{Cincinnati’s Finest}
slmag.net
Sept/Oct 2014 five dollars
DIGS PR
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900 Adams Place P-3
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DOES This nearly 5,000 sq ft penthouse has an additional 3,000 sq ft of terrace, accessible from every room. Interiors boast fine artisan details including 4 fireplaces & a conservatory. Designed for grand entertaining & comfortable living. 4 garage spaces. Riverside Drive | $2,930,000
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6745 Camaridge Lane
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1-level Ranch on a flat 1 acre. 4 BR/3+1 BA. Neighborhood street. Lg cook's Kitchen open to Family rm w/Stone Fireplace. Fab Master suite. LL Rec Rm. 3-car Garage. Indian Hill | $768,000
2848 Grandin Road Designer Digs. 4BR/3+2 BA+LR+DR+FR+ Den+Gourmet Eat-In Kit+Screened Porch+ Spa. Open floor plan.Abundant windows. Huge Master suite. Private setting. 2+car Garage. Hyde Park | $775,000 SA LE
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3910 Winding Way ND
Superb 5 BR/3+1 BA French Norman château. Architectural details galore. Ideal for today’s lifestyles. Verdant & private on nearly an acre. Stunning! North Avondale | $649,000
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Spectacular professional office, retail or restaurant. High-traffic/visibility. Bright & charming. Impeccable condition. 10 car parking lot & garage. O’Bryonville | $553,000
6980 Knoll Road The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Gerald B Tonkens House. Nestled in 4 private park-like acres. Impeccably maintained. Sensitively upgraded. Includes separate guest cottage. www.tonkenshouse.com. Amberley Village $1,500,000
Recipient of the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce 2013 “Woman of the Year – Entrepreneur” award
Lori Wellinghoff
David Wellinghoff
Mariza C. Cohen
President, DIGS Real Estate
Real Estate
Multilingual Relocation Specialist
2718 Observatory Avenue Class-A Office Space For Lease. Full Floor/1,700 sq ft. Elevator. Parking. Hyde Park | $2,175/mo.
3020 Erie Avenue New Construction Land. Erie between Raymar & Bayard. 6 lots total. .5 to .8 acres. Hyde Park | $549,000 to $799,000
513.979.2685 DIGS@comey.com
ANY OR ALL SERVICES, DIGS DOES IT. Find it. Buy It. Sell It. Plan It. Design It. Decorate It. Renovate It. Add-On-To-It. Landscape It.You Name It. DIGS Does It. Our services can be engaged “ala carte” or in any combination to make your home dreams reality. Contact Lori Wellinghoff today.
Marti Schuler Real Estate
Brian Gibson Design
John L. Harrison Design
Annette Askam Project Manager
Tom Allison Construction
Josh Koch Construction
Alissa Groth Controller
Bridget Henson Office Manager
3524 Edwards Road/Hyde Park Square DIGS-home.com 513.533.DIGS (3447) info@digs-home.com
Behavioral Health Hospital in Beckett Springs - West Chester, OH.
Experienced in helping you help others.
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SAT SEPT 13, 2014 • MUSIC HALL Don’t miss tacular kick-off to fall arts ason, starring Music Dir tor Louis Langrée and pianist Lang Lang— hott t artist on classical music pl t,” according to The New York Times—for an all-Beethoven conc rt program. Join us for Gala v s for and aft r conc t for ultimat arts This v will honor Melody Sawyer Richardson and many contributions to our community. Co-chairs John Harrison • Mary Ellen Cody • Kim Kline 5:30 pm 6:30 pm 8:00 pm 10:00 pm
cocktails + musical and culinary sur Fr an culinary +c by Grammy-winning violinist Miri Ben-Ari conc t starring Louis + Lang Lang aft r-party + dancing + ts
513.381.3300 • cincinnatisymphony.org • Tickets on sale June 3 GALA ARTIST SPONSOR
Joseph J. Schott Foundation, Francie & Tom Hiltz
CONCERT SPONSOR
INTERIOR DESIGN FOR THE WAY YOU LIVE
www.JGB-DESIGNS.com jennifergbowen@yahoo.com 513-290-2063
Presenting:
a Polished collection 25 years in the making
featuring:
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They say you’ll know it when you see it.
So come see it.
Sophisticated country living starting in the $400s | 5+ acre homesites available Community Pavilion with swimming pools | Stocked ďŹ shing lakes | 8-mile riding/hiking trail
502-633-1408 | www.equestrianlakes.com Less than 10 minutes from the new outlet mall. Call or go online for directions and to schedule a private tour.
{Cincinnati’s Finest}
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Sept/Oct 2014 five dollars
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Of Note... Animal Attraction Gucci “Lillian” high heel boot ($3,500) in aquamarine python with horse bit detail (gucci.com).
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on the cover: Indian Summer From Saks Fifh Avenue (saksffhavenue.com): Herve Leger foil scoopneck A-line bandage dress and detachable fox shawl collar from the Izzy cascade cardigan by Alice + Olivia.
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An Honest Approach
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Uncommon Ground
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What is a Sommelier?
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Curating a Lifestyle:
Timeless Style of Antique Clocks
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Bibliotaph
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Of Note… Animal Attraction
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Best of All Worlds…
Anywhere in the World
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Runway Report
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Equestrian Sporting Art
in the Current Art Market
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Coppa d’Oro delle Dolomiti 2014
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British Accent
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Sibling Rivalry
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Indian Summer
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Society Calendar
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Forget-Me-Not Salon
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Guns & Grapes
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MAC Foundation Golf Outing
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Night on the Runway
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Reds Hall of Fame Induction Gala
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Western & Southern Open
Fresh for
Fall
For Him • For Her LOUISVILLE 4938 Brownsboro Road 502.753.7633 www.rodes.com
EDITOR - IN - CHIEF Bridget Williams ______________________________________________ ASSOCIATE EDITORS Kay Matton ART DIRECTOR Jason Yann CONTRIBUTORS Writers Patti Bailey Dr. Matthew Bessen Ellana Bessen Scott Harper Amelia Jefers Jef Jefers Austin Pembroke Photographers Tony Bailey Chad Henle Andrew Kung COPY EDITOR Jennifer Newton ADVERTISING SALES OFFICE 502.582.6563 ______________________________________________ CEO/PUBLISHER Eric Williams VICE PRESIDENT Michele Beam
Are you a tastemaker? Sophisticated Living is now ofering franchise opportunities in select US and international markets. To learn more call 502-582-6563 or eric@slmag.net
Sophisticated Living is published by SLM Cincinnati, LLC, PO 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.
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CINCINNATI, 101 WesT 5Th sT. 513.421.6800
H BRAND AG ADRIANO GOLDSCHMIED
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From the Editor-In-Chief What parent hasn’t lamented the passage of time? By the end of summer break, frazzled nerves have some eagerly counting down the days until school resumes, and in the blink of an eye those same parents are longing to turn back the hands of time for a little while longer as their children set of for college. I know it seems as though I tucked my rosy-cheeked kindergartner into bed only to wake up the next morning to fnd a high school freshman in the same spot! Te idea for this editor’s letter came about rather serendipitously a few days before we were scheduled to go to press. Feeling the effects of a particularly weighty deadline and my own inclination for procrastination, I allowed my daughter to have a last-minute back-to-school party in spite of my outstanding workload and the fact that she had two days to read a novel and write three book reports before the start of her freshman year (dilly-dallying is apparently an inheritable trait). Seeing her surprise in what she viewed as a fortuitous turn of events, I told her that my proclivity for spontaneity was something I picked up in high school, and although it sometimes gets me in trouble (kayaking alone in alligator-infested waters is one example that springs to mind), it keeps life interesting and my glass half-full. Now that I have I high schooler and I’m not too old to have forgotten my own high school years – as hard as I may have tried at some point to block them out – I thought this would be as good a time as any to share with her a few words of advice as she turns the page on her next chapter in life: You will have bad hair days, bad skin days and just bad days in general. At some point there will be photo documentation of said days, and when you are my age, they will be priceless as endless fodder for embarrassing social media posts and for reminding you just how far you’ve come. Your heart will get broken. If you’re lucky it will just be a hairline fracture, but more likely than not it will be the kind of break that results in having to piece together a thousand tiny pieces. You will hurt, cry a river of tears and feel like it’s the end of the world, but just know that the sun will still rise and you have a lifetime ahead of you to explore a world full of interesting people. Get by with a little help from your friends (and family). Laughter is the best medicine and can do wonders for the aforementioned broken heart or bad hair day. Continue to choose your friends wisely, and your life will be enriched as a result of your prudence. Work hard. Luck is a last dime wish. Never put forth anything less than your best efort. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Hard work doesn’t negate failure and some of your most important life lessons will come about in those instances when you come up short. Rely on your intuition and moral compass when making decisions. Calculated risks are OK, idiotic ones are not, and you are smart enough to know the diference. If you should fnd yourself at a fork in the road without a map in hand, don’t be bashful in seeking out someone you trust for advice. Realize that you still have a lot to learn. Excessive hubris is a teenage hallmark. Stay curious and be open to new ideas but also be prepared to articulately defend your convictions when you are confdent in them. Don’t stop believing! Tere’s no one in the world quite like you. Stay focused on the positives and celebrate what makes you unique. Be guided by the Golden Rule. High school can be a cruel place; don’t add fuel to that fre. Have fun! Getting through the next four years can sometimes feel like you are climbing Mt. Everest; make sure you take plenty of time to stop and enjoy the view on the way up.
Bridget Williams Editor-In-Chief
bridget@slmag.net 14 slmag.net
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AN HONEST APPROACH Abigail Street
Written by Bridget Williams Photography by Andrew Kung After asking if we were “newbies” to Abigail Street, our most knowledgeable and candid server led of by saying, “We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel; what we do best is taking familiar and sometimes simple dishes and doing them really, really well.” Given the packed house on a weekday night, there must be a great deal of consensus among local foodists that our server’s second iteration of “really” was truly warranted.
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The story of Abigail Street is inextricably woven into the life and love story of chef/owner Daniel Wright and his wife and business partner Lana, a Cincinnati native, who met while they were both working at a Middle Eastern restaurant in Chicago. Tenacious restaurant industry veterans whose singular drive helped morph their business relationship into a shared vision for opening their own place together, the pair relocated to Cincinnati in 2007, got married and started the arduous process of setting their dreams in motion. Projecting an afecting sense of understated self-confdence, Daniel is quite articulate when outlining the vision that drew him to establishing a mini culinary empire in the Over-TheRhine neighborhood. “My wife thought I was nuts, but since I didn’t grow up here I wasn’t aware of the stigma that was associated with the area,” he said, adding that after seeing the potential in the architecture, he believed that the neighborhood was poised to take an upward trajectory. Recognizing the area’s untapped potential and boldly opening restaurants where other local restaurateurs were fearful to, Daniel likened their 18 slmag.net
experience to “being in the middle of the ocean – I knew that eventually a wave would carry us, so we just had to paddle our asses of to make sure we didn’t miss it.” The couple’s first venture, Senate, opened in 2010 to widespread acclaim, and it wasn’t long before the Cincinnati Center City Development Corporation was spurring the couple to expand with another concept in the building next door to Senate. Te cozy proximity means that Senate and Abigail Street, which opened in 2011, can share a downstairs prep kitchen and liquor license, improving efciencies for both establishments. Where Senate is most notably known for amping up the chic factor of the most American of street foods, the hot dog, Abigail Street takes cues from the Wright’s past with a small plate concept centered on Mediterranean cuisine. “We’re focused on ‘true’ Mediterranean, meaning the North African along with the more common European infuences. It’s more high end and chef-driven than a falafel sandwich you can get on the street, but it’s still fun and approachable,” Daniel explained.
Daniel Wright
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The small plate / shared experience concept is expressed Abigail Street’s homey chic dining room, conceptualized by the Wrights, that features walls clad in subway tiles and lined with tufted banquette seating; exposed steel columns and beams inscribed with cheeky handwritten sayings; galvanized Tolix café chairs; tabletops set to be reminiscent of a casual dinner at a teeny family run European bistro with purposefully mismatched bread plates with vintage-inspired red and white striped napkins folded neatly on top; wide-plank wood foors with a fnish that calls to mind bourbon barrels and aged leather; and a long wooden slab bar with plenty of communal seating. Although he was named Food & Wine magazine’s People’s Best New Chef, Great Lakes, in 2012, tending to the business side and growing the company does not always allow Daniel to spend a great deal of time in the kitchen, although he still writes all of the menus. A big proponent of rewarding hard work
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by promoting from within, Daniel has assembled a top notch culinary and management team that are adept at keeping up with the businesses’ frenetic pace. During the summer months, 50-60 percent of the produce is procured locally, with farmers often stopping by in person to deliver their wares. While Daniel switches up the menu monthly, three dishes – the Grilled Octopus with Merguez sausage, fried chickpeas, hummus, parsley, tomato, jalapeño; the Scallops with Maftoul (also known as Palestinian couscous), roasted mushrooms, bacon, smoked egg vinaigrette; and the house-made ricotta and thyme-scented local honey served with grilled bread – have become mainstays because of their enduring popularity. “Te ricotta and honey became an instant classic, which means we have to pay a lot to buy up the last of the local honey that’s available in November to get us through the winter. It’s worth it because it’s really the perfect dish because of the sharing aspect,” added Daniel.
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At any given time, there are 20 or more small plate oferings, and servers allow dinner to proceed at a leisurely pace, with patrons ordering a few dishes at a time as the evening unfolds. Complementing the cuisine is a unique wine on tap program that ofers eight wines from California, Oregon, Washington and overseas. “It ofers the same quality as what you’d get right at the vineyard as no air is introduced until the wine hits the glass,” said Daniel. Should you find yourself enamored with a particular varietal, you can have it bottled in a recycled bottle to take home.
Not one to rest on their laurels, the Wright’s will soon open a third restaurant – a barbeque joint named Pontiac in homage to the bar where they had their frst date – just down the street. “Our original business plan called for opening three places in fve years, and we thought that was too ambitious,” said Daniel. “We are just blown away by how eager people are to embrace Over-Te Rhine again.” sl Open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday, Abigail Street is located at 1214 Vine Street in Cincinnati. For more information call 513.421.4040 or visit abigailstreet.com.
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Uncommon Ground A pair of design doyens – Brian Gibson of DIGS and a savvy homeowner – put a twist on tradition in a Hyde Park home Written by Bridget Williams Photography by Andrew Kung “What can you do to make the house look less predictable?” was the question posed to interior designer Brian Gibson of DIGS by a long-time client following her move to a classic Georgian-style home in Hyde Park. Describing the homeowner as “someone with exquisite taste who is informed and up-to-date in the art and design world,” Gibson worked in tandem with her to create highly personalized interiors bursting with personality and touches of panache. Laid out in classic center hall style, the home’s foyer introduces the eclectic decorating approach consistent throughout. Pale blue walls serve as an ideal background for a pair of black and white photographs by Frenchman Henri Cartier-Bresson, widely regarded as the father of photojournalism. Breaking up the marble tile foor is a colorful hand knotted rug made of Indian sari silk. Te gentle curvature of the staircase meant that the bound snow leopard print runner on each step had to be painstakingly made-to-measure. “I think I may have driven the carpet guy crazy,” joked Gibson. In the living room, Gibson chose a natural grasscloth wallcovering. “It provides a rich textured ground that paint just can’t achieve,” he explained. Flourishes of high drama abound, most notably the Fortuny drapery lined with Czechoslovakian lace that fall from custom rods made by Sycamore Street Studios into a purposeful puddle on the hardwood foors. Te room is carefully edited and each iconic piece present is impactful, from the Steinway & Sons grand piano to the industrial Tavolo Con Ruote cofee table on wheels. Te slipcovered sofa was designed by Axel Vervoordt, one of Gibson’s “design idols”; an interior tome by Vervoordt has apropos placement atop the cofee table along with a tromp l’oeil sculpture of a folded dress shirt fashioned from marble and a case holding a set of glass “eyes” easily recognized as the work of Piero Fornasetti. Rounding out the assembled roster of design all-stars is a Donghia club chair and Fortuny silk Cesendello foor lamp.
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Pale blue walls in the foyer serve as an ideal background for a pair of black and white photographs by Frenchman Henri CartierBresson, Te hand-knotted rug is made of Indian sari silk. A bound snow leopard print runner was made-to-measure for the staircase.
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Natural grasscloth wallpaper graces the walls in the living room. Fortuny drapery lined with Czechoslovakian lace fall from custom rods made by Sycamore Street Studios into a purposeful puddle on the hardwood foors. Te sofa is a design by Axel Vervoordt, while the iconic Tavolo Con Ruote cofee table is attributed to Gae Aulenti. Te Isadora chandelier is from Ironware International.
Built-in bookcases between the windows are flled with art and design books that speak to the homeowner’s refned taste and interests. Colors found in the small Anatolian carpet in front of the shelves are a more intense version of the ones visible in the 19th century Oushak rug centered with the freplace. Located across the foyer from the living room, the dining room represents an interesting juxtaposition of antique and modern. Antique rococo-style chairs with upholstered leather seats surround a sculptural painted steel table with oval glass created by Sycamore Street Studios. Both the drapery and wallcovering were left unchanged from the previous homeowners as they coordinated with the rug. A large model sailboat positioned between a pair of windows speaks to the interests of the homeowner’s children. Built-in corner cabinets with a shell-carved dome and scallop-edge shelves hold serving pieces and decorative objects.
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A tall arched doorway separates the formal spaces at the front of the home from the more casual rooms at the rear. Covering a long wall in the hallway leading to the keeping room is an early 19th century map of London that Gibson found in Atlanta. While ideally sized for the space, fnding non-refective museum glass – a must in an area with an abundance of natural light – proved to be a challenge. For the powder room, often regarded as a no-holds-barred playroom for interior designers, Gibson chose Frutto Proibito by Cole & Son, a bold Fornasetti-designed wallpaper depicting monkeys hiding in a pomegranate tree, with gold metallic accents on a light blue background. Equally graphic is the stone mosaic foor tile. Gilt French sconces on either side of the mirror hanging above a demi-lune sink basin originally graced the walls in the dining room.
For the powder room, Gibson chose Frutto Proibito by Cole & Son, a bold Fornasettidesigned wallpaper.
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In the dining room, antique rococo-style chairs with upholstered leather seats surround a sculptural painted steel table with oval glass created by Sycamore Street Studios.
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Gibson had a colorful blown glass chandelier custom made for the casual dining area at one end of the keeping room.
Displayed on the glass top of the Tavolo Con Ruote cofee table in the living room is a tromp l’oeil sculpture of a folded dress shirt fashioned from marble and a case holding a set of glass “eyes” easily recognized as the work of Piero Fornasetti.
Soft celadon walls in the keeping room call to mind the shades of nature visible through an unadorned bay window that looks out to the thoughtfully planned landscape. Te television located above the freplace can be concealed behind panel doors. A vintage Louis Vuitton trunk functions as a cofee table.
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“Elizabeth Alke in the Garden,” a portrait by Cincinnati artist Stephen Alke (1874-1941), hangs next to an antique case clock in the keeping room.
Soft celadon walls in the keeping room call to mind the shades of nature visible through an unadorned bay window that looks out to the thoughtfully planned landscape, including a large paving stone patio with freplace and a series of stacked stone retaining walls that tame the sloping lot. “Elizabeth Alke in the Garden,” a portrait by Cincinnati artist Stephen Alke (1874-1941), hangs next to an antique case clock. On the opposing wall, an ethereal landscape by Will Wolter was purposefully positioned to lean against the wall atop an early
French diminutive pearwood commode. Te artist also made the gilt frame for the painting. Following the homeowner’s directive to add a little “funkiness” to a cozy casual dining area at one end of the keeping room, Gibson had a colorful blown glass chandelier custom made for the space based on an example he had spied in New York City. Te installation, which puts a new twist on familiar and traditional forms, encapsulates the joie de vivre found throughout the home. sl
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What is a Sommelier?
Written by Scott Harper, Master Sommelier
What is a sommelier? It could be as simple as a service person in an upscale restaurant that serves wine or, in other words, a wine steward. What you should hope for or expect from a sommelier is one who helps the patron in the selection and service of wine, one who can put the patron at ease and not make them feel intimidated or pressured to order a particular wine or price. Using a sommelier’s service should be a delight, making the dining experience easier and more relaxed. With a few concise questions they should be able to help you fnd an appropriate bottle in your price range and in a style that fts your meal. Te sommelier should be competent enough to recommend a Monday night $30.00 bottle as well as a $100.00+ bottle of special occasion wine. On the business side, the sommelier is likely the one who chooses the wine for the wine list, providing selections that not only pair well with the restaurant’s food but also with the guests’ taste, striking a balance between known wines and interesting selections. Te sommelier keeps the wine list as accurate as possible, purchases the wine, trains the staf on wine and ultimately manages the wine program much the same way a chef manages the kitchen. Using a sommelier can be simple. Feel free to tell them what you are interested in. If you tell them you are looking for a bottle of red wine around $50.00 that is medium-bodied, dry, and full of ripe fruit and spice, the best sommeliers will enthusiastically give you some choices, maybe even turning you on to the best wines they have in the category you requested. Additionally, asking the sommelier to pair your wine with your meal or your meal with the wine can be received with an eagerness to please. A sommelier can be accredited, but many quality sommeliers are not. Te worldwide examining body of sommeliers is the Court of Master Sommeliers. Te Court of Master Sommeliers’ testing is focused on the areas needed for superior beverage department management and guest service, which include Tasting, Teory, and Practical Dining Room Application and also encompasses spirits and beers, as well as global wine knowledge. To become a Master Sommelier, a candidate must pass four levels of examinations: the Introductory Sommelier Exam, the Certified Sommelier Exam, the Advanced Sommelier Exam and fnally, the Master Sommelier Diploma Exam. Te Master Sommelier Diploma Exam has one of the lowest pass rates of any exam in the world: to date there are just 140 professionals who have earned the title Master Sommelier in North America. Of those, 119 are men and 21 are women. Tere are 219 professionals worldwide who have received the title of Master Sommelier since the frst Master Sommelier Diploma Exam, which was given in 1969. At the fourth and final level of the Master Sommelier Diploma Exam, the most revered is the blind tasting. The sommelier must, in 25 minutes, describe six different wines by verbally identifying the grape varieties, country of origin, district and appellation of origin, and vintage, while speaking to the taste and favor of each of the wines. Te other two exams that must be
passed at the master’s level are Teory and Practical. Te Teory is completely verbal. Te candidate is asked questions regarding wine, spirits and beer minutia by a panel of Master Sommeliers. Once a question has been answered, the candidate may not go back. Te Practical involves various types of wine, spirit and beer service in a restaurant serving Master Sommeliers. The candidate may be decanting wine with grace and humility while being barraged with questions that are almost infnite but may include wine and food pairing, quality vintages, wine styles and pricing. A Master Sommelier has a proven mastery of wine and other beverages, although when one passes any of the four levels it is deemed an accomplishment, and sommeliers who are studying for the exams should be an excellent source for your fne beverage needs. Attaining the title of Master Sommelier takes both passion and dedication for the years of involved preparation, which include tasting thousands of wines, long hours of studying, traveling to wine regions and the thousands of dollars in expenses related to each.
Recommended wines from Sophisticated Living’s Master Sommelier: Prices are approximate and retail. Monday night $30.00 bottle Joseph Drouhin Vaudon Chablis 2011 (Burgundy, France) The Drouhin family have been winemakers in Burgundy for over 125 years, and Chablis is their specialty. The wine is pale gold with green highlights. Dry, very crisp with the delicious bright favors of green apples, lemon zest and grapefruit. Linear, intense with enjoyable wet stone minerals that add a level to the complexity. 100 percent Chardonnay that is elegant, vivacious, fresh and medium-bodied; drink as a favorful aperitif or as natural accompaniment with seafood. Special occasion wine $100.00 bottle Honig Cabernet Sauvignon “Bartolucci Vineyard” 2008 (Napa Valley, California) Located at the foot of Spring Mountain in the Napa Valley, this old, head-pruned vineyard has been farmed by the Bartolucci family for three generations. With its gravelly soil and warmer microclimate, the vineyard is ideally suited to growing Cabernet Sauvignon. From this amazing fruit, winemaker Kristin Belair creates a 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon that is a rich and luscious wine with aromas and favors of cassis, plum, black olive and baking spice. The palate is full-bodied, round and lush, with plum and berry fruit. Finishes of with rich, velvety tannins and a long fnish. sl
A Certifed Wine Educator, Harper is one of 140 professionals in North America and 219 worldwide who have earned the title Master Sommelier.
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Curating a Lifestyle: Timeless Style of Antique Clocks From our Smartphone to the microwave, the fleeting nature of time is evident each and every day. Who among us hasn't turned the page in an overactive date book, only to lament the passage of yet another month? Truly, the frenetic pace of life in the 21st century makes it difficult to imagine life without a constant reminder of time - but just 200 years ago, most people counted time by shadows on the ground or the lone timepiece in their town hall. For an elite few, knowing the time meant a quick glance at a pocket watch or to a grand investment: a tall case clock. Although the idea of a swinging bob to regulate the motion of a time-keeping mechanism was frst contemplated by Galileo in the 16th century, it wasn't for another 100 years that innovations by persistent clock makers resulted in a practical model. Long pendulums that required a short range of motion made it possible to hide and protect the mostly unattractive functional parts of a clock, and provided savvy merchants an opportunity to market a new and extravagant home furnishing to their best clients. At frst only available to royalty and Ăźberaristocracy, tall, cased clocks soon became a symbol of luxury and sophistication coveted by anyone rising through societal ranks. Te height of handmade tall cased clock construction lasted from about 1720-1830, when the advent of assembly lines led to mass production and the inevitable reduction in quality and cost. Prior to industrialization, one tall clock incorporated the eforts and talents of a multitude of craftsmen: the trained clockmaker who understood the intricate engineering of a mechanism; a cabinetmaker who was compelled to remain on the cutting edge of high style and design; and, often, an artist who embellished the clock face with timely and beautiful decoration. For this reason, collectors of long (or tall) cased clocks are attracted to a myriad of characteristics. For the more scientifically minded, focusing on the most accurate works by careful and precise makers means sticking with clocks of the English variety, or a very select few American makers from New England. With brass a precious and inaccessible commodity for most of our country following the Revolutionary War, regional clock shops popped up across a developing countryside, with delicate wooden works the choice of most. Although functional, wood works were far inferior to brass and proved to be less accurate and more susceptible to damage when moved. Tose collectors with a more discerning approach to design and aesthetic will find English clocks generally less favorable than their American counterparts. With virgin forests providing a wider variety of mature wood specimens, cabinetmakers in the United States were able to construct solid and beautifully fgured
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Written by Amelia and Jef Jefers
Te decoration on the face of this important tall cased clock by John Bailey of Massachusetts is attributed to the shop of Boston artists, Nolen and Curtis. Exquisitely painted with two ships bearing American fags in a harbor, the clock sold for $23,500 at Garth’s in 2009.
cases, incorporating nouveau style with their own vernacular twist. Additionally, the excitement percolating in the States (born of newfound freedom and unfettered determination to succeed) provided a fertile atmosphere for an exuberance of creative spirit that is clearly evident in the earliest days of American furniture making. Patriotism arguably played a signifcant role, with eagles, flags and other quintessentially American symbols commonly found on articles of the period. Collectors of antique tall cased clocks should expect to pay between $1,500 and $6,500 for Continental examples, with quality American clocks fetching a bit more at $3,000 - $15,000. Clocks from the revered shop of Simon Willard of Massachusetts have brought as much as $250,000. As with any collectible, it is best to identify and work with an expert in the style of clock to which you are most drawn. With a history of fairly consistent appreciation, an antique tall case clock will not only add timeless sophistication to your decor, but your balance sheet as well. sl
Amelia and Jef Jefers are the co-owners of Garth's Auctioneers & Appraisers, an international frm located outside Columbus, Ohio.
Produced by the venerable combination of Luman Watson, Cincinnati clockmaker and Amassa Read, a cabinetmaker from Xenia, Ohio, this tiger maple clock is classic Sheraton style. Sold, Garth’s, $11,750 in 2013.
From the workshop of Tomas Crow in the Delaware River Valley in the late 18th century, this clock epitomizes the maker’s vernacular interpretation of Chippendale style. Sold, Garth’s, $17,625 in 2012.
Tis George III period clock is from the shop of Richard Birch of Birmingham, England. Displaying the restrained, traditional style sought by tastemakers of the region, it sold for $4,700 at Garth’s in 2012.
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Bibliotaph From fairy-tale princesses to modern day supermodels, art historian Debra N. Mancof calls on photographs and drawings from the past two centuries of fashion to provide a comprehensive study of the ongoing infatuation between designer and their muses. Debra N. Mancof - Fashion Muse: Te Inspiration Behind Iconic Design - Hardcover, 192 pages, Prestel (randomhouse.com).
Te newest installment in Assouline's Anthology Collection, this book counts Manolo Blahnik, Bruno Frisoni, Christian Louboutin, and Sarah Jessica Parker among its contributors, resulting in one of the most defnitive and visually striking tomes published on footwear in recent memory. Nancy MacDonell - Te Shoe Book - Hardcover, 360 pages, Assouline (assouline.com).
A compendium of images captured by renowned photographer Horst A. Friedrichs as he roamed the streets of London in search of innovative, classic and exciting examples of denim fashion, this book examines all aspects of contemporary denim culture. Horst A. Friedrichs - Denim Style - Hardcover, 176 pages, Prestel (randomhouse.com). Illustrated with more than 160 shoe designs from 16th century Venetian platforms to 21st century Christian Louboutins - this book examines the cultural history of the high heel and its relation to power, fantasy, sexuality and identity. Lisa Small (editor) - Killer Heels: Te Art of the High-Heeled Shoe - Hardcover, 224 pages, Prestel (randomhouse.com). Journalist and fashion-world insider Jan Kedves shares the details of candid conversations full of pointed questions with the likes of Pierre Cardin, Malcolm McLaren, Rick Owens, Viviane Sassen, Helmut Lang, Veruschka and others. Jan Kedves - Talking Fashion: From Raf Simons to Nick Knight in their own words - Hardcover, 208 pages, Prestel (randomhouse.com).
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A treasure trove of couture fashion imagery spanning six decades, this book was published to accompany the Dior and Fashion Photography exhibition presented at the MusĂŠe Christian Dior in Granville, France. Photographers of note include Horst P. Horst, Richard Avedon, Irving Penn, Cecil Beaton, Helmut Newton, Guy Bourdin and Sarah Moon, among others. Florence Muller (editor) - Dior: Te Legendary Images: Great Photographers and Dior - Hardcover, 152 pages, Rizzoli (rizzoliusa.com).
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1) Limited edition Sun Snail ring (price upon request) from Alex Soldier in 18 karat yellow gold and platinum with yellow sapphires, citrines, garnets and diamonds (alexsoldier.com). 2) Python pocket square ($65) in 100% silk twill from Jane Carr Homme (jane-carr.com). 3) Carmen bag in snakeskin (price upon request) from Mitchel Primrose (mitchelprimrose. com). 4) Fur leather jacket in multi from Rebecca Minkof (rebeccaminkof.com). 5) Eloisa sweater ($278) in Heather Grey from Joie (joie.com). 6) Parrot sommelier corkscrew ($64) from Alessi (store.alessi.com). 7) Te Castro Convertible ottoman (33" wide/$699; 39" wide/$799) rolls easily on locking castors and opens to reveal a twin or single bed (castroconvertibles.com). 8) Black patinated elk antler on stand ($650) from Pure Home (purehome.com). 9) Te horse-inspired decanter ($525) from Riedel Crystal stands an impressive two feet tall and features an equine profle on the inside (riedel.com). 10) Hoofed Table in fberglass reinforced concrete (to the trade) from the Sutherland John Dickinson Collection (sutherlandfurniture.com). 11) Big Bunny table lamp ($650) from Barbara Cosgrove Lighting + Lifestyle (barbaracosgrovelamps.com). 12) 'Gorillion' wallpaper in sand on matte gold mylar ($150/roll) designed by David Weeks for Flavor Paper (favorpaper.com).
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Best of All Worlds… Anywhere in the World Written by Craig M. Kaminer For the past 17 years, my family and I have spent the Christmas holidays in Cabo San Lucas. During those years we’ve stayed at large resorts like the Westin, Fiesta Americana and Sunset Beach, and at smaller, more exclusive resorts like Las Ventanas, Esperanza and Te One & Only Palmilla when it was just the adults. We’ve also rented houses in and around Pedregal, stayed at our friend’s home in El Dorado, and owned various time shares. As empty nesters, we may have recently discovered the best of all worlds. Exclusive Resorts is a collection of 300+ multimillion-dollar privately managed residences around the world paired with fivestar resort amenities and personalized service. Tis past winter, our adult family of fve—including our two sons and one girlfriend— vacationed there at a private home in the gated community of Punta Ballena, complete with four master suites, an infnity pool and spa, golf cart, home theatre and fre pit, plus in- and outdoor kitchens. We couldn’t have dreamed of a more luxurious experience. Exclusive Resorts’ $1 billion dollar portfolio of two to five-bedroom villas extends across 75 destinations in the most desirable communities around the world. Seeking to expand upon 40 slmag.net
its flagship lifetime membership model, which requires a onetime initiation fee for access to 30-years of travel, the Club’s new travel card – Gateway –is making it possible for a new generation of vacationers to travel with Exclusive Resorts without a longterm commitment or membership fees. Gateway rates start at just $1550/residence/night, thereby allowing guests to travel with Exclusive Resorts for three days, three weeks or 30-years. All this luxury would have been lost on us when our kids were younger, but now that they’re adults with busy lives of their own, it’s the perfect vacation to come together again as family. Te other upside is that we’ve come to discover that luxury vacations are the perfect bait to get adult children to spend their precious time-of with their families. Prior to our trip this past December, we were contacted by our Exclusive Resorts personal concierge (each residence also includes a private chef, housekeeper and pool boy) who sent us background materials on the property and suggestions for things to do while in Cabo. Our concierge compiled a detailed—yet fexible—itinerary for each person in our group. For my wife’s
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birthday he organized a party in the heart of town; in-home dining awaited us on another evening; and he arranged to have a stocked refrigerator with our favorite and preferred brands while we were home. Each morning, breakfast was prepared at our requested time, and our concierge took care of the hassle of scheduling and confrming our activities. On the day of our arrival, we set-up base camp at the Beach Club and enjoyed lobster, shrimp and sea bass tacos for lunch. Maria, the property manager, called my cell phone to say she would meet us at the house to help get us settled. What awaited us exceeded our expectations. Te home was perfectly appointed with beautiful furniture and sophisticated art and accessories. Nothing looked tired or outdated, from the electronics to the bathroom fxtures and bed linens. A tour of the spa and ftness facilities revealed world-class amenities, and massages could be booked poolside at our villa or at the spa. Everything was as we would’ve had it at home…maybe even better. We awoke each morning to fresh coffee and breakfast prepared to our dietary requests, yet with local fair. And on the day we planned an early morning fishing expedition, the staff made sure a selection of grab-and-go food options were available so we didn’t have to fend for ourselves before sunrise. Despite knowing Cabo as well as I do, and wanting to do all the things our family likes most, including sailing and snorkeling,
strolling the art gallery district in San Jose, and visiting our favorite sushi chefs, we all wanted to get back to the house each day to swim, relax in the hot tub, and hang out with our family. We wanted to drink our tequila just the way we like it, smoke our cigars in the hot tub without ofending others, and make our own food instead of going out. Tese days, our children live and work in diferent parts of the country, and the opportunities to come together as a family are limited. Finding time for us to be together takes work. And when we’re together, we want everyone to have what they need. It’s clear that we love the services of a resort with the privacy of a home, and that’s the beauty of Exclusive Resorts. And when that last day of vacation comes before we’re ready to return to the real world, it’s a gift to leave our temporary vacation home without a care in the world. No clean up. No locking up. And no cost when we’re not there. I’ve loved every minute of every vacation I’ve ever taken, and I wouldn’t trade the memory of those for anything. But at this stage in life I’m glad we found Exclusive Resorts. It’s the perfect place for my wife and I, for our kids and their friends, and one day for their families…especially when they want to be with family. For more information, visit Exclusiveresorts.com, or call 866.863.2688. sl slmag.net
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Zac Posen (zacposen.com). Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images.
Runway
RUNWAY REPORT DRESSES TO THRILL
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Tadashi Shoji (tadashishoji.com). Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images.
Nicole Miller (nicolemiller.com). Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images.
Juana Martin (juanamartin.net).
Reem Acra (reemacra.com). Photo by Albert Urso/Getty Images.
Juan Vidal (juanvidal.net).
Jill Stuart (jillstuart.com). Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images.
Equestrian Sporting Art in the Current Art Market Sporting art has long been a staple in the collections of those with an eye for luxury and tradition. Paintings of confrmation hunters and bay colts have always hung on the walls of Europe’s castles and America’s estates. Where sporting art once depicted the collectors’ greatest assets - their champions - today the piece of art is in itself a great asset. Like the sport it depicts, equestrian sporting art has good days and bad days, winners and losers. Today, as a result of the volatility in recent years, the market is offering better deals from top artists. Te sporting art market, like the entire art world, took a signifcant fnancial hit in late 2008. Not even the best sporting artists or scenes of the best horse could avoid the efects of a fne art market down an estimated 20 percent from the previous year. Across the sporting art world of equestrian bronzes, wooden painted duck decoys and painted scenes of hounds on the scent, it is the British, French and American equestrian art pieces that saw the best examples come to the market and command prices that, although down, are not out. British equestrian sporting artists such as Henry Alken (British, 1785-1851), Tomas Blinks (British, 1860-1912) and John Frederick Herring, Sr. (British, 1795-1865) are among the best in British sporting art paintings. Teir pieces command the highest values because they are the strongest examples based on medium, size and subject, as well as accuracy of movement, texture, likeness and lighting in the piece. These works, produced from the mid-19th to the early 20th centuries, draw attention to the confrmation of the horse and the equitation of the rider, and exaggerate the best features of both. Long legs, muscular movements and sharp lines translate the artist’s best representation of the sport and the beauty of the animal. British sporting art has always heavily focused on horses ranging from racers to hunters, while American artists lean toward hunting dogs, fish and game. Artists such as Frank Weston Benson (American, 1862-1951) and Aiden Lassell Ripley (American, 1896-1969) are among the best early 20th century American sporting artists. Their highly collectible pieces, from their etchings to their canvas works, can be found in sporting art auctions and galleries across the country. More contemporary artists such as LeRoy Neiman (American, 1921-
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Written by Kate Molets
2012) have developed the relationship between horse and rider, usually depicting large, bright scenes of races with a great deal of movement and fash. For the savvy buyer who is looking for the more traditional, British-influenced equestrian sporting art with hunt riders, jockeys and confrmation hunters, American artists like Herbert Haseltine (American, 1877-1962) and Franklin Brook Voss (American, 1880-1953) can be found afordably at both gallery and auction. Bronzes and canvases depicting Western or war horses created in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by artists such as Frederic Remington (American, 1861-1909) drive collectible American equestrian art. Their canvases are big and their bronzes feature sharp lines and harsh gestures. In contrast, French bronzes focus on clean lines, confirmation and artistic appeal, and are highly collectible in the international market. Edgar Degas (French, 18341917), known primarily for his paintings of dancers, transfers that depiction of grace, movement and beauty into his rare equestrian bronzes. Isidore Jules Bonheur (French, 18271901), on the other hand, was more prolific, and his fine representations of various animals still command high prices. Equestrian sporting art remains a buyer’s market. Many works that went unsold in 2009 and 2010 are back on the market and fetching the prices sought then, but still lower than seen at the height of the market in 2007 and early 2008. Whether you’re an investor looking for the best examples by the best artists commanding the highest prices, or someone simply looking to buy what you love on a budget – at auction or in the private market - now is the time to saddle up and enter the high-stakes race of the sporting art world. sl
Kate Molets, Vice President of Appraisal Services with Pall Mall Art Advisors, assists major private clients in fne art collections management and oversees the frm’s walk-through appraisal services. (pallmallartadvisors.com).
Henry Alken (British 1785-1851). Dead Heat for the Doncaster St. Leger 1850 Between Voltiguer and Russborough. Freeman's Auction, June 2012, Sold for $18, 750.
John Frederick Herring Senior (British, 1795-1865) Lord George Bentinck's Crucifx with John Day Up. Christie's London, South Kensington, Sold for $48,359.
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Coppa d'Oro delle Dolomiti 2014 Written by Bridget Williams Fresh of of their win in the most recent Mille Miglia, the team of Giordano Mozzi / Stefania Biacca in a Triumph TR2 SIGLACOM, staged an epic battle to win the 53rd Coppa d'Oro delle Dolomiti against vintage car veterans Giuliano Cané/Lucia Galliani in a 1938 Lancia Aprilia, winners of no less than 10 Mille Miglia and seven Coppa d'Oro delle Dolomiti. Te 509.71 km course, which included 14 Dolomite passes and 10% gradients, began and ended in Cortina d’Ampezzo, a northern Italian town situated at the top of the Valle del Boite in the Dolomites. American philanthropist Robert Kauffman participated in the event, driving a 1948 Alfa Romeo 6c 2500 (chassis no. 920002), a vehicle he purchased for the record sum of $5 million and one that is a chapter of history in itself. It took part in the 1948 and 1949 Coppa d’Oro delle Dolomiti, four Mille Miglia, a Targa Florio and numerous other races. “Driving on these winding mountain roads has given me some unique emotions,” said Kaufman. 48 slmag.net
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"Winning the Mille Miglia and the Coppa d'Oro delle Dolomiti in the same year is an immense joy,” commented Mozzi. “What these two regularity races have in common is undoubtedly the beauty of the landscape you drive through. Both competitions are very difcult technically. I will continue to race with my wife and co-driver. In January 2015 we’ll be taking on the historic Rally in Monte Carlo.” Refecting on the 2014 event at the prize ceremony, Alessandro Casali, chairman of the race organization committee, remarked “the decision to bring the race forward from September to July, as in the early years, was a success. We had splendid weather, which helped the drivers on mountain roads that are far from easy and produced splendid views. Te roadside participation was fabulous too, with crowds of fans photographing their favorite drivers. It should also be remembered that the Coppa d'Oro delle Dolomiti is not only an important sporting event but also, and above all, a fywheel for the local economy.” sl
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British Accent
From June 15-17, 68 designers participated in shows and presentations and the Designer Showrooms exhibited SS15 collections by 71 designers as part of the biannual London Collections: Men. Te London menswear market segment realized £12.9 billion in sales in 2013 and is projected to reach £16.4 billion by 2018. Ed Vaizey, Minister for Culture, Communications and the Creative Industries said: “Tese fgures not only represent the exponential growth of the menswear industry but also show the continuing growth of the creative industry. Te sector consistently punches well above its weight, and is a true powerhouse within the UK economy that outperforms all the other main industry sectors.” Boris Johnson, Mayor of London added: “The fact that menswear is expected to grow by a third in the next fve years is testament to our unrivalled heritage and the visionary designers dominating our catwalks. Plus the capital’s men are the sharpest dressed around, so it’s time to puf out our plumage!” Te following pages highlight notable collections from a few of our favorite menswear designers across the pond.
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E. Tautz. Photo by Daniel Sims, British Fashion Council.
Joseph. Photo by Shaun James Cox, British Fashion Council.
A. Sauvage. Photo by Daniel Sims, British Fashion Council.
The London Collections: Men
Burberry Prorsum
burberry.com Christopher Bailey, Burberry’s Chief Creative and Chief Executive Ofcer, drew inspiration from incessant traveler, writer and adventurer Bruce Chatwin for his spring 2015 menswear collection. Focused on deep, saturated colors, the collection featured jackets with oversized utilitarian pockets apropos for stashing a traveler’s journal; colorful t-shirts sporting graphic covers from vintage tomes; and, leather dufe bags, satchels and sketchbooks boldly emblazed with words such as "Adventure!" and "Exploration!" to beckon the stylish globetrotter. slmag.net
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Alice Made This
alicemadethis.com Crafting luxury men’s accessories celebrating materials and processes, including precision turned metal, precious metal electroplating, rope work and investment casting, Alice Walsh of Alice Made This works in tandem with factories able to produce products that are contemporary, honest and refned in form and material.
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Duchamp duchamplondon.com Gianni Colarossi focused his debut collection as Duchamp’s Creative Director on three distinct stories: Elegant English Gentry, Contemporary Riviera and Summer Eveningwear. Elegant English Gentry imagines a contemporary business look with a nod to eccentric summer styling. Considering high summer relaxed dressing, the Contemporary Riviera capsule presents unstructured seersucker notch lapel blazers and double breasted jackets in slick twill and panama cottons. Encapsulating the Duchamp expertise in fabric innovation, Summer Eveningwear includes exclusively printed silk shirts and jackets in paisleys and diamond spots. slmag.net
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Lee Roach
lee-roach.com Lee Roach spring/summer 2015 explores urban existence through clothing beyond the idea of performance and into protection from an urban environment. Te collection utilizes traditional menswear summer fabrics: lightweight khaki linen, navy double-faced linen (linen + virgin wool) and Japanese olive cotton re-interpreted as a modern urban uniform. Construction methods further reduce the interior components, resulting in a garment as clean internally as externally.
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Dunhill
dunhill.com John Ray remarked that his first collection for Dunhill as Creative Director represented the “chance to be British and international,� hearkening to fit and flare of past elegant eras, as evidenced by elongated jackets, suspenders and high-waisted trousers and shorts. Botanical prints used for camp shirts and swim shorts as well as shantung dinner jackets prompted pining for a tropical escape. Accessories included crocodile leather slippers and kit bags executed in natural vegetable dyes. sl slmag.net
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Photo by Jack Afeck.
Sibling Rivalry Ambiance and abundant activities abound in the Colorado ski towns of Vail and Aspen/Snowmass Written by Bridget Williams
After a somewhat scant start to the snowy season, the abundance of large, fufy fakes that fell in sync with the morning after my arrival in Vail were greeted by the locals with the enthusiasm of manna from heaven. Te epic proportions of this white windfall were evidenced by the fact that school was cancelled for the frst time in more than a decade. As a skiing newbie, I hoped that the three feet of fresh powder would cushion the multiple wipeouts I had been anticipating in the weeks leading up to the trip, which was to be split between two destinations – Vail and Snowmass – so that our group could experience the very distinct atmosphere and skiing opportunities at each. 58 slmag.net
Snowmass Village
Fireworks light up the sky over Vail. Photo by Jef Andrew.
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Lord Gore restaurant at Manor Vail.
Lobby of Te Landmark in Vail.
Dining room in a Landmark condominium.
Exterior of Te Landmark in Vail.
Vail Cascade, a Four Diamond ski-in/ski-out Destination Hotels & Resorts property situated on the banks of Gore Creek, served as home base for the duration of my visit. As much as I was tempted to savor the comfortable environs of my slopeview room after checking in, I frmly subscribe to the ethos of the locals, who say they feel guilty doing nothing while living in a place with so much to do, so I quickly donned multiple layers for a late afternoon Straddle Creek snowshoe tour with Paragon Guides (paragonguides.com). After spending a few hours trying to keep pace with Paul, a career investment banker turned outdoor enthusiast, I was left to wonder which mountain valley was concealing the fountain of youth. Having worked up a ravenous appetite, our group headed to Manor Vail Lodge, another Destination Hotels & Resorts property, for dinner at its Lord Gore restaurant. Boasting 19 60 slmag.net
individually decorated luxury penthouses, the platinum-rated lodge is just 50 yards from the children’s ski school, making it an ideal destination for families. Accentuated by tall foor-to-ceiling windows providing unobstructed vistas of Vail Mountain, we were treated to a casually elegant meal prepared by Chef de Cuisine Eric Berggren, who loves to celebrate Colorado cuisine and has a particular soft spot for crafting desserts that render even the most ardent willpower futile (case in point was the Kahlua Soaked Chocolate Cake with Salted Caramel and Black Cherry Ice Cream). Rounding out the Destination Hotels & Resorts portfolio in Vail is Te Landmark, a rustic contemporary lodge located directly in the village, a mere 100 yards from the ski lift and just a half mile from the Vail Cascade via a paved path that
Lower pool at Te Gant in Aspen.
Modern mountain style in a condominium at Te Gant in Aspen.
Aria Spa sanctuary in the Vail Cascade.
runs alongside the creek. Each of the privately owned condos available for rental are exquisitely appointed. Special amenities of the property include a new luxury ski lock room, enhanced pool area and a trio of hot tubs. Well rested and ready for my skiing debut, we headed to Charter Sports (chartersports.com) on the ground floor of Vail Cascade to collect our gear for the day. With the aforementioned snowfall creating near whiteout conditions, waves of adrenaline ensured that the cold would not be a factor. After a slow start and with expert coaching from a Vail Ski & Snowboard School instructor, I was well on my way to wishing I had picked up the sport years ago. Back at the Vail Cascade, I launched a preemptive strike against muscle soreness with a visit to the onsite Aria Athletic Club & Spa, a sprawling facility popular with professional
skiers and snowboarders looking to stay in tip top shape. My quick workout was followed by a 50-minute “Outdoor Enthusiast Massage” administered with an herbal lemon grass and eucalyptus poultice to aid in lactic acid release. Afternoon indulgence carried over into evening with dinner at Vail Cascade’s Atwater on Gore Creek restaurant. Chef Todd Bemis is a talented chef with even better business acumen, who fully understands the parameters of operating a successful hotel restaurant (pushing boundaries but not necessarily blazing new trails); does not like dishes to be overly complex; and purchases the fnest ingredients without hesitation. Possessing a particular affinity for craft beers, he regularly offers multi-course dinners with beer pairings and recommends Chainbreaker White IPA for newbies as a gateway to experimenting with craft beers.
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Te Gant pool in winter
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Snowmass Village as viewed from the slopes.
While the diversity of skiable acreage in Vail Valley easily trumps what is available in Aspen/Snowmass, visitors to the latter are often drawn to the ambiance as much as the action. With a settled history stretching back to miners who descended on the area in the 1870s in search of silver, Aspen persisted largely as a sparsely settled town until the late 1940s, when skiing and the city’s modern day founders – Walter and Elizabeth Paepcke – brought about a civic and cultural renaissance that continues today. Firmly established as a four season playground for outdoor enthusiasts, the region ofers a full complement of music, food, art and literary festivals and events that adds to the roster of eclectic visitors on an annual basis. Of the 385 units under the Destination Resorts umbrella in Aspen and Snowmass, 100 are hotel rooms, with the remainder being condominium rentals that run the gamut in terms of square footage and style of appointment. What is notable is that each property boasts a definitive and unique sense of place, ofering infnite possibilities to customize a visit to your personal preferences.
As we planned to split our time between on- and of-mountain activities in both Aspen and Snowmass, lodging at The Villas at Snowmass Club proved to be ideal. Located just outside Snowmass Village, villa guests have access to the amenities of the exclusive Snowmass Club, including a 19,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art athletic club, 13 tennis courts, a spa, two restaurants and the awardwinning Irish Links golf course. Te privately owned one-, two-, and three-bedroom units are well-appointed with all the comforts of home combined with the services one would expect of a luxury hotel. With near white out conditions continuing, I was thankful for an experienced driver to transport us to the T-Lazy-7 Ranch (tlazy7.com) for a snowmobile lunch tour. We headed deep into the White River National Forest, stopping midway through the guided excursion at the Klondike cabin, where we enjoyed a hearty lunch of local grass-fed burgers grilled outside in waistdeep snow. As conditions prevented us from reaching our planned destination – Maroon Bells – our disappointment was quickly assuaged as we were led to a vast open field where adrenaline junkies indulged in racing around a groomed oval track. slmag.net
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Snowmass base village.
Te next day, following a skills assessment and a few trial runs on the mountaintop campus of the Ski & Snowboard School in Snowmass and in spite of my protests to the contrary, ski instructor Andrea Bishop, a sprightly 50-something with a vast storehouse of positive energy, convinced me to feel emboldened enough to venture outside the sedate confnes of the ski school runs and onto one of the busy mountain runs. In the interest of full disclosure, I must admit that my self-confdence was slightly dinged when, during my frst attempt, a line of six-year-old girls wearing tutus over their ski suits and tiaras on their helmets efortlessly schussed past me without even the slightest hint of anxiety on their cherubic faces. Run after run followed, and each time Andrea nudged me further and further out of my comfort zone. We celebrated our successful outing and the culmination of our trip later that evening with dinner at Te Artisan restaurant, located in the Stonebridge Inn. Executive Chef Randall Baldwin puts a global spin on local favorites, with seasonally inspired menus that seek to incorporate the best local ingredients. As we lingered over craft beer and cocktails, wishing we could extend our trip another day or two, the conversation came to a sudden halt as the sweetest of endings was delivered to our table: a decadent cookie dough crème brûlée that sent everyone racing to grab their spoon. sl VAIL STAY // Destination Hotels & Resorts (destinationhotels.com/ hotels-resorts/colorado/vail/) DINE // La Tour - The French64 slmag.net
inspired cuisine draws on the world travels of chef/owner Paul Ferzacca and his wife and front-of-house manager Lourdes. (latour-vail.com), Larkspur – New American fne dining cuisine. (larkspurvail.com), Matsushisa – Part of the Nobu Empire, the menu blends traditional Japanese dishes with Peruvian and Argentine ingredients. (matsuhisavail.com), Red Lion Bar – A Vail institution, frst opened in 1963. (theredlion.com), Sweet Basil – Opened in 1977, the fne dining restaurant was voted Colorado’s most popular in a Zagat survey. (sweetbasilvail.com), Terra Bistro – Upscale American with 90 percent of ingredients cultivated using certifed organic methods. (terrabistrovail.com), Te 10th – An on-mountain dining destination at the base of Look Ma run at Mid-Vail. (the10thvail.com), Ti Amo –Te homemade gnocchi in Gorgonzola cream is an indulgent treat. (tiamovail.com). ASPEN / SNOWMASS VILLAGE STAY // Destination Hotels & Resorts (destinationhotels. com) Dine // Ajax Tavern – The simple goodness of enjoying a burger and a cone of truffle fries at the base of Aspen Mountain. (ajaxtavernaspen.com), J-Bar – Aspen’s long-time social hub. (hoteljerome.aubergeresorts.com), Justice Snows – Located in a building dating to 1889, seasonal menus focus on locally sourced ingredients. (justicesnows.com), Woody Creek Tavern – A classic dive bar and landmark establishment in the Roaring Fork Valley, noted for being a longtime hangout of gonzo journalist Hunter S. Tompson. (woodycreektavern.com).
Dining at Coles 735 Main defines culinary as an art form, yet provides a warm relaxing atmosphere to enjoy world-class fare. Chef Cole Arimes known for his creative blending of tastes and artistry, has set apart a cozy oasis for fine dining in Lexington. M-Th 5-10 PM F-S 5-11 PM Bar/Gazebo opens 4 PM Closed Sunday
735 EAST MAIN ST • LEXINGTON, KY R E S E R VAT I O N S
859.266.9000 • www.coles735main.com
Indian Summer A frst look at fall fashion
Versace leather jacket with fur collar and Herve Leger watercolor fare dress, both from Saks Fifth Avenue.
RESOURCES Crittenden Fine Gentlemen’s Clothing – 141 E. Main St., Midway, KY; crittendenclothes.com Keeneland Gif Shop – 4201 Versailles Rd.; keeneland.com/gif-shop Rodes for Him and For Her – 4938 Brownsboro Road, Louisville, KY; rodes.com Saks Fifh Avenue – 101West 5th St., Cincinnati, OH; saksffhavenue.com Stuart Mercer Gentleman’s Shoppe – 126 W. Maxwell St., Lexington, KY; stuartmercer.com
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Photography: Andrew Kung Hair and Makeup: Catherine Kung Models: Megan Ducharm and Peter Michel Stylists: Bridget Williams and Catherine Kung
On him: Vitale Barberis Canonico jacket, Stuart Mercer sport shirt and tie, all from Stuart Mercer Gentleman’s Shoppe. Zegna denim from Rodes for Him. On her: Vince t-shirt from Saks Fifth Avenue. Cortland Park cardigan, Saint James leather trim fannel trousers, Longchamp “Derby Verni” tote, pearl necklace and bracelet, all from the Keeneland Gift Shop.
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On her: St. John jewel neck peplum top and pencil skirt; Fallon Jewelry Swarovski pearl and spike choker; and Belargo earrings and bangle bracelets, all from Rodes for Her. On him: Zegna sport shirt, Isaia sport coat and Gardeur trouser, all from Rodes for Him.
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S. Roher digital print scarf and Marc Cain motorcycle jacket from Rodes for Her. Yigal-Azrouel brushstroke scuba skirt from Saks Fifth Avenue.
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On him: Zegna sport shirt, Sasso sweater vest and Zegna denim, all from Rodes for Him (rodes.com). On her: McQ Alexander McQueen shearling gilet. AG Adriano Goldschmied Stilt cigarette pant from Saks Fifth Avenue.
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Lovett green shetland jacket with mauve overplaid self elbow patch, white fannel vest and grey fannel pant, all from Crittdenden Fine Gentlemen’s Clothing.
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September 4-11 5 6 7 8 12-13 13 17-21 18 19 21 23-10/2 24-27 26 27
Society
Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, New York City; mbfashionweek.com 15th annual Touching Hearts Gala, 6pm, Norlyn Manor; clermontseniors.com 10th annual Bloom for Stepping Stones, 7pm, Greenacres Arts Center; steppingstonesohio.org Sunfower Revolution for Parkinson’s Research, 7:30pm, Yeatman’s Cove; sunfowerrev.org St. Joseph Orphanage Golf Classic at the Vineyard; stjosephorphanage.org Cincinnati Food + Wine Classic; cincinnatifoodandwineclassic.com CSO Virtuoso Opening Night Gala, Music Hall; cincinnatisymphony.org Urban League Gala, Horseshoe Casino; 513.559.5585 Avenues Art, Antique, and Jewelry Show; nyfallshow.com Dress for Success Cincinnati Fashion Show, 11am, Horseshoe Casino; dfscincy.org Zoofari, 6:30pm, Cincinnati Zoo; cincinnatizoo.org/events Gran Fondo Cincinnati; granfondocinci.com Paris Fashion Week Spring 2015 Monaco Yacht Show; monacoyachtshow.com Forget-Me-Not Gala, 6:30pm, The Phoenix; ucneuroscience.com/events/forget-me-not-gala-for-alzheimers-research/ Talbert House Luncheon, Noon, Hyatt Regency; talberthouse.org BBQ & Blue Jeans for Tender Mercies, 6:30pm, Montgomery Inn Boathouse; tendermerciesinc.org/news-events
October 2 3-5 3-25 4 5 11 14-19 16-19 17 18 24 24-26 25
Greater Cincinnati Business Hall of Fame Laureate Induction, Cintas Center; japartners.org The Pink Ribbon Luncheon, 10am, ccpfevents@proscan.com Concours d’Elegance at French Lick Resort; frenchlickconcours.com Keeneland Fall Meet, Keeneland Race Track; keeneland.com Bourbon, Bites & Bluegrass for Cystic Fibrosis, 6pm, Ft. Mitchell Country Club; cincinnati.cff.org/bluegrass Hyde Park Square Art Show; hydeparksquare.org Patty Brisben Foundation Great Gatsby Gala, 7pm; pattybrisbenfoundation.com/events Red Tie Gala, 6pm, Hyatt Regency Cincinnati; rmhcincinnati.org Centennial Festival of Riverboats; festivalofriverboats.com NYC Food and Wine Festival; nycwff.org Greater Cincinnati Foundation Luncheon, Hyatt Regency; 513.241.2880 19th annual Celebration of Construction Gala, Duke Energy Center; spiritofconstruction.org Arthritis Foundation Bone Bash, Horseshoe Casino; bonebash.org Run Like Hell for Cystic Fibrosis; cincyrunlikehell.com 49th annual Cincinnati Art & Antiques Festival, Music Hall; cincinnatiantiquesfestival.org 7th annual Evening of Hope…A Celebration of Life, 6:30pm; cancer-support.org
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FORGET-ME-NOT SALON
Photography by Cindy Starr
Hosted at the Indian Hill home of Barbara Gould, the Forget-Me-Not Salon sparked discussion about aging gracefully, compassionate care, the preventive power of diet and exercise, and the need for additional research in memory health. Proceeds beneftted the Memory Disorders Center at the University of Cincinnati Neuroscience Institute, a provider of advanced specialty care within UC Health.
Margaret Lafey, Barbara Gould, Cora Ogle
Merri Gaither-Smith, Cathy Crain, Carole Rigaud
Jason Bruns, Lee Ann Liska
Barbara Gould, Dianne Rosenberg, Cathy Crain
Carol Silver Elliott
Barbara Gould, John Tew, Jenna Bowen
Susan Tew. Ronna Willis, Marc Piollet, Bunny Whitaker 74 slmag.net
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Maggie Malloy, John Van Kirk
John Tew, Donna & Joe Broderick
GUNS & GRAPES
Christine Timmins-Barry and Nora Moushey co-chaired this annual event to beneft Junior Achievement of OKI Partners, during which 40 teams of women participated in a sporting clay shooting competition at Elk Creek Hunt Club. Following the contest, participants gathered for an elegant wine tasting reception.
Photography by Tony Bailey
Connie Fryer, Jennifer Moreschi, Kenny Carl, Mandy Tomas, Diana Devore
Linda Weskey, Jamye Callery, Chuck Butz, Rebecca Craner, Natasha Olivia
Kelly Mullen, Mike Reed, Kim Castanzo, Amy Kattmax, Lisa Lamphere
Andy Rhein, Kali Hacias Boecher, Michelle Duever, Stephanie Griesmer, Michelle Banks, Paul Taman
Karla Russo, Christine Luken, Greg Volz, Linda Schilling, Shelley Frommeyer
Chris Hann, Suzy Khan, Pam Wolfson, Mary Overberg, Terri Grimmelsmall
Kathy Knaak, Toni Nevitt, Kevin Kaltenbach, Sandy Kathman, Jeannette Hirschauer
Find more photos at facebook.com/sophisticatedliving
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Photography by Tony Bailey
MAC FOUNDATION GOLF OUTING
Te Make A Change Foundation celebrated the ffth anniversary of its charity golf outing with an all-day event at Aston Oaks Golf Club that included golf, giveaways, dinner, live and silent auction and entertainment by the Chris Weaver Band.
Chris Weaver Band
Jessica Williamson, Jenny Hofmeyer, Amy Luebbers
Cati Singler, Mark Sedziol, Dana LaCoste, Matt Zeis, Chris Neal, Kyli Singler
Mindy Smith, Erin Stautberg, Kristin Hensler
Karen Wainscott, Jef & Amy McFarland, Carol Neidhard
Barb & Gary Neidhard
Casey McFarland, Tim Holscher, Sandy Jent 76 slmag.net
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Jef & Mindy Smith
NIGHT ON THE RUNWAY
Tennis and fashion came together as part of the Western & Southern Open’s Night on the Runway. Held between the day and evening match play, the event featured a runway fashion show, pop-up boutique shopping, an artisan box dinner and wine tasting.
Photography by Tony Bailey
Pam Weber, Zam Geleszinski
Margaret & Richard Moritz
Jennifer Williams, Erica Tawfeek
Melissa Koelling, Leah Cadek, Katy Habegger
Jennifer Homan, Leslie Sikes
Denise Jones, Sandy Massa, Hengameh Nassef
Jen Leibold, Michelle Palmer
Find more photos at facebook.com/sophisticatedliving
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Photography by Tony Bailey
REDS HALL OF FAME INDUCTION GALA
Ken Grifey, Jr., Ron Oester, Dave Park and Jake Beckley were inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame as part of a sold-out gala celebration held at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center.
Bernice Hensler, Donna King, Elmer Hensler, Rachel King, Artie & Judy Hensler
Norris Asbury, Kyra Webb
Ken Grifey Jr 78 slmag.net
Ron Oester
Brooke Sabo, Olivia Sabo, Susan Sabo, Annie Sabo
Emma & Warner Of
Kelly & Ryan Postlewaite
Dave Parker
J W & Chelsy Nickell
Find more photos at facebook.com/sophisticatedliving
WESTERN & SOUTHERN OPEN
On the men’s side, No. 2 seed Roger Federer earned a record sixth title by defeating David Ferrer, 6-3, 1-6, 6-2. Six was also a special number for top-seeded Serena Williams, who garnered her frst championship after six appearances, with a 6-4, 6-1 win over Ana Ivanovic.
Serena Williams
Photography by Tony Bailey
Todd & Lisa Terry
Charlie Collins, Barbara Coker
Arli & Eric Schuermann
Rich Lee, Connie Brown
Jan Sessler, Gordon Euller
Eduardo & Corina Palma
Rich & Allison Vaughan
Roger Federer
Serena Williams
Find more photos at facebook.com/sophisticatedliving
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crittenden Fine Gentlemen’s Clothing
141 East Main Street Midway, Kentucky 40347 859.846.4228
LIVE FROM NEW YORK ... IT’S KEY TO THE CURE! ©
Join Saturday Night Live and Saks Fifth Avenue in the fight against women’s cancers. Get the shirt, designed by rag & bone, available exclusively at Saks this October. Then shop October 16 to 19, when Saks will donate 2% of sales to local and national women’s cancer charities.* Special thanks to SNL’s current and former castmembers, the 2014 Ambassadors for EIF’s Women’s Cancer Research Fund and Saks Fifth Avenue’s Key To The Cure.
*SAKS WILL DONATE 2% OF SALES FROM NEW YORK, BEVERLY HILLS, SAKS.COM, AND OFF5TH.COM UP TO A TOTAL OF $500,000 FROM THURSDAY TO SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16-19 ALONG WITH 100% OF KEY TO THE CURE T-SHIRT SALES FROM OCTOBER 1 - DECEMBER 31 TO THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY FOUNDATION. PLEASE VISIT YOUR LOCAL SAKS FIFTH AVENUE STORE AND SAKS.COM/KTTC FOR INFORMATION ON YOUR LOCAL STORE’S DONATION. #SAKSxKTTC © SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE AND ITS RELATED CHARACTERS AND TRADEMARKS ARE PROPERTY OF NBCUNIVERSAL MEDIA LLC.
In a Class By Itself