Sophisticated Living March/April 2015

{Chicago’s Finest}

slmag.net Mar/Apr 2015

Italian Chef Mauro Mafrici has worked in many of the top hotels and restaurants of the world for over thirty years. He has chosen Chicago as his hometown sharing his talent and expertise at PELAGO. As the chef/owner he has dedicated himself to fne cuisine and service seven days per week, always ready to please his clients. He has created an approachable luxury right off Michigan Avenue.

In addition to the a la carte menu with many traditional varieties of homemade pasta, guests can enjoy the Tasting Menu or ask Chef Mafrici to cook for the table. The restaurant is accommodating for those with allergies including gluten free.

PELAGO | 201 East Delaware Place, Chicago, Illinois 60611 | (312) 280-0700 | pelagorestaurant.com

ClassiC but not stuffy

{Chicago’s Finest}

Mar/Apr 2015

slmag.net Mar/Apr 2015

on the cover: Top, $1,400, pant, $1,250, and shoes, $950, all at Fendi, Costa Mesa, 714.751.1111, fendi.com. Fendi also is available at Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale’s stores. Cage ring, $14,900, at Sabbia, 900 North Michigan Shops, 312.440.0044, sabbia.com.

Maxalto Dives sectional designed by Antonio Citterio, $24,438, at Maxalto-Bof, 309 W. Superior St., 312.664.6190, maxalto.it.

Photography: Carasco Photography Styling: Mark Gill and Tina Kourasis, VMR Hair: Lorenzo Tanbour, Salon Duo Makeup: Rosie Scianna-Mollo Mani/pedi: Bernadetta Monastyrski, Salon Duo Model: Hannah R, Ford Models Shot on location at Maxalto-Bof

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ON SAFARI

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WINGING IT

Alexis Bittar’s bold new baubles get wild Damien Hirst and Lalique team up on gorgeous glass panels

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OOH, FASHION! Te owners of VMR on Oak Street share spring trends

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FOREIGN AFFAIRS

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DECANTED

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INTO THE WOODS

Our obsession with MAPA Collective handbags An argument for Piedmontese white wines Curate your garden with artful accoutrements

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BIBLIOTAPH Tony tomes for design-savvy parents—and your inner child

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PUNCHED UP POWDER

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OF NOTE

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ARIZONA MOTOR WEEK

Beaver Creek gives our intrepid traveler a Rocky Mountain high Shades of gray worthy of your wardrobes and domiciles European classics and American muscle own the auction blocks

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WHO, WHAT, WEAR From Long Island to West Africa, three designers to watch

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CASTLES TO CADDIES Enchantment on the West Coast of the Emerald Isle

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Of Note... Gray Matters Caesarstone polished quartz surface in Clamshell (from $50 per square foot), caesarstoneus.com

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BURN NOTICE Five new workouts that will make you sweat

Mar/Apr 2015

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PRICELESS Art jewelry sparkles at the Driehaus Museum

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DINNER WITH FRIENDS

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COZY CONFINES

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PROGRESS MAKES PERFECT

Te buzz surrounding Chef Charles Webb’s invite-only dinner parties Studio Gild showcases a cool condo in River North A tour of Chef Tomas Lents’ latest tasting menu at Sixteen

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ARTISTIC EXPLORATION Maria Pinto and Marwen make fashion dreams come true

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SOCIETY

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Chicago’s chicest parties, galas and more!

March and April’s not-to-be-missed events

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Dinner with Friends Chef Charles Webb’s spring dessert: Dulce de leche bites with ginger and crema Photo by Michael Heliker of Mikelangelo Design

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PUBLISHER Erica Conaty Goldman EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Elise Hofer Shaw ——————————————— ART DIRECTOR Jason Yann CONTRIBUTORS Writers Diana Bitting Amalie Drury Joel Hoglund Korey Huyler Kalyn Jerome Alexandra Sabbag Katie Schroeder Janis Von Kaenel Photographers Matt Austin Taylor Castle Michael Heliker Scott Nava Nathan Slater Melissa Song Anthony Tahlier Editorial Assistants Madeline Miller Connor Lillis ADVERTISING SALES OFFICE 773.682.0546 ——————————————— SOPHISTICATED LIVING MEDIA Eric Williams - CEO Bridget Williams - President Michele Beam - Vice President Greg Butrum - General Counsel

Sophisticated Living® is published by Paper Media Group, LLC and is independently owned and operated. Sophisticated Living® is a registered trademark of Williams Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Sophisticated Living® is published six times a year. All images and editorial are the property of Paper Media Group, 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®, 425 W. North Ave , Chicago, IL 60610. Telephone 312.867.2499.

SLMAG.NET

From the Publisher

Portrait by Melissa Song

Te days are fnally getting longer, a sure sign that spring is right around the corner—at least that’s how we here at Sophisticated Living Chicago choose to see the blooms through the snow. And, naturally, visions of spring fashion are already dancing in our heads, courtesy of our fabulous partners like Marlowe, La Perla and Frederick Lynn Haberdasshere. I, for one, have my eye on a pinstripe jumpsuit by Alexander McQueen for Givenchy that pro stylist and VMR co-owner Mark Gill spied amongst his designer racks and pulled out just for me.

A girl can dream!

And dream one does when witnessing the latest exhibit at the Driehaus Museum, Maker & Muse: Women and Early Twentieth Century Art Jewelry (running through 2015), showcasing some of the most exquisite art jewelry collected by Neil Lane, Richard Driehaus himself and others. Contributing writer Korey Huyler walks us through the waist clips, pendant necklaces and beguiling brooches crafted between the late Victorian period and World War I that represent a significant time in history for women in industrialized society (“Priceless”).

Also appearing on the following pages is our piece on private chef and Chicagoan Charles Webb, whose hot-ticket dinner parties have already garnered an in-the-know following (“Dinner With Friends”). I have had the pleasure of getting to know Chef Webb, a man who, when he isn’t circling the globe cooking for the rich and famous, keeps busy by plotting his next pop-up tasting, often at his own home in Bucktown. Te concept?

Bringing together a diverse mix of personalities and global cuisine in the hope that the combination—fueled by craft cocktails—ignites inspiring conversation, friendships and good times. Let’s just say I’m more than a little excited to get my invite in the mail.

And speaking of excitement, I’d like to once again say thank you to our loyal partners.

In just six months, Sophisticated Living Chicago has grown into an extended family of readers, clients and collaborators. We pride ourselves on keeping our lines of communication open, foating ideas around and connecting like brands. And the proof is in the pudding: Our advertisers are reporting not only increased inquiries, but confrmed new customers and projects as a result of our guaranteed, mailed-only distribution to an afuent market.

Already a client? Keep me in the loop and let me know how we can powwow regarding your next passion project. Reading this note because you just received our magazine in your mailbox? Please pass us along to other infuencers you know, because you just never know where the next great collaboration is going to spring from!

Erica Conaty Goldman Publisher erica@slmag.net

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LINC THELEN ART + ARCHITECTURE + INTERIOR DESIGN lincthelen.com + lincthelenart.com + 312.593.5463

From the Editor-In-Chief

I’m obsessed with our March cover. The crisp polka-dot-on-white shirt—with collar popped, natch—those wide-legged culottes, those braided blanche sandals… Fendi’s spring collection is efortless chic that only the Italians can turn out. And I like to think that you can see a bit of the energy we had going on set that day at the Maxalto-Bof showroom in River North. My friend of 10-plus years Mark Gill and his partner-in-style Tina Kourasis, the owners of VMR boutique on Oak Street, brought the goods: light and airy looks by Fendi, a muted yellow cocktail dress by Antonio Berardi, golden baubles by Sabbia. In my 16-year career, I’ve never had such a hard time selecting a cover. Here, two of our other favorite shots from the day courtesy of Carasco Photography.

I was fortunate to collaborate with another friend for this issue—although I didn’t know it walking into it. Contributing writer Diana Bitting pitched me a cool condo in the Hartshorne Plunkard-designed high-rise on Superior appointed by the on-the-rise design trio at Studio Gild. When I showed up to tour the property, there was Melissa Benham (Studio Gild founder and principal), a childhood friend from my old stomping grounds of Birmingham, Michigan. We hadn’t seen each other in more than 30 years, not since we ran the bases at Quarton Elementary for softball practice. Tanks for the trip down memory lane, Melissa. Go Smokes!

I’m blessed to call some of Chicago’s most talented writers friends. Bitting, the author of this issue’s home feature (“Cozy Confnes”) and our spotlight on artist Damien Hirst’s latest collaboration with Lalique (“Winging It”), is a former coworker and Soho House Chicago buddy. I’m excited to have her contributing to our interior design pages, in between penning the Art + Design section of Louis Vuitton’s upcoming Chicago City Guide. Katie Schroeder, Korey Huyler, Amalie Drury… Sophisticated Living Chicago is proud to have some of the best wordsmiths in the game taking our content to new heights, and I’m grateful to call them friends.

After all, it’s a small world—and that’s a beautiful thing. And in this case, the makings of beautiful editorials. Enjoy this issue, and the warm weather ahead.

Elise Hofer Shaw Editor-in-Chief elise@slmag.net

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Contributors

Contributor Diana Bitting profled new interiors collective Studio Gild’s latest installation in River North for this issue’s home feature (“Cozy Confnes”). “Te frm’s principals are all seasoned industry vets who came together with a common goal—to have a more holistic approach to their process. Teir frst few projects are so incredibly cool,” says Bitting. “It’s nice to see the younger generation of interior designers taking more and more risks and pushing people out of their comfort zones.” Bitting is currently editor-at-large for the Art + Design section of Louis Vuitton’s Chicago City Guide, to be released this summer.

Writer Amalie Drury said that talking with chef Charles Webb about his insatiable passion for travel made her want to book a trip to a place with amazing food markets as soon as possible.

“His sense of adventure is such an important aspect of his creativity in the kitchen,” says Drury, who interviewed the private chef about his culinary passion projects (“Dinner With Friends”).

“If you fnd yourself stuck in Chicago this winter, try to snag an invite to one of his dinners at his Bucktown house—by the end of the night, you’ll feel like you went on a journey.” Drury is the Chicago editor of PureWow. Writing this issue’s story on the Driehaus Museum’s new Maker & Muse art jewelry exhibit (“Priceless”) was a very fun history lesson for contributing writer Korey Huyler. Huyler, whose only piece of daily jewelry is her wedding ring, spent hours perusing the pieces and learning about the history of each creation. “When I started researching, I had no idea what ‘art jewelry’ was,” she explains. “Now I know the main designers, buyers and styles. I will defnitely be going back to the exhibit a few times to really see it all.”

“We really tried to wipe the slate clean for this spring look,” says VMR co-owner Tina Kourasis, who styled this issue’s glamorous cover with her partner Mark Gill. “We wanted everything to be airy and fresh. Tis applied to the clothes, the model’s dewy, natural makeup and her perfectly polished hair. Nothing says ‘fresh’ like white, and the Fendi look we chose really showcases how beautiful and easy white can be. Te fne jewelry from Sabbia was on point as sh well—substantial but delicate, and very, very modern.” we Wi a 15-month-old at home and a second baby due this month, contributing writer Katie With Schroeder doesn’t exactly have a “me” budget, but after writing about the gorgeous handbags Sc designed by Lake Forest native Maria-Paula Herrera (“Foreign Affairs”), she’s seriously de considering a separate savings account. “I fell in love with MAPA Collective’s selection of co functional, fashion-forward pieces,” she says. “The Mochila bucket bag that converts to a fun backpack is genius, and every mom could use a little mandarin orange python in her life.” ba Co Contributing photographer Anthony Tahlier ran into no shortage of gorgeous dishes to shoot for this issue’s restaurant feature (“Progress Makes Perfect”). “Chef Tomas Lents always makes visually impressive dishes,” says Tahlier, who, as it turns out, has quite the sweet tooth.

“Sixteen’s lemon tart was the best I’ve ever had!” Tahlier’s recent editorial projects include shoots for Contract, Miami Living and ESPN magazines.

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ON SAFARI

By Elise Hofer Shaw

You never know where accessories designer Alexis Bittar is going to seek out his next muse. One part “safari” and one part “punk,” the eccentric crafsman’s latest anniversary collection is perfect for prowling our urban jungle. Sculpted, carved, painted and polished by hand in the Alexis Bittar studios in DUMBO (Chicagoans read: a hip neighborhood in the New York City borough of Brooklyn), these limited edition pieces are painted in freehand by the artist, so no two are the same, and the silver is custom-ft to aford that organic, molded look that latches on to the Lucite. Whether you opt for the pebble necklace, collar, bracelet or cuff, all are cool, collectible and sure to make an untamed statement this spring. sl

Large hand-painted Lucite pebble necklace, $1,295, and large hand-painted Lucite wave sculpted hinged bracelet, $895, both at Alexis Bittar, 61 E. Oak St., 312.649.9112, alexisbittar.com

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MARSHALLERB.COM

WINGING IT

By Diana Bitting

Te butterfy has long been a symbol of feeting beauty, innocence and youth.

For international art sensation Damien Hirst—whose works have always danced around the themes of life and death—the exquisite insect epitomizes an otherworldly in-between state. Call it an obsession of sorts: His portfolio has featured butterflies numerous times over the years, from a temporary life-cycle installation where live butterflies were hatched, to painted and glossed canvas renderings that involve fxing their colorful carcasses to various surfaces. (His impressive new commission for Soho House Chicago, revealed to the local art and design community during the club’s frst annual Art Week this past January, continued the London-based artist’s experimentation, literally spelling out “Chicago” with a bounty of real butterfies.)

In his frst collaboration with renowned French lifestyle company Lalique, Hirst has frozen these delicate creatures’ forms for eternity in crystal. “I’ve always loved that they look identical in life and in death,” Hirst says, “but when the light shines through these panels, it feels like they’re brought back to life in some way.” Three types of butterflies make up the Eternal series, entitled Beauty, Love and Hope, respectively. Te intricate silhouettes are carved into brilliant crystal panels in shades of amber, green, turquoise, black and more, and some are fnished with a platinum or gold overlay—a luxurious fnal resting place. sl

Each butterfy comes in 12 colors, resulting in 36 unique panels, for a limited quantity of 50 complete sets worldwide.

From $19,000-$33,000 each, at Lalique Interior Design Showroom, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 6-129, 312.867.1787

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Sotheby's International Realty and the Sotheby's International Realty logo are registered (or unregistered) service marks used with permission. Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

OOH, FASHION! Te dynamic duo behind

VOLUME Dior “Te key to volume is that the fabrication has to be extremely light, if not almost sheer,” says Kourasis. “Dior’s take simply foats and has a nightgown efect.”

Oak Street boutique VMR talk new labels and their favorite spring trends.

By Elise Hofer Shaw Portrait by Taylor Castle

VMR owners Mark Gill and Tina Kourasis

When Mark Gill and Tina Kourasis got together to open VMR (34 E. Oak St., 7th foor, 312.649.6673, vmrchicago.com) their vision was clear: to ofer highly curated vintage and resale clothing and accessories and, as a showroom, act as a launching pad for young designers. Fast forward almost two years and they’ve done just that—and then some. In addition to their vintage and resale items—a pinstripe jumpsuit by Alexander McQueen for Givenchy, a navy fur coat with a huge fox shawl collar by Fendi, just to name two standout examples—VMR showcases emerging designers (think local labels Ricorso and 84Rockwell) as well as current ready-to-wear collections from big names like Balmain, Belstaf, Antonio Berardi, Acne Studios and Ellery. VMR also boasts jewelry by Sabbia, necklaces by Fairchild Baldwin and crossover bags by 84Rockwell.

“We are moving away from vintage and resale and buying a lot more wholesale accounts,” says Kourasis. “It’s what our clients have been asking for. But we will always have a well-edited amount of vintage and resale. You can’t pass up some of the Chanel, Givenchy and Dior pieces that we get our hands on.”

Tis spring, the pair are hosting pop-ups with Miami-based luxury multi-brand boutique The Webster (March 4-7) featuring Christian Dior, Chanel, Calvin Klein, Victoria Beckham, Balenciaga, Balmain and more; and Fendi (March 11-14) showcasing the label’s runway collection, shoes, bags, jewelry and fun fur accessories. So as the duo begin to stock their store with spring merchandise, we had to ask: What trends are you excited about for warm weather dressing? Here, Gill and Kourasis’ picks for looking efortlessly chic this season. sl 28 slmag.net

’70s REVAMP Acne Studios “Acne has modernized the ’70s look with its minimal details,” says Gill. “Nothing is exaggerated—no oversized pockets, not even an exaggerated peak lapel.”

DENIM Fendi “When Italians put their spin on the all-American classic, it’s instantly chic,” says Kourasis. “I love Fendi’s fresh take on the boyfriend jean.”

p.c. studio - photo tommaso sartori

MAXALTO IS A B&B ITALIA BRAND. COLLECTION COORDINATED BY ANTONIO CITTERIO. WWW.MAXALTO.IT MAXALTO STORE CHICAGO: 309 WEST SUPERIOR STREET CHICAGO, IL 60654 TEL. 312.664.6190 OTHER MAXALTO AND B&B ITALIA STORES: MIAMI - NEW YORK - LOS ANGELES - SAN FRANCISCO - DALLAS - SEATTLE BOSTON - WASHINGTON DC - FOR DEALER NEAREST YOU PLEASE CALL 1 800 872 1697 - MAXALTO.USA@BEBITALIA.COM

Foreign Afairs A young designer taps her

La Mochila python bag in mandarin orange, $1,550

South American heritage to produce cool and covetable handbags.

By Katie Schroeder Portrait by Nathan Slater When Maria-Paula Herrera was earning an MBA at the Wharton School, she didn’t necessarily have her heart set on designing handbags. “I wanted to start something that blended my interests—design, fashion, Latin America—and that’s what really started the concept,” says the 29-year-old who grew up in Lake Forest but traces her family’s roots to Colombia.

From there, the idea evolved into MAPA Collective—“MAPA” is a play on her name, Maria-Paula—a collection of luxury handbags made by hand in Bogotá using exotic skins like python and crocodile, as well as natural leathers.

“I love that each piece is diferent,” she says of the skins. “Tat’s just the inherent nature of the material, and it means no two bags are the same.”

In everything from shoulder totes, crossbody bags and evening clutches to small leather goods (ranging from $160 to $2,250), MAPA Collective puts a modern spin on classic shapes with bright hues like tangerine and canary yellow—and each can be personalized with one’s initials by special order.

One of Herrera’s personal favorites is the Nico clutch in electric blue crocodile. “The design focuses on the hornback of the crocodile, lending a ‘wrap around’ illusion on the fap. Each piece is cut and sewn to highlight its best features, and the result is totally unique to each fnished handbag.”

Herrera works only with certified skins and operates under the supervision of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, which means every bag is accompanied by a permit number that ensures the skins were legally and sustainably sourced, and materials can be linked to an approved manufacturer that contributes to the conservation and repopulation of the species.

On the horizon are plans for home accessories and jewelry, but for now she is working at full speed to meet a high demand, particularly since clients in the know can place custom orders. “We have had customers fall in love with a silhouette—say, the Mini Mateo [small envelope bag]—but want to splurge on a more luxe material, so we replace the Italian embossed leather with genuine crocodile,” she says. “We are open to discussing timing and pricing of custom orders because we want to ensure that our customers are truly satisfed.” sl Available at Elements, 741 N. Wells St., 312.642.6574, elementschicago.com, and Te Lake Forest Shop, 265 E. Market Square, Lake Forest, 847.234.0548, thelakeforestshop.com. mapacollective.com

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Te Bogota stamped calf hair carryall, $950

Te Mateo python clutch in slate gray, $950

MAPA Collective designer Maria-Paula Herrera

{Chicago’s Finest}

Jan/Feb 2015

slmag.net

{Chicago’s Finest}

Nov/Dec 2014

slmag.net

Decanted: Piedmontese White Wines When thinking of Italian wine, the great regions of Tuscany and Piedmont are often top of mind. Collectively, these two regions have more wine classified under Italy’s strictly controlled Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) category than any other region. Seeing DOCG or the more common Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) designation on an Italian wine bottle label means that the wine producer has adhered to specific regulations that guarantee geographic authenticity, grape varieties, production methods, style and quality.

If I were forced today to make a choice between Tuscany and Piedmont for wine, I would choose the latter. Justly, it’s a tough call, and on another occasion I may do a 360-degree shift and say Tuscany. But for now, the delicious white wines of Piedmont stand out as the determining factor that diferentiates these two great red wine regions.

Piedmontese whites are certainly in the shadow of the truly great reds of Barolo and Barbaresco. They will never have the claim to fame of this region; after all, Barolo is said to be the king of wines and the wine of kings, with Barbaresco its regal sibling.

Some of the best wines I have ever tasted have been based in the Nebbiolo grape of Barolo and Barbaresco. Located adjacent to one another, both regions produce long-lived wines, but Barolo tends to be a fuller, more tannic wine, while Barbaresco is still full and tannic, but slightly less so. If you are lucky to fnd older bottles, you will discover that both wines will beneft from bottle age of approximately six-to-10 years and many bottlings much longer.

But wait, the delicious, fresh and energetic whites from this red wine region require no ageing, and as is the case with most white wines, should be consumed between one and three years of age. Piedmontese whites are certainly worthwhile, unique and nothing like the ubiquitous quafng Pinot Grigio, which is Italy’s most popular exported white grape. While there is Chardonnay produced, most white wine made in Piedmont comes from indigenous grapes. Tey ofer characterful wines typically without the use of oak, which are crisp, fresh and accompany food efortlessly.

Te most famous white wine of the area is Gavi, sometimes called Gavi di Gavi or even Corteses di Gavi. Located in southeastern region of Piedmont, Gavi is made from the Cortese grape and is a delightful wine. The lesser-known wine of the Roero area of Piedmont is made from the Arneis grape. Roero is in south-central Piedmont just north of Barolo and Barbaresco.

Arneis in the Piedmontese dialect translates to “little difficult one” because of its difculty to grow, but I have found that it also makes an excellent nickname for people with similar personality characteristics. Both Gavi and Roero Arneis are categorized as DOCG and are best consumed chilled at about 50-55°F. A top producer of Gavi is Broglia and of Roero is Arneis Malvira.

Written by Scott Harper, Master Sommelier

Secondary Piedmontese grapes to look for, but may be quite challenging to find, are Favorita and Erbaluce. If you happen upon these wines at an excellent wine shop or Italian restaurant, give them a go as they are favorful revelations. In the meantime, the two wines below, while not super easy to fnd, are certainly obtainable and well worth the efort.

Villa Tiboldi

Malvira Arneis Roero 2013 Tis is a delicious medium-bodied wine that is crisp and refreshing with the favors of slightly under ripe pear and apple and a touch of Mandarin orange, orange zest and ginger. Copious wet stone and minerals with spring fowers help make this wine fresh and inviting. Arneis pairs well with oysters, clams and mussels, as well as fried vegetables.

Founded in the 1950s, the estate is now run by the founder’s two sons, Massimo and Roberto Damonte. Malvira in Piedmontese dialect means “badly situated.” Te name refers to the original winery facing north, instead of south, with south being the typical positioning of the period. If you are visiting the area, Malvira has a 13-room luxury hotel and restaurant on the property called Villa Tiboldi (villatiboldi.com/en/).

Broglia Gavi La Meirana 2012 A light straw-colored, mediumbodied wine that is broader in texture than most Italian whites. It is fresh with the favors of ripe apple, lemon, almonds and light minerals. Enticing fresh white flowers and citrus in the nose help create this wine’s vivacious and persistent quality. Gavi is an absolutely delightful pairing with roasted pork, seafood or pasta, or as an aperitif.

Broglia Winery is family-owned and currently run by brothers Gian Piero and Paolo Broglia. While the family acquired the estate La Meirana in 1972, it is of historical importance with written references dating back to 971 AD. sl A Certifed Wine Educator, Scott is one of 140 professionals in North America and 219 worldwide who have earned the title Master Sommelier.

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Curating a Lifestyle: Into the Woods

Written by Amelia and Jef Jefers

At nearly six feet tall, this early 20th century folk art silhouette, cut from a iron sawmill blade, was found on Martha's Vineyard. Sold, $940.

An exquisitely hand-decorated Asian garden seat in brilliant colors, featuring peacocks and the eight Taoist symbols. Sold, $2,820.

Creating a beautiful environment in which to live and entertain should not be limited to inside your home. Allow inspiration to blossom beyond four walls and expand your design aesthetic outdoors by incorporating art and antiques in your landscape design to give your guests (and yourself ) an unexpected dose of warmth and sophistication.

Te most common material found in outdoor antiques is undoubtedly iron. In the 16th and 17th centuries, blacksmiths worked iron by hand and anvil to create fencing, gates, doors and window coverings that were as secure as they were aesthetically beautiful. When sealed to hedge against rust, iron was a great choice for architectural elements that were long lasting, with many items from that period surviving today.

During the Industrial Revolution, new technologies led to casting iron into molds, which made cast iron ornamentation a more afordable alternative to wrought iron. As a result, the Victorian era saw great demand for decorative elements such as lawn furniture, fower urns and fgural objects. Unlike most antiques, the repainted surface of an outdoor iron object does not usually detract from its value; in fact, oil-based paints provide important protection against rust and the resulting deterioration it can cause. Often painted white, iron furniture and accessories create a stunning and elegant contrast against a backdrop of green.

Cast iron benches, chairs and tables are readily available at auction and estate sales in the low hundreds of dollars for common varieties, and into the thousands for more special or ornate objects. Large, early urns with impressive handles, bases and ornamentation command the highest price in this category, although very small and special examples can also be rare. Restoration of iron is best left to professionals as

proper removal of any traces of rust can go a long way toward extending the life of a piece.

Beyond iron, outdoor antiques and vintage objects may be found in an assortment of materials. Bronze, zinc and copper architectural elements and statuary tend to develop a wonderfully warm and natural patina over time. Of course, collectors will pay the most for bronze items, and generally the quality of casting and design will be superior to less expensive materials. Copper is soft and prone to damage, so look for smaller objects or items with a forgiving hand-hammered fnish.

Zinc is an interesting, dull grey surface that takes a casting remarkably well and suggests a bit more of an industrial style.

For those who prefer a more whimsical design, porcelain objects can bring a colorful juxtaposition to an otherwise organic setting. Asian garden seats in the form of a barrel are often elaborately decorated with exotic patterns. Flowerpots, fgural objects and vases may also fnd their way outside—particularly if nicked or chipped—as the perfect spot in the garden may hide a few faws. When using porcelain or glass objects, be certain they are drilled for drainage or kept out of direct rainfall.

Do you prefer that your garden accoutrements blend a bit more organically into the plan? Stone or concrete statuary and birdbaths can provide just a touch of classical architecture.

Hand-chiseled examples will naturally be pricier, but MidCentury cement castings are remarkably detailed and provide just the look at a reasonable price point.

If warm spring days beckon your inner gardener, get a head start on summer blooms by brightening up the garden with an array of interesting and beautiful outdoor antique objects. sl

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Amelia and Jef Jefers are the co-owners of Garth's Auctioneers & Appraisers, an international frm located outside Columbus, Ohio.

Mid-20th century concrete garden urn along with a very large casting of a nymph (Sold, $470), an art pottery vase atop a neoclassical marble pedestal and a carved statue of Venus (Sold, $999).

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Bibliotaph: Child's Play

Written by Bridget Williams

Captured through the lens of photographer and journalist Gabriele Galimberti over the course of three years, the images of children from around the globe with their most prized possessions provides a glimpse of the world into which each was born. Te array of imagery from more than 50 countries enables the reader to glean a great deal about the hopes and ambitions of the people who bestowed each child with their vastly varied playthings. Gabriele Galimberti - Toy Stories: Photos of Children from Around the World and Teir Favorite Tings - Hardcover, 112 pages, Abrams Books (abramsbooks.com).

Since 1997, Wim Pauwels, founder of BetaPlus Publishing, has printed more than 250 titles highlighting 100 of the best project designs based on a particular theme. Tis edition focuses on a compilation of the most beautiful and inspirational children's rooms from the past ten years. Wim Pauwels - Te 100 Best Children's Rooms - Hardcover, 224 pages, Beta-Plus Publishing (betaplus.com/en/).

Renate MĂźller began designing and producing toys in the early 1960s as part of an endeavor launched by Helene Haeusler at the Sonneberg Technical College for Toy Design in Sonneberg, Germany. Te toys were used for balance training and orthopedic exercise as well as for sensory exercises and hand-eye coordination.

Tis book is the frst English-language monograph on her work, published on Te second book by Paul Budnitz, founder of designer toy powerhouse Kidrobot, serves as a the occasion of a solo exhibition at R 20th compendium of the newest, rarest and most coveted limited edition art toys created by more Century. Evan Snyderman and Zesty Meyers than 140 artists and companies across six continents. Paul Budnitz - I Am Plastic, Too: Te - Renate MĂźller: Toys+Design - Hardcover, 80 Next Generation of Designer Toys - Hardcover, 368 pages, Abrams Books (abramsbooks.com). pages, R & Company (r-and-company.com).

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Refecting the growing trend to reverse over-scheduling and too much screen time, this book provides a glimpse into 12 homes purposefully designed to embrace and inspire children's interests and activities without sacrifcing style. Andrew Weaving (Author) and Andrew Wood (Photographer) - Playful Home: Creative Style for Living with Kids Hardcover, 240 pages, Rizzoli Universe (rizzoliusa.com).

Te most extravagant volume to date in teNeues' ongoing series of luxury publications, this hefty tome highlights the world's most lavish and discerning array of toys for big boys. Luxury Toys for Men: Te Ultimate Collection - Hardcover, 304 pages teNeues (teneues.com).

A staple of childhood play, Nathan Sawaya elevates the humble Lego brick to an awe-inspiring art form through his larger-than-life sculptures, featured in hundreds of photographs with behind-thescenes details. Nathan Sawaya - Te Art of the Brick: A Life in LEGO - Hardcover, 248 pages, No Starch Press (nostarch.com).

Encompassing everything from toys, home accessories, lighting, footwear, photography and artwork to playgrounds and architecture, the 100 designs and art projects highlighted in this book are all infused with the essence of play. Victionary - Just Kidding! A to Z Designs for Kids & Kidults - Hardcover, 240 pages, Victionary (victionary.com).

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Photo by Zach Mahone

Punched Up Powder Te White Glove Experience at Beaver Creek Written by Victoria Chase I wasn’t certain whether it was the altitude or the champagne served on a silver platter as I exited the helicopter that transported us from the airport in Vail to the base of the mountain that had me in a state of euphoria, but one thing I knew for certain: Beaver Creek’s exclusive White Glove Winter Getaway Package takes the concept of a Rocky Mountain high well into the stratosphere. “It is the ultimate luxury experience for serious skiers, but the range of fexible amenities available through the White Glove package makes it ideal for families or a small group of skiers with varying abilities,” said Jen Brown, Senior Manager of Public Relations for Beaver Creek.

An area of immense natural beauty, particularly in winter when the brilliant white bark of bare Aspen trees stands proud against an expanse of bluer-than-blue skies, the 1,832 skiable acres that comprise the well-groomed and uncrowded trails of Beaver Creek amply accommodate shushers of all abilities. Even more prestige was added to the powder this past February when the site played host to some 700 athletes from more than 70 nations as part of the 2015 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships.

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Fresh on-mountain amenities for the 2014/2015 ski season include 24 new state-of-the-art snowmaking guns to provide fresh snow atop the smooth corduroy on the popular Gold Dust trail several nights a week; a new high-speed Centennial Express Lift that can carry 3,400 people per hour via a combination of alternating six-passenger chairs and 10-person gondola cabins (the latter of which are particularly kid and beginner friendly); and a cozy “Candy Cabin” located at the top of the Strawberry Park Express Lift and Upper Beaver Creek Mountain Express Lift that is reminiscent of candy stores from a bygone era, complete with vintage soft drinks (the kind with real cane sugar) and custom chocolates from Colorado-based Mootz Chocolates.

Champagne and cookies in hand, our personal Ski School Ambassador transported us to The Osprey, a ski-in, ski-out boutique hotel that has the distinction of being the closest hotel to a chairlift in North America, just 26 feet, and whose interior design provides a contemporary twist on Alpine decor. While relaxing in front of the fre, representatives from RentSkis Gold provided a private equipment ftting.

Te Osprey, a ski-in, ski-out boutique hotel, has the distinction of being the closest hotel to a chairlift in North America.

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As part of Beaver Creek's White Glove experience, a "Cabin Keeper" provides expert concierge services.

Trapper's Cabin

SaddleRidge Restaurant

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Helicopter transfer from the airport in Vail to Beaver Creek provides breathtaking vistas. Photo by Bridget Williams.

Living room in Trapper's Cabin.

As part of the White Glove Winter Getaway Package, which is valued at $50,000, travelers are treated to fve nights in Trapper’s Cabin, a luxurious four-bedroom, three-level mountaintop home near Bachelor’s Gulch boasting panoramic views of the ski area.

Even though the property is located near many popular runs, it feels quite secluded. After the slopes have closed for the day, it’s not uncommon for some of the “locals,” including black bear and elk, to drop by for an unannounced visit. Amenities of the cabin include a cozy living room with freplace, a game room with a pool table, a large deck with a hot tub, access to a SnowCat for transport to the village, and all of the amenities one would normally associate with a luxury hotel from technology to toiletries.

A “Cabin Keeper” provides attentive and expert concierge services, which includes arranging gourmet in-house meals prepared

by David Sanchez, executive chef at the Osprey. Sanchez’s less-ismore philosophy highlights his unique ability to coax vibrant favors from simply, yet beautifully prepared dishes. I developed a particular penchant for his ghost pepper breakfast omelet during my stay.

Once settled into our respective rooms we dove into Helly Hansen goody bags stuffed with a “welcome to Beaver Creek ski apparel package” that also included the most important accessory of all: an Epic Pass, which not only allowed unfettered access to the slopes during our stay in Beaver Creek, but could be used throughout the season at any of Vail Resort’s 22 resorts located in four countries, including Nieseko in Japan and Verbier in Switzerland.

For our frst full day on the mountain, the experts among us took advantage of the White Glove First Tracks program, which provides sunrise access to the slopes before the lifts open to the public, as well as a hearty breakfast at the private on-mountain

Allies’ Cabin. Te beginners, myself included, were taken by our Ski Ambassador to meet our instructor for private lessons. Ski school clients and White Glove participants can take a midday break for lunch at SaddleRidge, which was originally built to the tune of $27 million by the Shearson-Lehman Corporation as a retreat for its clients and executives. Boasting one of the largest private collections of American Western artifacts and art in the US outside of a museum, you can enjoy a Colorado craft beer while ogling checks signed by Wells Fargo himself or sit behind a desk that belonged to Bufalo Bill.

Beaver Creek was purpose-built with meticulous attention to minute details that enhance the guest experience, which means that the White Glove experience is infnitely customizable depending on the interests and abilities of the group. Following a day on the slopes, the White Glove experience includes spa services at the Allegria Spa in the Park Hyatt. Be sure to arrive early to indulge in the Aqua Sanitas, a self-guided fve-step water ritual modeled on ancient Roman baths. Snuggle under a warm blanket and admire the vastness of the starry skies during a SnowCat tour up the mountain to a gourmet dinner at Beano’s Cabin. Elevate your heartrate, or not, during a private snowshoe tour and picnic in McCoy Park, one of North America’s premier lift-accessed trail systems, where running “of-piste” down a hill is sure to leave you feeling like a kid again, particularly after downing one of the aforementioned cane sugar soft drinks!

Te 2015 ski season Beaver Creek runs until April 12. For more information about all of the amenities included as part of the White Glove Winter Package visit Beavercreek.com/whiteglove or call 877.774.6223. sl

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Art: Te Exhibit that Changed the Art World

Written by Anita Heriot

Scene from the 2014 Armory Show.

Image courtesy of Roberto Chamorro for Te Armory Show.

One hundred and one years ago, a group of 300 artists from Europe and the United States exhibited 1,250 paintings, sculptures and works on paper in the 69th Regiment Armory in New York City.

Referred to as the Armory Show, the exhibit drew more than 70,000 attendees in one month, and after traveling to Chicago that figure exceeded 180,000. Notable American artists such as George Bellows, John Sloan and Arthur Davies were exhibited side by side with the kings of the modern art world: Picasso, Duchamp and Braque.

In 1913, the United States was on the cusp of becoming the most important industrial power globally and increasingly the strongest military power. The Woolworth Building, constructed in 1913, was the tallest in the world. Grand Central Station, reopened in 1913, was the largest train station in the world. Tat same year the Ford Company introduced the frst automotive assembly line.

Yet for all of the major economic, military and industrial developments, America lagged behind Europe culturally.

American artists, such as Mary Cassatt, Maurice Prendergast and many others, focked to Europe to learn from the masters of the time, namely Matisse, Renoir and Seurat, yet Americans continued to be seen as merely imitators of European style.

However, within 50 years, the tables had turned. American artists such as Jackson Pollock, Robert Rauschenberg and Mark Rothko became dominant Modernist forces. No doubt there are many factors that contributed to the sea change in the development of Modern Art, such as the New Deal program for American artists. However, the Armory Show of 1913 was a watershed moment for the development of American artists, and by 1914 American art was forever changed. Critic and collector Gertrude Stein attended the exhibition. Other infuential tastemakers such as Albert Barnes and Henry Frick purchased works for their collections.

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According to Jerry Salz, art critic for Te New Yorker, “the founding of MoMA, the Whitney and much else stems directly from those 27 earth-shattering days.” With the Armory Show, American artists were exposed to the European avant-garde on a large scale, which no doubt had a direct infuence on the development of American Modernism.

One painting, which became almost synonymous with the uproar over the Armory Show, was Marcel Duchamp’s Nude Descending the Staircase No. 2. Art critics blasted Duchamp’s work among other Cubists. A Chicago Tribune editorial titled “The Cubist Art” said, “The nudes pervert the ideal of physical perfection, obliterate the line which has heretofore distinguished the artistic from the lewd and obscene, and incite feelings of disgust and aversion.” Marcel Duchamp’s work directly infuenced the likes of Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg and Andy Warhol.

Even negative response to the show inspired the development of Modernism in the United States. American artists purposefully choose to reject Realism and Romanticism and embrace avant-garde artistic styles.

Having received a record number of gallery applications, the 2015 Armory Show, March 5-8, will host 199 of the world’s premier galleries from 28 countries across North and South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Noah Horowitz, executive director of The Armory Show remarked: “It is a very exciting moment for Te Armory Show with this year’s fair marking the most focused and highest caliber edition in my tenure. The selection process for the upcoming edition was particularly rigorous, and I am thrilled to see a number of notable galleries returning to the fair, as well as a strong presence of young, geographically diverse galleries who have chosen to show with us for the frst time."

For more information visit thearmoryshow.com. sl Anita Heriot is president of Pall Mall Advisors and a member of the Appraisers Association of America and is USPAP certifed. She can be reached at aheriot@pallmallartadvisors.com.

Scene from the 2014 Armory Show.

Image courtesy of Roberto Chamorro for Te Armory Show.

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Of Note...Gray Matters

Compiled by Bridget Williams

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1) Monica Rich Kosann wide sterling silver foral cuf bracelet with black onyx push-button ($1,595; monicarichkosann.com). 2) Te Classic Fusion Aeromoom from Hublot is a skeleton watch featuring contemporary architecture and a full calendar displaying the moon phases, as well as simple date and day and month indications (price upon request; hublot.com). 3) Luxe Cashmere Hawk Hooded Robe from Calvin Klein Home ($745; calvinklein.com). 4) Te EDIE shoulder Bag in ivory python from MARYLAI New York ($578; marylai.com). 5) Mitchel Primrose Small Julie Bag in Lizard ($1,850; mitchelprimrose.com). 6) Salvatore Ferragamo Stephen 2 Calf-Hair High-Top Sneaker in Multi from Neiman Marcus ($680; neimanmarcus.com).

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7) Te Boden Low Chest from Tomas & Gray (price upon request; thomasandgray.com). 8) Pal Barstool in Gray by Hallgeir Homstvedt for Hem ($199; hem.com). 9) A band of polished stainless steel outlines the facing edges and top of the 90� Odile sofa from J. Robert Scott, which is upholstered in Velvet Soire from the Quail Collection. (price upon request; jrobertscott.com). 10) From Lalique, the Bacchantes vase in grey crystal is a numbered edition from the RenÊ Lalique re-editions collection ($7,500; lalique.com). 11) Te Serie Up 2000 Chair in silver was designed by Gaetano Pesce for B&B Italia (price upon request; bebitalia.com).

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1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster.

Photo courtesy of Russo & Steele.

Arizona Auto Week Glistens, Glitters and Gleams Written by David M. Brown Arizona Auto Week, January 11 through 18, was high performance from start to fnish.

Concluding the second annual Arizona Concours d’Elegance on Sunday, January 11 at the Arizona Biltmore Resort, a magnifcent 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Sport Cabriolet A won Best of Show. In addition, the cars of America’s greatest architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, were honored. An automotive lover, Wright consulted in the design of the great resort in the mid-1920s.

Six auctions took place in the Phoenix metropolitan area: Silver and RM, which were also held at the Biltmore; Bonhams, at the Kierland Westin Resort; Gooding & Company, at Scottsdale Fashion Square; Russo and Steele, in North Scottsdale; and, at WestWorld, Barrett-Jackson, where the world-famous Ron Pratt Collection sold for $40.44 million, including automobilia.

At Russo and Steele's 15th annual auction event, European classics and American muscle combined for the high-dollar 46 slmag.net

cars. These included a 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster, $1,430,000; the extraordinary 1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Coupe, one of only 69 made, $335,500; and another street/track legend, the 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback, $330,000.

Russo and Steele posted the highest selling Porsche 911 of all the events at Arizona Auto Week with a 1974 2.7 RS, which hammered down at $305,500.

“We really had an incredible event from beginning to end. We experienced record crowds throughout the week and harnessed that energy into fantastic results,” said Drew Alcazar, founder of Scottsdale-based Russo and Steele. “All in all, it was a wonderful event, and it absolutely reinforced why we get so much enjoyment out of putting on these events. Cars and camaraderie – It’s Russo and Steele in Scottsdale!”

At the Gooding & Company auction, 11 cars broke the $1 million level, and 25 new auction records were set for a fnal tally of more than $51.5 million.

Photo courtesy of Barrett-Jackson.

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1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Series I Coupe Aerodinamico.

Photo by Brian Henniker for Gooding & Company.

A highly original, low-mileage, pristine condition 1964 Shelby 289 Cobra sold for $1,155,000 at the Gooding & Company Auction.

Photo by Brian Henniker for Gooding & Company.

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Barrett-Jackson's sale of Ron Pratt’s 1950 GM Futurliner Parade of Progress Tour Bus raised $4.65 million to beneft the Armed Forces Foundation.

1974 Porsche 2.7 RS. Photo courtesy of Russo & Steele.

Among the new world auction benchmarks was a 1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Series I Coupe Aerodinamico, $4,070,000, and a 1966 Porsche 906 Carrera 6, $1,980,000.

The auction highlight was the personally hosted sale of Jay Leno’s 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8. Te comedian and car lover was accompanied by USO CEO & President J.D. Crouch II, and 36th Chief of Staf of the U.S. Army and USO board member General George Casey. Dramatically, the car generated $565,625 for the USO. Similar commitment to the troops came at Barrett-Jackson with the sale of Ron Pratt's 1950 GM Futurliner Parade of Progress Tour Bus, which raised $4.65 million to beneft the Armed Forces Foundation. Tese bus museums toured America in the ‘40s and ‘50s to celebrate the future of automobiles and technology.

“Te Futurliner moment was one I will always remember, as the outpouring of support for our veterans made me extremely proud,” said Pratt, a Valley resident who acquired many of his collector cars at former Barrett-Jackson auctions. “It took a monumental efort by the Barrett-Jackson team to execute this auction successfully. I am extremely satisfed by the results and

want to thank all those on the Barrett-Jackson team that helped make this happen.”

There were other stars from the Pratt Collection, which totaled $40.44 million in sales. The 1955 Pontiac Star Chief Convertible from I Love Lucy sold for $220,000; a custom truck from Te Beverly Hillbillies gaveled down for $275,000; and, the 1958 Plymouth Fury “Christine” from the eponymous Stephen King movie brought $198,000. Owned by the great driver and racing team owner Carrol Shelby, a 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake, just one of two made, brought $5.1 million.

Altogether, Barrett-Jackson sold 1,611 vehicles for more than $130 million (unaudited), a record for the company during its 44-year history. Troughout the week, Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2015 raised $8.6 million for local and national charities.

"Tis year’s Scottsdale auction was on a scale unlike anything in our history,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Scottsdale-based Barrett-Jackson. “From sales and consignments to our ratings on Discovery and Velocity, we smashed records at every level. Everyone who attended this year’s Scottsdale auction was a part of automotive history.” sl slmag.net

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Who,What,Wear Designers to Watch Written by Abigail Hamilton

Who,What,Wear Designers to Watch

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J. Benzal West African-born and Indianapolis-based fashion designer and entrepreneur Mamadou "Ben" Diallo studied textiles and business in Morocco before deciding to make the leap to the fashion scene in New York City. His studies led him to Butler University, and although he moved back to the Big Apple after graduation, thanks to his wife, an Indianapolis native, he found his way back to the Midwest. And while he enjoyed the family-friendly quality of life in the Hoosier State, he missed the options in men’s fashion ofered in the big city.

Having his own label had always been a dream for Diallo, so in 2008, despite the recession and believing he could fll a niche in the market, he opened J. Benzal in downtown Indianapolis. Te shop’s name is a derivative of Diallo’s nickname and that of two close friends who worked with him in the industry.

Populated exclusively with merchandise bearing the J. Benzal label, nearly everything in the store is Italian made. Te boutique’s success prompted him to open a second suburban outpost in the Carmel City Center and eye further brick-and-mortar expansion in neighboring states.

Diallo is a stickler for details and ft, and his suits are noted for contrast stitching on the lapels, colorful, high-quality fabrics, and European-style cuts.

Most recently Diallo has expanded his repertoire to designing footwear in a range of styles, from classic wingtips and loafers to more fashion-forward professional work boots. “I was tired of getting asked the same question over and over by my customers after we helped them pick a great outft, ‘where can I get some nice shoes?’ With the addition of our shoe collection, we hope to make J.Benzal, a one stop destination for the stylish man,” he remarked.

For more information and stockists visit jbenzal.com. slmag.net

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Madiyah Al Sharqi Born into the royal family of Fujairah, one of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, Sheikha Madiyah Al Sharqi was exposed to fne tailoring from a young age. After graduating from the private Parisian fashion school Ecole Superieure des Arts et techniques de la Mode (ESMOD), she apprenticed under Lebanese designer Abed Mahfouz before launching an eponymous collection in 2012. Te Middle Eastern designer’s creative manipulation of vibrant fabrics and employment of sophisticated needlework earned her a spot as a fnalist for the 2013/2014 International Woolmark Prize, a highly coveted designer award, as well as being named “one of the most exciting and promising designers to come out of this region” by Harpers Bazaar Arabia.

As a young royal, Madiyah is in a unique position to juxtapose traditional imperial grandeur with the perspective of a modern discerning woman. Her delicate design aesthetic is consistent throughout each collection, while her creative inspirations shift from season to season.

Madiyah describes her clientele as a “woman who is graceful and timeless, with a passion for opulent design. She appreciates intricate embroideries and subtle color palettes, and makes bold statements with her choice of silhouettes. Her conservative nature lies in the delicate fabrics that accentuate her femininity.”

For more information and stockists, visit madiyahalsharqi.com.

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Mathieu Mirano Talent and tenacity are two words that could be easily bantered about to explain the driving force behind emerging designer Mathieu Mirano’s upward career trajectory. Just 23 years old, the Long Island native and Parsons drop-out already has fve shows at New York Fashion Week under his belt, through which he was bestowed the title of the ‘Mad Scientist of Fashion’ by ELLE Magazine for his utilization of motifs ranging from robots to ancient creatures. Tough already garnering buzz among fashion industry insiders for several seasons, his work reached a more mainstream audience after Lady Gaga made an appearance on Good Morning America in late 2014 wearing a custom paper ensemble he designed specifcally for the singer. Since then his tailored pieces, which strike a delicate balance between constructed shapes and soft femininity, have graced the likes of Nicole Ritchie, Julianne Moore, Gabrielle Union and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.

Inspired by his fascination with science and nature, Mirano’s spring 2015 ready-to-wear collection features a heightened focus on silhouette, with separates and dresses sporting details such as pleats and peplums that play with asymmetry and volume in a modern way. Trailblazing fabrications, including rubberized cottons in laser grid patterns and other manipulated materials allow the collection to transcend from casual sophistication to full-on glamour.

Said the designer: “Te Mathieu Mirano woman is extremely thoughtful in regards to her fashion choices. She pays attention to the detail, to the cuts, to the treatments and to the high level of craftsmanship. She isn’t living to work. She’s living every day to live. But most importantly, she has a sexiness that is never vulgar.”

For more information and stockists visit mathieumirano.com.

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Castles to Caddies Enjoying Royal Treatment in Ireland Written by Bridget Williams

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Five star Ashford Castle is surrounded by 350 acres on the shores of Lough Corrib in County Mayo.

Perhaps I was subjected to one too many knight in shining armor tales at bedtime as a youngster, but I feel fairly confident in my assertation that I’m not alone when it comes to having developed a girlhood fascination with castles and the romanticized notions of life within their stone walls. Learning the true realities of medieval life – leprosy, dysentery, the plague, a lack of indoor plumbing and having to consume mead on a regular basis, among other maladies – certainly tarnished a bit of the shine I took to castle living, but not

enough to entirely dissuade my interest. My own teenage daughter was not immune from such musings, which served as the impetus for a recent trip to Te Emerald Isle focused on the Counties Clare, Galway and May in the west of the country. En route from place to place, we traveled roadways in the bucolic countryside that seemed snug even for our micro rental car and had us wondering more often than not if we were lost, but with scenery so picturesque, we hardly minded a few errant wrong turns.

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Sunset at the Trump International Golf Links & Hotel

Trump International Golf Links & Hotel, Ireland Traveling under the cover of darkness following a pre-dawn arrival at Shannon Airport, when the robotic voice of our GPS system confdently announced that we had arrived at Te Trump International Golf Links & Hotel, I was certain there must be some mistake as dawn’s frst light revealed only modest farmhouses set against a backdrop of gently undulating mossy green hills. Scanning the horizon, we spied a cluster of buildings in the distance and headed in that direction. As we drew closer, the form of an impressive stone lodge and detached cottages that comprise the 185-room resort fully revealed themselves from their perch above the rugged Atlantic coastline in crescentshaped Doughmore Bay. Opened in 2006 as Doonbeg, the Trump organization acquired the property – the only five-star luxury resort on the coast of County Clare – in 2014. Te juxtaposition of the refined architecture against an untamed expanse of coastline painted a breathtaking scene. As I surveyed how the Greg Norman-designed links course rambled along the cliff ’s edge, I wished, even if just for a split second, that I had eschewed the notion of ever becoming a golfer.

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Resisting the urge to bask in the sun while walking barefoot across the spongy golf green laid out behind the lodge, we instead explored our ocean-view, two-story, two-bedroom suite, which was outfitted quite luxuriously in classic hunt country style with natty tweed upholstery, bespoke furnishings and antiques, reclaimed woods, baths with honed marble, tumbled stone and plant-based toiletries made at the nearby Burren Perfumery, vintage-style hardware and light switches, roughhewn ceiling beams, crewelwork drapery, a small kitchen and dining area, and a sitting room with gas freplace. With the majority of guest suites averaging 1,000-square-feet or more and 17 Links Cottages spanning nearly 3,000 square-feet, the property is ideal for family travel and those not willing to forgo the comforts of a wellappointed home while abroad.

It wasn’t long before we succumbed a little to jetlag by starting up the fire and settling in at opposite ends of the window seat to listen to the rhythm of the waves as they rolled and tumbled the stones along the shore to a polished fnish that proved to be ideal for a subsequently idyll afternoon of skipping rocks. Further down the beach our gazes transfxed

View of the lodge from Doughmore Bay.

Native grasses are used for the the golf course at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel. Photo by Bridget Williams.

Entrance to the Lodge at the Trump International.

on a couple galloping astride horses whose color mimicked the foamy whitecaps.

Refreshed from a brief catnap, we decided to walk the par72 golf course, which plays 6,885 yards from championship tees and boasts ocean views from 16 of its 18 holes. Te frst course in Ireland or Great Britain designed by Greg Norman, the layout follows nature, with native grasses simply mowed on 14 greens and 12 fairways. Varying ocean breezes ensure that no two rounds will ever play the same. A total of 51 acres of grey dunes are permanently fenced of for preservation, while the remainder of the site, including the course, is designated as a proposed Natural Heritage Area. Te 400-acre resort also includes a frstrate pro shop, a practice facility with driving range, putting green and chipping area, and caddies trained to U.S. standards.

Under the direction of Executive Head Chef Greg Budzyn, guests at the property can savor both traditional and international cuisine prepared with locally sourced ingredients at two full-service dining options: casual, bistro-style fare in the Trump Bar and Restaurant or fine dining accompanied by an impressive global selection of wines in the Ocean View Restaurant. Afternoon tea is

Lodge suite living room at the Trump International.

served daily by the freplace in the lounge, and in-suite dining is available around the clock.

Smitten with the scent of the Burren Perfumery toiletries in our room, we obtained directions to the company’s manufactory where we perused their entire product line, picked up souvenirs and enjoyed afternoon tea and scones from their on-site tearoom (burrenperfumery.com). The sparsely populated scenery of the limestone upland en route was quite arresting, and we made multiple stops just to admire the desolately beautiful karst landscape, where 70 percent of Ireland's wildfower species can be found.

Sensory indulgence also abounds at the Trump International’s subterranean White Horses Spa, located beneath the main lodge and outfitted in the same warm and welcoming country chic environment that permeates the upper floors. Laura Ryan, my massage therapist, was honored as “Best Spa Terapist of the Year" 2013 by Irish Tatler magazine and for good reason: my blissful 90-minute Burren Wilderness Massage seemed to be over in the blink of an eye!

For more information or reservations at the Trump International Golf Links & Hotel, Ireland visit trumphotelcollection.com/Ireland. slmag.net

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Dromoland Castle at dusk.

Dromoland After a few days of visiting castles, we were ready to live like royalty by checking into one, and Dromoland, a 16th century baronial castle located in Newmarket-on-Fergus, proved to ft the bill quite nicely. Literally minutes from a major thoroughfare and less than a 20-minute drive from Shannon Airport, once you pass through the gateway you are enveloped by 450 acres of lush, rolling hills. An 18-hole championship parkland golf course is laid out on either side of the narrow lane leading to the stoic limestone castle, complete with four castellated turrets.

Te castle is strategically positioned atop a knoll that provides a “wow” moment the frst time it comes into view.

As the ancestral home of the O’Briens, Barons of Inchiquin, one of the few native Gaelic families of royal blood, the richly appointed interiors of Dromoland Castle beft their noble legacy.

Portraits of ancestors are hung along paneled corridors; windows are dressed with lavish tasseled drapery; and, light emanating from sparkling crystal chandeliers dances across coats of armor and gold cornices. Noted interior designer Dorothy Draper was retained when the property was renovated in 1962 to emerge as a luxury hotel; the guest rooms were refreshed two decades later

by Draper’s protégé, Carleton Varney. Each category among the 85 guest rooms and 14 suites have been recently refurbished 60 slmag.net

with touches such as bespoke, 19th-century Empire-style and Louis XV-style furnishings and specially commissioned fabrics

by Manuel Canovas, Colefax & Fowler and Pierre Frey.

My favorite room was Te Cocktail Bar, an octagon-shaped space that was the former study of Lord Inchiquin, and where we would retreat each evening to claim a corner table near the fre to enjoy a pint and a sing-along of Irish ballads. Red and gold foil damask wallpaper accentuated the soaring height of the room’s ceiling; dark wood bookcases not utilized to highlight spirits for the bar housed a whimsical collection of Toby jugs. A pack of Stafordshire spaniel fgures sat obediently from individual halfround shelves scattered around the room.

Dromoland’s fne dining option, the Earl of Tomond, was awarded a Michelin star in 1995 under Head Chef Jean Baptiste Molinari. Current Executive Chef David McCann has taken great pains to ensure that the culinary delights revealed when the polished silver domes presented to the table are lifted in unison are truly worthy of such pageantry. À la carte, fve-course table d’hôte and vegetarian menus are available.

More casual dining from noon to late evening is ofered at the Fig Tree Restaurant, located in the Golf & Country Club building and just a short walk from the castle. Both the facilities and menu were revamped in 2012. A traditional daily tea is

Te Cocktail Bar at Dromoland Castle.

Te karst landscape of the Burren region is home to 70% of Ireland's wildfower species.

Photo by Bridget Williams.

served from 3:00-5:00 in the Drawing Room. For the active or romantically inclined, a special picnic basket can be prepared for a day outing or a relaxing lunchtime stroll to a secluded spot on the grounds.

A full complement of indoor and outdoor activities makes Dromoland a year-round destination. Opened in 2007, Te Spa at Dromoland features an outdoor hydra spa sheltered by a gazebo and ornamental courtyard, six luxury treatment rooms, and two product ranges, Pevonia Botanica and Voya, the latter of which is an organic seaweed beauty product manufacturer based on Ireland's Atlantic coast.

Dromoland’s 18-hole championship golf course was re-designed by Irish golfng legend J.B. Carr and American Ron Kirby. Te afliated Golf Academy boasts 10 fully automated driving bays, putting greens and a bunker, including a rivetedface-links-style bunker modeled on the famous “Road Hole” bunker on the 17th at St. Andrews.

Lake Dromoland is well-stocked with trout, perch and other coarse fish, and guests may fish from the banks or one of the estate’s small boats. Two all-weather tennis courts, a dedicated shooting range, archery instruction, horseback riding, falconry “Hawk Walks,” complimentary mountain bikes for use on the estate, an indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room and ftness

Te Clifs of Moher. Photo by Bridget Williams.

facility, and ample acreage for hiking, walking and jogging ensure there’s always plenty to do.

Easy day trips from both Dromoland and the Trump International Golf Links & Hotel include hiking the spectacular pathways that snake along the precipitous edges of the Cliffs of Moher (cliffsofmoher.ie); visiting Bunratty Castle and Folk Park where you can stroll through a village constructed to resemble life in Ireland a century ago, followed by dining Medieval style in the 15th century Bunratty Castle (shannonheritage.com/BunrattyCastleAndFolkPark); marveling at the lunar-like landscape found in The Burren National Park (burrennationalpark.ie); and, simply wandering through charming towns sprinkled throughout the countryside and popping into a local pub where hospitality flows as freely as the Guinness on tap. We were particularly fond of Morrissey’s Seafood Bar & Grill in Doonbeg (morrisseysdoonbeg.ie) and Te Locke Bar in Limerick, which had excellent traditional Irish music (lockebar.com). Further afeld but still reachable in a day is Blarney Castle. While kissing the famed Blarney Stone is a must, the gardens that surround the 600-year-old castle are quite exquisite and worth a leisurely stroll (blarneycastle.ie).

For more information or reservations at Dromoland Castle, visit dromoland.ie. slmag.net

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Kylemore Abbey. Photo by Bridget Williams.

Ashford Castle Nudging the bar even higher on luxury lodging in Ireland is Ashford Castle. While the presence of a friendly ghost purported to make herself known from time-to-time in the oldest section of the castle is debatable, what is absolutely irrefutable is the property’s rich legacy, preserved and enhanced under the tutelage of Bea Tollman, founder and president of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, who, after acquiring the property and saving it from a pedestrian fate, set upon a meticulous and ambitious renovation and restoration project during which no expense was spared.

Positioned prominently on the shores of Lough Corrib, the second-largest lake in Ireland, the oldest section of Ashford Castle dates to 1228. Subsequent owners, including Lord and Lady Ardilaun of the Guinness family (whose legendary love story is fairy tale worthy), expanded the existing structure in a neo-Gothic style and extended the estate to an eventual 26,000 acres (it stands today at a more manageable 350 acres). The property opened as a hotel in the early 1940s; when John Mulcahy acquired the property in 1970, he nearly doubled its size with the addition of a new wing. Red Carnation purchased the property out of receivership in 2013. “We haven’t seen an investment of this scale in both the property and the local community since the legendary

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Joyce County sheepdogs provides visitors a glimpse of a rapidly disappearing way of life in the Connemara region.

Photo by Bridget Williams.

benevolence of the Guinness family in the 1800s,” said General Manager Niall Rochford, who was named Hospitality Manager of the Year 2013 by Te Irish Times. “Te Tollman family wants to preserve and enhance the story of Ashford, and the sense of style, time and place they have created is truly wonderful.”

The heart of hospitality beats strong at Ashford, where children of long-time employees often follow in their parent’s footsteps generation after generation and pridefully regard the castle as their home away from home. I have to say, in all my years of traveling, I’ve yet to stay at a property whose staf are so fully in-sync with and vested in a company’s ethos as those at Ashford.

Tollman maintains an intensive personal level of involvement in each of Red Carnation’s 17 four- and five-star boutique hotels around the globe that is dually admirable and mind-boggling, leaving me to wonder if she ever sleeps! Tis is worth mentioning quite simply for the fact that happy employees create optimal guest experiences at even the most mundane level of interaction.

Bea Tollman and her daughter Toni headed up the design team that created uniquely opulent environs in each of the castle’s 68 guestrooms and 14 staterooms; Ashford is the only property of its size in Ireland to boast completely individualized guestrooms. The final renovations will be unveiled when the

Te new Billiard Room at Ashford Castle.

Ashford Castle is home to Ireland's frst School of Falconry. Photo by Bridget Williams.

property reopens on March 28 after a winter hiatus. Even in her 80s, Bea logs some 300,000 travel miles annually and is constantly acquiring antiques and art for her company’s hotels, sometimes squirreling pieces away in storage until the “perfect” opportunity presents itself.

I had the privilege of lodging in stateroom 326, which overlooks the lake and formal garden and is resplendent in a predominant palette of regal red and royal blue, with upholstered silk walls (a design hallmark of Red Carnation properties); a fush mount ceiling draped bed with a scalloped crown and tassel trim that matches the drapery; Venetian mirrors; a blue Murano chandelier; original oil portraits; a spacious bath with a one-ton marble soaking tub, an Empire-style crystal chandelier, iridescent wallpaper and a walk-in shower so spacious, it brings a concerthall setting to singing in the shower; and, the latest in high-tech in-room amenities.

Common areas of the hotel have been refreshed as well, with windows added and doorways widened to allow more light into rooms that had previously seemed slightly somber. “Te Tollmans have maintained what should be and removed what’s not important, and that has added to the high-level experience,” said Paula Carroll, who heads up Ashford’s sales and marketing department.

George V. dining room at Ashford Castle.

Recently added amenities include a posh 32-seat cinema, children’s game room, a billiard room and a pair of outdoor roof terraces, one of which will serve fne cigars, some of which will be exclusive to Ashford. Future plans include transforming the recently rediscovered escape tunnel into a wine cellar with private dining rooms and creating a secluded lakefront honeymoon suite from an old boathouse on the grounds. Further in the offing, pending regulatory approval, is a renovation and expansion of the on-site spa to include an indoor ozone-fltrated pool and state-ofthe-art ftness center.

Te afable and seemingly omnipresent Robert Bowe heads up the restaurant and wine program and will gladly spin a good castle ghost yarn if you inquire. For breakfast each morning in the George V Dining Room, so named to commemorate a visit by the then Prince of Wales, scrambled eggs with shaved black trufe seemed ideally suited for the elegant environs, illuminated by nine grand Waterford chandeliers. Dinner is a formal afair, where a seasonal menu highlights the best local meat, fsh and produce. Te intimate Connaught Room, considered one of the fnest in the castle, provides dinner service from May through September. Cullens at the Dungeon Bar and the seasonal Cullens at the Cottage ofer more casual fare. You can immerse

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Stateroom 326 in Ashford Castle.

Te Presidential Suite at Ashford Castle.

yourself in the art of appreciating fne and rare Irish whiskeys at the Prince of Wales Cocktail Bar or survey the rapidly changing skies over the lake from a plethora of windows in the Drawing Room, which makes daily afternoon tea quite a treat (the Irish Whiskey Cream tea blended just for Ashford is a must-try).

Activities on property include fshing for brown trout and Atlantic salmon in Lough Corrib, considered one of the best fsheries in Europe for both species; falconry lessons at the School of Falconry (Ireland’s frst); indoor archery; tennis; cruising the lake aboard the M.V. Lady Ardilaun; jogging/walking an extensive network of routes from 20 minutes to two hours in duration that traverse everything from mossy forested paths to winding country roads; golfing the onsite nine-hole, par 35 parkland course designed by Irish golf architect Eddie Hackett (fve notable courses are located within close proximity of the castle); choosing from a dozen available horses to ride at the equestrian center; and, shooting sporting clays at a designated range with expert coaching from Tom Clesham, who has literally grown up on property (his parents operate the equestrian center).

Just outside the castle gates is the village of Cong. Founded in 623AD as a monastery, today the tiny hamlet is a postcardperfect assemblage of tidy buildings housing a number of restaurants and shops. Te village served as the backdrop for John Ford’s 1951 flm “Te Quiet Man,” starring John Wayne 64 slmag.net

and Maureen O’Hara. Te movie is screened daily in Ashford Castle’s cinema.

Myriad day trips abound throughout the Connemara region (connemara.ie/en/), whose raw and rugged beauty proved to be infnitely intriguing. Te area is distinguished by some 7,000 miles of dry stone walls that scale over and around the steep hillsides and contain herds of sheep whose wooly coats sport bright painted markings to signify their ownership. During our visit, the weather seemed to change on a dime and subtle shifts in sunlight caused the mood of the steep hills, bogs, lakes and golden beaches of the Atlantic shoreline to seesaw between ethereal and eerie.

Noteworthy places to visit include Kylemore Abbey (kylemoreabbeytourism.ie), a monument to love and loss that is now home to a group of Benedictine nuns and the largest Victorian walled garden in all of Ireland; the town of Westport (destinationwestport.com), a small community with a large number of fne restaurants and pubs and recently named the best town to live in Ireland; Joyce Country Sheepdogs (joycecountrysheepdogs.ie) where a sheepdog demonstration provides a glimpse of a rapidly disappearing way of life; and Burke’s Bar and Restaurant in the village of Clonbur (burkesclonbur.com) for an authentic Irish pub experience.

For more information or reservations at Ashford Castle visit ashfordcastle.com. sl

Brooklyn Boulders

BURN NOTICE Looking to shakeup your workout regime this spring?

We traversed Chicago’s hoods to fnd out what’s on the cutting edge of personal ftness.

By Kalyn Jerome Sproing Sport Old Town A revolution in the exercise industry, Sproing’s cardio equipment was built with the biomechanics of running in mind. Each 45-minute workout is a winning combo of cardio, strength training, power bursts and balance, all on a soft, low-impact surface. Translation: You get the calorie burn of a treadmill with the low impact of an elliptical. Why try it: For the benefits of running without the high risk of injury. And because Brian Urlacher Sproings—enough said. Amenities & Offers: First week free; onsite childcare and free Wi-Fi. 4 classes/mo., $72; 8 classes/mo., $119; unlimited classes/mo., $139. 1652 N. Wells St., 312.266.2786, sproingsport.com Broga at Yoga Loft Chicago, River North Two studios under one roof, Yoga Loft separates itself from the pack by providing a place where the discipline and health benefts of yoga are integrated with strength training and cardiovascular conditioning. Why try it: Our latest addiction? Broga—yoga geared toward the guys, hence the name, but women are welcome too—builds muscle in a way that’s fun, fast (only 45 minutes) and constantly changing to avoid burnout. Amenities & Ofers: New clients get two weeks unlimited classes for $35; personal training, nutritional counseling, health coaching and teacher certifcation courses. Drop-in/single class, $19; 5 class series, $85; 10 class series, $160; unlimited monthly classes, $169. 15 W. Hubbard St., 4th foor, 312.344.1606, yogaloftchicago.com 66 slmag.net

Precision Running at Equinox

Brooklyn Boulders West Loop Real-deal rock climbing is the focus at BKB. Take the 15-minute Facility Orientation & Climbing Introduction, followed by a Learn the Ropes class, and up you go, from smaller boulder walls to top-roping walls. Why try it: Climbing is a full-body workout, engaging you both physically and mentally while immersing you in a cool community of rock jocks. Amenities & Offers: Yoga classes, weight room, and cardio and fitness equipment; youth programs and birthday parties; meeting and event spaces. Day pass, $25; 10-pack of day passes, $225. 100 S. Morgan St., 312.268.0002, brooklynboulders.com Orangetheory Fitness Wicker Park and Wrigleyville opening soon Self-described as “the best one-hour workout in the country,” the signature offering at Orangetheory Fitness’ new Chicago outposts features heart-rate-based interval training via treadmills, rowing machines, SBT Suspension Training and free weights.

Why try it: Keeps your heart rates in the target zone to stimulate metabolism, increase energy and burn a whopping 500-1,000 calories in just 60 minutes. Bonus: Your calorie burn continues for up to 36 hours post-workout. Amenities & Offers: First class is free for new clients; sign up for the Ultimate Weight Loss Challenge and join OTFers on a six-week mission to meet your weight-loss goals. Membership packages start at $59. 1634 W. North Ave., 312.757.1644, orangetheoryftness.com Precision Running at Equinox, Gold Coast Upscale ftness and lifestyle leader Equinox needs no introduction.

All four Chicago clubs ofer state-of-the-art equipment, motivating classes and a true focus on the member experience—not to mention the chance to spy the occasional celeb sweatin’ it out.

Why try it: Precision Running, Equinox’s newest instructor-led treadmill workout, uses the B.I.T.E. method—Balanced Interval Training Experience (both aerobic and anaerobic)—to ensure a big calorie burn from a smart, safe run. Amenities & Ofers: Kids club and valet parking; track your runs with the Equinox App. Gold Coast membership, $148; all clubs, $225. 900 N. Michigan Ave., 312.254.2500, equinox.com sl

Chicago’s Richard H. Driehaus Museum

PRICELESS New exhibit Maker & Muse: Women and Early Twentieth Century Art Jewelry draws historians and jewelry-lovers to the Driehaus Museum.

By Korey Huyler Chicago is known for having some of the best baubles in the country—both in its high-end stores and on its sophisticated residents. So it’s not surprising that our stylish city is now hosting one of the most innovative jewelry exhibitions in the United States. Maker & Muse: Women and Early Twentieth Century Art Jewelry is a one-of-a-kind show at the Driehaus Museum that features more than 250 history-making pieces— many of which have never before been displayed.

Te exhibit—which features numerous creations made by and for women—spotlights the private art jewelry collection from museum founder Richard Driehaus, alongside various items from private and public collections around the country (the Newark Museum, Tiffany & Co. archives and Chicago History Museum donated pieces). Expect to see necklaces, 68 slmag.net

brooches, bracelets, pins, rings, and jeweled and enameled boxes alongside pendants, buckles, cloak clasps, accessories, and even a tiara or two, including loans from designer Neil Lane’s personal art jewelry collection and designs by René Lalique.

Not familiar with the term “art jewelry”? Here’s a primer: Between the late Victorian period and World War I, jewelry makers in the world’s design centers created daring new styles in response to the growing industrialization of the world and the changing role of women in society. These works—boldly artistic, exquisitely detailed, hand-wrought and inspired by nature—became known as art jewelry. Delicate designs include an ivory-face pendant, an octopus waist clasp and a winged sylph brooch, with many including enamel, plique-à-jour and the intricate use of semiprecious gemstones. ...continued

Te Artifcers’ Guild (English, 1901-1942) pendant, circa 1900, from the Richard H. Driehaus collection

Wilhelm Lucas von Cranach (German, 1861-1918) octopus waist clasp, circa 1900, from the Richard H. Driehaus collection

Mrs. W.H. (Elinor) Klapp (American, 1845-1915) brooch, circa 1895-1914, from the Bronson family collection

Louis Comfort Tifany (American, 1848-1933) necklace, circa 1918, from the Elizabeth Driehaus collection

“The urge for a new aesthetic emerged simultaneously in many countries at the turn of the century,” says the exhibit’s curator Elyse Zorn Karlin. “Art jewelry styles are unique to the regions in which they were created, but together were defned by a rebellion against the strictures of the past and a look toward an exciting, less-encumbered future. Tis exhibition is the most extensive look to date of the sheer diversity and beauty of art jewelry during this period. It ofers a new and groundbreaking perspective on woman’s role within that world.”

The Driehaus Museum, housed in the restored, 19th century Samuel M. Nickerson mansion on Erie Street in River North, has dedicated each of its third-foor rooms to a diferent art jewelry movement from around the globe—the Arts and Crafts movement in Britain, Art Nouveau in France and Belgium, Jugendstil in Germany and Austria, Louis Comfort Tifany in New York and American Arts and Crafts in Chicago.

Together the pieces paint a story of strong and visionary women—as designers, muses and jewelry shoppers. (For a truly in-depth look at the history behind the pieces, buy the exhibit’s stunning companion book, Maker & Muse: Women and Early Twentieth Century Art Jewelry, Te Monacelli Press, $50.)

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In fact, the art jewelry era was the frst time that women were both the wearers and designers. Highlights from the exhibit include four revival-style works by Charlotte Newman (known in the jewelry world as Mrs. Phillip Newman), who was the first woman to be admitted to the Guild of Jewellry Designers in London; rare designs by Julia Munson, the frst director of Louis Comfort Tifany’s jewelry studio; and stunning pieces from Chicago’s distinguished Kalo Shop, founded in 1900 by Clara Barck Welles.

“Te true beauty and value of art jewelry lies in the artist’s vision and mastery of technique, rather than in the sum value and size of precious metals and stones,” explains Driehaus.

“Each of the works in the exhibition is truly a complete work of art in miniature. I’m delighted to exhibit my jewelry collection for the frst time for Driehaus Museum visitors to enjoy, and am honored to be joined by the distinguished collectors and museums that recognize and celebrate their artistic quality.

Together, these works tell a complete story of many jewelers’ aspirations, techniques and accomplishments.” sl Maker & Muse runs throughout 2015 at the Driehaus Museum, 40 E. Erie St., driehausmuseum.org, tickets $20

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Chef Charles Webb’s dinner guests gathered around the jamón that was fown in from Brazil.

Dinner with Friends Snag an invite to chef Charles Webb’s Bucktown abode for a home cooked meal and conversation—if you’re lucky.

By Amalie Drury Photography by Michael Heliker of Mikelangelo Design Chicago-based chef Charles Webb can’t agree with his mother on how many diferent jobs he’s held over the course of his career.

He’s worked on Wall Street, been an English teacher in Brazil and lived in nine countries. He’s held all of the posts a person can hold in a restaurant, from bartender to line cook to manager. Webb says the grand total is exactly 88 jobs, but his Texan mom thinks it’s more like 83. “She thinks I’m making it up,” he says with a shrug. “I’ve followed my heart, and it’s led me on a path I never could have planned.”

Webb says he’ll travel to 22 countries this year to cook for private parties and events—he won’t name-drop specifc clients, but hints at rock stars, industrialists and socialites—and during the short interludes when he’s back on solid ground in Chicago, he’ll be turning the tables by inviting handpicked groups of guests to dinner at his Bucktown home.

“It’s really exclusive, a new thing I’m doing about once a month,” says Webb, who was born in Chicago but raised mostly in San Antonio before returning to the Midwest to attend DePaul University. “I wanted to bring people into my house so they could go behind the scenes, see the ingredients and look around

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at my books, my art—the things that make me who I am.” To keep things intimate, the guest lists for the dinners typically is capped at 14. Webb and his publicist, Caitlin McCarthy, curate the list to make sure the group includes food lovers from diverse backgrounds. “We go for personality and individuality,” says Webb. “We don’t want a bunch of people standing around talking about fnance or technology—the medium here is food.”

The menus can extend to as many as nine courses, but the dinners aren’t formal affairs. Webb encourages guests to sip wine while they roam around the house and lean on his kitchen island, where they can watch him chop, sear and plate. A running conversation about the meal, Webb’s travels and his culinary inspirations goes on all night. The chef often incorporates ingredients he’s discovered in markets around the world—bottled sauces, “crazy” spices and, most recently, an anchovy paste made by a family in Provence that he says made anchovy lovers out of the entire group. “It’s a very muted take on that strong, salty, anchovy favor, which can sometimes turn people of,” he says. “When I frst tried it, my eyebrows shot up. And when my dinner guests tried it, they got that same little nod in their heads, like, wow.” ...continued

Chef Charles Webb Dulce de leche bites with ginger and crema

Herbs of Provence-dusted ahi tuna with a Peruvian yellow pepper dollop and a drizzle of Arbequina olive oil Aquarello risotto “nero� (squid ink) topped with Maine lobster, chives and chili oil

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Goat cheese mousse, mission fgs, toasted pistachios and black trufe honey on a gluten-free cracker

continued... Webb uses an assistant and a bartender or liquor brand rep to help serve drinks, but other than that, his dinners at home are a solo act. If you’ve ever been to a tapas bar in Spain, he says, then you might have some idea of the vibe. “Literally they’ll just turn around and drop the food on you as soon as it’s ready,” he says.

The cost to attend is $80 per guest, but Webb also gives away three free tickets to each. Te selection process is essentially a social media contest: To be considered for a spot, diners can either tweet the chef their reason for wanting to attend (tag @ ChefCharlesWebb) or re-gram one of his Instagram posts with the hashtag #ChefCW (including why you want to attend within 76 slmag.net

the caption of the photo). “It’s not necessarily a moneymaking gimmick,” says Webb, who has been known to take the dinners’ ofsite to lofts, penthouses and other “interesting” venues around town when the mood strikes.

Te real goal, it seems, is to put interesting people in a room with interesting food and watch what happens—and to take people on the kind of culinary journey that’s kept Webb happily “living outside his comfort zone,” he says, all of his adult life.

“When I hear guests who were strangers at the beginning of the night making plans to meet up for lunch down the road… that’s the cool part,” Webb says. chefcharleswebb.com sl

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Cozy Confnes A jet-setting bachelor turns to Studio Gild to transform his blank slate, high-rise condo into a pad with personality.

By Diana Bitting Photography by Anthony Tahlier The coming-to-be of the latest local interiors firm to earn thunderous industry applause, Studio Gild, was something akin to an intense (and drawn out) game of chess. While they all worked simultaneously at Kara Mann Design, Jennie Bishop had branched of to start her own frm after studying under Tom Filicia; Melissa Benham made a segue to New York for André Balazs, then Ralph Lauren; and Kristen Ekeland served stints at Clodagh and S. Russell Groves. Teir paths kept crossing (including a two-person reunion at Simeone Deary Design Group) before Bishop called checkmate. “I’m often the one that breaks the ice, or smashes it to smithereens,” she says with a laugh. “So we started getting together for weekly dinners and answering the hard questions: ‘Can we work together? What are our aesthetics? Our work processes?’ We got to know each other professionally.” Sure, Bishop can shoot from the hip, but it’s always good to have alpha-beta balance within a creative collective, so they say.

And balance is what makes Studio Gild’s designs so beautiful. Exhibit A: The Hartshorne Plunkard-designed high-rise condominium in River North that the frm recently buttoned up. Te sleek concrete, steel and glass shell was decidedly contemporary, allowing the incredible foor-to-ceiling glass to bathe the interior with sunlight. So the team knew they would work with the clean backdrop while selecting furniture and fxtures that would warm up the space.

“It was minimal and modern in terms of the architecture, but lacking any personality,” explains Bishop. “And the client wanted a lot of personality.”

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Studio Gild selected Bride’s Veil stools by Phase Design from Haute Living for seating along the kitchen island.

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Wallpaper by Weitzner and accessories from Barneys New York provide texture in the guest bedroom.

The homeowner (a 30-something male banker) had spent a night or two at Ace Hotels across the country (the Portland, Oregon-based hospitality chain will open an outpost in Chicago’s Fulton Market next year) and liked its colorful textiles, statement furniture pieces and quirky artwork and accessories.

But Bishop knew his tastes would mature, so she reinterpreted his sense of humor with a sophisticated, refned spin—quite literally. Te frst purchase, a pair of gray anthracite Spun Chairs designed by London-based designer Tomas Heatherwick, rotate 360 degrees, giving guests a thrill at every turn.

“He likes to entertain,” says Bishop, “and these are definitely conversation pieces.” An oatmeal-colored sofa on chrome legs and a cerused oak cofee table sit atop a metallic silver and bronze cowhide rug, while a gorgeous, expansive fig tree brings a calming, natural element indoors. Pops of color come in

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Studio Gild principals and founders (from left) Kristen Ekeland, Melissa Benham and Jennie Bishop

the form of bold-hued pillows and a few well-placed cofee table books and smaller-scale sculpture objects.

In addition to all the excitement, the Gild girls also wanted to maximize every square foot of the two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit, so fexibility was key. Late nights out with friends inevitably lead to one or two pad crashers, so the ofce doubles as a guest room courtesy of a daybed by Gus Modern.

A rustic West Elm desk plays well with a classic Herman Miller chair, but the lime green window treatments made with fabric from Knoll and the Newsworthy wallpaper by Lori Weitzner are the main players. It’s energetic and youthful, and not too comfortable—which was surprisingly important. “He didn’t want it to be too relaxing,” says Bishop. “Like, a one night stay is OK, but then you gotta go!”

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Sleek and chic, the custom media unit by Lagomorph supports an eye-catching chunk of quartz and faceted vases from Vern + Vera.

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A pair of artful gray anthracite Spun chairs from Hive Modern rotate 360 degrees.

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Bedding by Restoration Hardware and throw pillows

by Jayson Home spruce up the master bedroom.

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Modern and masculine, the master bath brings pops of color courtesy of an area rug from Jayson Home and artwork from Las Manos Gallery.

For the owner’s own sleeping sanctuary, Bishop fashioned a high-end hotel suite, starting with a custom, irregular wood headboard focal wall by Zak Rose, stained a soothing, chocolate hue. Te metal and wood bedside tables and matching dresser were custom as well, crafted by Lagomorph Designs in partnership with Iron & Wire. Flush-mount chrome sconces were installed on either side of the bed, and crisp lines in a white, gray and brown theme complete the look.

Luckily for all parties involved, the property’s developer made top-ofthe-line appliances and fnishes part of the package, so the Snaidero cabinetry, Sub-Zero stainless steel fridge, Wolf range and hood, and Grohe fxtures all could stay. Other thoughtful interior architecture details like integrated HVAC engineering, fush grilles and outlets, and custom trim work throughout gave the space an air of intelligence. Still, Bishop knew the kitchen and bathrooms, along with the other blank walls in each room, needed a little jazzing-up, so that’s when Studio Gild’s signature “gilding”—those fnal layers of detail, such as the accessories and art, which the frm insists are the most important pieces to the puzzle—came into play.

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Artwork by Michael McGuire from Las Manos Gallery is lined up in the main hallway.

“We noticed that with our past employers, the art selection was at the end of the process, kind of like an afterthought,” says Bishop. “But we all agreed that it’s so important and so personal, and we should be discussing it throughout the project instead. It’s like wearing the most exquisite dress and forgetting to do your hair and makeup—without great art, the furniture can be amazing, but the space just doesn’t resonate the way it should.” For the kitchen area, the Gild girls chose a sculpture by Michael McGuire from Las Manos Gallery, and nearby in the hallway hang his Color Panel Studies. In the master bedroom, the large-scale technical piece by Tricia Rumbolz is pen on prepared board, and Michelle Peterson-Albandoz’s wood and acrylic work adds a color punch to the master bath.

Now that this particular Superior Street project for a jet-setting bachelor has wrapped, Studio Gild will apply their m.o. of prioritizing the fnishing touches to their new ofce and showroom space—to be unveiled this month at 2110 N. Damen Ave. in Bucktown. Tere will be custom furniture designs from the trio, carefully curated decor pieces and, of course, exquisite works of fne art. “If we don’t have incredible art in our showroom,” says Bishop, “we aren’t practicing what we preach.” Clearly, this company walks the walk. sl Studio Gild, 2110 N. Damen Ave., 312.528.7825, studiogild.com

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GET A TASTE OF WHAT’S NEW. Enjoy an up-close look at our new French-door refrigerators and wall ovens at the Monogram Design Center, home to beautifully appointed live kitchens, cooking demonstrations by leading chefs and a world of design inspiration.

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PROGRESS MAKES PERFECT Experience the evolution of fne dining with chef Tomas Lents’ latest tasting menu at Sixteen.

By Joel Hoglund Photography by Anthony Tahlier

From left: Lemon tart with diplomat cream, fennel and olive oil jam; Executive Chef Tomas Lents leads the Sixteen kitchen with creativity and precision; an amuse bouche featuring iconic favors from the Spanish technical movement: langoustine served in its shell with chorizo, pine nut and citrus.

If any restaurant can make a person realize what a knockout this city is, even in the dead of winter, Sixteen can. And it’s not just because the 30-foot windows on the restaurant’s 16th-foor perch at Trump Tower make the majestic clock tower of the Wrigley Building, the Gothic spires of the Tribune Tower and the glowing gold orb of the InterContinental seem an arm’s length away.

It’s because Sixteen makes you think about where we’re heading, even with such stately symbols of Chicago’s past staring you in the face. Tat’s the goal with Executive Chef Tomas Lents’ winter tasting menu (available through March), entitled Dining in Progress, which takes guests through the evolution of fine dining’s significant cuisines, techniques and movements—and looks ahead to the future.

Each of the year’s four seasonal menus will relate to the idea of progress. Lents introduced the concept of a year-long guiding theme when he took over Sixteen in January 2012 as a way to always keep pushing the restaurant in new directions.

(If you ever need help remembering the name, just add up its 88 slmag.net

prestigious accolades: two Michelin stars, fve AAA diamonds, five stars in the Forbes Travel Guide and a four-star review from the Chicago Tribune.) “Fine dining can get stagnant and reproduce the same concepts over and over again,” Lents says. “I wanted to build in a necessity for dynamism in the restaurant.

We wanted to make the ideas behind the restaurant more transparent, to have a conversation with the guest.”

Te 42-year-old chef, a Michigan native who now lives with his wife in Ukrainian Village, is exactly the kind of man with whom you’d want to have a conversation about food. He worked in kitchens while earning a degree in philosophy and seemed on his way to a PhD before ditching what he calls “an ivory tower existence” in favor of cooking. “I realized I had to do something physical,” Lents says. “But I’ve been able to put some level of that intellectualism from my studies into my food as well. Tat’s one of the reasons we talk about what’s behind the menu and our reasoning for what we’re doing.” It’s thoughtful, enlightened food, but with some muscle behind it.

Sixteen’s dramatic main dining room ofers panoramic views of Chicago’s famous skyline, the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.

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A salad of Grecque style vegetables served in an artichoke with comté and black garlic.

In his three years at the helm—after forging an impressive pedigree at Everest, Joël Rubuchon at Te Mansion in Las Vegas, San Francisco’s Quince and Dublin’s Tornton Restaurant—he has built tasting menus around concrete themes like the seasons and more ethereal ones like inspiration. His guests read their courses not from sheets of paper but from astrological wheels (for the “Day and Night” menu) or CTA maps (for the “History of Chicago” menu). Tey’ve eaten from miniature Ferris wheels and watched videos of the staff ’s faces projected high on the walls. It’s interactive. It’s fun. An elevation of the usual finedining tropes. But none of it would mean a thing if the food coming out of the kitchen wasn’t knock-your-socks-of fantastic.

And from the frst taste, it is.

Fittingly my meal begins with wooden blocks laser-etched with the various courses. The future, this three-dimensional 90 slmag.net

menu seems to say, can only be arrived at by understanding and building on the past.

A series of four snacks representing red-hot Nordic cuisine arrive frst, lovely little bites highlighted by pristine seafood: peppered mackerel on a buckwheat blini, a fragrant curl of marinated cuttlefsh, a husky smoked oyster and a fnger of king crab topped with single bits of dill, sea buckthorn and cocoa nib that add well-considered dashes of flavor despite their microscopic size. No detail, it’s evident from the outset, is too small.

Same goes for the langoustine, prepared with chorizo and pine nuts and served inside its own formidable claw. It’s dotted with tiny spots of bright roe and precious fowers, red and green and black and orange fragments that resemble Gaudí’s tile mosaics—a fanciful and delicious nod to the Spanish avant-garde movement.

A meeting of the minds: (From left) Sixteen’s Executive Sous Chef Christopher Heisinger, Executive Chef Tomas Lents, Executive Pastry Chef Aya Fukai and Restaurant Director and Sommelier Dan Pilkey

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A gift course with three presentations: bone marrow custard with corned veal and favors of gribiche, deviled kidneys with parsley root and foam, and veal tongue blanquette

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Te foor-to-ceiling glass enclosed wine gallery at Sixteen leads guests to the dining room.

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Te menu’s second course: grilled lobster on rice with uni and cofee

“Techniques once considered avant-garde are now familiar to us,” my server says as he prepares a comté and fermented garlic sauce on a tableside cart—a classic service technique worthy of resurgence— to pour over a salad of vegetables à la Grecque cooked sous vide inside an artichoke. A stunning dish of cipollini onion petals also is cooked sous vide, then covered in a thick, decadent caramelized onion jus with bacon, sourdough and cultured butter. It takes four hours for the kitchen to prepare the sauce, the server says, but it takes me just moments to sop up every last drop with the buttery smooth rosemary focaccia, one of three diferent artisanal bread and butter pairings served throughout the meal.

To arrive in the warm, crystal-chandelier-topped dining room with that drop-dead view, I first had to pass through a hall lined floor to ceiling with wine bottles. Beverage pairings by sommelier and Restaurant Director Dan Pilkey more than 94 slmag.net

live up to this bold frst impression of Sixteen’s refned oferings.

I started the meal with a heavenly flute of Charles Heidsieck Brut Blanc des Millénaires 1995 from the copious Champagne cart that temptingly winds its way through the room. Even without popping for the $750 reserve pairings, I’m poured such varied delights as a smoky Frank Cornelissen Nerello Mascalese produced near Mt. Etna, crisp Maley Matterhorn cider from the Valle d’Aosta, and a sparkling blue Okunomatsu sake that’s paired with a dish of butter-poached lobster atop sushi rice with uni and fecks of ground cofee (the Japanese, my server tells me, preferred cooking with the cofee American GIs introduced to their land rather than drinking it). “We try to mirror a lot of the same philosophies that we have with the food in the beverage program,” says Lents. “We’re trying to look for producers who are telling a story similar to what we’re trying to tell through the food.”

A scallop in its shell served with salt-roasted kohlrabi and a scallop trufe dashi is one of two dishes that are a gift from the kitchen.

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A closeup of the bone marrow custard with corned veal and favors of gribiche

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Te main course showcases fallow venison with fennel, red fruits, faro and buttermilk with a hibiscus and currant jus.

A striking chardonnay from Sonoma Valley’s progressive Scholium Project comes paired with one of several gift courses.

Te server sets a broad shell in front of me and another cracks it to reveal the beautiful scallop that has been cooked inside in its own broth. It’s sliced and sandwiched with wafer-thin layers of tart, crunchy kohlrabi and black trufe. Superb. Another gift course evokes the nose-to-tail movement, pairing bone marrow custard, deviled kidneys and veal tongue blanquette.

Te “gifts” are as much a symbol of Sixteen’s largesse as a sign that the kitchen doesn’t want you leaving without seeing all of what they can do.

And then the venison. The gleaming red disc of tender loin meat, marinated for three days in red wine, registers such spectacular favor with its aromatic jus of hibiscus and currant.

It’s a soulful, unforgettable dish perfectly suited to a bone-cold

winter night, but its plump raspberries and blackberries also hint hopefully at the warmer times to come.

So too do the desserts from Executive Pastry Chef Aya Fukai.

Following an indulgence in the encyclopedic cheese cart, they begin arriving in a series of snacks that reference the trend of savory ingredients used in sweet dishes and lead up to a climactic rif on German chocolate cake that gets a refreshing zing from a dollop of kafr lime sorbet.

I’m a little jealous of the dapperly dressed date-night couple seated next to me. Tey just received their building blocks, and get to start this impeccably orchestrated meal from the top. But come April, chef Lents will have a whole new story to tell. “In the spring we’re going to talk about progress in food itself,” he says, “the availability of certain products, the loss of certain heirloom ingredients, GMOs and farming techniques.” slmag.net

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Chocolate cake with pecan, coconut and kafr lime

On the way out I take in that view one last time, steam rising up from all the cold city. “Ten years ago I think Chicago was known as the center of molecular gastronomy in America,” says Lents, “but I think we’re definitely changing and altering and moving forward in diferent ways. It’s very much up in the air which direction the city is going to take. I think as we move away 98 slmag.net

from some of the bastions of fne dining and the older school, the next level of personalities is going to come out.”

Wherever fne dining in Chicago is heading, I’m just glad Tomas Lents is one of the chefs leading the way. sl Sixteen restaurant at Trump International Hotel & Tower, 401 N. Wabash Ave., 16th foor, 312.588.8030, sixteenchicago.com

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ARTISTIC EXPLORATION

Chicago’s design darling, Maria Pinto, fashions cultural enrichment through the art of couture.

By Alexandra Sabbag Photo by Matt Austin Wearing a piece by Maria Pinto is a major milestone in the evolution of the Chicago woman’s style. Pinto, acclaimed for dressing an array of celebrities, including first lady Michelle Obama, has outftted women around the world with her smart and sophisticated collections since 1991—all created right here in the Windy City.

While her customer base is a curated range of global, high-society fashionistas, Pinto, along the way, has found inspiration from a diferent sector, through an organization called Marwen.

Founded in 1987, Marwen (marwen.org.) is a River North-based nonproft aimed at ensuring students grades 6-12 have access to creative outlets by offering free art programs to underserved youth across Chicago. Currently represented in approximately 300 schools in 54 of the 57 zip codes that make up our city, the organization accepts any student that, via the honor system, identifes as “underserved” and is from Chicago proper.

“Marwen creates an environment for safe exploration, a neutral territory outside of the pressures faced at school or at home,” says Sara Gothard, senior manager of Marwen’s Studio Programs that provide upwards of 900 youths per year with visual arts activities ranging from digital photography and sculpture to painting and fashion design. “Each student we serve wants to be here, many traveling from the far south and west sides of the city for a number of reasons, but primarily because they love it and want this opportunity.”

As part of an ongoing partnership since the ’90s, Pinto most recently teamed up with Marwen to bring couture to the classroom through a course called Fashion Forward: Sculpting With Fabric. Utilizing scraps from her recent M2057 by Maria Pinto ready-to-wear capsule collection, the students created looks that produce no waste and leverage only top quality materials.

More than 20 Chicago-area high school students participated in the nine-week program, beginning with basic design skills (think threading a needle) and progressing into six weeks of solid design.

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Te fnished work of Marwen student Myia Esper, a junior at Whitney Young High School.

“There is a fine line between guiding and over-engaging,” says Pinto, who attended all nine classes in her role as guest teaching artist. “My approach was to suggest and push, but leave room for each student’s personal creative process. They were designing and producing their own pieces. I wanted the results to be entirely their own.”

Te students, many of whom lack innate knowledge of their respective course subject matter, fashion or otherwise, often come to Marwen already self-identifying as an artist, so to be able to have their work displayed in a gallery upon conclusion of the program is huge for their confdence. (Marwen has two galleries at its Orleans Street space: the Berkowitz Gallery, named after founder Steve Berkowitz, and the Untitled Gallery.) “I’m inspired by their rawness to be bold enough to be creative,” says Pinto. “Tere is a confdence in each of these students that makes me incredibly thankful for the opportunity to practice what I preach.” sl On May 1, Marwen will celebrate student accomplishments while raising money for its free art programs at the annual Paintbrush Ball, held at Morgan Manufacturing in the West Loop. For tickets and sponsorship information, visit marwen.org.

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Presented by

March 4 5 6 7 9 11 12 14 14

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Society

The 6th annual Taste of the Gold Coast, ceceandmelinda.com Imerman Angels Blue & White Party, imermanangels.org Chicago Lights Gala of Hope, chicagolights.org Hope Through Caring Dinner supporting the ALS Foundation, lesturnerals.org Steppenwolf Theatre’s Women in the Arts Luncheon, steppenwolf.org Goodman Theatre’s Two Trains and a Sidecar evening, goodmantheatre.org Hubbard Street’s Bold Moves for Bold Women event, hubbardstreetdance.com The Art Institute’s European Decorative Arts Gala, artic.edu Face the Future Foundation’s Venetian Masquerade beneftting The Craniofacial Center of Chicago, facethefuturefoundation.org Landmarks Illinois’ Legendary Landmarks Celebration, landmarks.org PAWS Chicago’s Animal Magnetism event, pawsevents.org Lookingglass Theatre Company’s gglassquerade 2015, lookingglasstheatre.org Lycée Français de Chicago’s La Magie de la Côte d’Azur gala dinner, lyceechicago.org

April 2 7 10 10 11 11 15 16 16 18 18 25

Chicago Fashion Foundation’s A City Within A City Scholarship Competition and Showcase, chicagofashionfoundation.org The Executives’ Club of Chicago International Executive of the Year Luncheon, executivesclub.org The Junior Board of the Chicago Public Library Foundation’s Night in the Stacks, cplfoundation.org Red or White Ball beneftting Steppenwolf for Young Adults, steppenwolf.org The American Heart Association’s Chicago Heart Ball, chicagoheartball.com The Chicagoland Artisan Chocolate Festival & Wine Tasting, fneartisanevents.com Joffrey Ballet Spring Gala, joffrey.org/gala Chicago Botanic Garden’s Antiques, Garden & Design Show Preview Evening, chicagobotanic.org/antiques DreamHome at The Merchandise Mart’s Grand Opening Celebration, designcenter.com Once Upon a Time Gala supporting The Children’s Place Association, childrens-place.org The Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association’s GLASA Gala, glasagala.org Chicago Zoological Society Whirl beneftting the Brookfeld Zoo, pjhchicago.com/zoo

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LOUIS VUITTON AND BMW EVENING

Louis Vuitton and Perillo BMW joined forces to fete the luxe label’s latest menswear and accessory oferings, including the new LV i8 custom collection of tony totes and luggage for motoring afcionados. Outside, a spotlit BMW i8 awaited approximately 110 VIP guests entering the Mag Mile boutique for a fashionable evening of cognac tasting, cigar rolling and bites by Limelight Catering. Daniel Paltridge, senior vice president of Louis Vuitton Americas, Northeastern Region, gave a welcoming speech before introducing Peter Miles, vice president of BMW North America.

Shopping, socializing and Champagne-sipping rounded out the festive afair. –Elise Hofer Shaw

Photography by Andrew Bruah

Christine Shanahan, Andrew Knecht, Tim Sturm, Alan Zuber, Grant McCorkhill and Randy Shingledecker

Te new LV i8 custom collection of totes and luggage

Partygoers received hand-rolled cigars

A shiny new BMW i8 outside Louis Vuitton

Bonnie Nicole Barczykowski, Moore andCaroline Julia Sino Battles

Peter Miles, Joe Perillo, Daniel Paltridge and JC Aevaliotis

Peter Miles, vice president of BMW North America, welcoming the night’s guests

Tom Shapiro, Mary Clare and Doug Gourley

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GRAND CHEFS GALA

Te 18th Annual Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Grand Chefs Gala gathered our city’s fnest chefs at the Fairmont Chicago to prep and present their favorite dishes for 750 guests. Te evening honored culinary elite with the Jean Banchet Awards for Culinary Excellence, and Gene & Georgetti, one of Chicago’s most iconic restaurants, received the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Grand Chefs Gala inaugural Chicago Classic Award.

After mingling with top toques and sampling the specially prepared dishes, partygoers enjoyed live music, dancing, rafes, and live and silent auctions. –EHS

Catherine De Orio giving chef John Manion (La Sirena Clandestina) the award for Best Neighborhood Restaurant.

Photography by Chris Guillen and Galdones Photography

DineAmic Group’s Lucas Stoiof and David Rekhson accepting the Eurest People’s Choice award for Prime & Provisions.

Pastry Chef of the Year Dana Cree (Blackbird)

Arthur Hon (Sepia) accepting the award for Best Sommelier.

Bonnie Chef Barczykowski, Phillip Foss Caroline (EL Ideas)Battles

Boka Restaurant Group’s Kevin Boehm and Rob Katz

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Attila Gyulai (Embeya)

Lee Wolen (Boka) and Curtis Dufy (Grace)

GRAFF’S ANNIVERSARY FETE

Graf, the fabulous diamond house known for having some of the most rare and unrivaled jewels in the world, welcomed special guests to its Oak Street boutique to celebrate 10 years in Chicago. Te sidewalk outside glittered with projections of diamonds, but inside was where the real sparkle was to be found: Impressive pieces from London, including a 51.70-carat cabochon sapphire ring, were on display in showcases and on gorgeous, roaming models. After a heartfelt speech from Graf President and CEO Henri Barguirdjian, celebrants enjoyed Champagne while trying on coveted baubles. –EHS

Photography by Robert Carl

Bufy and Edward Maier with Stephanie Harris

Abby Dunn and Susu Block

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Shawna Owen and Lindsey Axel

Gayle Keller and Christina Gidwitz

A model Bonnie wearing Barczykowski, Graf ’s gorgeous Carolinenew Battles designs

Harriet and Stathy White

Henri Barguirdjian with Graf models

Jennifer Kiefer with John and Kristina Mulhall

Find more photos at facebook.com/sophisticatedliving

HINSDALE

CLARENDON HILLS

LA GRANGE DOWNERS WESTERN

GROVE SPRINGS CONSIDERING A MOVE TO THE SUBURBS? “Couldn’t ask for a better realtor! Julie was amazing to work with and helped us to fnd our dream house. We weren’t in any rush to purchase and she always respected that.

We highly recommend her!” –B. Campbell, Lincoln Park to Western Springs “Julie was awesome and a great resource as we were both trying to understand the aspects of moving to a new area as well as the process of buying our home. She was incredibly helpful throughout our initial searches in the area, fnding the right home and then all the details to get everything completed. We would highly recommend her and think she’s great!” –M. Koschik, Lincoln Park to Clarendon Hills

“Julie is an asset for everything you need to know to make a move from the city to the burbs. She has made our transition so easy and helps us with any question we have!

She’s extremely resourceful, upbeat, and a pleasure to be with!” –S. Simon, Lakeview to Western Suburbs “I found Julie to be extremely professional.

She did a great job of educating me and making the experience of “house hunting: painless –M. Cooney. Loop to Hinsdale “Julie is a delight to work with. She has great vision for renovations and in depth knowledge of the building process. New to the area, she put us in touch with families in the community and helped us transition from Chicago to the suburbs.” –C. Quinn, Roscoe Village to Western Springs

“Julie is an absolute delight to work with! She is knowledgeable about the market and very responsive. Julie’s consultative approach helped us show our home in the best light. It sold in just four days! I’d highly recommend her services. –J. Lofgren, Hinsdale “Julie is amazing. After our move from the D.C area, Julie went above and beyond the call of duty to help us become a part of the community. Her advice along the way has been invaluable and we were able to fnd a place we will call home for many more years to come. In addition to being effective, she is a pleasure to work with.” –E.Burba, D.C. to Western Springs

JULIE SUTTON

Broker 312.909.9561 Coldwell Banker | Hinsdale, IL julie.sutton@cbexchange.com

RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE

©2015 Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Real estate agents affliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.

CHILDREN’S BALL

Te Children’s Research Fund of Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago held its signature annual black-tie event, the Children’s Ball, at the Hilton Chicago. More than 1,100 guests celebrated the conclusion of CRF’s yearlong fundraising campaign in support of pediatric medical research, as well as honoring the physicians and researchers at Lurie Children’s for their work. Partygoers enjoyed an evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and dinner, not to mention a live auction and dancing to music provided by the Ken Arlen Orchestra. More than $2.7 million was raised in the last year for CRF’s eforts. –Janis Von Kaenel

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Photography by Lindsey Lurie

Aaron and Nichole Charfoos with Scott and Tommy Sheridan

Patricia and Alex Pissios

Susanna McColley and Russell Brown

Heidi Wagman, Peter Bensinger, Jr. and Stanley Manne

Kate Gibbons, Bonnie Francee Barczykowski, Harrington, Pat Caroline Gibbons Battles and Pat Magoon

Ben Olsen, Megan Murley, Bob and Mimi Murley, Charlie Waddell and Casey Kennedy

Nancy Berberian, Sheryl Dyer and Mimi Sherman

Roxanne and Rocco Martino with Amy and Marty Kaplan

Find more photos at facebook.com/sophisticatedliving

REMIX V KICKOFF AT MARLOWE

Marlowe hosted the Women’s Board of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association’s Remix V: Red Hot kickof party. Guests shopped the Italian women’s wear label’s winter collection (think double-faced cashmere coats and tailored wool-fannel dresses), sipped Champagne, and nibbled on a spread of sweets and savories. Purchasers were entered into a rafe to win a Marlowe signature winter cashmere stole with lapin trim. Fifteen percent of proceeds from the evening were donated to the Remix event in support of the CSO’s Citizen Musician activities, which bring classical music to underserved communities. –EHS

Priscilla Kersten, Kyle Harvey and Andra Heller

Photography by Serra Geris

Kim Shepherd, Ruthie Ryan and Allison Bonney

Elizabeth Foster and Leigh Ann Herman

Marlowe’s signature tissue-weight cashmere sequin striped stoles with Marabou feather detail

Bonnie LizBarczykowski, Adams and Katie Caroline Barber Battles

Lisa McDaniel, Allison Szafranski and J’nai Gaither

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Andra Heller

Marlowe’s calfskin leather single handle fap bag

ELEVATING THE BENCHMARK FOR SERVICE AND PERFORMANCE IN MORTGAGE LENDING.

Jon Goldman and Michael Black with Wintrust Mortgage are taking a different approach to mortgage lending. They strive to infuse their business approach with expertise, personal touches, and a commitment to providing excellent service to their clients and colleagues. Jon and Michael promise to assist each client through every step of the complex loan process during a purchase and refnance transaction in order to ensure the best possible fnancial results. $4.5 BILLION IN RESIDENTIAL PRODUCTION | $250 MILLION IN COMMERCIAL LOANS | 16 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

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LYRIC OPERA OF CHICAGO WINE AUCTION

More than 400 wine enthusiasts attended the 11th Lyric Opera of Chicago Wine Auction to bid on 1,300-plus prized bottles sourced from 11 diferent wine regions, enjoy food from Sixteen restaurant’s chef Tomas Lents and bid on exciting travel packages from around the globe. Te triennial black-tie afair, which was named one of the Top Ten Charity Wine Auctions by Wine Spectator in 2012, has netted nearly $9 million since its 1988 inception. Proceeds go to the Lyric’s annual campaign, which supports the world-renowned opera company’s activities. –EHS

Photography by Tasos Katopodis/ Getty Images

Eileen Murphy, Alison Wehman McNally, Elizabeth O’Connor Cole and Meredith Wood-Prince

Steven and Nancy Crown

John Gorey and Catherine De Orio

Eve Rogers, Erica Sandner and Henri Barguirdjian

Bonnie Alpana Barczykowski, Singh and Wayne Caroline Johnson Battles

Christina Gidwitz and Caryn Harris

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Cameron and Daniel Pilkey

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Andy and Betsy Rosenfeld

LA PERLA SHOPPING SOIREE

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, more than 50 guests attended La Perla’s special shopping event at the lingerie label’s Magnifcent Mile store. At the event, cohosted by Chicago Luxury Beds and Sophisticated Living Chicago magazine, partygoers shopped silk and lace nightgowns, peekaboo babydolls, bustiers, fragrances and more from the spring 2015 collection. Sumptuous sweets by Boutique Bites (chocolate trufes, red velvet macarons, mini glazed doughnuts) and plenty of pink Prosecco fueled the firty fete. –EHS

Photography by Carasco Photography

Nicholas Haubrich, Laura Meier and Kerry Bowler

Guests shopped the spring 2015 collection, including La Perla’s latest fragrances.

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Karen Pezzati and Yessi Iantigua

Adam McLain with Erica and Jon Goldman

Bonnie Amy Barczykowski, Vizek and Ryan Caroline BakerBattles

Erika Jordan and Carrie Lannon

Suzanne Nolan, Morgan Ouzounian and Tarra Kieckhaefer

Melissa Pusateri and Karlyn Johnson

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FEATURED PROPERTY

4 Bedroom | 3.1 Bath | $1,500,000 Exquisite & pristine, completely remodeled, custom, cul-de-sac home on 1.96 acres. Located on the Signature Hole At Prestwick Country Club featuring views from every room. Huge back deck, large front terrace & balcony - outdoor space galore, magazine-quality custom kitchen & spa-like master bath/suite, dramatic two-story foyer, amazing country club lifestyle!

550 N St Clair 2101 | 3/3

$989,000

888 S Michigan 500 | 2/2

$795,000

1160 S Michigan 2502 | 2/2 $409,000

860 W Blackhawk 501 | 1/1 $349,500

41 E 8th 1906 | 2/2

$349,000

BLACK CREATIVITY GALA

Nearly 750 guests gathered at the Museum of Science and Industry for the 32nd Black Creativity Gala, co-chaired by Cheryl Harris and Anne Pramaggiore. Te night kicked of with cocktails and a performance by the Soul Children of Chicago before attendees adjourned to the Rotunda, where they indulged in a sumptuous “Around the World” themed strolling bufet and wandered current exhibits amidst entertainment from Te MoFitz Project and DJ Lil’ John.

Approximately $500,000 was raised, which will go toward funding programs to motivate youth in the sciences and honor the scientifc contributions of African Americans. –Madeline Miller

Byron Miranda and Michelle Relerford

Warren Broome and Fellicia Foster

Obie LeFlore and Jenn Cotton

Tabrina Davis and Stephanie Hickman

Ashley and John Irwin

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Photography by J.B. Spector

Dr. Walter Massey

Shatter Boyce and Justin Johnson

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Naree and Carlos Hankins

As a 26 year Chicago Real Estate Professional, I am continuously striving to ensure a smooth & successful transaction. A Lincoln Park neighbor and a Chicago native, I know the city and I know the market.

Success. Professionalism. Experience.

“

“

Deb guided us through the entire selling process; kept her word every step of the way; gave us comfort while we weren’t able to be here; and treated us and our sale like it was the only property she was handling. An exceptional experience.We will absolutely use her again. - Brandi

2314 N LINC OLN PARK WEST #16N 3 BEDROOM, 3 BATHROOM DUPLEX | $1,545,000 Rarely Available in the Highly Sought After & Prestigious Conservatory!! Gorgeous 3b/3b 2800+ Sq Ft Duplex with Amazing East Lake/Park & Skyline Views. West Sunsets too! Custom Christopher Peacock Eat-in Kitchen Featuring Miele, Subzero & Wolf Appliances. Elaborate Custom Cabinetry & Marble Countertops. Gracious Living and Formal Dining Room with Impeccable Hardwood Floors and Floor-to-Ceiling Windows & Large Balcony from which to Embrace the Spectacular Views Overlooking the Zoo, Conservatory, Park & Lakefront. Expansive Master-Suite with Spa-Like Bath & Adjacent Balcony. Wake Up to Stunning Sunrises & the Lion’s Roar!! All Bedrooms have En-Suite Baths & Views. Only 2 Units per Floor. Pets are OK! Doorman & Engineer On-Site. 1 Garage Spot & 1 Exterior Spot Included.Only 2 units to a floor. Pets ok.

Debbie Maue | 773.406.1975 | DMaue@JamesonSIR.com | DebbieMaue.com

Luxury Specialist

Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered (or unregistered) service marks used with permission. Each Offce Is Independently Owned And Operated.

Although information, including measurements, has been obtained from sources deemed reliable, accuracy is not guaranteed.

HUB STUDIO LOFT GRAND OPENING

Te team behind Pure Kitchen Catering and City View Loft celebrated the grand opening of their newest venture, Hub Studio Loft, by inviting more than 250 guests to a “four seasons” themed evening flled with food and fun. Te 10,000-square-foot industrial loft, located just west of the West Loop, was decked out for winter, spring, summer and fall (think indoor ice skating, tiki cocktails on the “beach,” a hot toddy bar and global street food stations). VIP partygoers participated in a sit-down, multicourse dinner courtesy of PKC before joining revelers for Black Dog Gelato and cotton candy from Spin-Spun. –EHS

Photography by Nakai Photography

Jackie Weber and Alicia Terran

Rebecca Fransen and Misse Daniel

Rebecca Kussmann, Kelsey Kreiling, Mallory Ulaszek Tews and Taylor Masura

Kate Segal and Eric Rivera

Melissa Yen Bonnie of JoBarczykowski, Snow Syrups pouring Caroline boozy Battles snow cones.

Joshua Yates and Debi Lilly

Te Martorina family

Erin and Danny Lipka

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Were in the world is

CHARLES JOLY?

READY TO DRINK COCKTAILS, CREATED BY 2014 GLOBAL BARTENDER CHAMPION AND CHICAGO NATIVE, CHARLES JOLY. #DRINKCRAFTHOUSE AVAILABLE AT

AND OTHER FINE RETAILERS. MORE INFO AT CRAFTHOUSECOCKTAILS.COM

SOMRUS TASTING AT THE UNDERGROUND

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, SomruS: Te Original Indian Cream Liqueur hosted a VIP tasting event at Te Underground nightclub in River North. More than 150 guests sampled this “Nectar of the Gods” (voted one of the Top 50 Spirits of 2014 by Wine Enthusiast magazine) in the form of Kama Sutra-inspired cocktails—a Lotus Blossom or Glowing Juniper, anyone?—designed by master mixologist Benjamin Newby. SomruS, noted as the world’s frst award-winning Indian liqueur, donates 1 percent of its global profts to the SomPriya Foundation, which supports women’s and children’s welfare in developing nations. –EHS

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Photography by Taisiya Menakar

SomruS VIP lounge at Te Underground

Monica Badlani and Nilofar Hashmi

Lisa Yutalas and Tasya Menaker

Natalie Phillips, Ciara Newby and Brenda Arelano

BonnieSanrita Barczykowski, and SanjitCaroline BinningBattles

Benjamin Newby, Pankaj Garg and Arturo Gomez

SomruS being poured for guests

Scott Horwitch with the event’s “Kama Sutra” servers

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AUDITORIUM THEATRE ANNIVERSARY GALA

Te Auditorium Teatre of Roosevelt University celebrated 125 years with a star-studded evening headlined by Broadway legend Patti LuPone and hosted by actor John Mahoney. Dancers from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Teater and the Jofrey Ballet, singers from the Apollo Chorus of Chicago and the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Brass all graced the stage, showcasing the diverse entertainment the theater supports. More than 600 guests reveled at a post-performance reception at the Palmer House Hilton, raising more than $500,000 for the National Historic Landmark Teatre venue. –JVK

Photography by Dan Rest

David Pasquinelli, Jr. with Diane and David Pasquinelli

Sandra and Jack Guthman

Karen and Jim Peterik

Brian Johnson, Joan Colmar and Ashley Wheater

Kenneth Bonnie Norgan, Barczykowski, Tara Klecka Caroline and Michael BattlesKutza

Elizabeth Queen and Kyle DeSantis

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Mary Claire and Ken Moll

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Ji Suk Yi and Morris Gearring

Peter Angelo Nicole Van Haverbeke

JAMESONSIR.COM | CHICAGO 312.751.0300 Peter Angelo | pangelo@jamesonsir.com Nicole Van Haverbeke | nvanhaverbeke@jamesonsir.com

EISENOPOLY

The Associate Board of The Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation hosted its sixth annual Eisenopoly event at Macy’s on State Street. More than 500 Chicago professionals and philanthropists played speed rounds of “Eisenopoly,” a Monopoly-esque game created to recognize the event’s key sponsors and supporters. Guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while playing for prizes like a weekend stay at the Tompson Chicago hotel. Nearly $120,000 was raised to support the foundation’s mission to fund gastrointestinal cancer research at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern University. –JVK

Megan O’Malley and Sebastian Paul

Photography by Joshua Albanese

David and Katherine Genson with Scott and Barb Eggener

Jonathan Wolfe with Bree and Christian Williams

Amy and Peter Bonnie Clifon Barczykowski, with Tenleigh Caroline and Adam Battles Keldermans

Erik Kessler

Katie Bartgen, Emily Bryar, Nicole Silvetti and Amy Flanagan

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Te Eisenopoly Man (Jonny Stax) emceed the evening

Steve and Daniel Elrod

W E S T WA L T O N C H I C A G O L L C # 2 3 74 0 9 2

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