{Cincinnati’s Finest}
slmag.net
Mar/Apr 2012 five dollars
O U R F E AT U R E D L I S T I N G S
#6 Field Lane Hyde Park, $885,000
1031 East Rookwood Drive Hyde Park, $949,000
2766 Baker Place East Walnut Hills, $949,000
#4 Garden Place Hyde Park, $924,000
10430 Rachel Anne Court Blue Ash, $585,000
27 Hampton Lane Hyde Park, $599,900
Sa
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Pe n
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2801 Erie Avenue #103 Hyde Park, $572,801
2801 Erie Avenue #202 Hyde Park, $572,801
View From 909 Riverview Place Mt Adams, $1,450,000
View From1201 Edgecliff Pt. #1092 Eden Park, $586,000
DIGS digs the American Heart Association Heart Ball. February 25th, 2012. For more information: www.heart.org/cincinnatiohheartball
P: 513.979.2685 E: TheWellinghoffGroup@comey.com
www.DIGS-home.com 513.533.DIGS (3447)
STOCK OPTION PLANNING
One group of clients for whom we provide specialized wealth management is upper level executives. We find they can have a unique set of investment goals, risk tolerance and income requirements.
Diamond, gemstones and pearl bracelet
Inaugural Fine Jewelry and Timepieces Auction March 29, 2012 10:00 a.m. EST Please join Cowan’s for a Champagne Reception to preview and celebrate the Fine Jewelry & Timepieces Inaugural Auction. Guests will have the opportunity to preview an exceptional collection of fine jewelry, timepieces and couture. Wednesday, March 28, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Cowan’s Auctions Inc., 6270 Este Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45232. If you and your guests would like to attend please RSVP to 513.871.1670 ext: 17 or email jewelry@cowans.com by March 26, as space is limited.
Bid
Consign
Private Appraisals
In person, by phone, absentee or online.
Always accepting exceptional consignments
For a private appraisal, please contact Tara Eggleston-Johnston.
cowans.com
Contact Tara EgglestonJohnston tara@cowans.com
513.871.1670 x17 6270 Este Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45232
Print Block Cabinet FROM
MERRIDIAN
Delicately hand-carved ‘print blocks’ were pressed on textiles to create some of the most beautiful fabrics imaginable. In honor of Hindu tradition, these great carvings have been reincarnated as the focal point to our beautiful and functional cabinets. No two are alike.
12130 Royal Point Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45249 Just off Fields Ertel Road west of Kohl’s. 513-583-1234 www.merridian.com
IMAGINE SOMETHING NEW FROM
The Preceria Collection from RODA
Headquartered in Cincinnati for more than 55 years, we design, craft, and install exceptional, custom shower enclosures. Now you can imagine more… and realize your dream bathroom. RODA by Basco. Now on display at these fine dealers.
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Ultimate Air Shuttle flies from Cincinnati’s Lunken Airport to Chicago and New York City. We also fly from Columbus, Indiana to Detroit, Michigan.
call 800-437-3931 to book your flight. ultimateairshuttle.com Public Charters operated by Ultimate Jet Charters Inc. dba Ultimate Air Shuttle
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Conrad Indianapolis & ModernMasters Fine Art Present
BEFORE THEY WERE FAMOUS:
Behind the Lens of William John Kennedy
WARHOL + INDIANA
Š 2010 WILLIAM JOHN KENNEDY
Š 2010 WILLIAM JOHN KENNEDY
PLEASE JOIN THE CONRAD INDIANAPOLIS FOR THE GRAND OPENING WEEKEND APRIL 27 TO APRIL 28 Just over one year ago, at the age of 80, fine art photographer William John Kennedy began an unprecedented journey and meteoric rise to fame. His recently published archive of images laid in storage for nearly 50 years. The photographs taken in the early 60s captured rising stars Andy Warhol and Robert Indiana before they were famous. The rare and iconic never before seen images are available as a limited edition collection of silver gelatin and chromogenic prints. After seven stops in major international cities, the collection is now presented by the Conrad Indianapolis and ModernMasters Fine Art, as a curated, museum-style exhibition entitled Before They Were Famous: Behind the Lens of William John Kennedy. The Kennedy collection, along with rare works by Warhol, Indiana, and other world-renowned artists including Roy
Lichtenstein and Keith Haring, will be available for sale throughout the exhibit period. Join the Conrad Indianapolis during the grand opening weekend April 27 to April 28 for exclusive events including documentary film screenings, book signings, and artist meet and greets in person with William John Kennedy and Warhol Superstar Ultra Violet (the exhibition runs through May 31). Before They Were Famous: Through the Lens of William John Kennedy is the first major exhibit programmed as part of A Toast to Pop Art, an ongoing series the Conrad Indianapolis and ModernMasters Fine Art are presenting in collaboration.
For more details and full list of events, visit ConradIndianapolis.com and ModernMastersFAB.com
50 West Washington Street, Indianapolis, Indiana I For reservations, call 317 713 5000 or visit ConradHotels.com * Special VIP courtesies available when you book your room at Conrad Indianapolis and mention our Sophisticated Living reader rate.
{Cincinnati’s Finest}
Mar/Apr 2012
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Tis 1947 Delahaye 135M Tree-Position Drophead Coupé sold for $474,500. Photo by Bonhams.
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Mar/Apr 2012 five dollars
on the cover:
La Vie en Rose Hugo Boss ‘Parker’ pant and 212 sport coat from Saks Fifh Avenue. Vineyard Vines bowtie and pocket square from the Keeneland Gif Shop. Rolex watch from the Richter & Phillips Co.
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Refined by Design
27
The Inlaid Continental Chest
28
Society Calendar
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Year of the Dragon Gala
30
Moveable Feast
31
Champions for Children
32
Good Samaritans’ Gala
33
Buying In To the American Scene
34
Country House Chic
42
Franciacorta and Ca’ del Bosco
44
Of Note…Prints Charming
46
Bibliotaph
48
Around the Block
52
Rolex 24 at Daytona
56
La Vie en Rose
66
Enoteca Emilia
74
Iconic Convergences at the Conrad
76
Accelerate the Cure
77
Books for Lunch
78
KSO Gala
79
Touchdown for Hope
80
Gunn’s Golden Rules
CINCINNATI, 101 WesT 5Th sT. CALL 513.421.6800, VIsIT sAKs.COM/CINCINNATI OR FIND Us ON FACeBOOK, TWITTeR, iTUNes AND sAKsPOV.COM
COLLECTIONS FOR BRUNCH WITH THE GIRLS AND DINNER WITH YOUR GUY
SAKS FIFTH AVENUE COLLECTION
CINCINNATI
EDITOR - IN - CHIEF Bridget Williams ______________________________________________ ASSOCIATE EDITORS Kay Matton ART DIRECTOR Jason Yann CONTRIBUTORS Writers Patti Bailey Dr. Matthew Bessen Ellana Bessen Kirby Camm Scott Harper Diane C. Wachs
Te spring issue available now on the iPad or your mobile device.
Photographers Tony Bailey Chad Henle Andrew Kung COPY EDITOR Jennifer Newton DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Eric Williams ADVERTISING SALES OFFICE 502.582.6563 ______________________________________________ PUBLISHER Eric Williams Sophisticated Living is published by Sophisticated Living, LLC, P.O. 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.
SLMAG.NET
Visit slmag.net
Modeled by Ann-Blair Thornton, Miss Kentucky
Shop on the Keeneland grounds, at the Lexus Store of Lexington, or online anytime at keenelandshop.com
Find your favorite at the drop of a hat. Christine A. Moore’s handcrafted hats stand out in any crowd. Discover a wide selection of styles at the Keeneland Gift Shop, along with unique accessories to complement your spring wardrobe.
From the Editor-In-Chief Normally, the act of someone holding the door for me wouldn’t give me pause; I’d say a quick “thank you” for the random act of thoughtfulness and be on my way. But here was Tim Gunn – the marquee headliner at the SmartTalk event where I was to introduce him to the thousands who were gathered at Cincinnati’s Aronoff Center – not only holding the door for me, but everyone in the group: men, women and children (including my googly-eyed 11-year-old who persisted in a state of awe the entire evening). I wasn’t the only one to notice, and when someone else in our group remarked that it should be they holding the door for him, Tim quickly remarked “nonsense” and proceeded into the VIP reception where he happily and willingly chatted and smiled for countless photos with throngs of admirers, even after his prescribed time for being there was up. In my scripted remarks for the evening, I’d written “Season after season, the firm but gentle way Tim Gunn guides his charges through the rigors of Project Runway challenges, creating indelible catchphrases along the way, has endeared him to legions of fans around the world…. I am pleased to report that he’s every bit as warm and genuine in person as he is on television.” I’d put the last sentence in bold, just in case the persona didn’t match the person. After all, this is a man who wrote, “I believe that treating other people well is a lost art,” in his book Gunn’s Golden Rules: Life’s Little Lessons for Making It Work. I had high expectations, and he exceeded them in spades. With the idolatry of celebrity at an all-time high, poise, decorum and civility are often thrown to the wayside during the scratch and grab path to attain one’s 15 minutes of fame. How refreshing then that here was a man who fortuitously landed on a trajectory that brought him opportunities far beyond his wildest dreams and that he remains humbled by it all. During sound check he remarked that his good fortune brings him “pinch me” moments every day. Another fashion icon – Coco Chanel – is credited with saying, “A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.” What would she have made of the indomitable Mr. Gunn? I surmise she’d dub him a fabulous class act.
Bridget Williams, Editor-in-Chief bridget@slmag.net P.S. I’d like to offer my congratulations to the organizers of Birmingham Fashion Week on a successful second year event. This year they inaugurated a Rising Design Star competition for junior high and high school students, where entrants were tasked with creating an outfit using anything BUT fabric and traditional sewing techniques. I was honored to make my runway debut as a ‘model’ to show my daughter’s creation, made from window screen, butcher’s paper, duck tape and moss. Collectively the group came up with some amazing creations using everything from roofing material to sheet music. Giving these young adults the opportunity to participate in the creative process, show their pieces alongside the pros, and converse with headlining designers backstage is priceless. Te future of fashion is bright!
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new location The Kentucky Horse Park’s Alltech Arena Lexington, KY
March 16 17 18 2012 What’s old is NEW again. Renewed - Largest Number of Exhibitors
New, World-class Location
in the Show’s history. Quality antiques, collectibles, garden displays, designer vignettes and retail.
Kentucky Horse Park’s Alltech Arena, Lexington. Exit 120 off I-75, turn east on Iron Works Pkwy, half mile on left, follow signs through park.
New Complimentary Show Lectures friday, march 16
New Show Dates March 16, 17, 18, 2012
2:00 pm Taylor Thistlewaite,
Southern Decorative Arts Specialist
Show Hours Fri. & Sat. 10 am - 6 pm | Sun. 11 am - 5 pm
3:30 pm Jim Dawson,
thursday, march 15 Gala Preview Party
Kentucky Antiques Specialist
7 - 10 pm, $125 per person includes Run of Show ticket
saturday, march 17
3:30 pm Dave Miller & Ken Owen,
New Keynote Speakers
Nature’s Expressions, Garden Specialists
with fresh new approaches and topics
sunday, march 18
(Separate Ticket Events)
12:30 pm Jerome Redfearn,
friday, march 16
Antique Silver Specialist
Suzanne Kasler, Interior Designer (pictured left) 11:30 am Lunch, Lecture & Book Signing, $60 includes Run of Show ticket
saturday, march 17 Sergio Palleroni, Sustainability Expert 10:00 am Brunch & Lecture, $40 includes Daily ticket James Doyle, Landscape Architect 1:00 pm Lunch & Lecture, $40 includes Daily ticket
New Events
2:30 pm Ezra Haggard, Author, “Trees, Shrubs & Roses For the Midwest”
New Catering
Delectable food & fine spirits.
Tickets $10 Daily. $15 Run of Show. Free parking. For information or ticket purchase:
Vintage Car Show Every day of show.
www.bluegrasstrust.org 859.253.0362 or www.bgtantiquesandgardenshow.org
saturday, march 17 Appraisal Fair*, Wes Cowan and Diane Wachs of Cowan’s Auctions. 10 am to 4 pm
*By reservation only! Call 859.253.0362.
Gala Preview Party Media Sponsor Interior Designer Suzanne Kasler
ProCeeDS beneFiT
The blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation
The leading preservation advocate in Central Kentucky Additional Media Sponsors
A newly added onyx-topped bar incorporates the same curly and birdseye maple found in the existing ďŹ replace surround. Te matching chinoiserie-upholstered sofas are oriented to take advantage of the room’s dual focal points: the ďŹ replace and the million dollar views from a bayed window.
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ReďŹ ned by Design World-class antiques receive unexpected due diligence in a contemporary setting Written by Bridget Williams Photography by Andrew Kung
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A window in the dining room provides panoramic vistas of Eden Park, the Ohio River and the downtown skyline.
“Tey’ve always had a penchant for contemporary design to different degrees, with this current residence representing a further refinement of their style” said Chuck Bolton, president of Federation Antiques, of his clients’ most recent project – a spacious apartment comprising an entire floor of the landmark St. James building overlooking Eden Park. Intimately familiar with the building as he had lived there for 20 years, Bolton was knowledgeable of both the challenges and tremendous rewards involved in customizing the unit to suit the homeowners’ needs and tastes. Having originally purchased one of two units on an upper floor, the homeowners jumped at the chance to acquire the other unit when it was offered for sale and immediately got to work with Bolton and his colleague Anthony Zalants on a plan that would cohesively unite the two. “Tey both like things to be clean, crisp and dramatic. [Te husband] in particular wanted the home to be eyepopping and make a statement,” explained Bolton. Te elevator opens to a gracious foyer. Immediately one is drawn to the view of Twin Lakes in Eden Park from an expanse of windows, which were left free of drapery at the husband’s request. “He didn’t want anything to impede the view, so even the window screens retract completely from view,” added Bolton. If one can resist the urge to examine the view from up close, there are a bevy of manmade visual delights at every turn. A pattern of concentric circles of varying shades of marble designed by Zalants creates a wonderful sense of rhythm in the foyer. A support column in the space is wrapped in the same curly and birdseye maple found throughout the residence. 20 slmag.net
A pattern of concentric circles of varying shades of marble designed by Anthony Zalants of Federation Antiques creates a wonderful sense of rhythm in the foyer. Te simplicity of the design gives due diligence to the homeowner’s outstanding collection of 18th century American antiques.
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Pocket doors separate the dining room from the wife’s study, fashioned from what was previously a guest bedroom. Per the husband’s request, windows in the public rooms are sans drapery so as not to impede the views.
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Te Art Deco-inspired powder room boasts silver leaf wallpaper, a mirror from the old Alvey Teatre and a chrome vanity.
Educated collectors of 18th century American antiques, particularly Newport and Philadelphia furniture (“the apotheosis of American antiques” according to Bolton), one would not be faulted for questioning the homeowners’ application of them in a contemporary setting. Bolton is quick to point out that this is one May-to-December relationship that works. “Te style of the pieces works well in a contemporary skin,” he explained. Te natural flow of the floor plan draws guests into the spacious living room. Zalants designed a bar in the living room with an amazing onyx top, the colors of which are in sync with the buttery tones of the extensive and superbly crafted maple cabinetry and woodwork. He pointed out that the onyx was cut flush with the base for a more contemporary feel. One of the husband’s favorite pieces – a Philadelphia tip-top tea table – is given prominence in a bayed window. While the fireplace wall in the living room served as the impetus for the extensive use of curly and Birdseye maple throughout the unit, its design also created a conundrum for the room’s furniture placement, as the fireplace and bayed window are askew. Bolton came up with an interesting solution by positioning a pair of contemporary sofas with chinoiserie upholstery next to one another but facing in opposite directions to create two distinct seating areas around the dual focal points. “[Te homeowners] either entertain six or 60, so this arrangement comfortably accommodates both,” said Bolton. Te layout of the room is also such so that one is able to look over the furniture and out to the view when exiting the elevator. Shimmering like gelatin film from the silver screen era, the Art Deco-inspired powder room boasts silver leaf wallpaper, a mirror from the old Alvey Teatre and 24 slmag.net
One of the husband’s favorite antique pieces – a Philadelphia tip-top tea table – is given prominence in a bayed window in the living room.
a chrome vanity. A relative of the wife was an Old Hollywood director, and a poster from one of his films, “Expensive Women,” hangs on one wall tongue-incheek above photographs of the wife with her daughter and granddaughter. To the left of the entry is a long gallery hall leading to the master wing, which was created by gutting the second apartment. Te purposeful pattern of the wood floor works with the pilasters to continue the rhythm initiated in the foyer and showcase an outstanding collection of antique art posters. A wall of sleek maple built-ins graces one wall of the master bedroom. Bolton describes the vantage from the windows as being akin to a Hudson River painting. Te suite comprises both his and her closets and bathrooms along with the husband’s study. Te piece de resistance of the husband’s domain is arguably his bathroom, which features the most exquisite application of blue onyx. Maple bookcases in his study hold a collection of photographs and fascinating memorabilia harkening to his former career as a navy pilot. Te first time the couple’s daughter spied the wife’s closet, she said it was just like Sex and the City. Enviable for its covetable amount of space, the clutter and fuss-free aesthetic is perfectly instep with the rest of the home. Both Bolton and Zalants cannot say enough about the quality of work by the skilled craftsmen who worked on the project. Pointing out the perfection of the innumerable joint lines and symmetry, they added that there was simply no room for error. “Te foreman knew from day one that this was a special job because of the design and the uniqueness of the materials,” said Zalants. Bolton added, “Tere was a very genial atmosphere throughout the entire process. It goes to show that great things can happen when you have clients who appreciate and trust you.” sl slmag.net
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THE INLAID CONTINENTAL CHEST A decorative antique
Some antique furniture pieces make a strong and commanding visual statement, and because of these qualities, are considered decorative antiques. Te inlaid Continental chest certainly fits in the category of decorative antique furniture, along with it being an interesting antique in its own right. Oftentimes these grand chests are referred to as commodes in Europe, although for the most part, they are simply referred to as Continental chests. Te term Continental denotes something made on the mainland of Europe, primarily France, Germany and Italy. Any chest made on the continent of Europe, during any antique time period, qualifies it as a Continental chest. However, I am specifically referring, for this month’s article, to the full-size inlaid decorative chests that were fashionable and produced in Europe throughout most of the 18th century. Visually, these 18th century chests are stunning because of several factors. First, they are slightly bigger than a regular chest, which gives them presence and style. Because of their age, along with the chests being waxed and polished over the years and their exposure to strong sunlight, Continental chests almost always have fabulous patina and color. Walnut was the preferred wood for Continental chests during the early part of the 18th century, with fruitwoods and
Written by Kirby Camm, Bittners
other local hardwoods used during the latter part. Te added design element of the marquetry – the inlaid wood that forms the decorative patterns or designs on the chest – only adds to their attractiveness. From an antique dealer and collector’s perspective, the marquetry on all 18th century Continental chests is of particular note due to its thickness. Tere was no technology at the time to produce thin veneers. Therefore, the veneers on some Continental chests are well over an eighth of an inch thick and sometimes as much as a quarter of an inch thick on very early examples. Adding to the understated elegance of these 18th century pieces are the big handmade dovetails and the exposed large and primitive iron-locking mechanism inside the drawers. The illustrated Continental chest, circa 1780, is a wonderful example for all the reasons stated above, but its mixed nationality also adds an interesting aspect. Tis chest, in my opinion, was made somewhere near the border of Germany and Italy, making it northern Italian or south German. When I look at it, sometimes it appears Italian and at other times German. No matter the nationality, this Continental chest has style and panache. sl
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Society
March 1 3 8-10 10 12 15 17 22 23 24 29
6:30pm, Cincinnati’s Finest for Cystic Fibrosis, Bell Event Center, cincinnati.cff.org/finest 5:30pm. Big Wish Gala, Westin Hotel, bigwishgala.org 6pm, Dinner, Art & Wine for Canines, Receptions Loveland, circletail.org 6:30pm, Once in a Lifetime Gala & Auction, Dike Energy Center Grand Ballroom Cincinnati Wine Festival, winefestival.com 7pm, CinSation, Music Hall, jlcincinnati.org 7pm, A Cupcake Affair with Kenyan Flair, Peterloon Estate, soteni.org 5pm, Great Food for a Great Cause, National Exemplar, nationalexemplar.com 5:30pm. Prevent Blindness Ohio Awards Dinner, Savannah Event Center 6pm, Cincinnati Waldorf School Spring Fundraising Gala, Pebble Creek Event Center, cincinnatiwaldorfschool.org 7:30pm, SmartTalk: Kara DioGuardi, Aronoff Center, smarttalkwomen.com 6:30pm, Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra Gala, Hilton Netherland Plaza, ccocincinnati.org 6pm, Raising of the Green for Visions, Bell Event Center, visionscs.org 6:30pm, Zootini, Cincinnati Zoo, cincinnatizoo.org/events
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10am, Cowan’s American Indian & Western Art Auction, cowans.com 6pm, Spring for the Stars Gala, Westin Cincinnati, stjosephorphanage.org 6pm, Crosstown Shakedown, Cintas Center, briangrant.org 7pm, Dancing for the Stars, Music Hall Ballroom, cincinnatiarts.org 10am, Camp Swoneky Auxiliary Fashion Show Luncheon, Kenwood Country Club, Elaine.howard@usa.salvationarmy.org 7:30pm, SmartTalk: Vy Higginsen, Aronoff Center, smarttalkwomen.com 11:30am, Outstanding Women of NKY Luncheon, Receptions Erlanger, ownk.org 7pm. Dance for Joy, Cintas Center, camp-joy.org 5:30pm, ITC Have a Heart Gala, Sabin Auditorium at CCHMC, itchaveaheart.com 9am, Go Red for Women Luncheon, Duke Energy Convention Center, goredforwomen.org American Girl Fashion Show, Music Hall, aubreyrose.org 6pm, A Hot Night in Charleston for the Cincinnati Opera, Duke Energy Convention Center 6pm, SPCA Fur Ball, Cintas Center, spcacincinnati.org
YEAR OF THE DRAGON GALA
Photography by Tony Bailey
The Greater Cincinnati Chinese Chamber of Commerce’s 4th annual Chinese New Year gala featured networking, a silent auction, dinner, a traditional dragon dance, and a performance by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and worldrenowned pianist Lang Lang. Louisa Luk chaired the event. GCCCC’s mission is to foster economic development and business opportunities between the business communities of greater China and the local region.
Dan Shapiro, Fei Wang
Daniel Luegering, Jon Hoffman, Michael Zhao
Shau Zavon, Augustine Silva
Terri Wong, Ying Fang, Diana Huo, Lee Wing
Raymond & Louisa Luk
Richard Barksdale, Grace Bosworth
Bonnie Richardson, Jenni Kim
Find more photos at slmag.net.
April Gillespie, Casey Fisher
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MOVEABLE FEAST
Mannequins attired in fashions hearkening to Hollywood’s silver screen era set the scene for the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music’s popular Moveable Feast benefit. Held at the CCM Village, patrons, some of whom dressed in costume to vie for the title of Best Vintage Hollywood Look, enjoyed samplings of artistic and culinary delights.
Hannah Halvorson, Christopher Markesbery, Christin Carey, William Brown
Photography by Tony Bailey
Claire & Lainie Eichner
Erin Montgomery, Darin Vilano
Joanne & Clark Handy
Brandon Murphy, Laura Rizzo
Gene Kimbrew, Cheryl Williams, Andy Keller
Nancy Reynolds, Karen Dorn
Jamie & Irene Garrett
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Felicia Zakem, Ken Heldman
Find more photos at slmag.net.
CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN
Photography by Tony Bailey
4C for Children honored State Senator Eric Kearney, Digi Schueler and Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing North America as Champions for Children for their work on behalf of children at the annual 4C Champions for Children Gala. Te evening began with a cocktail reception, followed by a program emceed by Local 12’s Bob Herzog, dinner and dancing to the music of 2nd Wind.
John Ravenna, Cameron Vogel, Eric Kearney, Amy Williams, Carole Rigaud
Ted & Sue Gilbert, Digi & Mike Schueler, Janet Longacre
Maryellen & Scott Barker
Carl & Earnie Clark, Billy Boykins, Pam Page
Keisha Steward, Gerald Palmer
Lisa Hyde-Hill, Jack Miller
Roy & Cyndia Meierdiercks
Dominic Franchini, Jill Northway
Find more photos at slmag.net.
Peggy & Edwin Barker
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GOOD SAMARITANS’ GALA
“Groovy Blast from the Past” was the theme of the 28th annual Good Samaritans Gala event, held at the Hyatt Regency Cincinnati. Renita Homan, President of Te Good Samaritans, served as Gala Chair, with Cyndi Cappel as co-chair and Dr. Marc A. Alexander as physician champion. Trough their annual galas, Te Good Samaritans have raised more than $5.2 million to help Good Samaritan Hospital improve the availability and quality of health care for the people of Greater Cincinnati. Gala proceeds will benefit Good Samaritan Free Health Center of Price Hill and Medical Education Research Fund.
Frank & Carol Julian, Vicki Spaulding
Ginny & David Dornheggen
Ray & Tracie Metzger
Kourtni Barnett, Matt Cherry
Matt & Angie Otto
Joseph & Prudence Takougang
Jessica & WD Hinojosa
Kim Hitte, Bill Russ, Jim & Susan Cranley
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Photography by Tony Bailey
Leslie & Brad Gabbard, Debbie & Phil Foster
Find more photos at slmag.net.
BUYING IN TO THE AMERICAN SCENE American Scene painting is a loosely defined term. Also referred to as social realism or regionalism, covering a broad variety of rural and urban subjects, and spanning several decades- from the 1920s to the 50s - collectors with a keen eye are beginning to take a serious interest in the genre. Sparked by the conditions of the Great Depression, an increasing number of American artists began to reject the notion of the modern, the idea that abstraction and other avant garde styles were the only acceptable innovation within their field. Instead, many artists turned inward, and began portraying their regions and cities in a realistic manner. For many artists, the canvases became a source of social commentary or pride, and modernism took a back seat. Economic and social conditions in the 30s and 40s were reminiscent of today, and perhaps this is a reason for renewed interest. Te banks had failed and the jobs weren’t there. Popular subjects of the period were the working class, farmers, and urban life. And in 1933, the increasingly popular art movement was given a major boost: Franklin Roosevelt and the Federal Government created the Works Progress Administration as part of the New Deal. Not only was a vast budget devoted to putting people back to work in infrastructure, farming and elsewhere, but a sizeable amount of money was devoted to a sub divisionthe Federal Arts Project. Under the Federal Arts project, struggling artists were employed in their trade. Commissions for large public murals were doled out. Commissions for paintings, prints and sculpture to adorn federal buildings were rewarded across the country. And the American Scene movement was spurned on with federal dollars. One would imagine that if an artist were commissioned to paint a mural in, say, a small town post office building, that an abstract work might be frowned upon. Rather, he/she would have been encouraged to paint a likeness of their town, something to be a source of pride. Tis typically manifested itself in the working class or bustling scenes of economic activity. Those of us in the trade (galleries, dealers, and auction specialists) are familiar with this scenario: a painting walks in the door, and is a wonderful rendering of a regional town, filled with workers. Judging from the canvas and other age indicators, it’s probably 1930s or 40s. We have trouble finding any biographical information on the artist, but there is something quintessentially American about the painting. We like the painting, and would like to sell it, but alas, there are no precedents for this artist’s work that we can find!
Written by Graydon Sikes
Unknown Artist, 1940s painting. Steel Mill Workers
Some collectors can have a general aversion to painters with little or no reputation. Tis is often the case with American Scene artists. After all, this was a grass roots art movement, and many artists that were employed by the Federal Arts Project faded into obscurity after this temporary employment. The collecting interest in American Scene painting is a grass roots movement as well. While artists such as Grant Wood are well known and collected heavily, the lesser known artists are starting to get some attention. A well executed painting emblematic of American Scene painting can now command as much as $20,000 at auction or in a gallery, regardless of the artist. Most of the examples illustrated here are by artists with little reputation, but commanded strong prices at auction. Perhaps, in these difficult times, collectors are taking a renewed interest in subjects that capture the American spirit. As we draw more parallels between current times and those of the Depression Era, American Scene painting can evoke a renewed sense of pride in American industry, as well as robust rural and urban life. sl
A Cincinnati native, Graydon Sikes is a licensed auctioneer and is Director of the Fine Art Department at Cowan's Auctions. Graydon hold a BA in Art History from Indiana University, and an MA in Art History from the University of Cincinnati, with a specific focus on 19th century artists of the American West.
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Country House Chic Coworth Park Written by Bridget Williams
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Inspired by events either real or imagined, there is scarcely a young girl who has not envisioned herself as a beautiful princess at some point. I was seven-years-old when Charles, Prince of Wales, married doe-eyed Diana Spencer in a spectacle that ďŹ lled my young mind with countless dreams of castles, confectionery dresses and happily-ever-afters. While the older and wiser me knows the latter is not always as it appears to be, my enthusiasm
for England and the trappings of idealized British royalty continues to linger. Located just 45 minutes from central London and 20 minutes from Heathrow airport, the Royal Borough of Windsor in Berkshire serves as an ideal base to indulge in southeast England’s agrarian pleasures of royalty, from Royal Ascot racecourse, Windsor Castle and the River Tames to historic Windsor Great Park.
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Weston Suite Bathroom in the Mansion House
Set on 240-acres of rolling idyllic Berkshire parkland, Coworth Park, a member of the celebrated Dorchester Collection of fivestar luxury hotels and resorts, is perfectly positioned to explore the region’s historic, natural and cultural gems and close enough to London to visit without staying in the city itself. In recent memory I cannot recall sojourning at a place with such storybook quality; the refined and chic sophistication of this country house hotel instantly endeared it to a contemporary dreamer like me. We arrived well after midnight, and the stoic façade of the dramatically lit Georgian-style Mansion House seemingly appeared from nowhere along the long winding drive. Inside, while one would not be faulted for expecting a scene from Downton Abbey, happily there were no country house clichés, as we were instead greeted by the dichotomy of dreamy modernist interiors by Fox Linton Associates and chipper gents at the front of the house smartly attired in three-piece suits fashioned from plaid chocolate-brown tweed and punctuated with Hermès-orange ties. Now home to 30 spacious and well-appointed guests rooms (no two are alike), the Mansion House was built in 1776 and sold in 1899 to the 17th Earl of Derby, who owned three winners of the classic race that carries his family name. In homage to him and the likes of the Prince and Princess of Wales 36 slmag.net
– the future King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, who stayed here in 1879 and 1883 for racing at Royal Ascot – horse motifs abound. In the bar are high-fashion-style portrait photographs of horses with hair extensions by Sydney-born photographer Julian Wolkenstein. Nearby are Finnish artist Mari Kasurinen’s deviant versions of My Little Pony encased in glass. In the spa are underwater photographs of horses’ hooves treading water. Natural pigments and dusky colors predominate the interiors of the Mansion House, an effect that is undeniably English – subtle, understated, elegant and referencing the property’s verdant natural setting. Te same Scottish forge is responsible for a bronze tree in the lobby and a garland of copper leaves that comprises the light fixture in the dining room. Lovely English smoke oak floors throughout are dressed with either sumptuous wool carpets or bespoke rugs. While our luggage was whisked away via the elevator, I chose to ascend the wide helical staircase, which seemed to rise from the lobby like a wisp of smoke and culminate at a glass ceiling. Te long guestroom corridor had a residential feel, marked by casual striped runners and a series of painted white glass-front cabinets filled with white flowerpots. The simple en masse grouping created a striking statement, prompting me to make a mental note to try it at home.
Above the ďŹ replace in Te Bar at Coworth is a photograph by Julian Wolkenstein.
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Dower House at Coworth Park
Our spacious second floor room boasted cream-colored walls with wainscoting. Double doors with polished chrome and leather handles led to the bath, the centerpiece of which was a freestanding copper-clad soaking tub (standard in all rooms). A copy of Tom Hodgkinson’s “The Book of Idle Pleasures” rested in the bathtub caddy (as if our environs were not enough of a reminder!). Mounted on the wall behind the tub was a pastoral scene printed on metal. Te walls and floor were sheathed in Carrara marble. Continuing with the equestrian theme so prominently introduced on the first floor were framed charcoal hunter jumper drawings with simple ivory mats that hung above the nightstands on either side of the faux bois four-poster bed. Te duvet and pillowcases sported crop, horseshoe and bit embroidery. Te tall windows were dressed with heavy linen drapery with a botanical print on the reverse and light blocking shades underneath. Jetlag and the pitch-blackness afforded by the drapery caused us to regretfully sleep through breakfast, though lunch was equally fortifying in the grand Restaurant Coworth Park, where we dined on contemporary fare served on fine William Edwards bone china created exclusively for the hotel. My lunch 38 slmag.net
was selected from the Shire Menu, which uses seasonal produce freshly harvested from no more than 70 miles surrounding Ascot including Hampshire, Surrey, London’s Billingsgate, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire. Throughout the public spaces, the charm of the historic architecture and generously proportioned rooms is enhanced by contemporary accents, such as the mirrored fireplace surround in the gathering room. French doors lead to tiered formal gardens, complete with a croquet lawn and grass tennis courts. The sunken garden, dating back to the18th century, has been restored to its former glory. Resembling its own little village complete with a stone bridge over the lake, an additional 40 guestrooms, including several duplexes, were created from the former stables and farmhand cottages just a short walk from the Mansion House. Each is outfitted with modern furnishings, natural textiles, leather and contemporary art as an avant-garde reflection of their rustic equestrian roots. Located within this complex is The Dower House – a private three-bedroom house built in 1775 with its own dining room, lounge and kitchen. A garden complete with a meandering
Entrance to the swimming pool at Te Spa at Coworth Park
stream and a family of swans completes the painterly setting. A Ferrari 612 Scaglietti parked discreetly in the pea gravel drive during our visit served as a fitting testament to the well-heeled but sagacious clientele who seek refuge in the simple pursuit of pleasure offered in the countryside. Also nearby is The Barn, Coworth’s more casual dining option, where hearty English fare is served up in an original barn frame that has been modernized with a full wall of windows that overlooks an outdoor terrace. One evening I relished in a verdant green salad, goat cheese tart and the most wonderful Earl Grey ice cream. With its Living Roof of plants and herbs such as thyme, camomile and lavender, the two-story spa building appears to be one with the rolling landscape. It is one of the world’s first spas to incorporate carbon negative live hemp walling as part its overall design objective to be carbon neutral in its landscape setting. Te lower level – containing a well-equipped workout room with Technogym equipment and an indoor infinity-edge pool lined with purple quartz on pedestals (its rotating chromatherapy lighting and underwater sound system are a big hit with kids) – is concealed from street view by a
purposefully placed earthen mound and stand of dogwoods. A bespoke graphic metal bulrush sculpture by Ian Gill directs guests through to the south of the spa and into the treatment areas and relaxation lounge. The spa has eight treatment rooms (including two doubles), a manicure and pedicure suite, relaxation rooms and a restaurant, Te Spatisserie, developed from a concept first introduced at Te Dorchester Spa, serving healthy snacks, light meals, cocktails and champagne. In total there are four different spa products available for guests to choose from, including the 100 percent organic skincare range Dr Alkaitis and three of the celebrated spa product ranges offered at Te Dorchester Spa: Carol Joy London, luxurious, glamorous skin and hair care specialising in antiageing treatments; Kerstin Florian, luxurious products infused with the earth’s richest natural ingredients sourced from the highest quality resources; and Aromatherapy Associates, the leading natural aromatherapy oils and treatment products. While the adults are enjoying the spa, kids can take advantage of “Coworth Park Kids,” a complimentary yearround kids’ club program. Located in a seven-room house near the Equestrian Center, downstairs is a play haven for slmag.net
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Top right: Sunken gardens Bottom right: Polo manager Iain Forbes-Cockell
children aged four to seven years old with a gaming corner with Nintendo Wii, a quiet area with DVDs, books, LEGOs and doll house, a kids kitchen, general store and train set, a messy play area for arts and crafts and cooking, and an outdoor area with sandpit, basketball hoops and an outdoor play house. Te upstairs “Chill Den” for the over eights features a game console room with Nintendo Wii and Xbox; pool, air hockey and foosball tables; and a theatre room. Coworth Park is the only UK hotel to feature its own polo fields, and current facilities include stabling for 30 horses together with self-contained accommodation for eight grooms. The property plays host to a full and varied program of both corporate and social tournaments, including the JaegerLeCoultre Polo Charity Cup. Guests staying at Coworth Park are able to make full use of the polo facilities (including lessons) and attend open polo fixtures. Laura Richardson, an Olympic standard grand prix dressage rider who has successfully competed on 11 Great Britain Teams, helms the Coworth Park Equestrian Center team. The ecoconscious barn stables have rubber matting flooring supplemented with hemp bedding that is recycled for use around the estate by the 40 slmag.net
gardeners. In addition to the off-road hacking through the private grounds, Coworth holds 12 permits for riding in Windsor Great Park and opportunities for a trot and canter on the oval gallop track with a synthetic sand and rubber surface. Golfers can enjoy a round at the neighbouring Wentworth Club, which welcomes Coworth Park guests to play its three championship golf courses during their stay. Each of the 18-hole courses are considered best in class in the UK, and players will follow in the footsteps of golfing greats Arnold Palmer, Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, Ernie Els, Tiger Woods and Lee Westwood. Further special arrangements for Coworth Park guests include a bespoke shuttle service for the short distance from the hotel, a forecourt welcome from the Wentworth Golf Concierge upon arrival, access to the Clubhouse, a boot room shoe cleaning service, individual caddies, buggy hire and use of the practice facilities. Just 15 minutes’ drive from Coworth Park is Royal Ascot racecourse (ascot.co.uk), and a visit during the annual fourday summer meet is a must to experience the intermingling of the upper echelons of the sporting, social and fashion worlds. Founded by Queen Anne in 1711 in an area of open heath not
Top Left: Royal Ascot races. ©VisitBritain Top right: LEGOLAND Windsor. Photo by Stewart Turkington. Bottom left: Royal Ascot races. Bottom right: Te Copper Horse at the Great Park in Windsor. ©VisitBritain/ Pawel Libera
far from Windsor Castle, the initial outing at Ascot in August of that year bore little resemblance to racing seen there today. The seven horses were all English Hunters, quite different to the speedy thoroughbreds that race on the flat now. Te first four-day meeting at Ascot took place in 1768. Arguably, the event as it is recognized today started to take shape with the introduction of the Gold Cup in 1807. Thursday is colloquially known as Ladies’ Day, a term first used in 1823, when an anonymous poet described the Tursday of the Royal Meeting as “Ladies’ Day, when the women, like angels, look sweetly divine.” Te Car Parks at Ascot almost certainly play more part in the event than at any other venue – they are far from merely functional with lavish picnics, including butlers, candelabra and silver service not uncommon, especially in Number One and Two Car Parks. 2012 marks the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and nowhere will this be celebrated more passionately than at Royal Ascot. If you find you’re not properly attired for the event, there are four hats available to be borrowed from the Coworth Park Couture Millinery Collection by Stephen Jones, each representing a different aspect of the Coworth Park experience.
Nearby Windsor Great Park (theroyallandscape.co.uk) – an area of a thousand acres of garden and parkland that has been carefully manicured over a period of 400 years – will also be marking the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee by offering groups the opportunity to have their very own “Royal Garden Party” with a Diamond Jubilee Afternoon Tea at Te Savill Garden, complete with their own private tea tent and tables set with crisp linen cloths and fresh flowers, on which they will enjoy a magnificent full afternoon tea served on fine bone china. Tey will also be joined by one of Te Savill Garden team who will share top gardening tips. Families traveling with children will want to visit LEGOLAND Windsor (legoland.co.uk). With over 55 interactive rides, attractions, live shows, building workshops and driving schools, not to mention around 55 million LEGO bricks, all set in 150 acres of beautiful parkland, LEGOLAND is a unique family theme park.. sl Rates at Coworth Park start at £235 per room per night inclusive of full English breakfast; suites from £375 inclusive of full English breakfast. All rates are exclusive of VAT. For more information or reservations visit (coworthpark.com). slmag.net
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Franciacorta and Ca’ del Bosco
Written by Scott Harper, Master Sommelier
‘Blue Guardians’ by Cracking Art Group stand guard at Ca’Del Bosco.
Does thinking of Italian wine invoke thoughts of thirst quenching, crisp, mineral-driven white wines? Ethereal, longlived, full flavored red wines and great dry sparkling wines? Well, all but the last I would suppose to be true. Sparkling wines in Italy will probably trigger thoughts of Asti, the off-dry popular bubbly from Piedmont, once called Asti Spumante. Spumante simply means “sparkling” in Italian, and the term has been removed from Asti because of the somewhat pejorative connotation. However, a sparkling wine does exist in Italy that is on par with the great sparkling wines of the world, including Champagne. 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 most noteworthy sparkling wine in a global context, perhaps because it is quite small – just a fraction of the size of Champagne and Cava – or for its unusual and difficult to pronounce name. Te name of the region is a bit of a mystery. Some say because the area is riddled with and has a long tradition of monastic foundations that the name’s lineage is based on the words “franca curte,” which means “free of taxes,” as these monastic orders were tax exempt. Yet another explanation suggests that Franciacorta means “small
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France,” as a King of France supposedly made regular visits to the region. Whatever the name means, it is recognized as the finest sparkling wine in Italy and one of the best in the world. Franciacorta is made in the same method as Champagne, which in Italy is called “metodo classic” or classic method. It uses the Chardonnay and Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir) grapes as in Champagne but adds Pinot Bianco. So, what is this method or how do we get the bubbles in Franciacorta? Yeast and sugar create alcohol with a by-product of carbon dioxide. All sparkling wine starts with a still wine. During the first fermentation, as in still wine, the carbon dioxide is allowed to escape. Numerous vintages are blended together to make non-vintage Franciacorta, while vintage Franciacorta, called Millesimato, is the product of one year. Te still wine is filled in the bottle where it will eventually be sold with a small amount of yeast and sugar and capped with a temporary closure. The wine ferments, and with the bottle closed, the carbon dioxide stays in the bottle integrating into the Franciacorta. When this secondary fermentation, is completed you have a sparkling wine. The dead yeast must stay in the bottle for at least 18 months for non-vintage Franciacorta and 37 months for vintage Franciacorta, and during this time the yeast cells (lees) enrich
the wine, giving it a delicious, yeasty, fresh-baked baguette flavor, as well as a tasty spice quality. When the dead yeast must be removed, the bottles are put in a rack and are shaken and turned and eventually end up completely upside down with the sediment (dead yeast) at the end of the neck of the bottle. When the Franciacorta bottles are completely upside down, the neck of the bottles are placed in freezing solutions. Te bottles are removed from the freezing solution; the temporary closure is removed; and the frozen sediment ejects itself from the bottle. The Franciacorta is then topped off with a small amount of Franciacorta and sugar that determines the final level of dryness. Franciacorta can be Extra Brut (bone dry), Brut (dry), Extra Sec (dry to medium dry), Sec (medium dry to sweet) and Demi Sec (sweet). Most of what you see will be Brut. Te Franciacorta is corked and has a wire cage placed on it to prevent the cork from shooting out of the bottle prematurely (after all there are five to six atmospheres of pressure in a bottle of Franciacorta, which gives you an general idea of the labor-intensive process that gets the bubbles into Franciacorta). Tis is of the principal reason why Franciacorta is expensive. In 1995 when Franciacorta achieved Italy’s highest quality designation, DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e
Garantita), a portion of the credit was certainly due to Mauricio Zanella of Ca’ del Bosco. Zanella took a trip in the late 1960s to Champagne. This trip inspired him to eventually start the state-of-the-art cellar unique to this region named Ca’ del Bosco, which means “house in the woods.” Ca’ del Bosco Brut Cuvée Annamaria Clementi (Franciacorta {Lombardy}, Italy) is their finest wine and is named for Zanella’s mother. It is aged six and one-half on the yeast and boasts an excellent reputation as one of the finest Franciacortas. sl Ca’ del Bosco Brut Cuvée Prestige (Franciacorta {Lombardy}, Italy) Tis delicious Italian sparkler is dry with an enticing spice flavor of allspice, ginger and fruit flavors of yellow apple and pear. Its mousse is impeccable with small creamy uniform bubbles that pop out flavor in a rich full body. Perfect as an aperitif or with the classic Roman veal dish of Saltimbocca, it is made from Chardonnay 75 percent, Pinot Bianco 10 percent and Pinot Nero 15 percent.
A Certified Wine Educator, Scott is one of 118 professionals in North America and 186 worldwide who have earned the title Master Sommelier.
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Of Note... Prints Charming
Conceived by Jaime Hayon for Lladró Atelier, The Guest is an ongoing project which invites cutting-edge artists from around the world to create a distinctive personality for an original porcelain character. Six limited-edition spectacular creations - three large and three small - reflect the personal universe of each collaborating artist: Jaime Hayon, the American artist Tim Biskup and the Japanese Studio Devilrobots (lladro.com).
"United States of America" from Antique 2 Chic melds an early 1900s settee with the Stars and Stripes (antique2chic.co.uk.).
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Delos valet tray from Bernadaud. Available through Goldsmith Cardel in Cincinnati, Charles Mayer & Co. in Indianapolis, LV Harkness in Lexington and Dolfinger's in Louisville (bernardaud.fr).
Hand-painted chevron stripe umbrella stand from Lamshop Collection. Price upon request (shoplamshop.com).
Corto Maltese from Capo D'Opera, designed by Manuela Pelizzon and Silvano PierdonĂ , features sketches by Italian illustrator Hugo Pratt, portraying the adventures of seaman Corto Maltese (capodopera.it).
"Blend" from the Modern + Contemporary rug collection by Arzu Studio Hope, is handmade by the skillful hands of Afghan women weavers who earn fair labor wages. Company profits drive transformational change by providing grassroots access to vital education, healthcare, clean water and sustainable community development programs. Price upon request (arzustudiohope.com).
From the eight-pattern Taylor Head collection by Mushaboom Design, this epoynmous wallpaper was inspired by the park of the same name on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia (mushaboomdesign.com).
Stuart Weitzman seizes the colorblock trend with their snake-embossed platform sandal (stuartweitzman.com).
Massoud's Style #5691 settee ($2099) has been given a fresh face with lovely fabrics from P. Kaufman. To the trade (massoudfurniture.com).
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Bibliotaph By following the fortunes of a single item of fashion--the bowler or derby hat--author Fredd Miller Robinson unfolds a cultural history of modernism and modern life. In this innovative book, Robinson pursues the bowler's intriguing history through an illustrated tour of art, literature, fashion, politics, and film up to the present era. Fred Miller Robinson - Te Man in the Bowler Hat: His History and Iconography - Hardcover, 198 pages, Te University of North Carolina Press (uncpress.unc.edu). Accessorizing the Body is the first in the four-part series Habits of Being, which charts the social, cultural, and political expression of clothing as seen on the street and in museums, in films and literature, and in advertisements and magazines. Tis volume features a close-up focus on accessories—the shoe, the hat, the necklace—intimately connected to the body. Cristina Giorcelli & Paula Rabinowitz - Accessorizing the Body: Habits of Being - Hardcover, 272 pages, University of Minnesota Press (upress.umn.edu).
Tis book represents the first monograph on Will Cotton, a popular New York-based artist best known for his large-scale portraits of languidly posed female nudes in "landscapes" of candy. Francine Prose & Toby Kamps - Will Cotton: Painting and Works on Paper - Hardcover, 172 pages, Rizzoli (rizzoliusa.com).
Famous for its formal (and enforced) dress code, ladies seated in the Royal Enclosure at Ascot Racecourse for example, are required to don a headpiece with a base diameter of at least 4 inches and forbidden from wearing miniskirts and strapless dresses. BBCs Royal Ascot fashion commentator James Sherwood provides a sweep through the history of international fashion as seen through the prism of this unique occasion. James Sherwood - Fashion at Royal Ascot: Tree Centuries of Toroughbred Style - Hardcover, 224 pages, Tames & Hudson (thamesandhudson.com).
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bib 'li' o 'taph, [bib-lee-uhtaf, -tahf ]: a person who caches or hoards books
For his second book, photographer Jason Bell has assembled an impressive roster of celebrity portraits for his latest book, including Elton John, Victoria Beckham, Kate Winslet, Moby, Judy Dench, Ewan McGregor and more. A royalty from the book is being donated to mentality which is the first UK national charity dedicated to promoting mental health. Jason Bell - Hats Off: Photographs by Jason Bell - Hardcover, 112 pages, Dewi Lewis Publishing (dewilewispublishing.com).
A legendary figure in the fashion world, best-known for the iconic images of her in Philip Treacy's hats, Isabella Blow nurtured and championed the talent of some of fashion's most recognizable and important figures, all the time battling severe depression. Te news of her tragic death in 2007 at age 48 shocked the international fashion world. Written by Isabella's husband Detmar with Tom Sykes, Blow By Blow sheds light on the intriguing world of Isabella, from her early childhood to her incredible achievements. Detmar Blow with Tom Sykes - Blow By Blow: Te Story of Isabella Blow - Paperback, 293 pages, It Books (harpercollins.com). A cherished African American custom, church hats speak volumes about the passions, symbols and fashions of women from various religious denominations. Photographer Michael Cunningham beautifully captures the self-expressions of women of all ages-from young glamorous women to serene but stylish grandmothers. Awardwinning journalist Craig Marberry provides an intimate look at the women and their lives. Michael Cunningham & Craif Marberry, with a foreward by Maya Angelou - Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats - Hardcover, 212 pages, Doubleday (randomhouse.com).
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Around the Block
A1948 Tucker Torpedo from the Ron Pratte Collection was the top selling vehicle at Barrett-Jackson, garnering a record-setting $2.915 million.
World records abound at the annual Arizona Auction Week Each year, car enthusiasts flock to Scottsdale to experience the destination's venerable lineup of car shows and auctions during Arizona Auction Week. For 2012, analysts are reporting preliminary sales totals of $180 million (up from $157 million in 2011), led by increased attendance and a bevy of record-breaking auctions. BARRETT-JACKSON The 41st Annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction hosted more than 250,000 attendees and generated more than $92 million in gross sales of rare, high-end collectible vehicles, exotics, customs, classics, hot rods and resto-mods (a 32 percent increase in sales and a 16 percent increase in attendance versus 2011). Rock Legend Bret Michaels auctioned four of his personal vehicles and helped Barrett-Jackson kick off its
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Opening Night Gala in high style by performing an exclusive set list to an enthusiastic capacity crowd. One of only 51 ever made, a 1948 Tucker Torpedo from the Ron Pratte Collection was the top selling vehicle, garnering a record-setting $2.915 million. Following the Tucker was a 1947 Bentley Mark VI Coachworks by Franay with a sale price of $2.75 million. Rounding out the top three was a breathtaking 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing with only 4,159 original miles – the lowest mileage model known to exist. Its sales price of $2.2 million is a world record for a steel-bodied 300SL Gullwing model. All three vehicles were part of the new Barrett-Jackson Salon Offering Collection, a selection of ultra-rare and highly sought classic cars. “The excitement over the high-end classics in the 5000 series and the Salon Offering Collection this year is beyond words,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO, Barrett-
An ex-Marlene Dietrich 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Transformal Phaeton with coachwork by Hibbard & Darrin sold for $524,000 at the Bonhams auction. Photo by Evan Klein/Bonhams.
Gooding & Company sold this 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider for $3,905,000. Photo by Gooding & Company.
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Around the Block Jackson. “Te record crowds were the most enthusiastic I have seen them in years. I’m humbled to say that we had a record number of cars cross the block and were able to revisit our roots by offering some of the purest classics and concepts on the market with extraordinary results.” Te company raised more than $5.8 million for local and national charities through the sale of 22 vehicles, including generous proceeds from sales and donations for the BarrettJackson-sponsored ChildHelp Charity to benefit victims of child abuse and neglect. BONHAMS In the best tradition of Bonhams’ international motorcar auctions, automobiles were sourced from across America and Europe to present a carefully chosen offering with a variety of vintages and values to an appreciative crowd for the company’s foray into the Scottsdale auctions. One covetable star garnered a great deal of attention – an impeccable Marlene Dietrich 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Transformable Phaeton – which made its top estimate at $524,000 to the acclaim of the audience. A well-documented 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Cabriolet C brought $667,000 after a fierce bidding battle between home markets, the UK, Eastern Europe and the Far East. Offered from a New York collection where it had resided for more than 40 years, the car will return to continental Europe
for the first time since it was built. A beautiful 1947 Delahaye 135M 3-Position Drophead Coupe drew feverish bidding from the room and the phones, as bids crept up in $5,000 increments before the hammer fell at $472,500. A sporting Stutz “Bearcat” Special made $137,000 against an estimate of $45,000-55,000, and a 1923 Rolls-Royce 20hp sold for $71,370 over its high estimate of $60,000. Automobilia was popular among Bonham clientele, with over 93 percent of lots selling and 100 percent of the David E. Davis Jr. Collection sold. Outstanding prices were paid for many Davis lots, including a world auction record for a 1906 Vanderbilt Cup Pennant at $10,625 and $5,250 for a fine futuristic painting by Bruce McCall entitled Modern Times. Notable lots from other vendors included a rare Eight Trumpet Horn at $5,625 and a “Chrysis” nude mascot in glass by Rene Lalique that sold at $10,445. Says Malcolm Barber, CEO of Bonhams Group, “We are delighted with the results of this multi-million-dollar auction and the reception we received in Scottsdale. Tere was universal praise for the venue and the selection on offer, and we will definitely be back next January.” GOODING & COMPANY Widely recognized as the preeminent auction house for the world’s most significant collector cars, Gooding & Company
Gooding & Company sold the most valuable car of all the auction houses – a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing that fetched $4.62 million. Photo by Gooding & Company.
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A 1967 Ferrari 330 GTC sold for $429,000.00 at the Russo & Steele auction.
recorded $39.8 million in sales for 116 out of 118 lots sold and 13 world-record breaking cars, resulting in the company’s most successful Scottsdale Auction results to date. For the fifth consecutive year, Gooding & Company sold the most valuable car of all the auction houses during Arizona Auction Week, with an exceptionally-rare $4.62 million 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing. An extraordinary matching-numbers example, this iconic sports car is among the most coveted of all 300 SLs and one of only 29 alloybodied models in existence. A 1959 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider that sold for $631,642 at a 2002 Bonhams auction in Geneva fetched $3.905 million. Tree other record-holders in the company’s top ten highest sales were a 1930 Duesenberg Model J Disappearing-Top Convertible Coupe ($2.64 million), a 1929 Bentley 4 ½ Litre Dual Cowl Sports Tourer ($2.145 million) and a 1971 Maserati Ghibli 4.9 SS Spyder ($880,000). “Thirteen of our cars broke world records and our top lot, the $4.62 million sale of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Alloy Gullwing, showed us that collectors continue to seek rarity and provenance,” says David Gooding, president and founder of Gooding & Company. “I am thrilled with the overwhelming enthusiasm and increased attendance of our guests this year in Scottsdale, as well as the exuberance our new and returning bidders demonstrated.”
RUSSO & STEELE With enough intensity and excitement to turn non-collectors into enthusiasts, the atmosphere at Russo and Steele’s Scottsdale 12th annual auction was downright palpable. Five world sales records boosted total preliminary sales in excess of $20.3 million with a sales rate of 71 percent and significant post-sales still pending. Te top ten sales of Russo and Steele’s 2012 Scottsdale auction: 1. 1968 Chevrolet L-88 Corvette Roadster - $687,500.00 (besting the old record by more than $100k) 2. 1965 Shelby GT 350 - $467,500.00 3. 1953 Chevrolet Corvette 'Noland Adams' - $467,500.00 4. 1967 Ferrari 330 GTC - $429,000.00 5. 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible - $357,500.00 6. 1969 Ford Boss 429 - $253,000.00 7. 1972 Ferrari Dino GTS - $200,200.00 8. 1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T SE - $198,000.00 9. 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 LS6 - $165,000.00 10. 1969 Ford Mustang 'Jack Morris' Custom - $161,000.00 Owner and CEO Drew Alcazar commented that he was “extremely pleased with the smashing of the 2011 attendance record for both general admission and registered bidders. In fact, nothing is better than having the ability to introduce thousands of new enthusiasts to the interactive, visceral experience that is Russo and Steele.” sl
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Rolex 24 at Daytona
Photo by Tom O’Neal for Rolex.
To celebrate a golden anniversary in apropos style requires a special attention to detail. In January, the motorsports world was treated to just such an event as one of the most famous endurance races in the world – the Rolex 24 At Daytona – marked its 50th running. Before the historic endurance race took place January 28-29, 2012, at Daytona International Speedway, excitement surrounding the race had never been greater as evidenced, in part, by advance ticket sales as well as the inability to obtain a hotel room in Daytona. Over the last several months GRAND-AM, which organizes the Rolex 24 At Daytona, had undertaken the herculean challenge of locating all the championship winning cars, resulting in close to 30 cars returning to be a part of the Rolex 50 Years of Champions display. Te historic vehicles participated in a charity gala to benefit the Halifax Health Foundation, and the following morning processed from Daytona Beach to the Speedway, thrilling hundreds of spectators who had gathered at strategic spots to see the vintage cars and recent winners as they passed. Te vehicles were on exhibit in a special tent outside the track that was open to fans, free of charge, throughout the race
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weekend, and they also thrilled those in the grandstand as they paraded the track just before the 3:30 p.m. start of the race. Also returning to the place where they entered the history books were 47 overall champion drivers, half of whom would drive in the anniversary race, including the man who currently holds a record five wins of the Rolex 24 At Daytona: Hurley Haywood of Jacksonville, Florida. “Te only Rolex I have won for the Rolex 24 At Daytona was for my win in 1991 and I’ve been trying to win another one ever since,” said Haywood of the six Rolex timepieces in his collection. “Winning that watch in 1991 was very special. Back then, as it is now, the big lure to racing here at Daytona is the chance to win a Rolex. Every single driver, no matter where they race, it is the Rolex that they want to win.” Te other competing champions joining Haywood included John Andretti (1989), Davy Jones (1990), Butch Leitzinger (’94, ’97, and ’99), Scott Sharp (’96), Jim Pace (’96), Elliott ForbesRobinson (’97 and ’99), Olivier Beretta (2000), and Scott Pruett (’94, ’07, ’08 and ’11) who was hoping to tie Haywood for race wins at the conclusion of the 24-hour endurance challenge.
Te Audi R8 Grand-Am made it's US debut at the Daytona International Speedway.
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Championship cars into position on tri-oval at the start/finish. Photo by Stephan Cooper for Rolex.
No. 63 Risi Competizione Ferrari 458 Italia Grand-Am specification GT3 challenger driven by Toni Vilander, Andrea Bertolini and Olivier Beretta.
Among the non-competing champions who had come from all over the world to participate in the anniversary celebrations were three-time winners Brian Redman (’70, ’76 and ’81) and Derek Bell (’86, ‘87 and ’89), both from England, along with Belgian driver Didier Teys (’98 and ’02), Dutch racer Arie Luyendyk (’98) and Americans Wayne Taylor (’96 and ’05) and Bobby Rahal (’81). “Everyone wants to be here, it’s remarkable,” said American actor Patrick Dempsey who’s Dempsey Racing Team had two cars running the 50th Rolex 24 At Daytona. Dempsey was not the only bona fide celebrity racing the twice-around-the-clock challenge: AC/DC guitarist Brian Johnson (England), drove for Fifty Plus Racing; television presenter Justin Bell (England), son of legendary driver Derek Bell, drove for Magnus Racing; and Italian driver Emanuele Pirro, a five-time winner of Les 24 Heures du Mans, returned to the Rolex 24 At Daytona 31 years after taking a class win in 1981. Among the driving factors contributing to an increased number of entries for the 2012 Rolex 24 At Daytona was the new cars from Ferrari. The iconic Italian marque from Maranello built the 458 Italia Grand-Am specifically for the Rolex GRAND-AM Sportscar Series and five were entered in the 45-strong GT class, setting the stage for the revival of a 54 slmag.net
BMW Riley #2. Photo by Stephan Cooper/Rolex
classic rivalry – between Porsche and Ferrari. In the 13-strong DP class, five new Corvette DPs were catching the attention of the record number of motorsports fans who descended on Daytona International Speedway for the historic golden anniversary of the Rolex 24 At Daytona as brilliant sunshine illuminated the scene. As the Rolex clock counted down to the start, the gates were opened to allow fans to walk on the track, while many visited Pit Row or the garages, mingled with the champions who had returned for the celebrations of the 50th anniversary, or had photos taken with their favorite drivers. Interestingly, of the 58 teams to take the green flag at the 2012 Rolex 24 At Daytona, most had a lineup of four or more drivers. Only nine, however, had chosen to run the 50th anniversary race with three drivers. While it’s definitely more fatiguing for the drivers when there are only three sharing the wheel during the twice-around-the-clock endurance challenge, these teams felt the advantage was in not shortchanging someone of their time in the car which lessens the chance of driver mistakes. The green flag is waved at 3:30 p.m. on the last Saturday in January, meaning that more than half of the 24-hour race is run at night – 13 hours of racing takes place between Saturday’s sunset and Sunday’s sunrise.
Te Magnus Racing #44 Porsche GT3 won the 45-strong GT class.
Te early hours of the race, however, saw one of the biggest disappointments with the withdrawal of the #10 SunTrust Racing Corvette DP. Not only were fans disappointed when the #10 experienced catastrophic engine failure, the withdrawal took Max Angelelli (Monaco) out of contention for his second Rolex 24 At Daytona title. With roughly 16 hours of competition behind them, drivers were fighting fatigue and the track as the sun rose over turn three at Daytona International Speedway. With few clouds in the sky, the challenge for drivers was to adjust from racing in the dark while dealing with the glare off Lake Lloyd as they came around the corner. As to be expected, there had been attrition during the night due to accidents and mechanical issues, and as the sunshine welcomed fans for the final hours of the race, all eyes were on Scott Pruett and his #01 BMW Riley. Pruett, who is the owner of Pruett Vineyard and co-author with his wife of four children’s books when not on the track, was within striking distance of tying Hurley Haywood’s record five wins of the Rolex 24 At Daytona. However, as the hours counted down to the 3:30 p.m. finish, the skill of the drivers in controlling their vehicles, their knowledge of each other’s driving styles, and the reliability of
Specially engraved 50th Anniversary Rolex 24 At Daytona Winner's Watch, Rolex Cosmograph Daytona. Photo by Tom O'Neal/Rolex.
their vehicles would determine who entered the record books as winner of the golden anniversary edition of the Rolex 24 At Daytona. And unfortunately for Pruett, with little more than an hour left in the race, Pruett lost first and second gear in the #01 BMW Riley gear box which, despite the efforts of his pit crew, completely put him out of podium contention. At 30 minutes to the checkered flag, A.J. Allmendinger (Denver, Colo.) had been behind the wheel of Michael Shank Racing’s #60 Ford Riley for more than three hours. He took over the lead with Ryan Dalziel (Orlando, Fla.), in the Starworks Motorsport #8 Ford Riley, chasing him down with each lap. Dalziel, a native of Scotland and the 2010 Rolex 24 At Daytona champion, had earned his first career pole in the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series during qualifying for this race. As the final laps were logged, Allmendinger’s lead went from 11 seconds to six as the white flag signaled the final lap of the race. He won by 5.198 seconds to earn Michael Shank his first Rolex 24 At Daytona win. Sharing the driving duties with the California-born Allmendinger was Brazilian native Oswaldo “Ozz” Negri, Jr. (Miami, Fla.), Justin Wilson (England) and John Pew (North Palm Beach, Fla.). sl slmag.net
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La Vie en Rose 1} Left: Gabriel Amar for Frank Olive headband. Earrings and bracelet from Maraschino by Catherine Jones. Pink Tartan embellished sweater and ruched skirt from Saks Fifth Avenue. Eric Javits wristlet from the Keeneland Gift Shop. Right: Pillbox hat from Te Keeneland Gift Shop. Nanette Lapore ‘Spectacular’ tweed dress from Saks Fifth Avenue. Earrings and bracelet from Maraschino by Catherine Jones. 2} Chrome Hearts eyeglasses. Hugo Boss ‘Parker’ pant and 212 sport coat from Saks Fifth Avenue. Orvis oxford. Vineyard Vines bowtie and pocket square from the Keeneland Gift Shop. Rolex watch from the Richter & Phillips Co.
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3} On her: ‘Correne’ hat by Christine A. Moore Millinery, from the Keeneland Gift Shop and Rodes for Her. Pave diamond earrings and Fred Leighton pink sapphire and diamond necklace from Aesthetics in Jewelry. Badgley Mischka strapless silk dress from Saks Fifth Avenue. Pave diamond ring from Richter & Phillips Co. On him: Prisoner’s watch, oxford and sport coat by Orvis. Vineyard vines tie and pocket square and Peter Millar pants, all from the Keeneland Gift Shop 4} Top, belt, skirt and platform heels from the Rodarte spring 2012 collection, available by special order through Glasscock. Boulder opal necklace and ring from Aesthetics in Jewelry. 5} Summer Eliason earrings and Sachin + Babi ‘Kara’ maxi dress. Chalcedony briolettes in sterling from Jill Duzan. 6} Parker beaded blouse and Ellie Tahari pants from Saks Fifth Avenue. Earrings and bracelet from Maraschino by Catherine Jones.
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7} Schumacher ‘Energizing’ skirtdress. Sapphire and diamond cluster necklace, amethyst and garnet ring and 18K cuff bracelet, all from Seng Jewelers. Stuart Weitzman snake print open toe sling-back sandas from Saks Fifth Avenue. 8} Helmut Lang asymmetric tissue-weight layered tank and ‘Te Shane’ jean by Genetic Denim. Tahitian pearl necklace in sterling, one-of-a-king blue/purple Keiske pearl necklace and blue/purple freshwater pearl necklace in sterling, all from Jill Duzan. 9} Drop earrings from Maraschino by Catherine Jones. LaRoque wrap dress. Kate Spade ‘Charm’ glitter sandal from Saks Fifth Avenue. Gold vermeil necklace from Jill Duzan. Enamel bracelets and rosette clutch from the Keeneland Gift Shop.
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10} On her: Dolce & Gabbana white cotton floral print dress with cinched waist, from Saks Fifth Avenue. Earrings and bracelet from Maraschino by Catherine Jones. Betsey Johnson cat eye sunglasses. On him: David Yurman ‘Phantom’ sunglasses. Teory ‘Kris Balance’ twill blazer, sportshirt and ‘Mario Balance’ twill trousers from Saks Fifth Avenue. Panerai Luminor Contemporary Automatic watch from Reis Nichols Jewelers. Orvis bullhide leather extra-capacity briefcase. 11} Striped silk top and shorts from the Bill Blass spring 2012 collection. Available by special order through Glasscock. 12} Yoana Baraschi ‘Jumbo Cherry’ tea dress. Earrings from Maraschino by Catherine Jones. Chopard ring from Moyer Fine Jewelers. 13} Eric Javits hat from the Keeneland Gift Shop. Black diamond tennis bracelet and black diamond tennis necklace from Shelia Bayes Fine Jewelers paired with a 10 CT TW diamond flower motif pin from Aesthetics in Jewelry. Siren dress by Kate Spade and Salvatore Ferragamo ‘Flo Vara’ patent leather wedge pump from Saks Fifth Avenue.
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SOURCES //
Aesthetics in Jewelry - aestheticsinjewelry.com – 502.589.2728 // Chrome Hearts – chromehearts.com // David Yurman – davidyurman.com // Genetic Denim – geneticdenim.com // Glasscock –glasscockinc.com – 502.895.0212 // Helmut Lang – helmutlang.com // Jill Duzan – jillduzan.com // Keeneland Gift Shop – keeneland.stores.truition.com – 859.254.3412 // Maraschino by Catherine Jones – ilovemaraschino. com // LaRoque – shoplaroque.com // Orvis – orvis.com // Reis Nichols Jewelers – reisnichols.com – 317.255.4467 // Richter & Phillips Co. – 202 East Sixth Street – richterphillips.com – 800.774.3672 // Sachin + Babi – sachinandbabi.com // Saks Fifth Avenue – 101 W. Fifth Street saksfifthavenue.com – 513.421.6800 // Schumacher - dorothee-schumacher.com // Seng Jewelers - sengjewelers.com – 502.585.5109 // Shelia Bayes Fine Jewelers – sheliabayes.com – 859.225-4043 // Yoana Baraschi – yoanabaraschi.com Models: Allie Filley, Catherine Jones, Amanda Ross // Photographer: Andrew Kung 13 slmag.net
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ENOTECA EMILIA Written by Written by Bridget Williams Photography by Andrew Kung Margaret Ranalli brought back more than souvenirs and photographs from her travels throughout Italy: she returned with a percolating idea of establishing a dining concept unique to the Queen City. “I went to many enotecas in Rome and Florence and later noticed that they starting popping up in major US cities. When I’m in New York or Boston, they’re the kind of places I enjoy going to,” she explained.
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In their purest form, an enoteca is an Italian word that literally translates as “wine cellar” but is more commonly used to describe a local wine bar. Possessing extensive industry experience – the development of the Bronte Bistro chain and overseeing multiple units for Te Tavern Group, to name a few – Ranalli had never owned her own restaurant. When it came time to explore a location for her personal endeavor, she was drawn to the brick building at the very visible corner where Madison Road, Torrence Parkway and Grandin Road converge in O’Bryonville, and was home to the Brickyard and most recently Balboa’s. She says that she had frequented the Brickyard in her “single days,” and the physical layout of the space meshed with her distinct vision for a circular bar that would be the focal point of each dining room.
While her concept was still very general when she approached the owner of the building, as lease discussions continued, the concept became clearer, with existing Kegerators in the bar making way for a salumi presentation area. As it just so happened, Chef Jeremy Luers, who was most recently chef de cuisine at Boca and who had worked at Mario Batali’s Babbo, had also been exploring a similar idea. Ranalli liked the fact that he had high-end experience and was open to more rustic cuisine using limited, but high quality ingredients. Enoteca Emilia was born. The use of Emilia in the name has a dual meaning: it refers to the cuisine of Emilia-Romagna, one of the bestknown food areas of Italy, and also happens to be the name of Ranalli’s daughter. Te physical space, with its exposed brick
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walls and aged hardwood floors, suit the menu’s classic and rustic intentions, while contemporary touches such as poppy print wallpaper and modern light fixtures hint that there will also be pleasant surprises along the culinary journey. Speaking of the menu, Luers pressed hard for a placemat presentation. “My reaction to his suggestion was ‘You mean like a diner?’” laughed Ranalli. While initially resistant, she has since come to embrace its inherent casualness. Te placemat format allows meals to progress at a leisurely pace. Italian wines by the glass and bottle are arranged by type and intensity in columns along the left and right hand sides, making it easy to select appropriate pairings for each course (the knowledgeable staff is also adept at making appropriate recommendations in times of indecision).
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In addition to the physical limitations of the menu size, space constraints related to operating from a compact kitchen, also come into play in deciding which dishes make the cut. Ample small plate selections mandate both speed and efficiency from the kitchen staff. Since opening in August 2011, there have been several “tweaks” to the menu, and moving forward, Luers plans seasonal revisions. In a few short months, the popularity of several items on the menu has already likely positioned them as long-time mainstays. “The figs have definitely become one of our signatures,” said Ranalli. The nduja stuffed figs are wrapped with bacon and served with red sauce. From a trio of spiedini (skewers), Ranalli singles out the lamb with rosemary, fingerling potato, mint crema and fig balsamic as being unique to Cincinnati.
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The popularity of their artisanal pizzas from the start caught both Ranalli and Luers by surprise. Te pizza dough is grilled and then finished in the oven to create a wispy crust that is just substantial enough to support the simply superb ingredients. Meat lovers will want to add one (or more) selections from the outstanding lineup of cured meats. Purists will want to enjoy the salumi on its own, where the unique nuances of each can be fully appreciated. During my visit, I asked our server to choose a combination of five salumi and formaggi and was thrilled with each of his selections, which included Tartufo from Salt Lake City, Prosciutto di Parma and Pecorino Fogile de Noce from Emilia Romagna, and Robiola from Piedmont. The accompanying sage-flavored honey provided an ideal sweet/ salty balance for the palette.
While we were tempted to craft a satisfying meal from the list of Cicchetti (which includes the stuffed figs), we traveled down the menu, choosing a roasted beet salad – with truffled goat cheese, blood orange and arugula – and hearty lasagna – with wild boar ragu, parsnip béchamel and topped with crunchy rosemary breadcrumbs. Ranalli pointed out that Luers is known for his pasta dishes, and she thinks the Squid Ink Spaghetti, with broccoli, scallion, nduja and mussels is “the sexiest.” Completely satiated but looking for something sweet to share, we were torn between the fried ricotta fritters and chocolate mascarpone mousse. Being chocolate lovers, the mousse won out and was an apropos finale to an outstanding meal. Enoteca Emilia is located at 2038 Madison Road in O’Bryonville. For information or reservations, visit enotecaemilia.com or call 513.834.5773. sl
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Iconic Convergences at the Conrad Written by Jeffrey Cohen
World Class Hotel + World Class Art = One Amazingly Fine Art Exhibition Quick now: where do you go in Indianapolis to see a twodimensional original of Robert Indiana’s iconic LOVE? If this were any other month and you said, “Indianapolis Museum of Art,” you’d be right. But for the moment, the painting in the IMA’s collection is temporarily “Not Currently On View.” (Let it be said that you can see the recently refurbished Cor-ten steel 3-D version out on the IMA grounds.) So for the moment, you’re going to have to content yourself (and you surely will) with a long hidden away photograph taken in 1964 by William John Kennedy which shows Indiana holding one of his ‘LOVE’ paintings. Kennedy was one of those guys Lady Luck takes a fancy to. He was a young photographer enrolled in art school in the early 60s just as Robert Indiana and Andy Warhol were just starting to make names for themselves. Kennedy met Indiana who introduced him to Warhol and from there, Kennedy gained access to the artists’ studios and, well, the rest is history. Kennedy says, “I photographed Andy and other ‘pop’ artists because I believed they were creating something different.” And now, in a unique partnership, the Indianapolis Conrad and ModernMasters Fine Art have launched a series of exhibits expected to bring art aficionados from throughout the Midwest to view – and perhaps purchase – works by Indiana, Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Keith Haring and more. Te first of the exhibits, ‘Before Tey Were Famous: Behind the Lens of William John Kennedy’ is now hanging in public spaces and select Conrad private suites (open by request). According to ModernMasters owner, Rhonda LongSharp, the work of Warhol and Indiana would later change the way the world looked at art. “We are bringing this exhibit to Indianapolis because it is a world class exhibit, and also to celebrate that Robert Indiana is a native Hoosier,” she adds. 74 slmag.net
The juxtaposition of Kennedy’s images and the iconic artists’ works traces the inroads of Pop Art’s journey from inception to fame. Both Kennedy’s photograph of ‘Warhol looking through the Marilyn Monroe acetate’ and Warhol’s authenticated ‘Marilyn’, grace the walls at the Conrad. The overall experience will transport visitors through an important movement in art history. Conrad Indianapolis General Manager Greg Tinsley says, “Having the opportunity to provide an art experience of this caliber to our many local, regional, national and international guests is truly game changing. We are confident that our series of events for Before They Were Famous will excite art enthusiasts and will continue to make Conrad a true destination”. Te exhibit will be on display through May, 2012. It will include a 40-minute documentary about the artists (before they became household names) that shows the two at work in their studios and with their most iconic works (LOVE and Warhol’s famous image of Marilyn Monroe). Kennedy and another of Warhol’s superstar subject, Ultra Violet, are expected to make appearances at Conrad. To provide an even higher level of world class service, more than 75 front-of-house staff members have been trained on the basics of art and fine art in the hotel, including 12 employees educated as specialized ‘Art Ambassadors.’ Suites possess an in-room art channel, and tours – both self-guided or with an art ambassador – are augmented with detailed reading materials, interactive reader boards in public areas, and QR codes that link to featured artists’ biographies and bodies of work. Te Conrad is located at 50 West Washington Street in Indianapolis. For more information, call 317.713.5000 or visit conradindianapolis.com. sl
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© 2010 William John Kennedy
ACCELERATE THE CURE
Kindervelt is the largest volunteer auxiliary of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and one of Greater Cincinnati’s outstanding volunteer organizations. Te ladies of Kindevelt #50 (Indian Hill) hosted Accelerate the Cure to Kick Asthma at Porsche of the Village. Te lively event featured a cocktail buffet, open bar and music by the Naked Karate Girls.
Julie & Peter Hill
Howard & Windy Hammond, Nicole & Chris Taylor
Beth Wright, Rita & Cliff Chin
Sheila Elsbrook, Stephanie Trautman, Ceci David
Jeff & Connie Tomas, Amy & Jim Stafford
Lisa Pettengill, Wendy Bader, Lisa O’Brien
Cecily & Bob Harness
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Photography by Tony Bailey
Misti Denicolo, Janel Tompson
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Kelly & Scott Fruechtemeyer
BOOKS FOR LUNCH
Photography by Tony Bailey
Playwright David Henry Hwang, best known as the author of M. Butterfly, which ran for two years on Broadway, won the 1988 Tony, Drama Desk, John Gassner, and Outer Critics Circle Awards, and was also a finalist for the 1989 Pulitzer Prize, was the honored guest of the Seven Hills School’s 26th Annual Books for Lunch program. Nancy Silverman and Kari Ellis served as the 2012 Committee Chairs.
Mary Beth Young , David Henry Hwang, Kari Ellis, Nancy Silveman
Celeste Rooney, Michelle Setzer, Kristina Baldwin
Karen Wilger, Sandy Rubin
Karen Wilger, Paula Wharton, Sarah Johnson
Tracey Capuano, Susan Jackson, Kim Roat
Dawn & Jessica Byington, Penny Dixon
Martha Slater, Susan Rauh, Paige von Hoffmann
Susan Rauh, Amy Lutz
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Kim Chavez, Jessica Lieberman
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KSO GALA
Te Kentucky Symphony Orchestra’s Annual Gala—“Somebody to Love” was held in the Ballrooms of the Northern Kentucky Convention Center. The evening included cocktails, a three-course dinner,a silent auction and dancing to the KSO Boogie Band who played pop tunes from the ‘70s and ‘80s.
Photography by Tony Bailey
Todd & Patti Hall
Neil & Lynn Matthews
Michelle & Joe Semrad
Andrew & Barbara Johnson
Susan & Ron Lovan
Rachel & James Fausz
Kelly Anderson, Jennifer Cherest
Justen & Kelli Jette, Avery Eliason, Tori Little, Sadie Loveland
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Bob & Tracie Saelinger
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TOUCHDOWN FOR HOPE
Photography by Tony Bailey
Football fans gathered at the Champions Club at Great American Ball Park for the third annual Super Bowl party benefiting Lindner Center of HOPE. Honorary hosts Anthony and Dede Munoz welcomed nearly 300 guests, making this year’s event the most successful to date. Proceeds from Touchdown for HOPE will help support a first-ever Eating Disorders Fellowship program focused on clinical training and research opportunities.
Bll & Sue Butler, Francie & Tom Hiltz
Elizabeth Keith, Sarah Gilliam
Mary Beth Tounge, Jim Evans
Barbara & Tom Boat
Tom & Susan Anthony
Rodney Swope, Dawn& Carl Satterwhite, Lonnie Grayson
Anthony Munoz, Frances & Craig Lindner
Susan McElroy, MD & Paul Keck, Jr., MD
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Clarissa & John Rentz
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GUNN’S GOLDEN RULES
SmartTalk kicked off their 2012 Connected Conversation series at the Aronoff Center in Cincinnati with a lecture by style maven Tim Gunn. A VIP meet and greet with Tim was held prior to his presentation and Q&A session.
L.V. & Michele Semona, Jennifer Stuhlreyer, Lori Smith
Kelly Voss Collison, Tim Gunn
Erin & Colin Flynn
Claire Williams, Tim Gunn, Owsley Robinson
Nina Rupp, Ellen Garner
Drew Ross, Amy Scalia
Laura Upchurch, Morgan Owens, Brittany Crump, Erica Strauss
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Photography by Tony Bailey
Amy Tobin, Tim Gunn
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