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Nov/Dec 2018 five dollars
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{Lexington’s Finest}
Nov/Dec 2018
Nov/Dec 2018 five dollars
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on the cover: How Charming. Jewelry from Marrow (marrowfine.com)
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Happily in the After
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Making Spirits Bright
30
Team Bittners Victorious at the Sophisticated Living Polo World Cup
44 Gifts for Pampered Pets And Their People Fletcher of London Cloud 7 Tweed Pet Bed (from $200; fletcheroflondon.com)
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The Sophisticated Side of South Bay
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Of Note... It’s a Mod Mod World
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Bibliotaph... CHEERS!
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Fashionably Late
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Gifts for Pampered Pets and their People
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London By Night (and Day)
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How Charming
56
The Cork Board
58
Audi Electrified
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The Times, They are a-Changin’
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Salon Privé
66
Happily in the After
66
Timeless
74
Kentucky Proud
Nov/Dec 2018
90 Kentucky Proud
Holly Graffiti collection from Stoneware & Co. (from $27; stonewareandco.com)
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Sophisticated Society
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Betsy Gala
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Chaser’s Eve Gala
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JDRF Hope Gala
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The Kentucky Bash
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Martini Monday
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Summer Soirée
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Recycle the Runway
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McDazzle
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New Street Ballet
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Night for the Nest
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Battle in the Saddle
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BGO Birthday Bash
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Nothing Down About It
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EDITOR - IN - CHIEF Bridget Williams ______________________________________________ ASSOCIATE EDITOR Kay Matton ART DIRECTOR Jason Yann CONTRIBUTORS Writers Patti Bailey Dr. Matthew Bessen Victoria Chase Colin Dennis Scott Harper Andre James Amelia Jeffers Caylee Matthews Photographers Tony Bailey Brianna Cottrell Chad Henle Andrew Kung COPY EDITOR Jennifer Newton EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Claire Williams ADVERTISING SALES OFFICE 502.582.6563 ______________________________________________ CEO/PUBLISHER Eric Williams Sophisticated Living is published by Sophisticated Living, LLC, P.O. BOX 1229, Prospect, Kentucky 40059 USA. All Rights Reserved. Sophisticated Living is published six times a year. All images and editorial are the property of Sophisticated Living, LLC and cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission. Annual subscription fees are $25.00; please add $5 for subscriptions outside the US. Single copies may be purchased for $5 at select fine retail outlets. Address all subscription inquiries to: Sophisticated Living, PO Box 1229, Prospect, KY 40059. To order back issues or reprints of 100 or more, call 502.582.6563.
SLMAG.NET
From the Editor-In-Chief
This is the second time Douglas Riddle, President and COO of Bittners, has graced our cover. He was photographed in the study of his Cherokee Park home for our Sept/Oct 2004 issue.
While making plans for this issue and its feature story—Bittner’s 165th anniversary—I nearly overlooked another milestone, Sophisticated Living’s 15th anniversary. Things were a lot different in 2003. You could still board a plane with a full-sized bottle of shampoo and without having to remove your shoes and belt; Lance Armstrong won his fifth Tour de France; Nokia phones with hidden antennas were all the rage; and, Gmail wasn’t available, but Facebook was, but only to people at roughly 50 colleges who were still figuring out what to do with it. I was a wife and mother of a toddler, and had recently celebrated my 30th birthday when our first issue in Louisville debuted in November of that year. My how things have changed. For me, milestone moments always incite both retrospection and introspection, prompting me to look at how I got where I am, as well as where I want to go next. While the latter is harder to divine—come back to me in 15 years and I will tell you if all my grand plans panned out—the former is much easier. Our success has been built atop buckets of sweat equity and late nights at the office seven days a week (particularly in the early years, but continuing from time-to-time today). All of our hard work would have been for naught without the support of a talented and insanely creative team, loyal advertisers, and enthusiastic readers who were patient as we evolved from a fledgling magazine—read by a few thousand pairs of eyes in Louisville—to an award-winning periodical powerhouse with well over 100,000 affluent readers in eight cities and counting. Realizing that what we built could have easily gone up in flames years ago, not a day goes by that I don’t count my lucky stars for the opportunities that have come my way, and the people who have helped shoulder the load at various segments of the journey. To Eric, Claire, Patti, Tony, Jason, Chad, Andrew, Catherine, Allie, Carrie, Anna, Scott, Jen, Matthew, Ellana, John, Jim, and many, many others who have fortuitously crossed my path, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. And thank you, dear reader, for being a part of our story.
Bridget Williams Editor-In-Chief
bridget@slmag.net
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A pair of custom sectionals from Lee Industries with velvet upholstery proved to be an ideal solution for the long and narrow living room.
HAPPILY IN THE AFTER Newlyweds combine old and new with a touch of blue as part of a whole-house renovation. Written by Bridget Williams / Photography by Andrew Kung “It was unloved,” said realtor Terri Bass when asked to describe the home she found for her daughter Anna and her wife Cara Bass Wilson.Having recently married, the couple desired a larger home closer to family, and this property ticked all the boxes. Busy career women, the couple originally planned to live in the home “as is,” and tackle the renovation at a leisurely pace, but then “one thing turned into another, and we were full steam ahead,” said Anna. Anna’s father Steve took an active role in the project, serving as general contractor for major improvements that included a new kitchen and master bath. "Steve had great ideas about reconfiguring the layout, and it was so helpful to have input and support from both Steve and Terri throughout the project,” said Cara. When the construction dust started to settle, Anna and Cara sought out an interior designer to help them select finishing touches. Cara found designing duo and sisters Mary Culbertson and Susan Haggblom of Centered Interiors while combing through design projects on the Houzz website. “We go through a detailed questionnaire process at the beginning of each project that includes everything from the homeowners’ hobbies and entertaining style to how long they
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plan to be in the house,” explained Mary. In the end, Anna and Cara took a page from Anna’s parents’ stylish playbook by choosing a classic look that reflects their vibrant personalities. Steve and Terri also generously helped the newlyweds jumpstart the design process by allowing them and their designers to forage through their stored collection of artwork, fabrics and furnishings acquired over 35 years of marriage and several moves. In a guest bedroom for instance, toile fabric from Terri and Steve was used to make the draperies, and served as inspiration for the room’s overall design. Existing and “found” furnishings were shuffled from room-to-room until the perfect fit was found. Nicknames given to each room enable Mary and Susan to speak as fondly of each as they do an old friend. The “Louisville Room” is full of city-centric artwork; the “Channel Room” is a bathroom designed with Old Hollywood glam in mind; and, the “Blue Room” is the beach-themed master suite, executed with driftwood-inspired casegoods, a rug reminiscent of a fisherman’s sweater; artwork that reflects the homeowners’ affinity for boats and water; and, punchy Robert Allen fabric for the window treatments.
The formal dining room was eliminated to create room for two separate islands in the kitchen.
The lower level is designed for casual entertaining.
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The pergola and stamped concrete patio were added at one end of the pool as part of the renovations. The swing is from CB2, the teak chairs and accent table are from Pottery Barn.
Many of the plants throughout the home as well as the botanical artwork in the sunroom were sourced from Mahonia. Porcelain tiles laid in a herringbone pattern resemble wood planks.
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Greenery, including a staghorn fern hanging in the master bath, is a recurring design element throughout the home.
The master bath was designed around an abstract painting on canvas framed in an acrylic box. It has a commanding presence hanging above the freestanding tub. Live plants are a prominent design element throughout the home. The designers worked with Mahonia to find unique specimens, such as a wood plank-mounted staghorn fern placed above the towel bar in the master bath. “Its presence makes the space feel really spa-like,” explained Susan. A first-floor study, dubbed the “Anchorman Room” by the designers, retains its original wood paneling and built-ins. Orange glasscloth wallcovering used for the back of the shelving units was culled from a discovery expedition to Terri and Steve’s basement. Recessed can lights were replaced with angled spotlights to better illuminate the artfully composed collection of objects on the shelves. Carefully stacked books fill the void in a non-working fireplace; the era-appropriate titles hearken to the room’s mid-century accents. The layout of the long and narrow living room, which also functions as a pass-through to adjacent spaces, presented a design conundrum. Because the couple enjoys entertaining, a television placed above the fireplace was a must, and meant that the room couldn’t be divided into two separate seating areas. The solution came in the form of a pair custom-made sectionals from Lee Industries, upholstered in what Mary deemed “scrumptious hot
chocolate-colored velvet.” A three-piece coffee table provides flexibility via multiple configurations. The custom 9’x18’ rug took seven months to complete. Surmounting a sideboard is “Soulmate,” an artwork given to the couple by Terri. “It’s a very emotional piece, and we used it as the centerpiece of the room,” said Mary. A wall between the kitchen and dining room was removed during the initial renovation. Eliminating the formal dining room allowed for dual kitchen islands; one primarily used for casual dining and the other for prep. The light and airy feel of the kitchen carries over into the sunroom, where an abundance of greenery thrives in the sun-drenched space. “I really believe plants add life to a room and Cara was 100-percent on board with the idea,” Susan commented. Contrived for casual entertaining, the lower level features a fireplace, and a comfortable sectional oriented around a large television. The designers selected the rolling bar cart and paired it with barstools that had been upstairs in the kitchen. Along one wall is a media cabinet with a vintage record player and an impressive vinyl collection. “Anna and Cara were so wonderful to work with,” said Mary. “It was fun, exciting and challenging to get to start with so many great resources. In the end there ended up only being a handful of pieces we couldn’t reuse.” sl
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MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT Local restaurants and distillers share their favorite seasonal cocktail recipes ALE-8 BOURBON HOLIDAY CIDER Ingredients: (4 servings) 1½ cups apple cider 4 cinnamon sticks 2 apples, cut into bitesize pieces 1 orange, cut in half, then into thin wedges 6 ounces bourbon 12-ounce bottle Ale-8-One Cranberries (or pomegranate seeds, if preferred), for garnish Directions: Place cider in a pan on the stove with the cinnamon sticks, apples and oranges and heat until hot. Add room temperature bourbon to a heat resistant pitcher. Add hot cider and mix. Pour cider mixture into four heat proof glasses, making sure each glass has fruit and one cinnamon stick. Top each glass with room temperature Ale-8-One. Garnish with cranberries.
JEPTHA CREED BONFIRE Under Jeptha Creed Bonfire: Courtesy of Jeptha Creed (jepthacreed.com)
Ingredients: 3/4 ounce Jeptha Creed Coffee Vodka 1 ounce Jeptha Creed Honey Vodka 1/2 ounce Hazelnut Liqueur 1 ounce Bourbon Cream Directions: Add Jeptha Creed Coffee Vodka, Jeptha Creed Honey Vodka, hazelnut liqueur, and bourbon cream to shaker. Add ice and shake until cold. Rim rocks glass with graham cracker and honey. Strain shaker contents into rocks glass over ice. Garnish with marshmallows and light on fire with a torch. Blow out once marshmallows are roasted to your preference. BRANDY ALEXANDER Courtesy of ALEX&NDER, located inside Copper & Kings Distillery (copperandkings.com/alexander) Ingredients: 2 ounces Copper & Kings American Craft Brandy .75 ounce. Crème de Cacao .75 ounce Cream Freshly grated nutmeg, for garnish Directions: Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass and fill with ice. Shake well with a Boston shaker and strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg. 26 slmag.net
CARSON’S VODKA MARY Courtesy of Carson’s Food & Drink (carsonsfoodanddrink.com)
Ingredients:House Bloody Mary Rimmer: garlic seasoning salt, dried dill, smoked paprika, dried parsley, black pepper Bloody Mary Mix: Tomato Juice, Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce, minced horseradish, sugar, minced garlic cloves, celery salt, Frank’s Hot Sauce, Tabasco Sauce, black pepper, lime juice Skewer: Single shrimp tossed in Old Bay Seasoning, two cubes of Pepper Jack cheese, one pepperoncini, and two Olives, one large celery stalk, one piece of candied bacon Directions: Build the drink in your glass by filling a 16oz pint glass with ice and add 1.5 ounces of your favorite vodka. Top off the glass with 6-8oz of Bloody Mary Mix, enough to fill the glass to the top. To mix everything together, pour the contents of the pint glass into a clean metal shaker, set to the side and quickly run a fresh lime wedge around the rim of the glass and dip the top of your glass into the house-made rimmer. After you have a good amount of seasoning on the rim, pour the Bloody Mary back into the pint glass and add your garnish!
FAMILY RYE’S
EVERYTHING NICE
Courtesy of Rabbit Hole Distillery (rabbitholedistillery.com)
Courtesy of 8UP Elevated Drinkery & Kitchen (8uplouisville.com)
Ingredients: 1.5 ounces Rabbit Hole Rye .5 ounce Olorosso Sherry 1 Tsp. China China Liqueur 1 Tsp. Cranberry Jam .5 ounce Pepita Seed Syrup (Pumpkin Seed) .25 ounce Malic Acid Directions: Shake and strain into a rocks glass with crushed ice. Garnish with dried cranberries.
Ingredients: 1 ½ ounces Appleton Estate Signature Rum 1-ounce St. George Spice Pear Liqueur ¾ ounce Gonzalez Byass PX Sherry Dash Angostura bitters Dash orange bitters Candied pear slice (brown sugar), for garnish Directions: Combine and stir all ingredients with ice. Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with pear slice. slmag.net
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OCTOBER OLD FASHIONED Courtesy of Leslee Macpherson at Honeywood (honeywoodrestaurant.com)
Ingredients: 2 ounces Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon 2 ounces freshly pressed apple cider 6 dashes Woodford Reserve Sassafras & Sorghum Bitters Dehydrated apple Directions: Stir ingredients and strain over fresh ice. Garnish with dehydrated apple.
THIS IS AMERICA Courtesy of Rabbit Hole Distillery (rabbitholedistillery.com)
Ingredients: 1.5 ounces Rabbit Hole Bourbon .5 ounce 7.5 year Apple Brandy .75 ounce Sweet Corn Orgeat Syrup .5 ounce Lemon Juice Directions: Shake and double strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with corn shoots tied with corn husk.
THREE MOTHERS Courtesy of Pizza Lupo (pizzalupo.com)
Ingredients: 1.5 ounces of Old Forester 100 proof 1 ounce of Luxardo Amaro Abano Heavy Cream Directions: Add all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, stir, strain over rocks glass with ice. Top with a large splash of heavy cream.
WINTER WARMER Courtesy of Decca (deccarestaurant.com)
Ingredients: 1 ounce Plantation Orginal Dark Rum .75 ounce Plantation 3 Star Light Rum .25 ounce Giffard Vanille de Madagascar .25 ounce Simple Syrup 2 ounces Dark Horse Too Cream Stout 1 Egg White Simple Syrup (Cook 2 cups organic cane sugar and 1 cup water on the stove until sugar dissolves. Store in fridge.) Directions: Combine all and dry shake. Shake with ice. Double Strain into a large coupe glass. Garnish with ground espresso and cocoa nibs.
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CHEERS Y’ALL. Dixie Southern Vodka is The South’s Best Tasting Vodka – and we’re not just whistlin’ Dixie. Our smooth Southern spirit has won a whole mess of awards to back it up. It is the perfect companion for whatever wets your whistle. Pick up a bottle at your favorite liquor store today and visit DixieVodka.com for recipes. DIXIEVODKA.COM
6X DISTILLED FROM CORN • GLUTEN-FREE PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY • © 2018 GRAIN & BARREL SPIRITS
TEAM BITTNERS VICTORIOUS AT THE SOPHISTICATED LIVING POLO WORLD CUP Written by Bridget Williams / Photography by Tony Bailey, Bee Buck Photography and Chad Henle Morning storm clouds gave way to blue skies in time for the annual Sophisticated Living Polo World Cup held on Saturday, August 25th at Oxmoor Farm. The consolation match between the teams from Land Rover and Merrill Lynch ended in a tie, while the championship match between Sophisticated Living and Bittners was another hardfought battle, with Bittners emerging as the winner by one goal with a score late in the game. Fran Taylor of Lexington Silver presented Elizabeth Boland with a set of sterling stirrup cups for
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being judged to have the best tailgating setup of the day. Matthew Cottrell took second place and Jim and Karen Walker received the third-place prize. In the Land Rover trophy garden, designed and installed by Picture Perfect Landscaping, members of each team were presented with commemorative custom pieces from Stoneware & Co. The perpetual trophy, designed by Seng Jewelers, will be on display in the Bittners design studio until next August. sl Additional photos from the event can be viewed at Facebook.com/SLPolo.
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Levante GranSport. Yours. From $81,300* MASERATI OF LOUISVILLE 4710 Bowling Blvd., Louisville, KY 40207 502.894.3929 | MaseratiLouisville.com
*MSRP excludes taxes, title and registration fees. Starting price refers to the base model, optional equipment not included. A more expensive model may be shown. Pricing and offers may change at any time without notification. To get full pricing details, see your dealer. Š2018 Maserati North America, Inc. All rights reserved. Maserati and the Trident logo are registered trademarks of Maserati SpA. Maserati urges you to obey all posted speed limits.
THE SOPHISTICATED SIDE OF SOUTH BAY westdrift Manhattan Beach makes it easy to take advantage of one of Los Angeles’ best beach communities Written by Caylee Matthews Los Angeles is a land of contradictions. It’s a place where dreams are made and summarily crushed, where the aura of Old Hollywood glamour is juxtaposed with gritty post-industrial neighborhoods, and where endlessly gridlocked roads lead to beaches teeming with surfers and hillside trails offering an escape from the hustle and bustle. The newly opened westdrift hotel in Manhattan Beach fits into this paradigm. The vast expanse of sand dunes that once defined this LA suburb have been supplanted by some of the priciest real estate
in the United States. From the outside, the design of the hotel is in keeping with the other similarly-scaled office buildings that surround it, but once you step inside, any parallels between its neighbors quickly vanish. Stepping into the soaring lobby, the eye is drawn to the vibrant greens of a nine-hole golf course in the hotel’s backyard, a literal oasis in a concrete jungle. There is a pared-down punchiness to the open-concept lobby, where vibrant paintings by Eric Zener are the real star. His photorealistic interpretations of vintage beachgoers are rendered in technicolor hues that would make Hollywood proud.
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Artwork by Eric Zener is the focal point of the lobby.
The terrace at Jute overlooks the golf course.
The first luxury Marriott Autograph Collection hotel in Los Angeles, this destination-focused property takes a boutique-inspired approach to its design and amenities and melds it with the proven protocols and service standards that are hallmarks of a respected brand. In addition to the aforementioned golf course, the property boasts 393 spacious guest rooms (112 with private balconies); Jute, a knock-your-socks off indoor-outdoor restaurant that celebrates farm-to-table freshness; unique meeting and banquet facilities; an outdoor pool; and, a CrossFit-inspired fitness center. The westdrift moniker is derived from the area’s history. Before the area was part of the LA metropolis, it was known for the fine sand that would get whipped up by coastal westerly winds. The sand was so coveted, that for two decades tons and tons of it were shipped to Waikiki, Hawaii to help build up their beaches. A coin flip at the dawn of the 20th century decided Manhattan Beach’s name. “Manhattan” is a reference to 34 slmag.net
A Gather Suite bedroom
The open floorplan lobby is a hub of activity.
developer Stewart Merrill’s New York City borough, and “Beach” was added two decades later at the urging of the postmaster. Design elements throughout westdrift incorporate an East Coast-meets-West Coast theme. In the skylight-lit lobby, exposed concrete pillars have been treated to resemble pier posts. They are ringed with gold bands that hold mid-centuryinspired sconces at the mid-point, and leather sleeves near the base. Decorative gold screening sugests lobster traps. Board and batten on the wall behind the bed in guest rooms is an idea culled from the East Coast, while the design of the leather headboard is a nod to a vintage Louis Vuitton golf bag from the early 1900s. The neutral, driftwood-colored palette selected for case goods, wallpaper and window treatments in the guestrooms is reminiscent of both the haze that often greats early morning surfers in nearby South Bay, as well as weathered shingles endemic to homes on the East Coast.
Beet Wellington at Jute
Talking craft beer at El Segundo
Incorporating a central bar, various seating and working areas welcoming to both solo travelers and groups, and Jute restaurant, the lobby is always buzzing with activity. The inventive and impressive cocktail menu includes tequila-based cocktails on-tap. Being LA, the traditional happy hour is appropriately named “Rush Hour”. NanaWalls at the back of the space disappear to take advantage of the mild SoCal climate. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the cuisine at Jute is quintessential California: fresh, hyper-local, colorful and beautifully plated. Head chef Octavio Sabado had planned on being a rocket scientist and was accepted to the Naval Academy before a failed visual acuity test prompted him to take a different path. Super enthusiastic and intensely creative, he changes the bi-coastal inspired menu “more than seasonally,” and places heavy emphasis on being vegetable forward (his Beet Wellington is a must-try).
Night golf at westdrift
Complimentary beach cruisers make it easy to explore the area; Redondo Beach and its related attractions are just 4.5-miles away via a woodchip trail. Reward your efforts with lunch at The Strand House (thestrandhousemb.com), which offers 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean and award-winning coastal California Cuisine. For newbie surfers, El Porto is a chill place to learn the "hows" and "whys" of surfing (onewaysurf.com). Toast your surfing success with a cold beer in the taproom at El Segundo (elsegundobrewing.com). Even if you walk in as a stranger, I guarantee you’ll leave with new friends and a greater appreciation for craft brewing. After dark, be sure to sign up for a glow-in-thedark golf experience back at westdrift. The pros are outstanding and made the experience a blast for a non-golfer like me. Cap off the day with a nightcap by the hotel’s outdoor fireplaces. sl Located just four miles from LAX, room rates at westdrift start at $229/night. For more information or reservations visit westdrift.com.
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Of Note... It's a Mod Mod World
Compiled by Colin Dennis
This page top to bottom: Renovatio swivel rocker from Hancock & Moore (price upon request; hancockandmoore.com). The Balzo accent chair from Bellini Modern Living boasts a walnut veneer with Italian leather upholstery ($3,100; bellinimodernliving.com). Originally conceived in 1958 by Poul Henningsen, the iconic PH Artichoke celebrates 60 years with the limited edition release of a brushed brass colorway (from $11,800; louispoulsen.com). The Belmont media stand from Gus Modern is designed to accommodate Hi-Fi and media components ($1,450; gusmodern.com). A timeless classic, the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman is shown with a white ash shell and Mohair Supreme upholstery in Slate ($6,795; store.hermanmiller. com). The Apollo Table Lamp was originally designed in 1977 by Vico Magistretti ($1,310; dwr.com). The D.156.3 armchair, originally designed by Gio Ponti in 1956, and reissued by Molteni&C in 2017 ($5,500; molteni.it/en)Created by Upcycle Studio using a vintage suitcase and reclaimed house speakers, the Boom Mojo is compatible with any device with a standard 3.5mm stereo headphone ($315; upcyclestudio.com.au). Kathleen washed oak cocktail trolley from Jonathan Charles Fine Furniture ($2,500; jonathancharlesfurniture.com). The Oscar cat rest from Davies Decor pays homage to the architecture of Eero Saarinen ($99; daviesdecor.com). First appearing in France in the 1950s, the Daybed, designed Pierre Paulin functions as a small settee, large banquette, or occasional bed by simply adjusting the configuration of the cushions (price upon request; ligne-roset.com). Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Luna is a repositionable and removable wallpaper from Tempaper ($98/double roll; tempaperdesigns.com). Wabi Sabi trays from Notre Monde (from $175; notremonde.com). The Verdu cocktail table from Dmitriy & Co. is made to order in New York from walnut in a natural finish (price upon request; dmitriyco.com). Eames desk unit in a Mondrian-inspired finish ($1,700; store.hermanmiller.com). The lines of the Trays series sofa from Baleri Italia are inspired by 1950s design ($6,300; baleri-italia.it/en).
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Bibliotaph... CHEERS!
Compiled by Victoria Chase
Authors Pajat Parr and Jordan Mackay share decades of experience tasting wine in the first definitive reference book to describe, regionby-region, how the great wines of Europe should taste. Rabat Parr and Jordan Mackay—The Sommelier's Atlas of Taste: A Field Guide to the Great Wines of Europe—hardcover, 352 pages (penguinrandomhouse.com)
A followup to their seminal cocktail book Death & Co., Alex Day, Nick Fauchald and David Kaplan reveal their six "root recipes" that allow cocktail-crafters of all levels to understand, execute and improvise libations ranging in style from classic to nonconformist. Alex Day, Nick Fauchald and David Kaplan—Cocktail Codex: Fundamentals, Formulas, Evolutions—hardcover, 320 pages, Ten Speed Press (penguinrandomhouse.com) This multiple award-winning box set includes a pullout tray with a set of seven vintage vineyard maps by Louis Larmat. Using extensive grower and vintner profiles, American author Peter Lime explores the legendary wine of Champagne, France. Peter Lime—Champagne: The Essential Guide to the Wines, Producers, And Terroirs Of The Iconic Region—hardcover, 238 pages, Random House (penguinrandomhouse.com).
This highly acclaimed book by award-winning journalist Bianca Bosker takes readers on a journey into underground tasting groups, exclusive New York City restaurants, California mass-market wine factories, and even a neuroscientist’s MRI machine as she attempts to answer the question: what’s the big deal about wine? Bianca Bosker—Cork Dork: A Wine-Fueled Adventure Among the Obsessive Sommeliers, Big Bottle Hunters, and Rogue Scientists Who Taught Me to Live for Taste— paperback, 352 pages, Penguin Books (penguinrandomhouse.com)
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bib 'li' o 'taph, [bib-lee-uhtaf, -tahf ]: a person who caches or hoards books
Ron Cooper, founder of Del Maguey mezcal, is widely credited for popularizing mezcal in the United States. In this deeply personal book Cooper profiles various producers of the distinctively smoky Mexican liquor, made from the agave plant, and details the nuances of mezcal's varietals. Ron Cooper and Chantal Martineau—Finding Mezcal: A Journey into the Liquid Soul of Mexico with 40 Cocktails—hardcover, 272 pages, Ten Speed Press (crownpublishing.com).
Organized by spirit, each chapter presents creative and fresh cocktails that only require a sole spirit paired with fresh ingredients easily sourced from the grocery. Maggie Hoffman— The One-Bottle Cocktail: More Than 80 Recipes with Fresh Ingredients and a Single Spirit—hardcover, 192 pages, Ten Speed Press (crownpublishing.com)
For those who've had the experience of aimlessly wandering a wine shop, bewildered and overwhelmed by what to choose, this book is for you. Curated by a wine expert, this easy-to-follow guide presents 36 bottles (three per month) to try, and explains in laymen's terms why each is worth drinking. Paul Zitarelli—36 Bottles of Wine: Less is More with 3 Recommended Wines Per Month Plus Seasonal Recipe Pairings— hardcover, 208 pages, Sasquatch Books (sasquatchbooks.com) In Wine Food, natural wine bar and winery owner Dana Frank teams up with author Andrea Slonecker to showcase 75 recipes expertly paired with delicious wines and the reasons the flavors complement one another. Dana Frank & Andrea Slonecker—Wine Food: New Adventures in Drinking and Cooking—hardcover, 256 pages, Lorena Jones Books (crownpublishing.com)
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FASHIONABLY LATE With Cullinan, Rolls-Royce charges confidently into the luxury SUV segment. Written by Bridget Williams Invincible. It is the word that sprung to mind when Alex Innes, bespoke designer for Rolls-Royce, asked me to sum up in a singular term, my initial impression after a day behind the wheel of Cullinan, the super-luxury SUV that made its global media debut in Jackson Hole, Wyoming a few weeks ago. From our base camp at the Amangiri resort, we spent two days immersed in all things Cullinan. During a welcome reception, Richard Carter, Director of Global Communications for Rolls-Royce, explained that Cullinan was borne from both client demand as well as the potential to increase market share with a foray into the SUV segment. As part of a careful quest to discern whether or not an SUV was right and proper for the Rolls-Royce brand, an examination of the company’s archives illuminated the fact that owners had been taking their cars off-road for more than 100 years; from alpine trials staged at the dawn of the 20th century, to armored Rolls-Royces that were developed for use on the battlefield beginning in 1914 and continuing up to the 1950s. With its hulking front end and a massive elevated grill of handpolished stainless steel, this is a vehicle that demands attention. 40 slmag.net
“The silhouette of a Rolls-Royce is sacred,” stated Innes during a presentation on the design process. “We had to understand how to transfer this familiar form to an SUV while conveying a sense of capability and maintaining the feeling of elegance.” Key to the creation of Cullinan is the “Architecture of Luxury”, Rolls-Royce’s proprietary all-aluminum architecture. Engineering Project Leader Caroline Krismer explained that Cullinan was engineered from the ground up in such a way as to be scalable to the size and weight requirements of different future Rolls-Royce models. As the first “three-box” car in the SUV-sector, Cullinan’s rear partition wall creates a distinct environment for passengers, separated from the luggage compartment, ensuring that utility will never supplant luxury. Cullinan is the first Rolls-Royce with four-wheel drive, and maintaining the brand’s signature driving experience across a multitude of challenging road conditions was of paramount importance to the engineering team. “The drivetrain system we engineered for Cullinan had one key job to do,” explained Krismer. “To bring the famed Rolls-Royce ‘Magic Carpet Ride’ to all other terrains possible, while ensuring class-leading
on-road behavior in the SUV sector.” This was accomplished via a thorough re-engineering of the existing air suspension system, and a complete reworking of the 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12 engine to deliver just the right level of torque (850Nm) at the lowest possible revolutions (1,600rpm). When driving off-road, the electronically controlled shock absorber adjustment system uses air compression to actively push down any wheel it detects losing traction, thereby ensuring that every wheel is constantly in contact with the ground and maximum torque is being provided to all wheels. “Put simply, what makes the car great on-road makes the car great off-road,” said Krismer. When it came time for a name, the company eschewed what Carter called the tradition of selecting “ethereal and slightly spooky” monikers that have included Dawn, Wraith, Phantom and Ghost, in favor of something completely different. “Cullinan” is derived from the appellation given to the largest diamond ever mined. The 3,107-carat stone was unearthed in South Africa in 1905 and eventually sent in a biscuit tin via Royal Mail to King Edward VII for his 66th birthday. When the rough diamond was finally cleaved, the two largest pieces made their way into some of the
most significant pieces that comprise the British Crown Jewels: the Sovereign’s Scepter and the Imperial State Crown. In all, there were more than a dozen Cullinans cavorting over the river and through the woods in Jackson—not to mention the fleet of other members from the house of Rolls-Royce that were on hand for use as shuttles and support vehicles—and it was a site to behold, even in a county that boasts the highest income per capita of any the United States. “For Rolls-Royce, this is a seminal and phenomenal moment,” said Carter. “Cullinan is so completely different to anything we’ve done before, which called for a launch location that is completely different, but links with the car and tells the story of where we are as a brand.” The Cullinan entrusted to me for the 147-mile test drive boasted a Smokey Quartz exterior. The cabin was a thing of absolute beauty and craftsmanship. Befitting a couture handbag, the two-tone leather (Armagnac and Dark Spice) with contrast stitching was exquisite, as was the Mimosa Negra wood veneer used extensively throughout, including the central console and secondrow tables that fold out to reveal a touch-screen entertainment system. Underfoot were plush lambs wool floor mats.
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I was understandably anxious about taking a three-ton, $325k SUV up narrow and twisty gravel mountain roads, complete with deep ruts and hairpin turns. Further, Cullinan is so aesthetically pleasing inside and out that I (almost) felt bad about getting it dirty. “That’s what it’s designed for,” Carter assured me, before citing the “It is Effortless, Everywhere” apothegm. Reaching out to the stainless-steel door handle, the SUV lowered slightly for ease of entry. Both front and rear passengers can close the iconic Rolls-Royce coach doors at the push of a button; once they shut, there is an immediate sense of being securely ensconced in the luxury confines, thanks to more than 220 pounds of sound-deadening insulation. All four doors wrap low under the sill to ensure that dirt remains outside. Once the start button is depressed, Cullinan returns to its commanding ride height. Our first challenge of the day was ascending Snow King Mountain, the steepest overall slope of any ski hill in North America. A simple push of a button on the center console activated Off Road mode. From there I used the Spirit of Ecstasy controller to select the road condition I was expecting, and away we went. What I was immediately struck by was the shock absorption. In a lesser car, I almost assuredly would have needed to visit a chiropractor following the incessant jostling. Confident in the Cullinan’s agile handling, my senses switched to focus on the sound, or rather lack thereof. You could discern the muffled pop and 42 slmag.net
crunch of pebbles and larger stones as the SUV’s 22-inch wheels powered along, but there was no audible indication that the engine was being taxed in the least by the steep climb. Steering was a breeze, and having to wrangle the steering wheel to stay on course was never an issue. I was amazed by the way the substantial SUV seemed to bow around tight corners. In fact, I was so relaxed in the off-road environs that I found myself stealing glances of the Tetons splayed out before us. Having to undertake a three-point turn on one particularly sharp curve with a sheer drop, I was immensely grateful for the 4-Camera system with Panoramic View, all-round visibility and helicopter view, as well as the impressive torque that delivered me authoritatively from the edge. At the top of the mountain, our entourage took a break to admire the snow-capped peaks, compare notes with our fellow drivers, and check out some of the other features of Cullinan. The SUV’s two-part ‘D-Back’ format tailgate is designed as a nod to an era when luggage was mounted on the exterior of the motorcar. ‘The Clasp’ opens and closes in two sections with a touch of the key fob button. Another push of a button in the boot or rear door pocket enables the rear seats to fold flat and create an impressive amount of cargo space. After exhausting every photo opportunity presented by the picturesque precipice, our group loaded back up for the descent. I couldn’t help but remember the last time I was in a similar situation
here more than three decades ago. Back then, my father manually downshifted our VW camper van into a lower gear and then waged a battle with speed and gravity as my sister and I whimpered and hid our heads under pillows, quite certain that a plunge off the side of the mountain was imminent. In stark contrast to my past experience, Cullinan takes the uphill battle out of going downhill. Depressing the hill descend button on the center console automatically adjusts speed and breaking; using up and down buttons on the steering wheel allows you to adjust speed in 1 mph increments. At no point did I detect even a hint of slippage on the exceptionally steep gravel road. While we didn’t forge any streams, I was told that Cullinan delivers the deepest wading depth of any super-luxury SUV. While driving was certainly exhilarating, it was equally satisfying being a passenger. Skirting the boundary of Grand Teton National Park was ideal for the large side windows and panoramic glass roof. During a pit stop to ogle a moose and her calves as they munched on vegetation in the Snake River, the presence of Cullinan was enough to divert attention away from the natural wonders to a manmade one. Cullinan offers two rear seat configurations: Lounge Seats or Individual Seats. The Lounge Seat configuration in “my” Cullinan is presented as the more functional of the two options, providing space for three passengers in the rear. Other journalists
experienced the opulence of the Individual Seat configuration; the striking Optic White leather in this variant obviously geared towards customers prioritizing luxury over practicality. The two individual rear seats are separated by a fixed rear center console that incorporates a drinks cabinet with Rolls-Royce whisky glasses and decanter, champagne flutes and refrigerator (the velvety ‘Magic Carpet Ride’ nearly ensuring that nary a bead of bubbly will bubble over on bumpy roads). Speaking at a post-drive champagne reception with RollsRoyce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös, his eyes seemed to sparkle as he recounted glancing up and seeing the Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament silhouetted against the equally majestic Tetons. “It is my first time in Jackson and I can’t imagine a better place to introduce Cullinan to the world,” he commented. He went on to state that orders from existing Rolls-Royce customers began to come in as soon as the SUV was announced, but before design sketches were even made public. “Our clients are very loyal and trust us completely.” He added that the goal of Cullinan is to broaden the customer base of the 114-year-old marque by evolving to meet the demands of adventurous, well-traveled and well-heeled patrons of true luxury. While Rolls-Royce didn’t invent the SUV, with Cullinan they have certainly redefined and refined the sector. “We didn’t come to the party first,” said Carter. “We came when the time was right.” sl
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Gifts for Pampered Pets and their People
Compiled by Victoria Chase
Left to right, top to bottom: Whippet flower vase (from $35; fetchandfollow.com). Ceramic dachshund menorah from Jonathan Adler ($128; jonathanadler.com). CrownJuwel Gem-Water pet bowl by VitaJuwel ($78; gem-water.com). Chase and Wonder Flower Cat 10-inch bone china plate ($46; chaseandwonder.com). 96-ounce dog treat canister from Spode's Hunting Dogs collection ($110; spode.com). Belle Étoile Cheval bangle ($450; belleetoilejewelry.com). Maxine French Bulldog minaudière from Judith Leiber Couture ($5,695; judithleiber.com). Lolita cat minaudière from Judith Leiber Couture ($5,495; judithleiber.com). LALIQUE's Golden Retriever Dog Sculpture in gold luster crystal ($575; lalique.com). Caviar Collection Beluga cat collar ($63.50; cheshireandwain.com). Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Artel Crystal Dogs Collection Double Old Fashioned set ($1,086) and Bull Dog decanter ($724; artelshop.com). Libertine dog-print cropped jean jacket ($1,625; neimanmarcus.com). Cloud 7 waterproof foldable pet travel bed ($150-$180; fletcheroflondon.com). Howlpot Howly Dog Bed ($309; niecpaws.com.au). The Dog Room by Michael Ong ($429; madebypen.com). Posh pooch pink pet bed from The French Bedroom Company (frenchbedroomcompany. co.uk). DOOG Home dog bed & bowl collection ($89.95; doog.com). Graduate Collection Bulldog wallpaper ($145/roll; limelace.co.uk). Charley Chau Snuggle Bed in velour ($100; charleychau.com). Annabel James Camello leather and grey tweed dog collar and leash ($60/each; annabeljames.co.uk). 44 slmag.net
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LONDON BY NIGHT (AND DAY) The Milestone Hotel, The Red Carnation Hotel Collection’s flagship property in London, wows with high design and service that only a family-run business can deliver. Written by Elise Hofer Shaw
The Milestone Hotel, located in the Royal Borough of Kensington, is comprised of three houses, the oldest of which dates back to the 1700s.
Ridiculous, inconvenient, consuming, can’t-live-without-eachother love… It’s life’s most awesome promise and sweetest reward. And just sometimes, when two people come together in love and creative pursuits, magic happens. Such is the love story of Stanley and Beatrice “Bea” Tollman—and, by all accounts, the story of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection. You can’t tell the tale of one without the other. Stanley, a distinguished hotelier, met Bea at the Oyster Box Hotel on the coast of South Africa near Durban in the 1950s. Stanley was wearing a red carnation in his lapel; Bea was a vision who melted the room with her smile. Fast-forward 60-some years later—and six children and 10 grandchildren—and the pair have amassed a selection of 17 award-winning, family-owned boutique properties from Guernsey to Cape Town. Eleven are five-star properties, the rest four-star. They’re 46 slmag.net
named, of course, after the red carnation Stanley so proudly donned on that day when he first met his bride-to-be. Today, The Red Carnation Hotel Collection (RCH) is the No. 2 Top Hotel Brand in the World according to Travel + Leisure, and a brand that has become synonymous with high design, exceptional locations, celebrated cuisine and above-and-beyond service. And with accolades like The Leading Hotels of the World Leading Legend and the Lifetime Achievement Award at The Cateys, the most prestigious awards in U.K. hospitality, under her belt, “Mrs. Tollman” (as she is lovingly referred to by the some 2,400 Red Carnation employees) has indeed herself become a legend in the hotel and restaurant world. And the secret to her lifelong success is no secret: “To create something truly extraordinary,” says RCH’s matriarch, “you have to do it with all your heart and soul.”
The Kensington Palace Residence is a duplex with the new living room area redecorated in mint green and rich pink, the only 3-bedroom Residence of the house.
The Milestone's new Signature Master Suite, The Venetian, is breathtaking, offering a one-bedroom suite with separate lounge, full bathroom, shower room and dressing room.
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The spectacular Art Deco bathroom of the Meghan Suite
The proverbial bloom in the company’s boutonniere is The Milestone Hotel in Kensington, London—the city the Tollmans call home. And yes, the entire staff sport red carnations on the lapels of their bespoke uniforms, starting with the jolly doormen who are quick to give directions, open the door, find you a ride or even walk your dog (all of the Red Carnation hotels are dog-friendly). Heart and soul are also spot-on descriptors for the Milestone’s hallmark design approach. From the deluxe guest rooms and luxury suites to the recently renovated long-stay residences, no two rooms are alike. My room during my stay earlier this year, the Tudor Suite, can hardly be referred to as a room at all. A study in creamy whites and rich golds, all 667 square feet from its private den to the original, hand-carved stone fireplace, is appointed with a mix of Victorian antiques and more modern furnishings like silk, fleur-de-lis-printed wall coverings and a gilded, four-poster bed. Signature touches like oversize candy jars, fresh flowers and turndown presents (think a mini tome of Oscar Wilde quotes)
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evoke that “no request is too large and no detail too small” vibe that all of the RCH properties are known for. Always curious about where I hang my hat, I asked for a history lesson from Andrew Pike, general manager of the Milestone. Dating as far back as 1689, the original dwelling that stood where the Milestone stands today was home to Foot Onslow, a Commissioner of Excise under King William III. His son, Arthur Onlsow (1691-1768), was Speaker of the House of Commons for 30 years. From ambassadors and barons to a countess and one braggadocios officer who claimed to be William Shakespeare’s grandson, the address of 1 Kensington Court has had quite the storied history—which the Tollmans planned to honor and uphold when they purchased the Milestone property in 1998. Thus, the hotel underwent a year-long restoration before opening in 1999 with Mrs. Tollman’s stamp of approval. My visit was timed quite perfectly around the completion of an elegant refurbishment encompassing two of the Milestone’s largest suites (106 Grand Master Suite and The Meghan Suite)
The menu at Cheneston’s has some local favorites including Cured Loch Fyne salmon with horseradish and dill as well as some of Mrs. Tollman’s own family recipes.
The Carousel cocktail is just one of the magical creations that barman Angelo Lo Greco stirs up in The Stables Bar.
The Carousel cocktail is just one of the magical creations that barman Angelo Lo Greco stirs up in The Stables Bar served atop a toy carousel.
The Conservatory is the perfect place for a light lunch, evening cocktails or even Afternoon Tea service.
and six of its luxury residences. Housed in what was once a private Victorian mansion behind the hotel, the residences are ideal for large groups, families and long-stay guests, and all now boast handwoven carpets, exquisite fabrics, antique or custommade furnishings, handcrafted chandeliers, and rare artwork. My personal favorite was the Kensington Court Residence, a splitlevel apartment complete with a mezzanine bedroom upstairs and access to a private terrace overlooking the rooftops of Kensington. (Full disclosure: While up there, I broke into song, belting out “Chim Chim Cheree” from Mary Poppins.) “Our newly designed long-stay Residences are a home away from home for business travelers spending an extended time in London, or families seeking comfortable yet stylish accommodation for their visit to the city,” says Pike. “Offering guests their very own address in one of London’s most desirable neighborhoods [Kensington], the Residences combine the value, space and authenticity of renting a private home, with the service, facilities and security of a five-star hotel.”
That same formula extends to the Milestone’s food and beverage program, which is as decadent as its decor yet extremely approachable. At Cheneston’s restaurant, contemporary British cuisine is elevated under the artful direction of Executive Chef Rob Creaser. Dishes like his Suffolk rack of lamb with sweetbread croquette, baby gem lettuce and spring peas have a devoted following, and his use of seasonal ingredients sourced from around the British Isles keeps the menu fresh. But it was Bea’s chicken noodle soup and pot roast Dover sole that were a comforting surprise to me when spied on the menu. After I’d tasted both, it was no surprise to learn that Mrs. Tollman’s cookbook, A Life in Food, is in its fifth edition. Après dinner during the holidays, head to Stables Bar for a Carousel cocktail made with barrel-rested Patron tequila, Old J Tiki Fire Spiced Rum, coffee liqueur, orgeat syrup, lime juice and orange bitters served atop a tiny crystal carousel. Or warm your bones by the fire in the Park Lounge with a flight of whisky, including one pour that’s been barrel-aged for 60 days in Canadian maple syrup and vodka.
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The Signature Grand Master Suite
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The newly designed Park Suite (Junior Suite) is appropriately named given its direct views of Kensington Palace and Gardens.
Usually when I’m in London, I’m inflicted with a bit of a Goldilocks complex—either trying to cram too much into too little time, or doing little more than exploring my corner of the city like a local. On this trip, the latter was just right—but I did enlist some help. Only the top-level tour guides in the U.K. get to don a Blue Badge, and mine, Russell Nash (guiderussell. co.uk), pinned his to a three-piece khaki suit and a quick wit. My private, 90-minute walking tour of Kensington under the guidance of Nash was both entertaining and informative. I now know where Mick Jagger baptized all of his children (St. Mary Abbots Church), how to distinguish a wealthy borough from London’s more “dodgy ends” (coal holes in the sidewalks and defunct gaslights), exactly where T.S. Eliot’s former flat is, and why the iron balconies in Kensington Court bulb out at the bottom (hoop skirts, natch). Needless to say, it was my kind of tour. On another day on my own, a brisk, 15-minute walk to Portobello Market for some antiquing, and then on to Notting Hill for a spot of Monmouth coffee and a slice of banana bread at Lowry & Baker, was blissfully low-key. For those who are more culturally inclined than I, Royal Albert Hall is a short, eight-minute walk from the Milestone, and the aforementioned St. Mary Abbots Church is but a block away. And across the street from the hotel at Kensington Palace you can stroll the gardens where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their engagement, then take in the Diana: Her Fashion Story exhibit (running through Feb. 17,
2019). During the holidays, definitely speak to the Milestone’s concierge team about planning some festive fun. A horse ride in Hyde Park? Caroling at Covent Garden? Ice-skating in the shadow of Somerset House? The Milestone’s V-class Mercedes can whisk your family wherever you’d like to go. (Don’t miss the Birmingham Royal Ballet performing The Nutcracker at Royal Albert Hall, Dec. 28-31.) And for a day trip to Windsor Castle, the site of Harry and Meghan’s nuptials in May, ask the hotel to organize a custom-curated Evan Evans tour complete with a chauffeured drive and private guide to unravel the history from the magnificent State Apartments to the beautiful St. George’s Chapel (evanevanstours.com). Heading to Gatwick Airport in the Milestone’s chauffeured, midnight-blue Bentley—a lunchbox full of Mrs. Tollman’s chicken salad sandwiches rolled in chopped almonds placed neatly on my lap and a carry-on concealing a Powell Craft nightgown for my daughter and bits and bobs from Portobello Market for my husband at my feet—my heart was far from heavy about leaving. That’s the thing about a truly remarkable hotel stay: You know it won’t be long until you return. Next time, I’ll bring my own ridiculous, inconvenient, consuming, can’t-live-without’em loves along with me. sl The Milestone Hotel & Residences, 1 Kensington Court, London W8 5DL, +44 (0)20 7917 1000, milestonehotel.com and redcarnation.com. Norwegian has direct flights to Gatwick Airport from 12 major U.S. airports including Chicago, Los Angeles and New York (prices from $159.90 including taxes for Economy to $714.90 including taxes for Premium Flex). norwegian.com
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HOW CHARMING Gifting gets personal with statement charm jewelry Compiled by Bridget Williams
Left to right, top to bottom: 14k gold snake fangs on an 18" 14k gold chain ($1,200; laurenwolfjewelry.com). 18k yellow gold Rainbow charm with precious gems from Andrea Fohrman $3,600; andreafohrman.com). Adina Reyter 14k yellow gold Hamsa necklace with pavĂŠ diamonds ($485; adinareyter.com). 14k yellow gold and diamond tusk pendant necklace from Anne Sisteron ($2,200; annesisteron.com). Tara Hirschberg Kiss charm (tarahirshberg.com). Sylva & Cie ruby Woman charm ($4,400; musexmuse.com). Aron & Hirsch Hamar pendant with Gemfields rubies and shell ($1,515; musexmuse.com). Jiminy Cricket dangle charm with blue enamel from Pandora ($65; us.pandora.net).
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Left to right, top to bottom: Disco Dots 18k yellow gold and diamond ball charm necklace from Carelle ($3,300; carelle.com). Georg Jensen Offspring pendant in sterling silver and 18k rose gold ($235; georgjensen.com). Jacquie Aiche large bone feather charm with pavĂŠ diamonds ($2,315; jacquieaiche.com). Monica Rich Kosann 18k yellow gold Intuition octopus charm necklace ($7,565; monicarichkosann.com). Yasmine sterling silver openwork filigree charm by Korite Ammolite ($285; korite.com). 14k yellow gold and diamond hand charm by Michelle Fantaci ($1,825; musexmuse.com). Rare Gems of India Hand carved coral artifact mounted in 18k gold set with diamonds onyx and pearls ($12,500; raregemsofindia.com). Konstantino men's Minos Collection sterling silver and 18k gold lion pendant ($2,200; konstantino.com). Sanjay Kasliwal diamond elephant charm (price upon request; sanjaykasliwal.com).
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Left to right, top to bottom: Chopard's Happy Clown charm is attired in an 18k white gold costume entirely set with diamonds (price upon request; chopard.com). King Baby men's carved jet Wing pendant ($615; kingbabystudio.com). Jewelmer Mother & Child pendant with two South Sea pearls and diamonds (jewelmer.com). Marrow Under the Perfect MoonGibbous Moon pendant ($1650; marrowfine.com). Gumuchian B Collection 18k yellow gold charm bracelet ($24,000; gumuchian.com).
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Left to right, top to bottom: 18k rose gold and diamond RĂŞve charm from Nouvel Heritage ($4,330; nouvelheritage.com). Pyrrha Jewelry Power to Heal talisman in bronze ($222; pyrrha.com). Pamela Zamore teardrop star pendant with moonstone ($540; pamelazamore.com). Mikado Candy charm bracelet from Tamara Commoli ($5,510; tamaracomolli.com).
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Dawn greets an early-morning picking crew in the Napa Valley. Photo by Jason Tinacci.
THE CORK BOARD Noteworthy news from the wine world Compiled by Chloe Geller 2018 Loire Harvest: An Early Harvest with Favorable Quality At the start of the 2018 harvest season, the Loire Valley Wines Council announced that the total volume of the 2018 vintage is expected to exceed last year's production. Ideal weather conditions have put a smile back on the faces of Loire winegrowers. The 2018 harvest started two weeks earlier this year, similar to 2011 and 2017. The early maturity of the 2018 vintage, acquired in spring, was preserved thanks to this year's historically fine summer. The amount of sunshine in July and August was indeed remarkable, with 600 to 625 hours of sunlight, which is as much as 30-percent higher than normal in some areas. Unlike 2017, the vines were spared from hail and frost. The rainy month of June, as everywhere else in France, led to mildew attacks. Overall, the disease was controlled by the know-how and vigilance of winegrowers, even if some farms suffered significant crop losses. Winegrowers follow the grapes' evolution and taste them regularly to determine the optimal harvest date, according to wine profiles required for their different markets. Some Loire Valley winegrowers also employ high-tech tools, including Prévimat, a web interface developed by the Loire Valley Wines Board to predict the evolution of Cabernet Franc grape maturity up to 14 days. The five distinct wine-growing regions dotting the Loire's banks feature no less than 4,000 wineries, 170,000 acres of vineyards and 61 appellations of origin, thus making the Loire 56 slmag.net
Valley the third largest French winemaking region. Producing 380 million bottles per year - be they red, rosé or white; still or sparkling; dry or semi-dry, supple or sweet - the Loire Valley is France's leading producer of white wines and ranks second for rosés. The region as a whole exports 68 million bottles every year to 157 markets. Napa’s 2018 harvest builds balance at a steady pace According to the Napa Valley Grapegrowers, 2018 has been an exciting year so far. In February, rain was abundant, and when the skies cleared, endless days of sunshine followed. Then tiny buds emerged from the dormant vines, marking the beginning of the 2018 growing season. Looking across the valley floor in the early spring, it was a sea of bright, strong growth. In the spring, vines flowered uniformly, which paved the way for even cluster development. "A very even bloom was followed by a rapid veraison this year, and to date, our ripening period has been void of extreme heat, which will allow for some extended hang time and great phenolic maturity in the fruit," said Paul Goldberg, director of operations at Bettinelli Vineyards and president of the Napa Valley Grapegrowers. 2018's first picks occurred mid-August, about a week or so later than 2017. These were primarily for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier for sparkling wine. Other white varieties, and those for still wines, began coming off the vines in late August.
Napa Valley Harvest. Photo by Bob McClenahan
Harvest in Anjou-Saumur, one of the five wine-making areas of the Loire Valley in France. Photo by Interloire.
As growers enter October, activities will speed up, as the majority of red varieties ripen and begin to come in. Viticulturists closely monitor grape phenolics to ensure that harvest occurs at exactly the right time and once the pick date is set, vineyard crews spring into action. It's a well-choreographed operation that Napa Valley growers wait for the entire year – it's show time. Napa Valley Vintners board member and Favia winemaker Andy Erickson, who works in multiple nested appellations throughout the Napa Valley, said that after a month of picking white varieties, reds like Cabernet Sauvignon are just starting to come in and that the recent cool weather has been extremely beneficial. "The first reds that we're seeing, the color, the aromatics, the acidity, it's all there," said Erickson, who added he is delighted about the potential for even further development of fruit still on the vine. "Now that it's officially fall, that's when you get some really interesting late-season flavors." Erickson and several other NVV members have also reported strong yields. Overall, a very balanced growing season has vintners extremely optimistic about the 2018 harvest. A new vision for Mouton Cadet Philippe Sereys de Rothschild, Chairman and CEO of Baron Philippe de Rothschild SA recently announced that Mouton Cadet is reimagining the way it selects parcels for grape production, the taste
Philippe Sereys de Rothschild
of the iconic Bordeaux, and also the look and packaging of the famed bottles. He visited New York, Miami, and Las Vegas to herald the relaunch the new Mouton Cadet portfolio in the United States, more than sixty years after it was first introduced to American wine lovers. The company aims to make the richness of the prestigious Bordeaux terroir accessible to a wider audience, offering both authenticity and quality with the Rothschild name as the hallmark of French savoir-faire. “The process of reimagining the Mouton Cadet portfolio encapsulated years long efforts that will now result in a new chapter for the brand,” said Philippe Sereys de Rothschild. “While consumers know the dedication of our winemaking family to excellence, the recently renovated Mouton Cadet portfolio will provide the opportunity to experience our family’s heritage in an accessible way, while taking a new terroir-driven approach for the grape selection that we are convinced Americans will rediscover and love.” Reinvigoration initiatives, coupled with Philippe Sereys de Rothschild’s vision for the next chapter of Mouton Cadet, which was created in 1930 by his grandfather, have helped to refine the wine’s signature style, making it even more smooth and round while remaining true to its origins, as elegant and refined as ever. The portfolio will be featuring both red, white and rosé wine underlining the skills of the Mouton Cadet winemakers in the art of blending, capturing the ideal balance between fruit and freshness on one side and elegance and structure on the other. sl slmag.net
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AUDI ELECTRIFIED Unveiled in combination with a comprehensive range of available charging solutions for home and away, the spacious five-seater Audi e-tron offers fully electric driving without compromise. Written by Andre James / Photos courtesy of Audi A bold step in Audi’s commitment to achieving approximately 30 percent of US sales from electric vehicles by 2025, the German automaker formally introduced its first fully electric production model—the e-tron—in San Francisco this past September. The e-tron will be the first of three battery-electric vehicles the company plans to debut by 2020 A new concept with a familiar face, the e-tron is unmistakably Audi in its appearance, which will likely help in wooing on-thefence electric buyers. Measuring 193-inches long and a touch over 76-inches wide, the five-passenger, performance-oriented SUV is only slightly smaller than Audi’s latest Q8 flagship SUV. The all-wheel drive e-tron is powered by two electric motors capable of accelerating the vehicle from 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds and on to a respectable top speed of 124 mph. The rear motor handles most of the driving, but Audi reports that the front axle 58 slmag.net
can be engaged in a fraction of a second to achieve optimum traction and directional stability in a variety of driving conditions. Seven driving modes are available via the Drive Select system. Depending on road speed and driving style, the suspension adjusts the body’s ride height by up to 3 inches. An innovative recuperation system encompassing both motors boosts efficiency when coasting and breaking; Audi engineers estimate that this system is responsible for as much as 30 percent of the e-tron’s range. The driver has the ability to select the degree of energy recovery in three stages by means of paddles on the steering wheel. US range estimates weren’t available at press time, although Audi’s European testing reported a range of approximately 249 miles. The e-tron is engineered for both AC and DC charging. In an industry first to-date, the e-tron has announced a DC fast charging
capability of up to 150 kW available at select high-speed public charging stations capable of delivering up to an 80 percent charge in just 30 minutes. Audi and Electrify America have pledged to have 500 of these fast-charging facilities either under construction or completed in 40 states by July 2019. E-tron customers will receive 1,000 kWh of free charging at the Electrify America sites over four years of ownership. For residential charging, a standard 9.6 kW AC capsule charger is provided, and can deliver a full charge overnight utilizing a standard 120-volt household outlet. A partnership with Amazon Home Services will allow Audi e-tron buyers to set up a fully-digital experience for in-home electric vehicle charging installations. Using the myAudi app, customers can plan, control and monitor the charging and preheating/cooling of their electric SUV. The app also displays charging and driving data. Amazon’s Alexa has been fully
integrated into the MMI system, and allows the driver/passengers to access many of the same features and services in their e-tron as they can in their home or through other Alexa-enabled devices. Outfitted with all the comfort and high-tech accoutrements befitting an Audi, the driver-oriented cabin boasts a central Audi virtual cockpit with a slim, visually free-standing display, two MMI touch response displays, a standard Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System, and a phone box for inductive smartphone charging. Customers are able to choose from a host of comfort, driving and technology amenity packages for a fully customized driving experience. Base price for the Premium Plus trim level e-tron is $75,795. Customers can now configure and reserve their e-tron with a fully refundable $1,000 reservation fee in advance of delivery in mid2019. For more information visit audiusa.com. sl slmag.net
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the TIMES, they are a-CHANGIN’
Clockwise from top left: Diva Finissima Minute Repeater from Bulgari is the thinnest minute repeater for women. The 18k rose gold 37mm case is accentuated by brilliantcut diamonds. The watch face is crafted from Urushi lacquer ($220,000; bulgari.com). Baume et Mercier Petite Promesse ladies watch with wrap-around steel bracelet and mother-of-pearl dial set with diamonds ($2,850; baume-et-mercier.com). Released as part of their 280th anniversary celebration, the Grande Seconde Skelet-One from Jaquet Droz is the first time the company has presented a sapphire dial integrated within a skeleton composition. 18k red gold case and self-winding mechanical movement with a power reserve of 68 hours ($33,600; jaquet-droz.com). Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Voutilainen's 217QRS features a in-house designed movement with a 65-hour power reserve. The retrograde date mechanism is entirely integrated in main plate; to set the date one just presses the crown down ($129,000; voutilainen.ch). Double Balancier Sapphire from Greubel Forsey boasts a case entirely crafted from sapphire crystal. The hand-wound movement incorporates 284 components. Limited-edition of 11 pieces ($695,000; greubelforsey.com). Holding four patents for its remarkable construction, the mechanical movement of Bovet's RĂŠcital 22 Grand RĂŠcital is comprised of nearly 50 hand-polished components. The striking hand-painted globe rotates on its own axis and shows the hours in 24-hour format. Offered in 18k rose gold or platinum, only 60 pieces will be produced ($469,800; bovet.com). RGM reissued its popular William Penn model 18 years after its original release. The tonneau-shaped movement is available in stainless steel (shown) or 18k rose gold rectangular case (from $7,900; rgmwatches.com).
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WHAT to WATCH in the NEW YEAR
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Clockwise from top left: An icon since it was released in 1950, the Polaris Memovox has been the source of a long line of Jaeger-LeCoultre mechanical watches equipped with an alarm. A 1968 model inspired the latest release, which is being issued in a limited edition of 1,000 pieces ($12,600; jaeger-lecoultre.com). TAGHeuer Carbon Aquaracer with a 41mm black PVD-covered titanium case that houses the carbon bezel. Waterproof to 300m ($3,000; tagheuer.com). The Petoskey Runwell 41mm from Shinola is a special-edition piece with a dial crafted from a polished Petoskey Stone ($650; shinola.com). The Manero Flyback from Carl F. Bucherer is inspired by company models from the 1960s and 70s and features a kudu-leather strap with a suede finish. The automatic movement boasts a power reserve of 42 hours and features a flyback function that allows for the recording of consecutive times in quick succession. ($6,900; carl-f-bucherer.com). Bell & Ross BR-X1 Military features a case made of high-resistance titanium and is available in a limited edition of 250 pieces ($23,000; bellross.com). Opposite page, clockwise from top left: The Audry women's watch from Gomelsky with a malachite dial, alligator strap and case with 90 full-cut diamonds ($2,000; gomelskywatches.com). Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona in 18k Everose gold, and accentuated with gemstones, including 36 baguette-cut sapphires in rainbow hues on the bezel (price upon request; rolex.com). The dial of the DB Starry Varius from De Bethune can be customized to show the nighttime sky as seen from a specific geographical location on a given date (from $66,000; debethune.ch).
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Best Hat finalists at the Boodles Ladies Day Photo by Stephanie O'Callaghan and Nicole Hains
Dendrobium D-1 electric hypercar
Best of Show: 1933 Bugatti Type 55 Roadster Photo by Stephanie O'Callaghan and Nicole Hains
Boodles Ladies' Day
SALON PRIVÉ Blenheim Palace opens its gates to the world’s finest motor vehicles. Written by Andre James Salon Privé reaffirmed its position as Britain’s most exclusive automotive garden party following three-days of events held this past August on the cricket pitch and lawns at Blenheim Palace, the principal residence of the Dukes of Marlborough, and the only nonroyal country house in England to hold the title of palace. First day Salon Privé guests were able to revel in the event’s unique, relaxed atmosphere and stunning Palace backdrop, while admiring many of the finest motorcars and bikes in the world. More than 50 cars, 17 of them international entries, and 20 motorcycles, were graded during the day as part of the Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elégance by an expert panel of 17 judges, chaired by five-time Le Mans winner Derek Bell. The Best of Show Trophy was awarded to a 1933 Bugatti Type 55 Roadster, with a 1937 Delage D8-120 and a 1971 Lamborghini Miura S rounding out the top three. In addition to the Concours d’Elégance, visitors ogled many of the finest and fastest modern supercars and hypercars, some being seen in public on British shores for the first time. Included on this 64 slmag.net
rarified roster was the new Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, the highperformance Brabham BT62, the Aston Martins DBS Superleggera, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV, a fully exposed black carbon fiber Bugatti Chiron, and the Dendrobium D-1 electric hypercar. A champagne and lobster luncheon awaited patrons in attendance at the popular Boodles Ladies’ Day. Fourteen of the most fashionable guests were chosen to vie for the Best Hat award, presented by Jane Taylor, Creative Director and Founder of Jane Taylor London. The finalists were given the opportunity to be passengers in Concours’ entrants cars as part of the Final Parade at Salon Privé. Rounding out the event was the Concours Masters, a more relaxed version of a traditionally-judged Concours. The 2018 rendition paid tribute to Porsche’s 70th anniversary year. The overall Owner’s Choice Award was presented to a 1988 Porsche 944 Turbo Cup, just one of just 150 examples built. The 14th edition of Salon Privé is scheduled for September 5-7, 2019. For more information visit salonpriveconcours.com. sl
New Construction Replacement Renovation (502) 893-3000
TIMELESS
Bittners celebrates 165 years of creating beautiful spaces Written by Bridget Williams / Photography by Andrew Kung
In 1854, while Britain and France were allied against Russia during the Crimean War, a 25-year-old German immigrant and woodworker hung out his shingle in Victorian-era Louisville, establishing Kentucky’s first interior design firm. By all accounts an unassuming man dedicated to his family, his craft and his adopted community, Gustave Bittner likely could not have imagined that his eponymous startup would flourish to become one of the oldest continually operating design firms in the United States. If Gustave found himself within the elegant Main Street confines of the interior design firm that still bears his name today, he would likely marvel at the shiny and the new, and feel a camaraderie with the antiques and antiquities on display throughout the appointment-only design studio. Continuing past the inspiring and covetable vignettes, his eyes would delight in spying his original sign, which has been given a place of proper prominence above the entrance to the Bittners’ woodworking shop. Stepping though the doors, Gustave would soon discover that while technology has certainly changed in 165 years, the talented artisans engaged in creating heirloom-quality furniture share the same commitment to excellence that has been the hallmark of the company from its inception. Bittners remained a family-owned business for 128 years; in 1982 it was purchased by Owsley Brown Frazier, his mother Amelia Brown Frazier, and his daughter Laura Frazier. Laura assumed the role of chairman in 1993. A key piece of the company’s current leadership puzzle came together in the early 2000s with the addition of Douglas Riddle, who was lured away from a career in the fashion world, to become president and COO. Under his leadership, Riddle has guided the 66 slmag.net
company through tumultuous transitions, keeping pace with the ever-evolving world of interior design, which has metamorphized from being heavily focused on retail, to a more client-centric approach. “I am so pleased how Bittners has evolved from our rich cultural history to a cutting-edge modern design firm,” said Laura. “We are constantly changing and expanding our vision, which is why we are still a leader in our industry today." Engaged in both residential and commercial design, custom woodworking and restoration for clients throughout Kentucky and as far away as California, Riddle says the heart and soul of the company remains its creative and committed staff. “Collectively, our design team is one of the best in the industry,” said Riddle, who added that having the full support of Laura Frazier enables “wonderful things to happen.” To help mark the company’s 165th anniversary, we sat down with a group of Bittners all-stars—Lori Andriot, Amy Cimba, Libby Rush, Betsy Wall and Ron Wolz—to dish on design, and what it means to be a part of the Bittners legacy. Lori Andriot said it is “hard to believe” that she’s been at the company since 1991. The affable Amy Cimba recalls her first day on the job at Bittners—Valentine’s Day in 2000—with great clarity. “We celebrated a wedding of one of our delivery guys, Chester, in the carpet room,” she recalled. “It was a great way to start!” Libby Rush boasts two terms at the firm, the first from 1977-1985 and then again in 2010 to the present. Betsy Wall, whose mantra is “less is more,” joined Bittners in 1990. Regular readers of Sophisticated Living will be familiar with Ron Wolz, whose residential projects have been featured more than any other designer over the past 15 years.
Douglas Riddle, President and COO, with Chairman Laura Frazier
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Left to Right: Lori Andriot, Chad Cobb, Sue Davidson, Ron Wolz, Libby Rush, Weasy MacLean, Lori Kommor, Amy Cimba, Betsy Wall Photo by Robert Burge
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Bittners team members, including residential and corporate interior designers and support staff. Photos by Robert Burge.
SL: What drew you to the field of interior design? Andriot: Pure instinct. I have been interested in design for as long as I can remember, and have always known that I was destined for this career. To this day I love what I do and am exhilarated by each opportunity. I am truly blessed to be able to do what I love every day. Cimba: First, the beauty and creativity. I love everything about it. I love meeting people and their families and being part of making their most intimate environment comfortable and memorable for their families. I watch their children grow up and I get to make it beautiful for them. It is a serious moment of trust on many levels. Rush: I have a background in art history, and this interest brought me to Bittners in 1977. I have a love of antiques and fine craftsmanship...what better place to be at that time than Bittners. This love developed slowly into interiors, and I am now able to blend my knowledge of history, furniture, fabrics and color into unique projects for clients. Wolz: I’ve always had a desire to create something beautiful, and interior design gave me the opportunity to do that. SL: Do you have a design philosophy? Andriot: I don’t have a specific design philosophy, rather a toolbox that I have developed over the years that I draw on to help create an environment that is unique to each of my clients and that reflects the way they live their lives. I believe that a home 70 slmag.net
should have a soul that mirrors the personality of is owners and resonates with them on an emotional level. Quality is also very important to me. I truly believe that details make a significant impact on the end result. With these things in mind, I strive to create an honest warmth to a space and then throw in a few unexpected details just to keep it interesting. Cimba: I am part of a young (ha - getting older every day) family and I know how a young, busy family operates. I love to design for real everyday use, but I ALWAYS want it to look great too. So, casual chic is really important for me. It's how I live, it’s how I entertain, and I want my clients to really use their spaces. Rush: I like to focus on architecture and the lifestyle of the client who will live there. Every home has a story. I hope that my interiors exude a sense of hospitality, lifestyle and comfort. There are many hats that I wear as a designer and being a problem solver often becomes more critical than the design itself. I ran the design business Ewald Design Associates with Giampaolo Bianconcini for 25 years. The challenges of running all aspects of a small business has honed my organizational skills. This skill set bodes well for design projects as there are many juggling aspects to every job. Wolz: More is seldom better. Editing takes a good room to great. I love the work of Albert Hadley, Juan Montoya, Michael Smith and Miles Redd. I find inspiration daily from Douglas Riddle…he’d effortlessly chic.
Vignettes in the company's appointment-only design studio.
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Master craftsmen in the on-site woodworking studio carry on a tradition started by Gustave Bittner in 1854. Photo by Robert Burge.
SL: What moments would be part of your career highlight reel? Andriot: Highlights are both the personal relationships that have blossomed with clients and colleagues over the years, and the excitement of collaboration on different residences across the United States. Cimba: The absolute highlights in my career have been the people that I get to work with and be around. Specifically, the other amazing talents that surround me. I had the pleasure of working with design legend, Ben Small, and every day I get to be inspired by Douglas Riddle, Betsy Wall, Ron Wolz, Lori Andriot, Brian Keenan and so many other amazing designers in our office. Our building is teeming with amazing creativity and talents, and it is exceptionally inspiring to be included in their company, everyday! Rush: A highlight of my career has been to work with multiple generations of a family. It is rewarding to know that I am able to share in the design aesthetic of their homes. A love of travel has also been a keen influence on me, and I am able to go to different parts of the country to assist with interiors. What a JOY! 72 slmag.net
Wall: I treasure my clients and the close personal relationships we form based on mutual trust and respect. Wolz: It is so rewarding to complete a project and then seeing how your client’s family enjoys the space! SL: What do you see as the future of design? Cimba: I think design will always be evolving yet cyclical. Fabrics are becoming more and more user friendly, and technology is really playing a part in that evolution. It's a constantly changing field and we, as designers, have to really stay ahead of the movement. Rush: The design industry is cyclical. I have seen swings from contemporary, through transitional to traditional and back again. The classical-traditional style seems to be making a comeback. I hope that the future will see designers embracing history and interpreting in a new, amazing ways. Wolz: I think design will become more important in the future. With a new generation of clients coming of age, we will see them desiring to make a smaller footprint in our world; with
A Bittners-made table in the design studio.
that comes living in smaller spaces, so curating the right mix of function and aesthetics will become paramount. SL: What makes Bittners stand apart from other design firms? Andriot: It has been so fun to be a part of the many transitions over the 27 years I’ve been with Bittners. By far the most inspiring has been since Douglas Riddle has become our visionary leader. I am thrilled to be part of such a wonderful company. It’s an honor to be among such a phenomenally talented and successful design team. Along with our unlimited design resources, we are fortunate to have a great support staff, a professional delivery team and a gifted group of cabinet makers and refinishers. Cimba: There really is nothing like Bittners. I have clients all over the country who would say the same thing. It is the best of all possible ingredients. We have such a rich history that we cherish, and as a designer I have every possible resource at my fingertips, thanks to Laura Frazier who absolutely loves this company. We are led by the visionary Douglas Riddle, who is an unbelievable talent and leader, and who constantly keeps us fresh and inspired. We
have the best group of craftsmen possible under our roof, who can build the most amazing heirloom-quality pieces. I have such an incredible and finetuned support staff, encompassing project management, accounting, receiving and delivery. I could not be a great designer without all of these people, but because of them, my only job is design and designing well. It is such an incredible place and I am beyond honored to be part of this great history. Rush: The designers, the support staff, service to clients, the inventory, the cabinet shop and its craftsmen, the delivery team, and the leadership! The desire to be the BEST in every category listed above sets us apart from the other design firms. It’s a team!! Wall: The ability to collaborate with other top designers, combined with a large inventory and excellent support staff. It is a very professionally operated firm with a rich history and unsurpassed reputation. Wolz: The rich history of Bittners was built on exceptional quality and outstanding service. We are constantly striving to improve, and that’s what makes us one of the best design firms in the country. sl
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KENTUCKY PROUD HOLIDAY GIFTS FROM AROUND THE COMMONWEALTH
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Clockwise from top left: From Aesthetics in Jewelry: Ladies 18k yellow gold floral brooch with rubies and diamonds ($13,500; aestheticsinjewelry.com). From Merkley Kendrick Jewelers: A 14k white gold ring holding a 1.8ct oval ruby surrounded by a 22 diamond halo ($7978; mkjewelers.com). From Collecting Kentucky: Circa 1860 Kentucky Coin Silver Julep Cup ($1,500; CollectingKentucky.com). From The Summit at Fritz Farm: Kentucky for Kentucky T-shirt and koozie; LEX hat from Morton James (thesummitatfritzfarm.com). From the University Press of Kentucky: When former Kentucky Poet Laureate Richard Taylor took a job at Kentucky State University in 1975, he purchased a historic fixer-upper near Elkorn Creek in Frankfort. This book is a tribute to an eight-mile stretch of the creek, providing a glimpse into the economic, social, and cultural transformation of Kentucky from wilderness to its current landscape ($35; kentuckypress.com). From The Summit at Fritz Farm: Morton James sweater and scarf; candle from Bath & Body Works; LUSH bath bomb; Moonshine from Kentucky Mist; Yeti cup from Oak & Water (thesummitatfritzfarm.com). From Crittenden: Very fine German suede and beautiful English tweed have been combined for the first time ever in a lace-up boot ($465; $30/socks) for Crittenden's Tweeds and Suedes. Shown with 100% Yak sweaters made exclusively for Crittenden in Nepal ($225; crittendenrawlings.com) Opposite page, clockwise from top left: From the University Press of Kentucky: Using more than 180 photographs, author and University of Louisville professor John Gilderbloom explores and celebrates chromatic homes around the world, as close as Kentucky and as far away as Moscow ($24.95; kentuckypress.com). From Bittners: handmade tribal embellished pillow with hints of crimson and orange, accompanied by two Maison de Vacances royal linen velvet accent pillows (from $210; 731 East Main Street; Bittners.com. From Lexington Silver: Asa Blanchard cufflink and stud set. Available in mirror-finished pewter ($85) or sterling silver ($390; lexingtonsilver.com). From Collecting Kentucky: Circa 1870 William Kendrick Sterling Silver Water Pitcher ($7,000; CollectingKentucky.com). From Merkley Kendrick Jewelers: A vintage estate pendant made of platinum and white gold containing 17 old european cut diamonds totaling 1.5ct with a 7.1 x 8.1mm pearl attached to a 15.5-inch strand of of 3 x 3.5mm pearls. ($9,998; mkjewelers.com). From Blue Grass Motorsport: Handcrafted in Modena, Italy, the 2019 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider offers seductive Italian styling and a state-of-the-art Formula 1-inspired carbon fiber monocoque chassis with a 10.4 power-toweight ratio. The all-aluminum 1750cc turbocharged engine with direct-injection, dual intercoolers and variable-valve timing delivers 237 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque, powering it from 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds with a top speed of 160 mph. (Priced from $66,900; bluegrassauto.com).
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SOPHISTICATED SOCIETY
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Ball Homes Night of Hope, 7pm, Lexington Opera House; hopectr.org/nightofhope/ National Horse Show, KY Horse Park, nhs.org A Signal Affair, 6:00pm, Copper Roux; radioeye.org Go Red for Women, 11am, Heritage Hall at the Lexington Center; ahalexington.org US Dressage Finals, KY Horse Park; usdf.org Gold for Gray Gala, 6:30pm, Carrick House; kspfoundation.org Boy Scouts of America Be Prepared Gala, 6pm, The Distillery Square; bgbsa.org All-In to End Cancer: Casino Night, 6:30pm, The Grand Reserve; acslexington.ejoinme.org/AllIntoEndCancer Girls on the Run Central KY Silent Disco Fundraiser, 6pm, The Mane on Main; gotrcentralky.org Hairy Potter FUNraising Hair Show, 7pm, Lyric Theatre; 859.223.3644 x205 Evening with the STARS, 6:30pm, Lexington Center; kentuckyonehealth.org Arty Party: Jessie Laine Powell, 7pm, LexArts on Mill; artypartylex.com Birthright of Lexington Bid & Buy 2018, 6pm, Embassy Suites in Newtown Pike; birthright.org Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection Dinner, 6pm, Woodford Reserve Distillery; woodfordreserve.com/events L.V. Harkness Holiday Open House, lvharkness.com Signature Chefs Auction, 6:30pm, Marriott Griffin Gate Resort, marchofdimesbluegrass.org Improbable Baubles Opening Celebration, 1pm, Headley Whitney Museum; headley-whitney.org Lexington’s Official Tree Lighting Ceremony, 3pm, Triangle Park Holly Day Market Party, 7pm, Lexington Convention Center; lexjrleague.com
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Holly Day Market, Lexington Convention Center; lexjrleague.com Lexington Philharmonic – A Cathedral Christmas, 8pm, Cathedral of Christ the King; lexphillorg Lexington’s Christmas Parade, 7pm, Main Street between Midland Avenue & Mill St. 13th annual YMCA Reindeer Ramble 5K/10K, 9am, Keeneland Race Course; ymcaky.org/ramble 50th Anniversary Gala Frankfort Lexington Links, 6pm, Marriott Lexington Ballet Company The Nutcracker, Lexington Opera House; lexingtonballet.org
Photography by Daniel Roberts
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BETSY GALA
Presented by Hagyard Equine Medical to benefit breast cancer research at the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Foundation, the Betsy Gala is held at the Kentucky Horse Park Alltech arena in memory of prominent Lexington equestrian Betsy Fishback who succumbed to breast cancer in 2009.
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1) Elise Wright, Hamid Sheikh 2) Aine O’Rourke, Rhonda Rathgeber 3) Kevin Pfiester, Sally & Watts Humphrey 4) Keith Moorman, Jonathan Miller, Leesa Moorman 5) Jeff Fritsch, Cris Caldwell, Jennifer & Mike Baker 6) Dr. Stuart Brown, Missie Wood, Paul Sunderhaus 7) Erin & Grace Dilger 8) William & Brittany Haugh 9) Corrine, Isabel & Jay Brunker 10) Claire Hager, Sarah Fishback
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Photography by Daniel Roberts
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CHASER’S EVE GALA Chaired by Patrick McLane, the Chaser’s Eve gala was held at historic Buck Pond Farm, the site of the inaugural High Hope Steeplechase in 1966. Proceeds from the event benefit the University of Kentucky Children’s Hospital, Norton Children’s Cancer Institute, New Vocations, Kentucky Riding for Hope, and The Move Art Studio.
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1) Kim Schipke-Morris, Nick Nardiello 2) Shannon & Jamie Corbett, Leah & Aiden O’Meara 3) Nicole & Mark McEmtee 4) Remi & Bridget Bellocq 5) Lauren & Jan De Beer 6) Zach & Natalie Davis 7) Sherry & Erritt Griggs 8) Jon & Cristan Sigel 9) Patrick McLane, Todd Cain 10) Nick, Nancy & Drew Nardiello
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JDRF HOPE GALA
“Into the Blue” was the theme of the 2nd annual Hope Gala to benefit the Kentucky Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund. Rhonda Rathgeber chaired the gala, which was held at the Carrick House. JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes research, and collaborates with academic institutions, policymakers, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D
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THE KENTUCKY BASH
2018 marked the 45th anniversary of The Kentucky Bash, held annually the evening prior to the first Kentucky home football game. Proceeds from the event, held in The Club at Kroger Field, benefit Easter Seals at Cardinal Hill.
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1) Joe Bryant, Brian & Susan Neville, Jamie Morgan 2) Brian Leggett, Mikhail Mabry, Jeremy Jarmon, Trevard Lindley 3) Gene & Heather Ferguson 4) Larry & Lucy VanMeter, Gene & Heather Ferguson 5) Coach Mark Stoops 6) Jennifer Palumbo, Chris Bailey, Stacey Robertson 7) Lesley Thomas, Michael Neweither 8) Robin & Andrei Shilakhau 9) Karen Wheeler-Right, Joe B. Hall, Katherine Wheeler 10) Joan & Eric Minton
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MARTINI MONDAY
Part of the Arty Party series to benefit LEXARTS, this ladies-night-out event was held at The Mane on Main, and featured works by women artists on display and for sale, with net proceeds going to the local arts community.
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1) Gail Bennett, Bridget Sweeney 2) Carol Russell, Carolyn Rasnick 3) Katherine Stone, Cassie Harper 4) Britt Boyer, Di Boyer, Diane Harvell 5) Nova Gatliff, Chasity Hester 6) Gay Schaye, Marby Schlegel 7) Taryn Marshall, Melody Marshall 8) Jennifer Miloszewski, Laura Ferris 9) Tania Zivkovic, Fiona Doherty 10) Whitney Johnson, Cieara Durr
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SUMMER SOIRÉE
For its third annual signature fundraiser, Community Action Council hosted A Summer Soirée at The Mane on Main. The event highlighted the LexEndPoverty movement by bringing together members of the community to celebrate the impact of the Council’s ongoing work to help individuals and families move out of poverty. 7
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1) Sharon & Paul Price 2) Alex & Elizabeth Barrera 3) Robert Beatty, Michael Adams 4) Dallas Hodge, Liz Davenport 5) Brian & Latai Mayo, Joyce Beatty 6) Megan Mooney 7) Julie Armentrout, Yajaira West, Stephanie Arnold 8) Rob & Stephanie Theakston 9) Jonathan Noel, Trey Morris, Will Goodlett
Photographed by Michael Scott Evans
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RECYCLE THE RUNWAY Local designers presented runway-ready looks upcycled from unwearable clothes as part of the Recycle the Runway fashion show and silent auction to benefit Dress for Success Lexington. 7
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1) Matt Boyd, Alexis Sutherland, Eric & Jazz Smith 2) Samantha Elder, Allison Cummings, Dawn Jensen 3) Frank Yozwiak, John Pallasch, Sarah Berkowitz, Natalie Gils, Rachael Smith 4) Lindsay Wiley, Katie Stallons, Isobel Chewing, Gay Ann Schaye, Donna Meadow, Audrey Booher 5) Katie Bing, Savannah Walker 6) Trisha Dailey, Amanda Douglas Jerielle Hanlon, Samantha Jean Moore, Raya Stearn, Sarah Hanrahan, Lucy Trimble, Molly Smith, Anna Maria Rose, Juliana Yip-Ono, Katina Brown, Angelia Best 7) Julie & Will Booher 8) Teresa Parker, Susannah Sizemore 9) Gish Harris, Chandra Gray 10) Hanley Harmon, Jessica Stigall
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MCDAZZLE
The 14th annual McDazzle “Red Tie” Gala & Auction featured live and silent auctions, a gourmet dinner and live entertainment. The event raised more than $300,000 to carry on the mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Bluegrass.
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1) Ty & Jesse Crutcher 2) Caitlin Buttry, Peyton Bankemper, Alex Francke 3) Kim Soper, Darrin Gulla, Ashley Burggeman 4) Nicole Tarpuff, Stacy & Scott Vollet 5) Brian & Danielle Evans 6) Faroe Rezaei, Heidi Hilliard 7) Aly Foster, Cameron Opoe 8) Ladies of the Alpha Delta Pi chapter at UK 9) Whitney & Michael Kunjoo
Photography by Daniel Roberts
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NEW STREET BALLET
Kelly & Darren Taylor opened their Gratz Park home for a LexArts Arty Party, including a live performance by the Kentucky Ballet Theatre under the stars on New Street.
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1) Becky & Paul Ochenkoski 2) Brooks & Holly Scudder, Helen Hamilton, Bill Blackburn 3) Darren Taylor, Susan Taylor, Sara Kersten 4) Kim Bloomfield, Richard & Debbie Comley 5) Kelsey Van Time, Keturah Cook, Janna Baubkus, Brooke Mello 6) John & Carolyn Hackworth 7) Paula Lewis 8) Jackie Roberts, Ronaldus Van Uden, Sherri Phelps
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NIGHT FOR THE NEST
This sold-out event, held at Normandy Farm to benefit The Nest, featured farm tours, a dinner catered by Selma’s and live music by the Danny Cecil Duo and The Mercy Men Band. Proceeds from the event benefit The Nest’s four core programs: respite child care; crisis children’s care; domestic violence counseling and advocacy; and, parent education and support.
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1) Tony & Bonnie Longo 2) Davina & David Greene 3) Susanne & David Tucker 4) Monica Juett,& James Herring 5) Amanda & Chad Bischof 6) Blair Bush, Brianna Cobb 7) Lynn & John Loeb 8) David & Patty Breeze 9) Brad Fields, Ruth Fields
Photography by Keni Parks & Caitlin Worth
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BATTLE IN THE SADDLE
The sixth annual Battle in the Saddle, held at the Kentucky Horse Park, paired two amateur riders with a celebrity guest rider to compete to see who has the skills to cut a group of cattle from the herd and pen them at the far end of the arena in the quickest time. Proceeds from the event benefit the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation.
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BGO BIRTHDAY BASH
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Bluegrass Opera hosted a 10th birthday fundraising event and performance at 21c Museum Hotel in Lexington.
Battle in the Saddle 1) Team Green’s Toyota/ Corner Woods Farm team in action 2) Team Boehringer Ingelheim. Celebrity Rider: ABC 36 Meteorologist Jason Myers and Sponsored Riders: Casey Hammond & Destin Heath 3) Patti Cooksey riding on team Boehringer Ingelheim 4) Miss Rodeo Kentucky 2018, Caitlin Halliwell, riding on team RJ Ketch Equine, Inc. 5) Guy Mogge riding on the Green’s Toyota/Corner Woods Farm team. 6) Overall Champions & Farm Team Challenge 1st place: Celebrity, Steve Cauthen, Terry Arnold, & Guy Mogge sponsored by Green’s Toyota/Corner Woods Farm BGO Birthday Bash 1) Mary Pat & Russ Whitney, Tom & Kathy Stanwix-Hay, Bill Dozier, Pam & Russ Milburn 2) Joella & Obey Wallen, Tom Fullington, Patty Page 3) Nick & Lisa Rauen 4) Nick & Erica Marnatti 5) Joe Brookshire, Rick Morgan
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NOTHING DOWN ABOUT IT
“A Night of Glitz and Glam” was the theme of Down Syndrome Association of Central Kentucky’s second annual gala. Guest were encouraged to embrace the theme by donning dapper and flapper attire.
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1) Jay Castancada, Emily Wright 2) Dale & Louisa Ditto, Danon & Stewart Ditto 3) Shelly & Olivia Davis 4) Lori & Scott Huff 5) Lauren Craig, Laura Yost 6) John Kennedy, Kara Kennedy 7) Claire Croach, Andrew Dawson 8) Aaron & Amy Detjen, Meredith & Justin Rayboard 9) Kelley & Josh Nannelley
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