Sophisticated Living Indianapolis Jan/Feb 2025

{Indianapolis’ Finest}

OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENTS GROUP INDY CUSTOM POOLS DESIGN • BUILD • NURTURE • SWIM

DESIGN WITH PURPOSE

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE SINCE 2007

AYALA-OBISPO ENGAGEMENT

Written by Annie Mosbaugh Knapp / Photographed by PRC Cloud Nine

Rubi Ayala, of Carmel, and Ever Obispo, of Fortville, became engaged on October 3, 2024 in Siesta Key, Florida. Ever was nervous before the beach proposal, because it was rainy, but the weather cleared in time, and a rainbow appeared in the sky as Rubi accepted. The couple met in middle school, when their little brothers became friends; they currently enjoy skiing trips to Aspen, trying new restaurants, and going on coffee and movie dates. Rubi is a student at University of Indianapolis, as well as a manager at her parents’ restaurant, La Hacienda, while Ever is a purchasing manager in residential construction at his family business, Tikal Inc. A wedding date has not been set, but the two plan on living in Westfield after their marriage. Their parents are Ana G. and Enrique Ayala, and Brenda Castro and Néstor Obispo. sl

WELDY-BAKER WEDDING

Written by Annie Mosbaugh Knapp / Photographed by Rich Miller/Complete Weddings + Events

Alexandra Weldy, of Elkhart, and Tyler Baker, of Indianapolis, were married on October 27, 2024, at the Conservatory at Evergreen, in Indianapolis. Their parents are Tina and Cwyn Weldy and Tammie and Steve Baker. Tyler proposed to Alexandra on the top of Mendenhall Glacier in Juno, Alaska, where her family was celebrating her grandparents’ 60th anniversary. The couple designed their rose gold rings with the help of designers at Reis-Nichols, incorporating Tyler’s birthstone, sapphire. Their wedding ceremony included several nods to the couple‘s interest in Viking culture, including white daggers with flowers carried by the bridesmaids and leather-bound hatchets carried by the men. In what is known as a ring-warming ceremony, their rings were passed among family members for a blessing. The couple reside in Indianapolis, where Tyler is an executive barber at Red’s Classic Barbershop and Tyler Mason Salon Spa, and Alexandra is a graphic designer with Image Bloom. sl

Photo Credit: Alison Mae Photography

SNYDER-JOLIVETTE WEDDING

Written by Annie Mosbaugh Knapp / Photographed by Stacy Able Photography

Lesley Snyder, of Toledo, and Chris Jolivette, of Indianapolis, were married on October 26, 2024, at the Indiana State Museum. Their parents are Sandy and Gary Snyder, Sheila Jolivette and Jon Jolivette. Mark Kruzan, the former mayor of Bloomington, Indiana, officiated the ceremony. In a way, the pandemic was responsible for the couple’s meeting–both work at IU Health, where Lesley is chief of staff for system and regional operations and Chris is associate general counsel. They were placed on a COVID response team, and their relationship grew from coworkers and friends to romance and love. Chris decided to propose to Lesley during the total eclipse in April of 2024 and included his son Aidan in the celebration. The couple reside in Indianapolis and also have a home in Bloomington. sl

WAHL-OAKES WEDDING

Written by Annie Mosbaugh Knapp / Photographed by Brianna Taylor/Brianna Dutcher Photography

Vanessa Wahl and Griffin Oakes, both of Greenwood, were married on May 11, 2024, at the Omni Severin Hotel in Indianapolis, with the groom’s grandfather officiating. Though they attended the same grade school, as well as Indiana University at the same time, the couple didn’t meet until their mid-20s when they were introduced by a mutual friend. They immediately bonded over football–Griffin was an IU football player, while Vanessa was an Indianapolis Colts cheerleader. Griffin proposed to Vanessa on December 20, 2022, with his mother’s diamond, a cherished family heirloom. Vanessa is an apparel manager and also assistant coach and choreographer for the Colts cheerleaders, and Griffin is a physical therapist. Their parents are Hannah Mueller, Vanessa and Geoffrey Mahan, and Debra and Pete Oakes. sl

HENRICKS-BRONDSEMA WEDDING

Written by Annie Mosbaugh Knapp / Photographed by Frankie Isabel Photography

Eden Beyer Henricks, of Indianapolis, and Yoran Willem Brondsema, of the Netherlands, were married in Indianapolis on June 20, 2024. Their parents are Ellen and Andrew Greenspan, Gail and Eric Henricks, and Geke and Wim Brondsema. The reception, held at Newfields, was a jubilant celebration featuring the 12-piece band 12 South, from Nashville. The couple met in Boston in 2014, when Eden was attending Boston University and Yoran was starting his education technology company, Sutori. They became engaged in 2022 in Turkey, overlooking the Aegean Sea; the couple designed their rings with the help of Reis-Nichols, highlighting a diamond obtained from a family friend in Antwerp. Yoran notes that with their marriage, his family has grown from one sister to include four sisters, four brothers, five siblings-in-law, and numerous pets. They currently reside in Indianapolis, where Eden is a motion graphics artist and Yoran is an entrepreneurial software engineer and author. sl

HUDELSON-ZIPPER WEDDING

Written by Annie Mosbaugh Knapp / Photographed by Sara Babcock/Sweet Sarandipity Photography

Dakota Hudelson, of Paoli, and Riley Zipper, of New Albany, Indiana, were married on June 8, 2024, at Joe Huber Family Farm in Starlight, Indiana. The couple proudly notes that, “No one there had ever attended a gay, Jewish, interfaith wedding before.” Rabbi Roxanne Shapiro officiated. The two met when they were students at Indiana University, introduced by mutual friends. They currently live in Indianapolis, where Dakota teaches English and Riley is a workforce and education analyst. The couple became engaged during a transcontinental train trip Dakota was able to take in June of 2022 thanks to an Eli Lilly Teacher Creativity Grant; Riley met Dakota in San Francisco at the end of the trip, where Dakota proposed with a watch while overlooking the San Francisco Bay at sunset. Their parents are Kristi and Scott Hudelson and Robin and John Zipper. sl

BINKLEY’S KITCHEN & BAR

Bringing new life to a neighborhood standby

Written by Jessica Pontius

Written by Neil Charles

Centrally located at the corner of Kessler Boulevard and College Avenue, at the north end of SoBro and Meridian-Kessler, Binkley’s Kitchen & Bar is more than a restaurant; it’s a vibrant part of Indianapolis history. Originally the site of Binkley’s Drug Store, this corner has been a community hub since 1928, where locals filled prescriptions and enjoyed banana splits at its classic soda fountain. In the latter part of the 20th century, the spot became home to The Pawn Shop Pub, a much-loved watering hole famous for its cozy atmosphere and one of the best burgers in town. Today, Binkley’s carries on that legacy with a contemporary flair while preserving its strong neighborhood vibe and excellent food.

Courtney Chesebrough Whistler, recently celebrating her fifth year as the establishment’s owner, brings years of restaurant experience and a deep love for the Broad Ripple area. Having worked under celebrated Italian restaurateur Gino Pizzi at Ambrosia for nearly 15 years, Courtney was eager to make her own mark. After exploring several opportunities, she found her perfect match when Binkley’s became available. Working there for two months prior to taking the helm in November 2019, she identified aspects of the business that contributed to its longevity, as well as areas that were in need of change.

Just a few months later, the pandemic struck, forcing the restaurant to close temporarily. Rather than let this setback derail the business, Courtney and her team saw it as an opportunity for improvement. With limited resources and a lot of determination, they embarked on renovations despite being unable to hire outside help, relying on the skills of staff members to tackle projects ranging from painting to structural updates. “We asked if anyone could paint or take down a wall. It was the

only way we were going to survive,” she recalls. The result was a refreshed interior with updated floors, open spaces, and a more streamlined layout.

The menu also underwent a transformation, focusing on customer favorites while trimming excess items. “With Covid, we narrowed down the menu quite a bit,” Courtney explains. “It had been a big menu, so we focused our attention on the dishes our customers love.”

The surrounding neighborhood has been pivotal to Binkley’s success. “I had no idea how much this was a local bar and restaurant,” Courtney says. “After we cleaned the place up and made our changes, we saw many new faces along with returning regulars.” She considers herself the steward of an Indianapolis institution, and today, the restaurant is also a draw for IndyCar fans, who enjoy its extensive collection of racing memorabilia, including signed photos and paraphernalia that line the walls.

Binkley’s menu is now a celebration of its customers’ favorite dishes. The hand-tossed thin crust pizza is a standout, earning a permanent spot on the menu. Equally beloved are its hamburgers, especially the Classic, which won the 2024 Red Gold Burger Challenge. Served on a brioche bun with a choice of chicken or beef, it is a must-try. The wings, another crowd favorite, have also earned high praise. And in a nod to Binkley’s soda fountain past, one can end one’s meal with a decadent brownie ice cream sundae. Whether you’re stopping in for brunch, lunch, or dinner, Binkley’s Kitchen & Bar delivers an experience that combines delicious food with genuine hospitality. It’s a neighborhood gem, now creating new memories for those who live, work and play in the midtown area. sl For more information, visit binkleyskitchenandbar.com

ART AT HOME

Conservation versus restoration

Written by Jean Easter

People always refer to repairing objects or paintings, or works of art in general, as restoration. While that term may be correct, as the meaning is “a return of something to a former, original, normal, or unimpaired condition,” conservation and restoration are not interchangeable words. In truth, the concepts are diametrically opposed.

Conservation allows that the process of making a work of art whole is reversible, without harming the original artwork. If removal of the repair is necessary, it will not affect, or incur damage to, the art. It is also photographically documented, and a written treatment report accompanies the work. While future generations may enjoy and appreciate said art, new technologies may arise which will be able to better “repair” the art, thus allowing for a treatment to be undertaken to improve the appearance, structure or stability of the original damage. Conservation materials are tested for fading, colorfastness, adhesive strength, heat and cold resistance, and are generally not available to the general public.

Restoration, on the other hand, provides no such protection and in most cases is not reversible. There is no record of what is used, and the removal or reversal of restoration material may be

detrimental to the value of art (and in most cases is). Restoration materials are not made to be reversed, nor are they stable. Restoration paints may fade over time, varnish may yellow, and adhesives may not sustain their integrity.

Conservation does not devalue artwork, but restoration does. By educating clients, I have been able to teach them about the value, quality and need to preserve their artwork in a responsible manner for future generations. Conservators have an organization of which it is mandatory to be a member; that organization is The American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works, or AIC. Before working with an art restorer or conservationist, check to see if they are a member. Better still, check to see if they are a Professional Associate or Fellow in the AIC–these are peerreviewed levels within the organization.

Once an unqualified restorer has irreversibly damaged your art, unfortunately, there is no going back. If you are entrusting your art to someone, make sure they have the qualifications, experience and knowledge to provide you with a satisfying outcome. sl For more information, visit easterconservation.com.

CALLED TO CARE

Called to Care is a dynamic group of women united by a shared commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Through the Circle of Impact, they harness the power of service and philanthropy to create lasting change at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital. Members support the healing and well-being of children, families, and care teams by participating in projects such as reading to newborns in the NICU, assembling diaper bags for new mothers, and awarding impact grants totaling $125,000. Their collective efforts reflect a deep dedication to nurturing hope and enhancing lives in the community. sl

Serve. Support. Raise Awareness.

Join Called to Care, a powerful Circle of Impact, uniting women committed to supporting the healing and well-being of children, families, and care teams at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital.

Since inception in March 2024, Called to Care members have served as ambassadors to the hospital participating in service projects like reading to babies in the newborn intensi ve care unit, assembling diaper bags for new mothers, and awarding impact grants totaling $125,000.

You can join this group of caring women and make a lasting difference. Learn more by scanning the QR code below or visiting give.stvincent.org/calledtocare

Thank you to our Founding Members: Cali Estes, Chair, Nessa Hamman, Vice Chair, Beth Boles, Aly Bove, Tina Burks, Nancy Busk, Julie Carpenter, Katie Fischer, Julie Griffith, Nessa Hamman, Judi Holsinger, Katie Lucas, Tracy Nasser, Julie Schnieders, Julie Siegler, Kim Speer, Fanchon Stinger

WINE WOMEN & SHOES

Friday, September 12, 2025 at the Lucas Estate in Carmel

Join the women of Called to Care for an afternoon of wine tasting, designer shopping, delectable bites and more to support kids and families at Peyton Manning Children's Hospital.

THE ELMO COLA

St. Elmo Steak House's signature cocktail is the envy of drunken cherries everywhere. Simply pour over ice and add a splash of Coke. enjoy the elmo cola in our house, or yours.

108 Sophisticated Society

Reis-Nichols TUDOR Event at Mel’s Speakeasy

Carmel Christkindlmarkt’s Wundernacht

Lucas Oil Headquarters Grand Opening

Artomobilia Ladies Luncheon

Indiana Wish Bourbon, Bling & Bowties Gala

CANDLES “An Evening of Light”

Cocktails & Caregivers Blue Tie Gala

Caddis Eye Appliances calls itself the anti-anti-aging brand, whose motto is “Get older. Own it.” Shown here are reader frames in the bestseller Miklos, in shades Matte Black and Dolphin Head, featuring high-performance lenses with a premium, bio-based acetate frame and five-barrel, industrial hinges. For more information, visit caddislife.com.

Empowering Your Dreams

For over 50 years, we have dedicated ourselves to helping individuals and institutions achieve their financial goals through comprehensive wealth management services. Trust us to help support and protect your investments so you can focus on living your best life.

DREAM. INVEST. LIVE.

New KineMyte Fat Reduction SERUM

PUBLISHER

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CONTRIBUTING

From the Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

If someone had told me in my (relatively) later years that my taste in entertainment would be that of a teenage girl, I would have laughed. But that’s what being a “girl dad” does to you. Regular readers of this column may remember how my now-college-age daughter and I bonded during the pandemic over the Netflix series Emily in Paris, a show definitely not marketed to middle-aged men. But it’s fun to share something that my daughter loves, and I must admit, the show’s dramatic (though admittedly unrealistic) twists and turns got me hooked. I’ve even been known to rewatch episodes while on a plane, by myself.

Although I’m late to the party, it was only a matter of time before I became a “Swiftie” (for the few uninitiated, a Swiftie is a fan of the pop singer Taylor Swift). My daughter is in her teens at a time when Swift is possibly THE biggest music star in the world, so it’s not surprising that she’s a devotee. And, truthfully, there’s a lot to like. Taylor is clearly a very hard worker, seemingly one of the hardestworking people in show business. And while her tours make so much money that they can change the trajectory of a host city’s economics, she makes sure to reward her team handsomely, most recently giving more than $197 million to her staff in bonuses. When I was in New Orleans a few months ago, our hotel (and the entire city, for that matter) was decked out and buzzing with activity due to the imminent Taylor Swift concerts; I’d never seen the place so bejeweled. A hotel manager told me that her tour was such a big event that the city used it as a practice run for the Super Bowl.

But it’s not just the economics of touring that Swift has impacted. As Amanda Hess of The New York Times noted, “As Swift changed pop music, she changed pop criticism, too.” Where once pop music was primarily about the male voice, and music by young female artists was often considered inconsequential and described as “bubble gum,” Swift has altered that trajectory, forcing critics to take her music and lyrics seriously.

Of course, when the Taylor Swift Eras Tour came through Indianapolis recently, her mother and I moved heaven and earth to get a ticket for her. The night before the concert, my daughter and her friends gathered at one of their parents’ houses and did whatever college-age Swifties do, which as far as I could tell involved the creation of seemingly hundreds of friendship bracelets (which are traded among attendees at Swift’s concerts). It just killed me, that innocence.

So I suppose I’m now part of a phenomenon: proud Swiftie Dad. I’ve read that life’s more fun when you live in a unified Swiftie household, and, although my wife and son don’t share all the same interests, they’re Swifties as well. At least, it prevents arguing over which playlist to listen to in the car. Of course, we’ve all seen the Eras movie several times, though I have to say, my heart remains with Emily, in Paris. Come to think of it, Taylor probably wrote a song about that.

Jeffrey Cohen jeff@slmag.net

ROOTED

Photographer Andy Katz and his son, winemaker Jesse Katz, embrace l'art de vivre through unique expressions of their craft.

"It's a keeper!" globetrotting photographer Andy Katz said he'd exclaim when he was confident he'd captured "the shot." During a recent conversation amid the Farrow Ranch vineyard in California's Alexander Valley in Sonoma County, he joked that the phrase also applies to the day his son Jesse was born. Well before Jesse marked his first trip around the sun, he accompanied his father on an assignment in Japan, the first of many adventures, which included a near-death experience with a charging rhino in Africa and quite a bit of time galivanting through some of the world's most famous vineyards. The latter imprinted upon young Jesse a fascination with wine and, more importantly, the soil that imparts "good juice" with its unique characteristics.

As an eight-year-old, Andy recalls flipping through a book of black-and-white portraits by Yousuf Karsh and deciding at that moment that he wanted to be a photographer. In the 1960s, an early assignment sent him around the globe without a clear itinerary and per diem that today would barely cover your morning latte. Listening to Andy tell it, the adventure seems both intoxicating and wholly unfathomable in today's hyper-connected world. His skill as a raconteur is as evocative as his photography, an oeuvre encompassing

more than 14 coffee table books (a dozen of which are devoted to wine), record albums cover for the likes of the Doobie Brothers and Dan Fogelberg, and features in museums and galleries worldwide. In 2005, he became Sony's First Artisan of Imagery. "Beauty is everywhere; you just have to wait for the right light," said Andy.

Similarly, Jesse recalls being laser-focused on becoming a winemaker, a fascination stretching back to an idyllic childhood sprinting through and occasionally sleeping amid vineyards in Europe and South America. Seeing a vineyard through his father's expertly focused lens and later being offered a taste of wine from the same site gifted him a unique ability to communicate terroir.

After graduating from CSU-Fresno, Jesse worked in the cellar and vineyards at Bodega Noemia in Patagonia, Argentina, whose oldest malbec vines were planted in the 1930s. Their lowtech approach to the craft included destemming grapes by hand and stomping them à la I Love Lucy. Jesse went on to apprentice at Bordeaux's Pétrus and Napa's Screaming Eagle before becoming America's youngest head winemaker at 25 with Lancaster Estate and Roth Winery in Sonoma County, where he was given the opportunity to design a winery from the ground up.

Written by Bridget Williams / Photos courtesy of Aperture Cellars

Aperture Estate Vineyard

Photo by Andy Katz

Jesse launched Aperture Cellars (aperture-cellars.com) in 2009, initially purchasing top-tier grapes from the hills of Sonoma. In 2012, he also created a cult wine project called Devil Proof, focusing on single-site, dry-farmed malbec and malbec blends. After nearly instant and ongoing acclaim for his releases, in 2016, Jesse decided to build his own winery, selecting Sonoma's top AVA's for what he saw as its potential to be a vaunted cabernet region but in slightly cooler areas for the varietal. An ulcer-inducing bank loan enabled the purchase of a 75-acre vineyard and another 40 acres for the winery complex and estate vineyard (including a block of vines planted in 1912) located 10 minutes outside the charming town of Healdsburg.

Touring the 24,000-square-foot winery complex with Jesse and Hillary Sjolund, Aperture and Devil Proof's Director of Winemaking, I was struck by its lab-like cleanliness and eyepopping array of high-tech tools (one of the most advanced in the United States). Starting with a very advanced de-stemmer, the grapes move on to an optical sorter that captures a whopping 1200 photos-per-second of the grapes while infrared technology identifies fruit that's been sunburned or otherwise damaged and kicks it out so that only the best grapes make the journey to the fermentation tanks via a pump that's so gentle it is the same type used to relocate fish from one pond to another in nurseries. The tricked-out tanks boast automated pump-overs, temperature

control, and oxygen injection, all of which can be controlled via laptop or smartphone. In addition to creating wines with finesse and mouthfeel, the big-ticket investment in technology has been offset by reduced staff overhead and significant savings on water usage (ninety-eight percent of the water used by the winery is recycled for use in irrigation and landscaping).

While the technology minimizes human error and increases efficiency, it's still up to the winemaker's expertise to create something special with the raw materials. "It's our purpose to express the uniqueness of each vineyard in the glass," said Hillary. Jesse singled out Aperture's ability to do automatic pumpovers, which has taken their creativity to another level because the frequency (as much as one minute every hour for the first five days) would have been impossible to do manually. "We are textural winemakers," said Jesse, adding that he and Hillary are constant collaborators, tasting daily and making subtle tweaks to get the desired outcomes.

Over a few days, what I found endearing about Jesse was his quiet confidence and lack of wine snobbery. Speaking to our small group with widely varying wine expertise, he could switch on a dime from drilling down into the minutia of soil types to using a sports metaphor to help explain Aperture's approach, remarking, "It's no different than training at an optimal level to get each muscle fiber to fire optimally."

Aperture’s tasting room at dusk

Photo by Rachid Dahnoun

The architecture of Aperture’s production winery is designed to complement the tasting room.

Photo by Adam Potts

Aperture’s architecturally stunning tasting room was designed by architect Juancarlos Fernandez with a central ceiling feature designed to look like the aperture of a camera lens. Photo by Aubrie Pick

Aperture tasting room

Photo by Aubrie Pick

Today, Aperture's vineyard holdings encompass over 200 acres in six distinct vineyards. Jesse first visited one of these, Farrow Ranch, a decade before purchasing it as he was invited to dinner there by a family friend. Accessed at the end of a narrow dirt road, the Farrow home sat at the bottom of a bowl-like valley where the open trellis system of vines gave way to dense forest.

Walking the site, Jesse recognized a block of dry-farmed malbec thriving in volcanic soil. The site is the source of Devil Proof's Farrow Ranch Malbec; Jesse's malbec, now grown on three distinct sites, has garnered the lion's share of his 19 100-point scores from five different wine critics. I am by no means an oenophile, but even as an amateur, my first sip of Devil Proof was eye-popping for its nuanced layers of aromas, flavors, and mouthfeel.

The Devil Proof moniker and the unique black-and-white image on the label derive from a father-and-son trip to Cuba, where Andy captured the now iconic photograph of a Cuban woman languidly smoking a cigar. Jesse recounts being told by the locals, "'If you live well and drink well, the devil can't get ya.' Like, you're devil-proof." Only around 1,000 cases of Devil Proof are made in the years the crop is deemed worthy, and the bottles

are quickly snapped up by those who sign up for an allocation notice at devilproofvineyards.com. Sold in sets of three, the presentation case is designed to mimic a cigar box Jesse had as a child and used to store his prized collection of coins picked up around the world.

"Jesse can recall the contours of a vineyard like a parent knows their child's face," said Andy. At Farrow Ranch alone, Jesse has dug 86 soil pits to create a detailed soil map that helps guide decisionmaking. Working with his mentor and consulting viticulturist Phil Freese, Jesse utilizes technology in the vineyards, employing NDVI imagery analysis to measure plant vigor and biomass vine by vine and taking appropriate actions to strengthen crops, ward off diseases, or determine watering and fertilization schedules.

While I can appreciate a good vintage, I love the why behind a wine even more, and Aperture is Jesse's heartwarming homage to his father and their enduring bond. The centerpiece of the guest experience is an architecturally stunning tasting room designed by architect Juancarlos Fernandez with a central ceiling feature designed to look like the aperture of a camera lens. Inside the tasting room, the walls are adorned with Andy's large

Winemaker Jesse Katz walking between rows of grapevines at Farrow Ranch.

Photo by Rachid Dahnoun

Winemaker Jesse Katz with his team in the Aperture tasting room enjoying the fruits of their labor.

Photo by Aubrie Pick

Winemaker Jesse Katz

Photo by Rachel Weill

format photos. The winery frequently holds immersive sensory experiences with local chefs that transcend the act of sipping by celebrating the delicious bounty of Sonoma County.

Jesse is a consulting winemaker for a handful of handpicked clients, including the Montage Healdsburg (montage. com/Healdsburg), a luxury resort that opened in January 2021. Before they broke ground on a single guest room on the 258acre property, Katz "cherry-picked" 15.5 acres to plant vineyards bearing malbec, merlot, petite verdot, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon and sauvignon blanc grapes that are used to create private label releases. Many of the 130 guest bungalows at the Montage Healdsburg, an event space, and a yoga lawn are integrated into areas of super-high-density vine plantings. These vines are carefully tended to by hand as heavy machinery would disrupt the resort's bucolic atmosphere. "From the outset, we were aligned in our desire to do nothing but the best, and the ownership listened to all of my crazy ideas," Jesse recounted.

In 2024, the Montage Healdsburg launched Surveyor, their private estate-bottled wine. The inaugural release, available exclusively to guests and residents of Montage Healdsburg

(montageresidenceshealdsburg.com), consists of a 2021 cabernet sauvignon and a 2021 sauvignon blanc, both harvested from Montage Healdsburg's estate vineyard and bottled at Aperture.

If you want to fully immerse yourself in Sonoma's wine culture during harvest, book a facial or body scrub at the Montage's 11,500-square-foot spa and try to resist the temptation to taste tantalizingly aromatic products made from grape skins and seeds.

One can draw parallels between photography and winemaking: a dedication to the craft, a pursuit of excellence, tempered hubris and obsession, and heaps of patience. Both Andy and Jesse lean into technology as a tool to augment their skills rather than as a crutch to mask shortcomings. Jesse said that his dad doesn't own Photoshop in the same way he hasn't acidified, fined, or filtered any of his red wines. Continuing that train of thought, Andy quickly jumps in, adding, "You can't do anything good by taking shortcuts" and "You can't rely on your last success for lasting happiness." However, as a proud father, he also emphatically proclaims that Jesse can make good wine in his sleep. And, after spending a few days with both Andy and Jesse, I'm reminded that healthy roots are essential to more than just winemaking. sl

Rockpile Ridge Vineyards

Photo by Rachid Dahnoun

Aperture’s Soil and Site Series wines

Many of the 130 guest bungalows at the Montage Healdsburg, an event space, and a yoga lawn are integrated into areas of superhigh-density vine plantings laid out by Jesse Katz.

Photo by Christian Horan Photography

Compiled by Bridget Williams

LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE BOYS

A few of our favorite men’s jewelry pieces, from classically elegant to edgy

Lagos diamond tag amulet ($1,990). Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Diamond Cellar in Nashville, Clarkson Jewelers in St. Louis and lagos.com. Chopard Ice Cube pendant in ethical rose gold ($6,460). Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis and chopard.com. Effy Jewelry men’s 925 sterling silver blue sapphire pendant ($1,256; effyjewelry.com). Walters Faith Quentin black gold and black diamond band ($4,890; waltersfaith.com). Michael M Tetra diamond band ($4,350). Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati and michaelm.com. Krik Kara Scroll Wheat engraved wedding band ($3,890). Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Genesis Diamonds in Nashville and kirkkara.com. David Yurman Streamline two-row band ring in titanium with black diamonds ($1,950). Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers and Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville and davidyurman.com. Pamela Love’s Alev bracelet ($240), is part of a collaborative collection with Turquoise Mountain to create a series of handcrafted jewelry made by Afghan artisans (pamelalove.com). Patcharavipa Allumette bracelet ($5,850; patcharavipa.com). Grown Brilliance Cuban link bracelet ($2,225; grownbrilliance.com). Chris Ploof Designs Damascus cuff (chrisploof.com). Verraggio two-tone gold and diamond bracelet. Available through Genesis Diamonds in Nashville and verragio.com. Seal & Scribe hand engraved cufflinks ($5,000; sealandscribe.com). Aurelia Demark single Lion cufflink ($185; aureliademark.com). LÖF Fritz bangle ($5,000; lofjewellery.com). Luis Morais gold Maille bracelet

Opposite page: Pieces from VRAM’s new men’s jewelry collection, priced from $1,300 (vramjewelry.com)

STORMING THE CASTLES

An alternative to day-tripping, AMERON Neuschwanstein Alpsee Resort & Spa offers a more leisurely and luxurious way to experience a storybook Bavarian village with two castles.

Written by Bridget Williams / Photos of AMERON Neuschwanstein Alpsee Resort & Spa by Wolfgang Stahr

Nestled into an alpine valley with complementary castles perched atop Lake Alpsee on opposing hillsides, it's hard to imagine a more storybook setting than the Bavarian town of Schwangau near Füssen in Allgäu. Annually, nearly two million visitors queue up to peek at the ornately furnished state rooms of Hohenschwangau Castle (hohenschwangau.de/en) and a small portion of Neuschwanstein Castle (neuschwanstein.de/englisch/ tourist), built by the famously eccentric King Ludwig II of Bavaria between the years of 1869 and 1884. Most visitors make a quick in-and-out stop in the village, which is a shame as they miss the opportunity to experience the beauty of this little hamlet after the castles close and the crowds disperse.

In the shadow of the castles and enveloped by the Allgäu Alps on the banks of Lake Alpsee, the 4-star AMERON Neuschwanstein Alpsee Resort & Spa (ameroncollection.com/en/neuschwansteinalpsee-resort-spa), part of the Althoff Hotels family, is a full-service resort opened in 2019. The sprawling property represents a

masterclass in seamlessly integrating old and new. A trio of listed historic buildings — Alpenrose, Jägerhaus, and Schlosshotel Lisl—are joined by the newly built Galeria and Seehaus wings to comprise 136 rooms and junior suites, conference and event facilities, an extensive spa and fitness center overlooking the lake, several restaurants, and the Museum of the Bavarian Kings (the former site of a grand hotel). The rhythm of the disparate elements comes together in an aesthetic harmony that the Europeans know how to intuitively orchestrate flawlessly.

The contemporary lobby's stone floors recall the surrounding mountaintops' exposed granite peaks. At the center of the sprawling space, a seating area with plush velvet upholstery welcomes guests to relax in front of the fireplace. In keeping with the AMERON brand's commitment to uniqueness, guest rooms in each building present distinct personalities. Guests lodged in the listed historic buildings experience romantic, fairy-tale interiors complete with canopied beds, period-correct antiques, print-on-print wallpaper, and ornate drapery.

Beer garden of the Schloss BräustüberlHohenschwangau Castle

4

elements spa pool with waterfall and view of the Alpsee

Deluxe room

Jägerhaus room

Lisl Restaurant

Lisl Terrace

The transition from old to new takes place via underground passageways and glass-covered pathways, AMERON's interpretation of a wormhole. In contrast to the fussiness of a bygone era, the clean lines of the new resort buildings would undoubtedly appease the aesthetics of legendary avant-garde German architects Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius. Here, the guest rooms bend towards the tenets of Bauhaus interior design: functionality, simplicity, and craftsmanship.

Continuity of contrasts extends to the culinary offerings with a host of unique gastronomic concepts. Seasonally inspired contemporary Bavarian alpine cuisine procured from local producers is available at Lisl Restaurant, serving a buffet-style breakfast and fine dining in the evening.

Schloss Bräustüber delivers an authentic German beer garden experience with meats, sausages, and cheeses originating from regional butchers and cheesemakers. Go all-in on authenticity by washing down your brezel with a freshly tapped pilsner from the town's King Ludwig Brewery. Fun fact: The first Oktoberfest in Munich on October 12, 1810, commemorated the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I, the grandfather of Ludwig II) to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen.

Open seasonally, the terrace of Alpenrose am Se is the ideal place to enjoy a cocktail or a signature "King Ludwig

Glace Royale" sweet treat while surveying the glassy waters of Lake Alpsee. Ludwig Bar is a comfortable gathering place for a regionally inspired craft cocktail or light meal that combines international influence with regional ingredients and specialties.

After a day of exploring castles or hiking the trails accessed via cable car atop Tegelberg mountain (tegelbergbahn.de/en), the resort's 4 Elements spa complex, encompassing an indoor pool, Finnish and bio-saunas, experiential showers, ice fountain, quiet lounge areas, and a well-equipped fitness center, is an ideal place to unwind. Face and body treatments incorporate proprietary ARAMO ELIXIR anti-aging products.

An ideal visual representation of words like "idyllic" and "picturesque," it's easy to see why the region was the chosen home of Bavarian kings. While Hohenschwangau Castle was merely the summer residence of Maximillian II (and much smaller inside that it appears from its hilltop perch), his son Ludwig II, whose known eccentricities are still fascinating today, created his fantasy vision of an impenetrable year-round fortress based on Christian kingship in the Middle Ages as his power and relevance as a monarch crumbled beneath him. History lovers will relish in the luxury of time afforded by a stay at AMERON Neuschwanstein Alpsee Resort & Spa to do a deep dive into the short but fascinating history of the Kingdom of Bavaria and the House of Wittelsbach, one of the oldest dynasties in Europe. sl

The Museum of the Bavarian Kings. Photo by Bridget Williams

The contemporary lobby's stone floors recall the surrounding mountaintops' exposed granite peaks

Lisl Restaurant

Compiled by Bridget Williams

BETTER TOGETHER

Fine jewelry that’s twice as nice with a two-stone design.

Akaila Reid stud earrings ($1,900; akailareid.com). Alison Lou Jewelry Double Cocktail drop earrings ($3,750; alisonlou.com). Marie Mas Aura ring ($4,937; mariemas.com/en-us). Mara Hotung Jewels peridot and tourmaline ring ($9,786; gemvoyager.com). Tanya Farah Jasmine Bloom bypass hoop earrings ($7,600; tanyafarah.com). Guita M lapis lazuli and opal drop earrings ($6,000; guitam-jewelry.com). MATEO pearl and diamond cluster drop earrings ($9,880; mateonewyork.com). Jacquie Aiche pavé diamond teardrop + baguette pink tourmaline open ring ($12,100; jacquieaiche.com). Clara Chehab Sienne Elemental stud earrings ($1,890; clarachehab.com). İTÄ Txirimiri Danza ring ($4,500; Opposite page: "In Reverse" sunstone & Tahitian natural color cultured pearl earrings from Assael ($44,000). Available through Diamond Cellar in Nashville and assael. com. Boochier Jewelers Lucky Pup necklace with diamond and sapphire accents ($3,590; boochier.com). Jonne Amaya ear climber ($1,200; jonneamaya.coom). Aurelia Demark small Fleur Toi Et Moi ring ($4,285; aureliademark.com). Mason and Brooks Fine Jewelry Tortuga pendant ($2,050; masonandbrooks.com). Suzanne Kalan one-of-a-kind Toi et Moi emerald and double baguette diamond ring ($12, 800; suzannekalan.com).

ALWAYS EN VOGUE

For over a century, Hôtel Plaza Athénée has remained at the pinnacle of luxury hotels in Paris.

Written by Bridget Williams

One can imagine the spirits of past Paris' haute couturiers as gossamer threads, gently tugging at the hearts and pocketbooks of contemporary fashionistas, drawing them en masse to the storied hôtel particuliers lining Avenue Montaigne in the 8th arrondissement. From the balcony of my Prestige Suite in the Hôtel Plaza Athénée (dorchestercollection.com/paris/hotel-plaza-Athenee), I sipped a latte from a delicate bespoke Jaune de Chrome porcelain teacup while my eyes slowly surveyed the scene like an iPhone camera’s Pano mode.

The early morning sun casts a painterly, dappled glow, making it easy to see why the City of Lights has seduced creative types for centuries. I first focus on the Eiffel Tower, its steel skeleton serving as a backdrop for the legendary hotel's iconic red awnings and window boxes laden with similarly hued geraniums from spring until late summer. My gaze casts down to the lobby's revolving door, where the omnipresent assemblage of some of the world's most covetable supercars attracts a similarly perennial gaggle of oglers. Craning my neck a bit, I can see eager early risers already queuing outside Dior (30 Avenue Montaigne), keen to be first in the door to soak up the fashionable fantasy offered by the ethereal five-floor showroom, Christian Dior's first boutique, which reopened in 2022 after two years of construction.

Sufficiently caffeinated, I head back into the opulence of my temporary abode, opulently outfitted in a manner that fully bolsters the Francophile fantasy, with sumptuous fabrics and furnishings punctuated with French marquetry and ormolu selected by designer Marie-José Pommereau.

Next, I head off to the gym, part of the world's first Diorbranded spa when it opened in 2008, where I almost felt bad for sweating on the supremely chic Dior-branded yoga mats, thinking they'd look just as good mounted on the wall as art. The recently refreshed labyrinth-like spa, which reopened in 2023 in a soothing cream and taupe colorway with discreet gold accents, now boasts larger treatment rooms, including one for couples and a designated beauty room for hair and makeup services. The Dior Light Suite features a light therapy booth, the first in Europe, which employs LED lights scattered across the ceiling to harness the sun's power to influence the body's circadian and chronobiological rhythms response to help fight stress, combat jet lag and increase energy.

My last stay at Hôtel Plaza Athénée was close to 15 years ago. Upon entering the circular lobby, the intoxicating scent of fresh flowers emanating from arrangements in cone-shaped vessels affixed to the marble columns created a moment of déjà vu and a pleasant realization that while much has changed, what makes the property iconic hasn't. I like to imagine that Christian Dior would feel the same. Long before the Dior name became synonymous with luxury fashion, he was purported to have strolled along Avenue Montaigne, stopping in front of Hôtel Plaza Athénée and pledging to himself that when he launched his own house, it would be located on this celebrated stretch of pavement. In fact, Dior presented his inaugural collection at the Hôtel in 1947.

Photo by Eric Laignel

Lobby of the Hôtel Plaza Athénée

Photo by Francis Amiand

La Galerie at Hôtel Plaza Athénée

Photo by Mark Read

There are two distinct personalities within the eight-floor hotel. Floors one through six are outfitted in Haussmannian style. In September, the property revealed 49 renovated rooms by acclaimed French interior design firm Moinard Bétaille on its fifth and sixth floors, including the legendary Royal Suite. Designed to resemble true Parisian apartments, each room and suite offer a different layout, ensuring no two rooms are alike. Six new color palettes have been designed to bring a touch of freshness and softness to the property amidst its 18th-century backdrop. The Virginia creeper plant that adorns the façade of the hotel's iconic interior courtyard –La Cour Jardin – appears throughout the design, from moldings and mosaics to the embroidery of cushions, carpets and moiré silks.

In contrast, guestrooms on floors seven and eight were created from reconfigured staff quarters fifty years ago in a distinct Art Deco style and refreshed during COVID by Parisian duo Bruno Moinard and Claire Bétaille. Blond and whited solid oak is punctuated with pops of "Plaza Red." Each guest room is uniquely sized, so furniture is similarly styled but bespoke to remain proportionally pleasing. A curated selection of coffee table books and framed fashion photos from vaunted photographers lend an apartment-like feeling to the intimately sized rooms. Luxurious grey-white marble bathrooms with graphic veining are an amenity shared with the more traditional accommodations.

Arguably, the most exciting change in recent years has occurred in the culinary sector. The COVID closure of 2020 prompted management to rethink their entire food and beverage program. After a 22-year run with Alain Ducasse at the helm in the kitchen, Hôtel Plaza Athénée created waves when they decided to roll the dice

on Jean Imbert, a 42-year-old Top Chef France winner who'd yet to earn a star. Given Imbert's experience working at hotspots in Miami and St. Tropez and celebrity clientele that includes Pharrell and Beyoncé, Justine Klar, Communications Manager at Plaza Athénée, said that in addition to Imbert's culinary prowess, hotel management appreciated the chef's VIP connections in the influencer age.

Rather than follow in the footsteps of Ducasse, Imbert chose to boldly forge his own path, working in a methodical fashion to completely overhaul all the restaurants, most dramatically the gastronomic one, which was reborn in an avant-garde style as Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée. The theatrically designed experience begins with the decor. If you ever wanted to know what it was like to dine at the Court of Versailles, reserve one of the 16 coveted seats at the room's central marble table, where you will experience traditional cuisine served with succinct choreography. Guests are privy to ample interaction with chef Imbert, who purposefully leaves a little ambiguity on the menu descriptions for an element of surprise.

The Plaza Athénée's garden restaurant menu is now appropriately veggie-forward with a Mediterranean bent. Throughout the year, the space evolves to host seasonal events championed by chef Imbert, including an open-air summer cinema series with a corresponding menu inspired by a given film. In winter, an alpine chalet with a long table for 20 is erected alongside the garden's La Cour Jardin ice rink, where a lucky few can partake of fondue and Champagne. Fans of Emily in Paris will recognize the scene from the Agence Grateau holiday party in the second part of Season 4, proof positive that the quest for relevancy never rests.

Haute Couture Suite

Photo by Mark Read

La Cour Jardin

Photo by Mark Read

The theatrically designed experience at Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée begins with the decor.

An Art Deco masterpiece opened in 1936, Le Relais at Hôtel Plaza Athénée is one of the most famous brasseries in Paris.

Living room in a newly renovated Art Deco-inspired duplex suite.

Photo by Mark Read

The Dior-branded spa reopened in 2023 after a refurbishment.

Photo by Matthieu Salvaing

View from the balcony of a Prestige Suite

Photo by Francis Amiand

Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse in Le Meurice

Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse in Le Meurice

The Dalí-inspired and Philippe Starck-designed environs at Restaurant Le Dalí in Le Meurice.

Photo by Bridget Williams

An Art Deco masterpiece opened in 1936, Le Relais at Hôtel

Plaza Athénée is one of the most famous brasseries in Paris. The décor, which includes a chandelier classified as a monument by the French government, derives inspiration from the liner SS Normandie. We spent a lingering lunch surrounded by the power suit set, sampling cuisine with a pronounced sense of tradition, including Imbert's "My Grandmother's Terrine. I indulged in beef tartare, prepared tableside, accompanied by Pont Neuf potatoes, thick-cut fries that get their moniker from the city's oldest bridge, where pommes frites were once sold.

For generations, La Galerie, open from breakfast until late night, has served as the hotel's beating heart and is where the pulse of fashion week is taken outside the runway. However, I preferred the quiet of the afternoon, where the leisurely lull is accompanied by a harpist.

Time didn't permit a nightcap at Le Bar, but a daytime peek inside, revealing original wood paneling contrasted with a contemporary haute couture-inspired lighting installation and a bar resembling an ice sculpture, was enough to envision why there's almost always a line to get in on the weekends. The allure is long-standing: Christian Dior's iconic New Look Bar jacket is said to have been inspired by the space. A partnership with Dom Perignon provides guests access to rare bottles, which Klar described as "the price of a little apartment in Paris." During the day, Terrace Montaigne restaurant in front of Le Bar is the place to be for people watching and partaking of a new seafood, oyster bar and Champagne experience.

As part of The Dorchester Collection, guests of Hôtel Plaza Athénée gain entrée into an exclusive array of distinct properties lined by an unwavering commitment to quality at all touchpoints. Equally iconic, the Plaza's Parisian sister, Le Meurice (dorchestercollection.com/paris/le-Meurice), was the city's first palace hotel when it opened opposite the Tuilleries gardens in the 1st arrondissement. The opulent décor is wonderfully eccentric; over the years, architect Jean-Loup Roubert, interior designer Charles Jouffre, designer Philippe Starck, and his daughter, visual artist Ara Starck, have lent their unique perspective to interiors that deftly meld classical and contemporary styles.

A gastronomic tour de force, Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse bears 2 Michelin stars for haute cuisine inspired by authentic dishes served in a dining room reminiscent of the sumptuous Salon de la Paix at the Palace of Versailles. I was equally enamored of the dramatic and lively Dalí-inspired and Philippe Starck-designed environs at Restaurant Le Dalí, a fitting backdrop for a celebration of local and seasonal French cuisine.

Although it's often said that "what's old is new again," the Hôtel Plaza Athénée has never fallen out of fashion, drawing in a steady stream of luminaries like moths to a flame since it opened in 1913. Never willing to rest on its gilded laurels in a quest to meet its motto as "The palace of tomorrow," Hôtel Plaza Athénée continually reinvests in enhancing the guest experience and elevating the property's online allure with a savviness that would make Emily Cooper proud. sl

Christian Dior's iconic New Look Bar jacket is said to have been inspired by Le Bar at Hôtel Plaza Athénée.

Photo by Tina Hillier

Of Note... New Year, New You

Compiled by Colin Dennis

can positively impact sleep quality by helping regulate body temperature, promoting relaxation through comfort, and signaling to the brain that it's time to wind down, ultimately leading to easier sleep onset and better sleep quality. Opting for breathable materials like cotton, bamboo, or silk is generally recommended over synthetic fabrics that can trap heat and moisture. Dandy paisley silk pajamas from Yves Delorme ($795; usa.yvesdelorme.com).

Pajamas

Countless studies have shown that a sauna’s dry heat promotes sweating, improves circulation and cardiovascular health, and enhances relaxation, which may translate to better sleep. From ThermaSol, the Ventura indoor sauna cabin features curved, waterfall-like benches and a veneered ash interior. A silk-printed glass wall allows natural light to filter through (thermasol.com).

The SOPHIA Fitness Mobile Set from PENT is designed to seamlessly blend style and functionality. Built to order, the setup can encompass dumbbells, kettlebells, compact fitness accessories, exercise mats, and fitness balls ($11,885; pentfitness.com).

Real-time health data is always in reach with the Samsung Galaxy ring (shown in titanium silver). A trio of sensors offer a discreet way to monitor health metrics like heart rate, sleep patterns, and activity levels ($399; samsung.com).

It may seem that a soak in frigid water may not be good for you. Still, studies have shown otherwise, with benefits from reducing inflammation to improving mood. Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro ($9,699; sunhomesaunas.com).

Red light therapy uses specific wavelengths of light thought to stimulate energy production in the cells and reduce inflammation. From Mito Red, the patent-pending MitoADAPT™ Mega 3.0 Series with dual chip multi-wavelength design provides eleven different possible modes, allowing users to determine which combinations of wavelengths are having the most significant impact on helping them reach their goals ($4,999; mitoredlight.com).

Travel has been linked to stress reduction and can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Studies have shown that resveratrol, wine’s “super ingredient,” may lower blood pressure, control cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and even boost brain power. Combine the benefits of both at SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites, the luxury boutique hotel by Argentina’s first female winemaker, Susana Balbo, and her daughter, Ana Lovagilo Balbo. Their new Wine Immersion Program offers a complete sensory journey through a comprehensive exploration of Mendoza’s rich wine culture through the legacy and insights of the Susana Balbo family. From private winemaking expeditions—featuring behind-thescenes visits to some of the region’s top wineries—to in-suite wine-based wellness treatments, tastings in the hotel’s intimate tasting room, and an aromatic evening turn-down service in iconic wine egg tub, every detail is designed to celebrate the finest of Mendoza’s wine world within SB Winemaker’s House’s elegant setting (rates start at $1,663 per night base on double occupancy; susanabalbohotels.com).

Fitness boxing is a high-intensity workout that engages the aerobic and anaerobic systems, torching as many as 800 calories an hour, depending on intensity. Modest Vintage Player limited edition floral leather heavy punching bag ($399), strap-up boxing gloves ($135), and hand wraps ($35; modestvintageplayer.com).

SB Winemaker's House & Spa

A symbol of wealth and status in ancient times, ear cuffs have newfound popularity, and the genderless jewelry is perfect for those who don’t want the long-term commitment of a piercing. Compiled by Bridget Williams

CUFFING SZN

This page, clockwise from top left: Mazarin Eboris ear cllip ($1,320; mazarin-paris.com). Tiffany T1 ear cuff in rose gold with diamonds ($9,000; tiffany.com). Guzema Chainfall ear cuff ($1,450; guzema.com). Patcharavipa Lune Sucré ear cuff ($5,240; patcharavipa.com). MACADAM Quadra open enamel ear cuff ($3,750; voilamacadam.com). Jacquie Aiche Sophia teardrop shaker ear cuff ($4,125; jacquieaiche.com). De Beers white gold Dewdrop ear cuff ($2,100; debeers.com). Bondeye Jewelry Wave ear cuff ($600; bondeyejewelry.com). Type Jewelry LEGGO 2.0 diamond ear cuff ($1,600; typejewelry.com). Anita Ko Cosmo ear cuff ($7,875; anitako.com). Nouvel Heritage VENDÔME double pearl ear cuff ($1,700). Available through ReisNichols in Indianapolis, Ylang-Ylang in St. Louis and us.nouvelheritage.com. Ippolita single pavé Squiggle ear cuff ($1,395). Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis and ippolita.com. State Property Arcan Markeli triple ear cuff (thisisstateproperty.com). Shahla Karimi Le Corbusier Puff Set double ear cuff ($1,360; shahlakarimi.com).

GOING FOR THE GOLD

A

two-week adventure through Spain and Portugal was nothing short of luxurious.

By Christy Marshall / Photography courtesy of Luxury Gold

I am a tour newbie.

Once decades ago, while living outside Glasgow, I schlepped to Paris with a slew of Scottish schoolteachers. They brought their own tea and marmalade. They got cranky. Frequently. The hotel was old... and cold. It was one of those okay-but-not-sogreat experiences. Except for a spectacular safari in Kenya, I've sidestepped group outings ever since.

Little did I know what an incredible difference tapping a company like Luxury Gold makes. The trip, titled "Spain and Portugal Travel in Style," involved visiting nine cities in two countries over 13 days.

It's not for the faint of heart.

But then again, when Luxury Gold is at the helm, stamina, not bravado, is the key. Several of the 22 others on this jaunt already knew. One couple was on their fifth Luxury Gold tour. Others had already taken the company's trips to Italy, Croatia, Poland, England, and Scotland. Before we packed our bags to go home, some signed up for a trip to Egypt.

But then again, what's not to love? You travel first class, you stay in five-star hotels, the food is divine, you get private tours of the sites and cities, and every possible detail is handled by the tour concierge.

Luxury Gold’s parent, The Travel Corporation, was founded in 1920 by hotelier and restauranteur, the late Stanley Tollman, and his wife, Bea, then living in the fishing village of Paternoster, South Africa. Last July, Travel Corporation, which now holds more than

40 travel and tourism brands and hotels, was purchased by Apollo Funds of New York.

The tour stands apart from others because of all the posh details: Being picked up by a driver in a black town car to go to the airport, then from the airport to the hotel and at the end, back to the airport and from the airport to my St. Louis bungalow. It's the luxury of having every reservation made, every room ready, of never hauling my luggage a step further than my hotel room door. No lines. Anywhere. Having proud local citizens give us either bus or walking tours (or a combination of both) at every destination. It's the ease of boarding a Mercedes version of a Greyhound bus, flitting you from one province, city, site, or even restaurant to the next.

At a time when international travel can be an unpleasant mixture of annoying and exhausting, all those little things add up to a lot.

The Luxury Gold approach offers total immersion into the country and its culture. The kingpin of the trip is the guide or concierge, the magician who eases away any and all rough edges, never fusses, never gets rattled, keeps a sharp eye out for pickpockets, and both entertains and educates. For us, her name was Sonia Santos. With an almost encyclopedic knowledge of the regions, she kept us enthralled hour after literal hour with history, data, statistics, anecdotes, local eccentricities, and even gossip. I now know the average alcohol consumption, cigarette users, and age longevity for Spaniards. She educated us on all things both Spanish and Portuguese. A guide for the past 28 years, Sonia spent five years at the university earning her tourism degree.

A woman dancing flamenco in Seville’s Plaza de España. Photo by S. Kuder.

Madrid, Spain

Image by Sergio Martínez

Ruins of the Roman theater in Mérida, Spain at sunset

Pastel de Nata, a Portuguese egg custard tart pastry.

Paella in Valencia, Spain

The Coach Museum in Lisbon, Portugal

Photo by Zoran Karapancev

Alhambra palace, Granada, Spain

The lobby of the Hotel Colón Gran Meliá in Seville

The Luxury Gold goal is "to take you on a silver tray to the best places we can," Sonia said. The trip started in Barcelona. There, we explored all things Gaudi and toured the spiral-laden Sagrada Familia Cathedral, a Gaudi-inspired plan now (theoretically) being executed by (living) architects.

Next, we bussed to Valencia after stopping for a seven-course lunch at the Michelin-starred L'Antic Moli restaurant in La Galera, where we also consumed (a considerable amount of) locally harvested wine. One of the highlights of the drive through Valencia's Ciutat de les Arts Y De Las Ciències (City of Arts and Sciences), a collection of stunning buildings including the L'Oceanogràfic (the aquarium), The Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía (the opera house), Hemisferic (planetarium/IMAX theater), Museu de les Cièscience Principe Felipe (science museum), L'Agora (covered event space) designed by Félix Candela and Santiago Calatrava, the same architect who created the Oculus at Ground Zero in New York City.

In Granada, a guide led us patiently through the Alhambra Palace, built by the Moors in the 13th century. That night, we stayed at the Hospes Palacio de los Patos, a palace-turned-hotel that was truly palatial with its marble floors and wood-carved ceilings (all making it feel a bit like living in the Alhambra). With no rest for the weary, we were up and out the following morning to travel to Córdoba (where we walked through Mezquita and the Jewish Quarter) and then on to Seville, affectionately referred to as

the "Soul of Spain." That city may have been my absolute favorite. Aside from the gorgeous hotel, the Colón Gran Meliá, we spent hours exploring — and learning by doing. There was the flamenco lesson before sitting down for a performance by the professionals. The next day, we trekked to the local market (Mercado de Abastos), where we made the best paella I've ever eaten (and where the chef warned us against ever, ever adding chorizo to the dish).

On the eighth day, we crossed the border into Portugal. En route, we stopped for lunch to hear a performance of local men in a group singing Cante Alentejano. This genre of traditional twopart singing, originating in southern Portugal, has been added to UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Once in Lisbon (Sonia's hometown), we stayed at the Pousada de Lisboa and explored the city. A not-to-be-missed attraction was the Museu dos Coches (Coach Museum), which made me roll my eyes when I first read it. Foolish me. It was spectacular. Who knew coaches could be so intricately made, ostentatious, beautiful, and uncomfortable? But as wonderful as it was to see them, they came in a strong second to the Pastel de Nata. This Portuguese egg-yolk custard tart dates to before the 18th century and is basically a crème brûlée in a puff pastry made from a recipe held fast to the heart by the monks living atop a nearby hill. Afterward, we explored the National Palace of Queluz and headed out on our own to shop and dine.

Constructed on a plateau that overlooks the city of Granada, Spain, the Alhambra palace and fortress was built largely between 1238 and 1358.

The city of the Arts and Sciences in Valencia, Spain.

Photo by Melinda Nagy

At the São João Evangelista Church in Évora, the walls are covered with polychrome tiles from the seventeenth century. Photo by Hector Christiaen

Before ending our trip to Madrid, we stopped at Évora (another UNESCO World Heritage Site). We explored the town, toured the cathedral, and tasted Portuguese wines at the Herdade de Calada vineyard. We shopped and shopped, buying cork (purses, shoes, bottle stoppers), espadrilles, tiles, and jewelry, among other native wares. We spent the night in the simply spectacular Convento do Espinheiro, a 14th-century monastery and convent reborn as a gorgeous hotel that opened in the early 2000s.

Back on the bus, we stopped at Mérida to tour the Roman ruins before motoring on. From our base in Madrid at the Hotel Fénix Gran Meliá, we had two days to explore, walk through the city, tour the Prado Museum, explore the maze-like Old Town, and do more shopping, eating, and learning.

By the time we were done, we had traveled 1,700 miles on the bus. In a casual survey, everyone agreed that this trip (an $8,000plus investment) was worth every penny. Universal praise came for the hotels, the bus, and the various events, but especially for Sonia. Aside from her incredible knowledge, she always treated us with gifts. With a mischievous grin, she'd announce, "I have a little surprise for you," and follow it up with chocolate treats on the bus and local pastries. There was the night we met for champagne before dinner. There was Café Carajillo, a coffee drink with brandy

at one of the gas stops. She texted us her favorite sangria recipe. And then later for gazpacho. She led us to the Lisbon marketplace to join the locals for shots of cherry liqueur.

When one young couple from Perth asked to go to a vineyard to buy a bottle of the rare Spanish sherry PX (Petro Ximénez), Sonia made it happen, and they returned ecstatic with two — circa 1931. The simple fact that a hat owned by one of the women on the tour, which was lost at one site and still made its way back to her, is proof positive of Sonia's skills. As one earlier tour member mentioned, she felt protected with Sonia in charge. "She's like a German shepherd," the woman said. For a group with an age range spanning early 50s to mid-70s, the notion of someone else being totally in control and casting an ever-vigilant protective eye had a luxurious ring to it.

Built into the delight of the trip was the process of total strangers (from Australia, Canada, New York, California, Maryland, Virginia, Florida, and Texas) almost instantly morphing into an ad hoc group of friends. Every single person was funny, kind, welcoming, smart, interesting, and primed for an adventure.

"I know that I'm doing a good job when you are mingling," Sophia said. "You started as strangers — and you end as a family."

And I know now that group travel, with the right company in charge, is as good as gold. sl For more information visit luxurygold.com.

The wine cellar at Convento de Espinheiro hotel in Evora, Portugal

ROCK & ROLLS

Rolls Royce remains relevant by keeping its white-gloved hands rooted in its heritage and a heavy foot on accelerating bespoke customization.

Written by Matthew Cottrell / Photos courtesy of Rolls-Royce

No one actually needs a one-off vibrant yellow Rolls Royce Spectre, or a Twilight Purple Cullinan II. Still, for those with the wherewithal to purchase one of these half-million-dollar-plus bespoke odes to luxury, it sure is fun to know that the sky is the limit for customization. As finely tailored as a Savile Row suit, throughout 2024, the British marque has paraded a bevy of its latest bespoke creations to events around the globe, most recently the Las Vegas Concours at Wynn Las Vegas. The resort owns the largest fleet of Rolls-Royce Phantoms in North America, with 10 extended-wheelbase Phantoms specifically designed for the resort to chauffeur its highest caliber guests.

Sophisticated Living was invited to be among a select group of media to experience a condensed version of Rolls-Royce's "White Glove" training program for the finest chauffeur education in driving and etiquette before getting behind the wheel of some of their latest creations in nearby Red Rock Canyon and the Vegas strip.

The tradition of having specially trained chauffeurs pilot RollsRoyce goes back nearly a century ago, when tycoons and maharajahs, who imported the cars from England, requested the company provide training for everything from personal presentation to the 'champagne stop,' a unique braking technique that halts the vehicle with such smoothness that nary a drop of bubbly is spilled by the passengers. While it's a bit of an anomaly in an era of autonomous cars, as we all know, one of the most self-indulgent ways to enjoy a RollsRoyce is from the backseat (and a full twenty percent of the 6,000 Rolls-Royce cars delivered annually are strictly chauffeur driven).

Witty Englishman Andi McCann leads the White Glove training program. After a brief history lesson, McCann provided

an abbreviated version of the invitation-only course Rolls-Royce offers to those who drive their VIP clientele, demonstrating how to move with grace and precision even before the engine starts. "Striving for perfection is a basic component of luxury," remarked McCann. "Everything you do must be sharp, effortless, professional, and safe." In short, we learned that a professionally trained Rolls-Royce chauffeur knows everything from the preferred elevation of their clients' headrests to knowing whether to use the vintage or non-vintage champagne setting in the backseat Coolbox.

After two hours of classwork, I found myself behind the wheel of the Rolls-Royce Spectre Semaphore. This one-of-one commission made its global debut at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, this past August. If the attention-grabbing yellow paint job wasn't arresting enough, the bonnet boasts a dramatic 'Marbled Paint Spill' graphic that took 160 hours to perfect. Keeping McCann's guidance top-of-mind, I ease myself behind the wheel, taking notice of the interior, a combination of Bespoke Lemon Yellow and Citrine Yellow on the seats, the Starlight doors, and above the instrument panel. It blends into the contrasting Grace White and Slate Grey hues with Lemon Yellow stitching. The SPIRIT operating system, an advanced digital interface that allows for extensive personalization within the car's interior, allowed the dials to complement the motor car's yellow colorway. I relax into the seat, gently grasp the wheel at 9- and 3-o'clock, and glide away, instantly acknowledging that even those who choose to be driven shouldn't deny themselves the pleasure of piloting this beauty for themselves on occasion.

Brener Green Spectre

Rolls-Royce chauffeur instructor Andi McCann providing White Glove instruction in the Red Rock Canyon. Turchese Blue Spectre

The bonnet of the Spectre Semaphore boasts a dramatic 'Marbled Paint Spill' graphic that took 160 hours to perfect.

Having familiarized myself with the nuances of the Spectre, it was time to try my skills with the Cullinan Black Badge Series II, the next iteration of the luxury SUV that brings the marque's hallmark "magic carpet ride" to any terrain. The acceleration of the 592 horsepower V12 is effortless and quiet, with the selfleveling air suspension constantly adjusting to road conditions to provide a remarkably smooth ride. The uniquely patterned cabin seating, mated to the Twilight Purple bespoke paint job, features a glass dashboard panel that uses backlighting through tiny pinpricks to create an ambient effect and a small vitrine with an illuminated Spirit of Ecstasy.

It is hard to imagine that Rolls-Royce could improve the legendary ride and comfort of its decadent automobiles, but the age of electric vehicles has done just that. The Spectre BEV exhibits a level of smoothness that flattened the legendary Red Rock roads, and the electric motor's instant torque leaves you wanting more. After all, who wouldn't want the finest, smoothest, and quietest automobile to also whisk you away at near sports car acceleration? Rolls has once again reset the standard for luxury automobiles.

Arrayed on the green of the Wynn Golf Club Like a peacock fanning out its train, Rolls-Royce's candy-colored lineup for the Las Vegas Concours also included a Brener Green Spectre, an Emerald Cullinan, and a Turchese Blue Spectre. The diversity of the display comes on the heels of the brand opening Private Office New York this past September in the Meatpacking District. It's the latest creative outpost in a network that already includes Shanghai, Dubai, Seoul, and the 'original' Private Office at the home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood. Available by appointment, it allows North American clients to interact directly with a US-based designer and specialist client experience manager. "Our investment in this office is in response to the steadily increasing engagement we see from our North American clients in this region, constantly challenging our designers to create and develop even more exciting and ambitious commissions," said Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

“If you’re on time, you are late,” McCann stressed during our briefing. Staying ahead of the game has made Rolls-Royce a benchmark for luxury vehicles since Charles Rolls and Henry Royce established the brand in 1904. sl

Twilight Purple Cullinan II

WARM UP WINTER WITH BACKYARD DREAMS

Written by Stephanie Carlson

The weather outside is frightful, but planning your backyard living space is so delightful. During the chilly winter months, curl up on your couch with a cozy blanket, a pencil and a pad of paper and start dreaming about your backyard retreat.

Now that your foliage has fallen, take a look beyond the greenery to envision an outdoor space that welcomes family and friends. You may be thinking, ”Where do I start?” It can seem like a wind storm of possibilities, considering all of the attractive outdoor space options available. However, Naturspire is at your service to make implementing your vision a breeze. Following are some steps to take toward creating a happy, happening haven.

Evaluate your space How do you want to use your backyard? Do you want a BBQ area for entertaining, a play space for kids, a pool, a tranquil retreat, or a mix of everything? Look at the size, shape, and layout of your yard. Note any natural features, like trees, existing gardens and topography. Start sketching…this drawing does not need to be fancy, but will ignite your imagination. Invest in colored pencils to identify what you want where.

• Create a Pinterest “Backyard Retreat” board

• Use a free design software to create a basic landscape layout

• Print out the survey of your property and sketch ideas on it

• Reach out to a professional landscape designer

Hot summer days require shade trees or a pergola, while a fire pit creates a gathering space during colder evenings and a retractable blind system will shield your outdoor space from the elements.

Zones for different activities

• A dining area and lounge set for meals, socializing and relaxing are essential. If you entertain often, consider a larger table and creative seating options.

• Enjoy family gatherings with children. Include a swing set, sandbox, trampoline, basketball goal or pickleball court, as well as a pool or water feature. Decorative fencing can keep children and pets safe.

• Warm up and get cozy in front of a fireplace or around a firepit with a custom stone design that accents your home.

• Go with ornamental and edible gardens to add beauty, interest, texture, color and home-grown vegetables.

• Incorporate a variety of evergreens for year-round greenery and to create natural privacy screens. Perennials like phlox, peony, hydrangea, daylily, and cone flower provide an early spring-to-fall palette. Planted with intention, early bloomers will be followed by late bloomers, showering the garden with a rainbow of colors into autumn.

Ambiance and comfort A vast variety of sturdy, stylish weatherresistant furnishings are available and built with materials like teak, metal and recycled plastic that will withstand the elements. Adorned with colorful, fade-resistant and weather-friendly fabrics, your backyard living space vision comes to life with textiles: rugs, cushions, throw pillows, umbrellas and awnings.

Twinkling fairy lights strung across the patio, deck or throughout the trees create a pleasant, magical atmosphere. Solar-powered or lowvoltage pathway lighting, lanterns, and candles accent navigation, while spotlights highlight trees, garden art and sculptures.

Your personal touch

• Add a lawn for games like cornhole, badminton, or a giant Jenga or chess set. A hammock, swing, or even a small sports court can also add fun.

• Display family photos, a wall art feature, or a statement piece of outdoor furniture that reflects your style.

• Storage solutions for outdoor cushions, pool toys, gardening tools, or BBQ equipment will keep things neat.

In summary, the long winter dormancy is the perfect time to plan a lively space for outdoor enjoyment. Cozy up and get creative… your dream backyard is just a few months away. sl

For more information, visit naturspire.com.

THE ART OF WINE

A glass shared under the stars: love the wine you’re with.

Written by Jessica Pontius / Photographed by Addison Ray/Keep Indy Indie

Picture this–the soft glow of twinkling lights, a crisp evening breeze, and the warmth of laughter shared with loved ones. At Daniel’s Vineyard, nestled in the heart of Geist, Indiana, their cozy greenhouses offer an intimate setting for moments that linger long after the last sip. These charming spaces, seating up to eight guests, invite you to gather, uncork your favorite bottle, and create memories under a canopy of stars.

Wine, after all, is more than a beverage—it’s a catalyst for connection. As the first glass is poured, conversations flow as easily as the vintage in your hand. What are the stories that surface when you’re surrounded by your closest people? Perhaps it’s the memory of a family trip that took an unexpected twist, the

recipe that never quite turned out right, or the dream destinations that feel closer with each toast.

In the gentle glow of the greenhouse, time slows. The focus isn’t on the food (though the curated pizzas and s’mores are irresistible) or even the wine itself—it’s on the way these elements weave a tapestry of connection. Sharing a bottle becomes a ritual, an act of saying, “I want to savor this moment with you.”

At Daniel’s Vineyard, the setting offers more than just conversation—it sparks inspiration. It’s about more than just making memories; it’s about making them together. With every clink of a glass, you’re reminded that the destination doesn’t matter as much as the love shared along the way. sl For more information, visit danielsvineyard.com.

Gary Nance

LIFELONG LEARNING STARTS HERE.

At Park Tudor, every day is a chance for your child to explore their passions. From state-of-the-art academics to athletics and fine arts, we’re dedicated to ensuring every student from junior kindergarten to 12th grade has a well-rounded education.

Choose Park Tudor to instill a love of learning that lasts.

A DERMATOLOGIST’S DREAM COME TRUE

Patient-focused, state-of-the-art skincare solutions

Written by Stephanie Carlson / Photographed by Dave Pluimer

From a very young age, Melanie Kingsley knew she wanted to be a doctor. As she pursued this dream, she realized she was passionate about dermatology and opening her own practice where patients feel comfortable and confident that they are getting the most personal and exceptional quality care available. In May 2023, that dream came true when Dr. Kingsley opened her first office, MK Dermatology, in Noblesville. Her vision was fully realized one year later when she moved into a bright, cheerful, new state-of-the-art facility located in Carmel.

“I love helping people. I work hard to provide a wide variety of patient-focused dermatologic and cosmetic care options for all ages,” says Dr. Kingsley, a board-certified dermatologist. “I want to create a positive experience and welcoming environment where clients feel confident that their skin concerns will be personally addressed with expert care.” Rows of windows flood the waiting room with natural light, and modern artwork lines the walls, while a beautiful lobby, smiling staff, and special touches like coffee, tea, Vero water and a relaxation room present an upscale clinic that feels more like a luxury spa than a medical facility.

“Dr. Kingsley has a great eye and natural gift,” says patient Sherri Moyer. “I trust her knowledge and choices and feel comfortable in her beautiful new office complete with a fantastic, professional staff.”

Dr. Kingsley was born in Castle Rock, Colorado, but her family later moved to Munster, Indiana, where she lived until graduating high school. Following college, she attended Indiana University School of Medicine, where she was exposed to a variety of different specialties in the field of medicine. “I had the opportunity for a summer internship with my mentor, Dr. Carolyn Jacobs of Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology,” she recalls. “Dr. Jacobs was remarkable and that experience sealed my desire to learn everything possible about the field of dermatology.”

After completing four years of medical school and her four-year dermatology residency at Indiana University School of Medicine, Dr. Kingsley entered into the renowned cosmetic dermatology and laser surgery fellowship program with SkinCare Physicians in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, where she trained under clinical faculty from the Harvard and Yale Departments of Dermatology. The fellowship exposes students to advanced and specialized areas of skin care that enhance their expertise of dermatology, cosmetic surgery and lasers, in preparation for independent practice.

“I was honored to work with four amazing mentors, learning their different treatment protocols and methods and developing my own from those teachings,” explains Dr. Kingsley. “I, along with two other fellows, were trained diligently on a wide variety of procedures. We also ran multiple clinical research trials on new products and devices undergoing FDA approval.”

Armed with her fellowship graduate degree, Dr. Kingsley returned to Indiana University School of Medicine and joined the faculty to start their first cosmetic dermatology division, a program she launched from scratch, founding the Cosmetic Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center. While the dream of opening her own practice was still her ultimate vision, she focused on her role in academia, developing a training curriculum for future dermatologists.

Dr. Melanie Kingsley

Dr. Kingsley designed her office to feel like a luxurious spa instead of a medical facility.

Dr. Kingsley uses the latest, state-of-the-art technology.

“My 13 years at IU were both rewarding and challenging. This experience played a very important role in my growth and development on this career path,” she recalls. With nearly 20 years of well-rounded expertise, Dr. Kingsley, a wife and mother of two daughters, made her move to create her own practice, sharing her talents and artistic eye directly with patients. From acne to aging, MK Dermatology offers dermatologic solutions and treatment plans focused on individual needs, including medical, cosmetic, laser and surgery.

“Dr. Kingsley has been my dermatologist for years and she genuinely cares about her patients,” says Stacy Jacobs. “She and her team listen to any concerns, discuss options or treatments, and provide exceptional, professional care. My skin is in the best condition ever.”

Another unique patient-centric feature is the Direct Care model, which allows patients to be in control of the care they receive without the limitations of health insurance policies. As the only Direct Care dermatology practice in Indiana, clients skip the red tape and billing confusion and know exactly what services they are paying for upfront.

“The beauty of Direct Care is that we are free to spend more quality time with patients planning treatments appropriate for their well-being and goals without the interference of insurance companies dictating what those seeking exceptional services can and cannot do.”

Dr. Kingsley is a huge proponent of this payment method, as she believes it keeps costs more reasonable, allowing patients to submit to their insurance companies on their own for reimbursement. In addition, she says the process is fully transparent. “Patients are aware of the cost of each service so there are no billing surprises.”

According to a client who prefers to remain anonymous, “Being a Direct Care patient, you really get a premium at a much better price without strings attached by a large medical corporation or insurance company.”

Not only does MK Dermatology offer a large menu of services, but Dr. Kingsley launched her own skincare company, SkinTherapyMD. Her products, CAMU ClearSkin and CAMU Anti-Aging, came to life after years of research and working closely with a chemist to create a simple two-step natural, non-toxic skin care system involving an exfoliating wipe pad and a serum. She was able to develop a product which can deliver all of the ingredients she believes are essential for a complete daily routine, including vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, hydroxy acids, and more. “There is no other product like it on the market,” explains Dr. Kingsley.

Dr. Kingsley enjoys getting to know her patients and their individual needs. She believes in continuing education for herself and her team in order to offer the latest, most advanced service, creating a trusted community where all skin care needs are addressed. “I love what I do,” she says. “I am so blessed to have the support of my husband and family.” Dr. Kingsley’s husband, Jared, was instrumental in helping her build the practice of her dreams.

After decades in the dermatology field, it is clear Dr. Kingsley has a passion for serving others and is on a mission to create an experience that is extraordinary. “Ultimately, my vision is to build a practice that provides exceptional care in a state-of-the-art facility where the patient is at the center of everything we do. We take pride in providing a unique medical experience and are blessed to have such an amazing and truly dedicated team.” sl For more information, visit mkderm.com.

The welcoming and professional staff of MK Dermatology

At MK Dermatology, our commitment to excellence sets us apart. Led by a board-certified dermatologist, our team delivers unparalleled expertise and results. As the only direct care dermatology in the state, we prioritize personalized attention and accessibility for every patient. Step into our state-of-the-art dermatology and laser center, where cutting-edge technology meets compassionate care. From medical dermatology to cosmetic dermatology, lasers, surgery, and aesthetician services, we o er comprehensive solutions to address all your skincare needs under one roof. For more information and to schedule online, visit our website at mkderm.com. To schedule by phone, call 317-620-0024.

Photographed by: Sarah Browning

Safety

Multi-use of

Adjustable Depth

Sustainability (less energy, water and chemical usage)

All year use

Special needs accessibility

Great looking

A NEW CLIENT, AND VISION, CREATES A DREAM HOME

A challenge results in a winning transition.

Written by Stephanie Carlson / Photographed by Dave Pluimer

“It’s an interesting story,” says Joe Gradison, co-owner of Gradison Design-Build, along with his brother, Mark. “During COVID, we had a client who was concerned about continuing with the build of a project we had begun with them, given the uncertainty in the world at that time.”

That was 2020. “The supply chain was out of control, costs were escalating, and our clients were nervous,” Joe explains. Understandably, this created a challenging predicament. Fortunately, when the buyers voiced their concerns, Gradison was working with several prospects interested in the Holliday Farms neighborhood, all looking for the right home site. One of his customers wanted a lot on the golf course, and this home, although already under construction, fulfilled that requirement.

Shifting focus, the Gradison brothers worked with both couples to come up with an amicable solution where one buyer stepped aside and the other stepped in. As a customer-centric

business, Gradison Design-Build was determined to work through structural details and modifications to fit the lifestyle of the future homeowners. “The new clients were not planning to build a house, and therefore did not bring many design inspirations to the conversation,” says Ann Jansons, the builder’s in-house interior designer, “I took time to listen to the wife, a mother of three teenagers, as she described her vision and how she wanted her home to function. I learned that she liked a more traditional style, so I put the interior palette together with her input and was also able to incorporate a bit of a modern vibe.”

“There were a great deal of moving pieces transitioning from one owner to another in the middle of the building process. Notwithstanding, COVID was still quite an active influence in decision-making,” Joe recalls. Ultimately, the process worked out well for both parties and the Gradison team connected with the new family to rework the build into a design that fit their needs.

The porch overlooks the golf course and the custom pool/patio designed by Tresss.

Originally designed to have a two-story great room, the plans were altered to add another bedroom and bathroom on the second floor.

A floating staircase featuring white oak is a focal point of the entry, while strategic splashes of color enliven tranquil spaces.

Even small spaces, like this powder bath, feature artistic fixtures and unique textures.

Christina Greive, principal artist and co-owner of Polish Interior and Art Design says, “We collaborated with Ann to help the owners’ vision come to life. We were able to have first-hand access to the Gradison team and their specialty vendors during the building process, which helped immeasurably in creating a cohesive design for the family.”

Several of the major changes required a tremendous amount of thought and foresight as the builder worked throughout the house. The new owners required an additional bedroom, while the former two-story great room was redesigned to become onestory, and a bedroom and full bath were added above it. The spacious foyer now includes a beautiful floating staircase featuring white oak treads and a full-glass window that floods the space with natural light. The home office was positioned to create a nice flow through the home into the inviting heart of activity–the kitchen. This hub is accented with cream-toned walls and warm wood finishes, featuring custom cabinetry by Nathan Alan Design. Says company owner Nate Slabaugh, “Choosing white oak for the lower cabinets brings in the natural beauty and warmth of wood, which gives the room a very comfortable and relaxing feeling.” The kitchen’s upper cabinets are done in a painted French-inset style.

Oversized sliding glass doors in the kitchen open fully to reveal a covered patio and state-of-the-art pool. “Tresss Aquatectural Designs installed this pool that is specifically designed to fit tight spaces,” says Joe. “It’s like having an invisible water feature under your patio.” This innovative system transforms the patio into a pool with the touch of a button by lowering the grade level surface to the bottom of the pool, with the ability to create a customized swim experience

by adjusting the depth of the floor. In addition to the backyard amenities, the homeowners have a stunning view of the golf course.

“Sometimes you size up a situation and cannot shy away from complex circumstances,” says Joe. “Our current clients had different requirements for this home, and as it was originally designed, it would not have fit their needs. I believe that together, we achieved a higher and better result.”

Homebuilding and construction is a family affair for the Gradisons; the brothers are following in the footsteps of their father and grandfather. “Our great-grandfather started Gradison Construction in 1910. Our grandfather and father then joined the company, expanding into other construction-related fields, with our dad pursuing real estate development, which led to our interest in custom home-building,” explains Joe. A window of opportunity to build homes presented itself as a space in the market opened and Gradison Design-Build was born in the late 1980s. The Gradison brothers and their experienced team have grown Gradison DesignBuild into the trusted industry partner that it is today.

Given a challenging situation, switching mid-build from one homeowner to another with different tastes, Gradison stepped up to the plate and hit a home run. Modifying the living space to support the needs of a busy lifestyle, a growing family, and the husband’s desire to live on the golf course, they got to work. Joe compliments all who pitched in to create a winning transition.

“It’s a true testimony to our team’s ability to navigate uncharted territory efficiently and deliver another beautiful home to a wonderful family.” sl For more information, visit gradisonbuilding.com.

Large sliding glass doors allow the owners to enjoy the beautiful golf course views.

BACK HOME AGAIN IN NEW ORLEANS

A warm welcome awaits at The Eliza Jane

Written by Jeffrey Cohen

There is something about New Orleans hospitality that makes me feel right at home again. Which, literally, I am. From the moment we checked into The Eliza Jane hotel, my family and I were met with the Crescent City’s signature charm; everywhere we went, we were called “baby,” “sweetheart,” and “darlin’,” reminding me of the days when my sister and I would travel to see our grandmother for the holidays. On this occasion, I was visiting my hometown with my wife and our teenage son, something of an annual tradition that always includes a New Orleans Saints game and plenty of wonderful food and drink.

Our base for the trip, The Eliza Jane, part of the Unbound Collection by Hyatt, turned out to be the perfect setting. Located on Magazine Street across from the French Quarter, this boutique

property blends the spirit of old New Orleans with contemporary elegance. The property is a collection of seven 19th-century warehouses that once housed a printing press, a bitters factory, and even a grocer. Named for Eliza Jane Nicholson, the first female publisher of a major newspaper in the United States ( The Daily Picayune), the hotel wears its history proudly, featuring industrial-chic details like exposed brick and high ceilings.

Our suite overlooked a lush courtyard, a NOLA architectural hallmark, and featured a bathroom so spacious it held a soaking tub inside the shower. “It’s like bathing in a luxury car wash,” my son observed. Humor aside, the space was a sanctuary, blending vintage charm with modern indulgence. It was perfect.

Stepping into The Eliza Jane feels like entering a historic home.

Worn books, an antique typewriter and well-traveled luggage displayed on shelves enhance the sensation of having stepped back in time.

The hotel’s Couvant Bar and Brasserie, named one of New Orleans’ most beautiful restaurants, features reimagined FrenchSouthern cuisine.

Housed in the former Peychaud Cocktail Bitters factory, Couvant nods to the past while inviting modern touches throughout.

We arrived the day before the big Saints game, determined to soak in as much of the city as possible. That evening, we met one of my childhood friends for dinner at Mr. B’s Bistro, one of the crown jewels in the Brennan family restaurant empire. Mr. B’s has perfected its rendition of BBQ shrimp, a dish with deep roots in New Orleans food history and one of my favorite meals to make at home. My friend and his family once owned Pascal’s Manale, where the dish originated, so I knew I was in expert company. Alongside the shrimp, I had gumbo because, well, when in New Orleans…

The next morning, game day, we decided to ease into the excitement. Following my usual pre-dawn workout in The Eliza Jane’s well-equipped fitness center, breakfast at its signature restaurant, Couvant, set the tone for the day’s culinary indulgences. Flaky croissants and golden, buttery pain perdu were complemented by freshly brewed coffee that provided a most invigorating jolt, followed by an outstanding eggs Benedict

with velvety hollandaise that practically melted in the mouth. For something heartier, we also indulged in shrimp and grits that balanced creaminess with a hint of spice.

The pregame party began at Bullseye Event Group’s Official Saints VIP Tailgate, held atop Benson Tower, featuring live music, New Orleans cuisine (jambalaya, BBQ shrimp, bread pudding, you name it), and a steady flow of drinks. By the time we walked next door to the Caesars Superdome to join another childhood friend for the game, the festive energy was palpable. Unfortunately, the Saints’ roster was decimated, and the contest ended in a tough loss. Even so, I was entertained by TikTok star, six-year-old Reese Jackson, sitting nearby, whose New Orleans accent and antics turned the quiet crowd into a comedy club. Post-game, we made our way to the famed Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone. True to its name, the bar revolves slowly, offering patrons a whimsical perch for sipping classic cocktails. One round later, we wandered back to The Eliza Jane and The Press Room for a nightcap and well-earned sleep.

The hotel’s lobby bar, The Press Room, offers cozy seating in an urbane setting.

At The Eliza Jane, a bathroom in which we could happily spend hours.

The next morning, while my wife and son shopped at the luxe Canal Place, I discovered a hidden gem: Vieux Carré Wine & Spirits. This family-owned shop, tucked just inside the French Quarter, embodies the friendliness that defines New Orleans. It’s the kind of place where every purchase comes with a side of “baby” and a story. Dropping off our purchases back at the hotel, the three of us hopped on the historic St. Charles Avenue streetcar, an experience as essential to New Orleans as powdered sugar on beignets. The route wound past the mansions of the Garden District and the campuses of Loyola and Tulane Universities before depositing us at The Camellia Grill. This diner is a local institution, known as much for its staff’s banter as its buttery pecan waffles. Watching the chefs in action is like witnessing a choreographed dance, spatulas flipping, jokes flying, and plates landing perfectly.

That evening, we paid a visit to Touro Synagogue, a historic gem on St. Charles Avenue. Founded in the early 19th century, it is the oldest synagogue in the United States outside the original 13 colonies, built in 1828 for a community of Spanish-Portuguese Jews. This was a time when New Orleans was a melting pot of numerous cultures

from Europe and elsewhere. The synagogue’s elegant Byzantine Revival design and rich heritage offered a refreshing alternative to the usual Friday night restaurant routine, providing insight into the multicultural past of this unique Southern city. Attending Shabbat services there was a meaningful way to connect with my childhood memories. Dinner that night was served outdoors in a sukkah, a temporary hut used during the Jewish festival of Sukkot. Sharing a meal under the stars in the synagogue’s courtyard was a fitting reminder of how this city celebrates community and tradition.

On our final morning, we grabbed pastries and coffees from Le Boulangerie, a charming Uptown bakery, before heading to the airport. As we boarded our flight, I couldn’t help but reflect on the beauty of our time together. This annual tradition of attending a Saints game has become more than just a family ritual; it is a reminder of the enduring spirit of New Orleans, a city that knows how to embrace its guests like family.

Who knows? Maybe someday my son will carry on this tradition with his own son. Until then, I’ll keep coming back, drawn by the city’s music, food, and charm. And of course, by that unmistakable welcome: “Hey, baby!” sl For more information, visit theelizajane.com

2284 West 86th Street | Indianapolis

SOPHISTICATED SOCIETY

Presented by

January

2-5

The Sentry, Maui, thesentry.com

6-26 Australian Open, Melbourne, ausopen.com

8-12 Chicago Boat Show, Rosemont, Illinois, chicagoboatshow.com

17-20 Napa Truffle Festival, Napa, California, napatrufflefestival.com

22-26 London Art Fair, Islington, England, londonartfair.co.uk

23-2/2 Sundance Film Festival, Park City, Utah, festival.sundance.org

February

8-16 Invictus Games, Vancouver and Whistler, Canada, invictusgames2025.ca

9 Super Bowl LIX, New Orleans, caesarssuperdome.com/events/detail/super-bowl-lix

13-16

The Genesis Invitational, Los Angeles, genesisinvitational.com

16 Daytona 500, Daytona Beach, Florida, nascar.com/2025/daytona-500

16 B AFTA Film Awards, London, bafta.org

19-23 30A Wine Festival, Alys Beach, Florida, 30awinefestival.com

Compiled by Kerstie Shaw

NAVARRA

by Michael Foley Media

REIS-NICHOLS TUDOR EVENT AT MEL’S SPEAKEASY

TUDOR and Reis-Nichols Jewelers hosted a private speakeasy soiree on September 5 to give clients the chance to view some of the brand’s latest and greatest models. Held at Mel’s Speakeasy, on the bottom floor of the new Commission Row in downtown Indianapolis, the evening featured specialty cocktails, rare and limited-edition timepieces, as well as a performance by famed magician David Ranalli. Guests were entertained by DJ Mae as they strolled by displays featuring some of TUDOR’s most sought-after watches.

1) Mihir Patel, Brent Maple, Chandu Patel 2) Cliff Hankins, Gillian Murray, Bryce Kruger 3) Chris Hansen, Suzanne Hansen 4) Lori Nichols, BJ Nichols 5) Hannah Hale, Cole Hale 6) Brian Kenny 7) Pete Evans

Photographed

CARMEL CHRISTKINDLMARKT’S WUNDERNACHT

On November 20, more than 800 guests gathered at the Allied Solutions Center for the Performing Arts and the Carmel Christkindlmarkt for the premiere of Wundernacht presented by Hylant and Old National Bank. The evening featured a range of unique and exciting activities, some hosted by Bailey’s Irish Cream, Jim Beam, and Coca-Cola Consolidated. Guests were greeted by a “living” red carpet experience complete with champagne service, adding an element of surprise and luxury. All Carmel Christkindlmarkt vendors offered complimentary food and drink, and guests enjoyed early access to the market’s gift huts. Entertainment was equally memorable, with varied performances on the main stage and the enchanting sounds of alphorns filling the market. Proceeds from Wundernacht will benefit cultural exchange between Germany and America.

1) Adam Arceneaux, Margaret Arceneaux 2) April Wood, Jeff Wood 3) Brian Henning, Nancy Henning 4) Ashley Roembke, Kelli Yeater

5) Jeff Dowden, Cheryl Dowden 6) Bill Campagna, Cathy Campagna 7) Matt Mellinger, Megan Mellinger, Lauren Ahlwardt, Ryan Ahlwardt 8) R.C. Thorne, Elyse Thorne 9) Jeff McDermott, Susan McDermott 10) Sue Finkham, Rebecca Carl 11) Mary Eckard, Maria Adele Rosenfeld 12) Shari Worrell, Jeff Worrell

Photographed by Amy Pauszek & Sara C Imagery

LUCAS OIL HEADQUARTERS GRAND OPENING

On November 12, more than 200 gathered to celebrate the opening of the new Lucas Oil headquarters in Indianapolis. The event featured a ribboncutting ceremony, with key speakers highlighting the company’s legacy. Attendees were also treated to exclusive guided tours that offered a behindthe-scenes glimpse of the new space, featuring a museum showcasing memorabilia, the company’s history, and impressive displays including a dragster and a Monster Jam truck. The celebration underscored the company’s commitment to both its industry and local community.

1) Erin Shaw, Suzie Kovatch, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, Jason Noyan 2) Bianca Eddy, Jason Bonikowske 3) Ann Haupt, Kevin Speer 4) Morgan Lucas, Katie Lucas 5) Barth Hendrickson, Katie Lucas, Chad Bruick 6) Kevin Speer, Morgan Lucas, Katie Lucas, David Rosenberg 7) Kelly Holm, Andrew Ward, Sara Batchelder 8) Cody Selman, Jamie Little 9) Morgan Lucas, Tom Jolly 10) Roger Vandersnick, Patrick Talty

Photographed by Mark Lee

ARTOMOBILIA LADIES LUNCHEON

Artomobilia is a celebration of automotive artistry, drawing enthusiasts from throughout the country to admire the intricate designs and engineering marvels of the automotive world. The weekend is presented by sponsors including Gator Motorsport. On September 7, organizers added a new event: “Artistry and Elegance,” a ladies’ luncheon focused on the fine arts that complement the automotive excellence on display at Artomobilia. Guests, including Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam, gathered at Anthony’s Chophouse in Carmel and listened to insights from keynote speaker Stephanie Chen Kim, CAO and President of Robotics at Telamon, while the Carmel Symphony and Indianapolis Opera provided musical entertainment. The afternoon was sponsored by Reis-Nichols Jewelers and Evans May Wealth.

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1) Jordan Florek, Katie Blazek 2) John Leonard, George Sanders 3) Julianne Deely-Frost, Meg Osborne 4) Stephanie Carlson, Shelley Campbell, Dawn Lang 5) Krista Baker, Kerrie Patton 6) Anne Marie Chastain, Carolyn Anker, Julie Siegler 7) Masyn Rodda, Cori Rodda, Rachel Goodburn, Stephanie Chen Kim 8) Liza Najem, Sue Finkam, Caroline Abeleda 9) Daniel Narducci, Heather Narducci, Cara Chowning, David Starkey 10) Melanie Heck, Nancy Heck 11) Katie Lucas, Liza Najem, Aly Bove, Connie Rich

Photographed

Amy Pauszek

INDIANA WISH BOURBON, BLING & BOWTIES GALA

For the 32nd year, Indiana Wish held the Bourbon, Bling & Bowties Gala to support their mission of granting wishes to Indiana children ages 3-18 with life-threatening illnesses. The evening featured a Bourbon Trail with 12 vendors, a bourbon toss game, and premium samples from DeBrand’s Fine Chocolates, as well as raffles featuring Pappy Van Winkle and Diamonds Direct, along with a cigar lounge hosted by Blend. More than $250,000 was raised.

1) Kurt Cohen, Jessica Cohen 2) Greg Papagiannis, Carlton Anker 3) Andrew Flittner, Stephanie Flittner 4) Tara Hathaway, Andrew Hathaway 5) Erik Munevar, Tonya Munevar 6) BJ Knapke, Kalyn Knapke, Chrystal Behan, Shelby Hubbard 7) Brady Phillippi, Michaela Phillippi, Kelli Weiss, Chris Weiss 8) Selena Powell, Mike Eakright, Sylvia Eakright 9) Cathy Bainaka, Steve Bainaka 10) Olga Cervoni, Giovanni Arana 11) JD Edwards, J’Lynn Edwards, Tina Alderson, John Alderson

Photographed by Mark Lee

CANDLES “AN EVENING OF LIGHT”

On September 28, CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center hosted “An Evening of Light” at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. Over 200 guests attended the event, which featured Elizabeth Smart, kidnap survivor and victims advocate. The family of CANDLES founder and Holocaust survivor Eva Kor was also in attendance. Highlights of the event included awards for Holocaust Educator of the Year and Student Essays. The gala raised $30,000 to support the Center’s mission of preventing prejudice and hatred through education about the Holocaust.

1) Troy Fears, Elizabeth Smart, Keith Steelage 2) Annie Cole, Lisa Cole 3) Charlie Cunov, Nancy Cunov 4) Etta Biloon, David Biloon 5) Jeff Williams, Tiffanie Ditlevson

6) Jack Moss, Susan Moss, Anne Miller 7) Fritz Kauffman, Kasey Kauffman 8) Jesse Hile, Chris Newton, April Newton 9) Marianne Spinola, Stan Spinola

10) Madie Fletcher, Matt Bockenfeld 11) Linda Chinsky, Rachel Hiller, Kyle Hiller

Photographed by Emily Lewis

COCKTAILS & CAREGIVERS BLUE TIE GALA

The Cocktails & Caregivers Foundation hosted the Blue Tie Gala on September 14 at the Ritz Charles in Carmel. The foundation, headquartered in Indianapolis, provides support, grants, and a sense of community for those who are caring for loved ones suffering long-term sickness, disability or terminal illness. More than 400 guests attended the event, which featured a live auction with Taylor Swift tickets, dinner and an open bar. The foundation also hosted 50 caregivers for the evening, treating them to a morning of pampering (donated by stylists at Kiss Kiss Bang Bang) before the event. The gala raised $230,000 to support caregivers nationwide.

1) Yaris Mujica, Amanda Clark-Wahl, Angela Jeffries 2) Madelyn Kracht, Courtney Amos 3) Padma Ponugoti, Divya Narayanan, Tracey Lynn, Ajay Ponugoti 4) Marie Freidag, Jim Freidag 5) Stephanie Arena, Tim Arena 6) Liz Spence, Ryan Spence 7) Melanie Brewer, Nancy Heck 8) Sandy Van Rooy, Penny Wahl 9) Bailey Britton, Karen Scales 10) Danny Oechsle, Erin Oechsle

Photographed by Amy Pauszek

ELEVATING CONFIDENCE THROUGH PASSIONATE CARE

Dr. Emily Hrisomalos is a double board-certified plastic surgeon and an expert in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery of the face and neck. Together with Advanced Medical Aesthetician Susan Barnes, their practice treatment philosophy revolves around delivering compassionate, customized care and exceptional results that help patients look and feel their absolute best.

1650 W Oak Street | Suite 107 Zionsville, Indiana 46077 www.dremilyhrisomalos.com

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