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{Lexington’s Finest}
slmag.net
Mar/Apr 2015
Mar/Apr 2015 five dollars
84
Beretta Spring 2015 Collection: On him: Nylon Wax Jacket, cotton cashmere half zip sweater, cotton sport pant, and the Urban Camo Weekend Bag (canvas with leather trim). Available from Stuart Mercer Gentleman’s Shoppe
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Decanted: Piedmontese White Wines
34
Curating a Lifestyle: Into the Woods
36
Bibliotaph: Child’s Play
38
Punched Up Powder
42
Art: The Exhibiit that Changed
the Art World
44
Of Note... Gray Matters
46
Arizona Auto Week Glistens,
Glitters and Gleams
50
Who, What, Wear. Designers to Watch
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Castles to Caddies
66
Dog and Pony Show
Castles to Caddies
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À la Française
Te karst landscape of the Burren region is home to 70% of Ireland’s wildfower species. Photo by Bridget Williams.
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Spring Fling
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Society Calendar
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Chamblin Jones Opening
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36 Bibliotaph: Child’s Play Hands, a depiction of an artist’s worst nightmare. Reproduced from Te Art of the Brick: A Life in LEGO, with the permission of No Starch Press. © 2014 by Nathan Sawaya. Photograph by Erica Anne.
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EDITOR - IN - CHIEF Bridget Williams ______________________________________________ ASSOCIATE EDITORS Kay Matton ART DIRECTOR Jason Yann CONTRIBUTORS Writers Patti Bailey Dr. Matthew Bessen Ellana Bessen Scott Harper Amelia Jefers Jef Jefers Austin Pembroke Photographers Tony Bailey Molly Bowles Allie Filley Chad Henle Andrew Kung COPY EDITOR Jennifer Newton Michael Parker EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Claire Williams ADVERTISING SALES OFFICE 502.582.6563 ______________________________________________ CEO/PUBLISHER Eric Williams VICE PRESIDENT Michele Beam ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Jamie Leveridge
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4938 Brownsboro Rd 502.753.7633 rodes.com
From the Editor-In-Chief
Trying to defy gravity at the Clifs of Moher. Photo by Claire Williams.
When my beloved grandmother was laid to rest last March, there were two important possessions in her hands: her rosary and a few of my mother’s homemade thumbprint cookies. Among the many things I shared with my grandmother was an intense fondness for these simple round sugar cookies flled in the center with buttercream frosting. As we creep ever closer to the return of spring and thoughts turn to baseball, daffodils, bunnies and milder temperatures, my fights of fancy are squarely focused on Easter, and more specifcally, my mother’s annual Easter brunch, an invitation to which is one of the most coveted among members of my extended family. While the bounteous and entirely homemade spread of caramelized bacon, frittatas, pastries, honey glazed ham and myriad other decadent dishes are always tantalizing, knowing there will be a trife dish full of the aforementioned cookies is enough to set my taste buds tingling in anticipation. I typically have an iron will when it comes to resisting sweets, but Easter brunch is my Tanksgiving, the day where I get to pretend that I live in a perfect world where counting calories is irrelevant and unnecessary. Each year at Easter brunch my grandmother and I would watch as the cookie supply slowly dwindled, and talk of who would lay claim to the leftovers would commence. I would joke that she should have been hitting the gym in preparation so she could catch me when I ran away with the remnants. Her simple yet efective counter, which would always defnitively settle the debate, was that she was entitled to them as my grandmother. Tough I did protest a little, who was I to argue with that rationale? w It makes me smile to imagine my grandmother standing outside the pearly gates, cookies in one hand and rosary in the other, conversing with the gatekeeper. Would it give her a moment’s pause if St. Peter told her the price of admission was her stash of cookies? It could very well be that I’m not the only one who thinks those cookies are divine! Tumbprint Cookies 1 cup butter, softened ¾ cup sugar 2 large eggs, separated 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups all purpose four ¼ teaspoon salt Beat butter at medium speed until creamy. Gradually add sugar, beating well. Add egg yolks and vanilla, beating until well blended. Combine four and salt and add to butter mixture, beating at low speed until blended. Cover and chill dough for 1 hour. Shape dough into 1-inch balls and place 2-inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Press thumb in each cookie to make an indentation. Bake @ 350 for 15 minutes. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets and then transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Press centers again with thumb while cookies are still warm. Fill center of each cookie with icing. For the icing melt ¼ cup butter. Add 2 cups confectioner’s sugar and 2 teaspoons vanilla. Add 2 -3 tablespoons of hot water, stirring until desired consistency is reached.
Bridget Williams Editor-In-Chief
bridget@slmag.net 28 slmag.net
© D.YURMAN 2014
From the Associate Publisher
So how about this weather? As I sit here cradling a hot cup of cofee with the temperature outside at -11 degrees and a foot of snow in our back yard, I’m refecting on the unexpected week that was. I think most people around here agree that the winter months create a grind like no other time of year. With shortened days, grey skies and cold weather, we are left with a ‘buckle down’ mentality and focus on work and productivity because— let’s be honest—what else is there to do? Well, the snow and arctic blast that arrived with a vengeance put the brakes on that grind, and I for one couldn’t have enjoyed it more. Our weekly routine was replaced with sleepovers, snow angels, sleigh rides and comfort food. We had more friends come over that week than any I can remember. And most valuably, instead of being in a constant state of forward motion, we were simply in the present. For one week. And it was just nice. Our featured restaurant this edition is National Provisions Brasserie, another gem in a series of accomplishments for Krim Boughalem and Andrea Sims. The continued development along the National Avenue corridor is well documented yet still perfectly understated. I think a cocktail and some favorful French cuisine in a lively modern atmosphere will be a perfect cap to this special week. Oh and kids, I love you, an and this week has been amazing, but Mommy is ready eady for fo a sitter tonight!
Jamie Leveridge, Associate Publisher jamie@slmag.net
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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 outsideâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;particularly if nicked or chippedâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;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. 38 slmag.net
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 90â&#x20AC;? 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 RenĂŠ 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. 52 slmag.net
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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. 54 slmag.net
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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 Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; leprosy, dysentery, the plague, a lack of indoor plumbing and having to consume mead on a regular basis, among other maladies â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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. 58 slmag.net
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 companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 Internationalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;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
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Dog and Pony Show At Stonecrof Farm, the home and lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work of Don Spear and John Scheidt, success in the show ring and the breeding shed is paramount. Written by Bridget Williams Photography by Andrew Kung
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Tucked away down a long, winding country lane amidst the verdant rolling hills of Shelby County, 106-acre Stonecroft Farm, owned and operated by John Scheidt and Don Spear, holds the distinction of being the only farm in show horse history to have bred a World Grand Champion Five-Gaited Saddlebred and a World Champion Morgan Park Saddle Horse (they’ve tallied a total of 70 world champions over the past 27 years and have been inducted into the ASHA Breeders Hall of Fame). Not one to rest on their laurels, the pair have also garnered top honors at prestigious dog shows across the country, including the Westminster Kennel Club Show,
with both Silky Terriers and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Teir personal residence on the farm refects their shared pursuits as well as their individual personalities in equal measure. When they acquired the initial tract of farmland – just 32-acres – an existing historic stone cottage, built between 1797-1802, served as the primary residence. Wanting to add additional living space and update other renovations by previous owners, Spear and Scheidt frst consulted with historic preservation experts from Shakertown to help restore the cottage before proceeding with further enhancements.
A sunroom added by the current homeowners was designed to overlook an English-style greenhouse.
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Books, objects and art displayed in the comfortable paneled library speak to the homeowners' personal and professional pursuits.
Apt to engage in the kind of playful banter that comes with decades of personal and professional partnership, the duo are quick to cite very disparate tastes when it comes to their respective interior design styles. Spear is partial to American antiques, while Scheidt, who has a degree from Parsons and previously worked in the interior design world, prefers the clean lines consistent with a more contemporary aesthetic. What Scheidt calls their “mishmash compromise” is the result of a shared desire for comfort. “I’ve managed to shove my tastes in here and there,” he joked, adding that the home is “defnitely a house of personality: ours and those that came before us.” Both Scheidt and Spear are ardent collectors, citing sporting art, George Ford Morris paintings and Tifany and Steuben glass among some of the objects of their afections. A breezeway with exposed stone walls, slate floors and multiple sets of French doors that lead to landscaped courtyards on opposing sides of the space provides a seamless transition from the historic cottage to the more contemporary environs. From the outside, the consistency of a wood shake roof, weathered barnwood siding and stacked stone helps to blur the line between old and new. Utilized as a dining hall, the breezeway features a
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trio of tables designed by Scheidt and made by the custom shop at Bittners. A set of Country Chippendale dining chairs line the perimeter when not in use to create a comfortable passageway. Two paintings by George Ford Morris are found on either side of the doorway leading into the cottage. Clearly indicative of Spear’s preferred design aesthetic and apropos for the well-proportioned rooms within the historic section of the home, the prevalence of an impressive assemblage of fne American period antiques reveals a stalwart adherence to a style heavily infuenced by traditional New England interiors. Positioned near the original front door in the living room is a handsome 18th century secretary with serpentine drawers and ball and claw feet. Te latter design element is also found on a pair of mahogany console tables that fank the freplace; hanging above each is a carved and painted gilt wood mirror dating to the 17th century. Te late Kyle Hibbs is responsible for the faux bois treatment that graces the freplace mantel. Paintings by Andre Pater can be found above the freplace and on the wall across from the front entrance. Deep window ledges are ideal for displaying pieces of Stafordshire pottery and Imari porcelain.
A landscaped courtyard can be accessed from the breezeway that links an historic stone cottage, built between 1797-1802, with newly added living spaces.
In recent years, the most extensive work has involved the addition of an English style greenhouse, a guesthouse and a garage with a workshop, all just a short stroll from the main residence.
An 18th century secretary with serpentine drawers and ball and claw feet is positioned near the original front door of the cabin. Hanging above each of the mahogany console tables that fank the freplace is a carved and painted gilt wood mirror dating to the 17th century. Paintings by Andre Pater are displayed above the freplace and on the wall across from the front entrance.
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In the dining hall, a painting by George Ford Morris hangs above "I'm First", a commissioned bronze sculpture by Alexa King.
A 19th century weathervane in the gathering room.
An 18th century Dunlap highboy in a guestroom.
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Bookended by tall triangular window openings, the kitchen and gathering rooms, which are open to one another, are bathed in natural light.
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Hanging above the double-sided freplace in the gathering room is a painting of â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Sweet Treatâ&#x20AC;?, a World Grand Champion American Saddlebred. Tall curio cabinets on either side of the picture window showcase a colorful collection of Steuben and Tifany art glass.
Drawing design cues from the adjacent living room, the sunroom boasts multi-dimensional vaulted ceilings accentuated with knotty oak boards, an expanse of windows with garden and conservatory views, and dog-friendly tile foors.
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Drawing design cues from the adjacent living room, the sunroom boasts multi-dimensional vaulted ceilings accentuated with knotty oak boards, an expanse of windows with garden and conservatory views, and dog-friendly tile foors.
In one of two guest bedrooms, an 18th century Dunlap highboy is centered between the 12-over-12 grille double-hung windows. Te other guest room boasts a canopied bed built by Shelbyville-based craftsman Joel Steele, who also fabricated the kitchen cabinetry. Bookended by tall triangular window openings, the kitchen and gathering rooms, which are open to one another, are bathed in natural light. While the architecture and furnishings in these rooms is certainly more indicative of Scheidt’s design bent, they aren’t completely devoid of Spear’s penchants. Hanging above the double-sided freplace is a painting of “A Sweet Treat”, a World Grand Champion American Saddlebred. Tall curio cabinets on either side of the picture window showcase a colorful collection of Steuben and Tifany art glass. In-between the cabinets and near a ebony grand piano laden with framed photos of their equine and human family members are a pair of ornate Victorian birdcages. A disdain for dreariness and cold weather influenced the homeowners’ decision to replace a “falling down” screen porch
with a light-flled sunroom. Drawing design cues from the adjacent living room, the space boasts multi-dimensional vaulted ceilings accentuated with knotty oak boards, an expanse of windows with garden and conservatory views, and dog-friendly tile foors. In recent years, the most extensive work has involved the addition of an English style greenhouse, a guesthouse and a garage with a workshop, all just a short stroll from the main residence. With such an impeccable reputation in their industry, the duo often fnd themselves hosting friends and clients, and the comfortable environs provided in the guesthouse prove to be so ideal that many are tempted to well overstay their welcome. Steadfast dedication to a labor of love inextricably links the personal and professional at Stonecroft Farm. In spite of all their respective collections and personal treasures, it’s the horses that draw out the homeowners’ truest sentimentality. “We have a lot of retirees on the farm; some of our mares are twenty-plus-years-old,” said Scheidt. “It’s important for us to give back to them because they have given us so much.” sl
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À LA FRANÇAISE National Provisions is a Francophile’s paradise Written by Bridget Williams Photography by Andrew Kung It takes a person of vision to look at 16,000-square-feet of raw, circa 1860s industrial space that has been home to a bottling factory and later a marble and tile company, and envision a culinary conglomeration unlike anything else in Lexington, or the Commonwealth for that matter. In this instance it took two people—namely Krim Boughalem and Andrea Sims—the husband-and-wife team behind Table Tree TEN and Wine+Market (which they sold to Renee Brewer in 2011) to make such pie-in-the-sky musings come to fruition. United under the banner of National Provisions, the sprawling, endlessly photogenic and fawlessly executed complex opened in phases beginning in late 2013 and presently encompasses a boulangerie, a beer hall and brasserie. Plans for an artisanal grocery were moving full steam ahead as of press time. Sims is responsible for reigning in the vast space and carving out aesthetically unique yet cohesive environments for each entity under the National Provisions umbrella. An interior designer by trade with a specialty in faux-fnish painting, a skill she acquired while living and working in France, her mark is literally found everywhere, from the faux-marble fnish on the walls in the boulangerie to the decorative finish she created to jazz up the concrete foors.
Smoked pastrami.
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Saturated colors found in the French fag dominate, with varying shades of gray standing in for the white; the hues are often further intensifed through the utilization of a glassy high-lacquered fnish, that includes the wainscoted walls and the exposed joist ceiling. Tufted banquettes in the brasserie, light blue-grey in the center of the space and royal blue along the wall opposite the bar, as well as x-back café chairs add to the European-inspired ambiance. Te distinct spaces have a cool, collected feel that makes it seem as though they’ve been in operation for decades. A display of vintage apothecary vessels on the mixologist’s tool tray atop the bar is perfectly instep with the midcentury modern swivel laboratory stools. Chalkboards, a brasserie staple, spell out the beverage menu in the boulangerie, happy hour specials in the bar, and the day’s prix fxe oferings in the brasserie. In the beer hall, where a large industrial circular wrought iron candle chandelier is suspended above long refectory tables, some 150 varieties of craft beer are displayed on shelving mounted to the vermilion-colored window frames.
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French native Boughalem oversees the culinary side of the operation, working with executive chef and Lexington-native Brian Surbaugh, who splits his time between National Provisions and Table Three TEN. A softspoken farm-to-table enthusiast, Surbaugh is passionate about ensuring that everything for the brasserie is made in-house and there is a strong commitment to utilizing local ingredients when feasible. In keeping with the true spirit of a brasserie, National Provision’s version delivers simple, seasonal fare. “It is meant to be an everyday destination. Te key thing for us is to do everything in-house; being self-sustaining is the challenge we gave ourselves,” said Krim. Traditionally, brasseries refect the local cuisine of the brewer, and in keeping with the theme at National Provisions, traditional Parisian fare is given a Bluegrass twist. Think brunch with shrimp and grits ofered alongside crêpes; sipping bourbon while noshing a tartine; ratatouille made with Kentucky rabbit; and, duck conft with dumplings. Te seafood oferings are where the brasserie truly shines. While enjoying a French Blonde, a concoction of St. Germain, gin, Lillet Blanc, grapefruit and lemon bitters, our table enjoyed a round of caviar oysters so beautifully presented in gilded shell-shaped dishes that it (almost) seemed a pity to eat them. Krim remarked that their fresh seafood oferings are second-to-none, and some, such as the Bronzini, a Mediterranean sea bass fown in fresh from Greece, are unique to the Lexington dining scene. slmag.net
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Among the salads, the Walton Street salad is not a salad at all in the traditional sense but rather a delectable mixture of thinly sliced apples mixed with candied nuts, pickled raisins and crumbles of blue cheese to counter the sweeter aspects of the assembled ingredients. For vegetarians, the Ancient Grains salad: a hearty mix of quinoa, and dried fruit and nuts tossed with a Meyer lemon vinaigrette, could easily stand in for a light meal. Pescatarians will delight in the ‘National’, which includes a tower of seafood (enough for eight) that includes caviar, oysters, crab, scallops, shrimp, clams and mussels. Te aforementioned oferings from the sea, including the scallops, presented with golden raisins, pumpkin puree and cider glaze, are consistently good. As fans of the sweet and savory offerings at the boulangerie would expect, the dessert course was a highlight of our meal, and we satiated our sweet tooth by sharing a perfectly prepared apple streusel as well as a sundae topped with maple and peanut butter sauce and a generous sprinkling of pecan bar crumbles. C’est délicieux! sl Open seven days a week, National Provisions is located at 710 National Avenue. For more information call 859.303.4763.
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fresh looks to welcome the season
spring fing
Elle Tahari ‘Ophelia’ dress from Embry’s.
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On Katie (left): Clover Canyon sheath dress from Rodes for Her, Jimmy Choo ‘Tallow’ sandal from Saks Fifth Avenue. On Mark: Isia sport coat and Agave ‘Pragmatist’ pant, Eton dress shirt, Etro pocket square, all from Rodes for Him. Peter Millar shoes from Te Keeneland Gift Shop. On Caroline (right): Tibi Techno Faille cropped top and and skirt, Mignonne Gavigan bib necklace and Trina Turk ‘Laguna’ peep toe suede mules, from AJ’s Casuals.
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On Caroline (left): Summer Eliason necklace, Trina Turk romper and Koolaburra ‘Piaz’ boot-cuf wedge sandal with foor length fringe, all from AJ’s Casuals. On Caroline (right): Escada jacket and white denim jeans, Etro shirt, all from Rodes for Her. In basker (l to r): Valentino ‘Rock Stud’ clutch from Saks Fifth Avenue, horse clutch from Te Keeneland Gift Shop, and Jimmy Choo ‘Maia NDX’ clutch from Saks Fifth Avenue.
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Badgley Mischka suit from Bella Rose. Alexis Bittar necklace from Rodes for Her.
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On Mark: Sport coat and pocket square from Crittenden Fine Gentlemen’s Clothing; Eton shirt and Agave ‘Pragmatist’ pant from Rodes for Him. Peter Millar shoes from Te Keeneland Gift Shop. On Katie: Alexis ‘Trina’ crop top and skirt (shop-alexis. com) and Made in the Deep South necklace (madeinthedeepsouth.com).
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On Mark: Vineyard Vines Seascape Gingham Tucker Shirt, embroidered belt and khaki pants, Peter Millar shoes, all from Te Keeneland Gift Shop. On Caroline (center): Nicole Miller chartreuse dress from Bella Rose, Manolo Blahnik ‘Gina’ pumps from Saks Fifth Avenue. On Katie (right): Jersey dress, Vineyard Vines clutch and enameled bangles, all from Te Keeneland Gift Shop.
AJ’s Casuals: 867 E. High St., Ste.120 - 859.253.1798 Bella Rose: 126 W. Maxwell St. – 859.255.2565 - bellarosestyle.com Crittenden Fine Gentlemen’s Clothing: 141 E. Main St., Midway, KY – 859.846.4228 - crittenclothes.com Embry’s: 3361 Tates Creek Rd. – 859.269.3390 - embrys.com Keeneland Gift Shop: 4201 Versailles Rd. – 859.288.4236 - keeneland.com/giftshop Rodes for Him and for Her: 4938 Brownsboro Rd., Louisville, KY – 502.753.7633 – rodes.com Saks Fifth Avenue: 101 W. 5th St., Cincinnati, OH – 513.421.6800 – saksffthavenue.com/cincinnati Stuart Mercer Gentlemen’s Shoppe: 126 W. Maxwell St. #200 – 859.309.0357 – stuartmercer.com Photography by: Andrew Kung // Hair & Makeup: Catherine Kung // Models: Mark Casi, Miss Kentucky Teen Caroline Ford, Miss Kentucky Katie George slmag.net
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March 2 3 5 5-8 6 6-8 7 12-15 13-15 19-26 26-4/19 28 28 28-29
Society
2015 Glories of the Garden Art Exhibit, 8:30am-4pm, The Arboretum, 859.257.6955 Afternoon Tea with Emily Bronte, 2pm, Norton Center of the Arts Anything Goes, EKU Center of the Arts, 859.353.6382 Preview Gala for the BGT Antiques and Garden Show, Alltech Arena; bgtantiquesandgardenshow.org The Tales of the Hoffmann, Lexington Opera House, 233.3535 Wuthering Heights, 8pm, Norton Center of the Arts, 877-HIT-SHOW BGT Antiques and Garden Show, Alltech Arena; bgtantiquesandgardenshow.org A Night in Vienna, 7:30pm; lexingtonchamberchorale.org Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance; ameliaconcours.org The Great Gatsby, The Lexington Opera House, lexingtonoperahouse.com Baselworld, Messe Basel, Switzerland; baselworld.com 11th US Open Polo Championship-26 Goal, International Polo Club Palm Beach; internationalpoloclub.com Color Me Rad, Masterson Station Park; colormerad.com Woman’s Club of Central KY Style Show; wccky.net/events.html Beauty and the Beast, The Lexington Opera House, lexingtonoperahouse.com
April 3-24 4 6-12 11 15 17-18 23-26 24-26 30
Keeneland Spring Meet, Keeneland.com Bluegrass Stakes Day, Keeneland Race Track, Keeneland.com Lions run for Sight 5K, Masterson Station Pike, lionsrunforsight.com The Masters, Augusta National Golf Club; augusta.com Midsummer Night’s Dream presented by the Lexington Ballet, The Lexington Opera House; lexingtonoperahouse.com Joshua Bell, 7:30pm, UK Singletary Center for the Arts, 859.257.4929 Ainadamar- Foundation of Tears presented by the Lexington Philharmonic, The Lexington Opera House Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, The Kentucky Horse Park; rk3de.org Sister Act, The Lexington Opera House; lexingtonoperahouse.com 2015 Kentucky Bluegrass Wine Auction and Derby Gala, Donamire Farm; lexingtonfoundation.org
May 1 2
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Kentucky Oaks, Churchill Downs; kentuckyderby.com Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs; kentuckyderby.com
ART GALA
Te Lexington Art League transformed Loudoun House with custom-built walls and redesigned exhibition spaces for their formal Art Gala celebration, which featured artworks by regional, national and international artists. Highlights of the installation were video artworks on loan from the collection of Collection of Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson, an interactive drawing room by Expanded draught and soft sculpture installations by Melissa Vandeberg.
Photography by Bethaney Martin
Shawn Burnsawesome, Tricia Estes, Kristen & Andrew Deiruf
Stuart Hurt, Mary Ginoccho
Kevin & Amanda Kitchen
Justin & Sarah Williamson, Derrick Ryleih
Becky Alley, Miller Benson
Stephanie Harris, Mya Derosa
Georgia Henkel, Brooks Scudder, Holly Scudder, Stewart Horodner
Monica Edwards, Lauren & Mark Delcoto, Beth Hellebusch
Find more photos at facebook.com/sophisticatedliving
Jim Spencer, Pam Plumber, Maggie Spencer
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CHAMBLIN JONES OPENING
P to Photography by Bethaney ne Martin
Debbie Chamblin and Mia Jones hosted a cocktail reception to herald the opening of their eponymous interior design frm and art gallery on West Short Street.
Jamie Leveridge, Hampton Fisher, Meredith Boardman, Kristi Martin
Tina & Bill Justice, Stacey Mann, Abigail Mann
Linda Helton, Chris Smith, Ellen Cornett
Stephanie Poole, Cara Drion
Beth Hilliard, Terry Graves
Renèe Brewer, Debbie Sutherland-Comley
Debbie Westerfeld, Debbie Chamblin, Vicky Tobin
Bridget & Michael Sweeney
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Mia Jones, Debbie Chamblin
Find more photos at facebook.com/sophisticatedliving
H’ARTFUL OF FUN
P to Photography by Bethaney ne Martin
“A Night in Rio!” was the theme of the 25th annual H’Artful of Fun event at the Alltech Arena to beneft Te Living Arts & Science Center. Brazilian entertainment, music, dance, décor, wildlife and art set the tone for the festive evening.
Helene Steene, Janet Holloway
Joe & Emily Hodges
Lee Carroll, Connie Milligan
Laura Kaplan, Chrisa Auxier
Mary Gardner Turner, Connie Milligan
Ben & Linda Roberts
Andrea Ooten, Jessica Stewart
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Alicia Reimer, Samantha Myers
Cassie Baeker, Margaret Gess
Find more photos at facebook.com/sophisticatedliving
PEGASUS AWARDS
Held annually, the United States Equestrian Federation Pegasus Awards are a celebration of individuals who have made a unique impact on the horse world. Jumping superstar Beezie Madden of Cazenovia, NY was named the 2014 Equestrian of the Year, making her the frst athlete to ever be bestowed with the title four times.
Photography by Bethaney Martin
Christina Schlusemeyer, Sally Ike, Tish Quirk
Candice Mc Own, Christy Baxter, Kathleen Landwehr
Jodi Van, Emily Harsomchuck
Bruce & Janae Grifn, Staci Grifn
Michelle Anne Kimball, Leah Oliveto
Journey â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Companion Canine, Dave, Alex Collier, Sydney & Simon Collier
Chris Welton, Joanie Morris
Hannah Niebielski, Samantha Kline
Find more photos at facebook.com/sophisticatedliving
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BLUE GRASS CHARITY BALL
Photography P to by Shaun Ring ng Photography
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Te Blue Grass Charity Ball was held on Saturday, November 29, 2014 in the Lexington Ballroom of the downtown Lexington Hilton. Ms. Melonie Graves served as ball chairman and Mr. William Daniel Graves as master of ceremonies. Fifteen young women were presented as our communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next generation of service leaders. Attendees enjoyed the musical talents of the AcoustiCats and Te Mercy Men. Introducing young women in the area as the next generation to support and promote charitable goals in our community, this organization has been a Lexington treasure since 1961. Blue Grass Charity Ball, Inc. has contributed over $750,000 for more than 50 local charities.
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