Sophisticated Living Chicago September/October 2017 by Sophisticated Living Magazine

{Chicagoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Finest}

Sept/Oct 2017

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BGD&C DESIGN | BUILD | LIVE

DESIGNED AND BUILT FOR A BEAUTIFUL LIFE For over 30 years BGD&C has been designing and building custom homes in ChicagoÕs Lincoln Park & Gold Coast. Each home reflects a familyÕs exact specifications coupled with meticulous craftsmanship, timeless aesthetics, and unparalleled service.

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{Chicago’s Finest}

Sept/Oct 2017

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on the cover: James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Mina opens classic French eatery Margeaux Brasserie at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago—and gives chef Brent Balika his big break (“French Connection”). (Shown here: The Green Hills from Africa cocktail with Banks 5 Island Rum, Cocchi Americano Rosa, jasmine-tea-grapefruit cordial, matcha, lemon, egg white and Prosecco.)

Low dining table and chairs handcrafted by artisans in Bali using solid teak, price upon request, by Urban Zen and designed in collaboration with Bonetti/Kozerski Studio, urbanzen.com. Turn to Sophisticated Defined for more of the latest looks from Urban Zen by Donna Karan’s fall/winter collection.

SWEET DREAMS ARE MADE OF THIS Bulgari’s Michigan Avenue boutique unveils a stunning renovation—and its latest jewelry collection, Diva’s Dream

SOPHISTICATED DEFINED Donna Karan talks life after selling her mega-brand, favorites from her Urban Zen lifestyle collection and things that make her go “Om.”

IN THE MOOD Craft beer, oysters, German chocolate cake and hip-hop are the winning combination at Pilsen’s best-kept secret, Moody Tongue

HAUTE HIGHLIGHTS FROM PARIS COUTURE FASHION WEEK The chicest looks from Laskaris, ABE by Ariane Chaumeil, Ziad Nakad, Imane Ayissi and more

INSIGHTS ON DESIGN Marc Lichte, the head of Audi Design, touts the new Audi A8’s hottest features, from its sleek operating concept to piloted driving

A WHALE OF A TIME Exploration and luxury converge at five-star The Resort at Pedregal on Mexico’s Baja Peninsula

RIESLING Master Sommelier Scott Harper breaks down the stereotypes by giving us a higher education on Riesling

A SENSE OF PLACE From charming horse farms in Kentucky to mid-century architecture across the Midwest, check out our favorite tomes on timeless design styles

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Sept/Oct 2017

TRAILBLAZER The all-new BMW X3 wows with intelligent technology from grille bars to tail lights

THE BESPOKE HOME For discerning designers, only custom will do (think glass chandeliers, textured wallpaper, gold monogrammed china and more)

UN-VAIL-ED

IN THE BAG

The very best of where to stay and play in Vail, Colo. A fashion statement or a status symbol, a good handbag can be a serious investment

WELL SUITED Gucci, Versace, Louis Vuitton, Giorgio Armani… From ready-to-wear to fine timepieces, fashion’s elites deliver handsome options for sartorial gentlemen

SOPHISTICATED SOURCE

FRENCH CONNECTION

Eight pages of curated fashion, art and interior design Margeaux Brasserie opens at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago— and gives chefs Michael Mina and Brent Balika a stage for their classic French cuisine

GARY IN REAL LIFE Interior designer, painter, furniture craftsman and good-natured Chicagoan Gary Lee gives us a rare look into his inner sanctum

UP IN THE ATMOSPHERE Mariani Landscape turns a 28th-floor penthouse terrace in Streeterville into an entertaining oasis

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THE NEVER-ENDING STORY Bernie’s Book Bank pledges to put books into the hands of every single at-risk child in the Chicagoland area by the end of 2018

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CALENDAR SL’s top fall events for giving back and good times

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SOPHISTICATED SOCIETY Chicago’s best parties, from philanthropy to fashion

Sliced Nectarine IPA, Peeled Grapefruit Pilsner, Bourbon Barrel-Aged Chocolate Barleywine... Moody Tongue in Pilsen has beautifully balanced beers on tap for every proclivity (“In the Mood”). Photo by Jordan Balderas

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THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE GLOBAL VINTAGE STYLE

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PUBLISHER Bridget McDermott EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Elise Hofer Shaw DIRECTORS OF LUXURY BRANDS Justine Hausner Mandy Laneve ——————————————— ART DIRECTOR Jason Yann CONTRIBUTORS Writers Ruth Crnkovich Colin Dennis Scott Harper Anita Heriot Joel Hoglund Andre James Amelia Jeffers Tina Kourasis Matt Lee Caylee Matthews Sally Meyer Taylor Morgan Alexandra Sabbag Bridget Williams Photographers Ruven Afanador Jordan Balderas James Gustin for Fig Media Linda Oyama Bryan Anthony Tahlier ADVERTISING SALES OFFICE 773.263.9288 ——————————————— SOPHISTICATED LIVING MEDIA Eric Williams - CEO Bridget Williams - President Sophisticated Living® is published by Ashford Windsor Media, LLC and is independently owned and operated. Sophisticated Living® is a registered trademark of Williams Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Sophisticated Living® is published six times a year. All images and editorial are the property of Ashford Windsor Media, 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. Address all subscription inquiries to the website slmag.net. Telephone 773.263.9288.

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From the Publisher

Portrait by Kapow Headshots Makeup by Shannon O’Brien

Another Chicago summer has come to a close and the majority of us are trying to take advantage of however many weeks we have left to make a few more sun-filled memories. I, on the other hand, am excited for September. The summer of 2017 has been action-packed and, although I had some amazing moments with my family and friends, I’m ready to be back on a tight schedule. It’s time to put my head down and hustle like never before. At Sophisticated Living, we can’t help but feel motivated when we surround ourselves with hardworking and charismatic individuals. One such person who exudes grace and effortless class—and who has the most heartwarming smile—is the uber-talented, multifaceted interior design guru Gary Lee. I must admit, the first time Gary and I sat down to lunch at The Arts Club, I was a bit intimidated by his presence. He dominates a room and (unknowingly) commands the attention of everyone around him. But it didn’t take long for us to ease into a friendship. Gary and I have now met a handful of times, including at our shoot for this issue’s feature “Gary in Real Life.” James Gustin of Fig Media was behind the lens, all of us art directing as a team. While Gustin would set the scene for Gary’s next photo, I had the chance to just chat with the beloved designer, who has been behind some of Chicago’s chicest residential, workplace and hospitality interiors (Soho House Chicago and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, for example). I learned that he is a photographer and a painter, that he loves to collect quilts and that he has an insane collection of wing tip shoes. That conversation was priceless to me—that’s when Gary Lee became a person I admire. A few weeks ago someone asked me, “Bridget, what’s your favorite part of this magazine?” I could have said that I am so proud of how far this publication has come over the last year. How cool it is to build brand awareness and recognition from our trend-driven Sophisticated Source pages. How our Sophisticated Defined column has given us street cred with fashion’s elite—Donna Karan, Jason Wu and Rachel Zoe, just to name a few. That I’m thrilled to have garnered the attention of Tiffany & Co. and to have Lady Gaga on the back cover. All important parts of the experience, but still not my answer. When I really think about it, my favorite part of this magazine is meeting inspiring people, connecting with them and collaborating with them. It’s the energy behind the book, and it’s contagious. At the heart of Sophisticated Living is our shared desire to tell the stories of Chicagoans who are making a positive impact on our city through art, design and philanthropy, and to shine a light on the businesses that pepper our days with good food, memorable experiences and a rainbow of personalities. Here’s to a gorgeous—and productive—fall season.

Bridget McDermott Owner & Publisher mcdermott@slmag.net

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From the Editor-In-Chief

Portrait by Sean Henderson

It’s officially autumn. Poof—our summer is a wrap and soon the leaves will fall from the arbres. Yet, it’s like the city is being born again, a rebirth that’s particularly evident in my stomping grounds in the West Loop. Sure, I curse the traffic gods when I’m driving home from taking my daughter to school and getting stuck behind the trucks moving materials to and from the site of McDonald’s massive new corporate headquarters. And there are days when I want to send an invoice to every new condo building owner for the endless car washes I endure in an attempt to keep the dust at bay. But the truth is, I love seeing Chicago grow and evolve. It’s exciting—and a sign that our economy is in a happy place. There’s so much to anticipate on this side of the Loop. On Randolph’s Restaurant Row, Nobu Hotel (Robert De Niro’s 100-room hotel, 10,000-square-foot restaurant and rooftop terrace) is about to go vertical; Proxi, the new restaurant from Emmanuel Nony and chef Andrew Zimmerman, is generating a big buzz; we’re getting a mega Starbucks Reserve outpost, where coffee beans will be roasted on site (forgive me, I like my iced decaf nonfat lattes); Sterling Bay is donating a building on Aberdeen for a new public library; esteemed Italian pizza maker Gabriele Bonci is set to bring Sicilian slices (cut with scissors!) to a spot next to Leña Brava, and the list goes on… And nearby Fulton Market is on fire, too, with two more hotels (Ace Hotel and the underway Hoxton hotel), a multi-level flagship retail space set for the Isaacson & Stein Fish Company site, countless big businesses following Google’s lead and so much more. Personally I can’t stay away from the new weekend brunch menu at Monteverde on Madison, and am psyched to see the finished build-out of its private events space. Clearly I love my neighborhood, but sometimes I need to remind myself that it’s merely a corner of what’s new and cool in Chicago—and that it’s time to break out of my microcosm. So that’s just what I did this month, starting with a pilgrimage to Pilsen to check out Moody Tongue (“In the Mood”). Jared Rouben’s under-the-radar brewery and tasting room won me over on three fronts: raw oysters, German chocolate cake and old-school hip-hop. But most folks go for the beer, and for good reason. From the fruity Sliced Nectarine IPA and the popular Peeled Grapefruit Pilsner to Rouben’s heady Bourbon Barrel-Aged Chocolate Barleywine, it’s where beer enthusiasts go to nerd out. And I’ve been spending a lot of free time (read: not just for meetings) in the Gold Coast lately, too. I hit up the Oak Street Wine Stroll (spy our post-event coverage on our Sophisticated Society pages), visited the newly renovated Bulgari store on Michigan Avenue (“Sweet Dreams Are Made of This”), and attended the opening night of Margeaux Brasserie at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago (the subject of this issue’s restaurant feature, “French Connection”) to sample Executive Chef Brent Balika’s classic French fare. Life is all about expanding your horizons, and sometimes that can be as simple as making time to explore your big backyard. Enjoy the new issue—preferably from a cozy coffee shop in a Chicago hood you haven’t scoped out in awhile—and make the most out of your fall.

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

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Contributors

“Photographing Gary Lee was a moving experience,” says James Gustin, owner of Fig Media. “His interpretive knack for materials and composition is evident across all of the cool moments found in his home, providing a serene backdrop for our shoot. While he clearly has a sensitive and light side, the collected weight and substance of his life’s work, from The Ritz-Carlton Residences here in Chicago to projects in Aspen and New York, is incredibly powerful. And his personal objects are a proper reflection of his work and character—a mix of muscle, heart and brains that is rare in this world.”

“As dining out goes, there’s nothing worse than leaving a restaurant feeling unsatisfied—I can’t imagine ever leaving Margeaux Brasserie without that warm feeling you get from a deeply satisfying meal,” says contributing writer Joel Hoglund of this issue’s featured restaurant (“French Connection”). “Whether you’re having an app with a glass of wine at the bar or digging deep into the dinner menu, every dish from chefs Michael Mina and Brent Balika seems to travel straight to your body’s pleasure center.”

“Donna Karan is a force never to be underestimated,” says Tina Kourasis, who interviewed the New York designer for this issue’s Sophisticated Defined column. “She may have sold her eponymous brand, but rather than retire she took her world travels, experiences and compassion and put them into Urban Zen, a line of easy fashion pieces and lifestyle goods made by global artisans with proceeds benefiting causes that are close to her heart. She is nothing short of amazing.” Kourasis is the owner of luxury fashion boutique VMR on Oak Street.

“As you might expect if you’ve ever seen his work, Gary Lee is a warm, thoughtful and fascinating person,” says Matt Lee (no relation), who interviewed the founder of international interior and product design firm Gary Lee Partners for this issue’s design feature (“Gary in Real Life”). “I enjoyed listening to him discuss the design of his home, but it was even more interesting to hear his thoughts on his business, the state of contemporary design and what keeps him inspired. I think that having conversations with someone like Gary is why writers get into feature writing in the first place.” Matt is the author of the 2013 book Heart Soul Detroit.

“In my seven years of working with nonprofit organizations, I’ve watched amazing people work tirelessly toward closing gaps, advancing research and improving healthcare,” says writer Alex Sabbag, the founder and president of AM Consulting, who penned this issue’s philanthropy piece (“The Never-ending Story”). “But it wasn’t until I learned about Bernie’s Book Bank—an org that will impact every single disadvantaged child in the Chicagoland area by the end of 2018, putting 12 books per year into each one of their hands—that I’ve seen one produce a fully realized outcome. In eight years, every child who needs books in Chicago will get them. In eight more, I can only imagine how many more cities will be able to cross this off their list.”

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MARSHALLERB.COM

Bella Hadid at the Palazzo Nunez Torlonia in Rome introducing Goldea, The Roman Night, Bulgari’s newest eau de parfum.

SWEET DREAMS ARE MADE OF THIS By Elise Hofer Shaw

In 2014, leading up to the fashion house’s 130th anniversary, Bulgari began renovating its historic flagship on Via Condotti in Rome. Under the art direction of architect Peter Marino, everything from the travertine stone slabs to the green African marble cornices and even the bronze letters above the entrance doors were replaced, polished or restored. And now, as an extension of the brand’s classically modern makeover, Bulgari is revamping stores in key markets across the globe—and Chicago’s boutique recently revealed its neoclassicalbaroque face-lift. Mediterranean and Roman elements pervade the redesigned, 2,250-square-foot space on Michigan Avenue, beginning with the store’s black marble facade and Travertino Navona columns that frame the entrance. Inside, Italian walnut square-patterned parquet floors and Murano crystal chandeliers provide a posh backdrop for Bulgari’s fine jewels, watches, accessories (we’re smitten with the Serpenti handbags) and fragrances like Goldea, The Roman Night, Bulgari’s newest eau de parfum. There’s even a nook devoted to Bulgari’s bridal collection, which only a few U.S. stores carry, and a 360-degree case showcasing Divas’ Dream, Bulgari’s latest covetable jewelry collection, which channels the grace and glamour of Old Hollywood. Dreamy, indeed. sl

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The new look of Bulgari Chicago’s boutique on Michigan Avenue. Divas’ Dream necklace in 18K pink gold and diamonds, $13,100, and Serpenti Forever flap cover bag, $2,350, both at Bulgari, 909 N. Michigan Ave., 312.255.1313, bulgari.com.

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Sophisticated Defined

By Tina Kourasis / Portrait by Ruven Afanador

The name Donna Karan is heavy with fashion history. From her early days at Anne Klein to launching her namesake label in 1985 to ruling the ’90s with Donna Karan New York, DKNY and DKNY Jeans, her career has spanned 45 years and counting. But talk to Karan today and it’s like a weight has been lifted from her shoulders. In 2015, she announced that she would be stepping down as head of the Donna Karan brand to focus full-time on Urban Zen, the lifestyle collection she started in 2007. A blend of artisan objects globally curated from her travels (think Bali, Africa and the Far East), signature Karan-designed apparel, home accessories, art and exclusive handmade Balinese teak furniture, the line has allowed the New Yorker to free herself from trends—and allotted her the freedom to do her part to create a more soulful economy. “Urban Zen is my passion,” says Karan from the Urban Zen store in New York’s West Village. “It’s where all the things

I care most about come together: creativity, compassion and community.” A big believer in giving more than you take, she also founded the Urban Zen Foundation in 2007, a nonprofit dedicated to three initiatives: preservation of culture, bringing mind, body and spirit to health care, and global education. “We empower children by providing yoga, meditation and nutrition,” says Karan. “There is no greater investment in the future than in our children’s education and well-being.” The Urban Zen Foundation also encompasses the Haiti Artisan Project, which supports that country’s economy while preserving its crafts, many of which—ceramics, art, textiles and more—have made their way into Karan’s Urban Zen collections. “We care what, how and where our designs are made. And you care who benefits by your purchase,” adds Karan. “Together, we are partners in caring for the world we live in.” sl

What is the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning? Meditate and practice yoga.

Guilty pleasure? Dark chocolate.

Name one thing that you can’t live without? My family.

What is your favorite piece in your closet? My [Urban Zen] skinny pants. They are truly transformational. You put them on and feel taller, leaner and leggier.

What is the most elegant gift to give or receive? Something touched by the artisan hand. Who or what inspires you? Passion—the desire to make a difference, whether that’s helping a woman feel great in her clothes, or those who come together to help others. Creatively, I’m very inspired by nature’s melding colors and textures. Who is your muse? Creative women everywhere in the world. What is your proudest career moment? I have so many… Taking over Anne Klein right after she [Klein] died, just days after giving birth to my daughter; creating Donna Karan New York, a ‘small’ collection for me and my friends; and then DKNY to dress my daughter, Gabby; dressing President Clinton and first lady Hillary Clinton; and now, dressing and addressing women all over the world through Urban Zen. Who is your dream client? When you’ve dressed so many of your ‘dream’ clients—my friend Barbra Streisand, Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama—you realize the dream is really a universe of women who want to look sophisticated while accentuating the positive and deleting the negative. What are you reading right now? The Koran. You never truly finish it. Cocktail of choice? Vodka and tonic, just like my mentor Anne Klein. Coffee or tea? Herbal tea, but in recent years I’ve fallen in love with Haitian coffee. 24 slmag.net

Favorite country to visit? Bali, Africa and anywhere in the Far East. Most sophisticated city? I’m a New Yorker, but lately I’m loving L.A. The place you go for utter peace? Every kind of nature—beaches, ski slopes, mountains, you name it. Name your top three vacation must-haves. An iPhone (for photos and to stay in touch), an Urban Zen scarf dress to dress up or down, and an open mind. No one should ever wear… Something that makes them uncomfortable or self-conscious. Everyone should own… Something that makes them feel sensual and confident. Most universally flattering color… For me, it will always be black. Current must-haves from your collection? The kimono jacket, a cold-shoulder dress or jumpsuit, the transformer vest and a wrap jersey dress. Describe your Urban Zen line in three words. Modern. Soulful. Timeless. How do you define ‘sophistication’? Anything powerfully creative and expressive. Urban Zen is available at Neapolitan Collection, Winnetka, 847.441.7784, and at urbanzen.com.

DONNA KARAN

Oval and column vases from Urban Zen Looks from the fall/winter Urban Zen collection by Donna Karan

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Year-round selections as well as specialty and barrel-aged beers are on tap at Moody Tongue.

IN THE MOOD

Pilsen’s best-kept secret, the brewery and tasting room at Moody Tongue, garners a cult following for its under-the-radar scene and craft culinary beers. By Liz Grossman / Photography by Jordan Balderas It’s easy to drive right by Moody Tongue. In fact, we did. Twice. And then we walked past the front door a few times. Located on a quiet block of Peoria Street in Pilsen, hidden inside one of the historic 100-year-old buildings of The Glass Factory, Moody Tongue’s only marker is a small sign on the brick wall next to the entrance. And there’s zero foot traffic to follow. But once you finally make it inside and take in the minimalist yet inviting space, and feel the vibrating bass lines from the old-school hiphop soundtrack (think A Tribe Called Quest, C.L. Smooth, De La Soul and Digable Planets), it becomes clear that the anonymity of the microbrewery and its adjacent tasting room is a big part of its charm—and we were happy to hunt for it. After a quick scan of the interior—white brick walls that give way to midcentury-modern tables and chairs, a stately fireplace and a stunning white marble-topped bar—we stop questioning owner Jared Rouben’s motivation for keeping Moody Tongue a bit of a secret. “I knew I wanted to be part of a community and neighborhood that I felt a connection with,” says Rouben, who worked with designers Jessie and Colleen Neuhaus, in collaboration with K2 Studio Architects, to design the tasting room expansionthat was completed last fall. “Pilsen is rich in music, food and art, and all three inspire the culinary beers we create.” 28 slmag.net

On the north wall, large factory windows revel the brewery beyond (the first stage of Moody Tongue, which opened its doors in 2014). For $25 you can take a tour through the production areas and barrel-aging room, and learn the genesis behind Rouben’s beautifully balanced beers that are available on tap, by the bottle and in 32-ounce growlers. Before opening Moody Tongue, the Culinary Institute of America grad worked in the kitchens of Michelin-starred Per Se in New York City and Martini House in Napa Valley. He also attended Chicago’s Siebel Institute, the oldest brewing school in the country, before putting in time at both Rock Bottom Brewery and Goose Island. And it’s apparent that Rouben’s higher education has paid off: In addition to the success of his brewery and tasting room, Moody Tongue taps and bottles can be found around town at some of Chicago’s hottest restaurants, including Monteverde in the West Loop, GT Fish & Oyster in River North and Longman & Eagle in Logan Square, not to mention across the food and beverage options at Soho House Chicago. “I used to be a student and now I teach food and beer pairing at Siebel,” says Rouben, who has stocked Moody Tongue’s original built-in bookshelves with early 19th-century beer-brewing tomes. “I used to stare at the bookshelves at school and daydream about all of those old books offering a wealth of brewing knowledge.”

The Tasting Room at Moody Tongue

With Indian summer in full swing, the massive skylights are cranked open, flooding both rooms with sunlight and fresh air. “It’s nice to have the option of opening the skylights when we brew,” says Rouben. “I love that the building has so much natural light. A lot of breweries seem to be in dungeons, warehouses and garages— it’s not good for a brewer to not see the light of day.” Perhaps it’s this sunny atmosphere that’s behind Moody Tongue’s goldentoned range of botanical beers, such as the twice-steeped Steeped Emperor’s Lemon Saison, the fruity Sliced Nectarine IPA and the popular Peeled Grapefruit Pilsner. As for Rouben’s darker beers, some, like the heady Bourbon Barrel-Aged Chocolate Barleywine, spend a year in old bourbon or wine barrels. “I’m from Louisville, so I’ve spent quite a bit of time with bourbon,” says Rouben. “I think about how an imperial stout would benefit from the vanilla, molasses and whiskey characters of a barrel.” But Moody Tongue’s most luxurious beer flaunts the flavors of Australian black truffles, hand-shaven into a pilsner and served on tap for $20 a glass or $120 a bottle. “Before I opened [Moody Tongue], I got a call from a former Chicago chef who asked me to make him a truffle beer,” says Rouben. “My challenge was making sure we highlighted the truffles and appreciated the aromatics.” He chose a lighter beer because “there’s no room for error; you can’t cover a mistake with hops, malt or barley, and it reminded me of

a consommé that would let the truffle speak for itself,” he explains. The decadent, umami-forward beer is even more exquisite when sipped from Moody Tongue’s handblown Austrian wine glasses (the long-stem vessels Rouben prefers for letting all of his brews breathe). No matter what beer you sip, a visit to Moody Tongue isn’t complete without ordering off the tasting room’s two-item food menu. (That’s right, there are literally only two edible offerings at Moody Tongue, one savory and one sweet.) The fresh-daily East and West Coast oysters come by the dozen and half-dozen with only a wedge of lemon, and Rouben promises they won’t overwhelm the palate. “Our oyster selections aren’t complex. They’re light in body and salty, but don’t make you feel too heavy,” Rouben says. And lighter is better in order to leave room for the sweet side of the menu: a mile-high slice of German chocolate cake in which ground espresso cheesecake, toasted pecan, coconut, caramel and pretzel bits make up just a few of its 12 layers. “Believe it or not, the cake is not overly sweet; sweet things can exhaust the palate,” insists Rouben, who loves to pair the mega-slice cake with his Smoked Applewood Gold beer. “We like to see people sharing, and want to make sure they can have more than one bite. Plus, no one gets upset about taking home leftover cake for breakfast the next day!” sl Moody Tongue at The Glass Factory (Building 3), 2136 S. Peoria St., 312.600.5111, moodytongue.com. The tasting room is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

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With 800 attorneys practicing in major locations throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico, Jackson Lewis provides creative and strategic solutions to employers in every aspect of workplace law. Recognized as a “Powerhouse” in both Complex and Routine Employment Litigation in the BTI Litigation Outlook 2015 and ranked in the First Tier nationally in Employment Law – Management; Labor Law – Management and Litigation – Labor and Employment in U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms,” our firm has one of the most active employment litigation practices in the world. To learn more about our services, please visit us online at www.jacksonlewis.com.

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HAUTE HIGHLIGHTS FROM PARIS COUTURE FASHION WEEK By Bridget Williams

ABE by Ariane Chaumeil For her most recent haute couture collection, which melded art glass with metal and feathers, designer Ariane Chaumeil looked to the past for inspiration. A self-taught glass artisan, Chaumeil has described her desire to express herself artistically as an “emergency”. “I have been an autodidact since childhood; the thirst of discovering and the curiosity brought to me so many artistic experiences. Beauty and eternity are the meaning of my work. From them is born the collection,” she explained. slmag.net

Ewa Minge Highly tactile and visually appealing with its broad color range, Polish designer Ewa Minge’s luxe “bohemian-esque” couture collection incorporated fur, wool, lace and silk embellished with floral prints, butterflies and fanciful embroidery.

Imane Ayissi The inspiration for the collection was driven by a Namibian ethnic group called the Herero, and more precisely by Conflict and Costume, a book by Jim Naughten. Herero women are known for their dresses, hand-stitched, like a piece of couture fashion, from hundreds of pieces of fabric. The collection included seven winter outfits, available for purchase at lago54.com, couture pieces (some of which are comprised of 238 pieces of fabric), and RTW.

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Laskaris The prism serves as the key to open the door to the collection of Greek designer Laskaris, whose multiple facets, are, according to the designer, the meaning of life. The primary color palette of black, red, white and gold was expressed in linen, cashmere and leather. Enamel details were handmolded at his atelier in Athens. “My work is only a reflection of what I think, I feel, I try and realize…Knowing how to see a situation with the eyes of the spirit is the best way to see it with the greatest objectivity possible. To see means to conceive, and that is the true nature of thought,” he said.

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Ziad Nakad For his winter couture collection, Ziad Nakad proposed his romantic vision of a magically colorful season where white predominates, appearing cold as snow and gradually heating up when velvet, feathers, tulle and lace are introduced and interwoven with intricate embroidery. Carefully placed sensuous cut-outs were designed to reveal a bewitching femininity. Most memorable was his finale gown: a bride gliding down the runway reigning as queen of an exceptional night.

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Maria Aristidou The inspiration for Maria Aristidou’s couture collection for fall/winter 2017-18 was "Belle âme - a beautiful soul". The designer said it represents the story of a woman that is strong and can conquer the world in the face of adversity. Knit patterns, cozy wool and metallic yarns were highlighted by both elaborate embroidery and soft curves with unexpected details and sleek cuts.

Patuna Inspired by the buildings of Spanish modernist architect Antoni Gaudí and the artwork of surrealist painter Salvador Dali, the silhouettes in Patuna’s couture collection oscillated between rigor and fluidity to play on the contrast of feminine and masculine contrast. Fabrics of silk, wool, velvet and cotton in a color palette that ranged from black and pale pink to gray, cardinal violet and white highlighted the flexibility and adaptability of the looks. sl

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INSIGHTS ON

DESIGN Marc Lichte, Head of Audi Design talks about the new Audi A8 Written by Andre James The new Audi A8 made its world debut this past July at the Audi Summit in Barcelona. This fourth-generation flagship model is the first production automobile in the world to have been developed for highly automated driving. From 2018, Audi will gradually be taking piloted driving functions such as parking pilot, garage pilot and traffic jam pilot into production. The traffic jam pilot manages starting, accelerating, steering and braking. The driver no longer needs to monitor the car permanently. They can take their hands off the steering wheel and, depending on the national laws, focus on a different activity that is supported by the car, such as watching the on-board TV. As soon as the system reaches its limits, it calls on the driver to take back control of the task of driving. The Audi AI remote parking pilot and the Audi AI remote garage pilot steer the A8 independently into and out of a parking space or garage, monitored by the driver. The driver need not be sitting in the car. They start the appropriate system from their smartphone using the new myAudi app. To monitor the parking maneuver, they hold the Audi AI button to watch a live display from the car’s 360 degree cameras on their device. Once the maneuver has been completed, the system automatically engages the tiptronic P position and switches off engine and ignition. We asked Marc Lichte, Head of Audi Design since 2014, to share his thoughts on the new design era ushered in for the entire brand with the unveiling of the new Audi R8. How important is the unveiling of the new A8 for Audi design? Marc Lichte: With the world premiere of the Audi A8 in Barcelona, we will have come full circle. From the perspective of a designer, this is a place that stands out because of its special light conditions. Precisely for this reason, this is where we selected the design of our flagship car, together with our Board of Management, three years ago. The A8 is the first production model showing the future design language and, as a result, it fundamentally reflects the progressive face of the brand. 38 slmag.net

Speaking of progressive: how would you define that term? Marc Lichte: At Audi, the design always expresses Vorsprung durch Technik “Advancement through Technology”. To me, a progressive solution is one in which I can harmonize form and function within the design. A perfect solution that impresses with its simplicity. With this in mind, what makes the design of the fourth A8 generation stand out? Marc Lichte: It embodies our vision of luxury and prestige. The distinctive body line with the large, upright Singleframe grille, and the balanced emphasis of all four wheels projects the confidence of the luxury sedan outward. On the interior, we elevate the reduction of characteristic aesthetic design features. There will be hardly any buttons or switches here in the new A8. Instead, we have developed an operating concept in which the new touch display is completely integrated into the black panel surface of the interior. This frees up space and is actually revolutionary from the user’s perspective. How will the customer experience this free space? Marc Lichte: The new A8 appeals to all of the senses, starting with the shapes and lines of the interior design but also extending to the superbly handcrafted quality of the authentic materials. Added to this is an expansive audio experience as well as the subtle impression left behind by the aroma. All of these forms a harmonious composition in the new A8. Which detail excites you the most? Marc Lichte: The light animation of the A8 is truly unique. When the customer approaches the rear, for example, the light graphics develop across the entire width of the car. This is a first in the industry and an expression of the progressive self-perception. Or to put it another way, it’s a moment with which the new A8 will continually be attracting attention. sl

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Beach Club family pool

A WHALE OF A TIME The new Baja Luxploration program at The Resort at Pedregal Written by Bridget Williams A sudden sensation of aloneness crept over me as I snorkeled a good distance off shore in the bay near the town of La Paz, Mexico. My suspicions were confirmed when I briefly looked out to the horizon and spied my travel mates waving to me from the boat, which was slowly receding into the distance as I swam in the opposite direction. My heart pounded out a furious beat as I plunged my face back into the water and continued my pursuit; the sound of my labored breathing through the snorkel the only thing breaking the silence in the murky expanse. Within arm’s reach, a 40,000-pound behemoth, nearly the size of a school bus, swiftly and silently sliced through the hazy green water, unaffected by my menial presence. A combination of fear and fascination propelled me onward as I kicked my flippered feet with all my might to keep pace with the whale shark we’d traveled far over land and sea to find. After snapping some photos and a few minutes of video, I turned off the technology to fully experience the intensity of this once-in-a-lifetime interaction with a gentle giant. Abandoning my tandem swim when the shark took a dive into deeper waters where I dared not tread, I popped my head

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out of the water again, happy to find that the guide boat had circled around to retrieve me. My first trip to the Baja Peninsula could have ended at that moment and I would have been completely satisfied, but the opportunity to swim alongside a whale shark was just one of several unique adventures I was privy to as part of The Resort at Pedregal’s Baja Luxploration program. As much as I’d like to keep this gem all to myself, word of the resort’s unique mastery of luxury and adventure has already gotten out: the AAA FiveDiamond, Forbes Five-Star resort in Cabo San Lucas was recently named Best Resort Hotel, Mexico in the 2017 Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards readers’ survey. Let’s start with the location: the 24-acre resort, just minutes from downtown Cabo San Lucas, is accessed via a long tunnel bored into Pedregal Mountain, which General Manager Fernando Flores describes as “a psychological experience that creates a feeling of exclusivity.” If the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel turns out to be the expansive ocean view that gradually comes into sight once you’ve reached this passageway’s terminus, I’m definitely OK with that.

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Champagne and salt pairing at the Champagne Terrace

Cactus salad served for lunch at a local ranch

Octopus with smoked guajillo chili sauce and pork belly from Don Manuela restaurant

El Farallon restaurant

Opened in 2015, the architecture-forward resort, comprised of 113 rooms, suites, and stand-alone villas, is designed to hug the serpentine base of the mountain and boasts interesting angles that provide dramatic views of the rocky coastline, which regularly sends rollicking waves up and over massive boulders. Artisanal touches in the guest accommodations–original artwork, an embossed metal frame around the tufted headboard, embroidered accent pillows, hand-painted sink basins, huge hand-hewn doors with rustic hardware, and locally-made glazed ceramic tiles in the bathroom–lend a distinct sense of place. Several of the covetable items from the room are available for purchase in the resort’s thoughtfully curated boutique. My oceanfront room boasted a petite plunge pool cozied up to a covered terrace; it proved to be the ideal spot to enjoy the daily complimentary happy hour in-room service of fresh guacamole and ice-cold Coronas. Dining is a delight at The Resort at Pedregal, where each of its restaurants creatively capitalize on the celebrated culinary traditions of Mexico. Definitely high on my list of memorable

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meals is the al fresco El Farallon, whose most prized tables are those in the “splash zone”, where mist from the crashing waves is said to bring good luck to those whose skin is kissed by the salty spray. The kitchen is literally built into the mountain, and a chalkboard hanging nearby lists the catch of the day. The Champagne Terrace adjacent to El Farallon offers 20+ types champagne by the glass from the world’s most famous purveyors. For an authentic Mexican experience with a twist, opt for a sommelier-guided pairing of bubbly with a tasting of local salts and moles. During the winter, both sites provide a good vantage point for observing the migration of majestic Pacific gray whales who travel here each year from Alaska’s Bering Sea. Breakfast and dinner is served at Don Manuel, where Chef Gustavo Pinet puts his spin on Old World techniques using local, organic ingredients grown specifically for the hotel. Each morning, Su Cocina, the restaurant’s private dining room, becomes a stunning staging ground for a breakfast presentation that would floor any foodie, including a fresh fruit station that is a juice junkie haven.

Ritual Room at the Luna y Mar Spa

Ocean view guestroom

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Sunrise paddleboarding is part of the Luxploration program.

Sunrise view of the reception area at the Resort at Pedregal

Music is an integral part of the ambiance at each of the resort's restaurants.

The famous "El Arco" natural rock arch is minutes from the resort.

Launched this past February, the resort’s Baja Luxploration program (the first of its kind in this region), offers a host of distinct experiences under the direction of experienced naturalists and adventurers who cater to discerning travelers looking for bucket-list-worthy excursions. I utilized the hour-long drive to the aforementioned whale shark expedition to appreciate the natural beauty of the Baja: the juxtaposition of the endless sea on one side with the expanse of desert on the other; the interplay of light and shadow on barren, jagged peaks; and, the colorful religious shrines that peppered the roadside. Arriving in La Paz, we boarded a small boat and set off to “hunt” for whale sharks, which are known to frequent the area between October and March. After an hour of perusing the bay, a dark shadow emerged near the surface of the water, and we rushed to grab our snorkeling gear. After the boat positioned us within several feet of the largest known fish species in existence, we eagerly slid into the water in groups of three along with our guide, who instructed us to stay a few feet away as we swam alongside. 44 slmag.net

It took several tries for everyone to experience a swim-along, as it is easy to become disoriented and set off in the opposite direction from the shark once you enter the water. One of the most unique aspects of the Luxploration program is the combination of adventure with high-end experiences. For example, following our swim with the whale shark, we were treated to a bounteous lunch on a deserted strand of sand where we feasted on octopus ceviche, crab salad and other delicacies. The amount of logistics required to pull off such an elegant set-up was certainly no easy feat, but the staff made it appear effortless. “As an independent resort, we are not afraid to try new things to create magical experience for our guests,” said Flores. Day two of “Luxploring” involved hiking Cañon del Zorro near the base of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains, a lush oasis with an interesting array of flora and fauna and a dramatic 45-foot waterfall. En route we stopped in the tiny town of Santiago to pick up fresh cheese and avocados that would later find their way into our lunch. During our two-hour hike, we

Waterfall in Cañon del Zorro

Whale shark in the Bay of La Paz

Adult pool at sunrise

scaled boulders and slid down a gentle waterfall into a crystalclear pool that provided welcome respite from the desert heat. An authentic, abuela-cooked lunch was enjoyed at a nearby rustic ranch far, far from the beaten path, and definitely the kind of place your average traveler would never discover on their own. The cheese we’d picked up earlier was used to make the most perfect quesadilla: served warm and drizzled with local honey. It was a simple and decadent pleasure I won’t soon forget. Returning back to the resort by late afternoon each day provided us with ample time to enjoy a host of on-site amenities: the adult-only pool with swim-up bar, a family-friendly infinity pool, and the meditation pool at Luna y Mar, a 12,000-squarefoot spa where signature treatments are based on the cycles of the moon. Particularly welcome after a day of hiking, my 60-minute massage began (as all spa treatments here do) with a welcome foot-cleansing ritual that utilizes special herbs selected for their purification attributes. The resort also stages a diverse lineup of activities each week, from cooking demos to surf fishing classes. If

there is anything you need, a team of genuinely service-oriented personal concierge are on call and wholly dedicated to ensuring that your expectations are exceeded. A late afternoon flight allowed us to squeeze in one additional excursion before heading home: paddle boarding at sunrise to Cabo’s iconic Land’s End, the final point on the Baja Peninsula where “El Arco,” a natural rock arch, frames the meeting place of the raucous Pacific Ocean and the placid Sea of Cortez. Within 15 minutes of leaving the hotel, we were gliding across the water and mingling with chatty sea lions who seemed intent on leading the way. After admiring the rock formations on our boards from a safe distance, we made a brief stop for a stroll along Lover’s Beach, a secluded and narrow sliver of beach that straddles the two bodies of water. By the time we returned to dry land, a breakfast spread was waiting for us on the beach. I wrapped up my trip sore (in a good way), satiated, and sun-kissed–an enviable vacation trifecta. sl Accommodations at The Resort at Pedregal from $580/night. For more information or reservations visit theresortatpedregal.com.

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Riesling

Written by Scott Harper, MS

The vineyards surrounding St. Peter and Paul church in Wiesbaden. Photo courtesy of the German National Tourist Board

Riesling is arguably the most misunderstood grape on the planet. The average wine drinker is under the general impression that Riesling is a sweet, inexpensive, low alcohol, German wine with an impossible to understand label. They believe that Riesling does not go well with food, and as such they are not interested in learning more about it because they do not like sweet wine (and sweet wine is for novices that aren’t really into wine). Riesling stereotypes exist because they are partially true. There is a ton of mediocre Riesling that is sweet, simple, and not really worthwhile. Ironically, Riesling is one of the fastest growing grapes in the United States. Wine consumers are starting to learn what wine experts have been saying for years: they love Riesling and consider it to be one of their favorite white wines because they are knowledgeable that the best examples can be dry, mediumdry or lusciously sweet dessert wines. Quality Riesling will also be moderately priced to expensive, have a wide range of alcohol levels, and can come from almost any wine producing country in the world. Riesling is also noteworthy for being one of the few high-quality grapes that excel in cool-to-cold climates such as Germany and Austria. Without the Riesling grape, fine wine in Germany would be sadly diminished. Riesling labels can be easy to understand or complex, but once the complex is defined, it can give you precise information

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Pavilion in the gardens of Wackerbarth Palais wine estate

on where the wine is from and what style it is. Experts also know that Riesling is one of the most food friendly wines on earth. Its naturally high acidity allows it to pair well with spicy food, seafood and fried food, and it makes an excellent aperitif. When pairing a Riesling that is medium-dry with spicy food, the touch of sugar aids in quelling the heat, allowing you to enjoy more of both. It simply goes well with today’s modern cuisine. Riesling can be crisp with flavors of apricots, peaches, green apples, lemon zest and minerals, and it can show terror, or a sense of the place. A Riesling with a little bit of bottle age can also have the flavor and aroma of petrol; while this seems pejorative, it actually is not, as long as it is just a piece in the multiplicity of the flavor. To appreciate Riesling, it is a good idea to know what is dry and crisp really mean. Our taste buds are equipped to sense five things: Sweet, Sour, Bitter Salt and Umami. For the purposes of our discussion about Riesling, we will focus on sweet and sour. Sweet is the presence of sugar in wine. Dry is the absence of sugar in wine. Medium-dry falls somewhere between the two. You usually detect sweetness on the tip of your tongue. To better understand dryness in wine, try this simple demonstration: Place three glasses of water in front of you. Into the first glass of water, pour an entire packet of sugar–this equals sweet. Put a half packet of sugar into the second glass–

Vineyards in Esslingen, one of the oldest wine-growing towns in Württemberg, Germany.

this equals medium-dry. No sugar will be put into the third glass of water–this equals dry. Crisp refers to the acidity in wine, and while sour carries a negative connotation, it really refers to the zippy-crisp component in wine. It typically can be sensed on the sides of your tongue. Let’s take our three glasses of water again. Into the first glass of water squeeze an entire lemon - this would be very crisp or high acid. Into the second glass of water squeeze half of a lemon - this would be crisp or medium acid. Put only a few drops of lemon juice into the third glass of water - this would be low acid or not very crisp. A wine with acid will seem drier because acidity can “clean up” some of the sweetness in wine, making it finish very fresh, clean and most importantly balanced. Don’t be afraid of a wine with a little bit of sweetness especially if balanced with a good measure of acidity. There are a few wines that have a reputation of being dry but really have a touch of sweetness to them, one of them being chardonnay. Selbach Incline, Incline, Mosel, Germany 2015 The name incline refers to the severe slopping vineyards of Mosel. This Riesling has a touch of residual sugar which makes it perfect for spicy or fried foods. All the crisp acidity one expects from Riesling with the flavors of minerals, apricot, green apple

A stop along the German wine route in Maikammer. Photo by Pierre Adenis

and citrus. A great value. Owned by the Selbach family of Selbach-Oster fame. Monchof Mosel, Germany 2015 This is a medium bodied medium dry Riesling. Again, it is perfect for the many Asian dishes with a fair amount of heat. Medium body with lemon, lime, green apple and a touch of white peach. The Monchof Estate which is owned by the Eymaels family is a former Cistercian Abbey which was purchased by the Eymaels in 1804 from Napoleon. Pfeffingen “Estate”, Phalz, Germany, 2014 This is a deliciously dry Riesling, crisp with the flavors of slate, citrus, green apple, peach and apricot. Medium framed and very long. What a perfect wine for seafood. It is like squeezing a fresh lemon on fried calamari. The label adorns a unicorn which is taken from the family crest bestowed in 1622 by Emperor Ferdinand II. Huber Traisental, Austria 2015 Yellow green color with the flavors of wet stone, white peach, nectarine, green apple, lemon zest and grapefruit. A linear, light, dry wine that is crisp and delicious with fried foods. 250-year-old family farm currently ran by Markus Huber. Austrian Riesling is usually easier to find dry and if you can’t find Huber delicious Riesling do try the very good Gruner Veltliner. sl A Certified Wine Educator, Harper is one of 149 professionals in North America and 236 worldwide who have earned the title Master Sommelier.

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Bibliotaph... A Sense of Place

Compiled by Victoria Chase

Interior designer and Missouri native Marshall Watson creates interiors heralded for their subtle melding of transatlantic and American design philosophies. For his first book, Watson shares stunning imagery culled from his most impressive projects, ranging in style and locale from an Italianate village in Los Cabos to a seaside Newport Beach cottage. Marshall Watson–The Art of Elegance: Classic Interiors– Hardcover, 256 pages, Rizzoli (rizzoliusa.com).

JOHN HARRISON

•

home

VISUAL CONVERSATIONS

100% of proceeds benefit the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music’s Harmony Fund

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Lexington, Kentucky, the wealthiest town west of the Alleghenies prior to the Civil War, has retained its rich architectural and cultural history, which has been captured in this book by renowned photographer Pieter Estersohn. Featured properties include Ashland, the former home of Henry Clay, as well as dramatic aerial photographs of famous Bluegrass horse farms. Pieter Estersohn–Kentucky: Historic Houses and Horse Farms of Bluegrass Country–Hardcover, 256 pages, The Monacelli Press (monacellipress.com).

This newly released book transports readers into the homes of 21 Cincinnatians for a behind-the-scenes exploration of the interior design process. Sumptuously photographed by Cincinnati photographer Robert Flischel and expertly narrated by Mercantile Library Executive Director John Faherty, home tells the story of how one New Zealand immigrant, John Harrison, traveled halfway across the globe to make Cincinnati more beautiful one house at a time. The publication is sponsored by the Carol Ann & Ralph V Haile, Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation and proceeds will benefit the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music Harmony Fund. John Faherty (text); Robert Flischel (photographer) – home. visual conversations. – Hardcover, Braughler Books (johnharrisonhome.com)

bib 'li' o 'taph, [bib-lee-uhtaf, -tahf ]: a person who caches or hoards books

Indianapolis native Suzanne Kasler has gone on to become one of the most sought after interior designers in the country, managing top-tier commissions and product lines for the likes of La Cornue, Lee Jofa and Hickory Chair, among others, from her Atlanta office. Her second book highlights her iconic aesthetic, featuring projects from Greenwich, CT to Columbus, GA. Suzanne Kasler, Christine Pittel, Doug Turshen & David Huang–Suzanne Kasler: Timeless Style–Hardcover, 304 pages, Rizzoli (rizzoliusa.com).

Founded 35 years ago in Montgomery, AL, Bobby McAlpine's architecture firm now boasts offices in New York, Atlanta and Nashville. Simultaneously traditional and timeless, a McAlpinedesigned home exhibits English, American and European styles in a forward-thinking fashion. The latest book to showcase his residential work profiles twenty projects, narrated by McAlpine. Bobby McAlpine & Susan Sully–Poetry of Place: The New Architecture and Interiors of McAlpine–Hardcover, 288 pages, Rizzoli (rizzoliusa.com).

Interiors of some of the Chicago area’s greatest buildings, designed by celebrated architects, are brought together and featured in stunning original photographs. This special collection of homes, religious spaces, and commercial and public structures give visual meaning to Frank Lloyd Wright’s belief that “the space within becomes the reality of the building.” Patrick F. Cannon (author), James Caulfield (photographer)–The Space Within: Inside Great Chicago Buildings– Hardcover, 320 pages, Pomegranate (pomegranate.com).

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TRAILBLAZER The all-new BMW X3 Written by Andre James The all-new 2018 BMW X3 was unveiled in late June at the BMW Plant in Spartanburg, SC, where it will be produced alongside the BMW X4, BMW X5, and BMW X6. The plant produced a total of 411,171 BMW X models last year, making it the largest of BMW Group’s global production facilities. Available at certified BMW Centers in November, the exterior dimensions of the all-new BMW X3 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) are largely unchanged, but the wheelbase has been extended by 2.2-inches. For the first time on a BMW X model, the front fascia features a “three-dimensional” kidney grille and fog lights incorporating a hexagonal design. A downward-sloping roof spoiler and twin exhaust tailpipes add to the overall muscular appearance. Another first for the US market is a factory-installed trailer hitch. Distinctive trim elements include Satin aluminum, Silver matte, and 18-inch Y-Spoke wheels with All-season Run Flat Tires. An optional Luxury Package emphasizes the SAV’s elegant character

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with chrome kidney grille bars and two-tone front and rear bumper trim finishers on the exterior and a SensaTec upholstered dashboard on the interior. Larger air intakes in the front apron, side skirt trim and a diffusor-style rear apron are part of optional M Sport Package. For customers seeking the most dynamic BMW X3, M DoubleSpoke 20-inch Wheels with Mixed Performance Run Flat Tires are available as an upgrade. Interior upgrades with the M Sport Package include an M Sport leather steering wheel, M door sill finishers and a SensaTec upholstered dashboard. An ideal 50:50 weight distribution, meticulously honed chassis and xDrive system combine to provide the new BMW X3 with superior handling ability. Intelligent AWD management constantly adjusts the torque bias as the driving situation demands ensuring optimum driving dynamics. The all-new BMW X3 line-up from launch consists of BMW TwinPower Turbo technology 2.0-liter 4-cylinder inline

gasoline engine with Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing and Valvetronic fully variable intake lift, a map-controlled oil pump, electric arc wire-sprayed cylinder barrels, Twin-scroll exhaust turbocharger and electrically adjustable waste gate valve. All models come standard with an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission with shift paddles. The modelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s flagship, the BMW X3 M40i, comes with a 3.0-liter M Performance TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder inline gasoline engine with a best-in-segment sprint of 0 to 60mph in 4.6-seconds and a top speed of 155mph. Inside, the ergonomically optimized layout of the cockpit is driver-focused. Standard 3-zone automatic climate control allows separate temperature controls for the rear compartment from those of the driver and front passenger. The angle of the standard 40:20:40 split/folding rear seat backrests can be adjusted individually and removable backrests greatly expand capacity in

the load compartment. The feeling of roominess can be enhanced via an optional panoramic glass moon roof. A 10.25â&#x20AC;? display with touchscreen technology and iDrive controller are standard. Optional BMW Gesture Control, which debuted on the current BMW 7 Series, allows numerous infotainment, communication, and navigation functions to be operated intuitively using finger and hand gestures. The vehicle can also be controlled using cloud-based Intelligent Voice Control, which offers the most advanced level of natural voice control currently available. Other high-tech features include the BMW Connected app; Intelligent Emergency Call and Teleservice Accident Assistance, a pre-crash accident detection system, the latest generation of Active Cruise Control, and an optional Head-Up Display. In 2003, the BMW X3 was the car the launched the premium compact SAV segment. Today, the all-new BMW X3 aims to write the next chapter in their success story. sl

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Of Note... First Dibs - The Bespoke Home

Compiled by Colin Dennis

Clockwise from top left: From Gentner Design, each Paper 2 bowl is unique and hand-sculpted from brass in Chicago ($150; gentnerdesign.myshopify.com). The base of the Block Case from Apparatus is comprised of molten Swedish Barium crystal formed in a textured graphite mold to give the cooled block the appearance of ice ($1,800; apparatusstudio. com). Custom bubble glass pendant light ($995; viyet.com), Each of these brass bud vases is hand-tarnished and perfect as an individual home accessory or as a whimsical series when combined with the miniature watering can ($800; gentnerdesign.myshopify.com). Curated by the Hutton Wilkinson of the Tony Duquette Studios, these custom throw pillows are covered in cotton with bold triangle motifs in fuschia and metallic gold ($495/pair; viyet.com). Custom-made five-legged cocktail table from James Duncan ($3,380; viyet.com), 1930s Bauhaus-style Italian club chair custom-made for a Roman estate ($3,275; viyet.com)

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This reproduction of an antique French hand-blocked scenic wallpaper is available in custom sizes and colors (price upon request; graciestudio.com).

The Signature Monogram China Collection from Pickard China offers buyers a selection of 24 different monogram fonts in either gold, platinum, or one of six colors, along with their choice of color on the outside band (price upon request; pickardchina.com). This exquisitely detailed marquetry memory box was created by British craftsman in Derbyshire, UK to commemorate a milestone birthday. Each box is entirely custom-made (price upon request; wheat hills.com).

This bespoke bronze Armillary Sphere sculpture by David Harber was made in his Oxfordshire, UK atelier (price upon request; davidharber.co.uk).

Custom-made to order, Kerrie Brown's Silver Walled Garden wallpaper is available on various base papers, including metallic, vinyl, textured canvas, matte and removable (price upon request; kerriebrown.com). Known for its superb craftsmanship and unique styling, Devon & Devon now offers "The Tailored Bathroom" a new project dedicated to bespoke bathroom furnishing solutions. Shown is their Admiral cast iron tub finished in one of more than 500 available colors (price upon request; devon-devon.com).

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unVAILed

An occasional skiers guide to stay and play in Vail Written by Caylee Matthews With the interlaced fingers of my gloved hands securely wrapped around a steaming cup of hot chocolate, and my feet nice and toasty in a pair of chic Dubarry Kilternan boots, I admired the abstract artistry in the offing: colorful specs carved serpentine curves into a pristine blanket of white high atop the mountain. All morning, “fresh powder” was on nearly everyone’s lips as I strolled through the lobby of The Arrabelle and outside to where, just steps away, giddy skiers ascended in the Eagle Bahn gondola to grab rights to first tracks on their favorite runs. As much as I wanted to share in their exuberance, I am a late bloomer when it comes to skiing (and a stubborn learner at that), but as I’ve learned in Vail, finding alternative heart pounding on-mountain activities isn’t a challenge, and making après an extended affair is also a reputable pursuit in these idyllic environs. Enveloped by the White River National Forest, the Town of Vail is an outdoor enthusiasts’ dream in all seasons, but particularly in winter, when some 5,000-acres are transformed into a skiers’ playground. Devoid of the vibrant yellow leaves that are a hallmark of fall in the region, enigmatic “eyes” of leafless aspen trees become prominent and serve as silent observers of this seasonal spectacle; look closely and you may be able to spy a black bear’s “signature” on the bark. 54 slmag.net

Fiercely determined to prove that you can indeed teach an old dog new tricks, I always make a point to use my first day in Vail for a lesson with a private instructor from the Ski School (vail.com). As a newbie adult skier, I’ve found that the professionalism and calm demeanor inherent in their pool of instructors works wonders in building up my confidence. This past season I was joined by a friend who was a nervous first-time skier, and the two of us were paired up with Charlie Baker, one of the most experienced and sought-after instructors at the Ski School, who proved to be worth his weight in gold. He seized on my friend’s athleticism and fearlessness, allowing her to go from a Level 1 to a solid Level 4 after just one day, and helped me iron out some lingering flaws in my form. While I may not have been born to ski, I love working up a sweat in the out-of-doors, so to get my pulse racing on non-ski days, I turned to the Vail Nordic School for guided snowshoeing and cross-country ski tours (vailclubhouse.com/Nordic-center/). Each allowed me to experience a diversity of Rocky Mountain terrain and feel good about joining my skiing travel mates at day’s end to celebrate another day of adventure. Other exhilarating and family friendly ways to zip down the mountain that don’t involve skis include tubing, and the new Forest Flyer Mountain Coaster, whose track winds 3,400 feet down the mountain.

The Arrabelle at Vail Square

Street scene in Vail Village

Working with Charlie Baker (right) from the Vail Ski School

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RockResorts Spa

Living room in a private residence at The Arrabelle

There is no shortage of lodging options for the discerning traveler in Vail, but the place I return to again and again is The Arrabelle at Vail Square (rooms from $335; arrabelle.rockresorts. com). Graced with a prime location in the heart of Lionshead, the luxury resort hotel, designed to mimic the timelessness of storied resorts that dot the European Alps, perfectly encapsulates a highend mountain town vacation. Ranging in size from 550 to more than 2,500 square-feet, the 81 guest rooms and condominiums are supremely comfortable and impeccably maintained. Add to this an outstanding list of creature comforts and attentive service, and you have the recipe for a perfect stay. From the balcony of our guest room, we enjoyed watching intrepid skaters as they made loops around one of Vail’s three ice rinks, and just down the hall, a complimentary indulgent afternoon hot chocolate bar appeared each afternoon to satiate our sweet tooth. For a fitness enthusiast like me, The Arrabelle’s fully equipped gym was a dream. To remedy the inevitable muscle

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Guest Suite at The Arrabelle

Living room in a slopeside private residence at The Arrabelle

soreness resulting from so much physical activity, I made full use of the treatments and amenities available at the 10,000-squarefoot RockResorts Spa. Equally restorative was lounging in The Arrabelle’s rooftop pool and hot tub while gazing over the storybook setting of the village to the mountains beyond. Beginning with a hearty buffet breakfast through a day-ending nightcap, The Arrabelle’s Tavern on the Square restaurant is a constant hub of activity. The restaurant’s outdoor patio at the base of the mountain is ideal for savoring a bacon-infused vodka Bloody Mary, while inside fireside is an ideal place to indulge in chef Paul Wade’s recently revamped menu that puts his unique spin in familiar favorites like Lamb Shank Pot Pie and Bone-in Veal Schnitzel. On each of our ski days we took a break for a sit-down lunch at Bistro Fourteen, a popular spot located at the top of the Eagle Bahn gondola. The high-ceilinged dining room boasts ample windows to take advantage of the views from on high. Their hearty salads proved to be the perfect mid-day

The Arrabelle's rooftop lap pool

Daily afternoon hot chocolate bar at The Arrabelle

One of three ice skating rinks in Vail Village

pick-me-up and for those so inclined, there’s a host of heartier entrée options and a full bar. The altitude and uptick in activity mean that I’m always looking to the next meal, and in Vail there are several culinary institutions, but few have the staying power of Sweet Basil, which opened in 1977 and has remained a favorite of both locals and visitors (sweetbasilvail.com). Situated in the heart of Vail Village, their modern American cuisine is accompanied by a globally sourced wine list of more than 500 selections. Menu standouts that are as pretty on the plate as the palate include the charred octopus, the Alaskan Halibut, Barramundi A La Plancha, and the tastes-like-summer Strawberry Tart. Within the cozy and rustic surroundings of Sweet Basil’s sister restaurant, Mountain Standard, diners are treated to upscale gastro-pub fare cooked over a wood-fired grill (mtnstandard.com). Our favorites among the fire-kissed features included the calamari with pineapple curry, sweet and spicy peppers, Thai basil and

black lime peanuts as well as the Colorado lamb sirloin, served with sweet pepper piperade, charred eggplant, chickpea fritter and basil chimichurri. For me, half the fun of skiing is dressing the part, and shopping could be classified as a sport in Vail, where you can find everything from a kitschy $10 t-shirt in a souvenir shop to a limited edition $15,000 ski jacket at Gorsuch (gorsuch.com). While there are free shuttle options to get you from one side of town to the other, walking in the fresh mountain air on the paved trail that winds along the banks of Gore Creek through the center of town is a simple pleasure that only adds to my running list of Vail’s beguiling attributes. Cozied up to an outdoor fire pit at the base of Lionshead Mountain with my fingers gingerly wrapped around the stem of a champagne flute, I can’t help but think that the sprightly bubbles dancing about mirror my giddy emotions at the end of another action-packed day in Vail. sl

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Curating a Lifestyle: In the Bag

Written by Amelia Jeffers

Spread, clockwise from top left: Two of the most iconic and collectible designer handbags: the Birkin and Kelly. Courtesy, private collector. This group of Louis Vuitton luggage was "wellloved," but still seems like a steal at $2,000. Sold, Garth's Auctioneers & Appraisers. A mid-century clutch by Emilio Pucci. Courtesy, private collector. A vintage Valentino shoulder bag and scarf. Sold, Garth's Auctioneers & Appraisers. A Judith Leiber brushed metal evening purse. Sold, Garth's Auctioneers & Appraisers.

More than just arm candy, a fashion statement, or a status symbol, a good handbag can be a serious investment. Take the Birkin bag by Hermès: the company maintains a waiting list in excess of six years of orders for the iconic bag, and examples nearly always bring more on the secondary market than retail direct from the French manufacturer. Recognized as the most collectible and best investment among designer handbags, Birkins grow in value based on two sound principles: scarcity and quality. Each Birkin is carefully constructed under the strictest controls, using the finest materials available. Only a handful are released each year, with custom-designed bags quickly becoming a coveted accessory when spotted on the red carpet. Drawing on what we know about how growth in value occurs, a Birkin passes the supply:demand ratio test with flying colors. In May, a new auction record was set when a 2015 gold and diamond-encrusted Birkin raced to $380,000 at Christie’s in Hong Kong.

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But, there is life beyond Birkin for those of us in a more, ahem, modest price range. Great, timeless bags by Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior and others are readily available through a variety of resellers thanks to the “great American downsize”. As more and more baby boomers hit retirement age, estate sales, auctions and online consignment stores have seen a remarkable increase in the supply of luxury goods. Simultaneously, as savvy buyers have become conditioned to the concept of buying second-hand, demand has followed. Buying and selling designer handbags has become big business, with big returns; some analysts have reported that annual returns for handbag investments consistently outperformed the New York Stock Exchange. However, the difference in risk is notable: while you may be subject to Apple’s stock dropping due to the latest public relations issue, you don’t have to worry that someone has faked the stock. On the

contrary, the luxury handbag market is full of fakes - even “superfakes”, so named because they are incredibly difficult to discern. When entering the luxury handbag market, it is imperative that collectors buy from reputable dealers and educate themselves on authentic marks and construction. The most coveted names in vintage handbag collecting remain among the top designers today. Expect to pay a premium for these names, especially when buying from an expert, reputable dealer or auction company. Names like Judith Leiber, Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy and Prada are coveted brands with a strong following, but they are faked less frequently than brands at the top-tier of the collecting world:Chanel, Hermès and Louis. As a result, they can sneak through a smaller-selling venue without attracting the same attention as their headline-making counterparts, making them a better alternative for buyers looking to get into the game. At

a national auction company, a bidder would expect to pay in the four-figure range for any of the top brands. Take another step back and include makers like Emilio Pucci, Dior, Tom Ford and Versace, and the secondary buying market offers tremendous opportunity to acquire a great deal, often below $1,000. Looking for a fun and risk-free way to kick off a collecting habit? Start with 20th century bags by relatively unknown makers for under $100. Up the style game and join the hunt in the hot collecting world of vintage handbags. Some of my favorite sites include (of course) smaller auction venues like Selkirk in St. Louis and Garth’s in Columbus, but also 1stdibs.com, therealreal.com, and scouring local estate and tag sales in tony neighborhoods. Happy hunting!. sl Amelia Jeffers is an nationally-known auctioneer and appraiser who has worked in the fine art, antiques and bespoke collectibles market for over 20 years.

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WELL SUITED Compiled by Victoria Chase

Ralph Lauren Purple Label Anthony wool sharkskin suit ($2,495; ralphlauren.com)

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Clockwise from top left: Limited edition Bovet Virtuoso VIII 10-Day Flying Tourbillon Big Date chronograph ($199, 800 bovet.com), Zenith Chronomaster El Primero Grande Date Full Open chronograph ($10,700; zenith-watches.com), Limited-edition Bell & Ross 03-92 Horolum ($3,400), Longines 44mm Conquest V.H.P chronograph ($2,000; longines.com)

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Versace fall/winter 2017-18 (versace.com) Photo by Carlo Scarpato

Louis Vuitton fall/winter 2017-18 (louisvuitton.com)

Tonello fall/winter 2017-18 (tonello.net)

Giorgio Armani fall/winter 2017-18 (giorgioarmani.com)

Gucci Cruise 2017 (gucci.com)

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Clockwise from top left: Shinola Runwell backpack ($995; shinola.com), No.424 coin pouch from BillyKirk ($49; billykirk.com), Montblanc Westside double gusset briefcase ($1,150; montblanc.com), RSB Gents bespoke umbrella from Fox Umbrellas (from $285; foxumbrellas.com), Knox belt in matte balck python from Upton ($240; uptonbelts.com), Sterling silver, wood and semi-precious stone Retro TV cufflinks from Jan Leslie ($695; janleslie.com) Photo by Razor Creative Labs, Pat Flynn men's 22K gold and forged iron nail bracelet ($1,575; patflynninc.com), Montblanc Heritage Rouge & Noir Tropic Brown special edition pen ($605; montblanc.com), Revo Relay singlasses with Stealth Serilium lenses ($229; revo.com)

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Sophisticated Source

Glam metallics, moody hues and uptown vibes usher in a fashion-forward fall. by Elise Hofer Shaw

SPARKLE AND POP Sparkling Cluster sapphire and aquamarine pendant set in platinum; sapphire and aquamarine necklace set in platinum; sapphire and aquamarine

ring set in platinum; sapphire and aquamarine earrings set in platinum; and sapphire and aquamarine bracelet set in platinum, all price upon request at Harry Winston, 312.705.1820.

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HELLO MERLOT Clockwise from top left: Sunrise, oil on canvas (32” x 38”), $2,200, by Janet Trierweiler, janettrierweiler.com. Janet Trierweiler is showing at Jesse Chicago/

Home Element during the RNDD Fall Gallery Walk on Sept. 8 (4-9PM), rivernorthdesigndistrict.com. Serpent vase in red crystal, $7,300, at Lalique in the Design Center at theMART, 312.867.1787. Vintage Moroccan kilim rug, $745, at Jayson Home, 773.248.8180. Caramella D’Amore eau de parfum, $110 (50ml) or $165 (100ml), by Il Profvmo at ilprofvmo.com. Coline wings suede sandal in burgundy, $1,595, by Giuseppe Zanotti at Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue, 312.642.5900. Velvet cushion with snake embroidery, $1,400, by Gucci Décor at gucci.com. LouLou monogram small velvet shoulder bag, $1,850, by Saint Laurent at Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue, 312.642.5900. Vintage Louis XVI side chair, $299, at Jayson Home, 773.248.8180. Moël 2 loveseat, from $4,290, by Inga Sempé at Ligne Roset, 312.846.1080. M’ama Non M’ama bracelet in rose gold with cabochon garnet, $1,750, at Pomellato, 312.649.9720. Villa earrings, $890, at Brilliant Earth, 312.265.6980. Maroon pendant necklace from the 1970s, $185, by Trifari at Ladybug Vintage, ladybugvintage.com. Garland top, $1,255, and leather wrap belt $1,060, both by Roksanda at Neapolitan Collection, Winnetka, 847.441.7784. (The full look is available at roksanda.com.) Large flower brooch in silk, $1,130, at Gucci, 312.664.5504. Handmade Atcha Rug, price upon request, by Atelier Fevrier at Atelier Gary Lee in the Design Center at theMART, 312.644.4400.

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FACE VALUE

Lovers Embrace, mixed media on acrylic (30” x 30”), $4,000, by Matthew Lew, matthewlew.com. Matthew Lew is showing at Glenview Haus during the RNDD Fall Gallery Walk on Sept. 8 (4-9PM), rivernorthdesigndistrict.com.

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INTO DARKNESS Clockwise from top left: Candlesticks in oxidized bronze finish, $540 or $900 depending on height, by Ted Muehling for E.R. Butler & Co. at Kneen & Co.,

773.355.4913. Crocodile sculpture in black crystal from the Nature Sauvage collection, $1,350, at Lalique Chicago Showroom in the Design Center at theMART, 312.867.1787. Porcini side table in black ceramic, $1,290, by Lorenza Bozzoli at DEDON in the Design Center at theMART, 312.982.7555. Mountain crystal and ebony pendant necklace, $800, by Monies at Elements, 312.642.6574. Hand-engraved cuff bracelet in Black Gold (DLC treatment on white gold) set with diamonds, price upon request, at Buccellati, 312.600.9224. Houndstooth and glen plaid coat, $1,925, by Stella McCartney at Nordstrom stores. Navy Sedella faux fur coat, $1,400, by Nili Lotan at VMR, 312.649.6673. (The full look is available at nililotan.com.) Black leather dress, $3,490, at La Perla, 312.494.0400. Studded fuzzy platform bootie, $1,250, by Miu Miu at Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue, 312.642.5900. Black and white striated snakeskin small Lunch bag, $1,290, by Proenza Schouler at Barneys New York, 312.587.1700. Kastehelmi bowl, $50, by Oiva Toikka for Iittala at Bloomingdale’s Medinah Home, 312.324.7500. Ceramic Young Tree floor lamp, price upon request, by Se Collections at Atelier Gary Lee in the Design Center at theMART, 312.644.4400. Lemonade Series 3, Anna photograph (17.25” x 17.25” framed), $775, by Erika Dufour at Gild Assembly, 312.528.7825. Inherit the Dust by Nick Brandt (D.A.P.), $65, at Barneys New York, 312.587.1700. Inside Out Pod oiled bronze bowl, $525, by Branch at Elements, 312.642.6574.

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NATURAL SELECTION Tenuta Moriano white oak flooring with hand-chiseled surface texture and oil

finish from the Farmhouse Collection, $11.09 per 6â&#x20AC;&#x2122; length, at Divine Flooring in LuxeHome at theMART, 844.634.8463.

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UPTOWN FUNK Clockwise from top left: 75 Years of Capitol Records (Taschen), $150, at Barneys New York, 312.587.1700. Rabbit fur pillow, $295, by Adrienne Landau at Barneys

New York, 312.587.1700. Check shetland wool pillow, $110, by Tom Dixon at Barneys New York, 312.587.1700. Leather platform clog in Wine color, $590, by Simon Miller at Barneys New York, 312.587.1700. Metal frame, round, rimless sunglasses with gold lenses, $265, at Versace, 312.445.9750. Marilyn corduroy suede baseball cap, $150, by Rag & Bone at Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue, 312.642.5900. Kariba compact-knit ankle boots, $1,095, by Gianvito Rossi at Barneys New York, 312.587.1700. Brass legs sculpture, $1,495, by Kelly Wearstler at Elements, 312.642.6574. Flower Vase, silver on blue edition of three, hand painting/silkscreen/diamond dust, 2016 (56â&#x20AC;? x 42â&#x20AC;?), $14,000, by Rubem Robierb, rubemrobierb.com. Rubem Robierb is showing at Lightology during the RNDD Fall Gallery Walk on Sept. 8 (4-9PM), rivernorthdesigndistrict.com. Kan I medium velvet shoulder bag, $7,150, by Fendi at Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue, 312.642.5900. Lip Maestro Drama, $38, by Armani at Barneys New York, 312.587.1700. J.J. armchair, price upon request, by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia at Luminaire, 312.664.9582. Twentieth-century French table lamp, $3,500 for a pair, at The Golden Triangle, 312.755.1266. Lion head ring with Swarovski black crystal, $410, at Gucci, 312.664.5504. Tartan jacket, $2,265, and fitted button-up blouse, $1,050, both by Miu Miu at Neapolitan Collection, Winnetka, 847.441.7784. (The full looks are available at miumiu.com.)

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ANIMAL INSTINCT Atlas, Portraits in Evolution from the Wabi Sabi Series, polyester fiber with pigmented ink, charcoal and acrylic (5â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;), $12,000, by Adam Siegel, adamsiegel.com. Adam Siegel is showing at The Golden Triangle during the RNDD Fall Gallery Walk on Sept. 8 (4-9PM, including a special event from 8-10PM), rivernorthdesigndistrict.com.

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HEAVY METALS Clockwise from top left: Glitter ombre flat knuckle clutch bag, $1,795, by Alexander McQueen at Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue, 312.642.5900. Chain Mail

Seau mini bucket bag, $1,350, by Paco Rabanne at Barneys New York, 312.587.1700. Paloma’s Groove wide ring in 18K gold, $2,300, at Tiffany & Co., 312.944.7500. City leather loafer pumps, $980, by Fabrizio Viti at Barneys New York, 312.587.1700. Gold necklace from the 1980s, $565, by Yves Saint Laurent at Ladybug Vintage, ladybugvintage.com. Etch tea light holder, $65, by Tom Dixon at Barneys New York, 312.587.1700. Via Fondazza vases, $130-$176, by Paolo Dell’Elce for Skultuna 1607 at Gild Assembly, 312.528.7825. Gilt collection tile with antique gold leaf finish, price upon request, by Michael S. Smith for Ann Sacks at LuxeHome in theMART, 312.923.0919. Journal/Light silk, linen and wool rug (8’ x 10’ shown, custom sizes available), price upon request, by Francine Turk for Lapchi at Lapchi Rug Design Studio in the Design Center at theMART, 312.321.0090. Midcentury coffee table with original glass, $4,900, at The Golden Triangle, 312.755.1266. Bronze Khetan bench, price upon request, by Elan Atelier Collection at Atelier Gary Lee in the Design Center at theMART, 312.644.4400. Orbit sculpture, $165, at Jayson Home, 773.248.8180. Attraction gold and platinum milk pot, $232, by Raynaud at Elements, 312.642.6574. Cabot trench, $3,495, and Vesta pant, $1,195, both by Gabriela Hearst at Neapolitan Collection, Winnetka, 847.441.7784. Folly Elusive skirt, $2,675, by Zimmermann at VMR, 312.649.6673. (The full look is available at zimmermannwear.com.)

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New Coworking OfďŹ ces

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EXHIBITIONS

ON VIEW SEPT 16–DEC 31 Explore the inﬂuential artist’s endless personae in this career-spanning exhibition, here on its only stop outside of LA. This comprehensive survey concludes a year in which every artist featured in our galleries is a woman. COMING THIS WINTER

Organized by The Broad.

V I S I T W E X A R T S .O R G F O R R E L AT E D E V E N T S A N D D E TA I L S .

ALL OF EVERYTHING: TODD OLDHAM FASHION FEB 3–APR 15, 2018

G E N E R O U S S U P P O RT F O R C I N D Y S H E R M A N : I M I TAT I O N O F L I F E

CR ANE FAMILY FOUNDATION THE ROBERT MAPPLETHORPE FOUNDATION

A D D I T I O N A L S U P P O RT F O R C I N D Y S H E R M A N : I M I TAT I O N O F L I F E

AGNES GUND

DANA AND BRENT ADLER SUSAN TOMASK Y AND RON UNGVARSK Y

SAM AND GIGI FRIED

DEEDEE AND HERB GLIMCHER

ARLENE AND MICHAEL WEISS

FROM TOP

MATRIX PSYCHOLOGIC AL SERVICES/ VISUALOPATHY

WEXNER CENTER FOR THE ARTS | THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY | WEXARTS.ORG |

Untitled #574, 2016 Dye sublimation metal print, 46 x 39 in. The Broad Art Foundation

Untitled #92, 1981 Chromogenic color print, 24 x 48 in. The Eli and Edythe L. Broad Collection

Untitled Film Still #58, 1980 Gelatin silver print, 8 x 10 in. The Broad Art Foundation

Images courtesy of the artist and Metro Pictures, New York

@WEXARTS #THEWEX #ALLWOMENALLYEAR

Flanked by antiqued mirror-paneled walls, Margeaux Brasserie boasts burgundy leather banquettes and a zinc-topped bar.

FRENCH CONNECTION

Michael Mina brings his celebrated cooking to Chicago—and gives a homegrown rising star his biggest chance to shine—at Margeaux Brasserie. By Joel Hoglund / Photography by Anthony Tahlier The news hit in February like a lightning bolt: Michael Mina is coming to Chicago. The James Beard Award-winning chef and founder of Mina Group—the culinary powerhouse behind 30 restaurants around the world, including Michelin-starred flagship Michael Mina in San Francisco—would open an all-day classic French brasserie at the Waldorf Astoria Chicago, with a smaller café patisserie added on to boot. To say that Mina, born in Cairo, Egypt, and raised in Washington state, is a man of many culinary talents is an understatement. His portfolio ranges from tasting-menu fine dining to steak houses, ramen to pizza. But the shape-shifting chef chose the hearty French fare of Margeaux Brasserie for his first outing in the Midwest “because of the bold, craveable flavors and the exquisite technique that French cooking 76 slmag.net

requires,” he says. “It’s simple, straightforward and allows exceptional ingredients to shine. The cooking technique at Margeaux is classically French, but we are showcasing beautiful regional ingredients that have been sourced from all around the Midwest.” To add that regional authenticity, Mina tapped Chicagoland native Brent Balika as executive chef. The 35-year-old Culinary Institute of America grad, a globe-trotting Mina Group corporate executive sous chef, spent time as chef de cuisine at Billy Lawless’ The Dawson in West Town, but Margeaux is his biggest stage yet in his hometown. “I’m thrilled that we were able to bring chef Brent on board,” says Mina. “It’s so important to have a team that’s part of the local community, and to know the local farmers, purveyors and guests. It’s been so wonderful to collaborate with him on menu ideas.”

Executive chef Brent Balika holding Margeaux Brasserieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grand seafood towerÂ

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Warm tomato tatin with puff pastry, camembert and pistou

Fast-forward to late July and I’m stepping from a muted, gray-and-white hotel hallway into a bar from another era. I can picture Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald’s heels clicking over the goldembossed name Margeaux at the marble-tiled threshold, Picasso waving the champagne cart over to his burgundy-leather booth, Hemingway holding court at the zinc-topped bar, raconteuring beneath the brass liquor shelves suspended from the ceiling. The adjacent dining room, with its view onto the designer boutiques of Rush Street below, doesn’t so much break the bar’s been-here-for-a-century spell as remind local diners that they don’t have to endure an eight-hour flight for an evening of French elegance. Rich wood paneling, antiqued-mirror walls, and comfy high-back leather chairs link the spaces. There’s thought in every detail, from the gold trim around the white china to the same amber-hued water glasses you’d sip from at a sidewalk café in the Marais. Margeaux Brasserie’s sultry, Paris-1920s ambience—courtesy of L.A. design firm Bishop Pass—never feels like a put-on, it’s just the natural environment to complement the classic French cocktails and cuisine.

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Both the upbeat atmosphere and the menu are versatile enough for a quick app at the bar or a special-occasion dinner. My date and I are treating our visit as the latter. We toast à santé with my summery Islands in the Stream cocktail—a balancing act of sweet and bitter flavors with Citadelle gin, coconut cream, lime and amaro—and her genteel Lovable Trixter—made with Aylesbury Duck vodka, raspberry and rhubarb spiked with champagne—before our first dish arrives. And it’s one I’ll dream of until my dying day. That first forkful of the warm tomato tatin feels like sinking into a five-star-hotel feather bed. The buttery puff pastry holds its delicate crunch beneath a spread of savory camembert and an arrangement of succulent local cherry tomatoes topped with greens dressed in smoked tomato vinaigrette. We’re not the only ones in love—chef Brent counts this simple dish among his favorites too. “The tomato tatin is just spot-on,” he says. “It’s such a satisfying dish—so fresh and vibrant and juicy, with some fattiness from the cheeses and the puff pastry. There’s a lot of flavors going on.”

Sweet corn and leek velouté with black truffle and Maryland blue crab

Salade niçoise with hearts of lettuce, confit tuna, haricot vert and lemon-garlic aïoli

Dover sole meunière with white asparagus, brown butter and lemon confit

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Arctic char aux lentilles with sunchoke chips and beluga lentils

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Dry-aged Rohan duck breast with Michigan cherry, chanterelle and cognac jus

At many restaurants an hors d’oeuvre of this caliber would be a mic-drop moment, but the hits keep coming. Flavorful hunks of tuna confit, crisp haricot vert, hearts of lettuce and wee pickled eggs make up a meal-worthy salade Niçoise. The must-have sweet corn and leek velouté, poured tableside over a mound of Maryland blue crab laced with black truffle, is a heavenly delight I wish I could mainline to make it through the winter months. Moving on to the generous plats principaux, a rich, meaty fillet of arctic char comes forested in a gorgeous plate of earthy beluga lentils studded with fresh herbs, diced root vegetables and crispy sunchoke chips, creating a pleasant texture balance and deep flavor. Its only fault is that it arrives alongside my date’s Dover sole meunière, a dish whose aroma alone could stop traffic. Set on a raft of white asparagus, the clean, mildly sweet fish is blanketed in a soul-warming roasted brown butter sauce dotted with parsley, tiny brioche croutons and bits of confit lemon that add irresistible pops of citrus. Nishaan, a genial manager in town from Mina Group’s San Francisco

headquarters, pours two impeccable pairings—a beautiful red Gamay, the Chateau Thivin Brouilly Reverdon Beaujolais, to complement the earthy arctic char, and a vibrant Failla Chardonnay from Sonoma with strong green apple notes to balance the buttery sole. Again I think, that course will be difficult to follow, but another of Balika’s favorites awaits. The dry-aged Rohan duck breast is the ideal illustration of the kitchen’s strengths. “It’s one of those dishes that is just three ingredients—duck, chanterelles and Michigan cherries,” says Balika. “We’re really allowing each individual ingredient to speak for itself and shine.” Indeed, the perfect pink duck arrives glistening beneath its crackling, justright skin. It comes with a side of cognac duck jus infused with fresh cherries that opens up each bite and provides “a backbone to all those flavors,” as Balika says. It is so memorable that we can’t help but hope it’ll be exactly the same each time we return, but like every dish using seasonal ingredients, Balika says they will update it as the year goes on. slmag.net

Margeaux Brasserie’s beverage program pays tribute to the café culture of Paris.

Executive Chef Brent Balika

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Runaway Bride cocktail with Dubonnet Rouge, Espolón tequila, yellow chartreuse Pierre Ferrand orange curaçao and celery bitters

The back dining space flaunts floor-toceiling views of the Gold Coast.

Roasted rack of lamb with fresh chick peas, piquillo pepper and lamb rib croustillantÂ

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Grand macaron with fresh raspberry and milk chocolate crémeux

The pièce de résistance may be the roasted rack of lamb. Pink and tender and expertly cooked—I’d expect no less at this point—the delectable chops get a boost from fresh green chick peas, sweet whole baby onions, piquillo peppers that provide a nice punch, and a croustillant stuffed with lamb rib that feels like a delicious deep-fried indulgence alongside all the surprisingly light dishes we’ve sampled. That Balika’s execution throughout the meal is so flawless comes as no surprise when you consider one of the first kitchens he worked in—as part of his culinary school externship—was Charlie Trotter’s. “It was an amazing experience,” says Balika, “being 19 years old and being part of one of the best restaurants in the country at the time, surrounded by chefs like Homaru Cantu, Curtis Duffy, Matthias Merges, Giuseppe Tentori, they were all there at that time—it was such an amazing training ground.” Balika’s first job with the Mina Group was as a cheese maker and pastry chef at Mina’s Bourbon Steak in Washington, D.C., so it’s also no surprise to see well curated artisanal cheeses rolling through the restaurant on the chariot de fromage, 84 slmag.net

nor Pastry Chef Ashley Torto’s immaculate, picture-perfect Valrhona chocolate grand macaron arriving for dessert. Dollops of milk and white chocolate crémeux and fresh Michigan raspberries form an artful checkerboard between two moist meringue cookies, and melted chocolate sauce is poured over top tableside for a bit of theater. Adding to the drama, Nishaan has gleefully unearthed a bottle of vintage 1863 Reserva Velha Barbeito Madeira, a princely wine that, like many exceptional bottles from Margeaux’s extensive list, has been in the cellar since the space housed Danny Grant’s Ria. The dessert and wine pair for a decadent, lose-yourself moment. As I’m about to release that long, gratified sigh that heralds the end of a deeply satisfying meal, as if on cue, moans of pleasure float over from the next table. A group of six has just begun swapping bites of their first round of hors d’oeuvres, none of which we’d had the room to try—a baguette slathered in truffle butter and warm camembert, escargots à la bordelaise, roasted bone marrow, lobster bouillabaisse. Note to self: Next time, bring more friends. sl

GARY IN REAL LIFE For iconic Chicago designer Gary Lee, home is always where the art is. By Matt Lee / Photography by James Gustin for Fig Media We all have the power to imagine our own lives. Few, however, have done so with the brilliance of Gary Lee. The founder of Chicago design house Gary Lee Partners (garyleepartners. com), Lee started out in life as a young man with a passion for creativity. Over the decades, that seemingly limitless fountain of inspiration has come to manifest itself in every facet of his life—from his businesses to his living spaces to his personal interests. “My passion is anything creative, and really good design,” he says, offering a tour of his stunning residence on the 24th floor of One Magnificent Mile, near the corner of Michigan Avenue and Oak Street. Towering over The Drake Hotel with massive, untreated floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the most “downtown” part of downtown and the lake in all their glory, the spacious residence is innately majestic. Refined by decades of hard work and countless projects (for example the Landmark Club at The Ritz-Carlton Residences on Erie Street, the Park Hyatt Chicago on Michigan Avenue and Soho House Chicago to gorgeous private residences across Chicagoland as well as in Aspen and New York), Lee’s aesthetic not only respects, but enhances the natural serenity of the space. Creative yet calming, eclectic yet cohesive, the residence bares the understated touch of a master—a home that’s simultaneously stimulating and peaceful. In short, it exhibits the singular knack for “nailing it” that has made Lee and his firm of 30 designers among the most soughtout visionaries for blue-chip commercial projects, residences and hospitality endeavors in the country.

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Gary Lee at his One Magnificent Mile home in the Gold Coast

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Painting #105 (48” x 48” acrylic on canvas) by Gary Lee, antique Foo Dog from Lee’s private collection

“I enjoy spaces that are very clean and well organized,” says Lee, settling into an impossibly wide gray leather vintage sofa. “Kind of like here. It doesn’t matter to me whether the space is light or dark colored, but natural light is important… I like mixing things that don’t seem to go together at first, but end up looking like they should go together.” His residence is a prime example. The living room features, in Lee’s words, a bit of the “best of the best” of items he’s collected in his real and metaphorical travels over the years. It also showcases work from the two other major entities of his business, a furniture line (Chai Ming Studios) and a showroom in The Merchandise Mart (Atelier Gary Lee). The coffee table, for example, is vintage Gae Aulenti. The D’Urso sofa, from the ’70s, has “been upholstered many times, but it’s still beautiful to me.” The colorful artwork that adorns the walls consists of both pieces by young artists, such as Markus Linnenbrink, purchased over the years, as well as Lee’s own work. The space is also acutely impacted by two of Chai Ming Studios’ own creations: a limited-edition Gem table with an amethyst top, cast in bronze and plated in black nickel, and an eye-catching Aurora credenza. One of the collection’s more popular items, the credenza is finished in layers of lacquer that come together to create an inimitably rich texture.

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Clockwise from top left: Credenza by Florence Knoll from Knoll, chair by Christian Astuguevieille, Gem side table by Chai Ming Studios, paintings #105 and #90 (both 48” x 48” acrylic on canvas) by Gary Lee, vintage Barovler & Toso vase, vintage D’Urso sofa from Knoll, vintage Jumbo table by Gae Aulenti from Knoll, Tugendhat chairs by Mies van der Rohe from Gratz Industries, Pouenat Volk side tables by Tristan Auer Painting by Marcus Linnenbrink, Aurora credenza by Chai Ming Studios (the furniture design firm Gary Lee established in 2011) and Lee’s private collection of eyeglass cases

Vase by Christian Astuguevieille

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Erasmo table and Bilou Bilou chairs from Promemoria, Dahlia, Ewing, NJ, 2015 photograph by Gary Lee, painting by Marcus Linnenbrink, Aurora credenza by Chai Ming Studios

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Antique quilt (found in Bucks County, Penn.) from Gary Lee’s private collection

While few might be able to pull off the all-angles approach, Lee is connecting the dots on a different level, and the design is cohesive in a way that, in some ways, defies description. “It never looks the same,” he says of his residence. He pauses. “I like the freedom to just let it all kind of happen. If you really want the answer, my style is eclectic. It’s no-rules eclectic. It’s not trendy. It’s not wild. It’s not bold. It’s quiet.” Lee has lived in the residence for more than 20 years, and it has been a constant work-in-progress, evolving concurrently with Lee’s constantly evolving business. Today, he splits his time between Chicago; a residence in New York, where his partner, Lewis, is based; and a home on the Delaware River, about an hour and a half outside Manhattan. Originally from the suburbs of Detroit, he attended the prestigious Cranbrook Schools and the University of Michigan, where he first intended on pursuing medicine. His creative spirit, however, won out, and he switched to the School of Architecture and Design. A long, rewarding succession of various design positions followed. “I eventually got a job in Chicago, and I’ve had some of my best opportunities here,” he says. “The longest job I had, I had up until I opened my own company. I worked for an international interior design firm that no longer exists. The experience I had working there for 10 years… it was amazing. I learned so much. Then, in 1993, I opened my own practice.”

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Painting by Patrick Webb, limited edition Gem side table by Chai Ming Studios (polished black nickel finish on cast bronze base with amethyst top) Moroso Witch chair by Tord Boontje, limited edition Gem side table by Chai Ming Studios

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Molin France, Charolles, bowl from Takashimaya, limited edition Medallion table by Chai Ming Studios (gunmetal base with tigerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eye top) Painting by Prudencio Irazabal, Ribbon chair by Patrick Norguet for Cappellini

Vintage mirror by Stendig, Morose Witch chair by Tord Boontje, sculpture (in foreground) by Herbert Hamak

People who make their mark as Lee has don’t succeed by accident, but it’s unlikely that, when he started out, even he knew how strongly his vision would resonate. Through it all, though, he hasn’t lost the pure creative joy that led him to his life in the first place. Far from it. While he enjoys the diversity of what he does, he says, his first love remains designing. And about a year and a half ago, he began painting again—religiously carving out time each weekend to do so. “It’s become a very integral part of my creative exploration,” he says. “When I started, I hadn’t painted in many years, and I was both excited and intimidated. It’s been a game-changer for me. It brings me great joy.” sl

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GL OW

Mariani Landscape designed planters around the perimeter of the space that provide privacy and tranquility while still framing the stunning views.

UP IN THE ATMOSPHERE By Taylor Morgan / Photography by Linda Oyama Bryan

The Chicago skyline. It’s a point of pride for every card-carrying

At the southwest corner of the terrace sits an outdoor kitchen

Chicagoan. No matter how long you’ve lived here, every once

boasting a Fisher & Paykel grill and Danver cabinetry with fridge

in awhile you’re bound to catch yourself pausing, head tilted

drawers, so the Mariani Landscape design team positioned a high-

back in full marvel of its beauty. So when a family moved into a

top bar and an eight-seat, Brown Jordan table parallel to the lake

Streeterville penthouse on North Water Street in 2012, inheriting

close by. And to maximize usage on cool nights and long into the

a 270-degree city view from their private terrace, they knew they’d

fall, a poshly appointed lounge area (think Barlow Tyrie couches

spend as much time out there as Mother Nature would permit. “The homeowners wanted to transform the terrace into a space that could be used for easy al fresco entertaining,” says Colleen Barkley, design manager at Mariani Landscape, the Lake Bluff-based landscape firm charged with its design. “And to really make the space feel personalized and unique, we peppered in pieces from the couple’s extensive travels to Asia.” Not

and chairs, and Crate & Barrel decor accents) complete with a custom fire pit by Ore makes for a cozy corner for small groups. As for the foliage throughout, Mariani went with a modern aesthetic and kept the elements in mind, selecting autumn moor grass and prairie dropseed for the sunken boarders, hydrangeas for eye-level texture, and seasonal annuals for pops of color, while

obstructing the sweeping sight lines of the city was a priority for

peppering in birch trees to help muffle the sounds of the city.

the homeowners, so Mariani Landscape (marianilandscape.com)

“Many of the of the planters were built on-site because they were

meticulously placed custom raised planters by SH Bertucci around

too big to take up the elevator,” points out Barkley. “But it was

the perimeter of the open-air, 28th-floor space, providing privacy

so worth it. They use the terrace well into the fall for everything

and tranquility while still framing the stunning panorama. Flow—

from morning coffee to evening dinner parties. It’s their private

from inside to outside, from end to end—was key.

garden oasis in the sky.”

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Distinguished by foliage-filled planters, each space on the rooftop terrace is clearly defined for entertaining guests and hosting alfresco dinner parties.

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Entertaining at The “Marble Palace” Create an unforgettable experience for your guests. Steps from Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, The Driehaus Museum exemplifies the opulence and drama of Chicago’s Gilded Age. Guests enter the breathtaking two-story Main Hall, adorned by seventeen different types of marble, onyx, and alabaster. Atop the marble staircase is the mansion’s third floor Ballroom, an elegant space for seated dinners, cocktail receptions, or presentations. Please contact our experienced event planners at DriehausMuseum.org/SpecialEvents or 312-874-5912 to learn more.

40 East Erie, Chicago IL 312-482-8933 DriehausMuseum.org Top image: Photograph by Michael Monar, Left image top: Photograph by Eager Hearts Photography Co., Left image bottom: Photograph by Matt Ferguson

In one year, each child Bernie’s Book Bank serves will receive a total of 12 quality children’s books to take home and call their own. Photo by Susan Ryan Kalina

THE NEVER-ENDING STORY Bernie’s Book Bank closes the literacy gap with free books for kids in need. By Alexandra Sabbag Getting lost in a good book has become a luxury. Who has the time to lounge around with a hot cup of tea and a whimsical love story or adventure-seeking tale of survival with work and family obligations looming? Especially with easy-access blogs and podcasts right in the palm of your hand. And hardcover classics are so bulky, right? These are all fair points in the age of fast and furious digital information, but in terms of quality of life, can we really compare screen time to time spent enjoying the company of a good book? As busy adults, making time for mental escapes like reading needs to be a priority. According to the American Psychological Association, chronic stress is linked to the six leading causes of death: heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver and suicide. And more than 75 percent of all physician office visits are for stress-related ailments and complaints. For children, carving out one-on-one reading time is important on multiple fronts: Reading books aloud to children stimulates their imagination and expands their understanding of the world. It helps them develop language and listening skills and prepares them to understand the written word. But for kids who don’t have access to books, these tools are out of reach. According to begintoread.com, the numbers are staggering: Two-thirds of low-income students who cannot read proficiently by the end of the fourth grade will end up in jail or on welfare. And according to the Handbook of Early Literacy Research, Volume 2, the current ratio of books per child in the U.S. is 13 to 1 for middle-income neighborhoods. But in low-income neighborhoods, the spread is one book for every 300 kids. Our nation’s literacy gap not only hinders the growth and development of our future leaders, but it also puts a huge

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economic burden on the government. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than $2 billion is spent each year on students who are forced to repeat a grade because they can’t read. That’s an alarming statistic to swallow when the solution is as simple as access to books. And yet it exists because too many children just don’t have the economic means to obtain the books they need to succeed. Enter Bernie’s Book Bank (berniesbookbank.org), a nonprofit devoted to finding an answer to Chicago’s literacy crisis. Founded in 2009 by Brian Floriani in his garage in Lake Bluff, Ill., what began as an acknowledgment that books are a simple necessity that opens doors for at-risk children has evolved into a mega book bank that places 12 books per year in the hands of more than 330,000 children from birth through sixth grade. The org strategically targets kids ages 1 through 5 as those are the most formative years for literacy development. Here’s how it works: Books are sourced through new and used resources (including individual donations, corporate and civic book drives, and more than a dozen publishers and distributors such as ABDO Publishing, Albert Whitman & Company, Lerner Publishing Group, Independent Publishers Group, Cottage Door Press, Follett, Better World Books, Weigl Educational Publishers and Book Depot), taken to the 35,000-square-foot book bank facility in Lake Bluff, meticulously sorted by teams of volunteers, and bagged for distribution. Then, Bernie’s Book Bank distributes the books through schools and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) programs where children are given a sack of six books twice a year. Books range in age-appropriate topics and storylines and, after the bags are handed out, the children are allotted time to engage in trades and swaps to ensure the books they take home pique their

Bernie’s Book Bank collects, processes and distributes quality new and gently used children’s books to at-risk infants, toddlers and school-age children throughout Chicagoland. Photo by Eric Decker Photography

Two out of three low-income children have no books of their own. Photo by Eric Decker Photography

Bernie’s Book Bank book distribution at Dever Elementary in Chicago (February, 2017) Photo by Susan Ryan Kalina

interest. The end result? After 12 years in the program, each child will have a personal library consisting of 144 books. “My father [Dr. Bernard (Bernie) P. Floriani Sr.] was the son of immigrants and grew up in rural Pennsylvania without so much as running water,” says Floriani. “But he developed a love of books that empowered him to read his way to a better life. He achieved a doctorate degree and dedicated his life to education and literacy.” After suddenly losing his father in 2005 to a heart attack, Floriani walked away from a career as a golf pro to become a reading paraprofessional for Shiloh Park Elementary in Zion, Ill. He spent every day working with struggling young readers but, while he was able to help many kids individually, he realized that he alone wasn’t making enough of an impact. At the time, only 24 percent of incoming 6-year-old students in Waukegan, Ill., interacted with books—and after hearing that stat a lightbulb went on for Floriani. He began to envision a nonprofit that would continuously feed children’s books into at-risk homes and help prepare them to enter the first grade reading-ready. “Bernie’s Book Bank is an answer to a very solvable problem,” says Floriani. “Through books, we have pinpointed a prevention versus going with an intervention approach, influencing children early with tools for them to thrive in school.” By the end of 2017, Bernie’s Book Bank will be serving 333,000 at-risk Chicagoland children. “Our model thrives on solving the problem once and for all, focusing on effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability and scalability. It’s not a matter of supply, it’s simply a matter of logistics,” he adds. “There are 400,000 at-risk children in the Chicagoland area. By 2018, our organization plans to be putting 12 books per year in the hands of each and every one of these children from birth through sixth grade.”

But the impact of Bernie’s Book Bank goes far beyond the numbers. Through the gift of books, the children are not only taking away fresh reading material, but a sense of gratitude, passion and determination. Take 10-year-old Erica, a student at the Southwest Side’s Dawes Elementary School, for example. She recently wrote a heartfelt, handwritten letter to Bernie’s Book Bank that read, “Thank you for giving me a great bag of books to read at home. Those books were amazing. My favorite was The Mona Mousa Code [by Elisabetta Dami, Scholastic]. I’m still reading it. When I read a bedtime story, I never want to go to sleep. I just want to keep reading.” Better still, Bernie’s Book Bank goes beyond book fulfillment. The org’s space in Lake Bluff boasts an event venue that can be booked for weddings, charitable fundraisers and various celebrations throughout the year with the $5,000 rental fee going directly to Bernie’s Book Bank. The organization itself hosts three signature fundraising events a year: the Book Lovers’ Lunch, which takes place in May at the Lake Bluff headquarters; Birdies & Books, an August golf outing; and the Book Lovers’ City Lunch, hosted by KPMG at the Aon Center on Nov. 7. As for the future, Floriani hopes there will be many more chapters. “We’ve been undergoing an assessment to determine where the next Bernie’s Book Bank location is going to be,” he says. “It’s looking like Milwaukee is our most logical next location but we are putting a lot of thought into the process around our next move. From there, we’re hoping to chip away, city by city, until every child in every major city becomes a significant book owner. In just eight years, we have built a model capable of fulfilling the need in Chicago in an effective and efficient way. With this experience and momentum, we are excited about the opportunity to nail it and scale it nationally. These children require it. Our country needs it.” sl slmag.net 101

SOPHISTICATED SOCIETY

Presented by

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River North Design District Fall Gallery Walk & Designer Windows, rivernorthdesigndistrict.com The Woman’s Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital hosts Cabaret Caramba! benefitting the Nora Cooney Marra Outreach Program’s support of The Healing Boutique, wbnorthwestern.org The 19th Annual World Music Festival Chicago, worldmusicfestivalchicago.org I Can’t Believe They Wendt There: The Roast of George Wendt with Roastmaster Jason Sudeikis benefitting Gilda’s Club Chicago and The Second City Alumni Fund, secondcity.com Fourth Annual Wings of Hope Gala benefitting Imerman Angels, imermanangels.org Art for Heart evening benefitting Gift from the Heart Foundation and The Polish Museum of America, artforheartchicago.org Vernissage 2017, the opening-night preview of EXPO Chicago, expochicago.com Green Tie Ball XXVI benefitting Chicago Gateway Green, gatewaygreen.org 16th Annual Ravenswood Artwalk, ravenswoodartwalk.org Opening Night Opera Ball benefitting the Lyric Opera, lyricopera.org ChangeMakers: A Bright Pink Benefit, brightpink.org Chicago Gourmet presented by Bon Appétit, chicagogourmet.org Inaugural Chicago International Latino Theater Festival: Destinos, clata.org The world comes together from Sept. 8-24 at a variety of venues across the city for the 19th Annual World Music Festival Chicago. Celebrating diverse music from across the globe, this free festival is produced by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and is the largest festival of its kind in the United States. worldmusicfestivalchicago.org

From left: Afro-Venezuelan singer Betsayda Machado and her band La Parranda El Clavo, all-female mariachi band Mariachi Flor de Toloache, and Afro-pop singer-songwriter Salif Keita

October 5 6-8 7 11 14 12 20 21 21

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Dancing With the Giordano Stars Benefit Competition, giordanodance.org Fourth Annual Taste Talks food and drink festival, chicago.tastetalks.com Columbian Ball benefitting the Museum of Science and Industry, msichicago.org The Chicago Public Library Foundation, Carl Sandburg Literary Awards Dinner (2017 honorees include Margaret Atwood and Dave Eggers), cplfoundation.org The Cradle Ball, cradlefoundation.org Gold Coast Fashion Award Show benefitting the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, gcfas.com Black Ensemble Theater Gala benefitting the theater’s stage productions and educational outreach programs, blackensembletheater.org Friends of Prentice annual benefit gala: Remember When, friendsofprentice.org The Trotter Project Inaugural Excellence Gala, thetrotterproject.org

Let’s build together.

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Jan-Peter Breugelmans Vice President, Wealth Advisor NMLSR ID 444125 312-592-5621 jp.breugelmans@wellsfargo.com

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Photos by Daniel Boczarski Photography

SHOPPING NIGHT AT PRADA FOR UCCRF

The University of Chicago Cancer Research Foundation Women’s Board, together with Prada, hosted a fashionforward evening of charitable shopping at Prada’s Oak Street store. Event co-hosts Elizabeth Ryan and Karen Riley McEniry welcomed more than 50 well-heeled Chicago cancer supporters who gathered for cocktails and a preview of the new fall collection from Miuccia Prada. A portion of the proceeds benefitted the UCCRF, which raises funds to underwrite clinical research programs at The University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center. –Elise Hofer Shaw

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1) Alexis Ross and Stuart Mesires 2) Kim Breitenecker, Lynn Litwin and Karen Slimmon 3) Liz Ryan and Karen Riley McEniry 4) Bolaji Sosan and Aaron Shirley 5) Jill Pollack and Mary Ellen-Connellan 6) Jennifer Keifer and Tom Wood 7) Beth Eugenio, Jim Karas and Diane Reilly

Photos by Traci Zimmerman

OAK STREET WINE STROLL

Making the most of Chicago’s gorgeous summer nights, the Oak Street Council hosted its annual Oak Street Wine Stroll, offering extended shopping hours as well as pours of wine and bubbly at 19 boutiques along the famous block and beyond, including Buccellati, Christofle, Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Harry Winston, Hermès, La Perla, Loro Piana, Paul Stuart, Pomellato, Saint Laurent, Tory Burch, Wolford and more. For a special treat, luxury jeweler Graff served wine from Delaire, the vineyard owned by Graff founder Laurence Graff. Post-stroll, guests made their way to Nico Osteria for an aperitivo menu of signature cocktails and small bites created exclusively for the evening. –Taylor Morgan

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1) Elise Hofer Shaw and Justine Hausner at Tory Burch 2) Alayna Crenshaw, Glynis Steadman and Rachel Dorfman at Pomellato 3) Liz Kores and Mel Muio at Madewell 4) Marit and Jacques Bohbot at Buccellati 5) Jamie Gelb and Amanda Naye at La Perla 6) Toasting at Pomellato 7) Mary Kate Black and Nina Capua at Rebecca Minkoff 8) Wine service at Hermès

Photos by Alain Milotti, John Reilly and Robert Carl

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ZOO BALL: THE MANE EVENT

The Women’s Board of Lincoln Park Zoo hosted a fabulous and fierce evening of dinner, drinks and dancing at the 40th Annual Zoo Ball: The Mane Event to benefit the zoo’s new $9 million state-of-the-art Visitor Center. More than 850 guests were transported from Chicago to an African safari setting created by Erin McDonald Co, FROST Chicago, and Jewell Events Catering and Production. The unforgettable evening featured a tented dinner, a silent auction and dancing to the Ken Arlen Evolution Orchestra—and raised more than $1.4 million for the Lincoln Park Zoo. – Sally Meyer

1) Members of the Ken Arlen Evolution Orchestra welcomed guests to the party 2) Mary Pearlman, Kevin Bell, Shawn Sandor and Caroline Huebner 3) Tricia and Arnette Heintze 4) Safari hats and an RV made for a fun photo ops 5) Mitch Williams, Tracy Benford and Mark Williams 6) Laura and Michael LaPorte 7) African safari-themed tabletop decor by Erin McDonald Co 8) Melissa Widen and John Ettelson

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Photos by Jean-Marc Giboux/AP Images for BSH Home Appliances and LuxeHome

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BSH EXPERIENCE AND DESIGN CENTER OPENING AT LUXEHOME BSH Home Appliances officially opened its newest BSH Experience and Design Center, featuring the latest kitchen innovations from the entire BSH Home Appliances portfolio—Gaggenau, Thermador and Bosch— at LuxeHome (the world’s largest collection of premier boutiques for home building and renovation) in Chicago’s historic Merchandise Mart. Guests enjoyed a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the first BSH Experience and Design Center to open in the Midwest, cooking demonstrations and bespoke bites courtesy of Entertaining Company. –EHS

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1) Larry Santello, Chris Kaeser, Harald Schwille, Christofer Von Nagel, Russ Dorsten, John Iacoviello and Wayne Synder 2) Berries and greens smoothie courtesy of Entertaining Company 3) A guest peeking into a fridge from the BSH Home Appliances portfolio which includes Gaggenau, Thermador and Bosch 4) Christofer Von Nagel (CEO, BSH Home Appliances) speaking to guests at the opening of the new BSH Experience and Design Center at LuxeHome in theMART 5) Guests interacting in the Gaggenau kitchen 6) The 400 series fully automatic espresso machine by Gaggenau 7) Bosch home appliances showcases appliances that are “Invented for Life” 8) Master Baker Ingo Rasche in the Gaggenau studio

Photos by Jack Edinger

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KIEHL’S SINCE 1851 EIGHTH ANNUAL LIFERIDE FOR AMFAR The eighth annual Kiehl’s LifeRide for amfAR, an eight-day, multistate charitable motorcycle ride from Minneapolis to Nashville that raises funds and awareness for amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, made a stop at The Shops at North Bridge. Chris Salgardo, president of Kiehl’s USA, and Kevin Robert Frost, CEO of amfAR, led this year’s riders, including actors Ian Bohen and Tyler Posey. Guests enjoyed seasonal bites served by Bad Hunter Executive Chef Dan Snowden. Rallying with the public at nine store stops along the route, Kiehl’s will donate $100,000 over the course of the ride to help fund a cure for HIV/AIDS. –TM

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1) Tai Davis and Yolonda Ross 2) Anthony Carrino and Luke Wessman 3) Tyler Posey, Luke Wessman, Serayah McNeill, Kevin Robert Frost, Gilles Marini, Chris Salgardo, Anthony Carrino, Ian Bohen and Nicol Concilio 4) Gilles Marini 5) Serayah McNeill and Chris Salgardo 6) John Philp Thompson and Andrew Ford 7) Yaya DaCosta and Serayah McNeill 8) Chef Dan Snowden

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Photos by John Reilly Photography and Mila Samokhina

EVERSIGHT ILLINOIS 70TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Eversight Illinois, dedicated to restoring sight and preventing blindness through the healing power of donation, transplantation and research, hosted its 70th anniversary celebration, Seeing Stars, at The Peninsula Chicago. A cocktail reception at Shanghai Terrace with co-chairs Candace Jordan and Michael Caputo kicked things off before guests mingled, perused silent auction items and had their portraits sketched by fashion illustrator Rosemary Fanti. Later, the fete moved to The Peninsula’s ballroom for dinner and dancing to DJ Akib. All proceeds from the event support the programs and services of Eversight Illinois. –SM

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1) Michael Kutza and Leslie Hindman 2) Gregory Hyder, Jean Antoniou, the Silver Anniversary man, Andrea Antoniou, Rudy Zavala, Rebecca Smith and Craig Hogan 3) Tracey Tarantino, Nina Mariano and Liza Sweitzer 4) Linda Katz and Randy Epstein 5) Event co-chairs Candace Jordan and Michael Caputo 6) Jocelyn Stoller, Helen Melchior and Joan Colmar 7) Vincent and Jessica Anzalone

Photos by Sam Kfare

EQUINOX’S #POWEREDBYPRIDE PARTY More than 85 people gathered at the Virgin Hotel for Equinox’s #POWEREDBYPRIDE party, a celebration of diversity during Chicago Pride weekend. In the hotel’s upstairs lounge, guests sipped on complimentary Pridethemed Tito’s cocktails while enjoying entertainment by DJ Donnie Moore of the band Absolutely Not and an interpretive dance performance choreographed by Darling Squire. The party also featured a beautiful floral sculpture by Manny Buenrostro that served as the backdrop for guests’ photographs. On their way out, attendees received complimentary Pride tank tops and temporary tattoos. –TM

1) Guests posing with “Pride” balloons 2) Brittany Tempest and Jenn Grimmer 3) Mitch Mosley, Vincent Zuffante, Katy Piotrowski and Noah Berger 4) Vinnie Deegan 5) Isabel Lavaro and Michael Martinez 6) Tahler Johnson, Paul Octavious and Kristi Burris 7) Nichole Villerot

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Photos by Timothy M. Schmidt

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A TRIBUTE TO JANE FONDA

Jane Fonda, a two-time Academy Award winner, threetime Golden Globe winner, and 2017 Emmy nominee (for her role in Grace and Frankie), was honored by Cinema/ Chicago with A Tribute to Jane Fonda at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago. The evening featured an on-stage conversation with Fonda, moderated by Richard Roeper of WFLD/Chicago Sun-Times, accompanied by iconic clips from her illustrious career. The celebration culminated with the presentation of the Chicago International Film Festival’s Gold Hugo Career Achievement Award to Fonda for her contributions to both film and television, followed by an after-party. Proceeds from the event benefit the expansion of Cinema/Chicago’s year-round education program. –EHS

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1) Katie Lockwood and Nicole Steiner 2) Penelope Steiner and Michael Kutza 3) Desiree Rogers and Regina Taylor 4) Assil Omar and Duane Gafoor 5) Jane Fonda 6) Kayla Sullers 7) Vaughn Smith, Raluca Mondi and David Peterson 8) Michael Kutza with Jackie and Ed Rabin

CHICAGO MADE I N T E R N A T I O N A L LY A W A R D E D As one of America's leading artisan distilleries, KOVAL has won over 50 awards internationally since 2008.

ORGANIC

HEART CUT

BARRELS

F A M I LY O W N E D KOVAL is family owned and

Grains are sourced locally

Only the purest and best

All 30 gallon barrels are

from the Midwest Organic

tasting part of the distillate

made from premium northern

operated by a husband and

Farmers Cooperative.

is used for a cleaner, brighter

American oak and sealed with

wife team using a state of the

tasting whiskey.

organic beeswax.

art copper hybrid still.

www.kovaldistillery.com/tours

@kovaldistillery

german luxury since 1908

Eggersmann USA | 300 W Hubbard St, 4th Fl | Chicago, IL 60654 | 312.222.8700

www.eggersmannusa.com