Rare Living Magazine October 2018 Issue

October 2018

|Vol 1Issue 3

Jewels

Iconic s

2019

R ange R over SV C oupe The Pinnacle Of Redefined Capability

TEAM RARE

Trystanne Cunningham Creative Director Style Curator/Founder

Daniella Schoeman

Jannely Espinal

Writer Travel/Wellness Contributor

Fashion Contributor

Rare Luxury Living Magazine LLC A Fortunest Group Company 1530 Yosemite Avenue San Francisco, CA 94124

rareluxuryliving.com (833) 755-7556 Mail To: PO Box 152

Brisbane, CA 94005

Inquiries@rareluxuryliving.com rareluxuryliving.com

Diane Presler

Jeanette Smith Copy Editor

Graphic Design Consultant Creative Inspiration

Matthew Clarke Writer Culinary Contributor

144

Oktoberfest Digital World Virtual Models A new Era Of Supermodels

94

132

Dream Destinations

50

104

CONTENTS

Iconic Supermodels

Halloween Glam Make-Up

Rare Luxury Living 11

DEPARTMENTS SPECTRUM

Autumn 2018 Pantone Colors

17

Your Closet At Your Fingertips

110

POLISHED Fall Facials

115

VIGOR & VITALITY

Health & Wellness Spa Experiences

122

DREAM DESTINATIONS Luxury Caribbean Hotels

132

SIP & SAVOR

Chateau Kamnic In Macedonia

154

Sothebys DIamonds

160

VIVID

Artists: Banksy & Apeseven

162

RARE AFFAIRS 170

FEATURES LUXURY LIVING Acqua Liana Florida

26

SHIFT

Crown Jewels Spring 2019 Trends

30

NYFW 2018

Tom Ford SS 19 RTW Collection

36

LAUGHTER

Celeste Barber+Tom Ford

12 Rare Luxury Living

44

R

A

R E

LUXURY LIVING

TECHIE

AUTUMN 2018

Spectrum I

t’s that time of year again! We always anxiously await the day Pantone releases their Fashion Color Report for each fashion season, and this year’s fall color report is so beautiful we can hardly stand it!

We were excited to see that some of our fall favorites like deep purple and olive green are joining us for another season, and we are loving the unexpected, cheery shades like a bright yellow-green and spicy orange that carried over from previous months.

Take a look at the colors we’ll be adding to our closets this fall and winter, according to the Pantone Fall/Winter 2018 Top Color Palette.

Creatively Inspired by: Trystanne Cunningham Rare Luxury Living 17

Ultra Violet

T

18 Rare Luxury Living

his vibrant purple, named Ultra Violet, was Pantone Color of the Year 2018. We are excited to watch this cooler tone takes the stage this season. Pairs well with Navy, Ivory, Reds, and Grays.

Quetzel Green

Q

uetzal Green (18-5025) This color is deep and elegant,

described as a blue-green shade often associated with rich plumage on beautiful birds such as the peacock. We were reminded of this enigmatic shade when Meghan Markle wore a dress in this color earlier this year during her engagement to prince Harry.

Ever since, the color has been very popular, and it is no surprise. Due to its versatility, it’s a smart choice for almost any color combination.

Rare Luxury Living 19

versatile, urban color adds a touch of sophistication to any outfit for a neutral colors enthusiast. It’s

different from the army green we used to see in bomber and rain jackets last fall. We personally love that this color can be easily combined with many other colors in this palette. We will be seeing this color everywhere this season.

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Martini Olive

M

artini Olive (18-0625) - This

color that reminds us of the forest floor covered with leaves during Autumn.

Needless to say this color is spicy, sharp

and gorgeous and it is perfect for giving your earthy outfit some accented personality that pops from a mile away.

Russet Orange

R

usset Orange (16-1255) - A very warm

Rare Luxury Living 21

C

eylon Yellow Pantone 15-0850 - This succulent yellow can add an exotic touch to any palette you put together. If you are looking to stand

closet, we suggest a fashionable scarf, bag or shoes, and for your home a sofa, throw pillows or picture frames will give you that pop of color to admire all season long.

22 Rare Luxury Living

Ceylon Yellow

out, yellow is the way to go–always. For your

N

ebulas Blue Pantone (18-4048) - This is a bright blue reminiscent of the past popular color Twilight Blue, but not as deep. This color is a little brighter

it may serve as a way to keep blue-lovers satisfied through the season as it brings a little more light to the classic shade.

Nebulas Blue

than the usual blues we see on the sidewalk. However,

Rare Luxury Living 23

Acqua Liana, Florida

LUXURY LIVING

Imagine waking up on a Supima cotton comforter in an exquisitely decorated, spacious room with a magnificent view. The most luxurious homes in the world have more than just marble counter tops and marvelous fireplaces. Luxurious homes go above and beyond their amenities to create an exclusive style that only a small group can afford.

Written by: Jannely Espinal

“IMAGINE WAKING UP TO A Waterfall INSIDE YOUR HOME” 26 Rare Luxury Living

T

his home is a luxurious eco-mansion inspired by trips to Bali, Fiji, Tahiti, and Hawaii. The three-story, 15,000-square foot home has 7 bedrooms, 11 baths, and features floating sun terraces, a waterfall spa, and an arched aquarium wet bar.

This environmentally conscious mansion includes solar panels, a water system that collects enough run-off water for the entire home, and a green lighting system. Imagine waking up to a waterfall inside your home and an ocean view with splendid sunrises. It is the first ultra-luxury home to obtain “triple” green certification.

Christies International Real Estate $19,900,000, 620 S Ocean Blvd.

Florida, USA. Rare Luxury Living 27

SHIFT 30 Rare Luxury Living

F

ashion Week is la crème de la crème of fashion shows where designers showcase their creative and inventive styles down the runway. Spring/Summer

2019 will be packed with color, soft fabrics, and big statement pieces.

Six months from now you will be storing your blazers and coats and shifting to luxurious satins and chiffons.

Fashion Week is the epitome of fashion and September becomes the New Year’s celebration for the fashion industry.

Things will go bold before they go minimalist. For a smooth spring transition, take note of one of the most coveted trends next season. END Written by: Jannely Espinal

Switch your hat for jeweled headpieces, shiny headbands or crowns. Luxurious and extravagant, these stunning lids will make you feel like the queen you already are.

Rare Luxury Living 31

36 Rare Luxury Living

TOM FORD

“I became a fashion designer because I wanted to make men and women feel more beautiful and to empower them with a feeling of confidence. A feeling of knowing that they looked their best and could then present their best selves to the world. I wanted to make clothes that were flattering. That makes one look taller and slimmer and more beautiful or more handsome.”

TOM FORD

Rare Luxury Living 37

Written by: Trystanne Cunningham

TOM FORD SS19 Women’s READY TO WEAR

I

t’s that time of year when

Seductively teasing while remaining

the fashion industry is aflame

posh and swanky, skirts were either knee

and when all the fashionistas

length or long and flowing. Once again,

eagerly await new looks for the

subtle lace accentuated the looks and

upcoming season from their

added that very-desired extra length to

favorite designers. These dedicated

the legs.

fashion-followers will be front and

In his own words, “I became a fashion

center at the many shows this season to

designer because I wanted to make

witness the creations from both iconic

men and women feel more beautiful

and emerging designers.

and to empower them with a feeling of

Our beloved Tom Ford showcased a

confidence. A feeling of knowing that

collection full of allure, empowerment,

they looked their best and could then

beauty, charm, charisma, and class.

present their best selves to the world.

Every thread and stitch on the runway

I wanted to make clothes that were

was an appealing ornament and diverse

flattering. That makes one look taller

to many body types. His pieces showed

and slimmer and more beautiful or

length, making the looks taller and

more handsome. Given the harshness of

slimmer, whilst maintaining their chic

the world, a softer color palette seemed

style and panache.

right to me this season. Shades of nude

The women’s ready to wear S/S19

and skin tones look especially beautiful

collection displayed hues and prints of

to me right now. Flesh colors are sensual

rich opulence.

and have a warmth and humanity that

A few of our favorite pieces from the women’s wear collection are showcased in this feature and display the three p’s of fashion–poetic, pure, and precise.

We adore the skirt suits. Beautifully tailored cuts with a peak of lace bodices beneath combine silks and satins for a sensual yet elegant look.

38 Rare Luxury Living

I think that we all crave at the moment.

Warm white, powder blue and the palest of lilacs and blush pink are important colors in the collection.”

Tom Ford has dazzled over and over, but, with these classic gems, he’s once again won our hearts and remains our most treasured designer. END

“Given the harshness of the world, a

softer color palette seemed right to me this season. Shades of nude and skin tones look especially beautiful to me right now. Flesh colors are sensual and have a warmth and humanity that I think that we all crave at the moment. Warm white, powder blue and the palest of lilacs and blush pink are important colors in the collection.

Tom Ford

”

Rare Luxury Living 39

SS19 ACCESSORIES

TOM FORD

40 Rare Luxury Living

Celeste Barber

+ Tom Ford

Creatively Inspired by: Trystanne Cunningham Written by: Matthew Clarke

44 Rare Luxury Living

Tom Ford took a chance in the fall of

and colors; the sounds

2018 on an Instagram comedic sensation

of the orchestra in

named Celeste Barber. (We highly

the background; the

recommend a visit to her page as she is

temperature set low to provide a crisp

ridiculously funny.) What resulted from

atmosphere; the distinct aromas of

this union was nothing less than brilliant.

perfume and hairspray being released

In a four-minute video, the two brought

into the air; the vibrant chatter of

a much-needed breath of fresh air to the

fashion all around; and, of course, the

world of fashion. Their unique humor,

epic visions of art displayed on stunning alongside some of Tom Ford’s best human beings. Amid Fashion Week in

collection to date, has created a moment

New York, every fiber of our senses is

in the fashion world that people do not

ablaze.

seem to be paying attention to as much

However, in the past few years, things seem to have become a bit stale and rather serious. We long for the 80s and 90s when models would come down the runway with such ferocity and expression of their own personality in every stride. Fortunately, there is a willing and audacious fashion icon wanting to take back that power and remind us that fashion has and always will be about

as we have. Now before you accuse me of being effusive, please take a gander at Justin Timberlake and Ricky Martin’s threads at this year’s Emmy Awards on September 17th. We feel that this season, Ford decided to not only make exquisite suits, dresses, and accessories but also used the coloring of those masterpieces

Laughter

T

he daring, bold fabrics

to compliment the features of those wearing them. continued next page

glamour, guts, and fun.

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For Justin Timberlake, the black tuxedo

His partnership with Celeste Barber on

with the crisp white handkerchief

their comedic gem shows his complexity

and tuxedo dress shirt made his blue

as a fashion icon who not only creates

eyes beam with vivid color. Vanessa

spectacular masterpieces, but also shows

Kirby’s blush evening dress with the

his genuine, humble, and fun sides. We

grapefruit handbag and other accessories

think he has his finger on the pulse of

accentuated and blended with her

what’s next for fashion and believe that

stunning body & skin coloring, creating a

his use of humor to take his company

dazzling silhouette. Ricky Martin’s black

to the next level is the reason he is

tuxedo with navy accents was nothing

triumphant. Our favorite designer is

less than exquisite. Ford is being smart

reminding us that the fashion world is

and progressive. His collaborations

about passionate creativity, enjoyment,

with his many muses during New York

vision and let’s not forget the F word–fun.

Fashion Week and the Emmys this year

END

were smashing.

Ricky Martin

46 Rare Luxury Living

RED CARPET LOOKS EMMY AWARDS 2018

Vanessa Kirby

Justin Timberlake

The Best Medicine

Rare Luxury Living 47

T

50 Rare Luxury Living

Written by: Trystanne Cunningham

he term ‘supermodel’ has lost its relevance these days. In the 70’s, 80s and 90s, supermodels were goddesses! They were legends and superbeings of the fashion world. Featured on every magazine cover with Amazon-like athletic bodies, it was the peak time for supermodels, and they used the limelight to build their brands. With their striking beauty, remarkable intellect, & exceptional silhouettes, these former muses put the word ‘super’ in supermodels. They commanded the spotlight and cameras, and left their mark on the fashion world forever.

ICONIC

SuperMODELS Rare Luxury Living 51

52 Rare Luxury Living

SUPER

ICONIC MODELS

Rare Luxury Living 53

GRACE JONES

G

race Jones was born and raised

Laurent and Helmut Newton. She also made

in Jamaica then New York. After

the covers of ELLE and Vogue magazines.

completing her primary schooling,

During those years, she befriended the likes

Jones studied Spanish and theater. However,

of Giorgio Armani and Karl Lagerfeld.

her rebellious streak gradually developed

Jones’ success as a model soon opened new

and led to her drop out. She moved to New

doors for her, landing her a small role in the

York City the following year and signed with

little-known film Gordon’s War. In 1977,

Wilhelmina Modeling Agency but found

Jones transitioned into the music world when

limited success. So, in 1970, she traveled to

she was signed to Island Records.

Paris to pursue her modeling career.

Working with disco producer Tom Moulter,

In Paris, Jones’ striking, exotic appearance

over the next few years she released three

was greeted much more favorably than it

albums—Portfolio, Fame, and Muse.

had been in New York, and she soon found herself working as a model with some of the top names in fashion, including Yves Saint

54 Rare Luxury Living

Although none of these offerings found any

She abandoned disco for a new-wave–influenced

significant commercial success, Jones’ risqué

sound and adopted a more androgynous look

performances at such notable New York

to accompany it. Produced by Jamaican duo

nightclubs as Studio 54—where she was often

Sly and Robbie, the next two albums that Jones

seen with her friend Andy Warhol—won her a

released are arguably her best known.

devoted following in the city’s gay and art scenes.

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE

When popular music began to change at the dawn of the 1980s, Jones transformed with it.

Rare Luxury Living 55

She performed cover versions of songs by the

Heart was largely ignored.

likes of the Normal, the Pretenders, Roxy Music, In 1992, she had a role in the Eddie Murphy Iggy Pop, and the Police. Warm Leatherette comedy Boomerang, playing a fiercely and Nightclubbing both yielded chart-topping

iconoclastic model named Strangé. Despite her

singles, including the popping “Pull up to the

waning commercial success, Jones has continued

Bumper.” Following the release of the marginally to record, act, and perform. In 2008, she successful album Living My Life, Jones switched released Hurricane, her first full-length album in gears and took her distinctive look to the screen, appearing with Arnold Schwarzenegger in Conan the Destroyer and opposite Roger Moore and Christopher Walken in the James Bond film A View to a Kill.

nearly twenty years.

Jones has also performed with artists as diverse as Luciano Pavarotti and Kylie Minogue, and has been named as a primary influencer for numerous contemporary superstars including

Jones earned a Saturn Award nomination for

Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and Santigold. She has

best supporting actress for both films. Over

been ranked by VH1 as one of the top 100

the next decade, Jones bounced back and

Greatest Women of Rock and Roll. In 2015, she

forth between singing and acting. In 1985,

published a memoir, ironically titled I’ll Never

she released Slave to the Rhythm and the

Write My Memoirs, and is the subject of the

compilation record Island Life. The following

upcoming BBC documentary Grace Jones—The

year, she appeared in the film Vamp and released Musical of My Life. the album Inside Story. Jones’ album Bulletproof 56 Rare Luxury Living

END

ICON

Rare Luxury Living 57

Beverly Johnso

B

everly Johnson, one of the first successful

Mexico City, Mexico.

African-American fashion models, became

After graduating from high school, Johnson moved to

a celebrity from her modeling success in the

Boston, Massachusetts with the intention of becoming

1970s and 1980s. The 5-foot, 9-inch beauty was the

a lawyer. While still a college student, she started mod-

first black woman to appear on the cover of American

eling with the encouragement of friends. In the early

Vogue and French Elle magazines. Over the course of

1970s, she gave up her studies at Northeastern to focus

her career, she was featured on more than 500 mag-

on modeling full time in New York City.

azine covers and in numerous advertising campaigns.

After failing to find an agency that would sign her,

She used her success as a model to launch a second

Johnson went to Glamour Magazine in 1971. She

career as an actress and to become an advocate for

walked into the office and was immediately hired for a

several social issues.

shoot. The issue went on to set record sales. However,

Johnson was born and raised in Buffalo, New York.

after this first big job, she was told to lose weight. She

As a child, she was gawky and tall, and believed her

weighed about 135 pounds at the time, and by not eat-

younger sister was far more beautiful. Johnson even-

ing, got her weight as low as 103 pounds. Johnson built

tually became interested in sports, particularly swim-

on her success, appearing on the cover of Glamour

ming. She won a number of swimming champion-

five more times over the next two years. By the mid-

ships, and nearly made the U.S. national team in the

1970s, she was an in-demand magazine model.

100-yard freestyle for the 1968 Summer Olympics in 58 Rare Luxury Living

One highlight of her career was her appearance as the

Johnson’s acting career took off again in the late 80s,

first African-American cover model for Vogue in the

& 90s. She played Sandra Collins in Down ‘n’ Dirty

United States. She appeared on the August 1974 cov-

and Kit’s mother in the Britney Spears film Crossroads.

er–it became a best-selling issue. She was quoted on

Johnson also worked in television. In 1993, she ap-

the website for clothing line Peter Nygard Signature as

peared in two television movies, The Cover Girl Mur-

saying, “becoming the first African American to grace

ders and a Perry Mason Mystery.

the cover of Vogue magazine in August 1974 was a his-

In the late 1990s, Johnson became an author. She pub-

torical movement in time, the color barrier was broken.”

lished a book called True Beauty: Secrets of Radiant

Johnson again appeared on the cover of Vogue in June

Beauty for Women of Every Age and Color. This work

of 1975.

was a guide to inner and outer beauty targeted at mi-

Johnson broke the color barrier once more in 1975

nority audiences. Johnson wrote it to address self-esteem

for the French edition of Elle. Over the course of her

issues as well as outward appearance topics specific to

career, Johnson has appeared on covers for various

minority women.

magazines, including Cosmopolitan and Essence. But

Throughout her career, Johnson has been very active in

Johnson’s career was not limited to print work.

charity work and speaking out on health issues such as

She has also worked as a runway model for designers

AIDs. Some of her activism is related to her own health

such as Halston and she has appeared in television com-

problems. In 1997, she revealed that she had been suf-

mercials. Johnson was trending at a time when black

fering from panic attacks for many years, beginning in

models were considered hot, and she was regarded as

college. In the early 2000s, Johnson announced that she

the most successful African-American female model

had a hysterectomy she probably did not need.

of the time. Johnson built on her popularity with black

In the late 1990s, after recognizing her contributions to

women by creating her own brand of cosmetics and her

the world of fashion and activism, President Bill Clinton

own doll.

named her goodwill ambassador to the fashion industry.

Johnson’s success in the 1970s transcended race. She

Despite her many ups and downs professionally and

signed with the Ford agency and was one of the high-

personally, Johnson has remained self-assured. She told

est-paid models in the industry, making about $100 per

More Magazine, “I had my midlife crisis at twenty-six.

hour for advertising work and $125 per hour for edito-

It’s the age at which a model starts to feel the pressure

rial modeling. Johnson saw herself as more than just a

of being past her prime. So, while women who are

black model. She told Ted Morgan in New York Times

turning forty or fifty may be feeling it now, I’ve done it

Magazine, “I’ve been in the business for four years.

already.” END

There’s not a model, black or white, who’s done what I’ve done in such a short time. It’s so true, and I think I should say it.”

As Johnson’s modeling career reached its height in the mid-1970s, she wanted to move into acting. To that end, she studied with Lee Strasberg, a well-known acting teacher. Her future in feature films looked bright. She appeared in several films in the late 1970s, including Deadly Hero, The Baron, and Ashanti.

Rare Luxury Living 59

IMAN I

man, the most sought-after fashion mod-

There, Iman thrived. “I was a very nerdy child,”

el of the 1970s and 1980s, also became a

she told husband David Bowie when he inter-

successful business executive in the 90s with

viewed her for Interview in 1994. “I never fit

her own line of cosmetics. She helped transform

in, so I became laboriously studious.” She later

fashion into entertainment and models into per-

married rock star David Bowie and became a

sonalities. Iman’s mother, a gynecologist, gave her mother for the second time at the age of 44 in the daughter the name Iman (which translates from

summer of 2000.

Arabic as “faith’) with the hope that this would

The enigmatic entrepreneur and social activist

better prepare her for the challenges she would

has broken many boundaries in her lifetime. She

face as a female in Muslim East Africa. Her

broadened the definition of beauty with her stun-

parents agreed that their daughter should be sent

ning, exotic looks. She made earthiness sensual.

to a private Catholic school for girls, which was considered more progressive than the standard Islamic education available to young females in the 1960s.

60 Rare Luxury Living

In 1973, Iman was 18 and a student of polit- that day. “I had never seen Vogue. I didn’t ical science at the University of Nairobi. She

read fashion magazines, I read Time and

held three jobs and also worked as a transla-

Newsweek.”

tor to help pay her tuition costs. Photogra-

But, when Beard offered to pay her, she

pher Peter Beard, a well-known figure in the

reconsidered, and asked for the amount due

fashion world, saw her one day on the street

to the college for her tuition–$8,000. Beard

and was captivated by her long neck, high

agreed. Beard shot rolls of film of Iman

forehead, and gamine grace.

that day and took them back to New York

He began following her, and finally ap-

with him. He then spent four months trying

proached her to ask if she had ever been

to convince his ‘discovery’ to move to New

photographed. “The first thing I thought

York and begin modeling professionally.

was he wanted me for prostitution of naked

Continued Next Page

pictures,” Iman recalled laughingly about

Rare Luxury Living 61

A fluent speaker of five languages, this beauty

“You earn an extraordinary amount of mon-

signed to the modeling agency Wilhelmina.

ey almost for nothing at a very young age,”

Iman began her career on haute-couture run-

Iman reminisced. “I’d spend all this money

ways and in the pages of fashion magazines.

to take the Concorde to Paris for a party and

She was instantly a favorite with designers

then come back. And I didn’t do it just once.

and editors alike and was one of first models

[Modeling] doesn’t prepare a young girl for

in her day to be successful in both print and

the future.”

on the runway.

Over the years, Iman made several film

French couturier Yves Saint Laurent even

appearances, but the big screen failed to fully

devoted a collection to her, “The African

capture her grace and energy. In 1992, she

Queen,” which later resulted in one of the

found a worthier outlet for her talents when

most famous images of her career–a shot of

she convinced the British Broadcasting Cor-

her striding down a Paris runway in a Thierry poration (BBC) to let her take a documentary Mugler design with a leashed leopard at her

film crew to Somalia, which had been rav-

side. She led an admittedly jet-set life, as she

aged by war, drought, and famine.

told the Washington Post, and often squandered her earnings.

62 Rare Luxury Living

Iman decided that her status as Somalia’s most famous

Iman is the first to say that her ability to age gracefully

expatriate could be leveraged to help raise awareness

goes much deeper than just the physical. The ex-

of the tragedies occurring there and bring in more

catwalker has continued to show her staying power in

international aid. As she explained to People writer

the fashion world, racking up accolades like CFDA’s

Ron Arias, she set out determined to “let the Somali

Fashion Icon award, and has a mantra for that as well.

people speak for themselves. People get numbed when

“I’ve always lived by the philosophy that in a world

they see picture after picture, year in and year out, of

full of trends, I want to remain a classic,” she said.

people starving. I wanted to show that they are not a

Remaining a ‘classic’ means pulling out a vintage

nation of beggars—that culture, religion, music and

Yves Saint Laurent tuxedo from her closet and always

hope are still there.”

having an Hermès bag in hand.

In 1990, Iman moved to Los Angeles, where friends

“True style is like a great black-and-white picture: it

introduced her to the English rock legend David

never looks dated”. END

Bowie. They were wed in Lausanne, Switzerland on April 24, 1992, and were remarried in an Italian church two months later. Initially, their relationship seemed improbable to many, and it was even suspected to be some sort of publicity stunt, but Iman and Bowie have proved to be one of the more enduring rock/ fashion couples of the modern age. Sadly, their love story ended in 2016 when Bowie died after a longfought battle with cancer. They were married for 24 years.

“True style is like a great black-and-white picture: it never looks dated”.

IMAN

Rare Luxury Living 63

Cindy Crawford

C

ynthia Ann Crawford, was born in

She enrolled in Chicago’s Northwestern Univer-

DeKalb, Illinois. Beginning in the

sity to pursue a degree in chemical engineering,

1980s and continuing through the

but her academic career proved short-lived when,

1990s, Cindy Crawford was America’s most

during her freshman year, she left college to pur-

celebrated fashion model and one of the most

sue modeling. Her entrance into the tough, com-

famous in the world, embodying the rise of the

petitive world of high fashion was eased when she

supermodel as a late-twentieth-century cultural

won the “Look of the Year” contest held by the

phenomenon.

Elite Modeling Agency in 1982. Within months,

Although there had been star models in previous

the statuesque five-foot-nine-and-a-half, 130-lb

decades, they did not sustain prolonged main-

model was featured on the cover of Vogue.

stream recognition. Crawford no longer merely

The widespread appeal of Crawford lay in the

posed as a nameless face on magazine covers, cal-

way her looks appealed to both men and women.

endars, and fashion runways but rather, became

Her superb body, with its classic 34B-24-35 mea-

a celebrity whose fame rivaled that of movie stars

surements, attracted men. While her all-Ameri-

and rock musicians. Crawford stood at the fore-

can looks and trademark facial mole seemed to

front of the supermodel insurgence.

go against the seemingly unattainable ideal of

Although she found fame through her physical

perfect beauty; thus, she was an inspiration, not a

appearance, the brown-haired, brown-eyed Craw- threat to women. Furthermore, her athletic phyford first distinguished herself through her intel-

sique contrasted distinctly against many of the

lectual attributes. She was a fine student and class

slenderer models.

valedictorian at her high school.

66 Rare Luxury Living

Crawford stepped off the restrictive pedestal of

The opening of the Fashion Café theme

a celebrity mannequin or a glamorous cover

restaurant in the mid-1990s marked the height

girl when she began to assert her personality

of the supermodel sensation sparked by Craw-

before the public. She gave interviews in which

ford. The café’s association with Crawford and

she discussed her middle-class childhood, her

other high-profile models revealed the extent

parents’ divorce, and the trauma of her broth-

to which the supermodel had become a major

er’s death from leukemia. These confessions

figure in American culture. By the end of the

humanized her image and made her approach-

20th century, Cindy Crawford was still the best

able. She went on to host MTV’s House of

known of these celebrities due to the combina-

Style, a talk show that stressed fashion and al-

tion of her wholesomely erotic image and her

lowed her to conduct interviews that connected

professional diversification.

with a younger market. The Cindy Crawford

In the book Becoming by Cindy Crawford and

phenomenon continued with her involvement

Katherine O’Leary and published by Rizzoli,

in fitness videos, TV specials, commercial en-

Crawford looks back at pivotal moments in

dorsements, and film.

her life and career, sharing engaging stories of

After Crawford’s arrival, it was not uncom-

her professional and personal evolution and

mon to see models promoting a vast array of

the lessons she learned along the way. The

products beyond just fashion and cosmetics.

book utilizes 150 stunning and iconic images

Crawford herself signed a multi-million-dol-

of Crawford, as well as never-before-published

lar deal to promote Pepsi, alongside her more

photographs from her personal archive.

END

conventional endorsement with Revlon. Her status was so high that ABC invited her to host a special on teen sex issues with the provocative title Sex with Cindy Crawford.

Rare Luxury Living 67

TRINITY

68 Rare Luxury Living

TOP FOUR

“We Don’t Get Out Of Bed For Less Than Ten Thousand Dollars A Day” Linda Evangeslista Rare Luxury Living 69

NAOMI CAMPBELL 70 Rare Luxury Living

N

aomi Campbell, born in

While the exquisitely exotic, leggy

London, is the daughter

supermodel began her career on the

of a Jamaican-born

catwalk, she quickly segued to high-

dancer. Campbell attended Dunraven

profile advertising campaigns for such

School and the London Academy

fashion icons as Ralph Lauren and

for Performing Arts before studying

Francois Nars. Campbell has also posed

at Italia Conti Academy stage school

for more erotic fare, including Playboy

and appearing in music videos for Bob

magazine and Madonna’s book Sex.

Marley and Culture Club. She then

In addition to modeling, Campbell has

signed with Synchro modeling agency

pursued acting and music careers, the

at age 15.

latter of which has been particularly

One of the world’s most renowned

successful in Japan. Her singing career

supermodels, Naomi Campbell was

peaked with the hit song “Love and

the first black woman to appear on the

Tears” and her debut album, Baby

covers of French and British Vogue and

Woman, sold over 1 million copies.

the first black model to appear on the cover of Time.

Campbell has appeared in several music videos

show for the Australian television market.

and films, including Cool As Ice and Miami

Campbell has further demonstrated her acting

Rhapsody. She is the co-author of the novel

skills with a role on the hit American drama

Swan and has published a self-titled photo

Empire, which debuted in 2015. The show stars

book. An ambitious businesswoman, Campbell

Terrence Howard as music mogul Lucious Lyon

founded the spin-off company NC Connect, and

who must decide who takes over his business

created her own perfume line.

after his death. Campbell was offered the part of

In addition to being an in-demand model,

Camilla, the lover of Lucious’s son Hakeem.

Campbell has branched out into television,

She is active in promoting the welfare of

developing her own reality series, The Face.

children in Africa and has worked with Nelson

Launched in 2013, the show features a group of

Mandela since 1997. END

aspiring models competing against each other.

Campbell serves as a coach and producer for the program. She has also created a version of the

Rare Luxury Living 71

LINDA EVANGELISTA

L

inda Evangelista was born in

It was only after graduating from high school

Ontario, Canada near Niagara Falls

and listening to the advice of her mother that

and began modeling in her early

Evangelista decided to give modeling another

teens after landing catalog work for a local

try.

department store. When Evangelista was 16, a

In 1984, Evangelista moved to New York in

talent scout from the Elite New York Agency

hopes of restarting her career. She bumped

spotted the young model at the Miss Teen

along for the next several years doing what

Niagara Contest.

she later described as fairly mediocre work.

Modest work soon came her way, including

Then, in the fall of 1988, on the advice of

a few international opportunities, but

photographer Peter Lindbergh, Evangelista

Evangelista’s modeling career nearly came to

famously cut her long, light-brown hair into a

a screeching halt after she was asked to pose

short bob. This new look shocked the fashion

nude at a shoot in Japan. She refused, called

world and organizers canceled 16 out of the

the Canadian embassy to fly her home, and

20 shows she was scheduled to do.

was ready to give up modeling work for good.

72 Rare Luxury Living

But then, something funny happened. Everyone

In 1997, Evangelista received a special lifetime

started talking about her new look, and with that

achievement award at the VH1 Fashion and

notoriety came new work. Soon, as Evangelista

Music Awards. In addition, MTV ranked

later recalled, she had “every Vogue cover around

Evangelista second in its list of top models of the

the world…and then people came around and

1990s. After briefly retiring from the catwalk in

decided they liked the short hair.”

1998, Evangelista returned to modeling in 2001.

As one of the world’s most recognized faces,

She’s continued to work well into her forties. In

Evangelista wasn’t immune from becoming a bit

2012, she appeared on the cover of Italian Vogue.

of a diva. In 1990, she uttered a line that went

Her ‘wake-up’ quote even ended up getting a

down in the annals of fashion history when she

workout in the movie Mr. & Mrs. Smith, except

said that models like herself don’t get out of

that Brad Pitt changed it to not waking up for less

bed for less than $10,000 a day. The comment

than half a million. Touchè.

END

certainly earned plenty of groans, but it did little to diminish her stature in the modeling world.

Rare Luxury Living 73

CHRISTY TURLINGTON

C

hristy Turlington is a model and

One of her first major campaigns was

philanthropist born in Walnut

for Calvin Klein and she continued to

Creek, California. Turlington’s

work with the brand for roughly two

father is European-American and her

decades. Declared by the Metropolitan

mother is from El Salvador. She grew up in

Museum of Art as the “Face of the 20th

the San Francisco Bay Area with her sisters,

Century,” Turlington was considered

Erin and Kelly. Her mother worked as a

part of the supermodels clique of the

flight attendant.

1990s, which included Naomi Campbell,

Turlington was only 14 years old when a

Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer, and

photographer asked to take her photo while

Linda Evangelista. She, Campbell, and

she was horseback riding. The photo landed Evangelista were sometimes referred to in the hands of a modeling scout and, two

as the ‘trinity’ of models during this era.

years later, she joined the Ford Modeling

The trio even appeared together in singer

Agency. Turlington soon became one of the

George Michaels’ music video “Freedom.”

country’s most successful models.

74 Rare Luxury Living

In the mid-1990s, Turlington returned to

Turlington is an advocate of health and

school. She attended New York University

humanitarian issues. She is outspoken as an

where she earned a bachelor’s degree. To this

anti-smoking activist after her father died of

day, Turlington remains an in-demand model.

lung cancer. In 2010, she also brought awareness

She is a spokesperson for Maybelline cosmetics

to the topic of maternal health when she

line as well as a brand ambassador for Imedeen

directed and debuted No Woman, No Cry, a

supplements. Turlington still appears in fashion

documentary that explores maternal health

magazines as well.

around the world. Around this time, she co-

Off the runway, Turlington has explored many

founded Every Mother Counts, a non-profit

different business ventures over the years. She

organization that aims to educate people on

was the co-founder of Fashion Café along

maternal mortality.Turlington has been married

with Naomi Campbell and Claudia Schiffer.

to actor-filmmaker Edward Burns since 2003.

She branched into skincare with Sundari, an

Turlington and Burns have two children together.

ayurvedic skincare line. A devoted fan of running Her sister Kelly is married to Burns’ brother and yoga, she also developed an active women’s

Brian Burns.

END

clothing line for Puma. Turlington appeared in the fashion films Catwalk, Unzipped, and Pret-aPorter.

Rare Luxury Living 75

CLAUDIA SCHIFFER

C

laudia Schiffer grew up along with her

Schiffer was sure it was all a fluke. “After I was

two brothers and sister in a close-knit,

discovered, and did the test shots, I was sure that

well-to-do family in the Dusseldorf

they would realize they had made a mistake and

suburbs. By her own account, Schiffer was a shy

send me back.” There had been no mistake.

and awkward teenager; painfully conscious of her

Not long after her first runway shows, the lanky

5-foot, 11-inch height, skinny build, and status as

blonde was chosen by designer Karl Lagerfeld to

the daughter of a prominent and wealthy family.

be the face of the famous Chanel line. She then

“I wasn’t a star,” she has said of her school days.

starred in a global campaign for Guess Jeans,

“There were other girls who were the stars, who

catapulting her to worldwide super stardom.

were the ones everybody thought were beautiful,

Schiffer would eventually appear on the covers of

the ones everybody wanted to go out with. I had

more than 500 magazines. She walked every major

my friends, but I was never 100-percent part of

designer runway at the time and became nearly

them, because I was so different.”

omnipresent in marketing campaigns.

It then came as a huge shock to the 17-year-old

Schiffer gives credit to her family for her business

when she was approached at a Dusseldorf disco by

sense.

a modeling scout who convinced Schiffer’s parents to let her go to Paris in 1987 to try out modeling.

78 Rare Luxury Living

“I had a good start because my family was

endorsements.

behind me,” she said. “Some girls just starting

Schiffer also tried her hand at acting, hosting

out make the wrong choices because they have to television specials, and taking bit parts in movies, do those things to make money. I was able to say,

with varying degrees of success. Just months

let’s have fun, do things I like to do. And they

before her 40th birthday, Schiffer won the Elle

turned out to be the right things.”

Style Awards trophy for Model of the Year.

Beneath her angelic looks, Schiffer was, as Karl

Today, she has the freedom to be as choosy as

Lagerfeld said, “all work, very serious, essentially

she likes with her projects, but isn’t ready to

a smooth-running German business machine.”

retire just yet. “The most important thing is that

As a result, she became a key member of the

you take the profession very seriously, because it

well-paid, universally recognized supermodels

is a business,” Schiffer said of her approach to

who enjoyed this elite status. For a time, Schiffer

modeling.

END

was the highest-paid model in the world, commanding fees as high as $50,000 a day and earning millions more through licensing and

Rare Luxury Living 79

AMBER VALLETTA

A

mber Valletta was born in Phoenix and

After acting in films such as Hitch, Premonition,

raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Her father

and Gamer, Valletta starred in Keith Urban’s music

is of Italian and Portuguese descent,

video for the song “Blue Ain’t Your Color.” She

and her mother is part Cherokee. She got her start

also starred in Fergie’s music video for the song

in the fashion industry when her mother enrolled

“M.I.L.F.$.”

her in modeling school at the age of 15 at the

Valletta also serves as a spokesperson for Oceana’s

Linda Layman Agency. Valletta, along with Kate

Seafood Contamination Campaign, where she

Moss, was one of the most recognizable faces of

brings awareness to the dangers of mercury

the generation immediately following the original

poisoning in various seafoods. The decision to join

supermodels.

Oceana’s campaign was prompted by the mercury-

During the 1990s, she appeared 13 times on the

poisoning experience of a friend and the fact that

cover of American Vogue, second only to Claudia

she is a mother of one. END

Schiffer’s 16. On the November 1999 Millennium cover of American Vogue, she was presented as one of the “Modern Muses.”

Valletta continues to work as a fashion model, most recently closing the Versace Autumn/Winter 2017 fashion show. Valletta’s first role was in the comedy film Drop Back Ten. Later that year, she played a supporting role in the thriller film What Lies Beneath, starring Harrison Ford and Michelle Pfeiffer.

80 Rare Luxury Living

KATE MOSS

K

ate Moss, born in London, England,

The advertisements featured her partially nude body,

has created quite a stir in the modeling

putting her slight figure on display.

world. Moss started working young after

During her career, she has appeared on the cover of

being discovered at the age of 14 in JFK airport.

more than 300 magazines. Moss has also starred in

She appeared on the cover of a British magazine

advertising campaigns for many of the top fashion

the next year–her first cover shot and an important

houses including Chanel and Christian Dior. She

career milestone for any model.

received a Fashion Icon award from the Council of

Featured in the 1993 advertising campaign for

Fashion Designers of America in June 2005.

designer Calvin Klein’s scent Obsession, Moss

In addition to her clothing line, Moss began selling

became even more famous and sought-after as a

her own brand of perfume called Kate in 2007. She

model.

added a second scent, Velvet Hour, the following year, and another, Love Blossoms, soon followed.

Outside of the fashion world, she’s become an icon of pop culture, appearing in numerous rock videos by such artists such as The White Stripes, Elton John, and Marianne Faithful. Her vocals can be heard on recordings by Oasis and The Lemonheads.

END

Rare Luxury Living 81

ELLE MACPHERSON

E

lle Macpherson was born Eleanor

But by the mid-1990s, she had turned her

Nancy Gow in Sydney, Australia.

attention to acting. She appeared in several

Nicknamed “The Body,” the six-foot-

films, including Sirens, Batman and Robin, and

tall Macpherson is one of a handful of figures

most recently A Girl Thing, a miniseries for

credited with putting the “super” in the word

the Showtime Network. She has also appeared

supermodel.

in episodes of the hit TV sitcom Friends. Her

After a brief stint studying law at Sydney

personal line of lingerie, Elle Macpherson

University, Macpherson was discovered while on

Intimates, is the top selling brand in Australia.END

a ski vacation in Aspen, Colorado. A contract with Click Model Management soon followed.

Like so many of her contemporaries, the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition was her springboard to public fame. The powerful, athletic Macpherson graced four SI covers. In addition to appearances in the mainstay publications of the modeling world, Macpherson built on her SI success and negotiated contracts with Victoria’s Secret and Playboy. For her work in the latter, she netted a whopping $25,000 per page. The spread was ten pages long.

She has also marketed a series of her own photo calendars and starred in a successful fitness video. In 1995, People Magazine included her in its “50 Most Beautiful People” issue.

82 Rare Luxury Living

GISELE BUNDCHEN

G

isele Bündchen is one of the world’s most

She has worked for many leading designers.

famous models. Known for her high

Bündchen made headlines in 2000 when she landed

cheekbones, golden hair and shapely

an impressive $25 million contract with Victoria’s

curves, she is one of five sisters–arriving into the

Secret, the popular lingerie company. That same

world just minutes ahead of her fraternal twin.

year, Bündchen was named “The Most Beautiful

Growing up, Bündchen was teased for being tall and

Girl in the World” by Rolling Stone magazine.

skinny, but these attributes would eventually help her By 2004, Bündchen had become the highest-paid launch her modeling career.

model in the world, according to Forbes Magazine.

Bündchen was spotted by a modeling agent at a

She made an attempt at a film career around this

fast-food restaurant. After some initial resistance,

time, appearing in the film Taxi with Queen Latifah

the teenage beauty decided to try modeling. She

and Jimmy Fallon. Two years later, Bündchen

began working in Brazil and debuted on the

appeared in the fashion dramedy The Devil Wears

catwalk at New York City’s fashion week in 1996.

Prada, starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway.

The following year, she moved to New York City.

Bündchen decided to end her relationship with

Bündchen caught one of her first big breaks around

Victoria’s Secret in 2007, but continued to be a

this time, when designer Alexander McQueen chose

sought-after model. In 2012, Bündchen again made

her for his runway show.

waves by appearing nude in Vogue Paris magazine,

By the late 1990s, Bündchen had become an in-

showing the world that she was still one of the

demand model, gracing the covers of Vogue and

sexiest models of the day.

other fashion magazines around the world.

Outside of modeling, Bündchen is a supporter of numerous charities and causes. She has a line of sandals and uses proceeds from these sales for the Gisele Bündchen Forest in Brazil. In 2008, Bündchen launched a water conservation and plant recovery effort called Agua Limpa in her home town of Rio Grande do Sul. She has also served as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme. END

Rare Luxury Living 83

Alexandra Mor

HEIDI KLUM

H

eidi Klum was born in North Rhine-

Making the jump to the big screen, Klum

Westphalia, Germany, and started

appeared in the hairdressing comedy Blow Dry

her modeling career at the age of 18

with Alan Rickman, Josh Hartnett, Natasha

after winning a contest. Before this win, Klum

Richardson, and Rachael Leigh Cook. A

had planned on becoming a designer.

few more roles followed in such films as Ella

After moving to New York, she landed work with

Enchanted and The Life and Death of Peter

Victoria’s Secret. She reached supermodel status

Sellers. For the Peter Sellers biopic, Klum

after appearing on the cover of the 1998 Sports

portrayed another famous beauty, Ursula

Illustrated Swimsuit issue. Known for years as

Andress.

a leading model, Klum has become a popular

Klum stunned many by returning to modeling

television host and a successful businesswoman.

less than two months after her son’s birth,

Exploring other opportunities, Klum branched

looking fabulous on the runway of the nationally

out into acting. One of her early roles was a

televised Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.

guest appearance on the political sitcom Spin City with Michael J. Fox. 86 Rare Luxury Living

On the professional front, Klum helped

In addition to Project Runway, Klum serves

develop a competitive reality television

as the host of the reality show Germany’s

series about fashion designers called Project

Next Top Model.

Runway. She also became the show’s host in

Klum has achieved her early dreams of

addition to serving as one of the executive

becoming a designer with her own jewelry

producers. Project Runway soon became

line, lingerie collection, and a series of shoes

a huge hit. The show has received several

she created for Birkenstock. Additionally, she

consecutive Emmy Award nominations

has helped with a clothing line for Jordache

for Outstanding Reality Competition

Jeans and has served as a spokesmodel for the

Program. The series also won the Emmy

company.

END

for Outstanding Picture Editing for Reality Programming in 2009, and Klum won an Emmy in 2013 under the Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program category.

Rare Luxury Living 87

TYRA BANKS

T

yra Banks, while still in high school, landed a

The show, with more than 20 seasons under its belt,

contract with Elite Model Management, the

continues to draw enormous television audiences.

largest modeling agency in the world. Later

Banks then expanded into daytime television with her

that year, she shot her first print piece for Seventeen

own talk show, The Tyra Show, in 2005. The show’s

magazine. After graduating from high school in 1991,

most famous moment came in February 2007, shortly

Banks decided to forego college when Elite offered to

after several unflattering pictures of Banks in a bathing

send her to Paris for high-fashion runway modeling.

suit surfaced in tabloid magazines. Banks marched

Banks rose swiftly through the ranks of fashion

onstage wearing the same bathing suit and told critics

modeling to become one of the world’s top

to “kiss my fat ass!” She picked up a Daytime Emmy

supermodels. In addition to her modeling, Banks began Award in 2008 for her work on the show. pursuing an acting career in the 1990s. She made her

Banks has launched a style and beauty website called

screen debut in 1993 with a seven-episode stint on The

TypeF.com. She also enrolled at Harvard Business

Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and enjoyed a prominent role

School, completing a special course for CEOs and

in the 1995 drama Higher Learning. In 2000, Banks

other top executives in early 2012. The model-turned-

appeared in a trio of popular films: Love & Basketball,

entertainment-mogul has since founded the TYRA

Coyote Ugly, and the made-for-television movie

Beauty cosmetics line.

Life Size. Her later TV work included appearances

Banks is active in a number of social and charitable

in Gossip Girl and Glee.

causes. One of her personal missions has been to

In 2003, Banks ventured into the world of reality TV

help young women deal with self-esteem issues. Banks

when she created, produced, and hosted the UPN

funded a scholarship to help young black women

show America’s Next Top Model. The show, which pits

attend her alma mater, the private Immaculate Heart

aspiring models against each other in a competition

High School in Los Angeles. She has also written a

for the label of America’s Next Top Model, was UPN’s

book, Tyra’s Beauty Inside & Out, aimed at inspiring

highest-rated show through its first six seasons. In

young women.

2006, Top Model was chosen to headline the newly

END

created CW television network.

88 Rare Luxury Living

MOLLY SIMS

M

olly Sims, a native of Murray, KY,

Sims also hosted Lifetime’s competition series

attended Vanderbilt University with

Project Accessory, an eight-episode, hour-long

aspirations of becoming a lawyer

series with 12 aspiring artists vying to break new

until her roommate urged her to submit several

ground in the world of accessories. Sims’ acting

photos to modeling agencies in New York. Before

career soared after she landed the coveted role as

she knew it, NEXT Models had signed Sims.

host of MTV’s House of Style. In addition to this

Shortly thereafter, she was gracing the covers

contract, Sims gained even more recognition after

of hundreds of magazines, working with some

signing an exclusive, multi-year agreement with

of the most prestigious photographers in the

CoverGirl Cosmetics, joining an elite group of

fashion world. She is, perhaps, most recognized

spokeswomen.

for her cover of the internationally renowned

Furthermore, the Southern beauty received just

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue in 2001.Sims

as much attention and admiration for her four

is often noted for her savvy sense of style, but

consecutive years of sultry images in the Sports

she is expanding her list of credentials with her

Illustrated Swimsuit issue. Although her full-time

upcoming book, Everyday Chic.

residence is now in Los Angeles, Sims spends as

As an actress, Sims successfully transitioned

much time possible in New York City, the place she

from supermodel to thespian by playing the

considers her second home. In her free time, she

manipulative Delinda Deline for 5 seasons on

enjoys hanging out with friends, hiking, yoga, and

NBC’s hit television series, Las Vegas. In addition

spending time with her family. END

to her successful television career, Sims has also appeared on the silver screen in feature films including the 2008 hit, Yes Man starring Jim Carrey, Fired Up with John Michael Higgins, The Benchwarmers, and Starsky & Hutch.

Rare Luxury Living 89

MILA JOVOVICH

M

illa Jovovich was born in Kiev,

After a brief hiatus from acting, Jovovich gave a

Ukraine. Her parents, a Serbian

breakthrough performance in the 1996 science-

doctor and a Russian actress,

fiction film The Fifth Element, directed by Luc

moved the family to Sacramento, California

Besson. Jovovich performed alongside Bruce

when Jovovich was 5 years old. There, she began

Willis and Gary Oldman, playing Leeloo, an

modeling at a young age. One of her earliest

orange-haired, genetically engineered woman

appearances was in a Revlon advertisement, shot

with supernatural powers and revealing

by legendary photographer Richard Avedon.

costumes. She worked again with Besson in the

She posed for her first magazine cover, the

historical drama The Messenger, the story of

Italian fashion magazine Lei, at the age of 11.

Joan of Arc, and took roles in films ranging from

Soon after, Jovovich entered a career in film.

Spike Lee’s He Got Game to art-house thriller

She landed her first major part at the age of 15,

The Million Dollar Hotel to the Ben Stiller

playing the female lead in Return to the Blue

comedy Zoolander.

Lagoon. She also played smaller, memorable

Jovovich is also the star of the Resident Evil

roles, including Charlie Chaplin’s child-bride in

franchise, a science-fiction series based on a

Chaplin and a guitar-playing hippie in Dazed

popular Japanese video game. Her fight for

and Confused.

survival continues in the four follow-up films.

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Though Jovovich has made her mark as an

She continues to release recordings online.

action heroine, she has also appeared in

From 2003 to 2008, she teamed up with

dramatic films, including A Perfect Getaway

Carmen Hawk to design the women’s fashion

and Stone. Meanwhile, she has continued

line Jovovich-Hawk, which was well-received

her modeling career, representing global

by the fashion world. She is also an active

cosmetics brand L’Oréal, as well as several

member of several philanthropic groups,

major designers. Jovovich has long balanced

including The Foundation for AIDS Research

her acting and modeling with other interests.

and the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. END

A singer-songwriter, she released her debut album, The Divine Comedy, when she was 18.

Rare Luxury Living 91

Digi tal Wo r l d ZHI

MARGOT

94 Rare Luxury Living

V irtual

Supermodels

SHUDU

Creatively Inspired by: Trystanne Cunningham

Rare Luxury Living 95

96 Rare Luxury Living

She’s

Wilson, Shudu

was forced to reveal the truth.

is a product of 3D imaging

He admitted that she was a

and Wilson’s imagination. With

figment of his imagination and

her flawless skin, long limbs,

updated Shudu’s Instagram bio

stunningly beautiful and has more

and artfully curated Instagram

to clarify that she isn’t human.

than 147k Instagram followers and

account, Shudu has been making

It now reads, “World’s First

counting. But Shudu isn’t your

waves online for months. Her

Digital Supermodel.” Speaking

average Insta-famous model. In

profile skyrocketed after Fenty

to Harper’s Bazaar, Wilson said

fact, she’s completely fake.

Beauty reposted a photo of her

Shudu was simply a way for him to

Created by London-based

“modeling” its Saw-C lipstick.

express his creativity.

photographer and extremely

Soon enough, people began to

CONTINUED NEXT PAGE

talented digital artist and

question whether she was just

photographer Cameron-James

a little too perfect and Wilson Rare Luxury Living 97

One glance at her pictures is enough to make you

a painter, albeit, with an imaginary woman as his

double take. she has pores, errant eyebrow hairs, tiny subject. little wrinkles, and a generally human-like vibe! But

“I had never really considered hashtags as something

how and why did all this happen?

very personal to people—I thought you throw them

Shudu was designed to be in her mid- to late-20s

on anything,” Wilson admits. “I made a point to

and from South Africa. Her name, popular with the

change them and to make my hashtags very specific

Ndebele people of that country, was chosen by an

to what Shudu is about. Now, they’re all very much

early follower from the area who messaged Wilson to 3D and CGI.” congratulate him on his realistic portrayal.

“If we want to talk about robots taking away jobs,

Shudu, “the world’s first digital supermodel,” a

and I think that’s important, I think we need to look

character by visual artist Cameron-James Wilson

more at everyday jobs that are going,” he says.

Currently has 146k followers on Instagram—

Wilson uses software called Daz-3D to create his

impressive for an account that only has 31 posts to

images. “It’s not taken very seriously in the digital

date and...oh right, doesn’t feature a real person.

industry, because it’s seen as much more of a

But Shudu presents as a dark-skinned woman, and

hobbyist program,” Wilson says. “But I think it’s a

her creator, Wilson, a former photographer who has

very, very powerful tool.”

shot with models such as Gigi Hadid, is a 28-year-

The process of creating a character from scratch

old man from the U.K.

requires meticulous attention to detail. “I start with

Since he came forward in February 2018 as Shudu’s

a standard model with very, very blank features—

creator, Wilson has received understandable

almost like a mannequin,” Wilson explains. “You

backlash over his account. The press has criticized

work from there to add features [like specific nose

him for the ideas that Shudu could take away work

and eye shapes] and make subtle changes to create

from real models of color, that she’s a way to work

a character. You can change absolutely every aspect

with black women without “working with” black

of this featureless base to create some really, really

women, and that it’s wrong in the first place for him,

beautiful and striking characteristics.”

a white man, to represent a black woman online or

This process can take as long as two or three days.

to profit from her.

“After you’ve built your character, you then have to

Speaking to Cosmopolitan.com, Wilson admitted

paint them—it’s called texturizing. You can add skin

that there were problems in the way he initially

and things like that,” Wilson says.

represented Shudu, including peppering her posts

Adding makeup is similar to painting skin. For this

with culturally appropriative hashtags he originally

project, we asked Sir John, who has worked with

used to boost her following.

Khloé Kardashian, Chrissy Teigen, and Beyoncé,

He claims he’s never actually profited from Shudu

to create a beauty look specifically for Shudu—he

and that his only goal is to bring more diversity to

focused on a modern, fresh, and bright look in pink

the fashion and gaming spaces. He sees himself as

tones to pop against her dark skin tone.

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“I take Sir John’s sketch and Shudu’s face

Wilson sees CGI modeling as a future avenue

texture, and I start to paint onto the skin,

for real-life models to book multiple gigs at the

following the face chart and the makeup,”

same time or to save time and physical work for

Wilson describes the process. “It’s on a flat

jobs that pay more.

surface, so it looks very strange.”

In Wilson’s version of the future, the new

For the purposes of this beauty shoot, Wilson

generation of supermodels could get their

kept the background minimal—just a simple,

whole body scanned, and, after agreeing to

bright orange—so he could keep the focus on

appear in an ad or an editorial shoot, an entity

Shudu’s gorgeous skin and makeup.

could “pose” and “style” her digital form to

“The most difficult aspect in getting Shudu

fit their needs, according to a contract. Wilson

right is often the finer details. Things like the

believes this even has the potential to extend

eyes are very, very difficult,” he says. “You don’t

models’ careers past their heydays.

realize that so, so much of what makes us look

“The famous quote is, ‘I wouldn’t get out of

alive is there in the eyes and how they reflect the bed for less than $10,000 a day,’” Wilson says. light. You have to constantly be adapting and

“What if you didn’t even have to get out of bed

changing little things just to make sure that they

at all?” END

look real.”

And voilà—a very real-looking image of a very fake person!

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Creatiely Inspired by: Trystanne Cunningham

MASKED

T

here are two kinds of people when it comes to Halloween: those who have had their costume picked out and ready to go since Labor Day and those who check the calendar and say “oh, Hal-

loween is tomorrow. I need a costume.”

It doesn’t matter if you’re a Halloween enthusiast or throwing something together last-minute on Halloween Eve–makeup can help you out. Nailing the perfect makeup with your costume can elevate it to the next level or it can simply be your entire costume. Either way, it’s a lifesaver.

Whether you’re into faux flesh wounds or partial to a look with glitter and glam, a lot of effort and makeup goes into creating a killer Halloween costume. Here are our top picks for this year’s most amazing Halloween makeup.

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THE BOWIE - Let’s face it, our fascination with the Ziggy Stardust-era Bowie will never ever die.

Makeup by @sarahmcgbeauty

WAKANDA FOREVER - The world will be transformed into a living, breathing Wakanda on Halloween night, thanks to the brilliance that was Black Panther. Recreate the warrior vibes with white dots lining your forehead and eyes and a white stripe down the middle of your lip.

Makeup by @Timaloveslemons

Branch out from her iconic looks in The Seven Year Itch or Gentlemen Prefer Blonds. If you’re going to portray Marilyn Monroe this year, take a graphic, pop-art approach instead.

Don’t forget the iconic red lips!

Makeup by @kris.giff Rare Luxury Living 105

THE CRAZY CLOWN - We’re still having nightmares from the one time we saw It, but that doesn’t mean you can’t put your own spin on the creepy clown trope with some smeared eyeliner and overdrawn lipstick. Makeup by @ida_elina

THE RAVER - A sentient rainbow, a lost Burning Man attendee or whoever else you decide.

Makeup by @kimberleymargarita_

The OOMPA LOOMPA - We’re not sure what the highlight of this costume is—the green and yellow eyeshadow, the white eyebrows, or the tangerine skin? Regardless, make sure you have some good makeup-removing face wash on hand when the night ends.

Makeup by @ahitsrosa

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THE SULTRY FAIRY - This glittery fairy stands out with her stars and shimmering attributes. She certainly gets a shiny gold star from us.

Makeup by: Unknown

THE MODERN MAD HATTER - The intertwined tulle in her hair makes this costume amazing with those statement earrings and gigantic lashes. Makeup by: Unknown

THE BLOODY QUEEN OF HEARTS The perfectly drawn, shimmering, dusty blue hearts on her lids are an eye grabber–no pun intended.

Makeup by: Unknown

Rare Luxury Living 107

TECHIE The “Clueless” app Puts your Entire

Wardrobe Online

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Your Closet At Your

Fingertips

Written by: Jannely Espinal

B

rooklyn Decker is the creator of the Finery

occasions, such as birthday parties, weddings, and

app, bringing users the Clueless closet

graduations. The app fills a gap in the fashion

to their phones. This app is fashion and

industry and is your personal styling assistant when

technology at its finest. It allows users to build and

you feel you’re running out of options.

organize their wardrobe online to focus on outfit

Now, it’s easier than ever to prepare for a trip and

inspirations.

save time packing. The app gives you inspiration

Your mornings will turn from ‘I have nothing to

from other styles on Pinterest and Instagram. If

wear’ to ‘I can wear this with that.’ The app allows

you click on your striped dress, the app gives you

you to keep an inventory of your closet and create

multiple ideas for styling that dress with shoes and

unique outfits from pieces you already own.

accessories. This helps users minimize the time

When women start managing their clothing, they

spent on decision-making and solves your most

can make smarter decisions the next time they head

common fashion conundrums.

out on a shopping spree. “There’s nothing really

Layering outfits and accessories will become an

out there to help us manage our stuff and women

easy task from your desk or you can get organized

are spending more money on their clothing than

on your commute by planning your date outfit

their education,” Brooklyn says.

before arriving home. Fashionably late will no

Finery combines technology with productivity

longer be an excuse when you have your closet at

to help people plan outfits for their special

your fingertips. END Rare Luxury Living 111

Fall means two things: pumpkin spice everything and dry skin. The change of seasons means you’ll need to go the extra mile to salvage your skin until winter. Facials help to remove dead skin and eliminate impurities that accumulated over summer through your many trips to the beach. If you’re looking for a glowing, improved, and fresh look, here are the fall facials you’ll need to maintain your skin this season.

POLISHED

Fall Facials That Will Save Your Skin this Season The skin care treatments beauty editors are using

Written by: Jannely Espinal

Rare Luxury Living 115

T

he cryogenic treatment is one of the most popular. It works wonders on your skin and will restore your puffy eyes from latenight adventures back to normal.

A vaporized liquid nitrogen is used to freeze the skin and produces an instant tightness, filling in fine lines and wrinkles. This treatment is used for damaged skin and enhances shedding of dead skin.

Cryofacial

ULTIMATE 116 Rare Luxury Living

LUXURIOUS

SKIN

Champagne Couture Facial

24-Karat Pure Gold Facial

If

you’re thinking this facial involves putting gold on your skin, then you’re right. The facial includes a pure gold chain mask that instantly illuminates and invigorates the skin. It’s the ultimate, luxurious anti-aging treatment. The mask is infused with pure 24K gold and Colloidal gold.

The gold helps firm, lift, brighten, and calm the appearance of skin. No wonder Cleopatra always looked young and radiant.

T

his anti-aging facial restores skin’s radiance while eliminating fine lines.

The facial consists of a deep cleanse, extractions, microdermabrasion, and a fruit enzyme. This is the perfect way to eliminate blackheads and get that dewy-skin look.

The champagne superantioxidants and organic products will make you look younger and well rested.

Rare Luxury Living 117

Written by: Daniella Schoeman

VIGOR & VITALITY

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Health and Wellness Spa Experiences

W

hile exercise, clean eating, relaxing and getting enough sleep hasve always been the fundamentals of a healthy lifestyle, we often forget that

there is more to health and wellness. The concept of true wellness is a focus on the holistic approach; to view people as multi-faceted beings made up of mind, body and soul. This is the principle behind Wellness Spas many of which support long-lasting health and longevity.

Wellness is one of the fastest growing industries in the world, which has resulted in the emerging trend of Health and Wellness Spas. The population as a whole is more concerned with sustaining a healthy lifestyle than ever before. Not only is this evident in older generations but these non-traditional ways have been adopted by trend-setters, influencers, celebrities and younger generations who understand the importance of taking care of their bodies for future health. Head to one of our top Wellness Spa picks in the US to disconnect, reset and get away from the busy, noisy world.

Rare Luxury Living 123

L

Lake Austin Spa Resort ake Austin Spa Resort can be found in

Spa and beauty treatments such as massages or

a secluded lake-front setting in an area

facials can be booked at an extra cost. The activities

that is definitely not typical of Texas.

are designed to promote wellness for the mind

This luxurious, all-inclusive Wellness Spa Resort

through meditation activities, the body through

welcomes guests who want to embrace a simpler

yoga or Pilates, and the soul through mindfulness

way of life without forgoing style and service. Feel

and other programs.

refreshed between the gorgeous rolling hills, lush

Lake Austin Spa Resort truly knows what is needed

greenery, and a stunning lake. The main goal of the for a healthy lifestyle, and they provide it to guests resort is to promote relaxation, and the focus is on in a way that is pure luxury. The extravagant spa health and wellbeing. Guests are provided with the perfect spot to unplug, unwind and get away from the hustle of everyday life. Both the surroundings and the resort rooms are designed to make guests feel comfortable, relaxed and at peace.

treatments make use of the world’s best ancient practices combined with modern therapeutic techniques to leave you feeling blissful. To get the best out of the experience at this resort, make sure to take part in the wide range of activities, book a

The resort packages include accommodation,

few spa treatments and make time to soak in the

gourmet meals throughout the day and the

natural surroundings.

activities on the schedule which changes regularly.

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“Feel refreshed

between the gorgeous rolling hills, lush greenery, and a stunning lake.

”

Rare Luxury Living 125

“This one-of-a-kind experience immerses guests in a pampering of mind, body, and soul”

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Golden Door Wellness Spa

G

olden Door in Escondido, California,is the ultimate Wellness Spa and the top destination spa in the world. The spa was created in 1958 which also makes it the original luxury destination spa in America. Due to a recent upgrade by the new owner, it is still one of the best in the world. Golden Door specializes in seven day stays that are mostly aimed at women.

However, at certain times during the year, there are co-ed or men’s weeks as well.

This is probably one of the most beautiful spas you will ever stay in by far due to the vision of the original owner. The spa is

modeled on a Japanese Ryokan (inn) from the Edo period and has communal baths, koi ponds, landscaped courtyards, labyrinths, and soothing sand gardens. The exclusivity of Golden Door is a result of it being one of the most expensive spas in the country and it lures many celebrities looking for a retreat. This one-of-a-kind experience immerses guests in a pampering of mind, body, and soul. During the stay, guests are provided with a set of clothes as well as skincare and bath products to ensure the most comfortable time.

Guests will also appreciate the one on one session with a personal

trainer, fitness classes such as yoga, skincare treatments, spa treatments and much more. The activities and surroundings have created a truly holistic approach to health and wellness. Guests are also encouraged to make use of the facilities such as the hiking trails, swimming pools, gyms, a therapy pool and bathhouse.

Golden Door is the ideal place to de-stress, recharge and reconnect with yourself and others in the most luxurious setting. As an extra bonus, it is good to know that the profits are donated to selected charities to further help better this world.

Rare Luxury Living 127

Red Mountain Resort R ed Mountain Resort is known as the most luxurious adventure resort in America with a focus on health and fitness. The resort is beautifully blended into the natural landscape of vivid red rock cliffs and canyons. These iconic Utah sights form the perfect backdrop for a health and wellness spa. Guests will find everything they need to relax and refresh at the resort. With an ideal location near National Parks, they offer a wide range of customized adventure activities that encourage harmony with nature.

While staying at the resort, guests are free to be as active or relaxed, social or private as they choose to be. There are a number of resort packages to choose from depending on preference and needs. Choose between adventure retreats, health and wellness retreats, and personal discovery retreats.

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Within the resort is the award-winning Sagestone Spa & Salon where guests can indulge in a myriad of treatments. The stimulating and healing surroundings and luxury treatments offer a full spectrum of sensory pleasures. Many of the treatments are unique to Red Mountain Resort and are a special experience. The spa makes use of ancient health and beauty rituals complemented with natural beauty products made from indigenous botanicals.

The real benefit of the resort comes from full immersion into the mind-body connections of fitness, wellness, relaxation and time outdoors. With the wide variety of programs and activities on offer all set within the most gorgeous natural surroundings, this is the place to find peace. Packages include accommodation, meals, activities and more for a well-rounded and truly transformational experience.

“The resort is beautifully blended into the natural landscape of vivid red rock cliffs and canyons.”

Rare Luxury Living 129

Dream Destinations!

Escape to these Luxury Caribbean Hotels Written by: Daniella Schoeman

132 Rare Luxury Living

BAOASE You wake up to the light touch of the

The Caribbean islands with their tropical weather, endless

morning sun on your skin, a fresh, sweet-smelling

white beaches and staggeringly beautiful sunsets are truly an

breeze and the rhythmic sound of the waves break-

escapists dream destination. The region, which is well-known

ing on the shore. You get up feeling refreshed and

to attract both the rich and famous, has become a luxurious

step outside into the warm air of the Caribbean to

playground for the elite looking for unique experiences. The

take in the most gorgeous views. Your eyes rest on

islands are famous for their many luxury hotels and resorts

the pleasing, long, white sandy beach, notice the

but these are our top three picks.

azure blue of the inviting ocean and appreciate the lush greenery of the natural surroundings. No, this is not a dream; this is your dream destination!

JADE

SERAFINA

Rare Luxury Living 133

“

A vacation at Baoase Luxury Resort offers the unique intimacy of a private villa complemented with world-class service and superior amenities.

134 Rare Luxury Living

”

BAOASE LUXURY RESORT Rare Luxury Living 135

BAOASE LUXURY RESORT

B

aoase Luxury Resort is expertly designed to wash away cares and ensure a peaceful retreat in both comfort and style. The Dutch Caribbean island of Curacao offers the most gorgeous coastline and idyllic surroundings. Set within this oasis are the rooms, suites, and villas of this luxury resort. The tranquil location combined with the rich wood structures, Asian stonework, and Buddhist statues creates a Zen-like vibe.

Add the tropical foliage, beautiful beaches, and the stunning blue ocean and the result is paradise. The jewel-toned decor and accents perfectly blend with the natural surroundings and add to the luxurious experience.

136 Rare Luxury Living

A vacation at Baoase Luxury Resort offers the unique intimacy of a private villa complemented with worldclass service and superior amenities.

Some of the units have private plunge pools surrounded by lush gardens to create a secret escape type ambiance.

Others have spectacular views of the beach and ocean and easy access to the resorts mineral infinity pool. All suites have fully equipped kitchens, indoor and outdoor sitting areas and the rooms have en-suite bathrooms.

The Balinese inspired furnishings provide guests with a feeling of being in harmony with nature.

An ideal location for romantic couple getaways or family beach adventures as there is much to do both at the resort and on the island. Baoase Culinary Beach Restaurant is the resorts signature restaurant that offers exemplary international cuisine throughout the day. For special occasions, private dining can be arranged. Find peace and quiet in paradise at this superb luxury resort!

“The Dutch Caribbean Island Of Curacao offers the most gorgeous coastline and idyllic surroundings”

Rare Luxury Living 137

“

Find peace and quiet at this superb luxury resort.

”

BAOASE LUXURY RESORT

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Rare Luxury Living 139

Serafina Beach Hotel in Puerto Rico

If

Puerto Rico is the place to be then Ser-

The décor is inspired by the ocean and surrounds

afina Beach Hotel is the place to stay.

which means the color palette includes whites,

A stylishly modern yet cheekily playful

grays, teal and sea foam greens. The rooms are

oceanfront hotel is at once luxurious but with re-

further accentuated with natural wood tones and

laxed beach-house vibes. The sight of the swinging

impressive floor to ceiling windows which brings

egg chairs on the terrace may be tempting but a

the outside in. The rest of the hotel has a bunch

glimpse of the view from them is simply irresistible.

of interesting features and quirky décor items that

The mesmerizingly beautiful turquoise hues of the

draw the eye.

ocean will make you want to dive in immediately.

Evidently, the ocean is the dominant factor both

The alluring vibe emanating from this boutique

in design and ambiance that is noticeable from

beach front haven is full of energy and suits the des-

the moment you arrive. With great views from the

tination perfectly. Serafina Beach Hotel is ideally

lobby, certain rooms, the infinity pool, the ballroom,

located with the ocean on one side and the lagoon

and restaurant terraces. This is the first hotel ven-

on the other to offer stunning views all around.

ture of the New York-based Serafina Restaurant

With views over bodies of water from each room,

Group and as such, there is a big emphasis on fine

the hotel inspires relaxation and a sense of peace.

dining as well. Savor a meal and sip on a cocktail on

This edgy yet intimate hotel is perfect for couples or

the terrace while soaking in the unbelievable views

families looking to escape for a while.

from this one-of-a-kind hotel.

140 Rare Luxury Living

Puerto Rico

Rare Luxury Living 141

J

ade Mountain is the ultimate one-of-a-

The resulting feeling is remarkable as if guests

kind escape on the island of St Lucia that

are fully immersed in the natural surroundings of

offers unique views of the two Piton Mountains

their own private but luxurious tree house. The

floating upon the Caribbean Sea. The moment

en-suite bathrooms are slightly raised and have a

you lay eyes on this magnificent resort you feel

short wall around it to ensure unobstructed views

a sense of complete wonderment. There are

from both the shower and whirlpool bath that

very few places in the world that capture such an

also has chroma-therapy colored lights. Try on

awe-inspiring view and the combination of the

the cozy white bathrobes and slippers and enjoy

ocean and the volcanic mountains rising from the

some complimentary drinks from the fridge after

waves is breathtakingly beautiful. Jade Mountain

a soak.

is the only resort on St Lucia that boasts these

Dining at Jade Mountain Resort is an experience

iconic ocean and mountain views but this is most definitely not its only draw.

in itself and the all-inclusive packages complete this idyllic retreat. With a total of seven

At Jade Mountain, you won’t find any hallways

restaurants spread throughout the resort offering

with identical hotel room doors, instead, rooms

breakfast, lunch, and dinner, guests can sample

are called Sanctuaries and each is accessed via a

something new each day. The attention to detail

private bridge. The Sanctuaries are grand rooms

at the resort and unmatched personal service is a

that combine bedroom, living area, and an

rarity that makes a stay at Jade Mountain Resort

extravagant infinity pool into one unique space.

an unforgettable experience!

The open concept means there is no fourth wall and the infinity pool creates an extraordinary platform that floats out into nature.

“There are very few places in the world that capture such an awe-inspiring view and the combination of the ocean and the volcanic mountains rising from the waves is breathtakingly beautiful.”

Rare Luxury Living 143

KTOBERFEST O Written by: Matthew Clarke

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Rare Luxury Living 145

Scrumptious

Delights

A Cataclysm of Profound Flavors and Aroma Written by: Matthew Clarke

146 Rare Luxury Living

K O

O T B

R E T

E

F

S

“I closed my eyes and took a massive bite.

I felt my teeth dive through layers of crispy, salty, tangy brine, ultimately ending up in a soft gooey center.”

Rare Luxury Living 147

T

he wedding that occurred on

Each year in Munich, the number of people

October 10, 1810 didn’t just

who join the festivities rises. In 1999, it’s

unite two royal families, it was

said that almost six million folks convened at

also a turning point for beer for centuries

Weisn to celebrate. Today, crowds exceed over

to come. Two hundred years later we are

7.2 million people.

still celebrating the happy couple, all whilst

One of my favorite Oktoberfest’s was in

consuming over 120,000 liters of beer!

Cincinnati in the early 2000’s. The town

King Ludwig married Princess Theresa of

itself has a huge German community, and I

Saxe, and the whole town celebrated with a

was actually surprised by how many residents

party for them in a meadow, which is now

were fluent in German.

locally referred to as Weisn. Most of what

Admittedly, I’m not much of a beer drinker,

occurred during the festivities is still highly

but luckily my friends had that part of the

debated, but the result of that event is a

festivities covered. My eyes were on the food

festival that happens yearly, Oktoberfest.

carts that surrounded the festival like an army

Sixteen to eighteen days of beers, food,

ready for attack.

friends, and communities coming together.

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Traditional foods served at Oktoberfest include

anticipating what it was that would ignite my

roasted meats like chicken, pork, ham, and, of

soul. After what seemed like hours, she handed

course, brats smothered in sauerkraut and hot

me what felt like a grapefruit covered in a napkin.

mustard. Cheese noodles, pretzels, dumplings,

Curious, I took the napkin away and found a crisp

and grilled fish on a stick are some of the other

golden-brown ball that smelled like hot oil and

contenders.

paprika. Before I could ask anything, she pointed

That day, I was looking for something different,

to it and told me to take a bite.

something that would blow my taste buds out

I closed my eyes and took a massive bite.

of the water. I was in luck, that day a lady name

I felt my teeth dive through layers of crispy, salty,

Barbara, who ran a tiny food stand herself, struck

tangy brine, and ultimately end up in a soft gooey

up a conversation. I told her that I was on the

center. Each time I chewed that bite, new levels

prowl for something that was going to change my

of flavor, texture, and divinity filled my being.

culinary life. With a radiant smile that exposed a

CONTINUED

gold tooth on the left top side of her mouth, she told me to wait exactly two minutes and my wish would be granted.

I stood there, sweat dripping down my brow,

Rare Luxury Living 149

Simply put, it was a ball of cream cheese

But she also wanted to create recipes that took

surrounded by sauerkraut, covered in bread

those old flavors and breathed new life into them.

crumbs, fried in pork drippings and oil until

She told me that family recipes died out because

perfection. What I was experiencing, though, was

families never allowed the next generations to

anything but simple. It was like a cataclysm of

add their passions to those foods and create

profound flavors and perfume backgrounds. The

new ways to showcase that part of their cultural

textures acted as a catalyst for bringing all those

heritage.

flavors into one cohesive, perfect bite.

Barbara became my hero that day. Not just

Though I begged, she refused to give me the

because she fed me food that was magnanimous,

recipe, and I’ve spent my life trying to recreate

but because she filled that food with love and

that first perfect bite (to no success). To this

her cultural pride. This is why we continue

day, I can still close my eyes and remember

recipes through generations. This is what true

every moment. I asked Barbara what inspired

empowerment is END

her to come up with this delicious recipe. She responded that she was a proud German woman who believed in tradition and old-timely foods from her past.

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Rare Luxury Living 151

Si p SA V O R &

Rare Luxury’s favorite winery of the month is the stunning Chateau Kamnic. Nestled in the hills of Beautiful Macedonia, Chateau Kamnic is just a few minutes away from the center of Skopje. Once you enter this wine portal you’d never know that you were in a capital city.

Creatively Inspired By: Trystanne Cunningham

Château Kamnik Macedonia

T

he award-winning winery, “Kamnik,” is located on a hill in the northeast part of Skopje. It was founded by Ilija Malinkovski whose passion for wine, combined with his desire to improve and to demonstrate Macedonia’s capabilities in wine making, led to the creation of this winery in 2004. Through commitment to reinvestment and dedication for continuous improvement, this modern facility is nestled within 39-acres of

154 Rare Luxury Living

vineyards. In just a few minutes, you can leave the center of Skopje and enter this wine portal, never knowing that you had just been in a capital city.

Their commitment to excellence has led to a prestigious line of wines that have won awards locally, regionally, all over Europe, and in Israel. Their Cuvée de Prestige 2013 won the Double Gold Medal at the 2015 Vinitaly Expo in Milan, Italy and the Grand Gold Medal at the 2015

Concours Mondial du Bruxelles in Belgium. For white wines, the Single Vineyard line features individual wines from the varietals Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Sauvignon Blanc.

From the aromatic grape, Temjanika, they craft not only an exquisite white wine, but, in 2014, they also created the first “Macedonian Golden Wine,” Golden Temjanika. Additionally, they crafted a late harvest Temjanika called Euphoria.

From the Chardonnay varietal, their team of oenologists have created a barrel-fermented Chardonnay and a sparking Brut white wine.

Chateau Kamnik’s line of red wines include the following: •Cabernet Sauvignon Late Harvest – rich in color with intense and complex aromas of forest fruits and sour red berries.

• Cuvée de Prestige 2013 – a barriques Bordeaux style blend of Merlot, Carmenere, and Vranec; rich in color with an amazing bouquet of blackberries and chocolate.

• Merlot Single Vineyard Reserva – deep, dark ruby in color with an excellent bouquet of blackberries and cherries and a touch of chocolate in velvety smooth tannins.

• Montepulciano – this Italian varietal is rich in blackberries and dark cherries.

• Signature Merlot Grand Reserva – rich in dark fruits, cigar aroma; full-bodied and dry; long-lasting and enjoyable aftertaste.

• Ten Barrels Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva – an intense wine with a dark red ruby color that is rich in forest fruits, especially black currant and blackberry, with touches of vanilla; barrel-aged for 24 months.

• Ten Barrels Syrah Reserva – another intense wine with dark red ruby color with lush flavors of forest fruits, especially blackberry, and hints of chocolate; barrel aged for 23 months.

• Terroir Vranec Grand Reserva – a superb tribute to the Vranec varietal; rich in blackberries, blueberries, and plums; has an exceptional aftertaste; barrel aged for 20 months.

• Winemaker’s Selection – an artisanal blend of Merlot, Vranec, and Carménère.

Chateau Kamnik has a tasting room and offers wine dégustation tours. You can also enjoy one of their wines with a fine meal at the Hunter’s Lodge.

The winery makes wine primarily for the local and regional markets, but does export wine to Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Sweden, and the US. END

Rare Luxury Living 155

“Drawing on its unrivaled expertise and experience in jewelery, its legacy of trust and tradition, and its connections and connoisseurship, Sotheby’s has launched an entirely new contemporary collection of modern masterpieces: Sotheby’s Diamonds.”

Margurite Steel Earrings

Margurite Steel Earrings A slender scalloped outline is formed from 12 round brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 12.15 carats in a tension-set frame of steel. The diamonds dance around a pair of freshwater natural pearls with pavé-set diamond detail. Set in 18k rose gold.

On view in your London Salon and available for purchase worldwide. $150,000

Plum Blossom Bracelet

A defined use of black line and rich color, the Plum Blossom Bracelet is a silhouette of blackened silver branches and saturated ruby blossoms against a pavé-set diamond background featuring 7 round, brilliant-cut diamonds, totaling 10.49 carats. Set in 18k rose gold, platinum, and steel.

On view in your London Salon and available for purchase worldwide.

Price on Request.

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Blue Twist Ring

A rare 5.00 carat rose-cut, fancy, vivid blue diamond is wrapped in a coil of pavé-set diamonds.

Set in platinum.

On view in your London Salon and available for purchase worldwide.

Price on Request.

Padparadscha Branch Brooch

Delicate blush hues of padparadscha-sapphire leaves blossom from a stylized branch of hand-carved Whitby jet featuring 4 pear-shaped diamonds. Set in 18k rose gold and platinum.

On view in your London Salon and available for purchase worldwide.

Price On Request

Mimosa Necklace

Bubbling with exuberance, the Mimosa necklace boasts 12 round, brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 16.51 carats. For a striking contrast, it is set in 18k blackened gold, blossoming with an additional 53 fancy, intense yellow, round, brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 9.13 carats.

On view in your London Salon and available for purchase worldwide.

Price on Request.

Rare Luxury Living 161

VIVID

ARTISTS

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Ricardo Gomez Image Credit

“GOING GOING GONE”

BANKSY

— Banksy Instagram 10/6/18

Banksy

A

rguably the most controversial

around a graffiti crew in Bristol by the name

street artist in the world, Banksy

of DryBreadZ crew or DBZ. Soon after, he

has developed an entire art subcul-

partnered with Inkie, another notable graffiti

ture devoted to his works. Banksy’s art can

street artist.

appear in any location at any given moment.

At the age of 18, Banksy began to develop

His identity remains unknown, even after

stencils after nearly being caught vandaliz-

over 20 years of being involved with the graf-

ing public spaces by police. As his crew fled

fiti scene. He has worked with many different

the scene, Banksy was stuck hiding beneath

types of media and street art styles. His work

a garbage truck. It was at this moment that

not only includes powerful, often controver-

Banksy saw stencil letters on the truck. Look-

sial images on public streets, but they may

ing for a faster way to paint, Banksy decided

also be found throughout the Internet as viral

stenciling would be his new graffiti type.

images.

CONTINUED

Banksy began his graffiti art lifestyle by admiring the works of Blek Le Rat and often recycling his ideas. Active in the graffiti scene since the early 1990s, Banksy initially hung Rare Luxury Living 163

Banksy

Today, Banksy almost extensively uses stencils.

If this theory holds true, it will allow even great-

These are often multi-layered stencils and are

er insight into the artistic world Banksy inhabits.

combined with other mediums, such as spray

What is even more interesting is that he has man-

paint. He also includes anything found in the

aged to completely conceal his identity from his

streets, like street signs and other objects, to

family. To date, no Banksy identity claim has ever

convey his message. His artwork is often satirical

been definitive.

and combines dark humor with graffiti. His work

In summer 2015, Banksy organized a temporary

spreads its message across art, philosophy, and

art project called Dismaland, a dystopian theme

politics.

park built in the seaside resort town of Weston-

By the early 2000s, Banksy relocated to Lon-

super-Mare, in England. Prepared in secret, the

don, where he began to gain notoriety and even

project unveiled 10 new works by Banksy and

worked on a series of international exhibits.

pieces from 58 other artists.

Eventually, he decided to travel to Palestine and

Banksy’s artwork has been seen across the world.

the West Bank, where he stenciled nine images

His travels have included Australia, England, the

on the Bethlehem Wall. These images were an

United States, Israel, Jamaica, and even Canada.

instant hit and virally exploded on the Internet.

Most recently, he spent an entire month glam-

At this time, Banksy’s silkscreen prints and stencil

orizing New York City with his street art, which

paintings began racking up record-breaking sales

grabbed major public attention.

in storied art auctions, such as Sotheby’s and Bon- On Friday, October 5th, 2018, a framed version ham’s of London. These successful sales officially

of Banksy’s “Girl With Balloon,” one of the

broke him into the commercial business.

artist’s most iconic images, hit the auction block

In 2010, Banksy became a successful author and

at Sotheby’s in London. However, moments after

filmmaker for Exit Through the Gift Shop. Very

a $1.4 million winning bid was placed, an alarm

little is known about Banksy himself, as he refuses

within the painting sounded and the canvas

to be interviewed and keeps his identity carefully

began to pass through a shredder hidden in the

hidden. A world-renowned mystery man, Banksy

frame. “It appears we just got Banksy-ed,” Alex

has risen through the ranks to become one of

Branczik, Sotheby’s senior director and head of

the world’s greatest street artists. The media and

contemporary art in Europe, said as the painting

his supporters have always questioned Banksy’s

destroyed itself. Sotheby’s added that the prank

identity based on a variety of claims. Most re-

“became instant art world history and certainly

cently, many popular theories, including an entire

marks the first time in auction history that a work

newspaper publication, pointed to his identity as

of art automatically shredded itself after coming

a Bristol native by the name of Robin Cunning-

under the hammer.”

ham.

END

164 Rare Luxury Living

Banksy

Rare Luxury Living 165

APESEVEN Kingdom Come

G

eorge Hambov, also known as

is a self-educated artist who stimulates

Apeseven, grew up during the

his creativity on a day-to-day basis. He

1980’s in Sydney, Australia. He

also enjoys exploring his own complex

discovered his proclivity toward the arts

emotions, which help define who he is. To

early in elementary school, around the

this day, Apeseven does not believe that he

time he was in third grade. Many of the

has finished becoming a “grown-up.”

children in the class regularly requested

He predominantly approaches his artwork

hand-made drawings from him, not

utilizing a street art perspective with an

knowing at the time they would later have

underpinning of re-conceptualization

original works by Apeseven.

through mixed media materials and the

Hambov was attracted to the Sydney

symbolic aesthetic he is so well known for.

skateboard scene from an early age as

Freehand aerosol and traditional brush

well. Spending most of his time exploring

techniques are evident within Apeseven’s

industrial areas, his world view was

works. He primarily incorporates mixed

informed by a healthy dose of anime, hip-

media such as acrylics, aerosol, inks, found

hop, skateboard art, and graffiti. Apeseven

paper and objects, among other things.

166 Rare Luxury Living

He is always proud of his paintings once completed.

Apeseven believes that the three most important skills

Apeseven’s current works focus on elements of

needed in this industry are creative ability, tenacity,

alchemy and evolution. This encompasses a fusion

and spectacle. Working among other artists, these

of childhood’s imaginary creatures, mysticism,

particular skills are necessary for Apeseven to craft

complex symbolism, and an aesthetic drawn from

works which resound with the viewing public in one

an observation of potential, imagined, and observed

way or another.

worlds. Regardless of his current focus, Apeseven

Apeseven’s mission is to bring attention to and

would describe his work to a stranger as pop surreal

comment on the technological obsession that society

paintings that focus on the differences between

currently holds. He reminds us that it is important to

technology and creatures.

note the ramifications of that obsession. He currently

The art business helps instill inspiration in Apeseven

lives and works in Sydney, Australia.END

by demonstrating the artist’s work ethics. These ethics are evident in the themes he chooses to focus on.

Heron Rare Luxury Living 167

M+, Hong Kong’s new museum of visual culture – encompassing 20th and 21st century visual art, design and architecture, and moving images from Hong Kong, the Mainland, Asia and beyond – will be one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary visual culture in the world.

Located adjacent to the Art Park on the waterfront, the M+ building is scheduled to open in 2019.

RARE AFFAIRS On Friday, October 5th, 2018, Sotheby’s London auctioned off a framed version of the 2006 Girl With Balloon, one of Banksy’s best-known works. Only moments after it was sold for a record $1.4 million, the stencil spray painting immediately started self-destructing through a secret shredder that was hidden in the frame.

Perfectly shaped iced leaf after an ice storm in St. Louis

170 Rare Luxury Living

Frost flowers in the arctic

This yearly gathering in Albuquerque is an International Balloon Fiesta. This rare festival of hot air balloons takes place in New Mexico during early October. The Balloon Fiesta is a nine-day event and features over 500 balloons each year. The event is the largest hot air balloon festival in the US.

Danxia landforms in China

Rare Luxury Living 171

The museum of pizza, located at the William Vale, is the world’s first and only immersive art experience celebrating pizza. Coming to NYC October 13th - 28th, 2018

The show, as written about in Forbes, is an 11-day affair showcasing ramen vendors from all over Japan. It’s broken up into two parts. The first half, beginning on October 28th and ending on October 31st, features 18 participants; while the second half, which lasts from November 1st through 5th, will highlight another 18, bringing together a total of 36 ramen specialists.

172 Rare Luxury Living

Calcified animals Lake Natron Tanzania

These moths drink the tears of sleeping birds. Scientists are studying a rare tear-feeding moth discovered in Brazil to help explain this bizarre behavior and see whether it harms the birds.

Rare Luxury Living 173