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Fine Contemporary Art . 516 Hagan . Wedgewood/Houston . Nashville
Befores and Afters , dyed cardboard collage on reclaimed aluminum frame, 47 x 55“, 2024
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Dave: 615.495.4250 / dave@slmag.net nashville@slmag.net
SOPHISTICATED
Eric Williams, CEO
Bridget
The Crestmoor at Green Hills will exemplify sophisticated, rental retirement living in our vibrant city. Surrounded by the heritage neighborhoods of Green Hills, Belle Meade, Forest Hills and Hillwood – its impeccable finishes, Aspenwood service detail, dining and resort style living make it a premier address in Nashville. Impressive, spacious residential floor plans, floor to ceiling windows, expansive terraces allow a new level of indoor-outdoor living. Spaces designed for entertaining, fitness, relaxation and a dedicated team provide a secure, lock and leave lifestyle for members.
In 1984, twelve visionaries set out to create something extraordinary – a firm built on meaningful conversations and lasting connections, a place where clients became partners, innovation was driven by necessity, and a human-centric culture thrived.
Forty years later, LBMC stands as a testament to this bold vision. From boardrooms to ballparks, from back porch meetings to the back nine, we’re there for our clients – wherever and whenever they need us. Your trust has been the cornerstone of our success. Thank you for being a part of our journey. Let us be a part of your next chapter!
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Nashville recently lost another outstanding member of our community, and I lost a great friend. Dr. Michael Spalding was a distinguished physician, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and someone I owe a great deal to.
I met Mike quite a few years ago at a charity function at his beautiful Tuscan-style home on Belle Meade Boulevard, which he shared with his lovely wife, Mary. At the time, I was a private banker and invited Mike to lunch to get to know him and discuss private wealth management. We quickly became good friends who enjoyed lunch or a cocktail together now and again. When I visited him at his home, he would say, “Bar’s always open!”
When I was looking to expand my private banking network and join some notfor-profit boards, I solicited Mike’s advice since he and Mary were always very involved with several charities in the Nashville community. During that conversation, Mike suggested I join the board of Equal Chance for Education (ECE), an invitation I gladly accepted. I continue to serve as a board member to this day. Mike founded ECE in 2014 to provide scholarships for undocumented students to pursue their dreams of a higher education. He was inspired to start ECE when his housekeeper’s daughter explained why she could not afford college. As an undocumented immigrant, she did not qualify for in-state financial assistance. ECE grants these scholarships to high academic achievers and boasts 630 college graduates (and counting) who have attended prestigious local schools such as Belmont University, Lipscomb, Cumberland University, and The University of Tennessee. Mike personally forged these relationships with higher educational institutions to allow these students and their families to succeed unencumbered. Mike had such an unwavering passion for this cause that he served as an unpaid President and chief fundraiser since ECE’s inception.
Mike is also a significant part of the story of Sophisticated Living Nashville. When Mary was doing an interior design project for a luxury home in Louisville, Sophisticated Living Louisville did an editorial. The Sophisticated Living franchise founders, Eric Williams and Bridget Cottrell, befriended the Spaldings. When Eric and Bridget wanted to expand the Sophisticated Living franchise to Nashville, they asked Mike and Mary for advice. Mike was good friends with Alex Steele, whose daughter, Britt, was moving back to Nashville from Italy with her husband, Fabrizio Venuta. When they decided to exit SLN in 2020 to pursue other projects, Mike approached me and Melissa about taking over the publication. We were very familiar with SLN as we received it in the mail, and Britt and Fabrizio had previously met with me to discuss advertising while I was at Wells Fargo Private Banking. So, in August 2020, we purchased the magazine, and our first issue of SLN was the November/December 2020 issue.
Mike was my friend, mentor, and someone I looked up to. I will sorely miss our drinks together, his advice, and his leadership at ECE. I will always be very indebted to him for bringing us this wonderful opportunity to publish Sophisticated Living Nashville. Thank you for everything, Mike.
Dave Mahanes, Publisher dave@slmag.net
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John Oates is a name synonymous with musical greatness. As the co-creator of Hall & Oates, the best-selling pop duo of all time, John co-wrote and co-produced timeless hits such as “I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do),” “Maneater,” “Out of Touch,” “Sara Smile,” “She’s Gone,” and “You Make My Dreams.” John and Daryl defined the zeitgeist of several important periods. They were innovative, making music videos long before MTV changed how people consumed music. John’s career achievements include his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, MTV and American Music Awards, Grammy® nominations, the BMI Icon Award, and innumerable performance metrics since their songs still dominate certain
platforms and genres. John continues to evolve as an artist, returning to his roots via a solo career, which was most recently celebrated when he received the prestigious BMI Troubadour Award at the top of AMERICANAFEST 2024.
The life John and his wife Aimee have curated blends artistry, legacy, fun, and a deep need to give back, whether they are in the mountain beauty of Aspen or the metropolis of Nashville. They’ve met and collaborated with every musical legend imaginable, yet they are as accessible and nice as a Midwest farmer’s daughter. No wonder Music City has adopted John and Aimee. In this conversation, they share stories and laughter with their friend, Carolyn Smith Bryant, in the home where songs were built, BMI.
Carolyn Smith Bryant: This is going to be so much fun! John, in your 2017 best-selling autobiography A Change of Seasons, you said that a musician’s skin is hung on the bones of his youth and that you felt fortunate to be born at what you called just the right time. What was that time, and who were your musical influences?
John Oates: I always say that I’m old enough to remember music before Rock and Roll. My parents were part of the greatest generation, and I grew up listening to their music: big band and swing. So, when I heard rock and roll on the radio for the first time, even though I was little, I knew something revolutionary was happening. My whole life, from when I was five years old, has paralleled the evolution of Rock and Roll. That’s a unique perspective to have.
CSB: It certainly is. Who are your heroes?
JO: I was exposed to big band and jazz greats like Glenn Miller, Lionel Hampton, and Duke Ellington, then became enamored with the early architects of rock: Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Elvis Presley, and the Everly Brothers. Later, I discovered the folkies, from the obscure to legends to the then-contemporary artists Joan Baez and Dylan. I’ve always gravitated toward performers who are guitarists and vocalists. It’s no wonder this list is abbreviated, mind you. I immersed myself in the history of American popular music, especially here in Nashville, where I found a lot of kindred spirits. I realized that the great American popular song is an amalgamation of the American experience.
CSB: John, your new single “Mending” is phenomenal and, to me, harkens back to your hometown outside Philly, in that Gamble & Huff tradition. I met your collaborator, Devon Gilfillian, when you were awarded the BMI Troubadour Award. Your voices meld beautifully, and the song is silky-smooth and sexy.
JO: Devon is also from Philadelphia, so how could we not tap into that? I had seen him perform and sensed we would hit it off musically, though you never know how a writing session will go.
Oates: Before Devon came over, I pulled out my tarot cards, something I do on occasion. I said to John, ‘pick one.’ The card he pulled out said ‘mending.’
JO: So, when Devon came over, we showed him the card, and he said, ‘That’s a great title,’ and we wrote it.
CSB: Aimee, what do you like about “Mending” and the Reunion album, and how is life different with John as a solo artist?
AO: I love their new single. I was home when they wrote it, and their laughter was infectious. The joy and camaraderie they experienced come through in the single. From what I see and from knowing all his previous albums, he’s in his element now and has come full circle. It’s all been good, but I see now that he’s writing and singing with purpose.
JO: If I may add, a lot of that had to do with our move to Nashville in 2009. I was able to rediscover myself through my association with great musicians, songwriters, and the Americana Music Association. I have been inspired to make something uniquely individual, something that was not at all like what I did with Daryl. I owe Nashville a lot, and I’m not just saying that. That’s why the Troubadour Award was so meaningful to me. Had we not made the move, our lives would be so different.
AO: Of all John’s awards, the Troubadour Award is so meaningful because he is being recognized as a solo artist who has had an impact on future generations not only here in Nashville but around the world. I am so happy and proud. He really worked hard for the accolade.
JO: Even though we began to come to Nashville in the late 1990s, our move here in 2009 coincides with the way this city has grown after the flood of 2010. In my opinion, from that moment on,
this city has become a mecca for people and musical styles from all over the world. The timing of our move was totally by chance, but we rode that wave. The city embraces newcomers and is openminded. I am free to explore and create, and that is what made a song like “Mending” possible.
CSB: John, same question, please. In what ways is Reunion, and your solo career in general, a return to your musical influences and the people who raised you?
JO: The Reunion album was a collection of what I felt were great songs, many of which were written in the 90s or early 2000, and I didn’t have a place for them. I wrote the song “Reunion” with AJ Croce, whom I met at the Ryman for John Prine’s 76th birthday celebration concert. I wasn’t thinking of it as the title song, but it coalesced all the songs that I had just sitting there. Suddenly, they had a home, and the album made musical sense. It was a chance to go deep into my musicality and go back to my roots and influences. Now I’m making an R&B album! So, I’m doing it again!
CSB: The songs certainly aged well. Wasn’t “Reunion” written for your father, Al, who was 101 years old when he passed away recently?
JO: Yes, he said he was going to have a reunion with Mom in heaven. As soon as he said that, it struck me that that was the true essence of the word. Not only that, but I have reunited fully with myself post Hall & Oates. The last tours with Daryl had become more of a retrospective of our hit-making career. We were not inventing, just recreating. Now, I can give 100% of my attention and creative energy to myself, my musical desires, and my family.
CSB: I read in your autobiography that over thirty years ago, you first saw Aimee during a break from the lingerie store where she worked in Aspen, walking toward you with a pet fox wrapped around her neck. AO: Yes, I was wearing a live fur stole named Foxy (laughter).
CSB: What went through your mind then, and how did that encounter become a lifelong partnership?
JO: Well, I had been recently divorced and was not looking for another marriage or relationship. I had left everything behind on the East Coast and moved to the mountains to start over. Basically, I was going to use the time to reinvent myself. But she was the cutest thing I had ever seen, and the pet fox put her over the top!
CSB: The best-laid plans of mice and men…here comes a stunning woman with a sense of humor, and she’s got game…
AO: Growing up in the Midwest, I was raised listening to old country, so I was not that familiar with John or his music. When I first saw him in Aspen, the man I met was authentically Colorado: a humble, hiking-boots-wearing mountain man. He is not at all attached to his persona on stage with Hall & Oates.
JO: You sure you want this in the interview?
CSB: Absolutely. Our readers will love this.
AO: Shortly thereafter, I went to an event for Ski Magazine. John’s best friend Russ and I were hired as models in the magazine playing boyfriend and girlfriend. So, when John met me at the party, putting two and two together, he thought he was meeting a real ski bunny. I’m midwestern, so my idea of skiwear is Carhartt. I’ll say it right now: I don’t care. I picked him up, and my line was, ‘I work at a lingerie store. How about you come by? I’ll hook you up with a free pair of silk boxers.’
AO: It gets weirder. Tick tock tick tock, the whole next day goes by, and John doesn’t show up, but he calls before it closes. The owner of the shop, Judy, answers the phone. It turns out John and my boss Judy had grown up together as neighbors in Pennsylvania and were on the same swim team! We’ve had a life of a lot of funny little coincidences.
CSB: Obviously, it didn’t matter that you weren’t really a ski bunny. And as he was an expert skier, he skied enough for the two of you.
AO: Yes, I ski just enough to get to lunch.
CSB: Was it hard for you as a country girl to hit the road with a rock star and entourage?
AO: I’ve always been adventurous and hit the ground running during high school. I spent my junior year in Brazil. From there, I went to the police academy in Huntington Beach, California.
JO: Can you picture her as a cop? (Carolyn shakes her head no and in disbelief)
AO: After that, I went to Marymount Manhattan College, then hit Europe by myself with a Eurail pass while staying in youth hostels. So, I viewed going on tour with John as a blast! Like the time he was playing in Trinidad and Tobago, and we went to goat races.
JO: We dated and traveled, no problem. But when we got married and had our son, Tanner, I was in a quandary as to what to do with my new wife and infant while touring. I’ll never forget we were in the field at our Colorado home doing some repair work on the fence, and she said, ‘If this marriage is going to work, we have to tour as a family.’ So, we hit the road when Tanner was five weeks old. Aimee’s so family-oriented, her parents are still happily married, and it was the only way she thought we could be happy and successful.
AO: Tight-knit is all I know. I owe everything to my folks, and I know John feels the same way about his upbringing. I was taught that spouses can be polar opposites and very independent, but you meet at the foundation and principles you share. John and I allow ourselves and each other room to decant, open up, be confident and whole, be our own people, yet move as a whole.
JO: So, as I said, we hit the road when Tanner was five weeks old until he was about thirteen, and then he told us he had had enough. Kudos to him.
AO: He was being homeschooled by the best tutors, but he wanted to be with other kids at a real school. When he finally
went to school, he would get feedback from teachers: ‘Hey Tanner, leave the roadie language at home.’
JO: I used to joke with him that he didn’t need to go to college. I could get him a black T-shirt, and he could get back on the bus with me, and he would say, ‘No way, I’m going to college.’ There was no glamour in touring. He saw the reality of the hard work, travel, and a nomadic lifestyle.
AO: Because we were still touring, he went to boarding school down the road from our home in Woody Creek and came home on the weekends. So, he had the feeling of being on his own, and we had a caregiver when we weren’t home. Then he went on to college.
CSB: It sounds like you gave him that strong family foundation you spoke about, and therefore, he was able to mature and break away confidently. AO: I think so. What I’m happiest about is that Tanner grew up in nature and around animals, going out and getting dirty and helping with the chores. We had llamas, emus, alpacas, pea fowl…you name it, we had it. When we moved to Nashville, we were able to find good homes for our creatures in Colorado. We don’t have animals here. My new obsession is gardening. The farmer in me had been lying dormant for years and has reemerged. As the name implies, in The Rockies, the soil is hard to work, but here, it’s different. I love it. I know everyone at the local family-owned nurseries. I love talking plants and hearing old-timers say old-timey things like ‘just enough to say Grace over.’
CSB: That’s a great song title!
JO: Boy, you must be married to a song man (laughter). Unlike the log house we built in Aspen, our home here is dated 1925 and is much more formal.
AO: I love antiquing and especially love buying European concrete statuary for the garden. When we moved here, our gardens were quite mature and overgrown. We have reimagined them using surprise elements like the statuary.
JO: We love where we live in Nashville. We’ve never lived together in a city, and it really contrasts with the way we started on a little ranch in the mountains. It’s fun to be in this growing city.
AO: We’re conveniently located two miles from Whole Foods and two miles from a honky tonk. I love Aspen; it is also convenient, but I love the melting pot of culture here. I love hearing church bells tolling, the train in the distance, school children playing, or kids riding bikes. It’s a historic neighborhood in town, but it feels like we’re hiding in plain sight.
JO: Except the tourist buses know where we are.
CSB: Oh my gosh, buses riding by saying, ‘This is where John Oates lives’?
AO: Yup, and they always go by at the most hilarious moments when John is out there working on something. We joke that we’re going to get on the bus one of these days.
CSB: And see what they say about you?
AO: Have hats and sunglasses on, hide in the back, then say, ‘Please let us off here,’ then step off the bus in front of our house.
CSB: What do you two consider the secret of life, and how does the longevity in each of your families impact how you see time and how you lead your lives?
JO: It’s something I think about all the time. I started really feeling older a few years ago when, because I work in a youth business, I realized over 90% of the time, I’m the oldest person in the room. In a recording studio or while writing a song, it kind of hit me. At the same time, that energy keeps me more youthful. I love to exercise; I exercise all the time and understand how important it is. I’ve always played sports, but during the pandemic, I discovered yoga, which I always poo-pooed. I do it every day, and it helps with flexibility and strength. So, growing older, so far so good.
AO: My folks are such a huge inspiration to me. My dad is still farming the same land with my youngest brother Jude (I’m the youngest of seven). My mom, who used to be a nurse, is still really engaged with the community. She reads at Saturday mass; they stay very active. That casts an optimism over me. I am more mindful of what we eat; we are in a sugar detox, and I work out with a trainer. Knowing life is fragile, I try to present the best version of myself each day, and I try to be present. It takes work and desire.
CSB: Community, engagement, and purpose, I believe, are the key to life. And speaking of purpose, as a magazine, we are deeply committed to the ethos of giving back and highlighting individuals who make meaningful contributions to their communities. The amount of charitable work you do and board seats you have held are mighty. I know that you, John, have used that famous ‘stache or ‘mo’ through the initiative Movember to put a new face on mental health care. When did we start calling a mustache a ‘mo’?
JO: It’s an English term. They asked me to come on board Movember in ‘23, and I jokingly thought, ‘What took you so long?’ as I am often associated with a mustache that has been called iconic. Men don’t like to talk about or address certain things when it comes to mental and physical health. You know how men don’t want to go to the doctor? If my celebrity can shine a light on a cause, for example, the need for men to talk about their issues, I felt it was worth doing. The organization is based in London, so I went over there, did some promotions, and played a couple of shows.
AO: We are blessed that he’s had the type of career that, thankfully, we don’t have to worry about putting food on the table. With that comes the need to give back, and that is how we feel as a couple.
JO: Nashville is a wellspring of new talent, and I love mentoring new generations. I bring the experience, and they bring the energy, and that’s a great combo. I view it as an opportunity for me to use my passion to do something altruistic. We feel blessed and bound to give back as much as we can.
CSB: You have supported animal rescues and shelters, hosted songwriting festivals to nurture next-gen songwriters, donated a race car to support spina bifida and hospice care…you created an online streaming music event that fed 450,000 during the pandemic…
JO: That was born out of frustration, out of not being able to record or tour. During the pandemic, Aimee and I reached out to Feeding America, an amazing organization, because over 90% of the funds they raise go to relieving food insecurity. Then I realized that many of my artist friends felt the same way. So, we called up as many as we could and said, ‘Just sit on your couch and make a video.’ The response from incredible artists was overwhelming.
CSB: Aimee, you’ve volunteered at elder homes and memory care centers through Petal Project (and brought me once, which I thoroughly enjoyed) to bring joy to the elderly. You’ve both supported animal rescues and shelters, hosted songwriting festivals, and so much more. Can you please highlight other causes and organizations to which you are devoted?
JO: Aimee is on the board of Friends of the Aspen Animal Shelter. As for me, I always try to be involved with music-centric organizations. That way, I feel that it is authentic for me to be involved. I became the celebrity ambassador to the Teen Cancer organization, headed by Roger Daltrey of The Who. What’s great is a lot of the kids who are cancer survivors are musical. They like to write songs, record, perform.
AO: So, we bring together a lot of professionals; we’ve had several of the kids come here to Nashville for recording sessions. Again, it’s a great way to use our passion to do good.
CSB: Aimee, I get the sense that there is no such thing as a typical day in the life of the Oates. But when you two do have time together here in town, where do you like to dine?
AO: We like Little Hats Market in Germantown, the Picnic Café and Coop ‘N Scoop in Belle Meade, and Restoration Hardware.
JO: We love Bricktops. With the city’s growth, we now have great restaurants like Rolf and Daughters. Our latest favorite is Luogo, owned by a friend from New York, Anthony Scotto. He has a second restaurant in Germantown called Pelato.
CSB: Aimee, one of history’s most iconic style arbiters, the late great Vogue Editor-in-Chief Diana Vreeland once said, “Style, all who have it share one thing: originality.” This perfectly captures your bold and individualistic approach to fashion, from which John also benefits. Where do you like to shop in Nashville? Are there any hidden finds you are willing to share?
JO: May I jump in? Sometimes, I see things I think are great for her and enjoy shopping for her. I love the Double RL store off
Music Row, and there’s also one in Aspen. I always find something cool and unique there that suits our style.
AO: I love H Audrey and Oak Hall. I also just went to a fabulous trunk show at Epergne. All that said, my favorite type of shopping (probably because I am the farmer’s daughter) is at the hardware store. Home projects find me, so I love Hillsboro Hardware. Those are my people. John came home the other day, and I said, ‘Taste the water,’ and I had changed out the filters on our filtration system. I also love card stores. I love going to Paper Source and reading the racks of cards.
CSB: You ought to go with her, John. I bet there are a lot of song ideas in those racks. (laughter) The full title of our magazine is Sophisticated Living–Nashville’s Finest. How do you define sophisticated, and what is finest about Nashville?
JO: There’s an influx of new people from around the world who have embraced the traditional local music scene and aesthetic but have brought their own tastes and experiences. The combination of what was and what is now, the reverence for a lot of classic institutions such as the Opry and the Ryman, is simply unique and has made Nashville a world-class destination. There’s no place on earth like this. Nashville is on fire in the best possible way.
AO: The culture is easily accessible, such as the gardens of Cheekwood, the Frist, and the Antiques and Garden Show. Food, music, culture; there is something for everyone.
JO: When the plans for the other side of the river are complete with the new stadium and TPAC, the sky’s the limit. Nashville is not even close to reaching its peak.
CSB: John, to quote your coauthor of Change of Seasons, Chris Epting, ‘it’s one thing to, for decades, admire an artist’s gifts from afar, but to have the opportunity to help tell their story is a rare privilege. Thank you both for the privilege of bringing your story of a life well-lived to our readers. sl
Written by Melissa Mahanes / Photographs by Inspiro8, Rebecca Lehde, Cameron Powell
Brad Ramsey Interiors, based in Nashville, is a prominent interior design firm led by Brad Ramsey, who founded the business in 2013. The firm is known for its tailored approach to residential and commercial design, focusing on creating spaces that reflect the unique personality and lifestyle of its clients. Brad Ramsey’s design philosophy emphasizes thoughtfulness, balance, and collaboration, ensuring each project achieves a cohesive and personalized aesthetic.
The firm specializes in custom builds, providing comprehensive services from architectural planning and material selection to furniture design and styling. Ramsey’s work has received accolades, including features in House Beautiful’s 2024 Next Wave Class and other national publications. His designs are noted for blending creative vision with client input to craft timeless and functional spaces.
Ramsey’s newest collaboration is the sixth project for his longtime clients and their five children. The lakeside retreat is in Sunset, South Carolina near Clemson, where two of their children are enrolled. Ramsey was involved in the project in the architectural phase, so he was able to contribute to adding warmth and valuable input on how the spaces can best suit his
clients’ needs. “It is rare to design a room that is simply just about the aesthetic design. More often than not, it is a dance between form and function”, says Ramsey.
The nearly 7,500 square foot home is a comfortable yet modern lakehouse that boasts plenty of indoor and outdoor living and plenty of space to hang out and entertain guests. The home is designed on three levels, with different zones serving distinct purposes. The girls occupy the top tier, the spacious primary suite and guest suite flank the main living space, and the bottom level has the boys’ bedrooms, a bunkroom, gym and plenty of storage. Ramsey is particularly proud of the lake access level, where wakeboards and sports equipment can be dropped off and remain out of sight.
To complement the modern architecture, Ramsey installed organic, natural and earthy pieces and tones to connect with nature. He created interest with textural pieces and balanced modernity with relaxed and comfortable silhouettes. The result is a house that seamlessly flows between indoors and outdoors. sl
Brad Ramsey Interiors / 4119 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215 / 615.746-7364 bradramseyinteriors.com
Becky Suss brings a new perspective to her upcoming show at Cheekwood
Written by Melissa Mahanes / Photo Courtesy of Cheekwood
Becky Suss is a contemporary artist whose work eloquently captures the interplay between memory, domesticity, and cultural history. Based in Philadelphia, Suss is celebrated for her large-scale paintings of interior spaces, which meditate on the personal and collective narratives embedded in everyday environments. Her art is deeply personal and universally resonant, offering viewers an intimate yet stylized perspective on how we inhabit and remember the spaces we call home.
At the heart of Suss’s practice is her exploration of memory. Her paintings often draw on her family’s history, particularly her relatives’ homes, as a source of inspiration. These works are not literal recreations, but reinterpretations filtered through her perspective and emotional connection to these spaces. By reimagining domestic
interiors, Suss captures memory’s layered, sometimes fragmented nature—a mix of clarity and abstraction. Her paintings reflect how we hold on to specific details while others fade or transform over time. Suss’s approach to perspective is a hallmark of her style. She employs a flattened perspective that eliminates traditional depth, creating both intimate and surreal compositions. This technique directs attention to her scenes’ intricate patterns, textures, and arrangements. For example, rugs, wallpaper, and textiles are depicted with meticulous detail, often dominating the visual space and underscoring the emotional weight carried by these objects. The result is a visual language that feels simultaneously nostalgic and contemporary, inviting viewers to linger over the rich details and uncover their associations.
A key element of Suss’s work is her emphasis on objects and their symbolic resonance. Each painting is a tableau of cherished items, such as books, furniture, and heirlooms, imbued with personal and cultural significance. These objects become vessels for storytelling, bridging the gap between the artist’s personal history and broader themes of tradition, identity, and belonging. Suss’s inclusion of books, in particular, often hints at her intellectual influences and engagement with art history and literature, weaving additional layers of meaning into her work.
Color and pattern play a central role in Suss’s compositions. Her vibrant yet muted palettes lend her paintings a serene and contemplative quality. The carefully rendered patterns—whether in a floral wallpaper or a geometric rug—highlight her fascination with the decorative arts and how they contribute to a home’s character. These patterns also evoke a sense of time and place, grounding her work in a specific yet timeless aesthetic.
Suss’s work has garnered significant acclaim, with exhibitions at prestigious galleries. Her art is included in private and public collections, reflecting her growing influence in contemporary art. Critics have praised her ability to balance the personal and universal, creating works that feel deeply reflective yet accessible to a broad audience. Through her distinctive style and thoughtful subject matter, Becky Suss invites viewers to reconsider the significance of the
spaces and objects that shape our lives. Her paintings are not just visual records of interiors but profound explorations of memory, identity, and the passage of time, making her a compelling voice in contemporary art. Suss’ work has recently been acquired by the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston; Institute of Contemporary Art, Philadelphia; Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; and the Princeton University Art Museum.
Becky Suss: The Dutch House will feature ten new paintings inspired by Nashville author Ann Patchett’s 2019 novel, The Dutch House , a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, centering on a fictional mansion in a suburb of Philadelphia. Suss also incorporates her own experiences by interweaving literature and personal stories and researching objects and architectural details to fit within the novel’s time period. In conjunction with the exhibition, a lecture will feature Becky Suss, Ann Patchett, and Noah Saterstrom at Cheekwood on February 22 at 10:00am. Suss will discuss the inspiration behind her exhibition, while Patchett and Saterstrom will join in with commentary on the book. sl
Becky Suss: The Dutch House / January 25-March 16, 2025 Cheekwood Estate & Gardens / 1200 Forrest Park Drive, Nashville, TN 37205 / 615.356.8000 / cheekwood.org / Regular Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 9:00am-3:30pm, Closed Mondays.
Photographer Andy Katz and his son, winemaker Jesse Katz, embrace l'art de vivre through unique expressions of their craft.
"It's a keeper!" globetrotting photographer Andy Katz said he'd exclaim when he was confident he'd captured "the shot." During a recent conversation amid the Farrow Ranch vineyard in California's Alexander Valley in Sonoma County, he joked that the phrase also applies to the day his son Jesse was born. Well before Jesse marked his first trip around the sun, he accompanied his father on an assignment in Japan, the first of many adventures, which included a near-death experience with a charging rhino in Africa and quite a bit of time galivanting through some of the world's most famous vineyards. The latter imprinted upon young Jesse a fascination with wine and, more importantly, the soil that imparts "good juice" with its unique characteristics.
As an eight-year-old, Andy recalls flipping through a book of black-and-white portraits by Yousuf Karsh and deciding at that moment that he wanted to be a photographer. In the 1960s, an early assignment sent him around the globe without a clear itinerary and per diem that today would barely cover your morning latte. Listening to Andy tell it, the adventure seems both intoxicating and wholly unfathomable in today's hyper-connected world. His skill as a raconteur is as evocative as his photography, an oeuvre encompassing
more than 14 coffee table books (a dozen of which are devoted to wine), record albums cover for the likes of the Doobie Brothers and Dan Fogelberg, and features in museums and galleries worldwide. In 2005, he became Sony's First Artisan of Imagery. "Beauty is everywhere; you just have to wait for the right light," said Andy.
Similarly, Jesse recalls being laser-focused on becoming a winemaker, a fascination stretching back to an idyllic childhood sprinting through and occasionally sleeping amid vineyards in Europe and South America. Seeing a vineyard through his father's expertly focused lens and later being offered a taste of wine from the same site gifted him a unique ability to communicate terroir.
After graduating from CSU-Fresno, Jesse worked in the cellar and vineyards at Bodega Noemia in Patagonia, Argentina, whose oldest malbec vines were planted in the 1930s. Their lowtech approach to the craft included destemming grapes by hand and stomping them à la I Love Lucy. Jesse went on to apprentice at Bordeaux's Pétrus and Napa's Screaming Eagle before becoming America's youngest head winemaker at 25 with Lancaster Estate and Roth Winery in Sonoma County, where he was given the opportunity to design a winery from the ground up.
Jesse launched Aperture Cellars (aperture-cellars.com) in 2009, initially purchasing top-tier grapes from the hills of Sonoma. In 2012, he also created a cult wine project called Devil Proof, focusing on single-site, dry-farmed malbec and malbec blends. After nearly instant and ongoing acclaim for his releases, in 2016, Jesse decided to build his own winery, selecting Sonoma's top AVA's for what he saw as its potential to be a vaunted cabernet region but in slightly cooler areas for the varietal. An ulcer-inducing bank loan enabled the purchase of a 75-acre vineyard and another 40 acres for the winery complex and estate vineyard (including a block of vines planted in 1912) located 10 minutes outside the charming town of Healdsburg.
Touring the 24,000-square-foot winery complex with Jesse and Hillary Sjolund, Aperture and Devil Proof's Director of Winemaking, I was struck by its lab-like cleanliness and eyepopping array of high-tech tools (one of the most advanced in the United States). Starting with a very advanced de-stemmer, the grapes move on to an optical sorter that captures a whopping 1200 photos-per-second of the grapes while infrared technology identifies fruit that's been sunburned or otherwise damaged and kicks it out so that only the best grapes make the journey to the fermentation tanks via a pump that's so gentle it is the same type used to relocate fish from one pond to another in nurseries. The tricked-out tanks boast automated pump-overs, temperature
control, and oxygen injection, all of which can be controlled via laptop or smartphone. In addition to creating wines with finesse and mouthfeel, the big-ticket investment in technology has been offset by reduced staff overhead and significant savings on water usage (ninety-eight percent of the water used by the winery is recycled for use in irrigation and landscaping).
While the technology minimizes human error and increases efficiency, it's still up to the winemaker's expertise to create something special with the raw materials. "It's our purpose to express the uniqueness of each vineyard in the glass," said Hillary. Jesse singled out Aperture's ability to do automatic pumpovers, which has taken their creativity to another level because the frequency (as much as one minute every hour for the first five days) would have been impossible to do manually. "We are textural winemakers," said Jesse, adding that he and Hillary are constant collaborators, tasting daily and making subtle tweaks to get the desired outcomes.
Over a few days, what I found endearing about Jesse was his quiet confidence and lack of wine snobbery. Speaking to our small group with widely varying wine expertise, he could switch on a dime from drilling down into the minutia of soil types to using a sports metaphor to help explain Aperture's approach, remarking, "It's no different than training at an optimal level to get each muscle fiber to fire optimally."
Today, Aperture's vineyard holdings encompass over 200 acres in six distinct vineyards. Jesse first visited one of these, Farrow Ranch, a decade before purchasing it as he was invited to dinner there by a family friend. Accessed at the end of a narrow dirt road, the Farrow home sat at the bottom of a bowl-like valley where the open trellis system of vines gave way to dense forest.
Walking the site, Jesse recognized a block of dry-farmed malbec thriving in volcanic soil. The site is the source of Devil Proof's Farrow Ranch Malbec; Jesse's malbec, now grown on three distinct sites, has garnered the lion's share of his 19 100-point scores from five different wine critics. I am by no means an oenophile, but even as an amateur, my first sip of Devil Proof was eye-popping for its nuanced layers of aromas, flavors, and mouthfeel.
The Devil Proof moniker and the unique black-and-white image on the label derive from a father-and-son trip to Cuba, where Andy captured the now iconic photograph of a Cuban woman languidly smoking a cigar. Jesse recounts being told by the locals, "'If you live well and drink well, the devil can't get ya.' Like, you're devil-proof." Only around 1,000 cases of Devil Proof are made in the years the crop is deemed worthy, and the bottles
are quickly snapped up by those who sign up for an allocation notice at devilproofvineyards.com. Sold in sets of three, the presentation case is designed to mimic a cigar box Jesse had as a child and used to store his prized collection of coins picked up around the world.
"Jesse can recall the contours of a vineyard like a parent knows their child's face," said Andy. At Farrow Ranch alone, Jesse has dug 86 soil pits to create a detailed soil map that helps guide decisionmaking. Working with his mentor and consulting viticulturist Phil Freese, Jesse utilizes technology in the vineyards, employing NDVI imagery analysis to measure plant vigor and biomass vine by vine and taking appropriate actions to strengthen crops, ward off diseases, or determine watering and fertilization schedules.
While I can appreciate a good vintage, I love the why behind a wine even more, and Aperture is Jesse's heartwarming homage to his father and their enduring bond. The centerpiece of the guest experience is an architecturally stunning tasting room designed by architect Juancarlos Fernandez with a central ceiling feature designed to look like the aperture of a camera lens. Inside the tasting room, the walls are adorned with Andy's large
format photos. The winery frequently holds immersive sensory experiences with local chefs that transcend the act of sipping by celebrating the delicious bounty of Sonoma County.
Jesse is a consulting winemaker for a handful of handpicked clients, including the Montage Healdsburg (montage. com/Healdsburg), a luxury resort that opened in January 2021. Before they broke ground on a single guest room on the 258acre property, Katz "cherry-picked" 15.5 acres to plant vineyards bearing malbec, merlot, petite verdot, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon and sauvignon blanc grapes that are used to create private label releases. Many of the 130 guest bungalows at the Montage Healdsburg, an event space, and a yoga lawn are integrated into areas of super-high-density vine plantings. These vines are carefully tended to by hand as heavy machinery would disrupt the resort's bucolic atmosphere. "From the outset, we were aligned in our desire to do nothing but the best, and the ownership listened to all of my crazy ideas," Jesse recounted.
In 2024, the Montage Healdsburg launched Surveyor, their private estate-bottled wine. The inaugural release, available exclusively to guests and residents of Montage Healdsburg
(montageresidenceshealdsburg.com), consists of a 2021 cabernet sauvignon and a 2021 sauvignon blanc, both harvested from Montage Healdsburg's estate vineyard and bottled at Aperture.
If you want to fully immerse yourself in Sonoma's wine culture during harvest, book a facial or body scrub at the Montage's 11,500-square-foot spa and try to resist the temptation to taste tantalizingly aromatic products made from grape skins and seeds.
One can draw parallels between photography and winemaking: a dedication to the craft, a pursuit of excellence, tempered hubris and obsession, and heaps of patience. Both Andy and Jesse lean into technology as a tool to augment their skills rather than as a crutch to mask shortcomings. Jesse said that his dad doesn't own Photoshop in the same way he hasn't acidified, fined, or filtered any of his red wines. Continuing that train of thought, Andy quickly jumps in, adding, "You can't do anything good by taking shortcuts" and "You can't rely on your last success for lasting happiness." However, as a proud father, he also emphatically proclaims that Jesse can make good wine in his sleep. And, after spending a few days with both Andy and Jesse, I'm reminded that healthy roots are essential to more than just winemaking. sl
Compiled by Bridget Williams
A few of our favorite men’s jewelry pieces, from classically elegant to edgy
Lagos diamond tag amulet ($1,990). Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Diamond Cellar in Nashville, Clarkson Jewelers in St. Louis and lagos.com. Chopard Ice Cube pendant in ethical rose gold ($6,460). Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis and chopard.com. Effy Jewelry men’s 925 sterling silver blue sapphire pendant ($1,256; effyjewelry.com). Walters Faith Quentin black gold and black diamond band ($4,890; waltersfaith.com). Michael M Tetra diamond band ($4,350). Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati and michaelm.com. Krik Kara Scroll Wheat engraved wedding band ($3,890). Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Genesis Diamonds in Nashville and kirkkara.com. David Yurman Streamline two-row band ring in titanium with black diamonds ($1,950). Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers and Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville and davidyurman.com. Pamela Love’s Alev bracelet ($240), is part of a collaborative collection with Turquoise Mountain to create a series of handcrafted jewelry made by Afghan artisans (pamelalove.com). Patcharavipa Allumette bracelet ($5,850; patcharavipa.com). Grown Brilliance Cuban link bracelet ($2,225; grownbrilliance.com). Chris Ploof Designs Damascus cuff (chrisploof.com). Verraggio two-tone gold and diamond bracelet. Available through Genesis Diamonds in Nashville and verragio.com. Seal & Scribe hand engraved cufflinks ($5,000; sealandscribe.com). Aurelia Demark single Lion cufflink ($185; aureliademark.com). LÖF Fritz bangle ($5,000; lofjewellery.com). Luis Morais gold Maille bracelet
Opposite page: Pieces from VRAM’s new men’s jewelry collection, priced from $1,300 (vramjewelry.com)
An alternative to day-tripping, AMERON Neuschwanstein Alpsee Resort & Spa offers a more leisurely and luxurious way to experience a storybook Bavarian village with two castles.
Written by Bridget Williams / Photos of AMERON Neuschwanstein Alpsee Resort & Spa by Wolfgang Stahr
Nestled into an alpine valley with complementary castles perched atop Lake Alpsee on opposing hillsides, it's hard to imagine a more storybook setting than the Bavarian town of Schwangau near Füssen in Allgäu. Annually, nearly two million visitors queue up to peek at the ornately furnished state rooms of Hohenschwangau Castle (hohenschwangau.de/en) and a small portion of Neuschwanstein Castle (neuschwanstein.de/englisch/ tourist), built by the famously eccentric King Ludwig II of Bavaria between the years of 1869 and 1884. Most visitors make a quick in-and-out stop in the village, which is a shame as they miss the opportunity to experience the beauty of this little hamlet after the castles close and the crowds disperse.
In the shadow of the castles and enveloped by the Allgäu Alps on the banks of Lake Alpsee, the 4-star AMERON Neuschwanstein Alpsee Resort & Spa (ameroncollection.com/en/neuschwansteinalpsee-resort-spa), part of the Althoff Hotels family, is a full-service resort opened in 2019. The sprawling property represents a
masterclass in seamlessly integrating old and new. A trio of listed historic buildings — Alpenrose, Jägerhaus, and Schlosshotel Lisl—are joined by the newly built Galeria and Seehaus wings to comprise 136 rooms and junior suites, conference and event facilities, an extensive spa and fitness center overlooking the lake, several restaurants, and the Museum of the Bavarian Kings (the former site of a grand hotel). The rhythm of the disparate elements comes together in an aesthetic harmony that the Europeans know how to intuitively orchestrate flawlessly.
The contemporary lobby's stone floors recall the surrounding mountaintops' exposed granite peaks. At the center of the sprawling space, a seating area with plush velvet upholstery welcomes guests to relax in front of the fireplace. In keeping with the AMERON brand's commitment to uniqueness, guest rooms in each building present distinct personalities. Guests lodged in the listed historic buildings experience romantic, fairy-tale interiors complete with canopied beds, period-correct antiques, print-on-print wallpaper, and ornate drapery.
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The transition from old to new takes place via underground passageways and glass-covered pathways, AMERON's interpretation of a wormhole. In contrast to the fussiness of a bygone era, the clean lines of the new resort buildings would undoubtedly appease the aesthetics of legendary avant-garde German architects Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius. Here, the guest rooms bend towards the tenets of Bauhaus interior design: functionality, simplicity, and craftsmanship.
Continuity of contrasts extends to the culinary offerings with a host of unique gastronomic concepts. Seasonally inspired contemporary Bavarian alpine cuisine procured from local producers is available at Lisl Restaurant, serving a buffet-style breakfast and fine dining in the evening.
Schloss Bräustüber delivers an authentic German beer garden experience with meats, sausages, and cheeses originating from regional butchers and cheesemakers. Go all-in on authenticity by washing down your brezel with a freshly tapped pilsner from the town's King Ludwig Brewery. Fun fact: The first Oktoberfest in Munich on October 12, 1810, commemorated the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig (later King Ludwig I, the grandfather of Ludwig II) to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen.
Open seasonally, the terrace of Alpenrose am Se is the ideal place to enjoy a cocktail or a signature "King Ludwig
Glace Royale" sweet treat while surveying the glassy waters of Lake Alpsee. Ludwig Bar is a comfortable gathering place for a regionally inspired craft cocktail or light meal that combines international influence with regional ingredients and specialties.
After a day of exploring castles or hiking the trails accessed via cable car atop Tegelberg mountain (tegelbergbahn.de/en), the resort's 4 Elements spa complex, encompassing an indoor pool, Finnish and bio-saunas, experiential showers, ice fountain, quiet lounge areas, and a well-equipped fitness center, is an ideal place to unwind. Face and body treatments incorporate proprietary ARAMO ELIXIR anti-aging products.
An ideal visual representation of words like "idyllic" and "picturesque," it's easy to see why the region was the chosen home of Bavarian kings. While Hohenschwangau Castle was merely the summer residence of Maximillian II (and much smaller inside that it appears from its hilltop perch), his son Ludwig II, whose known eccentricities are still fascinating today, created his fantasy vision of an impenetrable year-round fortress based on Christian kingship in the Middle Ages as his power and relevance as a monarch crumbled beneath him. History lovers will relish in the luxury of time afforded by a stay at AMERON Neuschwanstein Alpsee Resort & Spa to do a deep dive into the short but fascinating history of the Kingdom of Bavaria and the House of Wittelsbach, one of the oldest dynasties in Europe. sl
Compiled by Bridget Williams
Fine jewelry that’s twice as nice with a two-stone design.
Akaila Reid stud earrings ($1,900; akailareid.com). Alison Lou Jewelry Double Cocktail drop earrings ($3,750; alisonlou.com). Marie Mas Aura ring ($4,937; mariemas.com/en-us). Mara Hotung Jewels peridot and tourmaline ring ($9,786; gemvoyager.com). Tanya Farah Jasmine Bloom bypass hoop earrings ($7,600; tanyafarah.com). Guita M lapis lazuli and opal drop earrings ($6,000; guitam-jewelry.com). MATEO pearl and diamond cluster drop earrings ($9,880; mateonewyork.com). Jacquie Aiche pavé diamond teardrop + baguette pink tourmaline open ring ($12,100; jacquieaiche.com). Clara Chehab Sienne Elemental stud earrings ($1,890; clarachehab.com). İTÄ Txirimiri Danza ring ($4,500; Opposite page: "In Reverse" sunstone & Tahitian natural color cultured pearl earrings from Assael ($44,000). Available through Diamond Cellar in Nashville and assael. com. Boochier Jewelers Lucky Pup necklace with diamond and sapphire accents ($3,590; boochier.com). Jonne Amaya ear climber ($1,200; jonneamaya.coom). Aurelia Demark small Fleur Toi Et Moi ring ($4,285; aureliademark.com). Mason and Brooks Fine Jewelry Tortuga pendant ($2,050; masonandbrooks.com). Suzanne Kalan one-of-a-kind Toi et Moi emerald and double baguette diamond ring ($12, 800; suzannekalan.com).
For over a century, Hôtel Plaza Athénée has remained at the pinnacle of luxury hotels in Paris.
Written by Bridget Williams
One can imagine the spirits of past Paris' haute couturiers as gossamer threads, gently tugging at the hearts and pocketbooks of contemporary fashionistas, drawing them en masse to the storied hôtel particuliers lining Avenue Montaigne in the 8th arrondissement. From the balcony of my Prestige Suite in the Hôtel Plaza Athénée (dorchestercollection.com/paris/hotel-plaza-Athenee), I sipped a latte from a delicate bespoke Jaune de Chrome porcelain teacup while my eyes slowly surveyed the scene like an iPhone camera’s Pano mode.
The early morning sun casts a painterly, dappled glow, making it easy to see why the City of Lights has seduced creative types for centuries. I first focus on the Eiffel Tower, its steel skeleton serving as a backdrop for the legendary hotel's iconic red awnings and window boxes laden with similarly hued geraniums from spring until late summer. My gaze casts down to the lobby's revolving door, where the omnipresent assemblage of some of the world's most covetable supercars attracts a similarly perennial gaggle of oglers. Craning my neck a bit, I can see eager early risers already queuing outside Dior (30 Avenue Montaigne), keen to be first in the door to soak up the fashionable fantasy offered by the ethereal five-floor showroom, Christian Dior's first boutique, which reopened in 2022 after two years of construction.
Sufficiently caffeinated, I head back into the opulence of my temporary abode, opulently outfitted in a manner that fully bolsters the Francophile fantasy, with sumptuous fabrics and furnishings punctuated with French marquetry and ormolu selected by designer Marie-José Pommereau.
Next, I head off to the gym, part of the world's first Diorbranded spa when it opened in 2008, where I almost felt bad for sweating on the supremely chic Dior-branded yoga mats, thinking they'd look just as good mounted on the wall as art. The recently refreshed labyrinth-like spa, which reopened in 2023 in a soothing cream and taupe colorway with discreet gold accents, now boasts larger treatment rooms, including one for couples and a designated beauty room for hair and makeup services. The Dior Light Suite features a light therapy booth, the first in Europe, which employs LED lights scattered across the ceiling to harness the sun's power to influence the body's circadian and chronobiological rhythms response to help fight stress, combat jet lag and increase energy.
My last stay at Hôtel Plaza Athénée was close to 15 years ago. Upon entering the circular lobby, the intoxicating scent of fresh flowers emanating from arrangements in cone-shaped vessels affixed to the marble columns created a moment of déjà vu and a pleasant realization that while much has changed, what makes the property iconic hasn't. I like to imagine that Christian Dior would feel the same. Long before the Dior name became synonymous with luxury fashion, he was purported to have strolled along Avenue Montaigne, stopping in front of Hôtel Plaza Athénée and pledging to himself that when he launched his own house, it would be located on this celebrated stretch of pavement. In fact, Dior presented his inaugural collection at the Hôtel in 1947.
There are two distinct personalities within the eight-floor hotel. Floors one through six are outfitted in Haussmannian style. In September, the property revealed 49 renovated rooms by acclaimed French interior design firm Moinard Bétaille on its fifth and sixth floors, including the legendary Royal Suite. Designed to resemble true Parisian apartments, each room and suite offer a different layout, ensuring no two rooms are alike. Six new color palettes have been designed to bring a touch of freshness and softness to the property amidst its 18th-century backdrop. The Virginia creeper plant that adorns the façade of the hotel's iconic interior courtyard –La Cour Jardin – appears throughout the design, from moldings and mosaics to the embroidery of cushions, carpets and moiré silks.
In contrast, guestrooms on floors seven and eight were created from reconfigured staff quarters fifty years ago in a distinct Art Deco style and refreshed during COVID by Parisian duo Bruno Moinard and Claire Bétaille. Blond and whited solid oak is punctuated with pops of "Plaza Red." Each guest room is uniquely sized, so furniture is similarly styled but bespoke to remain proportionally pleasing. A curated selection of coffee table books and framed fashion photos from vaunted photographers lend an apartment-like feeling to the intimately sized rooms. Luxurious grey-white marble bathrooms with graphic veining are an amenity shared with the more traditional accommodations.
Arguably, the most exciting change in recent years has occurred in the culinary sector. The COVID closure of 2020 prompted management to rethink their entire food and beverage program. After a 22-year run with Alain Ducasse at the helm in the kitchen, Hôtel Plaza Athénée created waves when they decided to roll the dice
on Jean Imbert, a 42-year-old Top Chef France winner who'd yet to earn a star. Given Imbert's experience working at hotspots in Miami and St. Tropez and celebrity clientele that includes Pharrell and Beyoncé, Justine Klar, Communications Manager at Plaza Athénée, said that in addition to Imbert's culinary prowess, hotel management appreciated the chef's VIP connections in the influencer age.
Rather than follow in the footsteps of Ducasse, Imbert chose to boldly forge his own path, working in a methodical fashion to completely overhaul all the restaurants, most dramatically the gastronomic one, which was reborn in an avant-garde style as Jean Imbert au Plaza Athénée. The theatrically designed experience begins with the decor. If you ever wanted to know what it was like to dine at the Court of Versailles, reserve one of the 16 coveted seats at the room's central marble table, where you will experience traditional cuisine served with succinct choreography. Guests are privy to ample interaction with chef Imbert, who purposefully leaves a little ambiguity on the menu descriptions for an element of surprise.
The Plaza Athénée's garden restaurant menu is now appropriately veggie-forward with a Mediterranean bent. Throughout the year, the space evolves to host seasonal events championed by chef Imbert, including an open-air summer cinema series with a corresponding menu inspired by a given film. In winter, an alpine chalet with a long table for 20 is erected alongside the garden's La Cour Jardin ice rink, where a lucky few can partake of fondue and Champagne. Fans of Emily in Paris will recognize the scene from the Agence Grateau holiday party in the second part of Season 4, proof positive that the quest for relevancy never rests.
An Art Deco masterpiece opened in 1936, Le Relais at Hôtel
Plaza Athénée is one of the most famous brasseries in Paris. The décor, which includes a chandelier classified as a monument by the French government, derives inspiration from the liner SS Normandie. We spent a lingering lunch surrounded by the power suit set, sampling cuisine with a pronounced sense of tradition, including Imbert's "My Grandmother's Terrine. I indulged in beef tartare, prepared tableside, accompanied by Pont Neuf potatoes, thick-cut fries that get their moniker from the city's oldest bridge, where pommes frites were once sold.
For generations, La Galerie, open from breakfast until late night, has served as the hotel's beating heart and is where the pulse of fashion week is taken outside the runway. However, I preferred the quiet of the afternoon, where the leisurely lull is accompanied by a harpist.
Time didn't permit a nightcap at Le Bar, but a daytime peek inside, revealing original wood paneling contrasted with a contemporary haute couture-inspired lighting installation and a bar resembling an ice sculpture, was enough to envision why there's almost always a line to get in on the weekends. The allure is long-standing: Christian Dior's iconic New Look Bar jacket is said to have been inspired by the space. A partnership with Dom Perignon provides guests access to rare bottles, which Klar described as "the price of a little apartment in Paris." During the day, Terrace Montaigne restaurant in front of Le Bar is the place to be for people watching and partaking of a new seafood, oyster bar and Champagne experience.
As part of The Dorchester Collection, guests of Hôtel Plaza Athénée gain entrée into an exclusive array of distinct properties lined by an unwavering commitment to quality at all touchpoints. Equally iconic, the Plaza's Parisian sister, Le Meurice (dorchestercollection.com/paris/le-Meurice), was the city's first palace hotel when it opened opposite the Tuilleries gardens in the 1st arrondissement. The opulent décor is wonderfully eccentric; over the years, architect Jean-Loup Roubert, interior designer Charles Jouffre, designer Philippe Starck, and his daughter, visual artist Ara Starck, have lent their unique perspective to interiors that deftly meld classical and contemporary styles.
A gastronomic tour de force, Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse bears 2 Michelin stars for haute cuisine inspired by authentic dishes served in a dining room reminiscent of the sumptuous Salon de la Paix at the Palace of Versailles. I was equally enamored of the dramatic and lively Dalí-inspired and Philippe Starck-designed environs at Restaurant Le Dalí, a fitting backdrop for a celebration of local and seasonal French cuisine.
Although it's often said that "what's old is new again," the Hôtel Plaza Athénée has never fallen out of fashion, drawing in a steady stream of luminaries like moths to a flame since it opened in 1913. Never willing to rest on its gilded laurels in a quest to meet its motto as "The palace of tomorrow," Hôtel Plaza Athénée continually reinvests in enhancing the guest experience and elevating the property's online allure with a savviness that would make Emily Cooper proud. sl
Compiled by Colin Dennis
can positively impact sleep quality by helping regulate body temperature, promoting relaxation through comfort, and signaling to the brain that it's time to wind down, ultimately leading to easier sleep onset and better sleep quality. Opting for breathable materials like cotton, bamboo, or silk is generally recommended over synthetic fabrics that can trap heat and moisture. Dandy paisley silk pajamas from Yves Delorme ($795; usa.yvesdelorme.com).
Countless studies have shown that a sauna’s dry heat promotes sweating, improves circulation and cardiovascular health, and enhances relaxation, which may translate to better sleep. From ThermaSol, the Ventura indoor sauna cabin features curved, waterfall-like benches and a veneered ash interior. A silk-printed glass wall allows natural light to filter through (thermasol.com).
The SOPHIA Fitness Mobile Set from PENT is designed to seamlessly blend style and functionality. Built to order, the setup can encompass dumbbells, kettlebells, compact fitness accessories, exercise mats, and fitness balls ($11,885; pentfitness.com).
Real-time health data is always in reach with the Samsung Galaxy ring (shown in titanium silver). A trio of sensors offer a discreet way to monitor health metrics like heart rate, sleep patterns, and activity levels ($399; samsung.com).
It may seem that a soak in frigid water may not be good for you. Still, studies have shown otherwise, with benefits from reducing inflammation to improving mood. Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro ($9,699; sunhomesaunas.com).
Red light therapy uses specific wavelengths of light thought to stimulate energy production in the cells and reduce inflammation. From Mito Red, the patent-pending MitoADAPT™ Mega 3.0 Series with dual chip multi-wavelength design provides eleven different possible modes, allowing users to determine which combinations of wavelengths are having the most significant impact on helping them reach their goals ($4,999; mitoredlight.com).
Travel has been linked to stress reduction and can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Studies have shown that resveratrol, wine’s “super ingredient,” may lower blood pressure, control cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and even boost brain power. Combine the benefits of both at SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites, the luxury boutique hotel by Argentina’s first female winemaker, Susana Balbo, and her daughter, Ana Lovagilo Balbo. Their new Wine Immersion Program offers a complete sensory journey through a comprehensive exploration of Mendoza’s rich wine culture through the legacy and insights of the Susana Balbo family. From private winemaking expeditions—featuring behind-thescenes visits to some of the region’s top wineries—to in-suite wine-based wellness treatments, tastings in the hotel’s intimate tasting room, and an aromatic evening turn-down service in iconic wine egg tub, every detail is designed to celebrate the finest of Mendoza’s wine world within SB Winemaker’s House’s elegant setting (rates start at $1,663 per night base on double occupancy; susanabalbohotels.com).
Fitness boxing is a high-intensity workout that engages the aerobic and anaerobic systems, torching as many as 800 calories an hour, depending on intensity. Modest Vintage Player limited edition floral leather heavy punching bag ($399), strap-up boxing gloves ($135), and hand wraps ($35; modestvintageplayer.com).
A symbol of wealth and status in ancient times, ear cuffs have newfound popularity, and the genderless jewelry is perfect for those who don’t want the long-term commitment of a piercing. Compiled by Bridget Williams
This page, clockwise from top left: Mazarin Eboris ear cllip ($1,320; mazarin-paris.com). Tiffany T1 ear cuff in rose gold with diamonds ($9,000; tiffany.com). Guzema Chainfall ear cuff ($1,450; guzema.com). Patcharavipa Lune Sucré ear cuff ($5,240; patcharavipa.com). MACADAM Quadra open enamel ear cuff ($3,750; voilamacadam.com). Jacquie Aiche Sophia teardrop shaker ear cuff ($4,125; jacquieaiche.com). De Beers white gold Dewdrop ear cuff ($2,100; debeers.com). Bondeye Jewelry Wave ear cuff ($600; bondeyejewelry.com). Type Jewelry LEGGO 2.0 diamond ear cuff ($1,600; typejewelry.com). Anita Ko Cosmo ear cuff ($7,875; anitako.com). Nouvel Heritage VENDÔME double pearl ear cuff ($1,700). Available through ReisNichols in Indianapolis, Ylang-Ylang in St. Louis and us.nouvelheritage.com. Ippolita single pavé Squiggle ear cuff ($1,395). Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis and ippolita.com. State Property Arcan Markeli triple ear cuff (thisisstateproperty.com). Shahla Karimi Le Corbusier Puff Set double ear cuff ($1,360; shahlakarimi.com).
A
two-week adventure through Spain and Portugal was nothing short of luxurious.
By Christy Marshall / Photography courtesy of Luxury Gold
I am a tour newbie.
Once decades ago, while living outside Glasgow, I schlepped to Paris with a slew of Scottish schoolteachers. They brought their own tea and marmalade. They got cranky. Frequently. The hotel was old... and cold. It was one of those okay-but-not-sogreat experiences. Except for a spectacular safari in Kenya, I've sidestepped group outings ever since.
Little did I know what an incredible difference tapping a company like Luxury Gold makes. The trip, titled "Spain and Portugal Travel in Style," involved visiting nine cities in two countries over 13 days.
It's not for the faint of heart.
But then again, when Luxury Gold is at the helm, stamina, not bravado, is the key. Several of the 22 others on this jaunt already knew. One couple was on their fifth Luxury Gold tour. Others had already taken the company's trips to Italy, Croatia, Poland, England, and Scotland. Before we packed our bags to go home, some signed up for a trip to Egypt.
But then again, what's not to love? You travel first class, you stay in five-star hotels, the food is divine, you get private tours of the sites and cities, and every possible detail is handled by the tour concierge.
Luxury Gold’s parent, The Travel Corporation, was founded in 1920 by hotelier and restauranteur, the late Stanley Tollman, and his wife, Bea, then living in the fishing village of Paternoster, South Africa. Last July, Travel Corporation, which now holds more than
40 travel and tourism brands and hotels, was purchased by Apollo Funds of New York.
The tour stands apart from others because of all the posh details: Being picked up by a driver in a black town car to go to the airport, then from the airport to the hotel and at the end, back to the airport and from the airport to my St. Louis bungalow. It's the luxury of having every reservation made, every room ready, of never hauling my luggage a step further than my hotel room door. No lines. Anywhere. Having proud local citizens give us either bus or walking tours (or a combination of both) at every destination. It's the ease of boarding a Mercedes version of a Greyhound bus, flitting you from one province, city, site, or even restaurant to the next.
At a time when international travel can be an unpleasant mixture of annoying and exhausting, all those little things add up to a lot.
The Luxury Gold approach offers total immersion into the country and its culture. The kingpin of the trip is the guide or concierge, the magician who eases away any and all rough edges, never fusses, never gets rattled, keeps a sharp eye out for pickpockets, and both entertains and educates. For us, her name was Sonia Santos. With an almost encyclopedic knowledge of the regions, she kept us enthralled hour after literal hour with history, data, statistics, anecdotes, local eccentricities, and even gossip. I now know the average alcohol consumption, cigarette users, and age longevity for Spaniards. She educated us on all things both Spanish and Portuguese. A guide for the past 28 years, Sonia spent five years at the university earning her tourism degree.
The Luxury Gold goal is "to take you on a silver tray to the best places we can," Sonia said. The trip started in Barcelona. There, we explored all things Gaudi and toured the spiral-laden Sagrada Familia Cathedral, a Gaudi-inspired plan now (theoretically) being executed by (living) architects.
Next, we bussed to Valencia after stopping for a seven-course lunch at the Michelin-starred L'Antic Moli restaurant in La Galera, where we also consumed (a considerable amount of) locally harvested wine. One of the highlights of the drive through Valencia's Ciutat de les Arts Y De Las Ciències (City of Arts and Sciences), a collection of stunning buildings including the L'Oceanogràfic (the aquarium), The Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía (the opera house), Hemisferic (planetarium/IMAX theater), Museu de les Cièscience Principe Felipe (science museum), L'Agora (covered event space) designed by Félix Candela and Santiago Calatrava, the same architect who created the Oculus at Ground Zero in New York City.
In Granada, a guide led us patiently through the Alhambra Palace, built by the Moors in the 13th century. That night, we stayed at the Hospes Palacio de los Patos, a palace-turned-hotel that was truly palatial with its marble floors and wood-carved ceilings (all making it feel a bit like living in the Alhambra). With no rest for the weary, we were up and out the following morning to travel to Córdoba (where we walked through Mezquita and the Jewish Quarter) and then on to Seville, affectionately referred to as
the "Soul of Spain." That city may have been my absolute favorite. Aside from the gorgeous hotel, the Colón Gran Meliá, we spent hours exploring — and learning by doing. There was the flamenco lesson before sitting down for a performance by the professionals. The next day, we trekked to the local market (Mercado de Abastos), where we made the best paella I've ever eaten (and where the chef warned us against ever, ever adding chorizo to the dish).
On the eighth day, we crossed the border into Portugal. En route, we stopped for lunch to hear a performance of local men in a group singing Cante Alentejano. This genre of traditional twopart singing, originating in southern Portugal, has been added to UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Once in Lisbon (Sonia's hometown), we stayed at the Pousada de Lisboa and explored the city. A not-to-be-missed attraction was the Museu dos Coches (Coach Museum), which made me roll my eyes when I first read it. Foolish me. It was spectacular. Who knew coaches could be so intricately made, ostentatious, beautiful, and uncomfortable? But as wonderful as it was to see them, they came in a strong second to the Pastel de Nata. This Portuguese egg-yolk custard tart dates to before the 18th century and is basically a crème brûlée in a puff pastry made from a recipe held fast to the heart by the monks living atop a nearby hill. Afterward, we explored the National Palace of Queluz and headed out on our own to shop and dine.
Before ending our trip to Madrid, we stopped at Évora (another UNESCO World Heritage Site). We explored the town, toured the cathedral, and tasted Portuguese wines at the Herdade de Calada vineyard. We shopped and shopped, buying cork (purses, shoes, bottle stoppers), espadrilles, tiles, and jewelry, among other native wares. We spent the night in the simply spectacular Convento do Espinheiro, a 14th-century monastery and convent reborn as a gorgeous hotel that opened in the early 2000s.
Back on the bus, we stopped at Mérida to tour the Roman ruins before motoring on. From our base in Madrid at the Hotel Fénix Gran Meliá, we had two days to explore, walk through the city, tour the Prado Museum, explore the maze-like Old Town, and do more shopping, eating, and learning.
By the time we were done, we had traveled 1,700 miles on the bus. In a casual survey, everyone agreed that this trip (an $8,000plus investment) was worth every penny. Universal praise came for the hotels, the bus, and the various events, but especially for Sonia. Aside from her incredible knowledge, she always treated us with gifts. With a mischievous grin, she'd announce, "I have a little surprise for you," and follow it up with chocolate treats on the bus and local pastries. There was the night we met for champagne before dinner. There was Café Carajillo, a coffee drink with brandy
at one of the gas stops. She texted us her favorite sangria recipe. And then later for gazpacho. She led us to the Lisbon marketplace to join the locals for shots of cherry liqueur.
When one young couple from Perth asked to go to a vineyard to buy a bottle of the rare Spanish sherry PX (Petro Ximénez), Sonia made it happen, and they returned ecstatic with two — circa 1931. The simple fact that a hat owned by one of the women on the tour, which was lost at one site and still made its way back to her, is proof positive of Sonia's skills. As one earlier tour member mentioned, she felt protected with Sonia in charge. "She's like a German shepherd," the woman said. For a group with an age range spanning early 50s to mid-70s, the notion of someone else being totally in control and casting an ever-vigilant protective eye had a luxurious ring to it.
Built into the delight of the trip was the process of total strangers (from Australia, Canada, New York, California, Maryland, Virginia, Florida, and Texas) almost instantly morphing into an ad hoc group of friends. Every single person was funny, kind, welcoming, smart, interesting, and primed for an adventure.
"I know that I'm doing a good job when you are mingling," Sophia said. "You started as strangers — and you end as a family."
And I know now that group travel, with the right company in charge, is as good as gold. sl For more information visit luxurygold.com.
Rolls Royce remains relevant by keeping its white-gloved hands rooted in its heritage and a heavy foot on accelerating bespoke customization.
Written by Matthew Cottrell / Photos courtesy of Rolls-Royce
No one actually needs a one-off vibrant yellow Rolls Royce Spectre, or a Twilight Purple Cullinan II. Still, for those with the wherewithal to purchase one of these half-million-dollar-plus bespoke odes to luxury, it sure is fun to know that the sky is the limit for customization. As finely tailored as a Savile Row suit, throughout 2024, the British marque has paraded a bevy of its latest bespoke creations to events around the globe, most recently the Las Vegas Concours at Wynn Las Vegas. The resort owns the largest fleet of Rolls-Royce Phantoms in North America, with 10 extended-wheelbase Phantoms specifically designed for the resort to chauffeur its highest caliber guests.
Sophisticated Living was invited to be among a select group of media to experience a condensed version of Rolls-Royce's "White Glove" training program for the finest chauffeur education in driving and etiquette before getting behind the wheel of some of their latest creations in nearby Red Rock Canyon and the Vegas strip.
The tradition of having specially trained chauffeurs pilot RollsRoyce goes back nearly a century ago, when tycoons and maharajahs, who imported the cars from England, requested the company provide training for everything from personal presentation to the 'champagne stop,' a unique braking technique that halts the vehicle with such smoothness that nary a drop of bubbly is spilled by the passengers. While it's a bit of an anomaly in an era of autonomous cars, as we all know, one of the most self-indulgent ways to enjoy a RollsRoyce is from the backseat (and a full twenty percent of the 6,000 Rolls-Royce cars delivered annually are strictly chauffeur driven).
Witty Englishman Andi McCann leads the White Glove training program. After a brief history lesson, McCann provided
an abbreviated version of the invitation-only course Rolls-Royce offers to those who drive their VIP clientele, demonstrating how to move with grace and precision even before the engine starts. "Striving for perfection is a basic component of luxury," remarked McCann. "Everything you do must be sharp, effortless, professional, and safe." In short, we learned that a professionally trained Rolls-Royce chauffeur knows everything from the preferred elevation of their clients' headrests to knowing whether to use the vintage or non-vintage champagne setting in the backseat Coolbox.
After two hours of classwork, I found myself behind the wheel of the Rolls-Royce Spectre Semaphore. This one-of-one commission made its global debut at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, this past August. If the attention-grabbing yellow paint job wasn't arresting enough, the bonnet boasts a dramatic 'Marbled Paint Spill' graphic that took 160 hours to perfect. Keeping McCann's guidance top-of-mind, I ease myself behind the wheel, taking notice of the interior, a combination of Bespoke Lemon Yellow and Citrine Yellow on the seats, the Starlight doors, and above the instrument panel. It blends into the contrasting Grace White and Slate Grey hues with Lemon Yellow stitching. The SPIRIT operating system, an advanced digital interface that allows for extensive personalization within the car's interior, allowed the dials to complement the motor car's yellow colorway. I relax into the seat, gently grasp the wheel at 9- and 3-o'clock, and glide away, instantly acknowledging that even those who choose to be driven shouldn't deny themselves the pleasure of piloting this beauty for themselves on occasion.
Having familiarized myself with the nuances of the Spectre, it was time to try my skills with the Cullinan Black Badge Series II, the next iteration of the luxury SUV that brings the marque's hallmark "magic carpet ride" to any terrain. The acceleration of the 592 horsepower V12 is effortless and quiet, with the selfleveling air suspension constantly adjusting to road conditions to provide a remarkably smooth ride. The uniquely patterned cabin seating, mated to the Twilight Purple bespoke paint job, features a glass dashboard panel that uses backlighting through tiny pinpricks to create an ambient effect and a small vitrine with an illuminated Spirit of Ecstasy.
It is hard to imagine that Rolls-Royce could improve the legendary ride and comfort of its decadent automobiles, but the age of electric vehicles has done just that. The Spectre BEV exhibits a level of smoothness that flattened the legendary Red Rock roads, and the electric motor's instant torque leaves you wanting more. After all, who wouldn't want the finest, smoothest, and quietest automobile to also whisk you away at near sports car acceleration? Rolls has once again reset the standard for luxury automobiles.
Arrayed on the green of the Wynn Golf Club Like a peacock fanning out its train, Rolls-Royce's candy-colored lineup for the Las Vegas Concours also included a Brener Green Spectre, an Emerald Cullinan, and a Turchese Blue Spectre. The diversity of the display comes on the heels of the brand opening Private Office New York this past September in the Meatpacking District. It's the latest creative outpost in a network that already includes Shanghai, Dubai, Seoul, and the 'original' Private Office at the home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood. Available by appointment, it allows North American clients to interact directly with a US-based designer and specialist client experience manager. "Our investment in this office is in response to the steadily increasing engagement we see from our North American clients in this region, constantly challenging our designers to create and develop even more exciting and ambitious commissions," said Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
“If you’re on time, you are late,” McCann stressed during our briefing. Staying ahead of the game has made Rolls-Royce a benchmark for luxury vehicles since Charles Rolls and Henry Royce established the brand in 1904. sl
The first-generation wealthy are a type of modern superhero. From humble beginnings to unexpected heights of success, these men and women have changed their lives, families, communities, and futures forever. But what is it that makes them so successful? How did they turn financial struggle into lasting generational wealth? And more importantly, how can we become financial superheroes ourselves?
Learn more at Luken.pro or scan the QR code. Available February 2025
Written by Greg Luken
If you’re first-generation wealthy, you’re different. Your unique relationship with money spans two worlds. There’s the world you came from—the world that gave you the motivation, diligence, and persistence to be successful—and there’s the world you’re living in now where the rules are different. You’re different from the kids you went to school with, your siblings or parents. This difference means they often don’t understand, and that can be lonely. There aren’t a lot of people you can talk to about your situation.
How much money does it take to be considered “rich” in America? It depends on who you ask. According to a 2023 survey conducted by the brokerage firm Charles Schwab, Americans believe an annual income of $2.2 million is required to be considered “wealthy.” However, the actual number may be lower than this. The average income for the top one percent of income earners in the US is approximately $819,324.
In terms of net worth, the median net worth of the top 1 percent of income earners is significantly higher than the rest of the population. According to the recent Federal Reserve’s Survey of Consumer Finances, the median net worth of the top 1 percent of income earners in the United States is around $11.1 million. This means that half of the one-percenters have a net worth greater than $11.1 million, and half have less. This is a stark contrast to the median net worth of the overall population, which is closer to $121,700.
But wealth isn’t static. The rate at which people fall out of the top 1 percent of income earners is quite high. According to multiple sources, about 11 percent of people in the top 1 percent of income earners fall out of this category within one year. A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that only about 14 percent of people in the top 1 percent of income earners are still in that position ten years later. According to multiple sources, about 60 percent of the one-percenters are not one-percenters a decade later.
The research is clear. Somewhere between 10% and 30% of Americans who reach major wealth milestones of, say, $5 million, $10 million, or even greater have a significantly smaller net worth a decade later. Wealth fluctuates—and not always up. This reality can lead to anxiety.
Psychologically, there are seven common conditions of the firstgeneration wealthy, such as:
• Waffle House Hash Brown Syndrome: You feel scattered, smothered, and covered. If you haven’t lived in the south or aren’t familiar with Waffle House, the Red Neck Hibachi, at 3:00am, you can order your hash browns scattered (so they all get browned and crispy), smothered (with onions) and covered (which adds cheese). You’ve got a ton of responsibility with work and family (maybe caring for your parents along with your kids), and the money stuff has gotten more complicated.
• Imposter Syndrome: You struggle with feelings of inadequacy, selfdoubt, and believing you don’t deserve success or that you will be “found out” as undeserving.
• Guilt: You experience guilt or shame for success or wealth while those around you are still struggling.
• FOMU: The Fear of Messing Up is the most common fear I hear expressed. It sounds like some version of, “I don’t want to make a mistake and mess this up.” When the entrepreneur sells her company or when the professional decides to hang it up—and they have to rely on investment income instead of skill in the board room or operating room—that’s when this fear emerges.
• Being a Control Enthusiast: You struggle to outsource or trust others for help. Even though you may rely on others to do your
landscaping or change your oil, you believe that if you can do it yourself, you should do it yourself. Plus, if you want something done right... The problem with this is that now there’s not enough of you to go around.
• Pressure to Succeed: You feel pressure to continue to succeed and achieve even greater levels of success to maintain your wealth and status. This pressure can lead to a constant drive for perfection and fear of failure.
• FOMO: The fear of missing out can be powerful without knowing what exactly you’re missing out on. What do wealthy people do that you’re not doing? You didn’t grow up rich; you don’t have a playbook for what this is “supposed” to look like. FOMO can instill insecurity, causing you to procrastinate on critical issues.
These hurdles can lead to challenges in managing wealth effectively, struggles with mental health, and strained relationships with family and friends.
The good news is that there is a three-part framework to free you from these obstacles and unleash your financial superpowers. The first step is to get clarity around your most deeply held values. You already know that they are. However, developing absolute clarity around your deep “why” creates a magnetic force that pulls you like a tractor beam toward your True North.
The second step is to develop a step-by-step plan of action, so your next steps are clearly laid out. When you’re in the middle of doing your third set of burpees is the wrong time to figure out if you need to do five sets! The plan takes the hard cognitive work of figuring things out off your plate during your day-to-day. sl
TPAC Mission Moment:
Tennessee Performing Arts Center champions over 49,000 students each year with transformative educational programs that develop confidence, creativity, and cognitive skills through the arts.
The annual Season for Young People introduces students from 295 schools to the performing arts with more than 50% of young audiences receiving free or nominally priced tickets to attend!
From Aladdin to The Lion King, Disney Musicals in Schools sustains afterschool theatre programs with multi-year instruction, allowing more than 350 students to present their own Disney musical each year!
The Spotlight Awards celebrate the musical and theatrical talents of more than 3,000 local rising artists from Tennessee high schools by providing unique opportunities to learn from Broadway veterans.
Your membership support changes lives. TPAC needs your support, either through an annual gift or a monthly giving plan, to serve as the cultural cornerstone for our communities in Nashville and across Tennessee.
the Arts + Community Live
TPAC Mission Moment:
TPAC’s International Dance Series brings the breathtaking artistry and athleticism of renowned dance companies center stage. On January 31 and February 1, the Martha Graham Dance Company celebrates its 100th anniversary at TPAC performing the iconic Appalachian Spring, set to Aaron Copland’s famous score. From March 7-8, Ballet Folklorico de Mexico brings the vibrant folklore, costumes, music, and dance of Mexico’s rich history to TPAC!
Martha Graham Dance Company
JAN 31 | 7:30pm FEB 1 | 2pm & 7:30pm
Ballet Folklórico de México
Mar 7 | 7:30pm
Mar 8 | 7:30pm
Written by Melissa Mahanes / Photos by Antonis Achilleos
Kelsey Barnard Clark, a celebrated chef from Dothan, Alabama, has made significant strides in the culinary world. She gained national recognition by winning Season 16 of Bravo’s Top Chef, becoming the first Southerner and fifth woman to secure the title. Following her victory, Clark returned to her hometown, where she runs her restaurant and catering company, KBC, contributing to the revitalization of downtown Dothan.
In September 2024, Clark released her second cookbook, Southern Get-Togethers: A Guide to Hosting Unforgettable Gatherings. Her publication serves as both a cookbook and a comprehensive guide to entertaining, reflecting Clark’s passion for hosting events that bring people together.
Southern Get-Togethers features approximately 100 recipes, organized by occasions such as brunch, happy hour, and dinner parties. The dishes are designed to be approachable and crowdpleasing, encouraging readers to host gatherings without the stress of perfection. Clark emphasizes simplicity and enjoyment, advising hosts to prepare to fully engage with their guests. Beyond recipes, the book offers practical advice on planning parties, building guest lists, setting tables, and arranging flowers. Clark provides checklists for stocking a bar, coordinating with co-hosts, and determining quantities of food and beverages based on guest numbers. Her guidance is rooted in real-life experience, aiming to make hosting accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
The inspiration for Southern Get-Togethers stemmed from the isolation experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, which heightened the desire for communal celebrations. Clark observed a renewed interest in hosting and sought to create a resource that demystifies the process, making it attainable for individuals regardless of their experience level. Clark’s approach to entertaining is deeply personal and rooted in her Southern heritage—she values creating welcoming environments where guests feel comfortable and cherished. Her philosophy centers on the idea that hosting is all about connection and shared experiences rather than striving for flawlessness. In addition to her culinary endeavors, Clark is an avid gardener and passionate about interior design. She balances her professional life with her roles as a wife and mother, often integrating
her family into her cooking and hosting activities. Her lifestyle embodies the principles she shares in her book, blending hospitality, family, and Southern traditions.
Southern Get-Togethers is Clark’s second publication, following her 2021 debut cookbook, Southern Grit. She has announced plans for a third book focused on outdoor cooking and entertaining, slated for release in early 2026. Through her cookbooks and public appearances, Kelsey Barnard Clark continues to inspire individuals to embrace the art of hosting, emphasizing that the essence of a memorable gathering lies in the warmth and connection shared among guests. Southern Get-Togethers demonstrates how easy it is to host any soirée, and Kelsey’s wide-ranging and accessible recipes make entertaining a joy, never a chore. sl You can find her on IG @kelseybarnardclark
TANDOORI WINGS (serves 4 to 6)
½ cup [120 g] plain yogurt
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tsp tomato paste
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
¾ tsp ground ginger
¾ tsp ground cardamom
3 lbs [1.4 kg] chicken wings, rinsed and patted dry
1 lime, cut into wedges, for serving
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
In a medium bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, tomato paste, garlic powder, onion powder, coriander, cumin, paprika, pepper, ginger, and cardamom. Add the chicken wings and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 450°F [230°C]. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Spread the wings in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F [74°C]. Cool for 10 minutes, then squeeze the lime wedges over the top, sprinkle with cilantro, and serve. Alternatively, let the wings cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in a 450°F [230°C] oven for 5 minutes, or until warm.
Excerpted from Southern Get-Togethers: A Guide to Hosting Unforgettable
Tchaikovsky’s
Step
October 12, 2024 / Photographs by Natalie Watson
Preston and Sophie met during their individual Spring Breaks in 2018. Sophie was attending SMU, and Preston, The University of Texas, when they ended up at the same resort in the Bahamas and hit it off immediately.
The ceremony and reception were held at Sophie’s family’s home in Nashville. It was so special for them to celebrate at a place that means so much to her family, and in a city that Preston has grown to love. Family is an incredibly important part of life for the couple, and they wanted the sentiment of that to show through the intimate location and throughout the day.
Preston’s childhood pastor officiated the ceremony, which added to the overall family feel of the day. The ceremony flowed right into the reception as guests were welcomed through the home and into the backyard for cocktail hour. With a seated, autumnal dinner by Kristen Winston in a spectacular clear tent, and music by the beloved Atlanta All-Stars, the whole evening was personal and very ‘Nashville’!
One of the day’s highlights for the couple was the beginning moments of their ceremony. They opted not to have a first look, so the bride walking down the aisle with her dad was the first time Preston had seen her that day. That made for such an indescribable wave of emotion that was also felt amongst the guests. Preston and
Sophie had 19 friends in their wedding party, including family members, friends from college, friends from studying abroad, and childhood friends. Sophie’s cousin’s adorable daughter was the flower girl.
The appliqué bees and butterflies on Sophie’s Oscar de la Renta gown caught her attention the minute she tried it on. Next to the fabulous fit and gorgeous construction, the details were that perfect special something she was looking for in a gown. For her second look, they took her mother Vee Vee’s wedding gown down to the studs. They kept the bodice shape intact, bubbled the hem for that 80s feel, and then reaffixed beaded pieces that were on the shoulders of the original dress for some glam and to bring in a nod to the mass amounts of beading on the original gown. She did not intend to wear her headpiece that night, it was a rather sponstaneous decision. Sophie’s mom looks back at photos from her wedding day and smiles at her permed hairstyle in that headpiece. Sophie knows she will look back at her second look and smile, thinking of her on her wedding day!
After their honeymoon in Thailand and Lagos, the couple calls New York City home with their dog Mellie, where Sophie works as an Interior Designer and Preston in Finance. sl
Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, The Ariston is a premier cigar lounge and cocktail bar for those seeking a sophisticated yet approachable date night out in the city. The vision behind The Ariston comes from business partners Paul Pearse and Alex Howard (also of East Nashville’s Martha My Dear), two seasoned hospitality professionals dedicated to maintaining excellence in service, technique, and product for diners and imbibers in Music City. After meeting during orientation at Belmont University, the pair quickly became friends and roommates, hosting parties for friends and the student community in the basement of their shared house. From then on, hospitality became their passion and something they wanted to do with the rest of their lives.
The Ariston’s core, literally and figuratively, is its humidor, with the bar and seating built around it. One of the few Davidoff Appointed Merchants in the area, the lounge offers a worldclass selection of around 200-250 cigar facings, catering to
both seasoned connoisseurs and newcomers curious to explore. Alongside cigars, the team provides in-depth expertise on pairings with food and beverage—whether it’s a craft cocktail developed by Howard, a sampling from the bar’s extensive whiskey collection, or a bite from the food menu that includes charcuterie and a caviar plate to share. The Ariston is derived from the Greek word aristos, which means “best” or “excellent,” and the offerings at The Ariston reflect precisely that.
For a taste of The Ariston at home, Howard has shared a cocktail recipe for the Bartender’s Handshake served at the lounge this winter. Essentially a winter-inspired daiquiri, the drink incorporates deep, rich flavors of aged rum with the warming spice of Amaro Montenegro and Angostura, making it easy for any type of drinker to enjoy. sl
The Ariston / 508 Church Street, Nashville, TN 37219 / (615) 730-9641 / www. instagram.com/thearistonbar / Hours: Open daily from 12:00pm to 12:00am.
BARTENDER’S HANDSHAKE
1 oz El Dorado 12-year Rum
1 oz Amaro Montenegro
.5 oz Simple Syrup
.75 oz Lemon Juice
10 hard dashes of Angostura Bitters
Fresh mint for garnish
Combine ingredients into a shaking tin filled with ice and shake.
Pour the cocktail and ice into a chilled rocks glass and garnish.
Presented
by
7-12
Peter Pan at TPAC’s Jackson Hall (1/7-10 at 7:30pm, 1/11 at 2:00pm) -2/8
Jodi Hays Befores and Afters at David Lusk Gallery
8 Andrew Jackson Foundation’s Battle of New Orleans Commemoration
11 Nashville Repertory Theatre’s This is Just a Box
17, 18
Dinosaur Dimensions at Nashville Public Library’s Main Library, Children’s Theatre at 10:30AM
19 Ronny Chieng at Ryman Auditorium at 8:00pm 24, 25
Dinosaur Dimensions at Nashville Public Library’s Main Library, Children’s Theatre at 10:30AM 24-26 Nashville Opera’s H.M.S. Pinafore at TPAC’s Polk Theater (1/24-25 at 7:30pm, 1/26 3:00pm)
25 Orchid 101 at Cheekwood at 9:30am
25 Music City Latin Orchestra at Cheekwood at 7:00pm
25-3/16
25-3/16
Becky Suss:The Dutch House at Cheekwood (see p. 29)
Orchids in the Mansion at Cheekwood
30 Opening Conversation: Farm to Table presented by Andrew Eschelbacher and Mark Scala at Frist Art Museum at 6:30pm
30-2/9 Studio TENN’s Crimes of the Heart at The Turner Theater in The Factory at Franklin
30 Josh Turner at Ryman Auditorium at 7:30pm
31-2/2
Antiques & Garden Show at Music City Center (see Inside Back Cover), Co-Chairs: Paige Hill and Dawn Looney
31-5/4 Farm to Table: Art, Food and Identity in the Age of Impressionism at Frist Art Museum
31-5/4 Tennessee Harvest: 1870s-1920s at Frist Art Museum
31-5/4 M. Florine Demosthene and Didier William: What the Body Carries at Frist Art Museum
1 Nashville Repertory Theatre’s 40th Annual Celebration
3 Jiselle Lauren Foundation’s Sparkle for Smiles at 14TENN at 6:00pm
6 History Uncorked:The Year of the Censure at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
8 Orchid 201 at Cheekwood at 9:30am
8 The Next Door’s Love Big Shop Small
8 Born for a Craft: Jacksonian Jewelry at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
8 Family Day at TPAC
8 Middle Tennessee Heart Gala at Grand Hyatt at 5:30pm
8 Vanderbilt Comprehensive Care Clinic’s 5th Annual Ruby Gala at Marathon Music Works at 6:00pm 11-16 & Juliet at TPAC’s Jackson Hall (2/11-14 at 7:30pm, 2/15 at 2:00pm)
13 History Uncorked: A Frontier Love Story at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
14 Change the Tune at The Family Center
14 Lisa Stewart and The Love Notes at Cheekwood at 7:00pm
14-23 Nashville Repertory Theatre’s The Mountaintop at TPAC’s Johnson Theater (various times)
15 Orchid Repotting Techniques at Cheekwood at 9:30am
15 Orchid Conservation Practices at Cheekwood at 12:00pm
20 Dancing with The Stars: Live! at Ryman Auditorium at 7:30pm
20 Love our Libraries: Andrew Maraniss in conversation with Pete Weber (voice of the Predators) at Williamson County Public Library at 5:30pm (see p. 92)
22 Enslaved Memorial Service at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
22 In Conversation: Becky Suss, Ann Patchett and Noah Saterstrom discuss The Dutch House at Cheekwood’s Botanic Hall at 10:00am (see p. 29)
20-22 Nashville Wine Auction’s Pairings
22-23 Nashville Ballet’s The Sleeping Beauty at TPAC’s Jackson Hall (2/22 at 2:00pm & 7:30pm, 1/23 at 2:00pm) (see p. 76)
March 1 Yacht Rock Revue at Ryman Auditorium at 8:00pm
1 Ballet Ball at Schermerhorn Symphony Center at 7:00pm, Co-Chairs: Angela Bostelman-Kaczmarek and Ana Cristina Cash
1 Crescent City Hoodoo All-Stars at Cheekwood at 7:00pm 2 Billy Strings at Ryman Auditorium at 7:30pm 3 Second Harvest Food Bank’s Chef’s Dinner
5-4/12 Cheekwood in Bloom at Cheekwood
6 Faith Family Medical Center’s
Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee, an organization dedicated to providing support, education, and hope to people impacted by cancer, hosted the seventh annual Red Door Bash at The Omni
Co-Chaired by Lori Fishel and Beverly Davenport, the organization honored members of the Gilda’s Club community. (October 19)
the
More than 300 guests came together at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum for Authors in the Round, fondly dubbed “the best book club in town.” Presented by Humanities Tennessee and chaired this year by Allison Stansberry, guests dined alongside published authors from across the country. The evening raised funds to make the Southern Festival of Books free of charge to thousands each year. (October 25)
The who’s who of Nashville’s entertainment industry stepped off the tarmac and into an evening to remember at the firstever Hangar Party. Hosted at a private hangar at Nashville International Airport, the star-studded event toasted to the official launch of AUTOBUS, Jeremy Maul’s brand-new boutique tour bus venture in partnership with Prevost, as well as welcoming Dan Ryan’s RYAN AVIATION GROUP to Music City. (October 30)
More than 120 years later, supporters of the Centennial Park Conservancy—a group that works to improve the park and expand its programming—gathered in the Parthenon for the second annual Centennial Circle Dinner. The dinner, which is kept intentionally intimate with only 44 guests, has become a most-anticipated spectacle of food, wine and music. (November 7)
Sophisticated Living hosted the 3rd Annual launch of the Sophisticated Giving Charity Register at The Joseph Hotel with Presenting Sponsor LBMC. Representatives from the participating Nashville non-profits enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, signature cocktails and camaradiere while picking up their copies of the 2025 Sophisticated Giving. (November 12)
Julien’s Auctions presented highlights of their next exciting sale with a preview at The Musician’s Hall of Fame and Museum, with exciting displays of guitars owned by greats like George Harrison, Prince and Eddie Van Halen, among others. Stagewear ranging from Freddie Mercury to Britney Spears to Johnny Cash drew curious fans to preview the items. (November 19)
Move Inclusive Dance held their annual recital at TPAC, featuring their dancers of all abilities. The sensory-friendly performances equip their students with disabilities to perform publicly and instill valuable life skills and the pride that artistic performance offers. (November 19)
TPAC’s signature fundraiser will make its lavish return to the Four Seasons Hotel on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 6:00pm.
This breathtaking black-tie affair ushers in an evening of sophisticated elegance and artistic surprises to bene t TPAC’s nationally recognized educational, cultural, and community engagement initiatives.
Find out more at TPAC.org/Gala
The Nashville Ballet held its 2nd Annual Nutcracker Tea at The Fisher Center at Belmont for its youngest Patrons. Activities included a shortened interactive Nashville’s Nutcracker performance, treats, and photo opportunities with dancers. The event supported the Ballet’s scholarship program for The School of Nashville Ballet. It was “tu tu” cute! (November 24)
The mood was festive as guests gathered in Cheekwood’s Massey Botanic Hall for the Horticultural Society of Middle Tennessee’s Sparkling Settings. The beloved and sold out holiday event returned after a five-year hiatus to the delight of many. The return dovetailed perfectly with the 10th anniversary of Cheekwood’s Holiday Lights. (December 2)
The Nashville Symphony celebrated a major milestone, when they hosted more than 500guests for the 40th annual Symphony Ball. Co-chaired by Jason Bradshaw and Bob Deal, the white-tie gala was held at Schermerhorn Symphony Center, transformed into a winter wonderland by event planner Bruce Pittman. The Harmony Award was presented to music executive John Esposito, who then presented a second Harmony Award to legendary country artist RandyTravis. (November 14)
Q-Less
Compiled by Melissa Mahanes / Photo Courtesy of PLA Media
Lifelong creative, songwriter, and inventor Tom Sturdevant is in his 80s and has no intention of slowing down. The Nashville native has created a new, popular, and addictive little dice and word game called Q-Less, a crossword solitaire game. Q-Less is fun for all ages but is being recognized as a way for older adults to keep their minds sharp and challenged and a great way to divert young minds from constant technology! It’s also a great pocket game for travel.
Inventor of the addictive crossword solitaire game, Sturdevant has been a foreign service officer, a Peace Corps trainer, a farmer, a filmmaker, an award-winning game inventor, and most recently, a songwriter. When he retired from the game business, Q-Less was nothing more than a few handmade prototypes played by family and friends. Still, they all got hooked on the dice and word game, including Tom, who often played 20 or more times daily. So, in 2018, at age 75, Tom decided to “roll the dice” and return to the game business, sharing his “labor of love” with the world. To date, Sturdevant has sold more than 75,000 sets. Give Q-less a try, and you’ll feel anything but clueless! sl
Tom also crafted a clever jingle to accompany the game:
Q-Less, it’s the name of the game
Twelve dice, solitaire, very good for your brain
Q-Less, comes in a sweet little tin
You play it just once, you want to play it again
Q-Less, cause there ain’t no Q
A Q without a U, what you gonna do?
You won’t miss it, I guarantee You’ll be sitting there wondering What to do with a V
Q-Less, it’s the name of the game
Twelve dice, solitaire, very good for your brain
Q-Less, comes in a sweet little tin
You play it just once, you want to play it again
The popularity of Q-less has led to multiple knockoffs. Q-less is available online at q-lessgame.com, Facebook: qlessgame, Instagram: qlessgame, and TikTok: qlessgame. In addition to the physical game in its handy and portable tin, the Q-Less Crossword Solitaire App is now available for both Apple and Android devices.
You might want to consider bringing an extra bag.
Join us on a journey through decades of design, history, and horticulture.
The Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville
January 31 – February 2, 2025 | Music City Center Tickets still available at antiquesandgardenshow.com
