Preferred Magazine - August/September 2018 by PreferredMagazine

CINDY SAMPSON Spotlight Interview CANADIAN COUTURE DESIGNER Kyriako Caras

Maurizio Bevillacqua Mayor of Vaughan on “Vaughan Rising”

The New Explorer Perhaps The World’s Most Beautiful Ship

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I S S U E

A U G U S T

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Publisher

Senior Writers

Carlo Greco

Monique Simpson, Francis Gambino, Alex

carlo@preferredmagazine.ca

Jackson, Gerald Glavota, Jessica Ashley Merkley, Libby Austin, Colin Keddy, Ilona

Publisher Assistant

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Letizia Iraci Creative Director Director of Business Development

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Fabio Gesufatto Graphic Designer Sales & Advertising

Alex Jackson

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CINDY SAMPSON COVER FEATURE

SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW DRESSED IN CANADIAN COUTURE DESIGNER: STEPHAN CARAS (DESIGNS) Written by Zoe Olsson

Photography by Lindsay Anne Delaney Cindy Sampson

@citylightlinds Art Director: Tanya Watt Stylist: Sara Roberts P1M.ca Hair & Makeup: Brittany Sinclair P1M.ca

Location: The Ritz Carlton Hotel Toronto

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www.stephancaras.com

On The Cover

t’s a pristine morning in Toronto, and the view from the fact that she is able to live out her childhood fantasy of being the Ritz is postcard worthy. The sun’s rays beam oﬀ the a detective. surrounding jungle city scrapers, casting shards of prism light on the mahogany set. “Funnily enough when I was in grade 9 I job shadowed with a detective—not joking—with the police department. Ya that was An infectious laugh signifies Cindy Sampson’s entrance, her what I wanted to be, a detective, my mom works for CSIS, believe magnetism instantly filling the room. The “Private Eyes” star it or not. I wanted the job so bad and I loved the character Angie has just arrived for her cover shoot for Stephan Caras’s runway and I found the humour in her. She’s strong and all of the good collection. Wearing a black turtleneck and dress jeans, her hair things from a woman’s perspective, like all of the things that I in tousled waves, she greets everyone with a warm smile and would want in a character plus all of the opportunities I would infectious energy. want in a character—new exciting things every week, a new world every week.” “Oh, I love your nails!” she exclaims, as she grabbed my hand for a closer look at my chrome polished claws. She furrows her brows And what is a detective show without the perfect partner in in genuine wonderment as she inspects. “I feel like I could check crime? Angie’s charismatic counterpart, ex-pro hockey player my makeup in these.” Matt Shade, is everything Angie is not, and never fails to provide “We feel happy to make a product The wardrobe for the afternoon coming out of Toronto, and showcasing comic relief. is a concoction of delicate lace Toronto for how beautiful, multicultural embellishments, voluminous “They very much compliment organdy frills, and virtuoso each other. He’s more imand amazing it is.” handbeaded fabrics selected pulsive and she’s more by the from Stephan Caras’s signature runway pieces—paying homage to book, and she’s logical, and overthinks things through, whereas the brand’s debut in Season 2’s Fashion Crimes episode. Moments he kind of just goes by the seat of his pants. But that’s how they later, Cindy emerges from the dressing room radiant, and in really balance each other out. And I feel like he infuses some unconventional form. She dawns an ivory floral gown featuring lightheartedness into the situation, that lightens her up.” a plunging neckline, boldly paired with a statement sewn-in lace pant. The stunning piece is an all-too fitting metaphor for Angie Perhaps the most interesting character in the show, however, is Everett—her dynamic on-screen character on the Global TV the city of Toronto itself. The Canadian production casts the primetime show—a powerful woman that defies molds. bustling metropolis as the centerstage as opposed to a backdrop. Tackling high-stake crimes and relentlessly pursuing justice is the “You know, we put the CN tower in the opening credits, so name of the game for Angie. When asked how she likes playing yeah, instead of shying away and using some nondescript town the character of a private investigator, Cindy instantly gushes over somewhere, we were like screw it, we’re doing Toronto; Toronto’s

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AUGUST 2018

Publisher Note As we mark the mid point of our North American summer and look forward to the pending changing of the seasons, we welcome our readers to extend the lazy days of summer and delve into the pages of this issue us as we vicariously languish along the luxurious shores and breathtaking vistas of Monaco. As host of the 2018 Influencer Awards, celebrating the world’s elite from the web, our feature on this exceptional event sets the tone for this edition which focuses on top industry movers and shakers and opulent lifestyle living, cars, toys and trinkets. Keeping with the Monaco-esque theme of fine living and exceptional play, we invite you to peruse the plethora of text and photos that celebrate the best that life has to give: the Ferrari 488 Special Edition, the car built for racers; Champagne and cocktails; a trek through the Namibia Desert; the luxurious Regent Seven Seas Explorer; and the Sunny Side Up Wellness retreat in Moroco. In this issue, it is again our pleasure to feature a man among men – Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua. A visionary in the political realm, Mayor Bevilacqua has transformed the City of Vaughan – a.k.a. the City of above Toronto – into a world class hub of industry, residential and recreational living. It is men such as Mayor Bevilacqua with foresight and drive that are the mark of a true Preferred gentleman. In addition to Mayor Bevilacqua, we would like to introduce you to Cindy Sampson, star of the hit TV series Private Eyes and furniture master extraordinaire, the incomparable Mr. Klaus Nienkamper. So, with a wealth of enriched stories and beautiful photography to meander through, I now wish you adieu and happy reading, Preferred style. Best Regards Carlo

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AUGUST 2018

Contributors

Monique Simpson

Libby Austin

Lindsay Anne Delaney

Scott Shallow

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Michael Jacobson & Jessica

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AUGUST 2018

Contents

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Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua: A Visionary In The Political Realm

The New 2018 Ferrari 488 Special Edition: Taylor Made For The Racing Elite

The Glashütte Senator Cosmopolite: All The Time In The World

Safilo Made In Italy: Designed For Eyewear Enthusiasts

Adi Developments: Meet Burlington's New Lakeside Luxury Address

Empire Communities: The Mavericks Have Arrived On King Street West

Regent Seven Seas Explorer: Prehaps The World's Most Beautiful Ship

Sunny Side Up: Merging Mind and Body In Morocco

The Influencer Awards 2018 Monaco: Hosted By Pauline Ducruet, Grace Kelly’s Granddaughter

Namibia: Redefining Luxury At Exclusive Use Tented Safari Camps In The Namib Desert

A Champagne Rose Moment

Bevs & Burns A Blind Cigar Tasting paired With Fine Spirits

Cocktails: Shaken or Stirred, and So Much More

Erectile Dysfunction: The Droops

Cover Story: Cindy Sampson: A Spotlight Interview

Klaus Nienkamper: A Conversation With A Modern Master

SKINCARE FOR MEN. E V O LV E D . T H E F I R S T A N D O N LY MENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SKINCARE LINE Hypoallergenic | Paraben-Free | Gluten-Free Oil-Free | Alcohol-Free | Fragrance-Free

D I S COV E R T H E CO M P L E T E S K I N C A R E L I N E O N C W B E G G S .CO M

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LUXURY RECOVERY IN THE HEART OF PORT HOPE

SETH FLETCHER Director of Addiction Services Canadian Centre for Addictions

Preferred Magazine What advice would you give

amenities and retreat like atmosphere on a beautiful 17,000

to someone who is looking to seek help with their addiction, but is unsure of where to turn?

square foot property over looking lake Ontario.

Seth Fletcher For those suffering from addiction, please know that you are not alone. CCFA understands that addiction is a person’s temporary solution to an already existing issue or problem. CCFA can help identify the underlying issues specific to you and then connect you with the tools, resources and coping mechanisms needed to make life long recovery from addiction a reality. PM What can first-time patients expect from the

Canadian Centre for Addictions (CCFA)?

PM What makes the CCFA different from other

treatment facilities? SF CCFA will help identify the underlying issues that led to the addiction in the first place. With this individual information CCFA can then connect clients with the resources they need in their home communities to ensure they are set up for a lifetime of success CCFA provides best in class addictions services •

or sterile environment, CCFA is renowned for its luxury

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Professional Intervention Services resulting in 90% client admission

SF While many treatment centres have a very institutional

An accredited facility through Accreditation Canada, CCFA offers award winning, best in class healthcare and substance abuse services

•

Doctor available 7 days a week

•

24/7 Onsite Medical Staff providing all Detox and Support services

•

Certified Addiction Counsellors

•

Registered Psychotherapists

•

Lifetime Aftercare Services available anywhere in North America

•

Family Support Access and Workshops Weekly

•

Personalized discharge plans tailored to your home community

•

Luxury Amenities

•

Red Seal Chef prepared Menus

PM How does group therapy differ from individual

therapy? What are some of the benefits of group therapy? f CCFA educates and provides many modalities of both Group and Individual Therapies. Group therapy provides an environment of like minded individuals who may have experienced very similar life events and fosters a support network that lasts for the rest of one’s life. Individual therapy provides a platform for allow for one-on-one individualized treatment with Certified Addictions Counsellors and Registered Psychotherapists. PM How can family and friends help loved ones

who have drug or alcohol addiction? f It isn’t always easy knowing how to best help a loved one who is suffering from addiction. CCFA has a Family Services Coordinator that stays in touch with all families and helps guide them through the principles of addiction and how to best support their addicted love one while also providing support to themselves. Family workshops are conducted weekly to provide support. PM What support is there for patients after

addiction treatment? f All CCFA clients are enrolled in our lifetime aftercare program that is accessible anywhere in North America. In person Aftercare in our Toronto Outreach Centre and Alumni Events each Saturday at our Port Hope facility. CCFA Aftercare is also accessible through teleconference each Wednesday night to ensure you can keep connected with CCFA and keep continued recovery a priority.

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Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua

"There is something truly special about forging your own way, it is empowering and gratifying."

Vaughan, Ontario Photography by Ryan Buam Written by Colin Keddy

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The City of Vaughan has been transformed. The mayor is a ‘servant leader’ anchored to hope, faith and optimism. The result is the creation of a modern, vibrant and dynamic city with its very own signature. Never can I remember a time in recent history where so many political figures were in question and under fire for their personal and professional conduct both nationally and internationally. The integrity of those who hold public office is important and should always be scrutinized. We rely on them to lead our cities, our provinces, and our nation. That said, we seem to be at a somewhat unprecedented point in political history when it comes to the relationship of citizens and their elected officials. Of the many top-tiered elected positions, Canadians seem to have a special relationship with their local mayors. Ontario has seen Mayor Hazel McCallion of Mississauga and Mayor Gordon Krantz of Milton hold their positions for more than 30 years. What stands out at the core of their long-standing leadership? It appears they agree that what matters most is putting people first. While this may sound cliché, elected officials who are lauded by their community seem to genuinely adhere to this simple principle. I think citizens and voters can agree that it is not what elected officials say that really matters, but rather the results they deliver to their communities. A successful leader is one who truly connects with people and understands their struggles, needs and desires. They have a strong passion and a bold vision for the communities they serve. A true leader is selfless because they put the needs of others first. This is the definition of the ultimate public servant and the City of Vaughan is fortunate to have a leader who truly embodies these qualities in Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua. He was first elected to public office as a Member of Parliament at age 28. From very early on he demonstrated an impressive ability to connect with people and, simply put, he got things done. He served in the federal government for 22 years, holding several prominent positions including Minister of State for Finance and Chair of the influential Standing Committee on Finance. In 2010, he brought his national and international experience to the City of Vaughan where he has charted a new course in every facet of city life from the economy, transportation and healthcare to arts, culture and quality of life. In December 2017, Mayor Bevilacqua welcomed a historic moment as the City of Vaughan became the first 905 municipality with a subway that links directly to Toronto, a project he, along with others championed while he was an MP in Ottawa. Along with the new VIVA rapidway and the extension of Highway 427 to Major Mackenzie Drive, the transportation landscape in Vaughan has dramatically changed and commuters are rejoicing at the new ways of getting around town quickly and efficiently. Another historic moment was the ground-breaking of the City’s new state of the art health care facility, the Mackenzie

Vaughan Hospital. As Canada’s first ‘smart’ hospital, it will revolutionize the way people in Vaughan access healthcare. In addition to these outstanding projects, the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, is the burgeoning downtown core that will bring impressive arts and cultural facilities, oﬃce towers and homes, as well as 12,000 new jobs and 30,000 new residents to the city. While Mayor Bevilacqua, who sits on several boards, is excited by the opportunity to stimulate economic growth and attract innovation and investment through these projects, he continues to be a voice for the voiceless, for the people in the community who need a helping hand. Through his Annual Mayor’s Gala and Mayor’s Golf Tournament, he created the ‘Spirit of Generosity’ which has helped support over 150 charities and not for profit groups. In addition, he leads philanthropic campaigns exceeding $260 million, which include the Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital, Hospice Vaughan and numerous other organizations – a testament to his ability to inspire the spirit of generosity. As Vaughan grows, it continues to cast a shadow of its own with an impressive list of accomplishments including a 3.5% growth rate that outpaces the province and the country. Since 2010 over 55,000 jobs have been created, a task Bevilacqua takes seriously by actively pursuing companies and promoting what he calls the Vaughan Advantage. This includes a highly educated and multilingual workforce, close proximity to Pearson International Airport, an impressive highway, roads, transit and rail network, as well; as significant investments in the city’s economic and physical infrastructure. Vaughan is also one of the safest communities in Canada. If you have followed Mayor Bevilacqua’s political career spanning the past 30 years, there is no question he is in public service for all the right reasons. The Jesuit educated Bevilacqua has built a solid reputation as a smart, talented and charismatic leader. He is admired for his authentic and genuine nature and is truly loved by the people of Vaughan, which is evident by the warm and enthusiastic reception he receives everywhere he goes. Often when Mayor Bevilacqua is questioned about the success of his city he defers that praise to the residents of Vaughan who are his greatest source of inspiration. His humility and conviction are both uplifting and admirable. His Zen like approach to life is felt by the citizens and the many colleagues who work with him. He is a passionate, natural born leader who has garnered the respect of Canadians over his 30-year career. He still holds the all-time Canadian record for most votes received by a candidate in a federal election. The record of 71,535 votes has not been broken in 25 years. PREFERREDMAGAZINE.CA

supported me and helped me realize my goals and aspirations. Ultimately, when you are comfortable with who you are, you enjoy life and produce meaningful results. Q: There are many amazing things slated for the City of Vaughan in the near future, describe Vaughan in 2020 and your aspirations for the city?

Q: Where would you like to see yourself at the end of 2018, and beyond? I would like to be able to recognize my fingerprints and those of others who have collectively created the new reality that embraces our city. I want to continue to be driven by the purpose of improving the human condition and confidently embracing its challenge. To be able to appreciate my 30 years of public service with joy and fulfillment is a true blessing for it honours the many miles travelled and the experiences I had on my journey. The end of 2018 is a point in my life’s time continuum. I respect the opportunity to remain true to the values, principles and beliefs which have been my life’s anchors and to which my actions have been aligned. What the future holds in store for me is always fascinating. As a 10-year-old Italian immigrant boy living in the basement of a home in Toronto, the House of Commons seemed unattainable, little did I know that 18 years later I would win a federal election and be re-elected seven more times in a row. As well, I would get the chance to serve in Cabinet as Minister of State for Finance and Chair the Finance Committee for five years, making a contribution to Canada’s economic renaissance. What I will be doing beyond 2018, I am not quite sure, but what I am certain of, is that whatever I decide, it will be part of a purpose driven life, rooted in hope, faith and optimism. Q: Would you be willing to follow in the footsteps of Mayor Hazel and Mayor Gordon? Are there other life ambitions not yet accomplished? During our life we are all given an opportunity to chart our own course and I respect the uniqueness of my journey. I am not interested in following in anyone’s footsteps, for they are not mine. There is something truly special about forging your own way, it is empowering and gratifying. I have done that all my life, but I have not done it alone, I always had people around me who 14

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Let me answer your question by sharing with you the vision I outlined in my 2010 Inauguration speech which remains relevant today and has been the foundation of our city’s transformation. “I see a City that will be praised for its character and integrity. A City that will be acclaimed for its responsible, sustainable planning and economic leadership. A City that will be renowned for its first-class administration, its transparency, its accountability and respect for the hard-earned taxpayers’ dollars. A City that will inspire an era of cultural splendor bringing about a renaissance that will promote sports, the arts, music, theatre and architectural excellence, beautifying its landscape while nourishing its spirit. A City that will exercise a leadership role well beyond its borders, contributing its ideas, intellectual capacity and sharing its knowledge widely. A City with a downtown core that will become an expression of modernity and avant-garde thinking inspiring people from everywhere to admire its sophistication and experience its vibrancy. A City where people from all over the world, speaking 70 diﬀerent languages, view their diversity as a unifying strength and a defining characteristic of their citizenship. A City willing to get out of its comfort zone, willing to innovate, take on challenges driven by the knowledge that history does not reward those who play it safe. This will be Vaughan’s new image. An image anchored to stable governance and a deep respect for Vaughan residents, their thoughts, their ideas and their willingness to be engaged in the life of our city. Tonight, I believe we are beginning a new era in Vaughan – an era of positive change.” I have been fortunate on a number of occasions to interview political and public figures and I am always greatly intrigued as to what inspires them to do what they do. In 1902, James Allen published a book entitled, ‘As a Man Thinketh.’ This book deals with the power of thought and belief. The author states that each person holds the key to transforming themselves and the people around them through their beliefs and actions. The City of Vaughan has gone through a considerable transformation over the years and is no doubt well on its way to being recognized as a world-class city that stands on its own. Although Mayor Bevilacqua would not likely take all the credit, his leadership and support are a big part of Vaughan’s dream becoming reality, which is truly a legacy worth recognizing.

THROUGHOUT THE YEARS

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THE FERRARI TAYLOR MADE FOR THE RACING ELITE 2018 Ferrari 488 Special Edition, Dubbed the Pista BY FRANCIS GAMBINO

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Lighter and with a larger appetite for apexes, the 2018 Special Edition Ferrari 488 Pista is the model for people who think regular supercars are not enough. .

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What It Is: Proof of the glorious insecurity that motivates the Maranello folk. The 488GTB already leads its segment in both speed and excitement, but the forthcoming stripped-and-whipped version will be even quicker and more thrilling. Its predecessors have been named Speciale, Scuderia, and Challenge Stradale, but we are predicting l’ultimo 488 will carry a different suffix. Why It Matters: Ferrari would never admit it, but the arrival of McLaren has triggered an arms race among supercar makers, and the track-tuned 488’s mission is to better the upcoming McLaren 720S in all respects. The regular 488 is already quicker than the previous 458 Speciale, so it is a fair bet that the new car, following Ferrari’s recent form, will be truly spectacular. Platform: It sits on the same aluminum spaceframe as the regular 488, although we can safely predict that Ferrari will shave considerable mass through the use of lightweight materials. If previous Speciales are any indication, it will be at least 200 pounds lighter than the base car thanks to extensive carbonization and the sort of extreme stripping normally reserved for gentlemen’s clubs. Powertrain: This is where it gets interesting—finding out what Ferrari can extract from the 488GTB’s twin-turbocharged 3.9-liter V-8 when the volume is turned up to 11. The last Speciale had 35 more horsepower than the regular 458. Turbos offer the chance to extend that margin greatly, although Ferrari will be keen to retain the regular engine’s drivability. The software will be as important as the hardware, with far more aggressive settings expected for the suspension, powertrain, and stability-control system.

Competition: The forth¬-coming Lamborghini Huracán Performante is aimed at a similar target audience: those for whom regular supercars simply are not super enough. What Might Go Wrong: Ferrari does not fumble much these days, but the most obvious challenge is making sure the engine stays as tractable and progressive as it is in the regular 488. Estimated arrival and price: The predictable cadence of Ferrari’s model plans means we should see the 488 Speciale at the Geneva show this year, going on sale as a 2018 model. The company knows it can charge a substantial premium for its rarest cuts of meat, so do not be surprised to find it is up to $100,000 more expensive than the 488GTB—somewhere in the mid-$300,000s for starters. For those of you interested Ferrari enthusiasts ready to rev this special edition engine, there is a catch. To get one, you need to be a member of one of Ferrari’s motorsport programs reserved for client racing drivers, despite the fact it is technically road legal. However, should you fall into this category of elite drivers, the 488 Speciale is available in four colors: Argento Nurburgring, Nero Daytona, Blu Tour De France, and, obviously, Rosso Corsa.

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What's getting in the way of enjoying your wealth? R

ob had built an extremely successful business. He worked his way up the corporate ladder

early in his career, before deciding to take the plunge and set out on his own. His start-up took off faster than anticipated, forcing him to recruit and occasionally poach the best talent in the field. His firm quickly became an industry leader and he was turning profits he had only dreamed of. Home was another story. Every morning, he and his wife, Jill, were out the door at the crack of dawn, and pulling up the driveway after dark. Their arrival home after a long day was a changing of the guard – the nanny heading home late, yet again. Their two children spent so much time with their nanny, Rob began to wonder if their childhood memories would include him.

For Charles MacPherson, Principal of Charles MacPherson Associates, a private household staffing and consulting firm based in Toronto, this is a story his team hears all too often. He explains, “The needs of a household grow in tandem with wealth and activity. Adding staff or service providers one by one, hoping to address individual issues can actually magnify the problem because there’s nobody to oversee it, except you.” MacPherson’s clientele are high-net-worth and ultra highnet-worth individuals whose time and energy are not best spent personally managing a team of single-task staff or contractors. For the average person, having someone manage their household may sound like a luxury, and MacPherson acknowledges that it is, but there is also a business case for having such resources in one’s home.

As life got busier, Rob and Jill started to depend on the nanny to help with some housework, but it became too much with both children in her care. They hired a cleaning service to come once a week, then twice a week, but the household to-do list continued to grow. Rob and Jill started to resent buying their dream home with the beautiful backyard. As spring arrived, a pool contractor was hired, then a gardener, and an interior designer for the bathroom renovations.

“For busy professionals managing and growing their empire, it makes sense to hire staff to take care of day-to-day household tasks. The value of an hour of their time is extraordinary. Their staff ensure they have organized, well-managed households to come home to – allowing them to focus their energy on building their business and wealth.”

They struggled to manage the household activities with their busy schedules. Rob started delegating tasks to his EA but tending to it all remotely from the office was becoming too much of a headache. Nothing was getting done in the home the way they wanted. Exhausted, they soon realized that their hard-earned wealth and the lifestyle it afforded them was causing more grief – and then, the air conditioner broke.

The house managers, housekeepers, and other domestic service professionals that Charles MacPherson Associates recruit for their clients are not just keeping the bathrooms clean and ensuring that the laundry is washed and pressed. They are placing household staff who coordinate dinner parties, ensure vehicles are maintained, track down wine enjoyed on a recent trip to Italy, and get the entertainment system back online in time for Sunday night football.

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While there is certainly a business case for hiring household staff, Alexandra Russin, Vice President of Strategy, points out that there is perhaps something more important. “Our clients want to be able to enjoy their wealth. We help ensure their homes are staffed and managed effectively so that they can spend precious downtime on the activities they enjoy and with the people they love.” WHERE TO START When the time comes to review your current household needs or to start looking into hiring staff, MacPherson and his team have extensive experience in what is clearly a niche field. “We have been in the industry for over 25 years and have the expertise to advise on any aspect of our clients’ household needs. From recruiting to training and consulting, we are very much a part of our clients’ journey as the needs of their households evolve with the various stages of their lives.” Andrew Gayman, Senior Associate, works with clients to help translate their household needs into resource requirements and job descriptions. “We take a hybrid approach; ensuring the structure, management, and professionalism in the household is aligned with the lifestyle and individual needs of our clients. At the end of the day, it’s still their home.” Hiring private service staff is surprisingly more complex than it may seem. Charles MacPherson Associates are well established in the industry with both clients and candidates seeking employment; their approach closely resembles that of a professional matchmaker.

We help ensure [our clients’] homes are staffed and managed effectively so that they can spend precious downtime on the activities they enjoy and with the people they love.

”

The firm’s team have varied backgrounds, from luxury hospitality and service to business strategy and operations. Members of the team include those who have previously worked in and continue to work in private domestic service. In addition to placing staff, they also run a private career college that trains private service professionals on every aspect of household operations, an element MacPherson believes is incredibly important. “Having a finger on the pulse of the private service world from a client and candidate perspective is paramount. Aligning with a firm that continues to practice the profession, understands the nuances of the industry, and takes the time to understand your specific needs is absolutely key.”

Charles MacPherson Associates specializes in educating and placing domestic staff and provides training and consultation services for private residential clients worldwide. If you would like to discuss your current household needs or receive more information on their services, call (416)369-1146 or visit

charlesmacpherson.com

“Our clients are extremely busy,” explains MacPherson, “so we take care of recruiting and pre-screening so that we’re only presenting the most qualified matches for their consideration. A match is often as much about skillset as it is about personality fit.”

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All the time in the world:

The Glashütte Senator Cosmopolite BY LIBBY AUSTIN

For business trips to family vacations and everything in between, this timepiece is at home all over the world thanks to its sophisticated time zone mechanism. Since its premiere in 2015 Glashütte watches have provided genuinely borderless precision. Now, Glashütte Original presents the sequel to this success story: the new Senator Cosmopolite. With a minimalist, stainless steel design, it is an ideal timepiece for all who travel frequently or maintain international contacts – and of course for all those who appreciate the renowned German art of watchmaking. It’s streamlined design has been reduced to only the essential. The latest interpretation of the “Cosmopolitan” is executed in the characteristic style of Glashütte Original, but with a particularly contemporary look and feel. Dark blue and white, with black detail providing striking visual accents the clear design allows the wearer to read the individual display with ease.

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ambitious as it is contemporary – while still placing particular emphasis on ease of use.

The stainless steel case features both satin-brushed and brilliantly polished surfaces creating depth and interest to the design. Dark blue printed Arabic minute numerals and blue appliques are set oﬀ against the matte white lacquered dial. A small second at 6 o'clock and the Panorama Date at 4 o'clock complement blued central minute and hour hands and the separate home time display at 12 o'clock is combined with an exceptionally helpful day/night indicator and a power reserve indicator. The two auxiliary dials are circled by a slim, brilliant silver ring. The design of the watch’s face gives an immediate impression of elegance and sophistication. The appearance is further enhanced and completed by a dark blue Louisiana alligator leather strap with pin buckle or fold-over clasp. The displays of the Senator Cosmopolite have been designed for easy legibility, but their simplicity belies that complexity of the mechanism behind them. In developing it, the Glashütte engineers have enriched the product line with a complication as

The most exceptional and useful feature of this timepiece is its time zone adjustment mechanism. With the Senator Cosmopolite one can set the time in two time zones at once. A time zone ring offers a selection of the 36 world time zones currently in use. At 8 o'clock two narrow display windows fit snugly into the curve of the dial and present the destination as an IATA international airport code in one of three colours (because not all time zones are offset from the Greenwich Mean Time reference time in intervals of one hour, the 24 time zones that do show a full-hour deviation are indicated in black; a further nine time zones with half-hour offsets are shown in blue, and the remaining three appear in red). The two displays at 8 o'clock allow the wearer to set summer and standard time (Daylight Saving Time – DST / Standard Time – STD); an easily read Day/Night indicator with a small sun and stylized night sky for both home and destination offers additional orientation. Any necessary adjustments of the date while traveling forwards or back in time are handled by the movement's intricate mechanics. These features make international time tracking virtually effortless. In keeping with Glashütte’s commitment to ease of use, setting the displays could not be simpler: the home time can be set using a crown at 2 o'clock, and the current time zone is selected using the crown at 8 o'clock. When traveling east (forward in time), one turns the crown at 4 o'clock clockwise until the IATA code for the destination time zone appears in the window. When traveling west (back in time) one turns the crown counter-clockwise. At this point the traveller needs to make no further changes: the central hour and minute hands indicate the correct time at the destination, enhanced by the correct day/night indication at 9 o'clock – and by the correct date at the destination. If, when setting the destination time, one advances past midnight, the Panorama Date shows the corresponding change of date. The Senator Cosmopolite has streamlined the experience of wearing a watch, whether crossing time zones or reading its elegant display. The unique time zone adjustment feature takes one more thing off the mind of the busy traveller, so that you can travel in ease and in style.

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DIVERSIFIED MULTIMEDIA CONNECTIONS PROVIDING HYPER-LOCAL MARKETING SOLUTIONS

AN UNMATCHED NETWORK OF EXPOSURE AND RESULTS VAUGHAN

905 660 3330 | 8555 JANE ST., SUITE 102, VAUGHAN | AMENDOLAMEDIAGROUP.CA 25

Designed for Eyewear Enthusiasts Leading Italian Eyewear Creator Introduces a Sophisticated New Men’s Optical Frame Collection

ven if you’ve never heard of the Italian eyewear creator Safilo Group, there’s a very strong chance that you, or someone you know, has worn a pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses made in one of their state-of-the-art factories. Safilo is one of the world’s largest and most prestigious designers and manufacturers of eyewear for some of fashion’s most coveted brand names, including Dior, Fendi, Givenchy, Hugo Boss, Marc Jacobs, Max Mara, Tommy Hilfiger, Elie Saab and Moschino. The company is also the creator of their own eponymous eyewear label, SAFILO, a new concept that renews the eyewear maker’s long-standing heritage of technical and aesthetic content with an elevated range of men’s optical frames that celebrates superior design, functional innovation and “Made in Italy” know-how.

DESIGNED FOR EYEWEAR ENTHUSIASTS

Designed for true eyewear enthusiasts, the new SAFILO eyewear collection is created for men who are looking for the highest quality, maximum comfort and unique details, with a distinctive Italian personality. SUPERIOR CRAFTSMANSHIP

Comprised of premium technical and design features, the meticulously crafted collection merges the tradition of Italian craftsmanship, for which Safilo Group has been recognized since 1878, with industrial prowess and superior technology, combining functional aesthetics with impeccable savoir-faire in a balanced mix of styles in acetate, titanium, stainless steel and other metals. 26

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adapt to the unique shape of every face, and to adjust the pressure smoothly, just like a made to measure garment should. The utmost comfort is achieved in the collection through each and every detail: the ergonomic antislip tips gently increase the grip of the temples while improving the wearability together with the built-in minimalistic ergonomic nose pads. Metal styles are provided with adjustable and interchangeable nose pads in two thicknesses that enhance the fit of the frame on the nose. WHERE TO FIND

The SAFILO optical collection is available at select optical retailers across Canada. ADVANCED COMFORT AND IMPECCABLE PERFORMANCE

SAFILO.COM

Ref lecting the excellence in craftsmanship and continuous research on innovation, the collection sets itself apart with an exclusive newly designed titanium hinge. The state-of-the-art hinge, called the "e-hinge," has been designed to ensure a perfect fit, the utmost comfort and superior durability. The newest evolution of the company’s Elasta hinge – a trademark of Safilo reliability and innovation recognized by opticians worldwide – takes f lex hinges to the next level with its double spring mechanism that can withstand 15 years of impeccable performance. This new Safilo hinge is, simply, a technologically unsurpassed solution that allows the temples to

SAFILO TRATTO 03 Masculine rounded optical frame in acetate with a key hole bridge and stylish metal details.

SAFILO LAMINA 02 Men’s rectangular optical frame crafted in a thin sheet of titanium weighing only 9 grams.

SAFILO LENTE 02 Rimless round men’s optical frame featuring the new titanium e-hinge for 15 years of performance. PREFERREDMAGAZINE.CA

Meet Burlington’s New Luxury Lakeside Address NAUTIQUE BY ADI DEVELOPMENTS LAUNCHES PENTHOUSE SUITES Luxury waterfront living has arrived in Burlington with the highly anticipated release of the Nautique Penthouse Collection at Adi Development Group’s new one-of-a-kind residential tower, Nautique in Burlington. Only ten select two-three bedroom Penthouse Suites are now available to buyers looking for an elite landmark property with unsurpassed views along coveted Lakeshore Boulevard and within easy distance of Burlington’s historic core and Toronto’s bustling downtown. 28

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Inside the suite, fluid layouts prioritize views of the lake through floor-to-ceiling windows. In-suite terraces invite private outdoor escapes from the city. Custom kitchens are set around stylish islands that double as both workspace and hubs for entertaining, appointed with exceptional quality designer cabinetry.

“As soon as you step inside of Nautique, you can tell that something different is happening here,” says Tariq Adi, CEO of Adi Development Group. “We wanted to deliver a new type of home for the design-conscious buyer, offering the best amenities, the best views, and the best location in the city.”

onceived by Adi, modern adaptive interiors by internationally acclaimed Cecconi Simone, Nautique’s contemporary aesthetic makes a bold design statement setting it apart from anything the city’s seen before. Reflective of the surrounding shoreline, Nautique’s light, fluid façade features translucent glass, boldly reflecting the blue sky and adjacent Lake Ontario in an intriguing rectangular grid. The contemporary design vision permeates the building with luxurious interiors. Fresh, light, and sophisticated – a modern white palate carries from the lobby, through common spaces. Natural marble embellished with brushed metal flourishes speaks to the residence’s prestige.

“Burlington has one of the most beautiful downtowns and waterfronts across the GTA. There’s never been a better time to introduce a landmark like Nautique to this luxurious location,” says Tariq Adi, CEO of Adi Development Group. “Nautique is an icon, a symbol for change. It’s a landmark that will impact the way that people think about this city.” A standout in Burlington’s hot market, Nautique introduces a new breed of luxury to the city’s exclusive waterfront, with luxurious lakefront residences starting from $1.2m. Estimated Occupancy is February 2021. To register for more information visit adidevelopments.com/community/nautique.

Nautique offers an unparalleled lifestyle experience for purchasers; the highlights start with Nautique’s Sky Lounge, offering the city’s highest and newest vantage point to take in 360-degree views of Lake Ontario’s sweeping shoreline and city lights. Residents can host cocktail hour at the sleek bar, unwind in the fireside lounge, or sip a glass of wine while enjoying a book in the library. On the sixth floor, a private lakeside LA-inspired club overlooks the waterfront. Flexible walls separating indoor and outdoor lounges collapse to create an open-air retreat. Encouraging an active urban lifestyle, mornings begin with workouts in the state-of-the-art fitness centre followed by cool downs on the indoor / outdoor yoga deck and a dip in the outdoor pool. An expansive terrace features BBQ alcoves, intimate seating and fire pits. PREFERREDMAGAZINE.CA

Mortgage Brokers Your Personal Homebuying Concierge Time is a precious and valuable commodity. When you’re in the market for real estate, you want to save both time and money, so a call to your mortgage broker should be the only step you need to take.

OUT-OF-THE-BOX SOLUTIONS

High-net-worth clients often have unique needs when it comes to real estate purchases. An experienced mortgage broker is accustomed to offering creative solutions to overcome any obstacle and to satisfy conditions or requests made by the “A professional mortgage broker has the tools and the know- lender. how to analyze your financial situation and recommend the most appropriate mortgage product personalized to your A good mortgage broker goes above and beyond for clients. needs,” says Paul Taylor, President of Mortgage Professionals This means handling urgent matters at any time of the day, Canada. including weekends. Think of a broker as a personal financial advocate who works for you. NAVIGATING THE RED TAPE

There have been more than 60 housing finance restrictions over the last 10 years, and more may be just a government announcement away. No one is better equipped to help you navigate the myriad of mortgage rules and regulations than a broker. They are familiar with all of the latest government requirements and often have invaluable tips that can save you not only time, but also headaches down the road. OPTIONS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

“Selecting a mortgage isn’t always as straightforward as securing the lowest rate,” he adds. “A feature-rich mortgage with flexible options can save you vastly more over the long run. This is where a broker’s recommendation can be invaluable.” Here’s a look at some additional benefits of having a broker arrange your mortgage: FULL-SERVICE MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE

A mortgage broker removes the stress of rate shopping, as well as the hassle of negotiating once you find the right product. They work with you to provide one-on-one, personalized service, while also assessing your financial situation and goals to determine which mortgage is right for you. Brokers act as a conduit between you and the lender, submitting the required documentation and negotiating on your behalf. Your time is important and shouldn’t be spent chasing paperwork and responding to follow-up requests from the lender. An added benefit is that this highly personalized service will cost you nothing. A broker’s commission is generally paid by the lender, meaning they have an added incentive to get you the best mortgage suited to your unique situation. 30

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One of the biggest differences between seeking a mortgage from a financial institution vs. a broker is having access to a wide variety of mortgage products. A financial institution can only offer you one brand of mortgage product - their own, even when competitors may be offering better deals. And if you’re not happy with what your financial institution has to offer, you have to start the process from scratch with a new mortgage provider. A mortgage broker, on the other hand, is impartial and will present you with a variety of options from multiple lenders right from the start. A broker can shop many different options from different lenders to find the rate that’s best for you. SAVE YOUR HARD-EARNED MONEY

You have more important things to spend your money on than needless interest costs. A rate savings of just 10 basis points can translate into tens of thousands of dollars over your mortgage term, depending on your property. You should never pay more for your mortgage than is necessary, and an experienced and knowledgeable mortgage broker will ensure exactly that. Focus on what matters and let a mortgage broker do the rest. FindMeABroker.ca

FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS. LET A MORTGAGE BROKER DO THE REST. FindMeABroker.ca 3

P REFER R EDM AGAZINE. C A

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3D Real Estate! O N L I N E 3 D P R O P E RT Y T O U R S P R O V I D E D B Y T H E I M U S K O K A . C O M T E A M A R E E N A B L I N G B U Y E R S T O V E T C O T TA G E S F R O M T H E C O M F O RT O F T H E I R H O M E S A N D O F F I C E S I N T H E C I T Y. I T I S S I M P L E T O U S E A N D N AV I G AT E , A N D C O M PAT I B L E O N A N Y C O M P U T E R O R M O B I L E D E V I C E B R O W S E R .

– a Virtual Reality headset. It’s a fun feature to wear the goggles and look around as though you were there in person! “There are tremendous benefits for both Sellers and Buyers with the virtual tour,” says Ben. “We have always provided our best, and this is simply a continuation.” Cottages listed on iMuskoka.com receive hits from Canada, the U.S, Europe, Russia, China, and even from cottagers relaxing at their own Muskoka cottages while keeping an eye on the market. Sellers receive thousands of viewings from Buyers who might be anywhere in the world! “When buyers end up visiting, you know they’re very serious about the potential purchase at this point,” says Ben. “They’ve already done most of their due diligence prior to the visit.” Imagine being able to sit in the comfort of your own home while simultaneously taking a tour through your dream cottage. You can see in detail the clean modern lines, with a granite fireplace and a wall of windows overlooking the spacious boathouse and beautiful lake. It’s not only interior views you can take a look at, you can also see what the sunset or sunrise looks like, and in-depth detailed descriptions of specific items in the cottage. You can see how far away each structure on the property is, the surrounding foliage, and many other features. All that’s left to do is book a showing to see it in person with any member of the iMuskoka team of Ben Imrie, Dan Imrie and Taylor DaCosta! “It’s the next best thing to being there in person – almost better – and more informative,” says Ben. “We re-create the property in real life 3D, to scale. We can label important details that Buyers may not recognize and showing agents may not even be aware of.” The team at iMuskoka has long been committed to pioneering the future of real estate in order to best serve their clients. The invention of online 3D property tours re-affirms that commitment to their clients well into the future of ‘real estate 3.0’, says Ben. “It allows us to create the ‘perfect showing’ every time,” says Ben. “Listing a property for sale without a detailed 3D tour simply doesn’t make sense anymore.” A fully informative experience is delivered on your iPad or computer browser from the comfort of your home. Although, you could go a step further with the ultimate immersive view 32

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There is an additional benefit for both Buyers and Sellers, in that Buyers can pre-qualify for the cottages they are most interested in, and only plan to visit those ones. A little bit of extra time spent online researching and viewing 3D tours can save Buyers hours of time viewing properties that ended up not being suitable for them. This can be quite the hassle for you as a seller who needs to take time to clear out for a showing. “You can view a property in minutes to determine further interest in it,” says Ben. “It allows you to decide if it’s worth the trip to see it in person. Before arriving, you’ll have intimate knowledge of any property.” With over 40-plus years combined of experience selling Muskoka lakefront properties and technological know how, iMuskoka Properties continues to raise the bar. They are better able to serve their clients by both embracing technology and digital tool advancements, and continuing to search for new methods to constantly improve their own capabilities. “As well as the virtual tours, our website features high quality digital imagery, interactive live chat and much more,” says Dan. “We can pinpoint property searches and match them to qualified buyers.” The 2018 market has started off slower than normal this year, due in part to an on-again/off-again winter, a temperamental spring, and provincial elections that all contributed to buyers holding back. 3D Property Tours are simply another tool in their belt to help iMuskoka Properties produce excellent results for their clients, despite challenges that the market may bring. “Sales are now strong and brisk,” says Ben. “And it’s certainly a great time to list your cottage!”

Lake Joseph ne

li ting $3,345,000

A stylish, sleek Mid century contemporary cottage on a level lot perfect for all ages. Features incl white oak floors, custom tiled bathrooms w/ floating vanities, and a fireplace with media cabinets and reclaimed barn board accents. Custom mono stringer stairway with floating oak treads enclose a glass 42 bottle wine cellar. Large windows and doors blur the indoors and out. Contemporary kitchen w/ large pantry, Caesar stone counters incl. back splash, and Miele appliances. Heat treated ash decking & docking, landscaped w/ a white birch forest. Sunny south exposure & sand beach on quiet Roberts Bay, mid lake Joseph. Koehler generator, security system, Ecobee furnace, 5 zone Sonos speakers, and a Husqvarna robotic lawn mower and irrigation system. Boathouse with dbl wide 2 boat slip, finished in chic white. A pleasant, and refined offering with all the conveniences you could wish, in a low maintenance, mid size property close to the end of a cul de sac, with great access to the city.

Lake Muskoka $2,645,000 Old Muskoka charm meets warm Muskoka contemporary on this well located property on coveted Acton Island. Easy access to the door on a level lot with a mixed sand & rock shore. 3 bedroom 3 bath cottage with custom kitchen and bathrooms, new wood flooring, and a bright and airy finish located close to the water edge. Plus, a charming bunkie with its own 4pc bath with an oversize ‘claw leg’ bathtub, and over looking the lake with large windows provides an additional guest room, not to mention the 2 storey, oversize boathouse that also compliments this property with 2nd storey living, including a screened in muskoka room and lots of decking to enjoy the summer time sunsets. The waterfront offers a very private setting in your own private cove to take in the best Muskoka has to offer!

Lake Joseph$3,575,000 SOLD Big water views on mid lake Joseph in a protected bay, perfect for skiing off the dock. Sand shore and deep water off the dock are compliments to this level lot with mature but manicured tree cover and landscaping, all with very easy access from the city on a Municipal Road. Summer sunsets down the bay and all day sun on the dock. Cottage is 4 bedrooms with a sleeping loft that can fit many to have fun. Very easy main floor bungalow living with a walk out. Very gentle landscaped steps to the dock and all around the property. 3 car dream garage for a collector. New cedar roofs, many new windows and upgraded utilities make for an easy and efficient to operate property. Excellent value, and a fun family cottage that is comfortable for 2, and all the family and guests that love to visit up to 20! www.iMuskoka.com ben@iMuskoka.com dan@iMuskoka.com tyler@iMuskoka.com Sales Representatives – Chestnut Park Real Estate Limited, Brokerage | 110 Medora Street, Box 444, Port Carling

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5617-13 Chocolate in buffalo texture

dECOLeather by Formica Group ®

R E D E F I N I N G L U X U R Y W I T H S U S TA I N A B L E E L E G A N C E There is nothing quite like the decadent finish of leather. Whether enveloping yourself in the rich, buttery upholstery of a leather chair or sliding on a sophisticated leather jacket, leather creates a tactile experience like no other. Leather has been used for clothing, shelter, tools, and adornment since the beginning of time. Now Formica®, the iconic name in surfacing solutions, has taken leather finishes one step further with dECOLeather ®. Both exotic and sustainable, dECOLeather® is a recycled leather veneer redefined as a surface that beckons with a sense of luxury that instantly draws the eye. Richly grained, ecofriendly recycled leather veneer brings sustainable elegance to interiors. It has all the pleasing qualities of leather, including the sophisticated look, sensuous feel, and intoxicating aroma – but with added durability and easier fabrication. Comprised of 70% recycled leather fibers (leather remnants from the shoe and car seat industry); 20% natural latex 34

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rubber and other binding agents, it is sustainable with rapidly renewable materials. Formica has upheld a strong commitment to sustainable and ethical practices in their business. They pledge to safeguard the Earth’s natural resources by using products from recycled sources and sustainable softwood forests. The manufacturing process of dECOLeather ® makes for a highly functional product. The durability comes from the density of the recycled sheet, resilience of the added latex rubber, and the multiple layers of protective coating combined. Simple adhesive application and the ability to clean with only a damp cloth makes installing and maintaining your dECOLeather ® as effortless as the leather finish makes your décor appear. The protective coating keeps stains from penetrating the surface, and blemishes like water rings are no longer a concern. Suited for any light-duty vertical or horizontal surfaces,

the uses for this classic veneer are limitless: add flair to a chic cocktail bar or elegant reception desk; make a statement on a partition wall or backsplash; or resurface tired tables, desktops, cabinetry, or counters. This finish creates an impact when used for small detailed work as well: inset cabinet panels, headboards and mirror or picture frames are all perfect for adding a touch of leather to your décor. dECOLeather ® by Formica Group is ideal for hotels, restaurants, stores, offices or any setting that calls for tables, furniture, doors, cabinets, and feature walls. While materials like vinyl and polyurethane closely imitate the look of real leather, the authentic smell and soft leather touch cannot be duplicated. Since dECOLeather ® recycled leather veneer is comprised of a large percentage of real leather, it inherits the same soothing leather aroma and enticing feel of leather. It has a genuine leather look with none of the cost or inconsistencies of 100% leather. Formica currently offers dECOLeather ® in 3 distinct textures – Walrus, Buffalo, and Crocodile – and 18 colours ranging from subtle earth tones to brilliant jewel tones. There is a finish to suit any décor or colour scheme. With Formica, luxury doesn’t have to mean excess and extravagance. dECOLeather ® offers sustainable elegance to create a truly luxurious and timeless look. For more information, visit: www.formica.com/decoleather

5619-15 Grey Thunder in Crocodile texture

5620-15 Fire in Crocodile texture (top & centre)

5621-14 Bianco in Walrus texture 5622-13 Antique Grey in Buffalo texture

5617-13 Chocolate in Buffalo texture PREFERREDMAGAZINE.CA

The Mavericks Have Arrived on King Street West

reating a sense of community and social engagement has been an emerging challenge for condo developers in Toronto. More than ever before, condo owners are seeking spaces that reflect their social lifestyle, while still incorporating all the comfort and convenience of a home. Empire Communities rose to that challenge, bringing a building with an exclusive social club at its core with Empire Maverick and The Maverick Social coming to King Street West.Designed to reflect a modern era of living, Maverick promises to be as stylish as its address. King St. West is known to be a hotspot for the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tastemakers and social powerhouses, and residents at Maverick will have exposure to the latest and greatest in culture and social trends.

The residences will reflect the need for living spaces that meet the ever-growing demands and commitments of modern city life. Traditional condo amenities like the typical fitness rooms, party rooms, and pools no longer fulfill all aspects of the life of the modern condo owner. Empire Maverick goes beyond the typical condo experience to deliver an elevated offering of unique social experiences and spaces that cater to the lifestyles of its residents. The Maverick Social, available exclusively for use of Maverick residents, will be a sophisticated space for to both work and play. The flexible space will accommodate any need from meeting with clients to enjoying a cocktail after work. Empire Maverick is looking outside the box to deliver amenities that actually reflect the day-to-day needs of their residents. 36

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Empire is testing the boundaries of what you should expect advance for the city’s hottest events. And now, there is no from a residential building with the formation of The need for travelling all over the city for social engagements – it Maverick Social. In order to best serve their residents’ tastes all happens right at home. and interests, an on-site Social Architect will curate exclusive events for all Maverick residents. Always on the guest list, “In addition to in-house resident events, social club members residents at Maverick never wait in line or book months in will have access to some of the biggest events and exclusive experiences on the city’s social calendar,” says Sue MacKay, Marketing VP at Empire Communities. “Things like VIP sports tickets, sold out festivals, exhibits and more.” Empire Maverick will offer its residents a home where they can maintain their unique personal brand but still be part of a community where trendsetting is at the forefront. Their aim is to elevate design, innovation and convenience to match the personality of the neighbourhood’s residents. The Maverick Social is currently piloting the social club experience with a succession of invite-only music, film, style, food and cocktail events attended by some of Toronto’s top influencers, tastemakers, and Maverick Original members. The first event, a prohibition-style Speakeasy at King West’s Escobar, complete with authentic telegram invites, back-alley entrances, and crooning jazz classics took place in February, and the second, a private concert in partnership with Universal Music Canada, took place in May, while the grand opening in The Maverick Social’s new King West headquarters was celebrated in June. To get your own taste of the Maverick experience, visit themaverickcondos.com

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WE ARE ON KING FOR A REASON

CONDOS ON KING STREET WEST FROM THE MID $500s | THEMAVERICKCONDOS.COM Prices, sizes and specifications subject to change without notice. Please see sales representative for more details. E.&O.E.

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Regent Seven Seas Explorer P E R H A P S T H E W O R L D ’ S M O S T B E A U T I F U L S H I P, T H E N E W E X P L O R E R O F F E R S A G R A C I O U S A N D D E L I G H T F U L W AY T O C R U I S E . BY VANESSA LEE

Seven Seas Explorer is absolutely stunning, oﬀering sumptuous décor, exquisite fixtures and more importantly, providing constant wows. She has one in awe at every turn. She is incredibly beautiful and as time is spent on board, it becomes more and more evident how much eﬀort and attention to detail has been undertaken to ensure every inch and ounce of luxury. There is more than half an acre of stone and granite. There is gold and silver leaf, mother of pearl, and hand-blown individual lighting pieces by the thousands. This ship is a floating art gallery with colour, gorgeous fabrics, sexy drapes, tassels, mirrors, covered walls, silky, velvety cushions, and a myriad of chairs that are so tactile you can’t stop touching them. All ships are designated as female, and Seven Seas Explorer is very much a real woman – naturally sensuous, curvaceous, voluptuous, dazzling and enticing. She calls out for attention and for touch and indeed for worship in some areas as rare beauty should. The Seven Seas Explorer, at 56000 tons, is likely the most expensive luxury ship ever built for her fortunate guests who will sail in the lap of luxury and who, at every turn, will be pampered and spoiled. It is clear that intense passion and creativity from its designers and creators has conjured up a ship of complete and utter ravishing beauty. At times you think you’re in a London Gentlemen’s Club as Prime 7 the Steakhouse is modelled after this. And then the next moment you’re in Chartreuse, the inspiration for which was a rainy walk in Paris along a cobblestone street. Both are literally perfect alternate dining options - with menus to match. Both also have the most charming and intimate bars for a pre-dinner aperitif .

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the main dining room These were two of my favourite spots on board but I did also love the main dining room Compass Rose (with its fantastic Versace charger plates) which has the most amazing lights. On the sides there are star bursts in a glorious rich yellow and then in the middle of the room, to make one think of water and waves, is the most elaborate and impressive light in shades of cerulean sea blue. Then there’s the dazzling Pacific Rim alternative restaurant oﬀering pan-Asian fare with its utterly fabulous art installation, a unique cast bronze Tibetan prayer wheel which welcomes you as you arrive for your very tasty meal. There are extensive dining choices throughout the ship, ranging from casual to more formal, and with the option to dine Al Fresco at the casual Sette Mari, for lunch or dinner. Just delightful. No need however to dress formally - with Regent's elegant casual dress code you can leave your suits and ties and long frocks at home! This luxurious intimate vessel (750 guests maximum), oﬀers an all-suite, all-inclusive on board experience for its well-heeled guests, most of whom are sophisticated travellers.

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The accommodations are gorgeous, offering every amenity one could desire, most with walk-in closets and spacious bathrooms (a tub, shower and two sinks) as well as a sitting area, very comfortable beds, a flat screen TV, stocked in-suite bar, an Illy espresso machine and more – all of which combine to provide each guest a home away from home. The suite verandas are spacious and roomy enough for both dining and sunning and, for me, enjoying a morning coffee as one sails into yet another gorgeous port. Choose from suites starting from 307 sq/ft to the sumptuous Regent Suite at 4443 sq/ft! In many ways, the Seven Seas Explorer reminds me of a luxury hotel that might be situated in one of the world’s most iconic cities. The expansive rooms and entryways' soft colour palette, the gorgeous flowers everywhere, stunning staircases and of course the truly world class art collection, just add to this sensibility. The high ceilings ( and the detail within them ) in many of the public spaces on decks 4 and 5 are impressive and add to the ship's beauty by creating a greater illusion of space. This is a “hotel at sea” providing an impressive all-inclusive experience with premium liquors and wine, along with a host of other amenities such as shore excursions and gratuities. Being on the oceans offers so much choice and excitement as well as the opportunity to enjoy this timeless, classic ship as her 750 guests cruise the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the British Isles, South America, Africa and destinations far and wide. Let that magnificence surround you, the excellent brigade of engaged and smiling staff pamper you and just absorb every aspect and every singular, magical moment that is the Regent Seven Seas Explorer.

For more information on Regent Seven Seas Cruises visit http://www.rssc.com or contact the cruise professionals at Tully Luxury Travel.

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SAIL ON THE WORLD'S MOST LUXURIOUS CRUISE SHIP

TULLY LUXURY CRUISE REPORT

ROMANTIC MEDITERRANEAN SHIP:

Seven Seas Explorer®

Venice to Barcelona - up to 60 free shore excursions 12 Nights | Oct. 17, 2018 HIGHLIGHTS:

Visit lesser travelled ports such as Koper, Slovenia, Split, Croatia, Bari, Italy & Argostoli, Greece and more! Includes 60 shore excursions. Business Class Airfare Included from Vancouver, Toronto or Montreal

THE BEST OF THE MEDITERRANEAN SHIP:

Mary Jean Tully Founder & CEO Tully Luxury Travel

Over the years I have watched Regent Seven Seas go from being a great cruise line to an exceptional cruise line! I am beyond impressed with Regent in everything they offer to their guests.

Seven Seas Explorer®

Barcelona to Venice - up to 81 free shore excursions 12 Nights | Apr. 18, 2019 HIGHLIGHTS:

Includes visits to Menorca, Spain, Corfu, Greece, Kotor, Montenegro, Dubrovnik, Croatia plus ends with an overnight in Venice. Business Class Airfare Included from Vancouver, Toronto or Montreal

Their attention to detail, their state of the art design, their suite size and all-inclusive amenities, their ﬁrst-class dining venues along with exemplary service throughout has been enhanced greatly over the years. The Regent Seven Seas Explorer® is so luxurious, everything has been executed with such style and grace. My clients come back completely satisﬁed and cannot wait to return. That says it all.

BALTIC RADIANCE SHIP:

Seven Seas Explorer®

Stockholm to Copenhagen - up to 42 free excursions 10 Nights | Jul. 29, 2019 HIGHLIGHTS:

Explore Tallin, Estonia, Helsinki, Riga, Latvia and enjoy 3 full days/2 nights in St. Petersburg, Russia! Business Class Airfare Included from Vancouver, Toronto or Montreal

CALL TULLY LUXURY TRAVEL AND RECEIVE UP TO $1000 ADDITIONAL ONBOARD SPENDING CREDIT 1.855.265.0890 tullyluxurytravel.com

THE ALL-INCLUSIVE REGENT EXPERIENCE • FREE Roundtrip Business Class Air and Airport Transfers on Intercontinental Flights • FREE Roundtrip Air and Airport Transfers on Domestic Flights • FREE Unlimited Shore Excursions and Specialty Restaurants • FREE 1-Night Pre-Cruise Hotel Package for Concierge & Above* • FREE Unlimited Beverages, Open Bars and Lounges PLUS In-Suite Mini-Bar replenished daily • FREE 3-Night Pre-or Post-Cruise Land Program on Select Voyages • FREE Pre-Paid Gratuities and Wiﬁ* *Additional Sailing Dates Available * Restrictions apply. For Terms & Conditions please visit www.tullyluxurytravel.com. Contact Tully Luxury Travel for more details.

Tully Luxury Travel | 1270 Central Pkwy W Suite 200, Mississauga, ON L5C 4P4 | TICO Registered (#50021092)

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Upgrade Your Travel Experience with Travelpro Platinum Elite Collection BY LIBBY AUSTIN

Travelpro knows that nothing makes your travel experience better than an upgrade – so they created new, first-class luggage options to take your travel experience up a notch. The new line is Travelpro’s most premium, fashion-forward luggage collection. Handsomely-crafted by Travelpro’s inhouse design team with superior fabrics and genuine leather detailing, the Platinum Elite collection is packed with innovative features and elevated styling to provide frequent travelers a first-class travel experience. Designed with a luxurious aesthetic in mind, the Platinum Elite collection features 14 ultra-durable models, including smooth-gliding spinners and Rollaboard styles, to an all-new Trifold Garment Bag, Regional Duffle and other personal bags. To make travel with the Platinum Elite effortless, all spinners in the collection are equipped with Travelpro’s PrecisionGlide System, a trio of patented features from handle to wheels that provide precise maneuverability and effortless roll. The collection features deluxe details including a removable, TSA-compliant, quart-size wet pocket perfect for toiletries. Also, select carry-on models feature an external USB port for charging on the fly, with a dedicated external battery pocket (battery sold separately), allowing travelers to simply remove in compliance with airline policies. The pieces vary in size from smaller, convenient carry-on size bags to more expansive cases to accommodate any length or type of trip. The new collection includes: The essential Carry-On Spinner Tote for frequent travellers featuring an 44

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external USB port with dedicated powerbank pocket which meets FAA regulations for carry-on and checked baggage. Padded laptop and tablet sleeved protect electronics and other necessities. The Platinum Elite Regional Duﬀel Bag is compact and lightweight but still big on style. Take it as an all-in-one bag for a few days or let it serve as an accessory to your other suitcases. A built-in strap allows for secure stacking and hands-free mobility using the extension handle of any rolling bag. The Platinum Elite Regional Carry-on Rollaboard delivers big on style and function in a compact, lightweight size. Perfect for short to medium-length trips, this carry-on bag is elegantly styled with a built-in USB port and dedicated powerbank pocket. The 20” Expandable Business Carry-on Spinner delivers premium performance with sophisticated style in a carry-on size that is perfect for short to medium-length trips. For extra security and peace of mind, RFIDblocking pocket keeps credit cards and passports protected against loss and identity theft. The 22” Expandable Carry-On Rollaboard Suiter handles short to mediumlength trips with polish. Intelligent function comes in a tip-resistant tapered expansion design and built-in wrinkle-resistant suiter. The FAA-compliant USB port and dedicated powerbank pocket let you power up on the go.

The Platinum Elite International Expandable Carry-On Rollaboard and Spinner models are specially designed to accommodate international airline requirements for carry-on luggage. Stay connected and compliant with a built-in USB port and a dedicated powerbank pocket. Optional expansion that adds up to 2” of packing capacity. The Platinum Elite Expandable Carry-On Spinner delivers big on form and function with a tip-resistant expansion that offers up to 2” more packing capacity. Plus, the drop-in, fold-out suiter is specifically designed to accommodate hanging clothes and prevent wrinkling. Built-in USB port and a dedicated powerbank pocket included. The Expandable Spinner is available in 21”, 25”, and 28” models for trips of any length. The Platinum Elite Carry-On Rolling Garment Bag is designed for wrinkle-free garment packing with a fold-out extension panel and padded roll bar to accommodate hanging suits, dresses and shirts. A well-appointed interior includes built-in pockets for organized storage of folded clothes, undergarments, accessories and more. The Platinum Elite 50” Rolling Garment Bag accommodates several hanging garments with its larger interior and a padded roll bar to guard against wrinkles. Multiple interior pockets accommodate even more clothing. An integrated, TSA-compliant lock keeps contents secure while allowing authorities to unlock and lock the suitcase without damage when needed for checked-bag inspection. The Travelpro Platinum Elite Bi-Fold and all-new Tri-Fold CarryOn Garment Bags are the perfect grab-and-go garment bag for quick trips, keeping suits, shirts and dresses protected and crumplefree. Multiple interior pockets create excellent packing capacity. Adjustable, padded shoulder straps allow for hands-free carrying, while unobtrusive rear strap fits around the extension handle of any rolling suitcase for secure stacking and hands-free mobility. The collection is available in four heathered fabric colorswith silver thread detailing for a timeless, yet on-trend look. Colorways include Shadow Black, Rich Espresso, Vintage Grey and Bordeaux. A variety of stylish interior colorways provide a high-end finish, effortlessly elevating the packing experience. Each piece is backed by Travelpro’s Built for a Lifetime Limited Worry Free Warranty. “We understand that today’s travelers not only want an extremely durable piece of luggage, but also one that delivers the best when it comes to style and functionality,” said Blake Lipham, Chief Executive Officer at Travelpro. “Travelpro is already synonymous with quality and durability, and with the launch Platinum Elite, we know travelers will increasingly view us as an industry leader who is consistently delivering premium design and on-trend offerings.” Travelpro’s new Platinum Elite luggage collection anticipates the needs of every traveller and every trip. From the specific essentials of a short business trip to the extras needed on more extensive trips, Travelpro Platinum Elite luggage will have your belongings contained with safety, convenience, and style. It’s time for an ugrade!

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Merging Mind and Body in Morocco: A L L N E W W E L L N E S S R E T R E AT S F R O M S U N N Y S I D E U P BY LIBBY AUSTIN

As wellness travel continues to surge in popularity, the focus of conventional wellness trips is going beyond the traditional and exploring new boundaries and horizons. Travel company Sunny Side Up is the first outfitter to focus on wellness retreats in beautiful Morocco – offering spiritual, physical and mental journeys that go beyond the ordinary to uncover the extraordinary. By bringing together world-class yoga teachers with transformative cultural experiences, Sunny Side Up caters to a growing audience of wellness travelers that seek more than just yoga in their retreats and look for discovery and exploration. Launched in February of 2018, Sunny Side Up crafts their wellness retreats based on a curated immersion into Moroccan culture. Whether it’s a boutique jazz festival in Tangiers or an artist-led graffiti workshop in Marrakech, the trips unveil the vibrant life and cultural fabric of Morocco through a different lens, while also allowing travelers to deepen and strengthen their yoga practice and disciplines. The team behind Sunny Side Up has been building a foundational network in Morocco since 2007 and has since developed a genuine friendship and understanding of the local community, fostering relationships with on-the-ground creative forces that offer unique access to many hidden and lesser-known experiences. Based in London, co-founders Nisma Benani and Charaf El Mansouri created Sunny Side Up to offer an authentic and purely wholesome way to experience Morocco. Nisma is a wellness warrior and certified yoga teacher and Charaf is passionate about culture – a combination which lends itself to a harmonious synergy of wellness and culture in all their trips. Supported by some of the most revered wellness teachers in London, from Michael James Wong to Mona Lisa Godfrey and others, Sunny Side Up has just announced their lineup of wellness retreats starting in September of 2018 through May of 2019. Their 2018-2019 schedule includes: 46

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Jazz x Yoga with Christian Coelho (September 19th – 23rd, 2018, Tangiers) Joining from Rio de Janeiro, Christian Coelho will be leading this music-themed yoga adventure to the mystical town of Tangiers, its intimate jazz festival and its historic medina. Prepare for an unforgettable experience where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea. Includes 4 nights at Le Mirage hotel, all on-site transport, airport transfers from Tangiers Int’l Airport, daily yoga sessions (all levels), guided meditations, Tanjazz Festival, an immersive medina tour in Old-Town, a night out in the Casbah, 3 breakfasts, 3 dinners (including wine), and 3 lunches.

Sufi Gnawa x Yoga with Christian Coelho (September 25th – 29th, 2018, Essaouira) Brazil-based Christian Coelho will then be leading this music-themed yoga adventure to the stunning Riad Baoussala on the outskirts of Essaouira, an ancient port town and home of the spiritual sufi Gnawa music. Includes 4 nights at Riad Baoussala, all on-site transport, airport transfers from Essaouira Airport, daily yoga sessions (all levels), guided meditations, hike down to a desert beach on the Atlantic Ocean, Tour of Historic Essaouira, Intro to Sufi-based Gnawa Music, 3 breakfasts, 3 dinners (including wine), and 3 lunches.

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Art x Yoga with Mona Lisa Godfrey (November 17th – 21st, 2018, Marrakech) Deepen your practice with Mona Lisa Godfrey in the magical city of Marrakech, one of Africa's most creative cultural hubs. Meet some of the most creative local minds, practice yoga in beautiful settings, and unwind in the beautiful setting of the boutique hotel, The Source. Includes 4 nights at La Source Hotel, all on-site transport, airport transfers from Marrakech Airport, daily yoga sessions (all levels), guided meditations, meet the creatives leading the Marrakech art scene, Pottery Workshop with Bouchra Boudoua, exclusive immersion into a private artist residence, 4 breakfasts, 3 dinners (including wine), and 3 lunches. Hiking x Yoga with Mona Lisa Godfrey (November 21st – 25th, 2018, Atlas Mountains) From the breathtaking heights and sights of the Kasbah Bab Ourika, join Sunny Side Up for this very special yoga adventure led by Mona Lisa Godfrey to the heart of Morocco's ancient Berber culture for an inspiring 4 nights of yoga, hiking, and meditation. Includes 4 nights at Kasbah Bab Ourika, all on-site transport, airport transfers from Marrakech Airport, daily yoga sessions (all levels), guided meditations, 2 hikes through the Atlas Mountains, Hammam and massage, camel ride, 4 breakfasts, 4 dinners (including wine), and 3 lunches. Meditation & Yoga with Michael James Wong (May 26th – June 2nd, 2019, Marrakech & Atlas Mountains) Join Michael James Wong in the magic of Morocco for a cultural adventure and an escape into the unknown. Start the journey with an immersion into the vibrant sights and sounds in the ancient city of Marrakech. With daily yoga classes & meditation, dive deep into the experience and have a great time doing it. Includes 5 nights at Kasbah Bab Ourika, 2 nights in a Marrakech Riad, all on-site transport, airport transfers from Marrakech Airport, daily yoga sessions (all levels), guided meditations, Atlas Mountain hike, Marrakech Medina hustle challenge, wholesome Moroccan cooking class, 7 breakfasts, 6 dinners, and 6 lunches. And while you are doing something good for yourself, you’ll be doing good for others. In an effort to give back to the local community, Sunny Side Up has partnered with Education for All (EFA) to help combat illiteracy with Moroccan women. In Morocco, 84% of women living in rural areas are illiterate. Very few girls from rural communities in Morocco get the opportunity of continuing their education after primary school. Every trip Sunny Side Up hosts funds one year of housing and education support for a girl from the Atlas Mountains. Through their partnership with Education for All (EFA), Sunny Side Up is able to provide a safe space, food and room and board close to schools, as well as tutor support to ensure all girls are able to complete their education. In addition to offering set group wellness retreats, Sunny Side Up also can organize private trips and retreats for travelers who want a truly personalized travel experience. From family getaway on the Atlantic Coast to a bachelor party in Marrakech, Sunny Side Up can curate a customtailored trip showcasing the incredible experiences Morocco has to offer with their vast network of cultural opportunities. From beautiful boutique hotels, off-the-beaten path experiences, authentic human interactions, inspiring cuisine, and transformative experiences, Sunny Side Up can create the perfect yoga wellness retreat for yoga enthusiasts worldwide. Interested travelers can reserve a spot for one of these incredible retreats by email to hello@ssulife.com or visit www.sunnysideup.travel for more information. 48

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INFLUENCERS ON MONACO BY MICHAEL JACOBSON & JESSICA RAKOWSKI

The Influencer Awards 2018 Monaco (IAM), October 6th – 7th, Hosted By Lolita Abraham, Founder (IAM), Ambassador, Pauline Ducruet, Grace Kelly’s Granddaughter (Princess Of Monaco) & Team. For centuries, the mere mention of Monaco has inspired images of opulence, glamour, excitement, and leisure. Every year, thousands of visitors from around the world are drawn to Monaco's sublime Mediterranean climate, her luxurious beaches, lush foliage, yacht-lined harbour, upscale casinos, and world-renowned events. As host of its first world edition of Influencer Awards, Monaco will welcome the globe’s greatest talents from the web with a first-class event supported by an A-team with the means to make it happen. And what an event it will be! Kicking oﬀ in a Monte-Carlo hot-spot, Pauline of Monaco, the fashion-forward former Olympian, and granddaughter of Grace Kelly, will greet guests for a welcome reception. The following day, a champagne brunch will start the festivities leading up to a “Red carpet” gala. It is during this extravagant gala ceremony where influencers will receive rewards in twelve categories in recognition of impressive engagement with their social media followings. Honouring spheres of social media, an “Influencer of the year” will be named from categories including fashion, health, food, travel, home and lifestyle, sustainability and philanthropy, beauty, entertainment, and art/ culture/ design. The impressive jury panel responsible for awarding this years influencers

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includes CEOs, magazine editors, TV personalities, designers, and three surprise members. The perfect venue for an event honoring the glamorous world of elite social media influencing, attendees and sponsors will bask in Monaco’s breathtaking views of the Riviera from five-star hotel vistas; dine on delicious meals at upscale restaurants; enjoy world-class spas, and bathe in the beautiful Mediterranean climate. For those who crave a faster pace, the belle époque casinos and luxury sports cars make Monaco an exhilarating experience. Preferred Speaks To Lolita Abraham – Founder Of The Influencer Awards Monaco (IAM). How and why did you create THE INFLUENCER AWARDS? How is it diﬀerent? In 2007 I launched a blog where I would share all my favorites, “must have” of the moment, and oﬀered a selection of products in my shopping list. lolitaabrahamfashion.com Years later, while taking a stride on the

casino square in Monaco, I realized that Monaco has such an influx of influencers and they are always very proud to post. This notion gave birth to the influencer awards project. Monaco is without a doubt the scene for international personalities, gathering influencers from around the globe to participate in their very own ceremony, like the Oscars, and I’m glad to host this very special evening entirely devoted to these new stars of the web. What are the trends you see happening on social platforms? The trends are well-being, through nutrition and sport. These influencers allow us to take a visual journey via their social media, enabling us to discover landscapes, almost in real time. In terms of fashion, it’s the colors that are in the spotlight. MEET THE TEAM PAULINE DUCRUET Pauline has been blessed with rare fashion sense. You would have too, if your grandmother had been Grace Kelly! Fashion runs deep in the Grimaldi women’s blood. Pauline studied at Parsons School of Design in New York, where with these newly required skills – she created her own clothing line that is on the verge of making its public debut. Pauline was also a former professional diver at the youth Olympic summer games in Singapore in 2010, at 16 only! It’s an honor to have her as our Ambassador. THOMAS PEETERS A self-made man and one of Monaco’s finest entrepreneurs. For over a decade, we have seen him shape his career from building a successful consultancy company to new business ventures like Sunset, Formula One’s only beach party destination attracting the glitterati and personalities from all over the world and boasting an incredible music line-up and theatrical shows. Sunset is unlike any beach party you have ever experienced! Today he heads our operations department. MAXIME GIACCARDI Maxime was born and raised in Monaco. He attended Law School before deciding to chase the American dream. He interned at the Monegasque Consulate in New York. After falling for Empire State city, he ventured to the city of Angels – pursuing his studies in Entertainment Law. Maxime went on to start his Monaco based company, which has expanded its activity around the globe, providing an unlimited lifestyle management service to its clients. Today he heads up our sales department. MAUREEN KRAGT Raised in Monaco, this visual content creator and freelance writer split her time between London and Los Angeles. She was introduced to the influencer world when she first started her own blog which she runs today just like a magazine. Focused on lean startup projects, her role is to craft and maintain a positive image for brands. Maureen previously worked as online reputation manager in London. Today, she heads the public relations department.

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MY OWN PRIVATE NAMIBIA

R E D E F I N I N G L U X U R Y AT E X C L U S I V E U S E T E N T E D S A FA R I C A M P S I N T H E N A M I B D E S E RT

BY MARK SISSONS

SOSSUSVLEI, NAMIBIA ––– “What an incredible transformation!” exclaims Tristan Cowley as we exit the gravel road onto a sandy track surrounded by an ocean of yellow dubbletjie flowers. “Two weeks ago this was all barren desert,” adds the managing director of Namibia’s top adventure tour operator, Ultimate Safaris. Now nature has been reborn here on the doorstep of the Great Namib Sand Sea. We’re entering Neuhof Nature Reserve, a 24,000 square hectare private wildlife sanctuary nestled between the Nubib and Zaris Mountains about an hour’s drive from Namibia’s famous Sossusvlei Dunes. After the first substantial rains in four years recently fell here, the desert is in full Technicolor bloom and migratory animals are returning, lured by the promise of fresh water sources and resurgent grazing lands. Neuhof provides a natural buffer from some of Namibia’s harshest desert conditions and has historically been a vital wildlife refuge during the parched dry season. But years of drought and agricultural mismanagement have taken a toll on this vast tract of reclaimed farmland purchased in 2010 by Swen Bachran, a Namibian real estate mogul and philanthropist. Over the past eight years, Bachran has removed nearly a hundred kilometres of restrictive fencing, installed new boreholes, improved the reserve’s patchwork of dirt roads, and begun to reintroduce once endemic wildlife. Now, largely thanks to his land rehabilitation efforts, Neuhof Nature Reserve is one of Namibia’s ecological success stories. Bachran recently awarded Ultimate Safaris exclusive access based on the operator’s commitment to preserving Namibia’s wild places. For the next few days, Tristan and I have this reclaimed wilderness all to ourselves, along with Ultimate’s new exclusive use seasonal tented safari camp, Sossus Under Canvas. Solitude with a small footprint You won’t find a trail of rose petals leading to your candlelit bubble bath at Sossus Under Canvas. Nor will champagne be chilling by your pavilion’s private infinity pool. Instead, you’ll enjoy the flexibility to do what you want, when you want without having to follow the typical safari routine. “At Sossus you can be private, totally on your own, masters of your own time,” says Tristan. “That is very rare in Africa unless you are paying a huge premium to have such exclusivity.” Set in the naturally formed amphitheater of a south-facing granite outcrop, the camp blends so well into its environment that it is virtually invisible from a distance. Its eight rectangular green Meru tents are protected from the desert winds by natural stone walls and shaded by roofs built from hundreds of recycled oil drums that resemble clusters of pangolins. Each tent is furnished partly with materials made from recycled metals and wooden pallets, and all have flush toilets, bucket showers, comfortable twin beds and solar lighting. Sossus Under Canvas has the lowest environmental footprint in Namibia, according to Tristan. It’s also redefining the notion of a luxury safari. “People are getting tired of how opulent African tourism has become, and the high prices associated with that opulence,” he says. “Safari guests seldom talk about the seven-course dinner or the three hundred square metre bedroom with chandeliers they had. They talk about their extraordinary experiences, and the people looking after them trying to make sure that they have a great time.” Since the recent rains, Neuhof Nature Reserve has seen a welcome influx of animals. On game drives and guided walks, Tristan and I encounter herds of Oryx, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, Burchell’s zebra, kudu and giraffe. Predators like leopard, cheetah and spotted hyena are also here, but keep their distance from us as they patiently stalk their prey. The plan is to also introduce a protected breeding population of black rhino to the reserve’s plateau, but many security challenges remain before rhino tracking can be offered to guests as an activity. Neuhof’s rocky plateau also turns out to be a great place for a cool desert dip, as I discover during a morning game drive when Tristan stops at an old circular stone livestock water tank. “Fancy a swim?” he asks, explaining that the tank contains overflow from nearby boreholes. I immediately strip down and jump into this plunge pool where zebra were drinking an hour earlier. Tristan plans to buy a half dozen mountain bikes for guests to ride up here from camp, which is about twenty kilometres distant. “We may even do sleepovers,” he says. After stopping to admire another breathtaking burnt orange desert sunset over sundowners at another concrete swimming hole closer to camp, I’m ready for my heated bucket shower. Although Sossus camp has a 10,000-gallon supply of fresh water, I’m still mindful to limit my H2O usage, acutely aware of how precious every drop is to Namibia’s fragile flora and fauna. Conservation is critical here in the world’s oldest desert.

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Desert adapted escape Our next destination is Huab Under Canvas, Ultimate’s original exclusive use seasonal tented camp, now in its second year of operation. It takes two days to reach, counting an overnight stop in Swakopmund, Namibia’s major coastal resort town. Located in the heart of Damaraland’s 60,000 square hectare Huab Conservancy just north of the famous Bushman rock engravings at Twyfelfontein, Huab Under Canvas also has eight tents and can accommodate up to twenty guests. Hidden among groves of Mopane trees and perched on mobile platforms, the camp’s comfortable tents offer secluded views of a tributary of the Huab River and beyond, a jumble of rolling grassland, steep gorges and huge granite koppies. Like Sossus, the vibe is relaxed and intimate, a back-to-basics old school safari experience without compromising on comfort. The beds are still soft, the bucket showers brilliant and the hearty meals that emerge from the portable kitchen ingeniously embedded in the side of our land cruiser tick off all the gourmet boxes. Ultimate guests have the exclusive opportunity to track desert adapted black rhino in the Huab Conservancy, accompanied by volunteer ‘rhino rangers’ from the NGO, Save the Rhino Trust. I spend a morning with the rangers fruitlessly searching for rhinos with the help of local trackers. who fan out on foot. Some were spotted yesterday, and no doubt will return tomorrow, I’m told, as we abandon our search and set off instead on a multi-mile hike across Huab’s highlands. By sunset we reach what turns out to be the absolute highlight of my Namibian safari. Tristan calls it a Stellar Escape, the option to sleep out under the stars for a night while staying at Huab Under Canvas. “This is how we Namibians prefer to camp,” he says. “No tent, just the starry skies above.” Located at the base of a red granite outcrop, our mobile ‘pop-up’ open-air camp consists of just our transplanted beds, a bucket shower behind a rock, and a dining table. Visions of Hemingway happily roughing it in the African bush while composing The Snows of Kilimanjaro come to mind. No frou-frou modern safari frills here. Just a gorgeous desert setting, another multi-course gourmet meal and the thrill of knowing that we have this magnificent wilderness all to ourselves. This is how safaris were meant to be. After an impromptu astronomy class and too many Amarula nightcaps, I retire to my ‘star bed’. Above me stretches a twinkling panoply of constellations, satellites, galaxies, shooting stars and the occasional meteor shower. The silence is broken only by occasional faint laughter from distant hyenas. Leopards also roam nearby but avoid our fires. Just before I fall asleep, a bat swoops across the night sky directly above my bad, its wings illuminated by a full moon, and a billion stars on this most magical of nights in my own private Namibia.

IF YOU GO Getting there Ethiopian Airlines is a great option from North America, with flights via Los Angeles and Washington to Johannesburg. Most visitors then connect to Namibia’s capital, Windhoek, from South Africa. Air Namibia and South African Airways offer frequent connections with Johannesburg and Cape Town. Most visitors arrive via air at Namibia’s capital, Windhoek, from South Africa. Air Namibia and South African Airways offer frequent connections with Johannesburg and Cape Town. Sossus Under Canvas is located about fifteen kilometres from the Sesriem entrance to Namib-Naukluft National Park, the largest conservation area in Africa, and home to the world-famous Sossusvlei dunes. It takes about four hours by car from Windhoek to reach it over a mix of paved and gravel roads. Accommodations Sossus Under Canvas is available to book between April and November on an exclusive basis only, meaning that groups of from two to twenty guests can book it for their private use. Once booked, no other groups are allowed to share the camp. Anyone who books it is guaranteed exclusive access not only to the camp itself, but also to all of 24,000 square hectare Neuhof Nature Reserve. Per person all-inclusive nightly rates range from USD $200-$500, depending on group size and number of nights booked. Activities Sossus under Canvas guests can take multi-day game drives, guided walks, nights sleeping beneath the stars, and coming soon, guided mountain bike excursions, Hot air balloon flights and helicopter or fixed wing scenic flights over nearby Sossusvlei can also be arranged. Huab Under Canvas Ultimate Safaris guests can also book a few nights at Huab Under Canvas, their other exclusive use seasonal tented camp. Located in western Namibia’s Damaraland region, it also offers eight tented rooms, a back-to-basics safari experience, and exclusive access to a massive reserve; in this case, the 60,000 square hectare Huab Conservancy through a partnership with its indigenous custodians. Guests can track black rhino and elephant, as well as sleep under the stars on a Stellar Escape. For more about the ‘Journeys Under Canvas’ concept in sustainable safari luxury, visit www.ultimatesafaris.na/about/journeys-under-canvas Recommended outfitters Vancouver-based Heritage Safari Company and Berkeley, Calif.-based Wilderness Travel both specialize in African safaris and can arrange a complete Namibia itinerary that includes Sossus Under Canvas and its sister camp in Damaraland, Huab Under Canvas, that also offers Desert Rhino Tracking as a core activity: www.heritagesafaris.com www.wildernesstravel.com

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A Champagne Rosé Moment BY MONIQUE SIMPSON

There is nothing more evocative in the world of wine than popping a Champagne cork. Bringing powerful feelings of anticipation and excitement, it’s little wonder that we refer to the inaugural ‘Champagne’ moment when describing a momentous or special occasion. When I began my journey many years ago, Champagne was somewhat of a revelation. What other wine is socially acceptable at any time of the day or night and can bridge the great ‘occasion’ divide – the perfect aperitif or to carry you through your meal, enjoyable with casual dishes like crispy calamari and fish and chips or a luxurious wine pairing for a Champagne degustation menu at Michelin star restaurant? Albeit its makes logical sense the majority of Champagne is sold during year end when the celebratory festive season is in full swing, in theory we should be enjoying Champagne all year around. As the warm summer evenings draw longer and patio and grilling season now upon us what could be more enticing than Champagne than perhaps a bottle of Champagne Rosé? Rosé Champagne has a somewhat checkered history. Once a frivolous fad and derided ‘often of dire quality’ produced by Champagne Houses more as an afterthought, Rosé Champagne is now serious business for Champagne producers. As Champagne sales remain relatively flat, largely due the rise in popularity of sparkling wines such as Prosecco, its

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Champagne rosé that is bringing a new air of dynamism and glamour to the Champagne category. Champagne rosé sales have seen strong growth across the globe the last decade albeit from a decidedly modest base now representing approximately 10% of total Champagne exports worldwide. In Canada, for example, Rosé Champagne continues to enjoy a revival, the Comité Champagne (trade association representing the interests of independent Champagne producers and Champagne Houses) reporting sales growth from 3,249,788 to 14,801,958 bottles and tripling from 3.14% to 9.64% of total Champagne exports since 2000. Rosé Champagne’s solidified ‘en vogue’ stature over the last decade has forced Champenois hands to continually improve and refine production processes including the assemblage of serious cuvees’ and development of high quality red Coteaux Champenois (Champagne appellation for still wine) authenticating Champagne rosés reputation as a serious fine wine. Indeed, I fondly recall several years ago Didier Mariotti, G.H. Mumm’s

chef de cave, commenting that Champagne Rose was one of his favourites which in itself speaks volumes. Why the spike in popularity? Millennials’ thirst for more approachable, delicate wine styles bodes well for Rosé Champagne with pure Pinot Noir fruit delivering a Champagne showing real finesse, balance, vibrancy and riper flavors. Furthermore, consumers are increasingly demanding more eminently food friendly wines. Champagne Rosés red wine component makes it a terrific gastronomic style. Its crisp, clean, riper flavours underlain by hallmark minerality, richness and structure make it an ideal food wine; its versatility enabling it to be paired with a host of dishes. In addition, Rosé Champagnes spectrum of colours, diversity of styles ranging from unique, terroir based expressions to vintage and prestige cuvée rosés delivering wonderful complexity with age; and the winemakers unique fingerprint is undoubtedly fueling the popularity of Champagne rosé and supporting its prestige and premium pricing in the market place. Champagne must be produced within the delineated viticultural boundaries of the Champagne region in the North East of France, from a maximum of three diﬀerent grape varieties (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier) and made using a tightly prescriptive two stage winemaking process – first creating a newly made still ‘base’ wine and then dosing the wine with yeast and sugar before the wine is then sealed to undergo the painstaking second fermentation in bottle creating Champagne’s trademark sparkle. Rosé Champagne is made in much the same manner as ‘white’ Champagne, with a subtle diﬀerence. For ‘white' Champagne, producers must carefully press dark-skinned grapes to limit the pigments from the skins from leaching into the still base wines. But for red or rosé wines of course, you need pigment from darkskinned grapes to colour the wines. Rosé Champagne acquires its signature hue in one of two ways. The traditional method, known as ‘assemblage’, adds a small amount of still red wine (as little as 5-10% or sometimes up to 20% of Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier red wine from sunny villages like Bouzy) to the still base white wine before the secondary fermentation in bottle. The aim is to protect

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Champagne’s freshness and tension with red wine that is aromatic and fruit driven. The second, and less common method, is known as ‘saignée’ (‘to bleed’ in French) and involves a short maceration of the black skins of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes in the still white base wine as it ferments in the tank, ‘bleeding’ the colour from the skins until the desired shade is achieved. The choice between the methods is largely stylistic with top quality examples produced using both methods. Like Champagne, Rosé Champagne shows great diversity in style with an inseparable interaction of nature’s gift (terroir) and the craft of man. Dozens of possible variables give rise to thousands of style combinations with wines ranging in color from pale orange to luminescent pink to deep pink, from delicate to forceful to almost oxidative in flavor, from a gamut of more esoteric styles of grower Champagne Rosés to the Grandes Marques (big brand) Champagne Houses each with their own personified style, and from fairly aﬀordable to mighty expensive. With an abundance of choice to match any occasion why not add a splash of pink to your life this summer with a glass of Champagne Rosé that requires no cause for celebration. .

RECOMMENDED WINES Champagne Charles Heidsieck Vintage Rosé 2006: A challenging vintage yet a suburb result from one of the smallest and amongst the most admired Grand Marques! Made from the classic trio of Champagne grapes, this wine is a beautiful pale pink and on the nose is complex and intense with aromas of vibrant red berry fruit, floral, baking spices and toasted brioche. On the palate, the wine is fresh, silky and creamy showing a great depth and complexity of flavour – red fruit (red cherries, currants, plums) opening up into flavours of choux pastry, roasted hazelnuts and finishing with gentle spices (cinnamon, licorice, white pepper). Upfront fruit supports its richness of flavour. Exceptionally well balanced, rich, refined style. Perfect choice for Champagne aficionados.

Champagne Drappier Rosé de Saigneé Brut NV: Champagne’s first zero-rated carbon producer and one of the finest and most innovative boutique producers in the Côtes des Bar region of the Aube district (southernmost region of Champagne), today Drappier is headed up by eighth generation Michel Drappier producing exquisite Champagnes with natural authenticity. Made from 100% Pinot Noir from the Saigneé method, this wine shows intense aromas of pure red fruit, lemon and orange zest, bread dough and subtle violet aromas. On the palate, its fresh, fuller in body with a richness of flavour of raspberry, red cherries, citrus and stonefruit underlain by wonderful minerality. Well-structured perfect to enjoy with white or pink meats, salads and grilled vegetables.

Champagne Lelarge-Pugeot Rosé Extra Brut 1er Cru NV: Boutique, biodynamic and organic grower producer based in Vrigny (Premier Cru village situated in the north east of Montagne de Reims) making wine since 1790 embracing the maxim of letting the grapes thrive as naturally and minimal intervention in the winery to truly reflect the Vrigny terroir. Made from 100% Pinot Noir, this wine on the nose unveils intense red berry fruit (red cherries, strawberries, raspberries), perfumed florals and toasted bready aromas. On the palate the wine is dry and crisp with upfront ripe red fruit and citrus fruit flavours and earthy undertones characteristic of Pinot Noir bound by a tight mineral structure. Elegant and poised perfect as an aperitif or to pair with a light meal or dessert

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Blind Faith A Blind Cigar Tasting Paired with Fine Spirits

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TRINIDAD TOPES (EL 2016)

B & B B L I N D R AT I N G

This is the latest addition to Trinidads lineup of incredible cigars. The Topes is a 2016 Edición Limitada that is currently running low in Cuba. If you see this cigar available, now is the time to get it. This cigar is an enthusiast's dream come true. It's complex, well built, looks amazing and smokes like nothing else. Perfect draw. Flavors consist of roasted nuts, subtle berries with hints of salt and pepper with an overall campfire aroma and distinct Cuban scent. Grab the Trinidad Topes El 2016 and the Johnnie Walker XR 21YO Legacy Blend, sit on the porch with a few friends and lose yourself in the deep conversation of both story and class.

AJ FERNANDEZ E N C L AV E B R OA D L E A F The Enclave was introduced two years ago, almost as an addition to New World philosophy: good, solid smokes at relatively inexpensive prices. The Enclave Broadleaf is a very diﬀerent follow-up blend, sharing virtually nothing with the original blend except a name and band artwork. Enclave Broadleaf uses Nicaraguan filler and binder leaves from Estelí, Jalapa and Pueblo Nuevo, as well as a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper. Early reports (and some reviews) indicated that the cigar used a Pennsylvania Broadleaf, however news reports from the 2017 IPCPR show and on the manufacturer’s website indicate that it is, indeed, Connecticut-grown. We’ve said it before and I’ll say it now: We like the Enclave Broadleaf better than the original Habano version. This is an excellent Connecticut Broadleaf wrapped cigar that stands out from the others on the market with its citrusy notes and slow building of body. Although this is a fantastic broadleaf the level and quality of the cigar wasn’t anything close to what we note as high quality. If you love broadleaf you’ll love this, but this isn’t the greatest cigar to smoke everyday.

Wrapper Cuban

Origin Cuba

Binder Cuban

Factory Unavailable

Filler Cuban

Price Point ~$35

93 Vitola Robusto (4 11/12 x56)

Brand Trinidad Availability Limited

PAIRING Our group loves this cigar and can’t get enough of it This is one we will fly to cu a every cou le onths to stoc u on If you find it gra it you will never ever e disa ointed with this little eauty e aired this cigar with the ohnnie al er R 21 and it was a co ination we all agreed felt velvety s ooth and easy going down Isn t that what we all want anyway

B & B B L I N D R AT I N G

Wrapper Connecticut Broadleaf, Maduro Binder San Andres Filler Brazil, Nicaragua

Origin Nicaragua Factory A.J. Fernandez Price Point $7–10

89 Vitola Toro (6 1/2 x 54) Brand A.J. Fernandez Availability Everywhere

JOHNNIE WALKER XR 21YO THE LEGACY BLEND This Johnnie Walker XR 21 Legacy Blend is a tribute to Sir Alexander Walker, the grandson of the legendary Johnnie Walker. This extraordinary whisky is aged for an extended period of 21 years and inspired from the hand-written notes from Sir Alexander. Harmonic and elegant notes of sweet honey, tobacco and raisin are mixed with tropical and citrus fruits. Let it slide down your throat with the creamy texture of liquid caramel and relish all those aromas at once! As it would be a waste to combine it with any kind of mixer, we strongly recommend enjoying it neat and with it a Trinidad Topes El 2016. We sure enjoyed it!

Nose Spiced apple, smoky oak and a little toasted brioche

Palate Herbal as it opens; gives way to orange and lemon peels, followed by another kick of smoky malt

Finish Wafts of Sherry-soaked raisins last and last

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Cocktails: Shaken or Stirred, and so much more BY GERALD GLAVOTA

Cocktail recipes have been a part of many of many of my articles, as well as standalone extras over the years. It’s about time we learned a bit about cocktails and broadened our recipe book. I’m hoping to write about more advanced topics in the future but first I’ll answer the question – Shaken or Stirred! Nick Kosevich, Bittercube bitters, was kind enough to share his "Seven Pillars of Classic Cocktails Training Manual" which provided the answers to this question (the manual had a much more detailed explanation) and the material for the background on the creation of many of the cocktails detailed below. A cocktail with citrus, dairy and/or egg will be shaken almost every time, while cocktails without will be stirred – it has been suggested to me that you should stir one full revolution for each percent alcohol, when a 40 abv whisky is used in a cocktail it should be stirred 40 times. Both shaking and stirring chill a drink and cause water dilution, however, shaking also adds aeration and through aeration, acid in citrus is softened. Aperol Spritz Let’s get started! Anyone hungry? Perhaps a bitter pre-dinner drink meant for preparing the stomach for a meal. Aperol, the bittersweet, herby orange liquor was invented back in 1919. The main flavour is sweet grapefruit, and there are also aromas of rhubarb, orange, and gentian root. The original Aperol Spritz features a 3:2:1 measurement of Prosecco, Aperol, soda and garnishing with an orange slice. Sounds great during these heated days. Recently, the brand updated the official way to create the spritz by filling a wine glass with ice and combining equal parts of the ingredients. The Café Negroni You may have noticed that I’m a big fan of coffee cocktails and this is no exception. The Negroni first came into being in 1920, created when Count Negroni sidled up to a Florentine bar and ordered an Americano with gin substituted for soda, to stiffen up the drink. The traditional equal-parts Negroni is a well-established classic. Shifting the ratio helps balance the cocktail and its variants for the modern palate. The Boulevardier uses the same formula with Bourbon or rye substituted for gin. In a steeping vessel or mason jar add: 1 cup whole coffee beans 2 cinnamon sticks 3 tablespoons of freshly sliced raw ginger 200ml Bombay Sapphire 200ml Martini Riserva Speciale bitter 200ml Martini Rosso Allow the mix to steep for 30 mins before straining out the liquid. Add 2.25 oz.'s of the steeped liquid into a mixing glass. Fill the glass with ice and stir the cocktail to chill it and add dilution. Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass over a single large cube. Garnish with a single coffee bean and enjoy. Makes approx. (10) 2.5 oz. servings. French 75 The French 75 is a Sour plus sparkling wine. It shows up in The Savoy Cocktail Book in 1930, but the cocktail is at least a few years older than that. The additional ingredient in this cocktail brings alcohol, water, effervescence, acidity, and a small amount of sugar - all of which need to be considered in the pursuit of creating a balanced cocktail. 1/2 oz Citrus 1/2 oz Syrup 1 oz Spirit 3 oz Sparkling Wine

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Martell French 75 This Martell Cognac Cocktail was created by Alo head bartender Robin Kaufman. for the Toronto launch of the Martell VS Single Distillery 1oz Martell Cognac VS Single Distillery 3/4oz Rinquinquin Peach Aperitif 2 dashes Menthe Pastille 1/2oz Simple Syrup 3/4oz Lemon Juice Shaken, and topped with 2oz Perrier-Jouët champagne in a champagne flute or coupe. Sazerac The original “cocktail,” as the word was first defined in print in 1806. Close to a century later it acquired the name by which we now know it. It was originally a cognac cocktail, but the scourge of phylloxera forced a switch to rye whiskey around 1870. 1/4 oz Demerara Syrup 2 oz Angel’s Envy Rye or D’usse Cognac 13 Drops Peychaud’s Bitters 1 Dash Bittercube Orange Bitters Rinse Absinthe Combine ingredients in a mixing glass and stir until chilled and softened. Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass. Express and insert an orange peel. Martell Blue Swift Sazerac Interestingly enough this cocktail is a play on an Old Fashioned, (a drink which also tastes great with Martell Blue Swift VSOP). 2oz Martell Cognac Blue Swift VSOP 1/4oz Simple Syrup 6 dashes Peychaud's Bitters Absinthe rinse Lemon oils (discard zest) Stir ingredients together with ice until cold, strain into an absintherinsed coupe. Express lemon oils from a lemon zest over the glass. The Daisy The Daisy is a Sour with a bit of liqueur added - classically orange liqueur - and sometimes with a spash of soda, although in modern Daisies the soda is often omitted. Daisies first show up in the 1876 supplement to Jerry Thomas’s Bon Vivant’s Companion. 3/4 oz Citrus 1/4 oz Syrup 1 1/2 oz Spirit 1/2 oz Liqueur Grand Sidecar The Grand Sidecar elevates the original recipe with the introduction of an elegant complexity. 50ml. / 1.5oz. Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge 20ml. / 0.5oz. cognac 20ml. / 0.5oz. fresh lemon juice In a cocktail shaker combine Grand Marnier, cognac and fresh lemon juice Add ice and shake vigorously until well chilled Strain into prepared coupe glass and serve

James Bailey’s Nouveau Cépage James Bailey from the Drake Hotel was crowned Canada’s Most Imaginative Bartender at Bombay Sapphire’s annual competition in July 2018, beating out 8 esteemed finalists from across the country. This September, James will head to England to represent Canada and compete against the world’s top bartenders for the international crown. 2oz Bombay Sapphire Gin 3/4oz Lemon 1/2oz Honey 3/4oz Rinquinquin Cardamom bitters 10 arugula leaves

Directions: Muddle fresh baby arugula in a shaker tin, combine remaining ingredients, add ice, and throw the cocktail 4 times. Fine strain into a chilled cocktail glass. That’s quite a bit of variation in types of cocktails and ingredients we’ve seen. Enjoy these new recipes and let me gerald@g2whisky. com know if you need help with cocktails or related questions. Released late last year, Meehan’s Bartender Manual is a great reference.

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The Droops: ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

BY DR. OLIVER GRALLA

Erection failure—or as the pros say, erectile dysfunction, often shortened to ED—can occur at any age. According to the largest scientific study on the subject, which questioned and examined thousands of patients, ED is more frequent in the older age range. The rule of thumb is 70 percent of 70-year-olds. However, I’ve discovered that there are apparently some exceptional retirees. In my very first week as a urologist, I was confronted face to face with the topic of sexuality and old age. Mr. M. was a ripe old 96-year-old and, with all due respect, he didn’t look a day younger. Two world wars had left their marks on his outward appearance. One arm was missing, and the other held a crutch to help him walk... One eye had been replaced by a slightly fanciful glass one. He came to us with a small ulceration on his foreskin that bled from time to time. After noting down his medical history and taking blood samples, I led the elderly gentleman, who was somewhat wobbly on his legs, into my examination room and discovered the odd war wound but nothing more serious. Finally I explained to the patient the operation, the risks, and the possible complications. After having signed the 64

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consent form, he inquired, “And what about getting a license to ride after the operation?” Doctors don’t generally approve of any kind of driving for patients his age and use their powers to try to dissuade them from venturing onto the roads. But the gentleman was exceptionally likable and I was interested in his countless stays in field hospitals in both world wars, and those things plus the fact that he had reached an almost biblical age must have softened my resolve. “Yes, okay,” I said. “You can apply for a motorcycle license.” The old man looked at me irritably. “Motorcycle license? What motorcycle? What on earth are you talking about?” Rather defensively, I replied with an apprehensive smile, “Well, you did ask me about riding. What did you mean?” “What do you think? Not biking riding but bonking riding, of course! How long do I have to wait after the operation before I can have sex again?”

it sound as if you are jumping from the frying pan into the fire. However, when a patient is admitted to hospital moving robotically, with a blood pressure crisis and a face the color of a beet, then planning a romantic weekend with his partner is slightly lower down on the priority list for the time being. The primary concern of doctors in Emergency in such cases is (hopefully!) the patient’s physical welfare. They don’t intend to put certain body parts to sleep— that’s a side eﬀect of medication. Beta blockers, for instance—but also other drugs used in lowering blood pressure—are not exactly conducive to erections. People prescribed sartans (angiotensin receptor blockers), however, can be grateful to their GP, internist, or cardiologist, as these drugs have no damaging eﬀect on erections. And if it has to be a beta blocker, then you can hope for the one that is least damaging—nebivolol. However, all kinds of psychiatric, antiallergen, and even antifungal medications can spoil a healthy erection. Testosterone Hormonal disorders can also be the cause of erectile dysfunction. The main male hormone, quite simply, is testosterone. The juggernaut of all sexual hormones has a chapter dedicated to it later, but it deserves a book. The thyroid glands and the associated hormones are also not unimportant to men, but they are very seldom the causes of erectile dysfunctions. Knots in the Head: The Dear Old Psyche I learned that day that a rousing lust for life has nothing to do with age. Four Reasons for the Droops There are many reasons for the “droops.” I divide the most common causes into four groups: organs, toxins, hormones, and the psyche.

Few men can get used to the idea of suﬀering from a psychosomatic disorder. After all, they don’t have any screws loose—it just doesn’t do what it’s supposed to do. If the door hinges jam, you go to the hardware store and buy replacements. Thoughts are similar about erectile dysfunctions, preferably something crisply organic that can be corrected with a few pills or some ointment. Still, psychosomatic causes are more common than you imagine.

Organs Organic causes of erectile dysfunction include everything that incapacitates the actual functioning of the cavernous body. During an erection, blood flows through arteries in the middle of the penile tissues, which absorb the blood like a sponge. The walls of the cavernous body are pretty durable, and at some stage the tissues are so full that the pressure in the penis increases considerably. By means of this pressure, the flow of blood to the outer reaches of the penile tissues, where the drainage system is located, is squeezed nearly shut. If this ultimately mechanical but still intricate interlinkage between allowing an influx of blood and preventing it from draining is impaired by dysfunctional blood vessels, the result is what is sometimes termed, rather flippantly, the droops. This disorder can be either arterial, from the inflowing blood system, or venous, from the outflowing blood system. It’s often caused by high blood pressure, diabetes, arteriosclerosis, neurological or metabolic disorders, smoking, or any number of other diseases that damage blood vessels or their functions…

There are many possible explanations for sexual knots in the head. Sometimes the causes are literally way back in childhood. Often a previous partner is involved. Sometimes the current relationship is too perfect or too familiar. Just think for a moment about how closely or how long you want to go through life with your partner. After many years, the boundaries become blurred and in terms of feelings of familiarity, having sex with your partner is like having sex with a member of your family— subconsciously, of course. Often our expectations of ourselves are unrealistic. Sometimes our partner is too demanding. A great many things in and around sex can remain unspoken or unclear. Ultimately, sex is a kind of individual togetherness and you could be rightly astonished that it ever works at the drop of a hat. You should be allowed a few attempts before you know which buttons to press for sex to be a pleasure for both parties. In this respect, women have a far greater range of buttons than men. A colleague summed things up succinctly: men are like toasters, women like accordions.

Toxins Besides organic causes, there are medicinal (and toxic, or poisonous) triggers of ED. Many medications, particularly those treating the cardiovascular system and metabolic diseases, cause erectile dysfunction as a side eﬀect. This makes PREFERREDMAGAZINE.CA

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Photography by Lindsay Anne Delaney

CINDY SAMPSON COVER FEATURE

SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW DRESSED IN CANADIAN COUTURE DESIGNER: STEPHAN CARAS (DESIGNS) Written by Zoe Olsson

t’s a pristine morning in Toronto, and the view from the fact that she is able to live out her childhood fantasy of being the Ritz is postcard worthy. The sun’s rays beam oﬀ the a detective. surrounding jungle city scrapers, casting shards of prism light on the mahogany set. “Funnily enough when I was in grade 9 I job shadowed with a detective—not joking—with the police department. Ya that was An infectious laugh signifies Cindy Sampson’s entrance, her what I wanted to be, a detective, my mom works for CSIS, believe magnetism instantly filling the room. The “Private Eyes” star it or not. I wanted the job so bad and I loved the character Angie has just arrived for her cover shoot for Stephan Caras’s runway and I found the humour in her. She’s strong and all of the good collection. Wearing a black turtleneck and dress jeans, her hair things from a woman’s perspective, like all of the things that I in tousled waves, she greets everyone with a warm smile and would want in a character plus all of the opportunities I would infectious energy. want in a character—new exciting things every week, a new world every week.” “Oh, I love your nails!” she exclaims, as she grabbed my hand for a closer look at my chrome polished claws. She furrows her brows And what is a detective show without the perfect partner in in genuine wonderment as she inspects. “I feel like I could check crime? Angie’s charismatic counterpart, ex-pro hockey player my makeup in these.” Matt Shade, is everything Angie is not, and never fails to provide “We feel happy to make a product The wardrobe for the afternoon comic relief. coming out of Toronto, and showcasing is a concoction of delicate lace Toronto for how beautiful, multicultural “They very much compliment embellishments, voluminous organdy frills, and virtuoso each other. He’s more imand amazing it is.” handbeaded fabrics selected pulsive and she’s more by the from Stephan Caras’s signature runway pieces—paying homage to book, and she’s logical, and overthinks things through, whereas the brand’s debut in Season 2’s Fashion Crimes episode. Moments he kind of just goes by the seat of his pants. But that’s how they later, Cindy emerges from the dressing room radiant, and in really balance each other out. And I feel like he infuses some unconventional form. She dawns an ivory floral gown featuring lightheartedness into the situation, that lightens her up.” a plunging neckline, boldly paired with a statement sewn-in lace pant. The stunning piece is an all-too fitting metaphor for Angie Perhaps the most interesting character in the show, however, is Everett—her dynamic on-screen character on the Global TV the city of Toronto itself. The Canadian production casts the primetime show—a powerful woman that defies molds. bustling metropolis as the centerstage as opposed to a backdrop. Tackling high-stake crimes and relentlessly pursuing justice is the “You know, we put the CN tower in the opening credits, so name of the game for Angie. When asked how she likes playing yeah, instead of shying away and using some nondescript town the character of a private investigator, Cindy instantly gushes over somewhere, we were like screw it, we’re doing Toronto; Toronto’s PREFERREDMAGAZINE.CA 67 PR EFE R R EDM AGAZIN E.C A

“Ageism is dying in our industry; people are coming into their own at 40 plus, women in film and television, on screen, behind scenes.”

like the third character. I feel like people are really watching a Canadian show, getting to know Toronto, just like how you mentioned for Sex and the City, people really got to know New York. We purposely set that up and used the right names. We used Toronto Street signs, Toronto restaurants. There's a sense of pride that comes with that, where we feel happy to make a product coming out of Toronto, and showcasing Toronto for how beautiful, multicultural and amazing it is.” Putting Toronto on the map is not the only barrier being broken with the show. The thriving television industry worldwide is undoubtedly being felt on home turf as well, as TV continues to eclipse the movie business.

their own at 40 plus, women in film and television, on screen, behind scenes. The other day I was like wow, I’ve been doing this for 22 years. We’ve really been advocates for female equality. Last year there were 6 female directors, they really make a point of hiring women in the director’s chair, which I find makes me really happy going into work. We also have a ton of women on the team, so it’s really down the middle.” I paused to let that sink in. It was a moment of acknowledgement that I felt in my bones, and stayed with me as I watched her pose eﬀortlessly for the camera shoot. With each look she embodied, she displayed a versatility that echoed the boundlessness of her on-screen persona.

“Things have changed, like television has come so If there’s one thing that rings true in the world of far. I used to be like movies, definitely movies, I love Private Eyes, it’s that no job is too challenging when going to the theatre, but like television is where it’s you have grit, wit, and a lust for life—a sentiment at right now. They’re almost like little movies within that casts Cindy Sampson as a walking example. themselves every week, and that’s how they are filmed. The production value and the acting involved in TV All new episodes of Season 2 Private Eyes air shows these days are oﬀ-the-charts. I just want to keep every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Global TV featuring working for the rest of my life, and that’s the beauty guest appearances from ET Canada host Cheryl Hickey, of this job, is that theres no guarantee in work but it Laura Vandervoort (Bitten), Peter MacNeill (Call Me Fitz), definitely continues forever. There are roles for 85 year Colin Ferguson (Eureka), and Lucas Bryant (Haven). olds, there’s something to look forward to in every decade I get into, as I approach the next.” Season 1 and the first half of Season 2 can be found on GlobalTV.com, along with exclusive behind the scenes footage And there’s no better time to be a woman in the and cast and crew interviews. Following the broadcast business. For Cindy, this is perhaps the most premiere, new episodes from Season 2 will be available on gratifying aspect of playing Angie—being part of GlobalTV.com, Global GO on Apple TV, and on demand. a greater tapestry of evolving female roles in the entertainment industry. Production for Season 3 is currently underway in Toronto “Ageism is dying in our industry; people are coming into and is set to return in 2019.

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Wearing Stephan Caras 6 70

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Photography by Lindsay Anne Delaney @citylightlinds

Written by Stacey Hopkins Photo Assistants: Alicia Churilla, Rebecca Grosjean

CANADIAN COUTURE DESIGNER

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FASHION

“The production team on Private Eyes is amazing, and they really made everything easy and enjoyable for us. In the end, our Atelier and label was featured in the episode and they also shot our runway show at Toronto Women’s Fashion Week as part of the episode. An amazing experience!”

Designer Kyriako Caras photographed at Maison Caras in downtown Toronto.

orn into an iconic Canadian fashion family, Kyriako Caras, co-designer at Stephan Caras, was immersed in the world of fashion from a young age. As a boy growing up in the Torontobased design studio, his experiences gave him a unique perspective into the industry. He was able to sew sequins into patterns, help with production in the workroom and travel to trade shows and runway shows at home and around the world. As a teenager, he honed his keen sense of creative expression by taking all the scrap fabric left behind and experimenting with unusual color and texture combinations. These childhood experiences evolved into a passion for his craft that is marked by an utter devotion and dedication to the creative process, unrestrained by the latest trends and focused solely on the Caras vision to “establish a new standard of elegance for women within our designs that are masterfully draped, well-tailored, and that emphasize femininity and luxury”. For Caras, designing “has always been about developing a chemistry between texture, color and shapes and letting [his] imagination take

[him] to wherever it needs to go”. With each design, he strives to create a balance between texture, color and fabric that draws out “the most intimate emotions to whoever is wearing it”. Creating a unique connection between “our emotions and what we have on” inspires Caras’ creative direction, because “if someone feels confident and beautiful in the piece they are wearing, it will only be enhanced by their character”. Staying true to this goal, he is not afraid to use a variety of textures and lots of volume in his designs to create a piece that is timeless and transcends current fads. He endeavors to celebrate the diversity and sensuality of the feminine form by creating pieces that are bold and imaginative, yet always elegant and feminine. A graduate of the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Honours in Archaeology and Anthropology, Caras’ sense of artistic expression is informed by his knowledge of culture, history and the natural world. He finds himself constantly inspired by the lines, shapes and colors that occur naturally and he tries to materialize them through his own distinct interpretation. His passion for the fashion industry is P PR R E EFER F E R RREED D MMAAG G AAZ Z IINNEE.. C CA A

rooted in the constant need to challenge himself to design and create. One such creative challenge was the restoring and re-designing of the Maison Caras Atelier, a historical heritage building on Queen East in downtown Toronto that serves as the headquarters of the internationally renowned CARAS brand. In restoring this cultural and couture landmark in the city, Caras’ focus “was to create a comfortable, elegant space, that incorporated aspects of fashion within its décor”. The redesign included creating walls of fabric and trims to create a space that sparked creativity and felt comfortable and inviting. Founded by his father Stephan Caras, the CARAS brand has been lauded internationally for its masterful craftsmanship and its distinct and sophisticated designs. According to Kyriako, the “crowning achievement is that we were able to maintain the longevity of our label for so many years and keep up in this fast-paced industry… [and] do so internationally as well”. As designers, they are “constantly travelling and sourcing the latest and most luxurious fabrics on the market” to bring directly to their client base, which expects well-fitting and high-end product. No detail goes unexamined in a Caras design; they are involved in all aspects of construction and they use their technical expertise to create designs that are adapted to the needs of the customer. Each timeless design encapsulates elegance, femininity and beauty. Over the decades, the Caras brand has taken part in a wide array of amazing fashion initiatives and Caras believes that “each event, moment and achievement have contributed to many years of success”. Recently, one such opportunity

Actress Cindy Sampson wearing Stephan Caras (Designs) © Photo by Lindsay Anne Delaney Art Direction: Tanya Watt; Styling: Sara Roberts P1M.ca; HMUA: Brittany Sinclair P1M.ca Location: The Ritz Carlton Hotel Toronto

occurred when the brand had the opportunity to work with Canadian tv show, “Private Eyes”, which is set in Toronto. The Atelier, label and Caras’ runway show at Toronto Women’s Fashion Week were featured as part of the episode. This amazing experience showcased the brand as a mainstay of the Toronto fashion scene. Toronto holds a special place in the heart of Kyriako Caras, who was born and raised there. As the father of two beautiful girls with a third on the way, he is now raising his own family in Toronto. Although there are many places you can be in the world of fashion, Caras feels that the people of Toronto “embrace new and innovative ideas and are open-minded to experimentation in fashion”. The global success the Caras brand has achieved has given Caras a unique perspective on Canada’s place in the world of fashion. Caras states that “companies and consumers alike know that Canadians oﬀer quality and respect the ways in which they conduct business”. By providing quality products, Caras has been able to develop lasting and beneficial business relationships which has driven Canadian fashion forward.

See Preferred's Fashion Photographer Lindsay Anne Delaney (left) & Kyriako Caras (right) at FGI Toronto Mentor's Dinner in 2018. © Photo by K. Gus Protopapas

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Likewise, Caras’ determination propels him forward to constantly engage in the creative process and re-invent in new and unique ways. When asked what advice he would give to upcoming talent, Caras says “the challenge is finding the correct balance between artistically expressing yourself, materializing these concepts into reality and making them feasible in today’s fast paced globally driven market. If you can achieve this, it is intensely rewarding”.

Undoubtedly, Maison Caras has managed to achieve this balance and they show no sign of slowing down. After having recently shown in Toronto, Maison Caras is looking forward to showcasing their designs internationally, including shows in Dubai and Athens. They are also striving to â&#x20AC;&#x153;bring looks from the runway directly to our customer base on-demand, to provide them with a couture piece that is accessible and delivered right after our presentationsâ&#x20AC;?. There is little doubt that Kyriako Caras has an immense talent for design coupled with a drive for success that will ensure the continued longevity of the Stephan Caras brand for decades to come. As the future of the CARAS brand, Kyriako Caras is leaving his own indelible mark on the fashion world. Readers can find the Stephan Caras collections at their atelier located in the Riverside District of fowntown Toronto or check out their website at www.stephancaras.com P PR R E EFER F E R RREED D MMAAG G AAZ Z IINNEE.. C CA A

In Conversation with Klaus Nienkamper, a Modern Master THE GOLDEN JUBILEE YEAR BY ILONA KAUREMSZKY

He's been described as the Rolls-Royce of Canadian furniture companies. Canada's modern master of furniture design has been up since 5 am as he has done most days over the past 50 years creatively mulling a life of “routine” he shares with his beloved wife. Except routine for Klaus Nienkamper has involved working with some of Canada's largest institutions – think the Federal Government, Roy Thomson Hall and the Royal Ontario Museum to name but a trio of organizations. Nestled on the side lines behind these Canadian elite establishments you'll find a magical Klaus touch. Benches from his multi award-winning Canadian furniture design and manufacturing company, Nienkamper line Roy Thomson Hall. The furniture inside the ROM galleries are donations from his design house. To boot, those comfortable seating arrangements inside the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge at Pearson International Airport share the special Nienkamper seal of approval. “We also designed other airline lounges,” he adds with that tinge of salesman sass he's known for as he further adds the business lounges of American Airlines and Delta Airlines at its anchor airport in Atlanta, Georgia to his airlines roster. Clad in casual khakis and a finely detailed bespoke blazer, Klaus looks ever the dapper part that dovetails symmetrically to his bon vivant larger than life personality on this hot summer afternoon. “Did you ever think you'd be around this long?” “No, not really,” he candidly admits inside his 50 year old showroom, Nienkamper by Klaus in Toronto's east end now run by his son, Klaus II. “So, what's been your secret to success?” Tossing his head back his smile brims as long as a draftsman's pencil as Klaus unabashedly rips in, “There is no secret. I think the secret is to try and be the best you can be and never give up.” This past spring, a party commemorating Klaus Nienkamper's 50 years in Canada's design scene which coincided with his book release, “50 Years of Excellence from Design to Delivery” brought out a coterie of distinguished guests, among them renowned designers for whom his design house has given a hand-up. Take powerhouse designers, Yabu Pushelberg. “He was the first person to give us a chance to design a chair. It was really through his own belief in us that we had a portfolio to do that,” said Glenn Pushelberg at Klaus's diamond jubilee aﬀair. Karim Rashid, the New York-based international design superstar and creator of Wavelength, a collection of seating, benches and tables manufactured by Nienkamper 76

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describes the legendary figure as a visionary. “(He) is somebody who is vigorous in trying to do innovation, trying to push boundaries to make something original.” For the 20-year-old German immigrant who arrived to the quiet streets of Toronto in 1960 where bars closed punctually and Sunday shopping was a no-no, his timing was perfect. “I think I came when things started to happen,” he says in the days of no competition “which was good so that gave you a head start.” The young furniture designer whose creative inspiration stemmed from American designers Charles Eames and Francis Knoll who studied under Mies van der Rohe and Eliel Saarinen wanted to introduce Toronto to modern interiors popular in Europe. Klaus, a consummate risk taker, purchased a downtrodden historic building on the corner of Beverley and King Street East to establish Toronto's first contemporary furniture design store. It was 1968. “When we opened here I'll never forget it. It was a horrible rainy day and I thought God nobody is going to come in April,” he says. Au contraire, the whole creative world of Who's Who came practically. Canadian architects Ron Thom and Arthur Erickson, who later became a friend and colleague, as well as renowned designers Francisco Kripacz and Peter Haussmann, all of whom did future collaborations with him attended the soiree. “I was overwhelmed,” confesses Klaus and adds, “Obviously there was a real interest in what we were doing,” about his European modern flare touching down on the design-starved city of the sixties. Jane Jacobs, the late doyenne of urban activism – she authored the critically acclaimed, “The Death and Life of Great American Cities” was among the guests. “The first person to walk in the door was Jane Jacobs which I loved because she was obviously endorsing what we were doing here saving this old building.”

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Back in 1980, the famous photo of an elastic band wielding playful Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau seated in a Nienkamper chair inside the Langevin Block made headlines. Trudeau also commissioned Nienkamper for several other grand projects. There were the furnishings he collaborated with architect Arthur Erickson for the Canadian Embassy in Washington DC as well as the Prime Minister's Oﬃce. “Everything we did for him was in white leather,” Klaus recalls.

Klaus is also big on supporting designers and estimates over his career roughly 30 designers from II by IV's Dan Menchions and Keith Rushbrook to Thomas Lamb have collaborated with his design house. Nienkamper's most iconic chair, he says, has been the Spirit House Chair for the Royal Ontario Museum designed by starchitect Daniel Libeskind, a project he insisted on being realized by the architect himself. “I can say we sold it all around the world,” he notes of Libeskind's first foray into furniture.

Design also follow the prolific creator. Where Klaus reminisces of his car wash days in his early years at the old Farb's car wash on King Street now stands the TIFF Bell Lightbox, a Bruce Kuwabara-design while near his storefront stands the new Diamond

Among the accolades and prestigious honours such as the Diamond Jubilee Award from Queen Elizabeth II, Klaus regards his RCA Medal from the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts in 2008 among his most notable. “I was particularly pleased that they began to recognize furniture design was actually an art.” Defining moments in Canada's history have followed him. For Expo 67, Klaus dressed up the Governor General's Suite to be used by Queen Elizabeth II for lunch and later for former French president Charles de Gaulle for his scheduled overnight stay. Neither saw the finished products. “They covered the rosewood table for the Queen's lunch in a white tablecloth because she doesn't do place mats,” he chuckles on the missed opportunity. “De Gaulle never did show up. That's when he said 'Vive le Quebec, Libre,'” he recounts. De Gaulle's super charged sentence would change the history of Canada.

Schmitt-designed Globe and Mail Centre. Ironically, Toronto's contemporary design scene now flourishes around him in Toronto's King East Design District, of which, his shop is the anchor. For the German born artist whose mother once remarked, “You'll never get there anyway on that thing'' in 1960 after seeing her son's small freighter ship docked in the Hamburg Harbour, he has certainly been to places; and in the process, Klaus Nienkamper has created an edgy, modern Canada through those iconic spectacles that are as much a Klaus trademark as his aﬀable, witty charm.

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