEANS YOU CAN ESCAPE TO EXOTIC LOCATIONS THAT MOST PEOPLE HAVEN’T EVEN HEARD OF AND BE PAMPERED IN SOME OF THE BEST RESORTS IN THE WORLD.
Scattered all over the globe, the elite’s top vacation spots boast some of the prettiest scenery. They are also home to exclusive dining and entertainment venues, isolated and private beaches, and the filming locations of blockbuster hits.
ST. MORITZ
One of the answers to “Where do the rich vacation?” is this quaint town. St. Moritz in Switzerland is an example of how the retreats of the rich and the famous don’t always resemble tropical island paradises. One of the most highly acclaimed ski destinations on the planet, St. Moritz is located in the Albula Alps and was the first place to boast both the first ski lift
and the first electric light.
Not only do the rich and famous frequently vacation here, but it was also used to film a couple of James Bond movies, including The Spy Who Loved Me.
COPACABANA, BRAZIL
Arguably Brazil’s most famous beach, Copacabana, is near the top of the list of rich people’s vacation spots. Among the faces who have been seen visiting the Copacabana Palace Hotel, which is one of the most lavish in the world, are Miley Cyrus, Tom Cruise, and the late Princess Diana.
Copacabana is all about flaunting your
body in the trendiest swimwear and spending hours soaking up the sun. Topless bathing is prohibited, but people still strip down to barely-there swimsuits and look as comfortable as ever while doing it.
NECKER ISLAND, BVI
Necker Island is owned by billionaire Richard Branson, who is worth around $5.1 billion, and is another one of those rich people’s vacation spots most of us won’t ever see. One of 60 islands in the British Virgin Islands, Necker is truly a destination for the wealthy. Branson has turned his island into an all-inclusive resort. Kate Moss spent her 40th birth-
day here, and it was also where Google co-founder Larry Page celebrated his nuptials.
One can book a room in this isolated paradise, too, for a cool starting price of $5,000. If one wants to rent the whole island, it will cost $80,000 a night.
LAKE COMO
Made famous for being home to George and Amal Clooney, Lake Como won the title of the Most Beautiful Lake in the World in 2014. Today, the Clooneys spend approximately four months out of the year in their $10 million mansion by the lake, Villa Oleandra. It’s not a wonder
why the locale is one of the most popular vacation spots for rich people.
The lake is lined by several exclusive resorts, just in case you don’t have millions to splash on a home in the area. The days here are usually spent taking in the colorful hillside villages, absorbing the local culture, and partaking in activities such as boating and golfing.
THE HAMPTONS
Home to beaches of white sand, high-end restaurants and bars, luxurious resorts, and designer boutiques, the Hamptons is one of the top playgrounds of the rich and famous in the United States. The
East Coast destination provides a relaxing escape from the busy action of New York City and is one of the most popular locations for summer vacations.
If you’re ever in the Hamptons, you might bump into Beyoncé and Jay-Z and their brood, the Clintons, or even Calvin Klein, since they all own property in the area.
CABO SAN LUCAS
One of the reasons that the elite tend to flock to Cabo San Lucas is its natural
beauty. The Mexican destination is home to Lover’s Beach, which is straddled by both the volatile Pacific Ocean and the secluded Sea of Cortez. Not bad for one of the more isolated rich people’s vacation spots.
Cabo San Lucas seems exclusive since it’s only reachable by boat, but it is still a popular tourist destination, so expect crowds of affluent visitors. In the past, Jennifer Lopez and Justin Bieber have been spotted catching some rays here,
and it has even been featured in the Real Housewives franchise as a luxury vacation location.
HVAR, CROATIA
Croatia is one of Europe’s gems that many travelers still haven’t added to their bucket lists. With more and more people flocking to see Dubrovnik after the coastal city was made popular by the HBO series Game of Thrones, it seems that the upper echelons prefer the island of Hvar. It shows up on many of the lists of rich people’s vacation spots - far more than most imagine.
Superstars like Tom Cruise and Giorgio Armani have been spotted living it up on
the island in the past. Prince Harry has also been spotted visiting the nightclubs and bars on the island, while Jacqueline Kennedy visited back in the 1960s.
MONACO
Situated on the French Riviera (another answer to the question, “Where do rich people vacation?”), Monaco is one of the most famous destinations for the upper classes. Come here, and you’ll be met with an array of yachts, world-class restaurants, lavish casinos, and some of the best hotels on the planet. Monaco is tax-free, so people tend to go all out here. It’s not for the conservative!
While Monaco is known for its opulence, it’s also a destination rich in history.
Visitors can stroll through charming cobblestone streets lined with historic buildings and soak up the unique ambiance.
BORA BORA
Bora Bora in French Polynesia is one of the most popular destinations for honeymooning when it comes to the rich and famous. One of the most famous honeymoons to take place here was that of Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux after their nuptials in 2015. They also brought along friends Courtney Cox, Chelsea Handler, and Jason Bateman on a private jet to share in the celebrations.
If you want pristine views of tranquil lagoons and lush tropical gardens while mixing with the world’s elite, Bora Bora is the place to go.
ST. TROPEZ
Another popular destination on the French Riviera, Saint Tropez, has been the go-to getaway of the affluent for decades. The coastal town starred on the world stage when the film And God Created Woman, featuring Brigitte Bardot, was filmed here. After that, visitors began to arrive by private jet.
Packed with high-end restaurants and exclusive beach clubs, Saint Tropez has been known to host an array of celebrities in its many world-class hotels. Visit here, and you just might run into Bill Gates, Steven Spielberg, or even one of the Kardashian sisters.
ST. KITTS
This beautiful Caribbean destination is known for its white sandy beaches and turquoise-blue waters. St. Kitts is also distinguished by its laid-back atmosphere. It’s a luxury destination that the rich and famous visit to stay at major hotel brands such as Marriott and Hyatt. People spending a vacation on this gorgeous island are sure to enjoy the most elevated experience ever.
THE AZORES, PORTUGAUL
This area is made up of nine Portuguese volcanic islands found in the Atlantic Ocean between Portugal and the United States. The rich and famous come to the
Azores to hike and bike around the area, enjoy the beautiful vistas, and explore many attractions in this iconic hidden gem.
ASPEN, COLORADO
Aspen is one of the most famous and expensive alpine resort towns in the United States. It is famous for attracting celebrities and the wealthy. Aspen was a silver mining boom town but now has transformed into an answer to the question: “Where do rich people vacation?”
Still, if one can afford it, it can be fun to go skiing in Aspen’s upmarket ski resorts. That being said, good luck finding an affordable Airbnb option in Aspen (and
Airbnb is considered one of the more affordable options for Aspen).
CAPRI
Capri is a stunning island just off the coast of Naples. This island is as fantastically beautiful as it is notoriously expensive. It is one of the favored exclusive wealthy getaways in Italy (the cost of visiting alone is enough to make it exclusive).
Capri is one of the world’s oldest getaways and was a tourist resort all the way back to the days of the Romans. People on a budget can find it affordable if they take the ferry there and back for a day trip to the island.
LONDON
Posh, luxurious, chic: London is everything (and more) that makes it an attractive holiday destination for celebrities from around the world. The British capital’s enduring appeal comes from the variety of experiences it offers all travelers. From catching top-rated shows in the West End to indulging in the city’s massive shopping culture or checking out Britain’s historic attractions, there is much to do in London that will keep every tourist, rich or not, coming back for
more. One would be hard-pressed to find a Hollywood celebrity who hasn’t taken at least one trip to this land of royalty; of course, British stars will be found in abundance here. Don’t be surprised to see Elton John or Kate Moss dining at the next table!
ST. BARTHELEMY
Thanksgiving officially opens “high season” in St. Barthelemy, known better as St. Barts or St. Barth, but it’s a luxury paradise all year round. Things really
heat up on the island between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, when every villa price quintuples, every hotel is fully booked and the only place to sleep in in your own yacht, anchored off the coast of the enclave. From unforgettable nights to unbelievable beaches, everything on the island is five-star. Rent a Mini Cooper convertible at the airport and spin around the world’s best-kept secret like a celebrity. Construction of new villas on the island is struggling to keep up with demand, so planning is an essential part of a vacation in St. Barthelemy.
SCIENCE FINDS THAT HUMANS AGE DRAMATICALLY AT TWO TIMES
SCIENTISTS HAVE FOUND THAT HUMAN BEINGS AGE AT A MOLECULAR LEVEL IN TWO ACCELERATED BURSTS – FIRST AT THE AGE OF 44, AND THEN AGAIN AT 60.
In a study published in the journal Nature Aging, scientists at Stanford University and Nanyang Technological University in Singapore followed 108 participants over several years to observe aging changes in their molecules — RNA, proteins and participants’ microbiomes.
The scientists found that human aging does not happen in a gradual, linear way. Rather, the majority of the molecules they studied showed accelerated, non-linear changes at the ages of 44 and 60.
Xiaotao Shen, an assistant professor in microbiome medicine at Nanyang Technological University and first author of the study, told CNN that the results show “we are not becoming old gradually.” Some points in time are particularly important for our aging and health, he added.
For example, the ability to metabolize caffeine notably decreases – first around
the age of 40 and once more around 60. Components involved in metabolizing alcohol also diminish, particularly around the age of 40, Michael Snyder, chair of the department of genetics at Stanford and an author of the study, told CNN, referring to the two waves of aging.
Snyder added that, anecdotally, “people often get muscle injuries and see their fat accumulation hit in their 40s (related to lipid metabolism), and definitely sarcopenia (muscle loss) hit people in their 60s — this is a very big deal.”
Both age groups experienced changes in proteins which hold tissues together,
BY ROSA RAHIMI / SPECIAL TO POLO LIFESTYLES
which likely helps explain skin, muscle and cardiovascular changes, he added.
Disease risks also rise faster, particularly after the age of 60. The study found that people age 60 or older are more susceptible to cardiovascular disorders, kidney issues and type 2 diabetes.
Finding patterns like these can help with the diagnosis and prevention of diseases, according to the study, which said it had also identified “clinically actionable markers” that can be used to improve health-care management and the well-being of aging populations.
The study focused on participants between the ages of 25 and 75 for nearly
two years, on average. Participants all lived in California, were healthy and came from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Samples of blood, stool, skin and nasal and oral swabs were taken from them every three to six months.
Since accelerated aging in women could have been attributed to menopause (which is typically between ages 45 and 55), the researchers performed analysis on separate male and female datasets. To their surprise, they found the results were similar – suggesting a transition point around 55 could be a common phenomenon for both sexes.
A previous study by researchers in Germany and the United States had
found that there is another “wave” of aging around 75, but the latest research was not able to confirm those findings because of the limited age range of the cohort in the trial, Shen told CNN.
As for what to take away from their findings, the researchers advise making lifestyle changes such as drinking less alcohol and exercising more when nearing these pivotal years in your 40s and 60s.
Snyder advised people approaching their 60s to watch their carb intake and drink plenty of water to aid kidney function.
“Take care of yourself more closely at specific time points during your life span,” advised Shen.
DEATH ISN'T THE END
EVERYTHING WE THINK WE KNOW ABOUT DEATH AND THE FLATLINE COULD BE WRONG
CANCER, HEART DISEASE, DIABETES… NAME MOST MAJOR CONDITIONS, AND TREATMENT TODAY HAS CHANGED RADICALLY FROM DECADES PAST. EXCEPT FOR ONE: DEATH.
But, according to Sam Parnia, associate professor of medicine at New York University’s Langone Medical Center, “what we believe about death is fundamentally wrong”. It is not the end, he says, but a “reversible state”.
Parnia’s 30 years of research into where life ends and death begins have made him a leading resurrectionist, with a fundamental desire to change how we view both. He outlines his discoveries in Lucid Dying, to be published recently: a book that charts compelling evidence that reviving the dead isn’t as difficult as we might think, and his research into what happens when consciousness ebbs away.
Parnia, who is British and trained at Guy’s and St Thomas’ in London, has come to see a flatline on an ECG (electrocardiogram) as meaningless. “You can reverse death, and it’s not just a wish, it’s the reality,” the 52 year-old says. “People used to think you could never go beyond the boundaries of [flying], let alone going
beyond the atmosphere of the Earth. And if you always believed that, then you’d never try.”
Death, he adds, is suffering from terrible PR. “If we remove that social label that makes us think everything stops, and look at it objectively, it’s basically an injury process” – one that, he believes, can be treated.
Research produced in the past five years has made it clear that our idea of dying is “simply a social convention that does not conform with scientific realities”. This “new frontier of science”, as Parnia terms it, feels at least a little revolutionary, fundamentally challenging one of life’s two certainties (taxes sadly seem less prone to reversal). But he remains frustrated that existing theories about death, which are “either outdated and frankly wrong, or at best inadequate and inaccurate”, persist given the research and tools now at our disposal.
In 2012, resuscitation rates following cardiac arrests at his hospital in New York were 33 per cent (compared to a US average of 16 per cent); he believes his team are the only ones in the world to be giving patients cocktails of drugs similar to those proven to successfully preserve pig organs following CPR, which have “significantly improved survival”.
Parnia, who has an eponymous research lab at NYU Langone, says brains remain “salvageable for not only hours, but possibly days of time”. In one case, brain cells were found to retain full function 48 hours after being removed from a person’s body – in spite of the ice being used to preserve the organ melting due to a delayed DHL delivery. “So that’s a whole game-changer.”
In recent years, such discoveries have come thick and fast. Parnia cites Yale University’s 2019 study detailing how decapitated pig brains had been revived for up to 14 hours post-mortem as among the most compelling pieces of proof for the same being done in humans (the research was labelled “Frankenstein-style” the year prior to publication). Another study published by Yale in 2022 demonstrated how a modified heart and lung machine combined with a series of drugs could restore organs in pigs. “It is just a matter of time” before those same results transcend the pig-person barrier, Parnia thinks.
While the promise to reverse death would be compelling at any point, our current obsession with thwarting time is insatiable; there are supplements and tinctures filling health store shelves and social media feeds; and record-breaking podcasts making stars of their DNA-defying supremos. Last month, excitement ramped up anew when news of Tomorrow Bio, Europe’s first cryonics startup, circulated, with its deep-freeze services going for £170,000 a pop.
Cryonics has yet to prove that it is capable of returning people to life (Parnia calls it “wishful thinking”), though “the idea that cooling the body is highly protective is true”. He points to the case of a British woman who developed hypothermia while hiking in Spain in 2019, whose heart stopped for six hours while rescue teams tried to locate her. “That’s way past what we consider dead for humans,” Parnia says. Yet after being flown to a specialist centre with an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machine (ECMO, which takes on the function of
WHY DR. SAM PARNIA THINKS DEATH IS SUFFERING FROM 'BAD PR'
the heart and lungs when the body is unable to do so), she was revived. “She was lucky they had [ECMO]. They did it, they didn’t give up on her. If they had taken her to another place, she would have been declared dead.” (In another similar case, a woman was brought back to life seven hours after being found in the cold in a park.)
BACK FROM THE DEAD
These are reported as exceptional cases, but Parnia says
they needn’t be. For the most part, CPR, which was introduced in 1959, remains our sole revival method – in spite of the fact it has a 10 per cent success rate, and many hospitals have ECMO machines.
“Why do it with something that’s so inferior, which either doesn’t work properly or it ends up bringing people back but leaves them with brain damage?” Parnia rails. “It doesn’t make sense.”
Still, it is not only the will that is holding medical profes-
sionals back from mounting a full-time resurrection mission. With hospitals overstretched – NHS waiting lists hit a record high in August, rising for the fifth consecutive month – the likelihood of departments having the resources and staff to keep at patients’ bedsides 24/7 feels perhaps more far flung than the idea of people returning from the dead in the first place.
But Parnia is convinced it is possible, the fact he is partway through an intensive care shift when we speak is doing nothing to dilute his fervour. Though his fascination with the subject began in 1994, when a man he had been chatting with an hour earlier suddenly flatlined in the hospital where he was working, the pursuit has only recently begun to feel personal.
GIVING UP TOO SOON?
He notes that his age and gender makes him a prime heart attack risk, “so I tell everyone, look, I’m going to have a cardiac arrest soon. And I’m appalled at the treatment I’m going to get... It’s atrocious what we have to go through when [interventions] are possible,” he says. “If I have a heart attack and die tomorrow, why should I stay dead? That’s not necessary anymore.”
Parnia doesn’t believe ev-
eryone who dies needs to be brought back – someone with multiple organ failure is obviously an unsuitable candidate for life-extension. But of the many “heartbreaking” cases of people who die while in otherwise good health (Parnia cites a young mother stabbed to death in a Sydney mall attack earlier this year, or those killed in war), we are giving up too soon. “You just need someone to go to the operating room, find where the laceration was, stitch it together, and put blood back into your body again,” he says. Those who die while “otherwise young, who are otherwise healthy – those people are all potentially salvageable”.
To Parnia, these ideas aren’t ghoulish, but “hopeful, astonishing and life-affirming”. Just as bringing people back via CPR would have been considered the stuff of fantasy 100 years ago, “I have little doubt that, in the future, people who would be declared dead today will be routinely brought back to life.”
He acknowledges that major shifts of this kind are unlikely to have fully taken hold by the time his own death comes, but he remains optimistic, he says. “As I look forward, I am excited to think about what will be discovered.”
WHERE THE WORLD'S MOST-PAMPERED PETS SHOP
HONG KONGERS HAVE A REPUTATION FOR BOTH LOVING THEIR PETS AND THEIR LUXURY GOODS: WHEN YOU COMBINE THE TWO, YOU CAN FIND AN IMPRESSIVE SELECTION OF CHIC OFFERINGS FOR THE MOST PAMPERED PETS IN THIS CITY.
In recent years, more luxury houses have expanded beyond clothing, leather goods and jewelry to include items suited for four-legged friends. Lane Crawford also launched a pet category for the first time, which consists of a curated selection of chic accessories for beloved pets. We
share our pick for five luxury labels, including Hermès and Goyard, to shop for your pets in Hong Kong.
HERMES
Hermès recently revamped its Lee Gardens One location, and now offers three floors of clothing, leather goods, beauty and homeware—including pet accessories. From bowls and toys to collars and clothes, you can pick up beautifully crafted pieces for your pets to use or wear next time you’re shopping there.
LANE CRAWFORD
Lane Crawford is a luxury department store that stocks hundreds of clothing, shoe, beauty and jewelry labels, and as of this month, now caters to animals with
its latest pet category. It includes glitzy collars, cool clothes, chic toys and creatively designed beds for cats, dogs and other furry friends from brand such as Ware of the Dog, Vetreska and Venna.
GOYARD
Goyard released a new collection of pet carriers and accessories in June, which accommodates creatures of all sizes. Items have also been carefully designed with both style and practicality in mind: take the Chien Gris carrier bag for example, which is made in the label’s signature patterned leather and features a side hole with an adjustable and removable leather collar, so your pet can comfortably stick its head out whilst remaining secure.
FENDI
Fendi has taken its signature FF monogram and crafted it into leather collars and leashes to give your pets major style points. The collection first launched in 2021, but the label continues to offer fresh designs in chic neutral shades, including protective jackets and knitted jumpers for a range of different-sized pets.
CELINE
For the most animal bedding options that double as stylish home decor, look no further than Celine’s brown leather pet pouffe that looks like Moroccan ottomans. The French label launched its pet products in 2023 and also includes a selection of carrier bags, collar tags, toys and water bowls for pet owners who want to give their creatures a taste of luxury.
INSIDE THE MIND OF A DARK EMPATH
THE CLASSIC IDEA OF THE COMPASSIONLESS PSYCHOPATH IS OUTDATED. RESEARCH IS REVEALING HOW PEOPLE WITH DARK PERSONALITY TRAITS CAN ALSO HAVE HIGH LEVELS OF EMPATHY. BUT COULD THIS MAKE THEM MORE DANGEROUS?
BY MIRIAM FRANKEL / SPECIAL TO POLO LIFESTYLES
PERSONALITY TRAITS, SUCH AS PSYCHOPATHY AND NARCISSISM ARE REPLACING THE OLD NOTION OF ‘EVIL’. IT’S HARD TO THINK OF ACTS MORE DESPICABLE THAN THE BRUTAL ATTACKS, KIDNAPPINGS, RAPES AND MURDERS CARRIED OUT BY THE PSYCHOPATH TED BUNDY, FOR EXAMPLE. ESPECIALLY AS WHEN HE FACED JUSTICE FOR THEM, HE DID IT WITH A WINK AND A MATINÉE IDOL SMILE.
Psychology offers a way to understand why people commit such acts. While evil definitely can’t be pinpointed in the brain, research has started uncovering neural structures and patterns of activity linked to psychopathy and narcissism. Science shows us that people with such traits simply think and feel differently, enabling them to act in morally corrupt ways.
A lack of empathy has long been seen as a hallmark feature of psychopathy and, to some extent, narcissism. But psychologists have recently discovered a group of people with so-called ‘dark personality traits’, such as psychopathy and narcissism, but also above
average levels of empathy, dubbed dark empaths. This could make them dangerous in everyday situations as they could use their empathy to mask selfish intentions.
It’s immediately clear how a dark empath could be dangerous, using their empathy to manipulate others or to mask their selfish, even sinister, intentions. They would perhaps be less Bundy and more Pedro Rodrigues Filho, the Brazilian vigilante who specialized in murdering suspected criminals and whose story inspired the fictional serial killer Dexter. After being released from prison in 2007, Rodrigues claimed to have stopped killing and even started speaking out against crime.
The full-blown clinical disorders of narcissistic personality disorder and clinical psychopathy (sometimes known as psychopathic personality disorder) are estimated to affect one to five per cent and one per cent of the population, respectively. Clinical levels of psychopathy are particularly common among criminals such as serial killers, with an estimated 15 to 25 percent of male prisoners in the US believed to possess them.
But the simple truth is we all have a dark side. Many of us are a bit narcissistic or have psychopathic traits without suffering from a disorder.
Hence, psychologists prefer to view these darker aspects of ours as personality traits rather than disorders. Dr Nadja Heym, associate professor of personality psychology and psychopathology at Nottingham Trent University, explains that these traits aren’t necessarily something you either have or don’t have, like a broken leg, for example. Instead, everyone’s traits exist somewhere on the continuum. Psychopathic and narcissistic tendencies can be triggered by certain situations, get stronger or weaker over time and express themselves differently in different people.
DARKNESS WITHIN
The extent of our dark traits can be measured by questionnaires that have been designed to evaluate what scientists call the ‘dark triad’ of personality traits. Added to psychopathy (callousness, recklessness and impulsivity) and narcissism (egocentrism with a sense of grandiosity), the triad is completed by Machiavellianism (being socially manipulative and calculating for one’s own ends or to gain power).
The majority of people will score fairly low on the dark triad, but about a third will have elevated levels significantly above average. The majority of people with these elevated dark traits are unlikely to be criminals, although they may be unpleasant to be around.
“These are people who probably have quite high self-confidence, are quite bolshy, quite assertive; people who get their way,” says Heym. “They might not be the friendliest people and they do things that are good for their own goals even if that means overstepping others.”
But, as Heym points out, there are also problems for those people who are low on dark traits, such as finding it difficult to be heard. “I don’t want to say ‘pushover’, but that’s the general term people would use to refer to them.”
A SURPRISING DISCOVERY
Heym first came across dark empaths in 2021 while investigating dark traits in almost 1,000 people in the UK. Her team had asked participants to complete a test to measure dark traits, as indicated by how much they agree with statements such as ‘most people can be manipulated’, ‘people who mess with me always regret it’, ‘people see me as a natural leader’ and ‘it’s not wise to tell your secrets’.
This research was then combined with surveys assessing levels of aggression and two types of empathy: affective empathy (which involves feeling the emotions of others) and cognitive empathy (being able to understand how others feel or think and take their perspective).
What Heym and her team found was surprising. While there was a tradi-
tional dark triad group, with high levels of dark traits and low self-reported scores on empathy (about 13 per cent of the sample), they also found another group with high scores on dark traits, but above-average scores on both types of empathy (about 20 per cent). The existence of this dark empath group seemed to clash with previous research that suggests the dark triad is linked to low empathy.
Both dark groups reported being more aggressive than the people with low levels of dark traits, with the traditional dark triad group (low empathy) edging it. This isn’t referring to serial-killing levels, though: participants were only measured on indirect aggression, such as socially excluding others, making them feel guilty or making malicious jokes at their expense. Indirect aggression was used in this study, Heym explains, as it’s more gender-neutral and widespread, and so produces more data. People with high levels of dark traits would also be more prone to violence than others, however.
To assess the dark traits, Heym and her team used a scale from zero to five. “We’re not talking about pathological levels. There may have been individuals who scored particularly high, but in general they were somewhat above the mean,” she stresses.
“People would normally average at around 2.5, but these groups scored on average around 3.5.”
The rest of the sample had low levels of dark traits and varying levels of empathy. There was a ‘typical group’ (34 per cent of the sample) with low levels of dark traits and average levels of empathy, and an ‘empaths group’ (33 per cent) with low levels of dark traits, but high levels of empathy.
“This was a good study because it was the first to analyze the relationship between empathy and dark traits,” says Dr Emanuele Fino, a psychologist at Queen’s University Belfast, who was not involved in the research. “It really stimulated a debate.”
HIDDEN DANGERS
So, given that about one in five people is expected to be a dark empath, the chances that all of us know a few are high. This raises a number of questions, such as just how dangerous can they be? And what are the signs that can help us spot a dark empath?
In terms of the second question, it comes partly down to their specific combination of traits. Most people with dark traits are charismatic and if they’re high on narcissism, their constant boasting may reveal them. Chances are they’re also vain, whether strutting around in full armor of designer gear or sporting a carefully curated scruffy look.
For those with high levels of psychopathy, on the other hand, they may go on about themselves less, but they can appear more sinister. They may be
unsettlingly unpredictable, deceitful and lack a moral compass. They may also care little about what others think about them, says Heym.
And while Machiavellianism is the most common of the dark traits, it’s probably the hardest to identify. These people seem nice, but they’re master manipulators, constantly working behind the scenes to expand their power through rumors, using information against others, spreading misinformation and befriending powerful people that can help them advance.
So how does empathy affect the mix?
In Heym’s study, the dark empaths were the most extroverted, so they’re social and outgoing, and while this could simply reflect their love of going to parties, there may be a murkier motive. “It’s likely down to their desire to dominate others and to show their power,” suggests Fino.
This idea is supported by the study, in which the dark empath group, along with the traditional dark triad, was the least agreeable (friendly, kind and altruistic). Rather than caring about others, dark empaths, in Fino’s view, may make use of their empathy strategically for their own benefit.
Backing this up are the results of a previous study investigating empathy in narcissists. By measuring their heart rates as they watched videos of people talking about their trauma, researchers found that the participants could show real empathy, but only if they
were asked to take the perspective of the subject of the video. This suggests they have the capacity for empathy, but often choose not to use it.
According to both Heym and Fino, it’s the very fact that dark empaths have empathy that makes them difficult to identify, which ultimately makes them so potentially dangerous. Their outward displays of empathy, or ability to sometimes regulate their behavior, can help make them appear ‘normal’, meaning they may not leave an obvious trail of destruction in their wake. Instead, in Heym’s view, those around them are left with a vague feeling that “there’s something not quite right about that person.”
That said, dark empaths are more likely to be found out in a romantic relationship, especially if they’re around long enough for cracks to appear. Repeated cheating and lying, breaking promises, aggressive behavior and abusive control, for example, are not uncommon. “They may seem really nice and caring, and then suddenly they just do these horrible things and it’s really confusing,” says Heym.
Another area where you might find a dark empath is in a position of power, which attract people with dark traits generally. “These people seek power for the sake of being powerful, for the sake of dominating,” says Fino.
DARK DRIVE
Recently, Heym has attempted to replicate her 2021 findings with a study of
nearly 800 American participants. The preliminary results, yet to be published but presented at scientific conferences, support her previous outcomes. They also provide some additional clues. This time, her team found that the levels of aggression in the dark empath group were nearly on par with the traditional dark triad group – making them just as dangerous. The researchers looked at how driven the various groups were and discovered that the dark empath group was significantly more goal-orientated and hungry for success than the others, including the dark triad. Similarly, they were more fun-seeking and responsive to rewards, which suggests they may be more open to taking risks.
“They’re go-getters, or what we refer to as ‘successful psychopaths’,” says Heym. But while it’s sometimes said that a fifth of all CEOs are psychopaths, it’s a myth that most psychopaths go for such jobs, she adds. “With [traditional] psychopathy, we wouldn’t expect a lot of achievement drive; they often don’t really care to do well. But if they do want something, then they’ll go for it.”
When traditional psychopaths do have drive, however, there’s a high risk that they’ll fail. If you’re unpredictable, aggressive and lacking in morals, the chances are other people will eventually complain about you being a bully or a fraud. “We’ve all seen people who have become leaders in a short time, but then they’ve collapsed because maybe they’ve been involved in scan-
dals or lied,” says Fino. Indeed, it’s not hard to think of such cases in the world of politics.
The danger with dark empaths is that they can hide more easily and create less chaos. “Not all dark empaths will become an important person, a CEO or a politician,” says Fino. “But those who do are perhaps the most dangerous individuals because they’re able to disguise their personality and do that in a way that people believe even in the long term.”
There does appear to be a limit to what dark empaths can achieve, however. Heym and Fino collaborated recently to test whether people with dark traits can also be high in emotional intelligence, which is ultimately linked to success in the workplace. Assessing 536 participants in the UK and Romania, their study found that this was the case: people with dark traits had average emotional intelligence.
Confusingly, researchers disagree about how emotional intelligence differs from empathy. But Heym suggests that one key difference is behavior rather than thoughts or feelings. If you talk to somebody who has just lost a loved one, for example, you may dial down your energy levels and not go on about your most recent date. “It’s about putting ourselves on a similar level to the other person so we can sync, so we can be better connected,” says Heym. “People with high emotional intelligence are good at doing that. That’s different from empathy, which is about understanding how others feel.”
Perhaps what’s lacking in dark empaths is a willingness to change their own behavior to connect with others. It would make sense: those with dark traits don’t necessarily care deeply about others, they simply opt to use their empathy as a tool to get ahead.
LIVING WITH A DARK EMPATH
So what should you do if you suspect that someone in your life is a dark empath? According to Heym, “you may not need to completely eradicate them from your life; they might be people you can interact with.” But, she adds, “they wouldn’t be the ones you’d be giving the deepest of your heart to.”
Romantic relationships may be difficult and chances are they won’t work out unless you can put up with a lot of bad behavior. Still, dark empaths do have the capacity to understand how their partner feels, so it’s important to be clear about your feelings as this might get through to them. The real question, perhaps, is whether a dark empath would want to do the things that could make their partner happy, if it doesn’t directly benefit them.
The situation is difficult in the workplace, too. Dark empaths can approach you as a friendly colleague, but they may be trying to get information to use against you. So be careful with what you share, advises Heym. There’s also the possibility that if you question the motives of someone with dark traits, they may become vengeful. They might exclude you or spread gossip, and they’ll look to exploit the fact that many people find it embarrassing to admit
when they’ve been manipulated and so won’t call out a dark empath’s behavior.
Whether dark empaths are able to reduce their levels of dark traits through therapy, remains to be seen. Personality is tricky to change in a significant way, and then there’s also the fact that these people tend to be confident and may see no reason to change.
If they were open to the idea, though, interventions might work best if targeted at the dark empath’s motivation to use their empathy, according to Fino. A study on narcissism suggests that such programs should aim to reframe empathy in a way that makes it look good to them. For example, by telling a manager with dark traits that happy employees are more productive. It’s likely that the more someone relies on empathy, the less aggressive they’ll be.
In the end, however, we’re still left with the question of whether criminal psychopaths could be dark empaths, or whether they all belong in the traditional, low-empathy, dark triad group. Heym would like to run a study using an actual test of empathy, such as measuring people’s heart rates while they watch somebody talk about a personally distressing experience. That may be a good approach to study those in prison, she suggests.
Ultimately, if we could find out whether or not criminals with dark traits can have empathy, it might change how we try to rehabilitate prisoners. Heym has little hope anything could cure serial killers like Ted Bundy, though.
MASERATI GT2 STRADALE
The world premiere of new super sports car at Monterey Car Week 2024
ITS NAME IS MASERATI GT2 STRADALE, THE NEW SUPER SPORTS CAR BY MASERATI RECEIVING ITS WORLD PREMIERE AT THE 2024 MONTEREY CAR WEEK IN CALIFORNIA.
On Friday 16 August, the car was unveiled to the public gathered for the unmissable annual event in the renowned US resort, in the prestigious setting of The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, the highlight of the motorsport week dedicated to connoisseurs and enthusiasts.
Maserati GT2 Stradale is an ode to the most extraordinary and exclusive sportiness, the result of a technical and stylistic partnership between the Maserati GT2,
a masterpiece of performance created for the brand’s return to GT competitions, and Maserati MC20, an iconic Trident car imbued with an unmistakable style.
Starting from an already excellent basis, Maserati has developed a car that can combine the best of the brand’s racing and mass production, transferring the hallmarks of the track model and ensuring a further evolution of its most beloved super sports car.
The Maserati GT2 Stradale combines in-depth technology transfer of the purest performance, typical of a racing car, combined with the intrinsic qualities of the MC20. The new super sports car thus evokes style and racing performance, while ensuring an ideal feeling and comfort in all conditions of use, without
sacrificing the best driving experience on the road, typical of Maserati’s offering.
With a top speed of over 320 km/h, maximum output increased to 640 hp (10 hp more than the MC20), a weight decreased by 60 kg and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds, Maserati GT2 Stradale promises unparalleled sensations and superior performance, partly thanks to its sophisticated aerodynamics and attractive design inherited from its racing sibling.
At the wheel, the feeling will be one of driving one of the most incredible track cars there is, with the opportunity to make the best of it on roads all over the world.
The leading features of Maserati GT2 Stradale are the wide range of options, the
opportunities for customization with packages dedicated to improving performance, the quest for a bolder aggressive aesthetic, the exclusive Fuoriserie content, and the specific configurations (availability varies between markets).
Davide Grasso, Maserati CEO, said, “Maserati GT2 Stradale is a unique product, bringing together as it does the brand’s greatest sporting heritage, and at the same time representing evolution of one of Maserati’s most iconic vehicles, the MC20 halo car. This model intended for everyday driving was created based on the desire to offer our customers more and more in terms of technical mastery, innovation, design and emotions in road driving: on the one hand, we find so-
phisticated solutions reserved for models designed for track use only, the epitome of Maserati’s racing DNA; on the other, we can guarantee optimal comfort paired with all the most advanced driver assistance systems. Maserati GT2 Stradale is a product that can fulfil the requirements of the most discerning enthusiasts, a new creation that expresses the brand’s entire essence.”
At the world premiere of the Maserati GT2 Stradale at The Quail, two other spectacular Trident cars were also present: MC20 Icona, making its North American debut, and MCXtrema, featuring at Laguna Seca in an event dedicated to the delivery of the first model of Maserati’s ‘beast’ on the track.
SUPERMODELS WHO CALL THE SHOTS
NAOMI KENDALL BELLA
LINDA CHRISSY KAIA TYRA
BY JOSH JAKOBITZ / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
WHEN KENDALL JENNER AND GIGI HADID JOINED FORCES IN PARIS IN JUNE TO RIDE HORSEBACK ACROSS THE PLACE VENDOME, THEY REPRESENTED A NEW ERA OF SUCCESS AND ULTRA-WEALTH PREVIOUSLY UNKNOWN TO EVEN THE WORLD’S TOP SUPERMODELS: A RECORD-BREAKING COMBINED NET WORTH OF $90 MILLION.
For decades, supermodels have commanded their own appearance and endorsement fees – think 1990s' Naomi Campbell and Gisele Bundchen – but nothing compares to what these two 28-year-olds are raking in just to post a selfie on social media. Jenner and Hadid have harnessed the power of supermodeling, but also doubled down on the influencer market, as well as distributing products they personally developed and outright own. All this is ushering in a new generation of multi-disciplinary supermodels.
KENDALLCINDY BELLAGIGI HEIDI SUPERMODELS WHO CALL THE SHOTS
Jenner, who grew up on the set of Keeping Up With The Kardashians, isn’t the wealthiest member of her family, but she claims the title of the world’s highest-paid model. For the 2023 holiday season, she was the face of Jacquemus, Gucci, Longchamp and L’Oreal, while she maintained fashion endorsement deals with Calvin Klein, Estée Lauder, Marc Jacobs, Fendi and Karl Lagerfeld. While it’s hard to pinpoint what Jenner can exactly command from a runway appearance or social media post, she was famously exposed for receiving $250,000 to promote the Fyre Island Festival on Instagram before the festival was discovered to be completely fraudulent.
KENDALL JENNER
With over 170 million Instagram followers, Jenner’s social media presence amplifies her brand collaborations and personal projects. Like her famous siblings, she leverages her social media presence and fame to sell, promote and endorse not only the brands she loves, but also the products she personally owns and distributes, pouring untold wealth directly back into her net worth.
Gigi Hadid, of course, hails from another supermodel family; famous only, perhaps, for being beautiful, but nonetheless famous. Gigi’s modeling career took off at 17, leading to high-profile campaigns with Tom Ford, Versace, and Chanel. Her versatility and professionalism on set have made her a favorite among designers and brands. Hadid has also ventured into television and fashion design, collaborating with Tommy Hilfiger and Reebok. Hadid boasts over 75 million Instagram followers. She supports organizations like UNICEF and uses her platform to raise awareness about social issues, including the refugee crisis.
The elder and edgier Hadid, Bella, slips right behind her cover-story sister in the pay scale and net worth. Bella’s career began earlier, in 2012, with Dior, Bulgari and Calvin Klein. Bella boasts 43 million Instagram followers, where she promotes Save the Children and advocates for social issues such as the Black Lives Matter movement.
Naomi Campbell, at 53, is nearly twice Jenner’s and Gigi’s age, yet she still commands one of the highest paychecks in the business. She started modeling at just 15 years old, landed the cover of British Elle at 16, and is one of the original supermodels. Campbell broke barriers as the first Black model to cover Time Magazine,
NAOMI CAMPBELL
BEVERLY JOHNSON
IMAN ABDULMAJID
French Vogue, and Russian Vogue, and she’s been on hundreds of magazine covers throughout her career, has walked hundreds of runways for top designers (Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel and Versace), and has been the face of campaigns for some of the most major fashion and beauty brands including NARS, Prada, Louis Vuitton and Burberry. Campbell recently closed the Alexander McQueen SS24 show.
Campbell’s fellow 90s supermodel,
Linda Evangelista, now 59, once supposedly joked that the models of her caliber didn’t get out of bed for less than $10,000 a day, but the supermodels have all disavowed that statement, saying Evangelista was joking amongst friends and it was repeated out of context.
Evangelista still commands both attention and respect while teetering on the verge of retirement age. She was photographed by Steven Klein in January for the spring V Magazine.
KAIA GERBER
CHRISSY TEIGEN
Evangelista cemented the fact she is fashion’s ultimate chameleon, courtesy of her extreme versatility. For the cover of V Magazine, Evangelista rocked an array of hairstyles, bold makeup looks and show-stopping creations from the likes of Miu Miu, Ocean Savage, Dolce & Gabbana and Aziz.
Chrissy Teigen made a name for herself far beyond modeling. Her career began
in 2006, and she has since worked with brands like Sports Illustrated, Victoria’s Secret, and Target. Teigen’s modeling achievements are complemented by her roles in television, including co-hosting “Lip Sync Battle” and judging on “MasterChef.” Teigen is a bestselling author with cookbooks like “Cravings” and is a social media influencer with over 35 million Instagram followers. Her relatable
personality and openness about personal struggles have endeared her to fans. British model Cara Delevingne has made significant strides in modeling, acting, and music. Starting her career in 2009, she quickly became a sought-after model for brands like Burberry, Chanel, and Dior. Delevingne’s acting credits include “Paper Towns” and “Suicide Squad,” and she released her music album “I Feel
TYRA BANKS
Everything” in 2017. Today, this supermodel’s net worth is estimated to be $50 million.
Delevingne’s unique look and charismatic personality have earned her over 44 million Instagram followers. She is also an ambassador for the United Nations Foundation’s Girl Up campaign and
advocates for women’s rights and mental health.
If Gigi and Bella Hadid are famous for being from a family of beauties, what does that make Kaia Gerber? The daughter of 90s supermodel icon Cindy Crawford is a spitting image of her maven-mother. Though her net worth is
estimated at only $5 million right now, she’s on the young side of the supermodel pack and has recently expanded into television with HBO.
BELLA HADID
Highest-Paid Models of 2023
Kendall Jenner - $45 Million
Gisele Bündchen - $40 Million
Chrissy Teigen - $39 Million
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley - $32 Million
Cara Delevingne - $31 Million
Adriana Lima - $30 Million
Gigi Hadid - $29 Million
Bella Hadid - $19 Million
Joan Smalls - $19 Million
Liu Wen - $18 Million
Highest-Paid Models of the 1990s
Cindy Crawford - $10 Million
Claudia Schiffer - $9 Million
Naomi Campbell - $8 Million
Christy Turlington - $6 Million
Linda Evangelista - $5 Million
LINDA EVANGELISTA
HEIDI KLUMI
FASHION & STYLE
LORO PIANA + NEW BALANCE
POWER & POISE: DRESS LIKE A BOSS
DIOR COUTURE SHOW REVIEW
LORO PIANA +
NEW BALANCE’S EVER-GROWING ROSTER OF COLLABORATORS IS SET TO EXPAND NEXT MONTH AS THE AMERICAN SPORTSWEAR BRAND HAS LINKED UP WITH THE “QUIET LUXURY” PURVEYORS OVER AT LORO PIANA.
Rumored earlier this year, Loro Piana has equipped the 990v6 in a new color arrangement that has just leaked. Expected to be priced at a whop-
ping $1,000 USD, the brief preview of the pair doesn’t make note of any game-changing elements, rather, it sees a calm brown and chestnut color combination present across the upper. It leverages its typical mixed material build by including what looks to be mesh and nubuck throughout. Perhaps the most important element of the shoe will be the tongue, which looks to feature “Loro Piana” text across its tag.
At the time of writing, neither Loro Piana nor New Balance have publicly announced their forthcoming project involving the 990v6. According to @
lunarcalisthenics on Instagram, Loro Piana VIPs were already offered pre-orders for the sneaker while a public release is set for September 5 via Loro Piana at a rumored price point of $1,000 USD. Stay tuned for updates as we await an official announcement from this new high-powered duo.
Name: Loro Piana x New Balance 990v6
Colorway: TBC
SKU: U990LP6
MSRP: $1,000 USD
Release Date: September 5
Where to Buy: Loro Piana
CURATED BY CHRISTINA
POWER & POISE
The Evolving Style of Washington’s Leading Ladies
AS A NATIVE WASHINGTONIAN, I’VE LONG BELIEVED OUR CITY WASN’T EXACTLY A FASHION CAPITAL, BUT THAT NARRATIVE IS STARTING TO SHIFT. D.C., KNOWN FOR ITS TRADITION AND FORMALITY WITH STREAMLINED, UNDERSTATED STYLES, IS SEEING A TRANSFORMATION AS THE WARDROBES OF ITS LEADING LADIES EVOLVE.
At the 2024 Democratic National Convention, Vice President Kamala Harris made waves in a tan, ’70s-in-
spired Chloé suit, a refreshing departure from the typical navy and black. The warm “coconut brown” hue was both elegant and daring, reflecting her personal style.
Personally, I loved this power suit play - it was polished and modern, signaling that D.C. is ready for more bold, fashion-forward looks.
D.C. has always had its style icons. Jackie Kennedy redefined First Lady fashion, Michelle Obama introduced modern accessibility with her love for emerging designers, and Hillary Clinton’s pantsuits became a symbol of power and professionalism. Each of these women broke the mold in their
own way, shaping not only political style but also how women view public fashion.
Washington may not have always been synonymous with fashion, but its women are certainly making their mark.
When asked how I’d style some of D.C.’s most iconic women, sleek, monochromatic looks from New York-based designer FFORME were the first to come to mind.
Designers like KHAITE, Valentino, Chanel, and The Row also serve up timeless sophistication. Let’s be real— whether you’re hustling on the campaign trail or juggling a packed day of meetings, you need polished, com-
BY CHRISTINA ALBINA / STYLE CONTRIBUTOR
fortable looks that can go the distance.
For that perfect day-to-night transition, I’d recommend tailored slacks or a midi skirt paired with a blazer cinched at the waist or a cozy cashmere sweater.
Finish off with a leather trench coat, muted Manolos—or go ahead, swap out those trusty Chucks for a sharp pair of loafers.
Accessories? Keep it simple but chic: a statement belt, elegant
earrings, stylish sunglasses, and The Row’s Margaux bag to pull it all together.
For evening, just swap the slacks or skirt for a dress, keep that waist cinched, switch the Margaux for a clutch or top-handle bag, and throw on a bold lip for some extra drama.
This kind of style is versatile and fluid. Monochromatic outfits are timeless and adaptable, providing the perfect balance between chic and bold for Washington’s power players.
Style inspiration for 2024 from iconic, former First Lady Jackie Kennedy Onassis. Lots of accessories from Van Cleef & Arpels lend an overall polished finesse.
DIOR
TIMELESS STRENGTH ATHLETIC ELEGANCE
IT SEEMED EVEN MARIA GRAZIA CHIURI CAUGHT OLYMPICS FEVER. AS ANTICIPATION BUILT FOR THE SUMMER GAMES IN PARIS, THE CHRISTIAN DIOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR INFUSED A CONSIDERATION FOR THE STRENGTH AND MOVEMENT OF THE BODY SUBTLY INFLUENCED BY THE WORLD OF SPORT INTO HER CONSISTENT PRACTICE OF TIMELESS DESIGN AND BEAUTIFUL CRAFT.
The stage was set with an extension of the creative director’s ongoing collaboration with the Chanakya ateliers and School of Craft, who executed monumental re-editions of athlete portraits by Faith Ringgold, whose practice of quilt painting and other textile art, as well as her legacy of feminist activism that is inseparable from her creative practice in her home of Harlem and beyond, align with Chiuri’s vision for the house.
In the collection itself, the athletic references are less overt. Most noticeable is the transformation of racer-neck tanks into into intricate and glittering bodices for couture gowns, as well as referenc-
es to the ancient attire of the original Olympians. Meanwhile, the journey through time extends through art deco and elevated takes on 20s drop-waist dresses, through to a bit of 70s flair and contemporary suiting sets that are simple and sophisticated.
From Ancient Greece, to 20th-century Harlem, to the Paris of today, some things change, and some stay the same. Maria Grazia Chiuri and Christian Dior trace these threads, weaving a narrative of bodily beauty, women’s empowerment, and the way these are communicated through craft techniques that are handed down and evolve over centuries.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Styling politic's most-powerful players
CHRISTINA ALBINA’S JOURNEY THROUGH THE FASHION
WORLD REFLECTS THE DYNAMIC ENERGY OF THE CITIES SHE’S CALLED HOME. WITH ROOTS IN BOTH NEW YORK CITY AND LOS ANGELES, SHE’S DEVELOPED A DISTINCTIVE STYLING APPROACH THAT SEAMLESSLY MERGES NYC’S EDGY SOPHISTICATION WITH LA’S LAID-BACK GLAMOUR.
Now based in Washington, D.C., Christina continues to leave her mark, bringing her unique aesthetic to a new audience and solidifying her reputation as a sought-after stylist.
PERSONAL STYLE & AESTHETIC
Christina’s signature style is a perfect balance of structured elegance and effortless ease. She blends timeless silhouettes with modern details, creating looks that are both classic and contemporary. Drawing inspiration from New York’s fashion-forward streets and LA’s relaxed, sun-kissed vibe, her work highlights bold contrasts, luxe textures, and a confident use of color. For Christina, fashion is all about authenticity—personality takes center stage over fleeting trends.
PROFESSIONAL INSIGHTS
As a seasoned stylist, Christina has a knack for staying ahead of the curve, consistently forecasting trends before they hit the mainstream. Her approach is rooted in personalization, encouraging clients to invest in pieces that resonate with their sense of self. Whether it’s a perfectly tailored blazer or a standout accessory, Christina knows how to elevate any look, making her a trusted voice in the fashion industry.
BEHIND-THE-SCENES
Christina’s day-to-day is a blend of creativity and precision. From consultations to final fittings, she takes a luxury fashion concierge approach, ensuring every client’s lifestyle is reflected in their wardrobe. Recently, her expertise in luxury fashion sourcing has become one of her hallmarks, providing clients with exclusivity and a highly personalized touch. The best part for Christina? Seeing her clients light up with confidence, knowing their wardrobe truly reflects who they are.
PERSONAL TOUCH
Outside of styling, Christina loves immersing herself in Washington, D.C.’s vibrant cultural scene. Her wardrobe is a thoughtfully curated collection of monochromatic pieces and accessories from around the world, including a
standout 2004 purple velvet Tom Ford gown from his Gucci era, a vintage goldbar clutch from an LA antique shop, and unique pieces from her personal archive. Her lifestyle effortlessly blends fashion, art, and wellness, taking inspiration from her travels, art exhibitions, and the historic streets of the cities she’s lived in.
When she’s not styling, Christina can be found teaching mindful movement classes or designing her latest jewelry collection, inspired by her time at the iconic Chateau Marmont—but that’s a story for another time.
CONTACT & SOCIAL MEDIA
Stay updated on Christina Albina’s latest work and styling tips by following her on Instagram at @stylebychristinaalbina, visiting her website Curated by Christina, or reaching out via email at Love@christinaalbina.com.
THE COLOR OF AUTUMN HOT COCOA
CURATED BY HOUSE ON THIRD
YES, MOSQUITOS HAVE FAVORITE FLAVORS, TOO
ITCH. ITCH. ITCH. ITCH. THIS TIME OF YEAR, WE ITCH OUR MOSQUITO BITES ABSENTMINDEDLY UNTIL THE URGE TO SCRATCH HARDER TAKES OVER ANY RATIONAL THINKING. WHAT DRAWS MOSQUITOES TO US? IT COULD BE AS SIMPLE AS OUR GENETICS, ODORS OR BASIC BODY COMPOSITION.
Turns out, mosquitoes may prefer biting people with type O blood over those with type A or B.
They’re also attracted to the carbon dioxide that humans emit, and bigger people tend to give off more carbon dioxide, making them more susceptible to mosquito bites. Drinking alcohol and exercising raises the metabolic rate, making individuals more attractive to mosquitoes.
Pregnant women may also attract more mosquitoes due to their higher body temperatures and exhalation of more carbon dioxide. Mosquitoes find sweating individuals more attractive as lactic acid in sweat is one of their favorite foods.
Mosquitoes are attracted to the unique body odor caused by a mix of microbes and chemicals that humans produce. Different mosquitoes have different biting habits, with some being more attracted to Limburger cheese or smelly feet.
Dark-colored clothing attracts more mosquitoes than lighter colors. Research suggests that genetics may play a role in whether someone attracts or repels mosquitoes. Some people naturally produce mosquito repellents due to their body’s efficient processing of steroids and cholesterol.
MANSION OF THE MONTH
LA FIN: LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA
$139,000,000
MANSION OF THE MONTH
"LA FIN"
COMPARABLE ONLY TO THE WORLD'S FINEST HOTELS
LA FIN, TRANSLATED AS ‘THE END’, AIMS TO PROVIDE ACCOMMODATION AND ENTERTAINMENT ON A SCALE COMPARABLE ONLY TO THE WORLD’S FINEST HOTELS.
An extraordinary estate perched atop Bel Air, it redefines luxury living with unparalleled sophistication and breathtaking views of Los Angeles and Century City. This meticulously crafted residence, which took over five years to complete, epitomizes opulence with 12 bedrooms and 17 baths.
Every corner of La Fin exudes extravagance, from its grand glass-walled entryway and a majestic 44-foot crystal chandelier to a sprawling formal living room adorned with shimmering chande-
liers and hand-carved stone latticework around a monumental fireplace.
The estate’s lower level dedicated to entertainment and wellness, featuring a state-of-the-art wine cellar with a stunning Murano glass installation, a climate-controlled cigar lounge, and a sleek vodka tasting room. A fully equipped fitness center includes a climbing wall, Peloton bikes, steam room, and a spa, while a sound-proof cinema with motorized Belgian leather seating promises cinematic indulgence.
These numerable elements, however, are only the beginning of the home’s superlative qualities, which extend to the bespoke furnishings created by the Italian artisan workshop La Contessina.
Upstairs, the private quarters offer respite with a lavish primary suite boasting floor-to-ceiling lacquered Italian oak
walls, a Portuguese marble fireplace, and boutique-worthy walk-in closets. The spalike bathroom showcases bookmatched Calacatta gold marble, and a soaking tub carved from a single block of stone.
Outdoors, La Fin transforms into an oasis of relaxation and entertainment with motorized Fleetwood pocket doors blurring the line between interior and exterior spaces. The infinity-edge pool overlooks a 23-foot retractable LED screen and an outdoor bar with swing seats, while a fire pit lounge provides warmth and ambiance.
On the rooftop, a deck with built-in seating, a fire pit, and a spa offers panoramic views, ensuring every moment is a celebration of luxury and privacy. Security features such as fingerprint technology, an on-site caretaker residence, and a dedicated security command center provide peace of mind in this unparalleled retreat in the heart of Bel Air.
Timeless Equestrian Estate For Sale on the Old Santa Fe Trail
5200 Old Santa Fe Trail
Santa Fe, New Mexico, 87505
• Caretaker’s House: 1,071 sqft, 2BD-2BA 34+/- Acres, two parcels
• 10 Minute drive to Canyon Road, Santa Fe Plaza, restaurants, museums and other downtown attractions
• Gated entry and Savant Pro Smart System (security surveillance)
• Private well
• Auxiliary spaces include: Theater, gym, craft, office and library
• State-of-the-art equine facilities and amenities including: 8-stall stable, riding arenas, well-equipped tack room, wash stall, paddocks, feed storage, developed bridle paths, and pastures.
• Outdoor in-ground pool, spa, and cabana
• 9-bay detached garage
Luxurious interior finishes include: Diamond plaster walls, wrought iron hardware, Italian stone tile flooring, ceramic tile, marble, and hardwoods including hickory and quarter-sawn oak. Various ceiling treatments throughout.
• Sweeping Jemez Mountain and sunset views
• Private
Located in Agni, Ayline is situated just a brief stroll from the picturesque bay and its famous beach-front restaurants. The villa showcases a unique blend of Corfiot and Venetian architectural influences fused with modern aesthetics. Two distinctive features are the windows that amplify the panoramic views and the stone used on the façade and exterior walls, which was sourced directly from the property’s grounds. Each stone was meticulously hand-shaped by a skilled craftsman and fitted together like pieces of an intricate puzzle.
Ayline is on two levels and the living spaces are enhanced by exquisite interior design featuring contemporary French and Italian furnishings.
Initially planned for nine bedrooms and seven bathrooms, the property has been modified and currently consists of six exceptionally comfortable and impeccably designed bedrooms. The remaining three rooms have been repurposed to meet various needs. One of the rooms now serves as a spacious office with its own private entrance, offering panoramic views of the surroundings. Another room has been transformed into a gym, with stunning sea vistas and lastly, the third room serves as an additional office or library area.
On the lower ground floor, you’ll be captivated by the artistic atmosphere of the dual-purpose space—a dynamic art gallery meticulously designed to replicate a museum ambiance, allowing for the effortless rotation and change of exhibited art. At the push of a button, the room turns into a cutting-edge home cinema featuring state-of-the-art
audio-visual systems for a cinematic experience rivaling that of a professional theater.
The spacious living/dining area and kitchen, with large, sleek-framed windows and soaring beamed ceilings, is filled with abundant natural light, openness, and airiness. All these spaces provide access to the outdoor areas and the pool.
This beautiful property has direct access to the sea via a private jetty. Imagine being able to step out of your home and have the coastal waters just a few steps away.
Ayline is surrounded by an expansive Mediterranean garden unveiling a wide variety of flora, including over 50 olive trees and more than 100 diverse species of flowers, shrubs, and trees such as fig, pistachio, pine, pomegranate, jacaranda, lemon, orange, robinia, and kumquat. The abundant stone terracing across the property provides delightful outdoor living spaces. The pool area features 285sqm of terraces, some of which is covered by automatic bio-climatic pergolas. These areas provide an ideal relaxation and open-air dining setting while immersing in the picturesque views.
The infinity pool, strategically situated, gives the illusion of merging as one with the sea offering a sense of infinite space. Steps from the pool area lead first to a yoga and meditation spot with a panoramic sea view, followed by a waterside deck designed for sunbeds and access to the boat jetty.
LOS ANGELES LUXE
An extraordinary estate perched atop Bel Air, it redefines luxury living with unparalleled sophistication and breathtaking views of Los Angeles and Century City. This meticulously crafted residence, which took over five years to complete, epitomizes opulence with 12 bedrooms and 17 baths.
Every corner of La Fin exudes extravagance, from its grand glass-walled entryway and a majestic 44-foot crystal chandelier to a sprawling formal living room adorned with shimmering chandeliers and hand-carved stone latticework around a monumental fireplace.
The estate’s lower level dedicated to entertainment and wellness, featuring a state-
of-the-art wine cellar with a stunning Murano glass installation, a climate-controlled cigar lounge, and a sleek vodka tasting room. A fully equipped fitness center includes a climbing wall, Peloton bikes, steam room, and a spa, while a sound-proof cinema with motorized Belgian leather seating promises cinematic indulgence.
Upstairs, the private quarters offer respite with a lavish primary suite boasting floor-to-ceiling lacquered Italian oak walls, a Portuguese marble fireplace, and boutique-worthy walk-in closets. The spalike bathroom showcases bookmatched Calacatta gold marble, and a soaking tub carved from a single block of stone.
Outdoors, La Fin transforms into an oasis of relaxation and entertainment with motorized Fleetwood pocket doors blurring the line between interior and exterior spaces. The infinity-edge pool overlooks a 23-foot retractable LED screen and an outdoor bar with swing seats, while a fire pit lounge provides warmth and ambiance.
On the rooftop, a deck with built-in seating, a fire pit, and a spa offers panoramic views, ensuring every moment is a celebration of luxury and privacy. Security features such as fingerprint technology, an on-site caretaker residence, and a dedicated security command center provide peace of mind in this unparalleled retreat in the heart of Bel Air.
In Search of Solace Wine Makers on a Mission
Drink & Do Good
FRANK FAMILY VINEYARDS GIVES BACK
WILLIAM SMITH / POLO
WWILLIAM SMITH
@willismith_2000 COPY EDITOR
& CONTRIBUTOR
HILE RICH AND LESLIE FRANK MAY HAVE SOLD THEIR NAMESAKE FRANK FAMILY VINEYARDS TO TREASURY WINE ESTATES IN LATE 2021, THE COUPLE REMAIN THE ANIMATING SPIRITS BEHIND THE ICONIC NAPA VALLEY PRODUCER. AND SO IT WAS, THAT ON A RECENT VISIT, BOTH OF THEM JOINED A GROUP OF PRESS FOR A TASTING THROUGH SOME OF FRANK FAMILY’S FINEST BOTTLINGS.
Founded in 1992, the over three-decade long investment in the wines, and overseen by winemaker Todd Graff since
2003, showcases just why Treasury spent $315 million USD to acquire the brand. A robust direct-to-consumer following and laudable commercial sales of their Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Carneros Chardonnay, the property itself feels perfect, with old clapboard homes, an impressive stone production building (still in use), and The Miller House, a gorgeous and newer addition to the vineyard in a modern farmhouse style and impeccably designed in muted, soft tones and fabulous twig chandeliers described as “sea urchins.”
Let there be no question – the wines impressed us mightily and I look forward to writing about them in the not-toodistant future.
But it was the humble and charitable spirit of the Franks themselves that tugged at this writer’s heartstrings. This is a family as committed to their legacy in winemaking as they are to making the world a better place. This is a family whose sense of giving back is weighty and enduring.
“My parents both had a strong moral compass and giving spirit that still lives on within me and Frank Family Vineyards to this day,” said Rich about his commitment to philanthropy. Leslie’s own journey to philanthropy is anchored in her 25-year career in journalism. “I am thankful for my previous career as a journalist for providing me with a mindset rich in culture and a personal commitment to philanthropy,” she said.
Over the years, the Franks have walked the walk in terms of philanthropy, supporting numerous nonprofits and causes. In 2018, they formalized their and the brand’s intentions and established Frank for a Cause, an ongoing effort that each year raises money for a designated nonprofit organization.
Perhaps my affinity for writing this piece lies with the fact that many of the causes supported by Frank for a Cause are quite similar to those prioritized by the charitable foundation that I am privileged to lead or that I have person-
In Search of Solace Wine Makers on a Mission
ally championed. For example, Frank Family Vineyards partnered with the James Beard Foundation during the COVID-19 pandemic on Open for Good, a campaign that disbursed nearly $5 million USD to small and independent restaurants severely impacted by the pandemic. They also supported animal welfare through support to The Humane Society of the United States.
Earlier this year, Frank for a Cause helped raise $55,000 for K9s For Warriors, a nonprofit that provides service dogs for veterans living with PTSD. Rich’s father, Hy, was a World War II veteran and this partnership was done in his memory, coupled with the couple’s love for dogs. The Franks have also supported critical efforts to support those affected by autism by donating $25,000 USD to the nonprofit Autism Speaks.
Additional partnerships in the Frank for a Cause campaign have included Feeding America and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Another important issue for the Franks is the environment and sustainability. On the business side, Frank Family Vineyards prides itself on achieving sustainability certifications for 100 percent of its owned and leased operations, leading, for example, to being awarded the California Green Medal Leader Award in 2023 for their leadership across the sustainability spectrum.
On the philanthropic side, the Franks also see a role for themselves in combatting climate change through responsible stewardship practices. In 2022, this included a Frank for a Cause partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation that pledged to plant six
trees for every bottle of the winemaker’s sparkling Blanc de Blanc sold that year.
This leads us to the current campaign of Frank for a Cause. Launched in July, Frank Family Vineyards is partnering with the company 4ocean (LINK https://www. frankfamilyvineyards.com/philanthropy/ 4ocean) to remove at least 25,000 pounds of plastic and trash from the world’s oceans, rivers, and coastlines. “As vintners, Rich and I believe that caring for our land is our deepest honor and most important work and we are excited to continue Frank Family’s living legacy by supporting 4ocean in eliminating plastic pollution, one bottle at a time,” said Leslie Frank in announcing the new partnership.
The campaign, which will run through July of next year, will utilize proceeds from the sale of Frank Family’s Napa Valley Cabernet and Carneros Chardonnay, as well as exclusive Frank Family Vineyards x 4ocean packages which will be sold online and in their tasting room. In addition to a bottle of either of the wines, the package includes an on-trend Frank Family Vineyards customized bracelet made from recycled materials.
I like a company with a conscience. Even more so, I love a company whose conscience leads them into action and the Franks epitomize this ethos – and more.
As always, Salud!
ASCENSION
HEAL YOURSELF AND HEAL THE WORLD
SPIRITUALITY FAITH
QUESTIONS GROWTH · FOCUS
The Celestial Mandate for a Radical Transformation in Devotional Living
“It is the ability to alchemize unbearable darkness that endows the light of consciousness with higher-evolved intelligence, for the Universe exists to cultivate the realization of the full magnificence of the Soul’s eternal golden awareness, birthing spiritual masters throughout the Infinite Cosmos in pursuit of a vision that bridges the heart’s will across all lineages throughout the space-time continuum.”
RENEWAL
AMRITLAL अमृत
ASCENSION
CONTRIBUTOR
@monarch_visionary
MANY LEADERS
FACE AN AGONIZ-
ING CHOICE: SERVICING THEIR DEBT OR MEETING THE NEEDS OF THEIR POPULATIONS. MANY AFRICAN COUNTRIES NOW SPEND MORE ON DEBT REPAYMENTS THAN ON HEALTH CARE, WITH TERRIBLE CONSEQUENCES FOR ENTIRE GENERATIONS. TODAY, 52 COUNTRIES ARE IN DEFAULT OR DANGEROUSLY CLOSE TO IT. THIS INCLUDES THE MAJORITY OF LEAST-DEVELOPED COUNTRIES, AS WELL AS THE MAJORITY OF THE 50 COUNTRIES MOST VULNERABLE TO CLIMATE CHANGE. DOZENS OF OTHER NATIONS ARE AT RISK OF JOINING THEM.
“The international financial system is in crisis. Halfway to the 2030 deadline, the Sustainable Development Goals are drifting further away by the day. Even the most fundamental goals on hunger and poverty have gone into reverse after decades of progress. Yes, in 2023, more than 750 million people do not have enough to eat. And tens of millions more are teetering on the verge of extreme poverty. While wealthy countries could print money to revive their economies, developing countries could not do likewise and are
grappling with exorbitant borrowing costs — up to eight times higher than those of developed countries.
This situation is untenable. The international financial architecture has failed in its mission to provide a global safety net for developing countries. The reason is simple … this architecture was built in the aftermath of World War II. It essentially reflects, even with some changes, the political and economic power dynamics of that time. I have no illusions. This is a question of power and political will, and change will not happen overnight. But, as we work for the deep reforms that are needed, we can take urgent action today to meet the urgent needs of developing and emerging economies.”
– Antonio Guterres, SecretaryGeneral of the United Nations
This month, in collaboration with Joseph Lu, CFA, Founder of Conscious Capital Advisors, we discuss the tools to establish a legacy of conscious wealth as we collectively evolve as an enlightened species united in heart-empowered service to the flow of cosmic consciousness.
EMBRACE THE GRACE OF NATURE’S MAJESTY FOR GUIDANCE UPON THE PATH OF MASTERY
“In the eyes of a seer, every leaf of a tree is a page of the Holy Book and contains divine revelation.”
- Hazrat Inayat Khan
Crowned with a crest of plumes, graced with a vibrant blue plumage and a train of up to 175 glorious, iridescent feathers, the peacock’s presence warrants a stark reminder that we exist in a profoundly magical and intentionally creative Universe that endows life with
every opportunity to thrive. How such potential is mastered determines the evolution of intelligence.
In Hinduism, the peacock is associated with Lakshmi the goddess of prosperity and wealth, and symbolizes patience, benevolence, and compassion.
In Asian spirituality, the peacock is associated with the goddess Kwan-yin, further representing good-will and kind-heartedness. Like the phoenix, Christian traditions equate the peacock with attributes of renewal, rejuvenation and immortality. In Egypt, the peacock was associated with the sun god and the eye of Horus, most likely due to the pattern of “eyes” on their feathers.
The “eyes” located on the peacock’s tail feathers represent those who have “Eyes To See,” as it is those patient and disciplined awakened souls, attuned to a higher resonating celestial force, who are able to guide the flock to abundant pastures and through the resurrection of their soul’s eternal truth. Thus, the peacock further represents divine vision and far-reaching awareness as a spiritual teacher to the natural kingdoms.
Symbolic of divine sovereignty, to ensure the species survival, through an evolutionary defense mechanism known as aposematism, peacocks deliberately consume poisonous substances, both developing immunity and warding off predators, as well as making the colors of their resplendent plumage all the more vibrant and attractive for mating. As a result, Buddhists believe the peacock symbolizes one’s ability to take in the “poisons” of life while still continuing on the path towards enlightenment.
ASCENSION
HEAL YOURSELF AND HEAL THE WORLD
SPIRITUALITY FAITH QUESTIONS GROWTH · FOCUS
As a symbol of spectacular beauty and divinity, the peacock reminds us that true beauty is achieved through transformation, growth, patience, perseverance and adversity. For humans, our true inner beauty radiates physically as we evolve emotionally, mentally, and spiritually; choosing to improve our lives and those of others by intelligently transforming the toxicity of consciousness into a potential pathway for a more brilliant expression of existence to emerge.
The consciousness of the peacock demonstrates that we all have the spiritual capacity to create a wealth legacy by tapping into our unique soul gifts to radiate our inner wisdom through a natural process of profound alchemy, whereby our ability to process pain and fear through our nervous system welcomes the perception of a more brilliantly charged reality.
AWAKEN THE STAR FORCE TO GENERATE WEALTH THROUGH CONVICTION IN A VISION FOR GLOBAL HEALTH
“Love is Light, that enlightens those who give and receive it. Love is gravity, because it makes some people feel attracted to others. Love is power, because it multiplies the best we have, and allows humanity not to be extinguished in their blind selfishness. Love unfolds and reveals.”
– Albert Einstein
Once you realize the heart as the transformer, you shall discover that you are always empowered. In Mahayana Buddhism, bodhicitta refers to the excellence of the awakened heart. When we face our fears, challenges and obstacles with an open heart, the fire of compassion generates an all-attrac-
tive, magnetizing and self-actualizing current that circulates throughout the body, bringing the organ system into higher orchestration to ignite divine intelligence and holistic health. Hence, times of apparent crisis are, in actuality, opportunities for immense transformation and the initiation of one’s self-realization.
Incarnated upon the Earth to serve the healing of the soul, those who wholeheartedly train in awakening unconditional and relative bodhichitta are called bodhisattvas or warriors of the light. By invoking the power within, and embodying our inner North Star, the radiance emitted from the unraveling of the DNA serves as a beacon of guidance and activation for higher potentials of
RENEWAL
COMMUNITY
manifestation to be actualized within in the lower realms of existence.
As awakening warriors realize their power and bridge globally to pour forth this life force generating current from the celestial realms upon Earth, we realize our spiritual ability to master the fundamental building blocks of life from the atomic and molecular structures of matter to the global financial and economic structures to restore the natural flow of divine abundance across all currents of energy. Our external reality transforms as we restore the flow of cosmic life force within ourselves, establishing a sense of sovereignty.
It is the divine will of Mother Universe that all sentient life receives the abundance of resources essential for the evolution of the soul’s awareness, when this universal law is obstructed, species experience suffering, while on the other hand, the potential for Ascension is rapidly accelerated. As we restore the flow, we Awaken.
As vessels for the flow of consciousness, which nourishes, evolves and guides
SUPPORT EXPLORATION · ENERGY
our senses and both magnetizes our empowers our perceptions, the energetic resonance of the planetary field grows stronger as we purify the stream, creating more light as the darkness rises to our awareness, leading us to higher realized states of our multi-dimensional awareness.
As legions of Bodhisattvas are self-realized upon the Earth, the global flow of service to consciousness becomes gloriously radiant and magnificently synchronistic, united in purpose, we transform the toxicity of colonial era structures to herald the brilliance of a Golden Age enlightened society.
ESTABLISHING A WEALTH CONSCIOUSNESS MINDSET TO CHRISTEN CURRENCY MARKETS
“Decide what you want. Believe you can have it. Believe you deserve it and believe it’s possible for you”
– Jack Canfield
As we approach the “Black Swan” unified consciousness synchronicity event, many are experiencing the collapse of false realities in preparation for the collective realization of the Absolute Truth. A natural consequence of our evolved mindsets is the cascading redistribution of wealth as we learn to generate energetic returns rather than chasing false performance; leveraging the magnetizing power of love and compassion to create, rather than investing out of fear and fueling acts of planetary rape and social hate.
As more souls awaken from the soul-draining matrix and the karmic implications of supporting it, many investors are now asking: Am I a slave
to money,? How do I focus my resources to inspire the birthing of an enlightened society?
Aligning our investments with the Ascension of the consciousness grid delivers us into a deep introspection of our self-worth and relationship, not only with money, but with our sense of soul contribution to the cosmos, our legacy of light imprinted upon the Earth and the genetic upregulation of our species – our Soul Legacy.
By aligning the future potential of our impact with wealth resources, we establish the necessary neurological pathways for the light of consciousness to permeate from our pineal gland through our nervous system structure, for the blissful experience of working directly with the natural forces of consciousness to abundantly manifest both healing and realization of our true destiny.
Through embodied comprehension of the divine law by which the unfolding of our spiritual heart and activation of the genetically embedded karmic service to our ancestral trauma is directly correlated, a conscious quantum abundance mindset allows for the natural release of stored trauma as the pathways are opened for our divinely backed service to the planet and her beloved species.
Steps for clearing perceptual, nervous system and cellular blockages to activate the pathways for life force bio-frequencies to flow abundantly, expanding and magnetizing your reflective external reality for seamless success in service to the birthing of consciousness:
1. Identify and dissolve any limiting beliefs regarding money and wealth gen-
ASCENSION
HEAL YOURSELF AND HEAL THE WORLD
SPIRITUALITY FAITH
eration as you open your heart and mind to the potential for infinite spiritual contribution with cascading compounding effects, correlating your view of wealth with the charge of subtle energy electricity that moves through your body as a vessel of service, attracting all you need to fulfill your destiny.
2. Assess the relationship between your victim-identity and your notions of wealth accumulation to re-align your spiritual evolution with the deserved abundance of your highest purpose, realized through the healing of the planetary soul trauma embodied within your cellular structure.
3. Establish a sense of worthiness by envisioning your future self engaged in emotionally fulfilling service, burning away the heaviness of low self-esteem personality aspects that result from the lack and poverty consciousness that accompany unhealed trauma, thus regenerating the atrophied nervous system connections to the abundant streams of planetary cosmic consciousness
4. Blueprint your Highest Purpose to establish the Path of Power through which cosmic consciousness traverses your nervous system in service of the restoration of the planetary soul ecosystem, further allowing you to become aware that all is in favor of your wealth-guaranteed deliverance as you take the steps to fully embody the inner blossoming of your magnetized, prophetic life vision. Through devotional alignment with a divinely seeded vision that is inspired within the heart of all life, which guides us into service of the nourishing and all-present field of cosmic consciousness, the current of financial currencies is blessedly christened by the ascending frequencies of KRSNA-CHRIST
QUESTIONS GROWTH · FOCUS
consciousness. In Divine Mother Universe, We Trust Our Soul’s Abundant Fulfillment.
TRUTH & TRUST IN TOTALITY: FIDUCIARY DUTY TO GUARDIAN CLIENT WEALTH
Fiduciary duty is a legal and ethical obligation established by the SEC that investment advisers must act in their clients’ best interests.
The two main tenets of fiduciary duty are:
• Duty of care: investment advisers must provide advice that is in their clients’ best interests and based on their clients’ objectives.
• Duty of loyalty: investment advisers must put their clients’ interests first and not favor their own interests.
As many are still awakening to the sovereign responsibility to serve as vessels for the cosmic flow of consciousness, else welcome disease upon one’s body, a majority of asset managers and investment advisors may still be operating under the third-dimensional structures of fear, manipulation and exploitation of planetary consciousness.
As these markets are preparing to crumble, as the people chose health and evolution over the deceptive false securities of fundamentally empty balance sheets, many are asking: How do my investments align with the spiritual convictions that have directed my soul’s evolutionary journey?
While legislation is typically slow to serve the common man, the common man holds the power to receive conscious guidance as to the redirection of wealth to avoid the upcoming emotional
and spiritual pitfalls of toxic corporations losing steam in the new regime where even those who serve as vessels for lower dimensional consciousness, become victims of energetic mental and physical ailments as the planetary resonance field continues to raise fueled by the cosmic wisdom penetrating the Earth’s atmosphere to inspire higher resonance expression.
A Morningstar survey, published August 6, 2024, confirmed that American attitudes are shifting to value health more than wealth and even, so-called, happiness. Additionally, an August 9, 2024, MarketWatch survey found that 65 percent of Americans say finances are their biggest source of stress.
As the collective thought stream is gradually corrected to reflect the enlightened consciousness of currency markets, investment wealth will become a source of hope whereby financial markets reflect our responsibility to restore the natural balance of life that alleviates the collective suffering upon our interconnected emotional streams of consciousness so that our awareness may be lifted to perceive of the true reality into which we are seeded.
HEALING THE MATERNAL WOUND BY RESTORING BALANCE TO MOTHER EARTH’S PLANETARY FIELD
Lord Krishna is a symbol of the role of realized divinity to restore the brilliance of our mother’s grace through the heroic dharmic deeds to be accomplished throughout our lifetime that guide us to fully embody our highest self. Every child’s soul is born into the stressors of the mother’s lineage of pain, with the potential to heal the world and reclaim one’s sacred life force. Invoked from the
RENEWAL COMMUNITY
celestial realms and incarnated to redeem the chain of ancestral souls across astral realms, , all beings are thus nourished by the consciousness of Mother Earth for this sole purpose of spiritual realization and service to the field which giveth life.
By shifting the focus of our actions to restore balance to the planet’s ecosystem, we raise our vibration to come into attunement with the cosmic AUM, delivering us into full alignment with the abundance of spiritual resources to support us in restoring glory to our mother’s soul, liberating the chains of ancestral spirits from the lower astral realms, as we bridge them through the Heavens through the central channel that ascends our spinal cord.
Known as the rapture in sacred texts, the convergence of spiritual realms and dissolution of the veil also correlates to the gradual manifestation of our Rainbow Body emanation, which unfolds as we illuminate the inner path for souls to ascend through the celestial gates. Through the fire of compassion, the vibrational current of divine service activates our highest genetic expression and unleashes our ancient cellular memory .
Shall we experience a future system of currency markets backed by the elemental health of the planetary ecosystem, and guided by the spirits of the primordial elementals that speak through our charged senses? Is it not the excitement for the realization of life’s greatest mysteries that propels us forward into strength and unity?
How will future structures evolve as the collective impetus to realize the power of our energizing and self-organizing spiritual missions unite us upon an ever-heightening collective frequency
SUPPORT EXPLORATION · ENERGY
that drives the unfolding expression of our genome?
As leaders in human evolution, we rise as we take the necessary leaps to manifest our inner vision and embody the transformative grace of divinity by alchemizing the poisons of the world into the genius needed to bridge us into a brilliant and radiantly interconnected Earth.
STEWARDS OF WEALTH
As the global investment industry calls for a more spiritually aligned approach to wealth management, monarch visionary Joseph Lu, CFA seeks to create a new paradigm of conscious investing. With nearly two decades of experience in institutional investment management, Joseph has embarked on a mission, despite daunting odds, to revolutionize investment and wealth management, harmonizing it with the higher frequencies of spiritual economics and conscious capitalism.
Joseph’s foundational philosophy is rooted in the profound Japanese concept of 'ikigai' - the intersection of what one loves, excels at, what the world needs, and what one can be paid for. This ancient wisdom serves as a compass for Joseph, guiding him towards his life's purpose, as he seeks to utilize this framework in empowering others to achieve their life’s purpose as well.
"I recognized that the investment industry, generally, had lost touch with its fundamental mission of supporting individuals, families, and institutions in achieving their financial goals," says Joseph. "My aim is to connect people’s capital with exceptional opportunities and entrepreneurs, all while prioritizing honesty, responsibility, and service."
What sets Joseph apart, aside from his unique investment management capabilities, is the perspective on the assets he manages for his clients. Far from viewing these as mere numbers in an account, he sees each investment as a manifestation of his clients' dreams, sacrifices, and aspirations - a numerical representation of committed time and energy from the past.
This profound understanding informs every decision made for clients, ensuring that as a steward of wealth, he ultimately serves the client with the utmost alignment to their vision.
The paradigm approach goes beyond money management, fostering human connections in business and purpose-driven investing. As more investors seek to align finances with values, managers, like Joseph, are shaping a more equitable and sustainable financial future.
In doing so, they are catalyzing a transformation long envisioned by spiritual leaders - a financial system serving the highest good of all stakeholders and the planet.
PAIN, POWER & PURPOSE
Diligently working on the global shift towards conscious capitalism and spiritual economics is Monarch Visionary Ventures Society, a revolutionary vision for executive transformation and performance optimization. Through their pioneering GOL-D: Vedic Rainbow Body Ascension program, the Society guides awakening leaders on a profound journey of self-discovery and cosmic alignment by transforming the pain of embodied ancestral trauma into the realization of highest planetary service.
This innovative program is designed to activate the full spectrum of human potential - Neurological, Physiological, Psychological, Emotional and Spiritual. Executives are empowered to:
• Reclaim their sacred life force energy
• Activate their ancient cellular memory
• Abundantly realize their highest celestial purpose
• Establish a sense of self-worth grounded in divine service
The Society’s approach is a unique fusion of ancient wisdom and modern science. Drawing from indigenous Shamanic practices and ancient traditions, trauma healing methodologies, neuro linguistic programming, and cognitive behavioral therapy, they craft bespoke programs tailored to each initiate’s akashic record.
In this era of great wealth transfer and karmic correction, Monarch Visionary Ventures Society emerges as a beacon for leaders ready to transcend traditional success paradigms. By activating dormant gifts within initiates, the Society supports the birthing of visionaries,
As the Earth wrestles free from the karmic entanglements of unfair, enslavement mechanisms that have sought to deplete natural resources from the wealthiest and most fertile of her lands, while keeping its people disempowered, poverty-stricken and robbed of hope, the cries of the meek and innocent have fueled the planetary field of consciousness with the energetic potential to resurrect awakened leaders to restore balance to the natural forces.
The global financial system is facing
seers, sages, and mystics, empowering them to claim their full sovereign authority.
This awakening of executives catalyzes a ripple effect, contributing to the restoration of the planetary consciousness grid and the liberation of ancestral lineages. Through their pioneering approach, the Society fosters a new generation of spiritually awakened leaders who actively participate in christening currency markets with higher consciousness.
As we unite in our spiritual missions, the Society exemplifies a shift towards a financial system aligned with cosmic purpose, reminding us that true wealth lies in our positive impact on collective consciousness and our ability to ensure abundant soul evolution for all sentient beings.
A LITTLE MORE INSIGHT:
a massive correction as the planetary consciousness grid reconstructs herself upon higher orders of spiritual efficiencies, awakening warrior souls to unify across the Earth. Across all major industries, emerging consciousness leaders are actively christening the financial currency markets by redirecting the current of consciousness to serve the healing of the planet and enlightenment of humanity, building compassionate service-based partnerships and inspiring innovative technological and polit-
ical advances, all in pursuit of spiritual mastery.
Spiritually awakened, mission-oriented investors are actively redirecting their legacy investments to fundamentally positive channels of consciousness, seamlessly evolving the investment architecture of the global financial system to ease the stress upon humanity while establishing certainty in our harmonized potential to birth consciousness lifeforce even within the darkest shadow constructs.
MOLD YOUR MIND
"THE MENTAL BREAK THROUGH" NOW ON SPOTIFY
WHAT ON EARTH MOTIVATES YOU?
COACH JOEY VELEZ
MENTAL
WELLNESS
CONTRIBUTOR @velezmentalperformance
IHEARD A QUOTE A WHILE BACK, I AM NOT SURE WHO SAID IT, BUT IT HAS ALWAYS STUCK WITH ME. IT GOES, “YOU CAN’T GET MUCH DONE IN LIFE IF YOU ONLY WORK ON THE DAYS WHEN YOU FEEL GOOD.”
As a society, we strive to feel good. We want to be happy, we want to experience positive emotions all the time, but the reality is that you are not going to feel your best all the time. I am sure you have had days where you woke up and said, “I am not feeling it today,” which may have followed by a lack of commitment, lack of motivation, and moving slower than usual.
Life does not wait around for you. Life does not wait for you to feel good to continue. Just because you do not feel good does not have to mean that you are incapable of getting things done. If you are feeling good, that is great, but you
need to find ways to maintain productivity even on those days where you do not feel your best.
SOURCES OF MOTIVATION
Motivation has always been a funny thing. Growing up, we heard the phrases, “I need you to get motivated,” or “time to dig deep,” as a way to get an individual to display the desired behaviors within that performance. However, those never had an impact on me. At the time, what motivated me was receiving something of value in return.
As a child, and maybe you experienced this as well, my parents had me do chores. As a result of doing these chores, I was paid, which kept me doing these chores every weekend. However, there were times when my parents did not pay me, and I would fight to the nail or make some kind of excuse to get out of doing my chores.
The only reason I was doing the chores in the first place was because I knew there was money coming my way, sofinancial incentive removed - then I was not going to do them anymore.
Research related to motivation talks about the use of external motivators such as rewards, punishments, or experi-
encing certain emotions (like shame and guilt). While these types of motivators have their place, they lack long-term impact because at some point, like I experienced, the power that they had went away.
The theory also suggests that all humans have three basic psychological needs that underlie individual growth and development. One of those needs being autonomy, which is the feeling of choice and willingness to endorse one’s behavior, as an integral component of motivation because those tasks become more of an internal choice.
Internal components of motivation include valuing the outcome of the behavior and attaching your core values to the task. For example, I strongly dislike running. In fact, I strongly dislike doing cardio in general. However, I know the benefit that running can have on my physical and emotional health, so I do it anyway, but now it becomes my choice. Both internal and external forms of motivation have their place in this world. However, what is going to be more helpful in the long term is pulling from an internal source.
FINDING YOUR MOTIVATION
For some people, motivation comes easy.
THOUGHTS MATTER
They just get up and do it, no questions asked, and to those people I say, Bravo. If this is you, there is still value in reflecting on why you behave that way. Do you say something yourself? Was it something you were taught growing up? What drives you to do the things you do each and every day?
The more self-awareness you can have, the better, because you never know when you might need a little extra motivation, and knowing where you get yours from can be a great source to pull from.
But what if motivation is a challenge for you? You can start by asking yourself some of these same questions to identify what is important to you. Asking
yourself why do I get up every morning? What is important to me? What drives me to do the things that I do?
Reflecting on these types of questions can help you identify what you truly value. For example, let’s say asking yourself these reflective questions leads you to the conclusion that you value hard work. You just gave yourself one piece of ammunition to help spark internal motivation when you need it.
Another activity is to think about a recent big decision that you have made. In seven words or less, answer the question, “Why was this a big decision?” Then, take that answer and do your best to sum it up with one word. Often times, you
will find that this one word comes in the form of a core value. You now just gave yourself an additional piece of ammunition to help spark internal motivation when you need it.
FINAL THOUGHTS
You are not going to enjoy everything that you do. You are not going to feel good every single day, but that does not mean that you have to give up. Take control of your motivation. Use external motivators if you need to get the ball rolling but identify your core values or the value of the behavior to give yourself a little bit more control over your actions.
