ISSUE 1 | VOLUME 1 | WINTER ‘18
THE FIRST ISSUE TROORAMAGAZINE.COM
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
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Oktoberfest Digital World Virtual Models A new Era Of Supermodels
94
132
Dream Destinations
50
104
CONTENTS
Iconic Supermodels
Halloween Glam Make-Up
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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,
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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
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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.
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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
”
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SS19 ACCESSORIES
TOM FORD
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Celeste Barber
+ Tom Ford
Creatively Inspired by: Trystanne Cunningham Written by: Matthew Clarke
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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
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RED CARPET LOOKS EMMY AWARDS 2018
Vanessa Kirby
Justin Timberlake
The Best Medicine
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T
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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.
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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
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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.
90 Rare Luxury Living
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
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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.
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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.
”
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“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.
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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
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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.
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”
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 Bud-
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,
dhist 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.
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.
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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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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.
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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.”
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KTOBERFEST O Written by: Matthew Clarke
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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. 148 Rare Luxury Living
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. 150 Rare Luxury Living
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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
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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
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“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. 160 Rare Luxury Living
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.
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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
