{Cincinnati’s Finest}
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July/August 2014 five dollars
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DOES 3910 Winding Way Superb 5 BR/3+1 BA French Norman château of renowned DIGS Principal Designer Brian Gibson. Bright & beautiful.Architectural details galore. Ideal for today’s lifestyles. Gourmet kitchen open to family room. 3-car garage.Verdant & private on nearly an acre. Stunning! North Avondale $733,300
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6980 Knoll Road The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Gerald B.Tonkens House. Nestled on 4 park-like acres. Impeccably maintained. Separate Guest cottage. www.tonkenshouse.com Amberley Village, $1,788,000 SA
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3020 Erie Avenue New Construction Land. 6 Lots Total. 5 Sold. 1 Available. Over ½ Acre Each. Hyde Park $549,000 to $799,000
The St. James, #803
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1135 Carney Street Nothing to do! Live large in this 2 BR/2 BA cottage. Incredible proportions. Every imaginable update. Character galore. Mt Adams, $433,000
2 BR/2+1 BA. Designer Renovation. Breathtaking River/Park Views. Eden Park $675,000
900 Adams Place P-3 This nearly 5,000 sq ft penthouse has an additional 3,000 sq ft of terrace, accessible from every room. Interiors boast fine artisan details including 4 fireplaces & a conservatory. Designed for grand entertaining & comfortable living. 4 garage spaces. $3,300,000
Recipient of the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce 2013 “Woman of the Year – Entrepreneur” award
Lori Wellinghoff
David Wellinghoff
Mariza C. Cohen
President, DIGS Real Estate
Real Estate
Multilingual Relocation Specialist
6820 Hammerstone Way LD
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Meticulously renovated 4 BR/3+1 BA. Heart of the village. Gourmet kitchen open to a large family room. Mariemont $793,000
2718 Observatory Avenue Class-A Office Space For Lease. Full Floor/1,700 sq ft. Elevator. Parking. Hyde Park, $2,175/mo.
513.979.2685 DIGS@comey.com
ANY OR ALL SERVICES, DIGS DOES IT. Find it. Buy It. Sell It. Plan It. Design It. Decorate It. Renovate It. Add-On-To-It. Landscape It.You Name It. DIGS Does It. Our services can be engaged “ala carte” or in any combination to make your home dreams reality. Contact Lori Wellinghoff today.
Marti Schuler Real Estate
Brian Gibson Design
John L. Harrison Design
Annette Askam Project Manager
Tom Allison Construction
Josh Koch Construction
Alissa Groth Controller
Bridget Henson Office Manager
3524 Edwards Road/Hyde Park Square DIGS-home.com 513.533.DIGS (3447) info@digs-home.com
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SAT SEPT 13, 2014 • MUSIC HALL Don’t miss tacular kick-off to fall arts ason, starring Music Dir tor Louis Langrée and pianist Lang Lang— hott t artist on classical music pl t,” according to The New York Times—for an all-Beethoven conc rt program. Join us for Gala v s for and aft r conc t for ultimat arts This v will honor Melody Sawyer Richardson and many contributions to our community. Co-chairs John Harrison • Mary Ellen Cody • Kim Kline 5:30 pm 6:30 pm 8:00 pm 10:00 pm
cocktails + musical and culinary sur Fr an culinary +c by Grammy-winning violinist Miri Ben-Ari conc t starring Louis + Lang Lang aft r-party + dancing + ts
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slmag.net
{Cincinnati’s Finest}
July/August 2014
July/August 2014 five dollars
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Runway Report: Coat Check Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Russia Fall/Winter 2014
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on the cover:
Carefully Orchestrated Photo by Ryan Kurtz
16
Carefully Orchestrated
24
The Antithesis of Antiquated
33
The Art of Appraising
34
Curating a Lifestyle:
All that Glitters is Not Gold
36
Bibliotaph
38
Of Note... Trust Fun
40
A Brief Primer on Three Great
Old World Wine Regions
42
New York State of Mind
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Runway Report: Coat Check
48
Summer Sparklers
52
All at Sea
60
Back to the Future
66
ROLEX Three-DAY Event
68
Society Calendar
69
Bethesda LYCEUM
72
EACC Gala
73
Ault Park Concours d’Elegance
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75th Anniversary Celebration
75
Celebrity Waiter Night
76
Go Red For Women
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Hammer Time Gala
78
Hats Off Luncheon
79
Leaders & Legends
80
Zoo la la
get ready to stomp some divots. 8th Annual Bluegrass International Cup
Saturday, July 12th 2014 at historic Mt. Brilliant Farm fayettealliance.com
EDITOR - IN - CHIEF Bridget Williams ______________________________________________ ASSOCIATE EDITORS Kay Matton ART DIRECTOR Jason Yann CONTRIBUTORS Writers Patti Bailey Dr. Matthew Bessen Ellana Bessen Scott Harper Amelia Jefers Jef Jefers Austin Pembroke Photographers Tony Bailey Chad Henle Andrew Kung COPY EDITOR Jennifer Newton ADVERTISING SALES OFFICE 502.582.6563 ______________________________________________ CEO/PUBLISHER Eric Williams VICE PRESIDENT Michele Beam
Are you a tastemaker? Sophisticated Living is now ofering franchise opportunities in select US and international markets. To learn more call 502-582-6563 or eric@slmag.net
Sophisticated Living is published by SLM Cincinnati, LLC, PO Box 1229, Prospect, Kentucky, 40059 USA. All Rights Reserved. Sophisticated Living is published six times a year. All images and editorial are the property of Sophisticated Living, LLC and cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission. Annual subscription fees are $25.00; please add $5 for subscriptions outside the US. Single copies may be purchased for $5 at select fine retail outlets. Address all subscription inquiries to: Sophisticated Living, PO Box 1229, Prospect, KY 40059. To order back issues or reprints of 100 or more, call 502.582.6563.
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Sophisticated Living - Now In Six Cities
{Louisville’s Finest}
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{Lexington’s Finest}
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July/August 2014 five dollars
July/August 2014
five dollars
Louisville, KY
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Colombus, OH
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{Indianapolis’ Finest}
July/August 2014
July/August 2014
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July/August 2014 five dollars
Lexington, KY
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{Cincinnati’s Finest}
{Columbus’ Finest}
five dollars
Indianapolis, IN
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{St. Louis' Finest}
July/August 2014
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St. Louis, MO
From the Editor-In-Chief A recent email from my daughter’s school requesting a baby and a current picture for a slideshow to be shown during their eighth grade graduation ceremony had me lamenting the laxity of both the quantity and quality of images from her early childhood. After culling through bookshelves and shoeboxes, all I had to show from her frst seven years could easily exist in a handful of photo albums; in subsequent years, digital cameras and cellphones all but made filling albums with labgenerated images obsolete. In an era where myriad apps exist that can elevate even the most amateur image to the illusion of a magazineworthy composition captured by a seasoned pro, I surveyed the old images, which were plagued with poor lighting, red eye and the like, and wished that contemporary tools had been at my disposal years ago. I’ll readily admit (and my daughter would quickly concur) to being an obsessive taker of cell phone photos. Te ease, quality and dearth of aforementioned editing options is just too tempting for me to resist. I know I’m not alone in this practice, and amidst all of the cries of narcissism as a result of the “selfe” phenomenon (of which I’m not a big fan), there is a growing body of evidence that such ardent snapping (both carefully composed and of the cuf), photo editing and subsequent reviewing of digital archives on timelines, newsfeeds and hard drives actually helps the photographer better remember details that would otherwise get a little fuzzy with the passage of time. When writer’s block rears its ugly head, I’ll often take a break by going through my various digital albums, and each time the practice brings forth forgotten nuances and feelings of nostalgia, akin to a surprise visit from a childhood friend. A poignant reminder of the disparity in my photo taking from past to present occurred during a two-day maiden voyage with Michele Beam, Sophisticated Living’s Vice President of Operations, to Las Vegas to cover the Couture luxury jewelry show at the Wynn (award-winning pieces from which are featured on pages 48-51 in this issue). In less than 48 hours, I documented our adventures (and created a digital breadcrumb trail) by taking almost as many photos as I have in total from my daughter’s frst few months. To rif on the familiar adage, what happens in Vegas stays in my iPhone!
Bridget Williams Editor-In-Chief
bridget@slmag.net
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CHARITY REGISTER from the publishers of
THE PREMIER GUIDE FOR INFLUENCING SOPHISTICATED GIVING IN GREATER CINCINNATI.
Reserve your space today by contacting Bridget Williams at bridget@slmag.net.
CAREFULLY ORCHESTRATED An artisan’s eye guides the dining experience at Boca Written by Bridget Williams Photography by Tony Bailey Chef and restaurateur David Falk is a passionate patron of the arts, with a particular soft spot for the opera. At Boca, his “ode to Europe,” located in the former Maisonette space, the entire dining experience is imbued with all of the goose bump-inducing qualities of a rousing aria. Moving Boca from Oakley to Cincinnati’s most hallowed restaurant ground – a place that served as an incubator for some of the city’s greatest culinary talents – was important to Falk and his team. Having been empty for six years, the physical space was in a terrible state of disrepair. “It is slightly miraculous that it wasn’t condemned,” remarked Barron Matern, Boca’s general manager, who emphasized the state of dilapidation by recalling gaping holes in the walls where sconces had been ripped out following an auction of the Maisonette’s property. 16 slmag.net
Photo by Ryan Kurtz
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Before they could fully visualize their concept for the interior, Falk’s team waited until the space had been stripped down to its basic structure. “We’d take away one eight-foot drop ceiling only to uncover another and sometimes another,” said Matern. Further complicating the issue was the fact that the Maisonette had been grandfathered and exempted from many code updates that left it incompatible with today’s ADA and building codes regulations. An in-house team led by Vice President Jono Fries developed the interior aesthetic. A chef by trade, Fries called upon his own life experiences to conceptualize the interior design. He then presented his ideas to Ron Novak, the project’s architect of record, who drew up plans that worked around unique challenges inherent in the existing architecture. Looking to the arts for inspiration, a jumping of point for the interior was one of the most famous operatic restaurants: Café Momus from Puccini’s La bohème. “Te scene from the second act was the essence of the democratic experience that Boca is built on,” explained Sebastian Hue, director of Marketing for Boca Restaurant Group. 18 slmag.net
The focal point of the two-stor y dining room is a massive crystal chandelier suspended in the center. Working with Mike Williams of the Wooden Nickel, the design team scoured the globe searching for the “perfect” fixture with no luck, until Williams suggested a simple search on eBay that came up with a match – in Cincinnati no less, from a buyer who was more interested in touting the scrap value of the brass over its more intangible aesthetic attributes. Arriving in 400 pieces, the early 1900s chandelier took some 200-man hours to painstakingly reassemble. Boca pays homage to its fve-star predecessor in the physical space and on the menu. The intimate “Maisonette booth,” a curtained circular banquette with a petite chandelier and bold damask wallpaper located in an annex of the main dining room is the most frequently requested table. Te iconic booth notwithstanding, both the open foor plan and open kitchen at the rear of the main dining room lend a great feeling of energy and inter-connectiveness.
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Photo by Ryan Kurtz
Somewhat unique to the city, the menu offers both tasting and full-size portions of its entrees along with a topnotch burger that tops out at just $16. Te reasoning is both corporate and consumer driven. “It allows us to expand our market share and customer base, and people in general are more aware of value based on quality over quantity,” said Matern, adding that the bottom line is that they want every guest to have the best experience regardless of cost, even if that means recommending a more drinkable but less pricey wine over a more expensive variety that could benefit from additional aging. “Honest interactions establish a beautiful level of trust with our guests,” Matern adds. An in-house collaborative approach is integral at all levels of Boca’s operation, from the aforementioned design team to a beverage team comprised of a beverage controller and drink savvy staff, who relish the challenge of finding appropriate pairings and concocting creative seasonal cocktails with equally inventive 20 slmag.net
names (the Benedict Cumberbatch being one of my personal favorites). “Our visualization of an in-house concept provides a more thoroughly planned sensory guest experience that considers everything from the texture of the leather on the chairs to the scent of the room and wine and food pairings,” explained Hue. Crafting the menu is a more intimate afair, with Executive Chef Jeremy Lieb working on a continuous basis in tandem with Falk to create a menu that changes no less than eight times a year (exceptions to the rule are – the grilled Romaine, Boca’s version of a Caesar salad; the Scallop Crudo, with pistachio, pickled ginger and carrot reduction; and the Caramelized Brussels Sprouts, with brown butter trufe vinaigrette – whose overwhelming popularity have earned them “sacred cow” designation). Tere are also several “vault” dishes that make a return to the menu each year when their necessary seasonal ingredients are at their peak. Te restaurant’s loose concept allows for a chef and ingredient-driven cuisine with a 100 percent scratch kitchen.
Photo by Ryan Kurtz
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With 23 years of experience to his credit, Chef Lieb remains passionate about his craft. “I love to cook and need to cook to get through the day. It’s who I am,” he said. A native of Wisconsin, he has cooked under the apprenticeship of culinary luminaries in highly touted restaurants in the United States and Europe. Having worked under Chef Jean Robert at the Maisonette early in his career (and where he also met his wife), returning as executive chef at Boca at this location has brought his career full circle. “My life really started here,” he said. Preferring “simple food made with good technique,” so there’s “not a lot to hide behind,” Lieb says that the best food is honest food, i.e. “fsh that tastes like fsh.” He has no shortage of accolades for Falk, who allots him a great deal of creative leeway but aptly flls his role as editor. “When we are
working together, we can combine and refect on our diferent experiences and form a great team.” Te pair typically schedules tasting meetings three times a week. Lieb fnds the greatest satisfaction and excitement in the journey and is constantly tweaking and testing to make everything better. “I’m a perfectionist but not someone who overcomplicates things,” he explained, adding that true perfection lies in the technique. As someone who honed his technique under accomplished chefs throughout his early career, he relishes in continuing a legacy of mentorship among his team. “To be a great leader you have to give part of yourself to those around you,” he explained. sl Open for dinner Monday through Saturday, Boca is located at 114 East 6th Street in downtown Cincinnati. For more information or reservations, visit bocacincinnati.com or call 513.542.2022.
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Te Antithesis of Antiquated Interior designer Brian Gibson of DIGS melds fun with formality to ofer the best of both worlds in an East Walnut Hills home. Written by Bridget Williams Photography by Andrew Kung “Why settle for ordinary when you can have unusual and extraordinary?” asked interior designer Brian Gibson of DIGS when questioned about his design philosophy for a historic home in East Walnut Hills. Formal and decidedly French in style when acquired by the current homeowner, Gibson was given carte blanche and a clean slate to create spaces suitable for frequent and sometimes formal entertaining, yet able to keep pace with the demands of a youthful and active family. Perched at the edge of a steep hillside with Ohio River views and discreetly tucked amongst grandly proportioned estates from a bygone era, the home’s multi-level layout means that its seemingly relatively modest exterior belies a quite spacious interior. “Te home is very much surrounded by its neighbors, but it is laid out to turn in on itself and towards the view. So, there is a great feeling of privacy,” said Gibson.
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Chinese, French, Japanese and English influences are palpable in most rooms, and each boasts its fair share of fine antiques. Where Gibson’s true talent lies is in his ability to keep everything from feeling too precious. “It’s really all about selecting an appropriate mix; in this case we combined antiques with more contemporary upholstery to keep pace with the demands of a busy family that likes to entertain,” he explained. An introduction to the handsome antiques found in each room begins in the entry, where a Regency English mirror hangs on the wall at the base of the stairs leading to the second foor. Gibson highlighted a console table in the formal living room as the epitome of the home’s overall design scheme: the mid-century bronze dining table base displaying Baroque characteristics is topped with a limestone console-sized top as a departure from the room’s predominant wood elements, including rough-hewn ceiling beams
Describing the family room as “Rock and Roll Ralph Lauren,” Gibson paired the homeowner’s existing collection of memorabilia, including a guitar signed by the Eagles, with an eclectic assortment of accessories, such as an antique ashtray fashioned from a rhinoceros foot and an Egyptian cremation jar wired for use as a table lamp sitting adjacent to one another atop an early English 17th century dresser base.
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Surrounding the dining room table are a mix of antique Queen Ann walnut chairs and modern chairs with contemporary upholstery.
and antique pieces. Positioned in front of the large Norman-style stacked stone freplace with similarly scaled andirons that Gibson sourced for the project is an English wingchair with Scalamandré fame stitch fabric and a smaller Swedish Art Deco chair with leather upholstery. Gibson had lamps throughout the home fashioned from unique pieces; in the living room this includes a Moroccan brass candlestick wired for use as a foor lamp and an Indonesian silver plate dragon candlestick that serves as table lamp. An 18th century French battle scene found in the living room established the theme for the rest of the art in that room as well as the dining room, where lithographs of knights, English nobles and warriors in armor adorn the walls. Surrounding the dining room table are a mix of 26 slmag.net
antique Queen Ann walnut chairs and modern chairs with contemporary upholstery. The chandelier, rug and wall covering represent the few carryovers of the design aesthetic embraced by the previous homeowners. Describing the family room as “Rock and Roll Ralph Lauren,” Gibson paired the homeowners existing collection of memorabilia, including a guitar signed by the Eagles, with an eclectic assortment of conversation-starting accessories, such as an antique ashtray fashioned from a rhinoceros foot and an Egyptian cremation jar sitting adjacent to one another atop an early English 17th century dresser base. “I am constantly on the lookout for unusual things,” explained Gibson. Often balancing as many as a dozen projects at a time on a regular
In the living room, a mid-century bronze dining table base displaying Baroque characteristics is topped with a limestone console-sized top as a departure from the room’s predominant wood elements. An Indonesian silver plate dragon candlestick has been wired for use as a table lamp.
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Positioned in front of the large Norman-style stacked stone freplace with similarly scaled andirons that Gibson sourced for the project is an English wingchair with ScalamandrĂŠ fame stitch fabric. Next to the sofa is a Moroccan brass candlestick wired for use as a foor lamp.
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In the foyer, a Regency English mirror hangs on the wall at the base of the stairs leading to the second foor.
Anchoring the seating area in front of the freplace is a contemporary rug with an ostrich leather border. A staple in Gibson’s design arsenal, a large cofee table is upholstered with a vintage kilim rug.
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Formerly a home ofce, the existing built-in bookcases in the billiard room serve as an ideal receptacle for an impressive collection of sports memorabilia. A period light is suspended above a period Art Deco Brunswick billiards table.
basis, Gibson always shops with a camera and frequently purchases interesting pieces without a particular destination in mind, keeping them in rotation at his personal home until the “perfect” project presents itself. “Antiques, rugs and art can deliver immediate satisfaction as opposed to ordering something from a catalog and then waiting and hoping it looks as good as it did on the page,” he added. Anchoring the seating area in front of the freplace is a contemporary rug with an ostrich leather border. A staple in Gibson’s design arsenal, a large cofee table is upholstered with a vintage kilim rug. Upholstery in a mix of leather and patterned fabrics was selected, in Gibson’s words, to keep the room from feeling “too much like a man cave.” Dominating
one wall is a large window with picturesque views of the surrounding landscape. A set of stairs lead up from the family room to a spacious billiards room annex. Formerly a home office, the existing built-in bookcases serve as an ideal receptacle for an impressive collection of sports memorabilia. A period light is suspended above a period Art Deco Brunswick billiards table. Presenting the rare opportunity to begin a project nearly entirely from scratch with a client who was willing to relinquish creative control to the interior designer’s expertise, this home and homeowner allowed Gibson to succeed at what he does best: creating casually elegant spaces that stand the test of time and provide plenty of fodder for cocktail conversations. sl
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Te Art of Appraising
Written by Colleen Boyle
Many families and individuals rely on a network of professional advisors to help them manage and understand the value of their real estate and fnancial assets, but many are not doing enough to manage and protect their non-fnancial assets. Recent expansion of the global art market is affecting the value of fne art, silver, decorative arts, jewelry and other valuable objects owned by Americans. Due to the increased number of global buyers, tastes and desires have broadened. Many objects in an American household may have escalated in value and owners may not be aware of this change. Items such as French wine, jewelry, men’s luxury watches, classic cars, silver, Contemporary art, Chinese art, Russian art and other valuables have dramatically increased in value due to global demand. As a result of this shifting landscape, it is essential to understand the value of your art, antiques and collectibles in order to protect and adequately plan for these objects. Protecting investments in valuable objects begins with understanding their worth. ‘An accurate appraisal is the foundation for every decision an individual will make regarding his or her tangible assets’ said Anita Heriot, President of Pall Mall Art Advisors. Before donating, selling, insuring or placing tangible objects in a succession plan, individuals should understand the value of these items in order to make the most prudent fnancial decisions related to their personal possessions. However, appraising is more of an art than a science and a number of factors must be considered. Tere are many determinants of value including condition, provenance, quality, rarity and market trends. No one single factor can determine value, although there are occasions when one aspect is much more heavily weighted. Condition is an important factor when determining value. Has the object been restored and if so by whom? Has the restoration afected the appearance or the original integrity of the object? Sometimes it is better to leave an object as is. Provenance is a record of the people and places an object has encountered throughout its lifetime. Objects afliated with a famous person can greatly increase the value. For instance, Christies sold the legendary jewelry collection of Elizabeth Taylor for over $137 million. The instrinsic Quality of an object can affect its value. Objects created by skilled artisans and artists tend to maintain or increase their value over time. However, keep in mind even notable artists had bad days when their production is not recognized to be the best quality. Rarity is determined by the frequency of which an object appears on the market or the number of specifc type of works
created by the artist during his or her lifetime. Te recent sale of the Meiyintang porcelain ‘Chicken Cup’ for $36 million at Sotheby’s Hong Kong is considered the ‘holy grail’ of China’s art world. According to Sotheby’s only 17 such cups exist, four in private ownership and the remaining in museum collections. All these factors, combined with Market Trends, become important in determining value. Tastes and desires change over time. What is ‘hot’ today may not be in fve years. Global economic trends infuence the value and demand for art and collectibles. Understanding and applying the factors stated above to determine the value of an art or collectible object is more of an art than a science; thus the art of appraising. Understanding the value of one’s tangible assets can also subdue signifcant fnancial, legal and emotional issues. FIRST consider the tax implications associated with ownership. If an object in your household is worth signifcantly more than you originally thought, your estate may bear an additional estate tax liability that could in turn affect the planned disposition of your other assets. SECOND, contemplate a loss prevention strategy. Creating an updated inventory of tangible assets and obtaining proper insurance coverage is an important loss prevention technique. Frank DiGrande, a claims executive with PURE Insurance, estimates that 15-20% of contents and collection claims come from transporting valuable objects. Whether you areplanning a move, collecting valuable objects or inheriting family pieces, the last thing you need in case of a theft or damage to your treasured possessions is to fnd out you have inadequate insurance! THIRD make a plan. Talk to family members about the disposition of valuable objects. Be aware of the gift and estate tax structure related to valuable objects. Develop a plan that considers the emotional as well as financial implications for both the protection and the smooth distribution of these assets. If your children have no interest in retaining the collection, then consider either donating or selling the items. Recognize the best venue and market time to sell an object to maximize a fnancial return. Families, insurance professionals and wealth advisors can manage risk and anticipate tax and estate planning issues once the value of treasured objects is determined. sl Colleen Boyle is Vice President of Pall Mall Art Advisors (pallmallartadvisors). She holds advanced degrees in Art History and a diploma in French Fine and decorative Arts from Christie’s, Paris. She has appraised art and antiques for private collectors and corporations throughout the U.S. and regularly publishes articles and lectures about art and antiques (cboyle@pallmallartadvisors.com).
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Curating a Lifestyle: All that Glitters is Not Gold
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Written by Amelia and Jef Jefers
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1) Tis traveling communion set dates to 1934 but harkens back to the ceremonial formality of an earlier time. Smithed by renowned Omar Ramsden in London, it sold for $2,468. 2) Southern infuence is obvious in this early 19th century teapot and salver by Savannah silversmith Frederick Marquand. Te high style drove a high price of $3,900. 3) Following in their mother’s footsteps was an unusual path for young men in early 19th century England, but when your mother is Hester Bateman, one of the most revered silversmiths of her day, one does not question the opportunity. Tis tankard was made in the shop of Peter and William Bateman and sold for $3,173.
On the night of December 16, 1773, a group of demonstrators known as the Sons of Liberty, covered by the darkness of night, boarded three ships docked in Boston Harbor. Tey threw 342 chests of tea overboard – forever immortalizing the drink, along with the instruments used in their preparation and service. Colonists emulated their British and continental counterparts by embracing the curative powers of the refreshment, as well as the social nuances associated with “taking tea.” Te habit of consuming tea arrived with colonists well before the inaugural events of the American Revolution, indicated by the number of tea equipage recorded in household inventories throughout the mid to late seventeenth century. Te earliest examples of utilitarian silver and holloware were imported from abroad. But by the start of the eighteenth century, American silversmiths began producing Rococo-style bulbous teapots, often employing wooden handles with ivory insulators to protect the user’s hand from the heat-conducting metal. By the later part of the century, silversmiths began c re a t i n g u r n - s h a p e d p o t s r a i s e d o n a n i m a l - l i k e f e e t , capitalizing on Neoclassical design. In addition to teapots and hot water urns, accompanying vessels included creamers, sugar bowls, tea canisters or caddies, and serving trays. Alcohol and spirits also played an essential role in the daily lives of Americans. In a time when drinking water could be non-potable, wine, beer, and spirits were considered safe and invigorating alternatives. The upper class could afford silver tankards and single-handled mugs from which to present and drink their libations. Occasionally, drinking vessels were bestowed as gifts or donated by well-to-do congregants to their houses of worship, many of which were personalized by an engraved monogram, shield, or stylized decoration.
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By the frst quarter of the nineteenth century, American silversmiths exchanged the attenuated lines of the Neoclassical period for the bold, architectural aesthetic of classicism – giving way to monumental presentation pieces commissioned for civic achievements and wealthy patrons alike. The establishment of Gorham Manufacturing Company in 1831 and Tiffany & Company in 1837 gave rise to large factories producing work of the fnest quality. Tese manufacturers incorporated new technologies and modern factory methods. As America’s wealth and influence in the world grew, so did American’s desire for achievement and recognition. Both Tiffany and Gorham routinely submitted examples of their best work to international fairs and world expositions. Today, not only does silver tell the story of a precocious country and her people, but it also provides an unmatched acquisition opportunity for collectors. When collecting silver and holloware, it is important to consider one’s lifestyle. Many collectors focus on patterns, makers and era, while others collect singular items such as tankards, porringers, or tea services. Te economical cost of antique silver and holloware afords everyone - from the novice collector to the most adept authority - a competitive position within the marketplace. Even the beauty of a gleaming epergne or a shimmering pair of candelabra placed upon a stately dining room sideboard can be a simple but elegant example of a refned collection and good taste. sl
Amelia and Jef Jefers are the co-owners of Garth's Auctioneers & Appraisers, an international frm located outside Columbus, Ohio.
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1) Made in 19th century Europe, these candelabra speak to the golden age of excess in an unexpectedly understated manner. Sold, $5,875. 2) Irish silversmith Matthew West crafted this lovely two-handled cup incorporating high-style decoration for the late 18th century. Sold, $1,440. 3) Tis monumental centerpiece was designed and built by London silversmith Stephen Smith in the late 19th century. Weighing in at an impressive 345 troy ounces, it sold at auction for $34,075. 4) Te revival of classical lines and timeless style marked the Federal period in America. Tis teapot is the quintessential element in a well-heeled house of the time. Sold, $1,080.
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Bibliotaph Te ultimate armchair road trip tour of the wackiest wonders in the US and Canada, including a 40-foot turtle in North Dakota made from 2,000 tire rims and 'Carhenge' in Nebraska. Eric Peterson - Roadside Americana: Landmark Tourist Attractions - Hardcover, 128 pages, Publications International
An artfully photographed and composed compilation of exquisite swimming pools set in varied landscapes around the world. Wim Pauwels - Te 100 Best Swimming Pools - Hardcover, 224 pages, Beta-Plus Publishing (betaplus.com).
An examination of varied takes on the concept of a treasured childhood hideaway, this book ofers more than 50 examples of tree houses ranging from functional to fighty. Loft Publications - Tree Houses - Hardcover, 512 pages, Skyhorse Publishing (skyhorsepublishing.com). Te pages of this beautiful cofee-table book are flled with vibrant colors and stunning imagery of some of the world's most spectacular swimming pools. Net proceeds of book sales beneft George Mark Children's House in the San Francisco Bay area. Debbi DiMaggio Contained Beauty - photographs, refections & swimming pools - Hardcover, 168 pages, Source Book Publishing (debbidimaggiopr.com).
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bib 'li' o 'taph, [bib-lee-uhtaf, -tahf ]: a person who caches or hoards books Kelly Brozyna, author of the cooking blog TeSpunkyCoconut. com, presents recipes for making myriad ice cream favors that are free of dairy, gluten, grains, soy, and refned sugar. Kelly V. Brozyna - Dairy Free: 75 Recipes Made Without Eggs, Gluten, Soy or Refned Sugar Paperback, 278 pages, Victory Belt Publishing (victorybelt.com).
Based on the premise that humans are healthiest when consuming a pre-agricultural diet, the paleo lifestyle excludes the dairy, refned sugar and chemical additives found in store-bought ice cream. Te 75 recipes in this book allow paleo followers to indulge their sweet tooth with treats made from nutrient-dense whole foods. Ben Hirshberg - Paleo Ice Cream: 75 Recipes for Rich and Creamy Homemade Scoops and Treats Paperback, 144 pages, Ulysses Press (ulyssespress.com).
Author Shelly Kaldunski, a one-time pastry chef in some of San Francisco's leading restaurants and former food editor at Martha Stewart Living, presents more than 40 recipes for a wide range of frozen desserts using both homemade and store-bought ingredients. Shelly Kaldunski - Te Ice Creamery Cookbook: Recipes for Frozen Treats, Toppings, Mix-Ins & More - Hardcover, 112 pages, Weldon Owen Publishing (weldonowen.com)
Tis frst-ever ice pop compendium includes more than 100 recipes for pops with unique tastes and favor combinations as well as innovative techniques for making ice molds from found objects and small toys. Krystina Castella - Pops! Icy Treats for Everyone - Hardcover, 128 pages, Quirk Books (quirkbooks.com).
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Of Note... Trust Fun 1
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1) Rodarte F/W 2014 (rodarte.net) / Photo by Edward James/WireImage 2) Stitching Concrete stools are made by folding fabric that's impregnated with cement then drenching it in water. Once soaked it can be manipulated for a few hours before hardening (price upon request; forian-schmid.com). 3) Toulouse Hand Levers, from $806 per pair, from Charles Edwards (charlesedwards.com). 4) SEE-Home Glasses on Chain with Stand ($45) from Ameico (accessories.ameico.com). 5) Individual sections of the porcelain Yellow Submarino organizer ($70) connect magnetically. Available from the MoMA Store (momastore.org). 6) Edie Parker 'Flavia' clutch ($1495, edie-parker.com). 7) "Space for All Species" wall covering by Designtex + Charley Harper is based on a commissioned work that was executed as a mural of ceramic tile in the Cincinnati Federal Building in 1964 (To the trade; designtex.com). 8) Hand made in England by Mineheart, the Elizabeth's Cabinet (approx. $4,271) is made of MDF with a satin black fnish and push-pull opening (minheartstore.com). 9) Geofrey Parker for Bentley Bespoke Backgammon Set ($5,000; shop.bentleymotors.com). 10) Te Barcelona RS #3 weather-resistant foosball table ($3,450) is available in white, red, blue and yellow (re-barcelona.com/en/). 11) Te BEOLIT 12 ($798) from Bang & Olufsen is a portable speaker that can be connected with multiple units to create a multi-room sound system (bang-olufsen.com). 12) Te Duomo cuckoo and pendulum wall clock ($245), was created in homage to a Milanese landmark building (diamantinidomeniconi.it). 13) Women's Grammercy bicycle ($895) from Martone Cycling Co. (martonecycling.com). 14) In conjunction with the release of 2014 "American Summer", Chandon's third limited-edition bottle of California sparking wine ($24), the company tapped Jonathan Adler to create an acrylic tray ($98) in colors that complement the bottle and celebrate Chandon’s American heritage (jonathanadler.com; chandon.com). 13
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A Brief Primer on Tree Great Old World Wine Regions
A bottle displaying the Franciacorta DOCG logo seal. Photo by Nautinut
Old world wine regions can be difcult to understand, but their wines can be highly rewarding to drink. Below I have taken some of the mystery out of them with brief descriptions and two recommendations for each region to add to your collection or get you started drinking the delicious wines of these great old world wine regions. Italy, Franciacorta South of Lake Iseo in the northern Italian region of Lombardy, just northeast of Milan, lays the region of Franciacorta. Franciacorta has quietly become Italy’s finest sparkling wine and one of the best in the world, perhaps because it is quite small – just a fraction of the size of Champagne – or for its unusual and difficult to pronounce name. The mostly likely root of the name is a result of the region being riddled with and having a long tradition of monastic foundations. Te lineage of the region’s name is based on the words “franca curte,” which mean free of taxes, as these monastic orders were tax exempt. Franciacorta is made in the same method as Champagne, which in Italy is called metodo classico or classic method. It uses the Chardonnay and Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir) grapes as in Champagne but adds Pinot Bianco. Non-vintage Franciacorta must be aged on the lees (yeast) in the bottle for at least 18 months, while vintage Franciacorta, called Millesimato, is the product of one year and must be aged 30 months on the lees (yeast). During this time, which is longer than Champagne’s minimum requirement, the lees enrich the
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Written by Scott Harper, Master Sommelier
Rioja
wine, giving it a delicious yeasty fresh baked baguette favor, as well as a tasty spice quality. A few ways Franciacorta can be labeled: Dosaggio Zero (driest), Extra Brut (bone dry), Brutdry, Sec-dry to medium dry, and Demi Sec-Sweet. Most of what you see will be Brut. Tere is also a Franciacorta produced called Saten: a 100 percent Chardonnay, lees aged 24 months with slightly less pressure than regular Franciacorta. Recommended Franciacorta: Brut Ca’ del Bosco Cuvée Prestige. Saten Majolini 2009. France, Burgundy Burgundy can be one of the most difficult wine areas to understand, which only adds to its mystique and interest. It has long been considered the Holy Grail of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay; it is what most producers outside of Burgundy compare or contrast their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to. It has more legally defined wine areas than most countries, although a couple easy things to remember are that white Burgundy is made from Chardonnay and red Burgundy is made from Pinot Noir, except for Beaujolais, which is made from Gamay. The hierarchy of Burgundy is Regional, Village, Premier Cru and Grand Cru. Tis hierarchy is also refective of the price of the wines, with Regional being the least expensive and Grand Cru being the most expensive. There are five main regions in Burgundy, from north to south: Chabli, Côte d'Or (which is subdivided into Côte de
Vineyard in Côte de Nuits. Photo by Stefan Bauer.
Nuits and Côte de Beaune), Côte Chalonnaise, Mâconnais and Beaujolais. All of the regions make white and red wine except Chablis, which is exclusively Chardonnay. Within each of the regions there are villages, and the villages can have the wines named after the village. If the village has a Premier Cru, the village name will have Premier Cru after it (with or without the name of the Premier Cru vineyard; Premier Cru is often abbreviated to 1er). Grand Crus vineyards do not need to have the names of the villages on them, simply the name of the Grand Cru. Most villages do not have Grand Crus as there are only 39Grand Crus in Burgundy, and all of them are located in Chablis and the Côte d'Or. Recommended Burgundy: Red – Chambertin Clos de Beze Gerard Raphet Grand Cru 2005. White – Le Montrachet, Marquis de Laguiche Grand Cru 2010. Spain, Rioja Rioja is one of Spain’s fnest red wines. I say red Rioja because it can come in two additional colors, a white and a rose. Although, it is the red Rioja that conjures up a full favored terrifc bottle of fne wine with a multiplicity of favor, placing it as one of the world’s classics red wines. The Rioja region is located in northeast Spain and is named after the River Rio Oja. Rioja is divided into three sub regions: Rioja Alta in the northwest, and as the name suggests is the region with the highest elevation up 2000 feet; Rioja
Alavesa, which is the northern most area; and lastly Rioja Baja, which is in the lowlands of the southeast. The primary grape of red Rioja is the Tempranillo. Tempranillo is the most important quality wine grape in Spain and usually makes up the majority of the Rioja blend. The secondary grapes are Garnacha (Grenache), Graciano and Mazuelo (Carignan). Unlike American wines labeled reserve or grand reserve, the Terms Crianza, Reserva and Grand Reserva are defned by law and indicate a progressive amount of oak and barrel aging. Tis ageing takes place in the traditional (believe it or not) American oak, which the Spaniards love for its favor of vanilla, coconut and dill, or the less assertive French barrels or even a combination of the two. The Spanish government elevated Rioja to the highest classifcation of quality wine called Denominacion De Orgine Calificada (DOCa), meaning from a controlled, described, quality wine region in 1991. Rioja sat alone at the top of this wine hierarchy for 11 years before one other wine was added in 2002: Priorato. No other wine has been added since! Recommended Rioja: Rioja Reserva Marques De Riscal 2009.Rioja Gran Reserva Marquese De Caceres 2004. sl
A Certifed Wine Educator, Scott is one of 135 professionals in North America and 211 worldwide who have earned the title Master Sommelier.
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New York State of Mind WestHouse New York reimagines the Big Apple hotel experience with a host of thoughtfully planned amenities Written by Bridget Williams Whenever I’m fortunate to fnd myself in New York City during spring or summer, as soon as possible after arriving I make a b-line for my favorite refuge: Central Park (the shoe salon at Bergdorf Goodman’s ranks as close second). Treading the park’s familiar pathways and staking a claim to a shady spot under the leafy canopy, I love watching the constant parade of humanity, from the well-coifed kids climbing the Alice in Wonderland bronze sculpture, to bedraggled street performers vying for tourists’ attention and loose change. During my most recent visit I was excited to discover another urban oasis – the WestHouse New York hotel – opened in December 2013 and situated in a highly covetable location mere blocks from Central Park, Carnegie Hall, MoMA and Manhattan’s luxury shopping epicenter. Even more alluring than its address (55th Street between Broadway and Seventh Avenue) is the 42 slmag.net
property’s residential appeal, thanks to a carefully curated portfolio of upscale services and amenities designed to satisfy the world’s most discerning guests – referred to as “residents” upon arrival. Orchestrated by award-winning firm Jeffrey Beers International, the design scheme in the common areas and the 156 guest rooms and 16 suites hearken to the Art Deco era, in homage to the original building, constructed in 1927. The overall color palette, comprised largely of heather grey, cobalt blue, navy blue, amber, and bronze is simultaneously timeless and up-to-the-minute. All guests rooms are outftted with marble-top desks with beveled mirrors, bespoke DayNa Decker bath and body products in chic bathrooms designed with hammered silver wallpaper and graphic marble, specially-designed 400 thread-count SFERRA Venetian bed linens and the award-winning ghd air Professional
Performance Hairdryer and best-selling ghd Gold 1" Professional Styler. In addition to a private, spacious outdoor terrace, the hotel’s trio of terrace suites boast a Sleep|Studio adjustable mattress bedding system. Covered by a $30 per diem fee, guests have access to allday complimentary food and beverage presentations in two unique venues. The Den, located on the lobby level behind the reception desk, ofers premium alcoholic beverages, non-alcoholic refreshments, Barista crafted coffees, and inventive culinary oferings such as prohibition-era infused cupcakes accompanying afternoon tea. Located on the 23rd foor and featuring foor-toceiling glass windows showcasing breathtaking views, Te Terrace is a relaxing lounge with separate dining areas where guests can savor an array of delectable breakfast presentations as well as afternoon teas, hors d’oeuvres and evening canapés. The resident fee also
includes in room pantry refreshments; unlimited access to Business Center services; 24-hour access to the Fitness Center; digital newspapers and magazines on Intelity Tablets found in each room; overnight shoe-shine service; and, complimentary Wi-Fi. Through an exclusive agreement with Luxury Attaché, WestHouse ofers an in-house team of expert lifestyle curators, who are adept at scheduling a host of unique bespoke experiences, such as a private gown ftting at a renowned fashion designer’s atelier or providing premium access to a “sold-out” event at Carnegie Hall. WestHouse Attachés also coordinate a range of creative packages exclusive to WestHouse that ofer distinctively original and memorable New York City experiences. Rates at WestHouse New York start from $499 per room, per night, exclusive of taxes and fees. For more information or reservations visit westhousehotelnewyork.com. sl slmag.net
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Runway Report:
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Trina Turk (trinaturk.com) / Photo by Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images.
Coat Check
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Roberto Verino (robertoverino.com/en/).
Ionfz (ionfz.com).
Devota & Lomba (devotaylomba.com).
Ana Locking (analocking.com).
Amaya Arzuaga (amayaarzuaga.com/en).
Ailanto (ailanto.com).
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Marina Makaron (marinamakaronmoscow.com) / Photo by Oleg Nikishin/Getty Images.
Etxeberria (etxeberria.com.es/site/en/).
HakaMa / Photo by Oleg Nikishin/Getty Images..
Dasha Gauser (dashagauser.com) / Photo by Oleg Nikishin/Getty Images.
Francis Montesinos (francismontesinos.com).
Carolina Herrera (carolinaherrera.com) / Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images.
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Dennis Basso (dennisbasso.com) / Photo by Frazer Harrison.Getty Images
Georgine (georgine.info) / Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images.
Diane Von Furstenberg (dvf.com) / Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images.
Ricardo Seco (ricardoseco.com) / Photo by Fernando Leon/Getty Images.
Parkchoonmoo (demoo.com) / Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images.
Asia Fashion Collection (asiafashioncollection.com) / Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images.
Winner, Haute Couture: Giovanni Ferraris (ferraris.it).
Summer Sparklers
Colored gemstone category winners from the 2014 Couture Design Awards Written by Bridget Williams Te Couture Design Awards were presented during Couture Las Vegas, held May 29th through June 2nd at the Wynn Resort. An exclusive destination for the luxury jewelry and timepiece market representing 200 brands and designers, both heritage and emerging design talent, the event drew more than 4,000 top-tier buyers from around the globe along with editors from 100 of the world’s most recognized luxury consumer and trade media. Pieces vying for a Couture Design Award were on display in the competition hallway for the duration of the show, during which time they were judged onsite by a panel comprised of fellow designers, Cornerstone Retailers and jewelry editors from leading consumer magazines based on criteria that included design, craftsmanship and salability. sl 48 slmag.net
Winner, Colored Gems Below $20k: Fernando Jorge (fernandojorge.co.uk).
Winner, Colored Gems Above $20k: Nam Cho (namcho.com).
Winner, People's Choice: Magerit (mageritjoyas.com).
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1st Runner Up, Colored Gems Above $20k: Stephen Webster (stephenwebster.com).
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1st Runner Up, Haute Couture: Shaun Leane.
2nd Runner Up, Colored Gems Above $20k: Miseno (misenousa.com).
1st Runner Up, Colored Gems Below $20k: Mattioli (en.mattioligioielli.it).
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All at Sea
Cruising the Caribbean with Seabourn Written by Patti Bailey Photography by Tony Bailey You know the feeling when you walk into your favorite restaurant and the maître d’ welcomes you with a smile and calls you by name. After you are seated, your server brings you red wine, knowing that you prefer it rather than white. You go there quite often, which is why you are so well known. Now imagine being more than 1,000 miles away from home and walking into a restaurant for the frst time, a restaurant on a cruise ship no less. You are called by name as you are escorted to your table. Te server welcomes you with a smile and, once again, you are personally addressed. Troughout the entire meal you are treated as if you have been there numerous times before. Impossible, you think. Ten, apparently, you have never been on a Seabourn cruise.
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From the moment we boarded the ship for our 10-day Caribbean cruise aboard the Seabourn Sojourn, we felt relaxed. We were pleasantly escorted to our suite amid greetings welcoming us aboard. A few moments after entering our suite, our stewardess arrived with flled champagne futes and light hors d’oeuvres, making sure that everything was to our liking and to not hesitate if we needed anything. After a few sips of champagne, it was time to unpack and explore the spacious cabin. Unpacking was not a chore I was dreading, as the large walk-in closet allowed us more than ample room to stash everything out of sight, while our suitcases were discretely stored under the bed.
An entertainer on Isla Catalina.
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Once unpacked, we took a few moments to enjoy the amenities of our spacious room. On the credenza was a welcome letter along with stationary printed with our name and room number. The glass sliding door opened to a private veranda, where I could easily envision myself spending a great deal of time relaxing with a glass of wine and a good book. Since the complimentary bar was stocked before our arrival with our personal preferences, I knew that scenario would soon be a reality. Not having set foot on a cruise ship in more than a decade, I was pleasantly surprised by the bath, which was quite unlike the cramped quarters I remembered. Tis was a luxurious granite bath with a large soaking tub and separate shower. On the vanity were toiletries from Hermès and L’Occitane and bath products by Molton Brown. A note from the stewardess presented an invitation to have a warm scented bath drawn from the Pure Pampering therapeutic bath menu. 54 slmag.net
Although I was tempted to hibernate in the room, we did make our way to the pool deck to join fellow cruise members for the ofcial welcome bufet. Te entire staf was on hand for a champagne toast and to present an overview of the adventure that laid ahead, and what an adventure it was. Te cruise ship carries a maximum of 450 travelers supported by 335 crewmembers. Tat alone indicated the attentive service that we would be given. Sitting poolside, it seemed that all I had to do was glance up and a server was at my side with a beverage or ofering a chilled towel. As part of the all-inclusive experience, tipping is neither required nor expected. After basking in the sun, we realized time had quickly passed and the dinner hour had approached. Fortunately, we had our choice of how and when we chose to dine throughout the duration of our voyage, as the ship ofers multiple distinct dining options that range from fne dining to a casual poolside patio grill.
Verandah Suite / Photo courtesy of Seabourn.
Te Spa at Seabourn.
Seabourn Sojourn's atrium.
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St. John
Te Restaurant, Seabourn Sojourn's fne dining option serves award-winning cuisine prepared á la minute by skilled chefs.
To start our culinary adventure in grand style, on our frst night we opted for fne dining. Entering the dramatically appointed space, we were ofered the choice of dining alone or with company. Te full-course menu oferings including Pacifc Cod Caponata, Caramelized Sea Scallops, Pan Roasted Arctic Char, Chateaubriand, Lobster Termidor and Beef Tournedos, to name a few. With each meal, a carefully selected complimentary wine pairing is ofered. What meal is not complete without an elegant dessert? The Classic Crème Brulee was superb. After dinner we lingered in the dining room, enjoying an aperitif and getting to know our tablemates and new friends, Bonnie and Jay, who hailed from Texas. Not once did we feel that we were rushed or encouraged to leave. Troughout the cruise, entertainment was ofered nightly in the Grand Salon. Te frst night was a welcome presentation by the cruise director and assistant cruise director. Much to our surprise and delight, their solo performances rivaled any of the 56 slmag.net
subsequent acts. Once the show was concluded, singing and dancing continued in the bars and lounges. Finally calling it a night, we retreated to our suite. We were greeted once again with a fruit basket. Te bed was turned down and the newsletter and menu for the following day were displayed along with a few fne chocolates. Our tickets for the following day’s excursion were neatly placed in an envelope along with directions on how to disembark. Each night, our stewardess would leave a few thoughtful surprises. My favorite was our head shots sailing in a small paper ship made from maps. Te ship made stops in San Juan, Gustavia, St. John, Cruz Bay and Isla Catalina. A benefit of traveling on a Seabourn vessel is that you have access to ports that many larger ships must bypass. As a result, you are able to experience more intimate and less-populated locations frequented by lesser numbers of travelers, creating a cruising environment with rich potential for authentic discovery.
Onboard entertainment is ofered nightly in the Grand Salon.
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San Juan
Te Caviar in the Surf beach barbeque on Isla Catalina is a Seabourn Signature Event.
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Seabourn Sojourn / Photo courtesy of Seabourn.
I have to confess that my favorite stop was the Isla Catalina in the Dominican Republic. Tis is where they host the Seabourn Signature Event: the Caviar in the Surf beach barbecue. Guests are welcomed ashore to the playing of steel drums. A full kitchen and bar, chairs, umbrellas and watersports equipment are brought from the ship and set up on the white-sandy beach for the day’s festivities. A speedboat heads to shore loaded with caviar, which is placed on a surfboard bar and uniformed staf members, including the executive chef, plunge into the water and invite guests to wade in for champagne and caviar. Later in the day, a lavish barbecue lunch consisting of steak, lobster and gourmet desserts is served. It was a day to remember. The cruise included four days at sea to enjoy all of the amenities the ship had to offer. At 11,400-square-feet, and with a full menu of treatments and rituals for the face and body,
the Spa at Seabourn is one of the largest on any ultra-luxury vessel. During my Tai Herbal Poultice Massage, all the cares of the world seemed to disappear. Those seeking the ultimate indulgence will want to consider reserving a private Spa Villa for a day of pampering. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. Te last night of the voyage found us poolside for the Seabourn Signature Epicurean Event. Chef ’s specialties were provided amidst music from the ship’s featured band, followed by Seabourn Sojourn crew waves, during which the entire staf came out to the deck to wave a heartfelt goodbye. It was like leaving an old friend but with the hope that we would meet again. For additional information or reservations, please contact a professional travel advisor, call Seabourn at 1-800-929-9391 or visit seabourn.com. sl slmag.net
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Back to the Future Land Rover’s Discovery Vision Concept combines leading edge technology with time-tested design cues to signal a daring new direction for the company’s new Discovery family. Written by Bridget Williams
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Revealed at a private event in mid-April aboard the USS Intrepid Sea, Air and Space museum in Manhattan in advance of the New York Auto Show, Land Rover’s Discovery Vision Concept provides a glimpse into the future of the company’s new Discovery family. Familiar attributes of the Discovery DNA - a stepped roof, alpine windows, command driving position and stadium seating – are present, but reinterpreted to showcase pioneering technologies from the Jaguar Land Rover advanced research division. The current Land Rover Discovery (sold as the LR4 in North America) is a stand-alone model that will transform over
time into a range of all-new Discovery vehicles. This design future is represented by the Discovery Vision Concept, and will redefne Land Rover's approach to premium and capable SUVs. Gerry McGovern, Design Director and Chief Creative Officer, Land Rover, said, "The Discovery Concept vehicle represents a vision of our future family of leisure SUVs. Its modern, relevant and compelling design is a significant shift from Discovery as we know it, while well considered practicality, configurability and Land Rover's capability seamlessly blend to create a highly desirable vehicle that connects on an emotional level."
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Though a full-size SUV, the Discovery Vision Concept appears remarkably compact, thanks to a combination of wellconsidered design elements such as wrap-around headlamps and tail lamps and the short front and rear overhangs serving to reduce the visual length. Slim fog lamps are capable of emitting both infrared and colored lasers, which assist in the Laser Terrain Scanning and Laser Referencing functions. The concept has four coach-style doors: the rear doors are hinged at the rear for easier entry and exit. The doors are operated by an electronic gesture recognition system that eliminates the need for door handles, resulting in clean surfaces and tight gaps between interfaces. A versatile evolution of the Discovery signature tailgate incorporates a powered, single-piece design. In conjunction with a deployable rear step and a folding bench seat in the luggage area, it creates a fexible event platform with social seating. On its own, the sill step can also be ftted with a bike/ski rack. Te advanced interior is both spacious and adaptable with an array of innovative features, including highly reconfgurable seating that can comfortably accommodate seven adults with a 2/3/2 layout in three rows. By folding the seats fat or sliding them forward or back, via the touchscreen menu, the vehicle can be converted to a multitude of confgurations. Detachable, carry-
away roller-style luggage is seamlessly integrated into the vehicle doors, while the back of each seat contains a gesture-controlled infotainment screen with a wide variety of functions, and also has convenience features such as integrated pop-out coat hangers, fold-out tray tables and tablet docking ports. Found within the cabin are two types of washable and water-and oil-repellent Foglizzo premium leather in Nimbus White and Navy blue that can be cleaned in seconds. Open pore grey wood veneer on the foors and instrument panel, brushed aluminum fnishes and bespoke accessories lined in Harris Tweed impart a uniquely British feeling of craftsmanship. Advanced technologies making their debut on the Discovery Vision Concept include Land Rover's vision of nextgeneration Terrain Response, a system that can proactively utilize a variety of intelligent HMI and capability technologies, giving the driver the confdence to tackle virtually any terrain with ease. A "Transparent Hood" head-up display system ofers an unimpeded view of the ground immediately ahead, greatly increasing visibility. Cameras ftted below the grille feed video to the Head-Up Display integrated into the windshield. While traversing challenging terrain, the imagery can be projected onto the windshield, so that it appears as if the vehicle's hood is, in efect, transparent. slmag.net
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The steering wheel incorporates two small OLED touch screens to operate the infotainment system. With turn signals and headlamp functions operated by gesture recognition control, indicator stalks are absent, creating more visual space and less clutter around the driver. This also affords a clear view of the instrument cluster, which features a high-defnition screen with a three-million-pixel resolution for incredibly vivid, sharp imagery. Te top of the dashboard has a leather-wrapped airfoil-shaped structure for a light, minimalist appearance. Te swooping form of the central ‘arm’ encases two high-resolution touch screens, which display the vehicle’s system menus. Te lower touch screen fips up to reveal a storage space with an inductive charging pad for cablefree recharging of smartphones. Further down along the console is a rotary gearshift control, which deploys and rises into the driver’s hand as it approaches, as well as a secondary rotary that controls functions such as Terrain Response and Tow Assist. Tis secondary rotary control can be detached and taken out of the vehicle to operate Remote Control Drive. Laser Terrain Scanning utilizes infrared lasers emitted from the front fog-lamps to continuously scan the terrain being traversed, and renders a contour map on the high-defnition instrument cluster display. Tis mapping can be paired with the All-Terrain Coach guidance system to chart out a path and assist the driver in navigating it. Lasers are also used by the 64 slmag.net
next-generation Wade Aid sensory system to measure the depth of water before the vehicle enters it, and inform the driver of the feasibility of the intended wading maneuver. All-Terrain Progress Control enables semi-autonomous of-road driving at a steady speed across varying terrain. Arguably one of the most interesting features is remote control drive, which enables the driver to maneuver the car at very low speed while not actually seated inside it, via the removable secondary rotary on the center console, as well as via a smartphone or tablet. Possible applications of this unique technology include extreme of-roading, where it is sometimes safer and easier to inch the vehicle over obstacles from an outside vantage point; coupling to a trailer; and driving through gates, where the driver can avoid repeatedly getting in and out of the vehicle by simply opening the gate and letting the vehicle drive through via Remote Control Drive, before shutting the gate and re-entering the vehicle. Dr. Wolfgang Ziebart, Director of Engineering, Jaguar Land Rover, said, "As a true pioneer, Land Rover is committed to constantly pushing the boundaries to redefine what SUV capability and versatility is all about. The Discovery Vision Concept shows the breadth of innovative, intelligent technologies being developed in order to offer our future customers unprecedented capability across any kind of terrain." sl
ROLEX THREE-DAY EVENT Written by Bridget Williams Photography by Tony Bailey On the final day of competition, William Fox-Pitt of Great Britain calmly guided Bay My Hero faultlessly around the show jumping course to win the Rolex Kentucky Tree-Day Event, presented by Land Rover, for the third time. His score of 44.0 topped second-placed Lauren Kiefer, of Middleburg, Va., on Veronica (46.7) and third-placed Buck Davidson, of Ocala, Fla., on Ballynoe Castle RM (51.7). On Saturday, Phillip Dutton, riding Trading Aces, was awarded a two-year lease on a 2013 Range Rover Evoque for winning the Land Rover Best Ride of the Day award. Te prize goes to the U.S. rider who fnishes closest to the optimum time with no jumping penalties. Land Rover also hosted its third annual “Land Rover Tailgate Challenge” on Saturday, April 26, and for a second consecutive year the display orchestrated by Sophisticated Living CEO Eric Williams and Brand Ambassador Kim Morris took top honors for being the most creative, best-decorated and bestcatered Land Rover tailgate party. 66 slmag.net
“Land Rover has a long established connection with the equestrian community and as a company we’ve supported this prestigious event now for fve years,” said Kim McCullough, Brand Vice President, Land Rover North America. “Creating the ‘Land Rover Best Ride of the Day’ award allows us to support the rider who demonstrates the precision required to hit the optimum time set cross-country. Tis, coupled with the Land Rover Tailgate, test drive course and the ‘Rover’ lounge for our canine friends, makes for an action packed weekend for visitors to the event.” America’s only Four Star Tree-Day Event, “Rolex Kentucky” is one of the world’s most prestigious equestrian competitions, and each year features the world’s best horses and riders vying for their share of $250,000 in prize money, as well as a shot at the $350,000 Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing. Aside from the competition, the event featured exquisite shopping in the Sponsor Village and International Trade Fair, with close to 200 booths and tents displaying designer clothing, artwork, gifts, sport clothing, horserelated items, event souvenir items and much more. sl
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Society
July 4 4-6 6-14 10-12 10-13 11-13 17-27 19 24-26 26 30-8/2
Cincinnati Pops Red, White & Boom, 8pm, Riverbend; cincinnatisymphony.org Formula 1 Santander British Grand Prix; formula1.com Running of the Bulls, Pamplona, Spain; runningofthebulls.com Cincinnati Opera Presents: Silent Night; cincinnatiopera.org Art Hamptons, Bridgehampton, NY; arthamptons.com Queen City Sausage Festival, Newport Levee; queencitysausage.com Cincinnati Opera Presents: La Calisto, cincinnatiopera.org Keeneland Concours d’Elegance, Keeneland Race Course in Lexington; keenelandconcours.com Cincinnati Opera Presents: Madame Butterfy; cincinnatiopera.org Taste of OTR, 11am, Washington Park; washingtonpark.org Shelbyville Horse Show, Shelby County Fairgrounds; shelbyvillehorseshow.com
August 1-3 4 8-10 9 9-10 9-17 17 21-24 23 31 68 slmag.net
Lumenocity, Washington Park; lumenocity2014.com Bethany House Services Golf Outing, 11am, Maketewah Country Club; bhsinc.org 57th Annual Stowe Antique & Classic Car Meet, Stowe, VT; vtauto.org/stowe_show.php Party in Plaid for Caracole, Cincinnati Masonic Center; caracole.org/party-in-plaid Corinthian Classic Yacht Regatta, Marble, MA; corinthianclassic.org Western & Southern Open, Lindner Family Tennis Center; cincytennis.com Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Pebble Beach, CA; pebblebeach.com Baltimore Summer Antiques Show; baltimoresummerantiques.com Hospice of Cincinnati Gourmet Sensation Sophisticated Living Polo Series World Cup, 4pm, Oxmoor Farm in Louisville; slpolo.com
BETHESDA LYCEUM
With support from title sponsor Health Care Management Group, the Bethesda Foundation welcomed American astronaut and author Captain Mark Kelly to its 13th annual Bethesda LYCEUM, held at the Horseshoe Casino. Proceeds from the event will beneft a new geriatric-friendly emergency department at Bethesda North Hospital.
Grant Hesser, Dan Scharf
Norm & Dianne Atkinson
Crystal Wilborn, Gretchen Troxell
Susan & Robert Walker
Ann Schrader, Jef Huser
Tracy & Frank Nation
Jamie Brose, Marge & Jef Fabe
Photography by Tony Bailey
Taylor Buchtmann, Liz Sebesy, Julie Camele, Vickie Mertz, Charisse Mertz
Andre deGraaf, Captain Mark Kelly, Donna deGraaf
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Purchase your tickets at
slpolo.com
Sophisticated Living Polo World Cup presented by Lenihan Sotheby’s International Realty
Sunday, August 31, 2014 at Oxmoor Farm
VIP Tickets - $75 Reserved Tables - $600 Tailgating - $250 Purchase your tickets at slpolo.com 502-582-6563 or info@slmag.net Gates open at 4:00
TEAM SPONSORS
CORPORATE SPONSORS
Photography by Tony Bailey
EACC GALA
Held at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, the EuropeanAmerican Chamber of Commerce’s annual gala dinner and fundraiser recognizes and celebrates the Greater Cincinnati international business community.
Jenny Roach, Nick Albino
Nancy Sterrett, Tom Rich, Linda Pleiman, Shirley Selfert
Chris Knueven, Anne Cappel, AM Kinney
Harold Kremer, Alicia Reitano
Mary Kay Delgado, Sheila Spradlin-Reich
Franz Grubel, JoAnn Allen, John Mack
Ernest Cavin, Ruth Neuenschwander, Christine & Andre Kaaz 72 slmag.net
Alan Rosenberg, Stewart Turnbull
Michelle & Jason Cooper, Kimberly Eppert, Brian Carley
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AULT PARK CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE
Tis nationally recognized car show annually highlights a collection of some the world’s most outstanding vintage and new automobiles and motorcycles within the formal gardens of historic Ault Park. Proceeds from the event beneft the Ohio River Valley Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation.
Photography by Tony Bailey
Betsy, Ron & Zack Tomas
Terrell Dickey, April Gentile
Frieda & Jerry Wolf
Dan & Kim Watkoske
Kyle & Veronica Sterling
Clay & Micky Clabogh
David & Kimberly Hagood
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75TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Photography by Tony Bailey
Dianne Dunkelman chaired a festive dinner and art auction to celebrate the Contemporary Arts Center’s 75th anniversary. An outstanding collection of art ranging from blue chip to emerging artists was offered during the live auction. Following the auction, a ‘Diamonds + Debauchery’ after party was held at the Lois & Richard Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art.
Allen Zaring, Reena & Yash Patil, Andrew Vecellio
Carl Solway, Lizi Solway, Stewart Turnbull, Tamara Harkavy
CJ Lecky, Alice Gray Stites, Michael Hurst, Gerry Link, Haviland Argo, Eli Meiners, Gabe Isaac, Melanie Tapp, Stephanie Greene
Dave Gearding, Rosemary Seidnyr
Peter Quinnan, Michela Palazzo, Danilo Palazzo, Carolyn Bloomfeld, Steve Bloomfeld
Jessica Esterkamp, Brent Messmer
Sammy Danter, Rachel Hinger, John Hinger 74 slmag.net
Michelle Andersen, Brian Sholis
Jen Redlinger, Becky Brunner
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CELEBRITY WAITER NIGHT
Cincinnati Bengals’ quarterback Andy Dalton and his wife Jordan hosted the third annual Celebrity Waiter Night at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza featuring food by Chef Todd Kelly from Orchids at Palm Court along with fne wine and an auction. Proceeds of the event support the Andy & Jordan Dalton Foundation, which provides opportunities, support and resources to children and families in need throughout Greater Cincinnati.
Photography by Tony Bailey
Frani, Don & Haley Jones, Katie Boazic, Tessa Jones, Katie Romeo
Andy & Jordan Dalton, Kevin Huber, Andrew Whitworth, Mohamed Sanu, Mike Nugent, Marvin Jones, AJ Green, Ryan Whalen, Marshall Newhouse, Clint Boling, Cedric Peerman, RJ Stanford, Rex Burkhead
Mike & Megan Tompson
Cedric Peerman, Heather Turner, Althea Marshall
Nick & Jill Tepe
Marvin Jones, Brandan Knox
David Shuley, Roy Hackworth, Maurice Cofey, AJ Green
Anna Foster, Meg Comer, Andrew Whitworth, Brian Foster, Mike Comer
Bill Montague, Mark Coleman, Andy Dalton, Jef Rich
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GO RED FOR WOMEN
Photography by Tony Bailey
Te American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women Luncheon drew 940 women and men to the Duke Energy Convention Center. The Luncheon, presented by The Christ Hospital Health Network, raised $850,000 for the American Heart Association. A special video was shown featuring heart survivor Meghan Roswick and her inspiring story of overcoming the obstacles of having only half a heart. Keynote speaker was Christine Cashen, a motivational humorist who relayed an important message about handling stress. Te event ended with the Luncheon’s signature UC DAAP Fashion Design Students’ and survivor red dress fashion show.
Kristan Getey, Connie Kreutzjans
Donna Sterwerf, Erin Ascher, Rose Inderhees, Lee Ann Liska
Jo Anne Noyes, Christine Stephens, Tatiana Rangel
Ellen Glasgow, Sandra Szabo, Jenny Fitzer, Michelle Smith
Amand Duncan, Brooke Ringstaf, Suzann Murray
Tifany Best , Lauren Smith
Kathy Moreland, Emily Raaker, Mindy McLaughun 76 slmag.net
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Joyce Huber, Christine Cashen
HAMMER TIME GALA
Held in the Music Hall Ballroom, proceeds from Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati’s annual “Hammer Time” gala will support Habitat’s mission of providing simple, decent, afordable housing for hard-working families in the tri-state region.
Gary Sullivan, Sheila Gray
Tom Hiltz, Anya Sanchez, MD
Lisa & Jake Geglein, Ed Lee
Laura Kron, Jennifer Lewis
Photography by Tony Bailey
Bob & Sandy Johnson
Deanna & Paul Nikolai
Mr. and Mrs. Roy Giford
Jonathan & Angelina Kling
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Photography by Tony Bailey
HATS OFF LUNCHEON
Celebrating its 8th year, proceeds from this year’s sold out Hats Off Luncheon, presented by the Cincinnati Parks Foundation will support the Vibrant Playscape, planned to open on the west side of Smale Riverfront Park in 2015.
Jane Allan, Susan Olson, Jill Fuchs, Wendy Tomczak
Sydney Kurz, Sondra Kurz, Barb Siegel
Anita Trevino, Tatiana Rangel
Jill McGrudel, Alleen Manning, Cheryl Stamm
Marsha Haberer, Kevin O’Dell, Janet Huston
Lindsey Huttenbauer
Lynne Meyers Gordon, Ronna Willis
Shannon Senger, Lorrie Platt
Kevin Shibley, Diane Favors
Heather Vecellio
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LEADERS & LEGENDS
At this annual networking and awards luncheon, presented by the United Way of Greater Cincinnati and held at the Duke Energy Convention Center, Leadership Awards were presented to Kay Geiger, Marian A. Spencer, David E. Szkutak, Lee Ann Liska, Carla D. Walker, Rabbi Irvin M. Wise and Alexander & Hannah Laman. Community Service Awards were presented to Scott Ellsworth, Christie A. M. Bryant, Esq., Kathleen L. Schwab, Liza D. Smitherman, John D. Cottingham, Mary Ann Weber, Kathleen P. List and Nancy A. Spivey.
Photography by Tony Bailey
Charles Walker, Philip Cohen, Mark Kallick
Lela Rankins, Nancy McGuire, Ruth & Ray Ellsworth
Don Stock, Kimberly Grainger, Warren Webber, Brian Carley
Josh Smitherman, Liza Smitherman, Janice Urbanik
Catherine Liska, Jo Ed Liska
Tony Dellecave, Cheryl Campbell
Kate Kennedy, Maddie Grant, Michelle Rummel
Doug Miller, Lyndsey Barnett, Julie Highley, Valerie jabobs
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Debby Shipp, Nancy Spivey
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ZOO LA LA
Photography by Tony Bailey
Hosted by the Cincinnati Zoo’s Ambassador Council and one of the newer fundraising events on the Zoo’s roster, Zoo la la has quickly proven itself to be a favorite among Zoo patrons by selling out well in advance. Te evening’s lineup included dinner-by-the-bite from popular local restaurants, a private cheetah encounter and entertainment by Swampthang.
Becky Trentman, Brandon Notar, Jared Hofman
Aviva Rich, Mitch Quint, Jim & Sara Ellerhorst
Jennifer & Kirby Neumann, Nick & Mandy Hoyng
Ryan Minton, Geetha Kapahi
Kristen & Mike Baker
Jessica & Michael Tompson
Angela Nelson, Rebecca Holtman, Megan Jackson 80 slmag.net
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Mario Mercurio, Meghan Lawson
Steve & Meg Casper
In a Class By Itself