Sophisticated Living St. Louis September/October 2020

{St. Louis' Finest}

slmag.net

Sept/Oct 2020 five dollars

two

the

2 t h e p i n e s c o u rt , s a i nt lo u i s m o, 6 3 1 41 | 3 1 4. 5 76 . 5 8 8 8 | w w w. m i t c h e l lwa l l .c o m p i n e s c o u r t , s a i n t l o u i s m o, 6 3 1 4 1 | 3 1 4. 5 7 6 . 5 8 8 8 | w w w. m i t c h e l l w a l l .c o m

Joanne Greenbaum, Untitled, 2014, oil, acrylic and ink on canvas, 60 x 50 inches

J OA N N E G R E E N B A U M

Philip Slein Gallery 4735 McPherson Avenue Saint Louis, Missouri 63108 p 314.361.2617 f 314.361.8051 www.philipsleingallery.com

{St. Louis' Finest}

Sept/Oct 2020

slmag.net

7

44 Faux Real

Looks from Maison Atia’s fall/winter 2020 collection

2

slmag.net

Sept/Oct 2020

five dollars

on the cover: 100 Above the Park

7

Architecture that Speaks for Itself

12

The Joys of Downsizing

20

Moving Pictures

24

Local Artists Get Creative During Pandemic

30

Your Family, Your Friends...Your Airplane

33

Attitude Adjustment

38

Faux Real

42

Bibliotaph... New & Notable

44

Divine by Design

50

Of Note... Behind Closed Doors

52

Back in Black

54

Cuff Enough

56

Laura Catena

58

Dog Tired

60

Bronco is Back!

62

Lapis of Luxury

64

What a Stud!

66

Cortex: Why You Belong Here

Builder Politte Renovations, LLC Architect Conant Design Consultants

Chesterfield 633 Spirit of St. Louis Blvd. 636.519.1611 Maryland Heights 11585 Lackland Road 314.677.6713 beckallencabinetry.com

Sept/Oct 2020

44 Divine Design

The lava field around the Retreat at Blue Lagoon primarily consists of a single flow from the year 1226.

4

slmag.net

77

Sophisticated Society

79

St. Louis Shakespeare Festival

De La Salle, Inc

81

Lang Mitzvah

83

College Bound

85

St. Patrick Center’s Irish Open

Our Little Haven Show

87

Bassman Wedding

88

What I Love Right Now

From the Publisher

Photo By Lou Bopp Photography

I’ve had many disorienting times in my life, but this takes the cake. While I don’t have much to complain about, I am nonetheless very disoriented and I’m sure many of you are too. I am continually surprised by the varying responses to COVID and I can’t understand why some people will do everything they can to reduce the infection rate and others are defiant and choose to avoid wearing masks, congregate often, and go out of their way to politicize the pandemic. Just as I was getting adjusted to the COVID chaos, racism reared its ugly head again. Violence ensued, peaceful and not so peaceful demonstrations became a daily occurrence, and it now seems we are reckoning issues of our original sin – the injustices of taking Native American land and enslaving African Americans – hundreds of years after these things occurred and were never really addressed. So we are living in a disorienting time, struggling to cure a modern plague while saving as many lives as possible, and simultaneously re-evaluating the decisions and actions of our ancestors to cure the inequities which many Americans feel each and every day in our city and our country.

But we must deal with all this now. There is no hoping this all goes away with time. We have the power and influence to create a more perfect union and rid our culture of small mindedness, avoidance, cold heartedness, and multi-generational hate. The hard work that should have been done generations ago was not; we are left with the remnants of a broken past...and if we are not careful, a broken future.

We need to think beyond extremes, COVID versus COVID free, black and white, gay and straight, Democrats and Republicans, them and us. Life is more complicated than that; it’s more gray than black and white; it’s more nuanced than right and wrong; and we need to start listening and understanding – more than disagreeing, hating, and fighting. I have always thought I was progressive, understanding, welcoming, and unbiased. Compared to many, I am. But I know there is a lot more I can do, we can do, to make sure everyone feels like they belong. This is not about political correctness; it’s about caring and realizing we all have more in common than not.

I have no doubt this is a turning point and my wish is that everyone who is privileged enough to read this publication does everything in their power to spread care and love, and make room for other opinions, ways of life, diversity, equity, and equality for everyone.

So we will ask leaders in our community to share their ideas of how to make St. Louis better and more inclusive, a model for transformation and renewal, and for embracing what we don’t always understand. We will raise issues which we have side-stepped in the past because we can’t be empathetic and complicit simultaneously.

I have always rooted for the underdog. As an entrepreneur, I look for problems and try to solve them. As a storyteller, I look for the surprise in everything. As a father, I encourage my kids to take the road less traveled. As a sailor, I seek to explore and discover things few people have experienced before. As a scholarship kid from the Bronx, I understand what it means to be different from the mainstream even though I probably am the mainstream.

I am guilty of not doing more sooner. Maybe you are too. But I urge us to start now. Start small.

Let’s not let this time in history to make it right pass us by. I encourage you to share your thoughts with me – no matter how different – so we can talk about what is long overdue. If we listen to each other and remain open to the possibility of understanding each other, we will begin to see change.

This is the least we can hope for. The world wasn’t better before, but it can be in the future.

Craig M. Kaminer, Publisher craig@slmag.net

6

slmag.net

ARCHITECTURE THAT SPEAKS FOR ITSELF Written by Craig Kaminer

When you walk the streets of downtown Chicago, or better yet, take an architectural boat tour, it’s hard to understand why St. Louis does not have more modern architecture like its Northeast rival.

Chicago is a virtual architecture museum and, as is typical of cities which continue to produce breakthrough buildings, it has both the architectural talent and the patrons willing to fund the next new thing. In the last 20 years, St. Louis has commissioned a handful of buildings by great architects including Tadao Ando (Pulitzer Art Museum), Brad Cloepfil (Contemporary Art Museum), and Fumihiko Maki (Kemper Art Museum at Washington University), complementing the modern works of Eero Saarinen (Gateway Arch), Philip Johnson (700 Market Street), Frank Loyd Wright and William Bernoudy, all working here in the 20th Century.

But now, one of the great contemporary Chicago architects, Jeanne Gang, has designed a masterpiece that St. Louis-based Clayco has been building at 100 Kingshighway in the heart of the Central West End. Called One Hundred Above the Park, it overlooks the northeast corner of Forest Park and is steps away from another iconic St. Louis building - The Chase Park Plaza.

With its artichoke-like facade, One Hundred is a modern landmark and an architectural gem. As Saarinen’s Gateway Arch defined the St. Louis downtown skyline, One Hundred will shape St. Louis’ new skyline to the west. Love it or hate it, One Hundred will stand as an icon for generations to come...and hopefully inspire a new wave of great architecture to grace our city.

One Hundred is international. With its visionary design, luxurious amenities, and Central West End location above Forest Park, residing at One Hundred will be the pinnacle of city living on par with the greatest cities of the world. And the world lives here – a community reflecting diverse backgrounds, interests, and talents from every corner of the globe. With its proximity to BJC, Washington University, SLU, downtown and Clayton, it’s the perfect place to live if you have ever dreamed of living on Fifth Avenue in New York.

One Hundred is an apartment building (not a condo) with unparalleled views. Rising 36 stories above the Central West End, One Hundred reveals never-before seen vistas of Forest Park. Floor-

to-ceiling glass is precisely angled to maximize natural light and sweeping panoramic views.

Residents will see the first lights of a waking city and the setting sun over the forest below, not to mention wildlife scurrying across the open fields and throughout the zoo, concerts and sledders in front of the Saint Louis Art Museum, fireworks at the Arch, and street festivals throughout the Central West End. One Hundred is a sustainable building with Green Globe certification. Units feature nine-foot ceilings, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, and full-size washer/dryers. A seventh-floor amenity area will include a fitness center and party room as well as an outdoor pool and sundeck with barbecue grills. The building’s lobby on Kingshighway will have attendants on duty 24 hours a day. Units range in size from studios to three bedrooms. The lower floors are available now and the uppermost floors will be ready in September.

If this isn’t enough, look closely at Jeanne Gang’s pedigree.

Her inquisitive, forward-looking approach to design - unique in its pursuit of new technical and material possibilities as well as in its expansion of the active role of designers in society - has distinguished her as a leading architect of her generation. Drawing insight from ecological systems, she creates striking places that connect people with each other, their communities, and the environment.

Studio Gang’s design process, which emphasizes research, experimentation, and collaboration inside and outside of traditional design fields, has resulted in a diverse, award-winning body of work, perhaps best represented by the 82-story, undulating Aqua Tower in Chicago.

Jeanne is also a professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, her alma mater, and has been honored with the Cooper Hewitt National Design Award in Architecture and named one of 2019’s most influential people in the world by TIME magazine. Further accolades include Architectural Review’s Architect of the Year, the Louis I. Kahn Memorial Award, and the Marcus Prize for Architecture.

If you want to experience one of the great wonders of St. Louis before it is entirely leased, visit liveat100.com for details and floor plans, or contact Mac Properties to schedule a visit. It will be worth it. sl

slmag.net

7

PUBLISHER Craig Kaminer ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Cortney Vaughn EDITOR Lou Ann Wilcox ______________________________________________ CONTRIBUTORS Writers Karen Palmer Bland Rob Levy Jessen O’Brien Ted Wight Bridget Williams Photographers Alise O’Brien Lou Bopp Advertising Design Donna Shelton SophisticatedStLouis.com Carrie Edelstein ________________________________________________ SOPHISTICATED LIVING MEDIA Eric Williams - CEO Bridget Williams - President Greg Butrum - General Counsel Jason Yann - Art Director Sophisticated Living® is published by High Net Worth 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 High Net Worth 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. Single copies may be purchased for $5 at select fine retail outlets. Telephone 314-82-SLMAG.

SLMAG.NET

Let’s Connect!

SOPHISTICATED LIVING | SOPHISTICATED MARKETING

Let us put your brand in front of 25,000+ of the most affluent St. Louisans Full-page only print/on-line advertising Influencer Events Fundraising Partnerships Social Media Engagement Email Campaigns Search Engine Marketing

Cortney Vaughn Associate Publisher 314.827.5624 cortney@slmag.net

Do you want to see a particular story featured?

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Send me an email or tag us on social media.

SophisticatedLivingSTL

@SophisticatedLivingMag

www.slmag.net

SophisticatedStLouis.com

From the CEO of Stifel

Ron and his daughter, Kelly

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Schlafly

This summer, the summer of the pandemic, will be forever carved into my memory – because this was the summer that my youngest daughter was married in a jubilant - but carefully choreographed - ceremony. From a thousand feet, things would have seemed about as we imagined them a year ago, except on a much smaller scale. Yet if the wedding planner had fallen asleep in February and awakened the day of the wedding, like a quarantined Rip Van Winkle, she would have lost it. The details had become demented: Why masks as party favors? Why the chasm between chairs? Why is that aunt live-streaming like a paparazzo? And why the plexiglass prison – is the band free to leave, or what?

It took a moment, but only a moment, to refocus on what really mattered and did not change. The bride, my daughter, was still stunning; she still stood close to the groom, and their vows easily carried, on the breeze, over the last row and beyond. The grandkids, all under age five, still danced. They hardly knew the difference.

Because of the precautions we took, the wedding was in no way a denial of the situation we still face. But neither was it a hostage to it. We must find ways to carry on with our ceremonies and traditions, with our duties and responsibilities, however much they must adapt and change. These are the moments that give us perspective on life, the moments in which we step back and see things in the sweep of a lifetime – and a legacy. One tragedy of the pandemic is that our best response, which includes a healthy dose of isolation, inflicts so much unexpected collateral damage. Each new season brings new sacrifices as the ambit widens over the economy, into a new school year, and beyond. I fear that if we lose these moments of perspective and reflection, it will become even more difficult to solve the problems we face. We will see only the immediate conflict; we will forget that on the other end of a tweet there are, in fact, the tapping fingers of another human being.

If the hope for creative compromise and coordination withers, all our other problems will be out of reach. Despite all our institutional strength, our system still depends fundamentally on good faith to resolve our differences – faith in the moral character of others; faith in our ability to compromise and change; faith that springs from what we can share, which usually includes our common ceremonies and traditions, breathing life into stadiums, schools, and places of worship, but which, right now, does not include much.

Instead, in this election year, we must find common ground. Let us keep the faith however we can. Focus on the essence of our traditions and ceremonies, even if the execution must be drastically adapted. Carve out a place for harmony, even if it must remain behind plexiglass, or in a shared stream. Find the space to connect, even via an awkward, extemporaneous livestream.

On the day of my daughter’s wedding, away from the cacophony if only for a moment, I found the space to reflect. It is not about the material things in life but instead about the memories we create. I will forever remember Kelly’s wedding, along with the most cherished of my life’s milestones – the solemn memories that center, that soften, that settle. My eternal hope is that Kelly will always remember me on her special day.

Ron Kruszewski Chairman and CEO of Stifel Financial Corp.

10 slmag.net

12 slmag.net

THE JOYS OF DOWNSIZING Written By Jessen O’Brien / Photography By Alise O’Brien

An abstract painting with red and orange tones by St. Louis artist Andrew Millner hangs in the living room.

For most people, the dream is to upgrade. But for one couple, going from a New York apartment to a house in Ladue had a major drawback. “It spread our family out so much,” says one of the homeowners. “We all had our own spaces and we were rarely together as a family unit. And it really grated on me.”

Almost 10 years later, with a son in college and a daughter looking — and a house on Long Island, for when they wanted the space — they decided it was time for a change. They found a penthouse condo with high ceilings, plenty of natural light, and enough bedrooms for when the kids were home. Now, they just needed to find the right architect for the project.

After being struck by his work, they engaged Phil Durham, whose unique contemporary style has earned him a place in the American Institute of Architects’ prestigious College of Fellows. But sadly, Durham passed away a few months later, when the renovation was in its early stages.

His former assistant gave the homeowners a couple of recommendations and, once some time had passed, they moved forward with Studio Lark, run by husband-andwife team Aaron and Jessica Senne. Aaron had worked with Durham before, as had their associate, Elle Noll.

The connection to Durham might have opened the door, but Studio Lark soon made the project its own. “From the get-go, both Aaron and Jessica were unbelievable,” says the homeowner. They brought fresh ideas, a conscientious attention to detail, and endless enthusiasm to the renovation.

“We really, really love what we do,” says Jessica Senne.

“Each project is as individual as the people who live there … and a true testament to how the collaborative process works.”

Studio Lark strives to make ever y home a true reflection of its owners — a task that came easily here in part because they had a strong vision of what they wanted: a residence that could act as a neutral canvas to display their extensive art collection (Years ago, the couple had made a pact to give each other art, especially on their anniversaries). “ We wanted it to be sophisticated, contemporar y, comfortable, and kind of hip,” says the homeowner. “And light and bright — you can’t get away from the light in the apartment, which is amazing.”

slmag.net 13

Studio Lark has a knack for making neutrals dramatic.

14 slmag.net

The view when stepping off the elevator and into the condo’s art-filled foyer.

That aesthetic lined up perfectly with Studio Lark’s Scandinavian-influenced philosophy of maximizing natural light then looking for opportunities to introduce contrast, color, and pattern in very deliberate ways. Although the project started out primarily as a remodel of the relatively tiny master bathroom, it quickly grew into a fairly comprehensive renovation also encompassing the kitchen, entryway, powder room, living room, and family room. “So instead of approaching each room individually, we started to put together an interior finish palette that would really bring a continuous thread from room to room,” Senne says.

Since the homeowners were drawn to bright neutrals, grays, and dark flooring, Studio Lark played with that combination throughout the apartment to create spaces that are both minimalist and inviting.

In the master bathroom, dark porcelain floor tiles are paired with white walls and a white glass tile in the shower, which extends along the full back wall and is framed by a single, sheer pane of glass. A white stone countertop with a rich, swirling grey veining was added to tie the room together. To make the bathroom bigger, an extra doorway was closed and space borrowed from an adjacent closet. The finishing touch?

Faucets shaped like flowers by German company Franz Viegener.

The same white countertops with grey veining were carried through to the kitchen, another room with dark, porcelain flooring — this time, a large-format, grey Italian tile. Again, a second entry was walled up, which allowed for a TV to be mounted amid the high-gloss white cabinetry. Studio Lark then designed a large island, which was covered in a reconstituted wood veneer stained grey in deference to the condo’s neutral palette.

There is one shot of bright color in the room: a deep blue velvet banquette. “We kept having conversations with the client about how to activate that space and make it more usable for the family,” Senne says. “We essentially de-installed what was there — a small, wall-mounted credenza — and replaced it by entirely building out that wall.” Storage was tucked discreetly underneath the custom bench seating and created along the left side, enabling the new dining area to do double-duty.

Since the homeowners were planning to hang artwork above the banquette, Studio Lark found a lighting solution that would add texture and volume without obstructing the view behind it: two airy Moooi Heracleum chandeliers that have been chained together to create a single visual statement.

slmag.net 15

The shallow wine cellar was one of the most technically challenging parts of the renovation.

Closing a second entry allowed the banquette to become the kitchen’s focal point.

16 slmag.net

Studio Lark designed the kitchen island using a sustainable grey veneer.

The family often gathers in the outdoor room which was an addition to the home.

slmag.net 17

A desire to open up the once dark and tiny master bathroom sparked the renovation.

Another extraordinary light fixture can be found at the entrance to the condo. When the elevator doors open, visitors find themselves in a foyer with a 20-foot ceiling, skylight, and several eye-catching pieces from the homeowners’ art collection. Straight ahead a tall doorway is outlined in a black casement; through it are steps leading to the condo’s front door. It’s in this doorway that Studio Lark hung a feathery pendant by Slamp. “We wanted the fixture to feel like additional artwork in the space so that there’s drama when you step off the elevator,” Senne says.

But the most dramatic moment — and lighting — occurs in the small guest powder room. After raising the ceiling, a tall slab of black stone was added to emphasize the room’s new height and act as the backdrop for a sleek, wall-mounted sink. The edges of the slab were lined with LED lights, to pull the surface forward and create depth. Above hangs The Melt, a pendant light by Tom Dixon that transforms with the flip of a switch. When off, it looks like a solid silver ball. But when turned on, it becomes transparent, and appears to be actually melting.

“It’s just sensational,” the homeowner says. “When we show people we’re like, ‘Oh! Come into the powder room. And let me turn on the light for you!’”

The living room received the lightest touch. Already, it had the dark floor — here, a wood herringbone — that had become part of 18 slmag.net

the condo’s signature look. To bring it further in line with the rest of the apartment, the casework was redone in a high-gloss white finish with contrasting gray veneered shelves and base cabinets.

New pieces of furniture were added, including two B&B Italia sofas in a soft, dove grey, while a pair of existing chairs were recovered in a complementary tone by St. Louis Restoration.

As for the family room, it’s here that Studio Lark solved the project’s biggest challenge: finding space to hold the homeowners’ wine collection. “Ultimately, we thought it would be such a beautiful, high-impact move to have one entire wall be the wine cellar, so that the texture of the bottles and the labels really becomes the art in that room,” says Senne. “The result looks so simple, but it required a lot of head-scratching; we had to design it for a system that could fit invisibly in a shallow space and handle the cooling requirements of a pretty large wine cellar.”

Although originally the condo had been designed for a pair of empty-nesters, in recent months the full family has moved back in because of the pandemic. Despite having less space than their former house — and spending more time inside — the homeowners have no regrets about downsizing.

“There aren’t many homes where you literally use every single room every day,” says the homeowner. “I love this apartment so much. I still feel the need to write to Jessica and tell her how happy we are here.” sl

DON’T JUST LIST YOUR HOME, SELL IT! Need more space to spread out this fall? The real estate market is active. Contact Julie for more information.

Learn more at julielanerealestate.com. julie@julielanerealestate.com 314.303.6504

janet mcafee inc.

9889 clayton road saint louis, missouri 63124 314.997.4800

CAM reopening in July 2020.

MOVING PICTURES The Resilience of St. Louis’ Art Museums Written by Rob Levy At a time when as many as one-third of the country’s museums risk permanent closure due to the coronavirus, the exploration, discovery and reflection fostered by our local art museums has been sorely missed. Offering a refuge for contemplation and creativity, their absence during the pandemic has left a void for the visual arts and forced their staffs to rapidly adapt to maintain a connection with their patrons. Overcoming the stagnation of the lockdown by reopening, many of these prized jewels of our city are planning for the unknown by implementing new practices.

Their innovation and resilience serve as another reminder that once again, the arts community is showing us the way.

Closing their doors to the public in March and reopening in July, the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis pivoted to deliver robust programming during the COVID-19 crisis. Embracing new technologies to engage their audience, CAM regularly generated new content through their website and social media, opened their archives for online access, and offered art sessions to students through ArtReach, an educational program offering online courses to Vashon and other K-12 affiliated schools. CAM also partnered with Tim Youd for The Tunnel: Retyped, a performance project in which he typed the William Gass novel live on video stream from his garage throughout the month of May. 20 slmag.net

Executive Director Lisa Melandri commented on how the pandemic has affected CAM. “I think it has taught us a lot, and we’re still learning. We’ve achieved real progress in getting more people into the museum and we have discovered new ways to connect with audiences. The coronavirus made us understand our need to reimagine how we can fulfill our mission in more ways for more people.”

When the doors of the Saint Louis Art Museum closed, patrons were unsure of what lay ahead. The museum adopted a virtual platform that included the “Object of the Day,” an overwhelmingly popular program that continues even with the museum reopened. In May, the museum collaborated with Venture Café for an interactive program featuring Ethiopian artist Elias Sime. SLAM also revised their children’s programming to accommodate larger virtual audiences. Additionally, they launched the “At Home Film Series,” an interactive program supplemented with a 30 minute watch party, artmaking activities, movie trivia and Spotify playlists to set the party mood at home.

They also transferred their immensely popular Wee Wednesdays and Wee Weekends programming online. Upon reopening, SLAM extended the Millet and Modern Art special exhibition into the fall.

The Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum features a reconfigured northwest entrance and a striking 34-foot-tall polished stainlesssteel facade.The pleated surface reflects the Washington University campus and sky. Photo

by Joshua White/JWPictures.com

slmag.net 21

SLAM is open. Guests follow safety protocols as outlined based on guidelines from the city’s Department of Health, the CDC, and other state and regional authorities.

Director of Learning and Engagement Amanda Thompson Rundahl spoke on how SLAM was affected by the pandemic.

“When we closed, we were quickly faced with the realization that we were working in a new environment and had to decide, relatively quickly, what we could do in this moment and what we could accomplish with the resources that we have. We also had to work out what we could offer that would be relevant and welcomed by our audiences.” She added, “Right now, we need to have a level of comfort with the unknown. That is not a natural state most large institutions want to be in. We are having to think differently about what we might do, how we might do it and when we might do it.”

Although COVID-19 forced the Pulitzer Arts Foundation and other local institutions to remain closed, the Kemper Art Museum at Washington University stayed the course virtually, offering online classes and presenting virtual tours of their permanent collection in English and Chinese. The Kemper also presented lectures and boosted their social media presence by 22 slmag.net

adding a YouTube channel, allowing new audiences further access to lockdown programming.

Museum Director Sabine Eckmann addressed how virtual programming has become a vital component for The Kemper’s response to the pandemic. “Right now, there is a paradigmatic change in how we engage with visitors. Until we get back to normal, we will definitely continue programming through virtual engagement.” She added, “One of the side effects of this pandemic is that it helps us in positive ways, to slow down and explore and learn more about what we can do physically in our galleries and virtually. I think that is a good thing.”

Despite being mostly outdoors, Laumeier Sculpture Park also experienced adverse effects from the pandemic. “Overall, attendance has been down even though people can come and enjoy the outdoor space,” noted Executive Director Lauren Ross. “We normally have very robust public programs, but unfortunately those have been curbed or put on hold since March. That has had a huge impact on us and for people who would normally come to engage with us.” However, as Ross notes, the park faced challenges in pivoting online. “We learned

Laumeier

that even though we intertwined our live and virtual experiences, not all of our programming translates well into a virtual realm.”

Looking to maintain engagement during lockdown, they developed “Laumeier Online,” which provided viewers at home with online activities. They also made the difficult decision to proceed with their summer camp program, starting several weeks later at reduced capacity and with adherence to CDC guidelines. They also are presenting two new works, Donald Odita’s From Periphery to Center, which features five commissioned flags at the park, with an additional 10 at Jeske Sculpture Park in Ferguson, and Time Fork, an architecturally scaled Augmented Reality installation created by media artist Van McElwee.

Looking forward, CAM’s Melandri commented on the role of visual art in a post-COVID-19 world. “Artists have always been essential in helping us understand our world. They show us who we are and where we are and are always among the first to interpret our current events. Artists give us ways to process our times by shedding new light and sharing new perspectives. Their vision is not only incredibly

salient, but transformational. There will be extraordinary work that comes out of this. I also am optimistic about the power of art and the positive experiences of museums as places to be with art. Nothing is going to be easy, but we are all learning how to create meaningful engagement with art and artists through a pandemic in new ways.”

Ross also noted how visual art will shape that world. “I think that outdoor experiences will continue. Certainly, audiences are going to feel safer being outdoors and those of us who are able to produce work outdoors will certainly continue to take advantage of that ability. Also, with everything that is going on socially and culturally in our country, artists are really interested in being involved in delivering compelling and relevant art to public spaces.”

With audience growth at the forefront of their programming efforts, St. Louis’ art and design institutions are acclimating to the tides of rapid change sweeping across our cultural landscape.

Responding with revamped interactive programming, they are reshaping engagement by harnessing the creative spirit of the arts to bring communities together. sl

slmag.net 23

Allan Willouby by Lou Bopp.

LOCAL ARTISTS GET CREATIVE DURING PANDEMIC Written by Rob Levy

Although the Coronavirus has stalled many forms of industry, it has spurred a creative energy among our city’s artists. They have kept going - producing dynamic new work that uplifts our communities while simultaneously documenting this time.

A commercial photographer by trade, Lou Bopp is best known for his ability to capture authentic images of ordinary folks living and breathing in the moment. These images offer glimpses of our world that profoundly resonate amidst changing times. Having traveled the world for decades and documenting the lives of people with realistic vibrancy, Bopp was intrigued with the idea of exploring a city that came to a grinding halt.

Inspired to capture the stark reality of quarantine, he snapped more than 100 pictures of its sequestered citizens for a project dubbed, “Portraits from Mandated Isolation.”

His process evolved through a rigid daily regimen that included posting a new picture each day for nearly two months.

Operating mostly on impulse, Bopp contacted his subjects in advance to set up the shoot but gave them little direction to avoid any dressing up or cleaning windows. Because none of his subjects were posed or positioned, Bopp was able to maintain an absence of physical contact and create natural looking pictures.

Bopp addressed how the pandemic stimulated him creatively.

“I had quite a few commercial jobs that were postponed or canceled but in March I made a decision to do some things on my own to 24 slmag.net

stay busy, to keep my sanity and for therapy. But most importantly, I wanted to document what was happening because I thought it was critical that this moment is documented. However, I didn’t want to be on the frontline or in the trenches. My history is in photojournalism but I really felt like that wasn’t my place for this. I didn’t want to clog up the system. I wanted to stay out of hospitals and ambulances and instead document the isolation. Then as things started to ease up a little bit, I started to shoot these kinds of emergence photos of people gently coming outside and opening doors and windows and going out and wearing masks.”

He elaborated, “It was the perfect project for me because I started it organically and I worked alone. Then it began to take off as I started to get some press. The Missouri Historical Society wanted images for their permanent collection and I was profiled on CBS Sunday Morning. This all happened within four months, so it was like all the stars lined up for a perfect project.”

A self-described ex-hippie, Michael Eastman is a worldrenowned photographer whose work has been collected by many prominent museums. When COVID-19 struck in March, Eastman responded with a flourish of creativity. When asked how making art during the pandemic affected him, Eastman answered, “It saved my sanity; doing nothing is not an option for me. My work has been the only thing that has helped me in terms of doing something that was normal and worthy of effort. It kept me engaged.”

Detail of Andrew Millner’s “The Park.”

slmag.net 25

The trees of Forest Park were inspiration for Michael Eastman.

The inspiration for his latest endeavor stemmed from Richard Powers’ “The Overstory,” a novel centering on nine Americans whose experiences with trees bring them together to help prevent the destruction of forests. After finishing the book, Eastman, curious to investigate trees again, decided on his next project. “I created a body of work that I had been thinking about for years and years and years but never really had the time to get to. With everything shut down, I wanted to create artwork that I could produce entirely myself in my studio and darkroom. So, I made cyanotypes, a very early photographic process where I could create the negative, hand coat the paper, expose and develop the final print.”

The pandemic also inspired Eastman to return to Forest Park, a place he has photographed for almost 50 years. “As an artist I have never been more productive than I have during this crisis. I saw this isolation as an opportunity and not something to stop me. I wanted to do something that was significant to me. The cyanotypes gave me that opportunity. I always had a relationship with the park, so during the lockdown I went about four times a week and took these photographs that I thought fit in my mind with this being a scary time. I ended up getting 26 slmag.net

these shots of white trees against a dark sky, which were both haunting and powerful.”

Like other artists, Andrew Millner was emotionally and creatively jostled by the COVID-19 shutdown. A visual artist with more than 15 solo exhibitions to his name, the pandemic disruptions upended his scheduled show, Floating World, at the William Shearburn Gallery. Deciding early on to be at home with his family, he set up a mini studio there which allowed him to work remotely.

Since 2004, Millner has used a digital stylus and tablet to draw the outlines and contours of plants and trees into a computer, resulting in hundreds of freehand botanical drawings that the artist refers to as “a quasi-nature preserve, encompassing an enormous amount of time of looking and drawing.” The exhibition, now rescheduled for October, will feature work that cobbles together this archive of digital drawings into larger, novel landscapes mounted to linen.

Addressing how the pandemic affected him artistically, Millner replied, “At first of course, my family just focused on the fundamentals and staying healthy. Since technology is a primary medium in my body of work, I was able to shift my location

Political cartoon, “Skeletons in the Closet” by Phil Slein

and continue to work from home. Seeing the rest of the world shift to using technology as a primary output of information and connection was eye opening as well, in terms of what it can and can’t do. When I slowly began to return to my studio, I saw my work from a different perspective. Artists reflect their time... what changes and what remains the same. I had always intended for the landscapes in my work to act as protagonists and the figures as the empty space. For me, this crisis is a stark reminder of how vulnerable we are to changes in the natural environment and I think this new work reads differently in the present context.”

For Phillip Slein, one of St. Louis’ most prominent gallerists, the lockdown provided an opportunity to return to his love of making political cartoons. “I have always been an artist, but when you are in the gallery business that all goes on the backburner.

This crisis changed that and gave me more time to work on them.

I grew up in a family interested in politics and started doing cartoons because it combined art, drawing and humor, all of which really sparked my creativity,” Slein explained.

During quarantine Slein created iPad drawings and posted them to Instagram where they were well received. He commented

on the impact the COVID-19 crisis had on his gallery and how it influenced him artistically. “When the pandemic came, things were really uncertain and there wasn’t much we could do because so much of the business we do is done through personal interaction. We didn’t want to unnecessarily stress people out by trying to sell to them while they were still figuring out how they were going to live their lives. So, I was inside with time on my hands and I was feeling angry about the current state of things.

That’s when I decided to do something broader - my satirical political cartoons.”

Although the doors at his Central West End gallery are now open, Slein has not lost momentum in making new cartoons.

“During the lockdown I was able to focus on it every day. Now, even though things have changed, I am still going to continue.

The response has been really good, and people seem to like it.”

Seeking to release their creativity and explore new projects, these and other St. Louis artists have incorporated the emotional realities of this strange time into dynamic and revelatory visual art that speaks to us in inventive new ways during this fluctuating moment of cultural ambiguity and social anxiety. sl

slmag.net 27

Spotlighting St. Louis’ most influential design professionals and the showroom partner that makes their work shine.

11660 Page Service Drive | Saint Louis, MO 63146 | 314.993.5020 | kdrshowrooms.com

KDR is the top resource for St. Louis’ best designers,

This active young family wanted a great room with clean and classic style that provided a warm and comfortable place for them to hangout and entertain. The existing striking architectural detailing and wall of glass doors was the perfect foundation on which to build and create the space the clients desired. For the dining area, we selected a Hickory White walnut pedestal table and dining chairs upholstered in blue-gray velvet with nail head detailing. The seating area showcases two off-white Taylor King sofas with custom pillows, a Ralph Lauren cocktail table and pair of lively blue and white floral Ralph Lauren chairs. The Currey and Company aged oak wood chandeliers add soft warm light and help create a more casual vibe.With our vast and diverse experiences, we can guide you through the interior design process to help you realize your vision - be it assistance with a room remodel or new home construction. –Tamsin Mascetti, Owner / Interior Designer

Tamsindesigngroup.com (office) 314.282.0035

helping them exceed expectations for their clients.

YOUR FAMILY, YOUR FRIENDS...

YOUR AIRPLANE Written by Craig Kaminer / Photo by Lou Bopp

Even before the COVID pandemic, high on people’s wishlist was – and still is – access to a private jet. No advanced booking, bypassing the lines and security, gourmet food, a welcoming crew who knows you by name and are genuinely happy to see your pets, ...without needing a letter from a mental health professional. With everyone now wearing masks, social distancing, and avoiding crowded places, private jet travel – buying aircraft, fractional ownership, membership programs and chartering – is on the rise.

While private jets are being used less right now for business travel, discretionary travel has more than made up the difference. When you finally make the decision to break up the monotony of staying at home binge watching Netflix, you can be in northern Michigan, the Hamptons, Maine or the Rockies in under two hours without coming Myra, Jamie and Barry Sherman into contact with anyone but your flight companions. Additionally, if you are planning to head back to Florida, California, Arizona or the big skies of the Northwest for the winter, you may want to book a jet now as one-way bookings are heating up.

30 slmag.net

SpiritJets, one of the original jet companies offering sales and acquisitions, management and charter services in St. Louis, specializes in servicing predominantly St. Louis travelers.

Compared to larger, national private jet companies which stop at multiple cities throughout the day with their fleet of hundreds of jets, SpiritJets will fly to Naples, for example, drop off their client, and return with another family coming back to St. Louis.

With their fleet of economical light jets to the global capability of their large cabin jets, they can handle just about anything with their superbly maintained aircraft, personalized service, and prices often significantly less than their national competition.

Even if you are chartering or utilizing a membership card for just 20 hours a year, there’s something nice about knowing the SpiritJets team on a first name basis. At SpiritJets, any plane you use feels like your plane because you will likely fly the same jet regularly, compared to other companies where you don’t know anyone, you are on a different plane with a different crew

each flight, and it feels like you are being picked up by an Uber.

According to the SpiritJets team, “Some people may not care, but our clients do.”

Mike Liebetrau, Director of Flight Operations at SpiritJets, began his corporate aviation career 15 years ago flying Learjets. Today, he is currently Director of Flight Operations, and where he has been for the past five years, but like many on the SpritJets team, he continues to fly as an International Captain on the Gulfstream 550. Mike also oversees the company’s flight standards, policies, and procedures.

“My decision to choose the private sector of aviation over the airlines began when I realized why people fly private. It’s the trust and compassion that passengers have when they see the same friendly faces. The trust part comes easy, when you know the team providing your flight experience. Knowing your pilots, knowing your flight coordinators, and knowing your aircraft mechanics, makes the trust part easy. They have confidence that we are giving them the safest airplane, with the safest pilots, worked on by the safest mechanics...

because we are. Being a smaller local niche operator, allows us to maintain that close working relationship with our clients.”

Krista Luehmann interacts with clients and her flight coordinator team daily to custom tailor each client’s flight experience. By the client simply providing the destination, Krista and her team will find the closest airport, organize ground transportation, and arrange all catering requests for the flight.

“Our clients only need to focus on one thing, their destination.

Whether this is your first flight, or you’re a seasoned traveler with us, you will quickly sense familiarity. You will talk to the same flight coordinators, and see the same faces piloting your airplane. Knowing our clients intimately and exceeding their expectations is what sets us apart.”

As commercial flight schedules and routes become more limited, crowds at airports become more scary, and the pandemic lingers into the 3rd and 4th Quarters, private jet travel becomes more and more attractive. And if you haven’t considered it before, you may be surprised to find out you are the perfect candidate. sl

slmag.net 31

Sunrise on Isabela Island

ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT

Experience a different kind of island time with Classic Journeys’ Multi-Sport Island-Based Trip in the Galápagos Islands Written by Bridget Williams The first tourists arrived in the Galápagos Islands via cruise ship in 1934, initiating a travel trend that has persisted for decades until operators like Classic Journeys chose to defy the status quo and offer island-based tours of the islands. "It really comes down to the amount of quality time you get to spend engaged in activities, and shuttling back-and-forth to your boat really cuts into that," explained Edward Piegza, who founded Classic Journeys 25 years ago. He added that his company has "kissed a lot of frogs" to assemble island-based tours that use the luxury of time to go beyond where boat tourists tread.

I unwrapped the gift of surplus seconds on my second day in the Galápagos. Rising before the crack of dawn at my oceanfront hotel on Isabela Island, I set out to do some solo exploring with a run along the beach and into the national park. Even before the first boat-based tourists were loading into inflatable boats for transport to shore, I was hurdling the island's famous giant tortoises. These

behemoths, the longest-lived of all vertebrates, appeared unphased by my presence as they languidly chewed tiny green "poisoned" apples along an aptly named tortuga allée. At this early hour, the humidity hung on my shoulders like a weighted blanket, and I was relieved that the sound of bird calls and the rhythmic beating of waves on the beach was enough to mask my labored breathing. By the time our scheduled itinerary kicked off at 9 am, I was elated that I'd already enjoyed my fair share of awe-inducing moments.

Within the first few hours on a Classic Journeys-led trip, it's easy to see why the company was named the World's Best Tour Operator in 2019, by the readers of Travel + Leisure (the second time in the past five years). The secret sauce ladled over its diverse menu of tours around the globe includes heavy hyper-local involvement, which Piegza likens to applying the farm-to-table concept to travel.

From native guides to locally-owned hotels and restaurants, guests receive a comprehensive cultural immersion at every step.

slmag.net 33

Hotel Iguana on Isabela Island

Our Galรกpagos adventure commenced at Seymour Airport on arid Baltra Island, home to a United States Army Air Force base during World War II. Sebastian, our primary guide for the trip, awaited us.

The Quito, Ecuador native said he fell in love with guiding at age 17 and feels lucky to have spent the past two decades doing what he loves. Attentive and affable, we knew right away that we were in good hands. A short, scenic small craft flight took us to Isabela Island, where we met another Sebastian, one of the island's 2,000 residents.

He introduced us to his infectious and endearing enthusiasm with a booming "Hello my beautiful travelers!" as soon as we deplaned.

Ninety-seven percent of the Galรกpagos is a national park, and humans have only been living on its five habitable islands since the beginning of the 19th century. On Isabela, buildings reflect island life where resources are scarce (there's no fresh water), and the most is made of what's available. Just outside the heart of town, Iguana Crossing, our home base for the first part of our trip, is a familyowned and eco-friendly beachfront hotel that provides quick access to the aforementioned national park trail.

Classic Journeys offers several versions of their island-based Galรกpagos trips, from a five-day multi-sport jaunt to a nine-day culture and walking tour that includes a stop at Machu Picchu.

34 slmag.net

Angermeyer Waterfront Inn.

What I loved most about my small-group multi-sport adventure was the ability to actively explore both above and below the water.

From coming face-to-face with a sea lion in the water near Santa Fe Island (who let us know quite emphatically that we were getting a little too close to his pup), to hiking 11 miles round-trip to the top of the six-mile-wide crater of Volcan Sierra Negra (one of the most active calderas on the planet), the itinerary accommodated our group's varied interests and physical abilities.

During the volcano hike, where we observed boat-based tourists turning around at the half-way mark due to time constraints, we stopped periodically to taste wild plants and admire a landscape that went from a scrubby beach, up to a lush jungle, and topped out with at a vast lunar-like lava field. As someone who has set off on more than one outdoor adventure woefully underprepared, I appreciated that the guides think of (and carry) everything, from bottled water to fresh aloe vera.

Adventures in the field are supplemented by opportunities to discuss local culture, politics, and quality of life with our guide and fellow guests. Before a dinner at Iguana Crossing, we enjoyed a ceviche-making demonstration and learned that Ecuadorans garnish the traditional Latin American dish with popcorn.

The affable Adriano Cabrera demonstrates how donkey power, elbow grease, and ingenuity are employed to produce everything from coffee to moonshine at El Trapiche.

A giant tortoise at the El Chato Reserve on Santa Cruz Island.

Snorkeling, exploring, and a barbecue on the boat at Santa Fe Island.

Ceviche at Hotel Iguana

Catch of the day on Santa Cruz.

Guide Sebastian explaining the topography of the Sierra Negra shield volcano, one of the largest and most active volcanoes in the Galรกpagos.

Food stalls on Santa Cruz Island.

slmag.net 35

Blue-footed boobies are one of three booby species found on the Galรกpagos Islands.

A marine iguana on Santa Fe Island.

36 slmag.net

A pink-hued lake in the national park on Isabela Island.

Options to extend your adventures in Ecuador can include a visit to La Danesa, a working dairy, cacao farm and upscale hacienda about an hour drive from Guayaquil.

We island-hopped from Isabela to Santa Cruz via private boat.

The two-hour ride was quite scenic and relatively smooth, which was a great relief for someone like me who is prone to seasickness. Unique lodging continued at the Angermeyer Waterfront Hotel, accessible via a five-minute water taxi from Santa Cruz across Puerto Ayora Bay. While there are a host of upscale lodging options in this high cotton district, only Angermeyer can lay claim to being operated by the first person born on nearby Baltra Island. Teppy Angermeyer's family relocated to the island from Germany in the 1940s to escape the war. "There was literally nothing here," he said while recounting the realities of a subsistence existence. Today Teppy's father's boat is permanently "docked" on the hillside, where it's now into a one-ofa-kind suite. My favorite spot on the property was a 1960s era grotto, where groovy vibes are served up alongside a hearty breakfast buffet.

At the El Chato Reserve on Santa Cruz, we walked alongside giant tortoises, who generally went about chomping grass as if we weren't there. Far lusher that Isabela, the fertile volcanic soils are ideal for growing coffee and sugarcane. Stopping at El Trapiche, an agritourism destination, it's hard not to be smitten by the charm of farmer Adriano Cabrera. He demonstrated how donkey power, elbow grease, and ingenuity are employed to produce everything from coffee to moonshine. Picking up a few bags of coffee beans allowed me to recount this exceptional experience with my morning cup of joe long after returning home.

While the Galรกpagos is a protected ecological wonder, it is not entirely immune from destructive practices, as we learned during a snorkeling trip around Santa Fe Island. En route, our eagleeyed captain spotted something bobbing in the water and quickly realized it was a sea turtle entangled in an illegal dragnet. The crew promptly sprang into action, and in a whirl of activity that had all of our hearts pumping, gingerly freed the traumatized turtle who swiftly swam away.

The boat captain (yet another Sebastian), whose family once fished these waters for a living, estimated that the turtle might have spent months in this precarious position based on the net's condition. "Because of guests like those from Classic Journeys who want to really experience the wildlife in these waters, the octopus I used to catch and sell to a restaurant is now my business partner," he explained. "I can take people to snorkel to his hidden places, and he reveals himself to us."

Following the afternoon's excitement, we enjoyed a barbeque lunch on the boat, taking time to wade into the azure waters and onto dry land to ogle a species of iguana unique to this island.

Reflecting on the adrenaline-packed day, which came at the end of our trip, Piegza said, "I have the best job in the world, creating trips of a lifetime, and Classic Journeys has the wherewithal to make that statement more than just a tagline." sl For more information about Classic Journeys, visit classicjourneys.com.

slmag.net 37

FAUX REAL Co-founders Chloe Mendel and Gustave Maisonrouge

Founded by Chloe Mendel, daughter of designer Gilles Mendel, and Gustave Maisonrouge, Maison Atia is the first luxury faux fur brand dedicated to making a difference.

Written by Bridget Williams Maison Atia uses traditional fur ateliers and techniques to create carefully crafted and timeless pieces that push the boundaries of faux fur. Combining a modern aesthetic and sensibility with six-generations of fur heritage craftsmanship, Maison Atia offers a genuinely luxurious alternative to fur coats and accessories.

Cognizant of the impact of fashion on the environment, the brand has pledged to be socially responsible and engaged by aiming to be zero-waste from the outset. They use leftover fabrics from coat production to create chic accessories and recycle what’s unused with FabScrap. In 2019, Maison Atis launched its first fully sustainable capsule collection for babies and toddlers using Kobra fabric, one-hundred-percent made from plants and recycled water bottles.

38 slmag.net

slmag.net 39

40 slmag.net

The company’s pledge to give back goes beyond the environment.

A partnership with PAWS CHICAGO, a no-kill shelter, resulted in a #BuyACoatSaveAPuppy campaign. Each coat sold provides transportation for a homeless pet from a high-kill shelter to PAWS CHICAGO. For its Fall 2020 collection, the brand continued to expand beyond its core offerings, while looking to the past for inspiration. MA by Maison Atia is a vibrant and colorful capsule line incorporating the Koba fabric from their baby collection.

They also introduced Pink Label, their first hand-embroidered limited edition collection. “We are only creating three pieces of each design to truly make it special and exclusive,” said Gustave Maisonrouge, co-founder and President.

Chloe Mendel, co-founder and Creative Director, explained the collection’s background story. “When I think of the 70s, I think of a time where fashion was full of life, integrating individuality and freedom of expression. This season you will find vibrant colors continuing in the theme of pop art inspired

by Robert Indiana weaving throughout the collection and bringing modernity to our animal print wonderland. I imagine these coats inside the incredible closet of Diana Vreeland. This season is all about celebrating the fashion icon inside every woman.” sl Maison Atia is available at maisonatia.com and select retail partners.

slmag.net 41

Bibliotaph... New & Notable

Compiled by Victoria Chase

An examination of the substantial role that Chicago played in the development of the modern single-family home in the twentieth century. Susan Benjamin and Michelangelo Sabatino—Modern in the Middle: Chicago Houses 19291975—hardcover, 296 pages, Monacelli Press (moncellipress.com) Notable for his elegant, sophisticated rooms that combine sumptuous fabrics, well-selected antiques, and contemporary comfort, interior designer Matthew Patrick Smyth shares his design process through some of his most recent work. Matthew Patrick Smyth, Wendy Goodman (foreword), Judith Nasatir (text)—Through a Designer’s Eye: A Focus On Interiors—hardcover, 256 pages, The Monacelli Press A celebration of the scenic route, this book presents 200 once-in-alifetime adventures both near and far. Whether your passions lie on foot, in the saddle, behind the wheel, or at the helm, there’s an itinerary for everyone. Unforgettable Journeys: Slow Down And See The World—hardcover, 320 pages, DK Eyewitness Travel (dk.com) Rookwood Pottery was arguably the most famous company making art pottery in the United States in the late nineteenth century into the twentieth century.

Published to coincide with the company’s 140th anniversary, author and historian Bob Batchelor tells the compelling story of this artisanal ceramics company, still operating in the heart of the Ohio River Valley from its founding to present day. The book is filled with behind-the-scenes artist and creator interviews, stories of Rookwood's avid collectors, as well as never-before-seen images and documents from the company's historic archives. Bob Batchelor— ROOKWOOD: The Rediscovery and Revival of an American Icon—hardcover, 240 pages, Rockport Publishers (quarto.com)

42 slmag.net

bib 'li' o 'taph, [bib-lee-uhtaf, -tahf ]: a person who caches or hoards books This entertaining book reveals the identities and lives of some of the most famous characters populating art history. Based on art scholarship but written for the casual observer, these intriguing tales shed new light on familiar masterpieces. Michele Robecchi and Francesca Bonazzoli—Portraits Unmasked: The Stories Behind the Faces—hardcover, 208 pages, Prestel (penguinrandomhouse.com)

Photographer Lorenz Andreas Fischer has traveled to the Alps for years, and this photo book brings together his impressions, showing us the startling beauty of the Alpine mountains. Lorenz Andreas Fischer—THE ALPS: High Mountains in Motion—hardcover, 288 pages, teNeues (teneues.com)

As of press time, the college football season was a maybe. If it happens, this book, offering tailgating tips and tricks from James Beard Award winner John Currence will take your tailgate to the next level If it doesn’t, you’ll have plenty of practice for 2021. John Currence—Tailgreat: How to Crush It At Tailgating—hardcover, 256 pages, Ten Speed Press (penguinrandomhouse.com)

Organized by season and encompassing more than twenty celebrations, iconic tastemaker Aerin Lauder reveals how to bring beauty, style, and joy into everything from milestone events to everyday meals. Available in October. Aerin Lauder— Entertaining Beautifully—hardcover, 240 pages, Rizzoli (rizzoliusa.com) This is the first book dedicated to photographer Ernst Haas’s color photographs of New York City in the 1950s and 60s. Born in Vienna, Haas moved to NYC in 1951 and used his trained eye and Kodachrome film to capture the city’s palpable energy. Phillip Prodger and Alex Haas (foreword)—Ernst Haas: New York in Color, 1952-1962—hardcover, 208 pages, Prestel (penguinrandomhouse.com)

slmag.net 43

DIVINE

BY DESIGN The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Written by Bridget Williams Fuzzy-headed and bleary-eyed from jet-lag and with daylight still hours away in this Nordic nation, I felt like I'd stumbled into a futuristic utopian society focused on wellness as I crossed the threshold of The Retreat at Blue Lagoon. Staring out a tall window behind the reception desk, I surveyed frothy, milky blue water covered with a gauzy layer of steam that lapped at the lowslung brutalist-style concrete building whose designed mimicked the surrounding vast lunar-like landscape devoid of trees.

Guests shuffled by in fluffy robes, a look of complete contentment on their faces, while a New-Agey soundtrack

44 slmag.net

sprinkled with lyrics sung in a language imperceptible from my own kept the sounds of the whistling winter winds at bay. One of a bevy of rosy-cheeked hosts appeared with a pot of tea, and I could feel my senses awaken with every sip.

I knew that this was going to be a stopover like no other.

Begun in the 1960s and taking off in the early aughts, Icelandair's layover program allows travelers to book a three-day stopover in the country on the way to or from major European cities for less than merely booking a fare with a transfer in Reykjavik Airport.

The architecture takes advantage of the lagoon’s natural beauty while minimizing the building’s impact on its surroundings.

slmag.net 45

Fire Room in the Retreat spa Mineral scrub as part of The Retreat Spa Ritual

It takes just over twenty minutes to go from airport to awe.

Fortified by the tea and armed with my rubber room key bracelet, I opened the door to my Moss Junior Suite and knew this was as close as I'd ever get to feeling like a Bond girl. With an expertly executed lighting scheme comprising small light points only where necessary, my guestroom was a modern minimalist's dream.

The entrance door perfectly aligned with the floor to ceiling windows looking out to an expansive moss-covered lava field as well as a twisting tributary of the UNESCO Global Geopark.

Black plaster walls, nubby putty-colored upholstery, and a mossy green coverlet on the bed carried through on the inside-out theme. Austere but not soulless, the environs invite a measure of introspection and conjure up feelings of inner strength.

A selection of natural Blue Lagoon skincare products created from the bioactive elements of geothermal seawater, silica, algae, and minerals was arrayed on the vanity, inside the walk-in shower tricked out with an Axor brushed black chrome shower system, and on the rim of the deep soaking tub positioned in front of the window. While smart technology is integrated within the rooms, 46 slmag.net

The perforated pattern of a wall in the Retreat Spa is designed to recall the aerated surface of the solidified igneous rock.

Guided yoga is offered each morning

TVs are not, and thoughtful touches like throws made from Icelandic wool soften the contemporary edges.

Opened in 2018, the 62-suite Retreat is literally built into and around the contours of the famous 800-year-old lava fields that serve as the Blue Lagoon’s basin. Guests are privy to 10,000-square-feet of crowd-free soaking in the geothermal, antibacterial, and silica-rich waters, purported to improve psoriasis and eczema and prevent premature aging. Having been to the public area just a few months prior and experiencing the often raucous, selfie-centric crowd, having the lagoon nearly all to myself felt like a dream.

Using nature as a guide, a cinematic sense of drama pervades.

Sigríður Sigþórsdóttir, the Retreat's architect, slept in the lava fields to work out the ideal site placement. Restaurants use custom ebony dinnerware from Royal Crown Derby and Villeroy & Boch. In the corridor that leads to the subterranean spa, amber light filters through the perforated porous material of the walls to create an incandescent lava effect. Doors boasting the heft of a bank vault slide open to reveal myriad treasures contained on the other side.

Lagoon suite

The reception desk in the lobby is carved from lava rock quarried on site. Varying textures and tones of the exposed concrete walls evoke white silica or grey lava.

Photo by Giorgio Possenti.

Private lagoon reserved for Retreat guests.

Photos by Giorgio Possenti.

Moss Junior Suite. Furnishings by B&B Italia.

slmag.net 47

The underground Wine Cellar is carved in situ from multi-hued lava spewed forth from an eruption in 1226

Cell phones are prohibited in the cavernous 44,000-squarefoot spa facility, which was staffed by an army of Alexander SkarsgĂĽrd-lookalike attendants. Just past the reception desk is a dine-in-your-robe restaurant serving up hearty and healthy cuisine with a side of unobstructed lagoon views. There are several indulgent relaxation rooms, including a windowless one with a cozy fireplace, and another with fun hanging Nest chairs facing the lagoon. Plunge pools, a steam room, a sauna, and a unique lava spring are all part of this adult playground.

I kicked off my spa experience with an in-water massage, an awkward dance that was part disorientation, and part relaxation thanks to Mother Nature. Suspended on a float with ear warmers blocking outside noise, the tepid towels covering body parts 48 slmag.net

not submerged in the warm waters stood in sharp contrast to the icy raindrops that needled my face. Despite the challenging conditions, my therapist did an outstanding job, and we shared a few genuine laughs along the way.

The algae found in the Blue Lagoon's seawater is so unique that it's patented, and the spa's self-guided multi-step Blue Lagoon Ritual incorporates products made from the algae for exclusive use in the spa. I can say I indulged in the treatment each day to reap the skinsoothing and smoothing benefits. Be sure to stop by the Retreat's gift shop before you leave to pick up Blue Lagoon skincare products only available to guests. Trust me, your skin will thank you for it.

Dining is just as dreamy as the design. Breakfast is served in a sunken lounge area defined by a large expanse of floor-to-ceiling

The Chef ’s Table in Moss Restaurant is made from lava rock quarried on site.

Private lagoon for guests of the Retreat

windows overlooking the lagoon. So cool is the 60-seat Moss Restaurant that it has its own channel on Spotify. We indulged in a stunningly plated multi-course menu that celebrated the diversity of Icelandic cuisine. A Chef's Table within Moss offers an intimate seven-course gourmet journey served on a table made of lava rock quarried on site.

Oenophiles won't want to miss taking a trip underground to the Wine Cellar, carved in situ from multi-hued lava spewed forth from an eruption in 1226. Old World wines with a heavy concentration on French varietals anchor the expansive list, but there is also an exciting lineup of New World producers from the Americas and Australia.

As tempting as it was to soak in the lagoon all day, my pruned skin begged for some dry-land activity. On property,

The lobby lounge.

The lava field around the Retreat at Blue Lagoon primarily consists of a single flow from the year 1226.

Photo by Giorgio Possenti.

there is a well-equipped fitness room, morning yoga, and guided hikes. The number of endeavors you can engage in off-property is limited only by the available time. Hosts can arrange excursions, including driving an ATV across black sand beaches and around extinct volcanoes, touring the Reykjanes Peninsula in a chauffeurdriven luxury sedan, or taking a speedier tour of the highlights via helicopter. If you hope to spy the Northern Lights, you can let the hosts know to alert you should they make an appearance.

Demonstrating the power of good design that makes this natural wonder even more wonderful, the Retreat at the Blue Lagoon is apropos for both a layover or a longer linger. sl Rooms at The Retreat begin at $1,264/night. For more information or reservations, visit bluelagoon.com/accommodation/retreat-hotel.

slmag.net 49

Of Note... Behind Closed Doors

Compiled by Colin Dennis

This page, clockwise from top left: Edmondson cabinet from Arteriors ($8,840; arteriorshome.com). Piccadilly cabinet from Boca do Lobo (price upon request; bocadolobo.com). Tesaurus cabinets by Antonio Citterio for Maxalto are available in three different heights and widths with two or four doors, with drawers and flap doors (bebitalia.com). Jonathan Adler Crawford cabinet ($4,950; jonathanadler.com). Ash Ornithological Sketch cabinet from Mineheart ($4,307; mineheart.com). Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Round rattan cabinet from Audenza ($275; audenza.com). Mogg Ritratti cabinet designed by Marzia & Leo Dainelli and made in Italy ($4,500; artemest.com). Sir Ladybug small cabinet by Wonderbold ($3,150; wonderbold.com). Gus Modern Elora cabinet in Chiffon ($1,196; gusmodern.com). Blackland cabinet by Suzanne Kasler for Hickory Chair (hickorychair.com).

50 slmag.net

slmag.net 51

Complete Mercedes-AMG Black Series model lineup

BACK IN BLACK The new Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series boasts the most potent AMG V8 series engine.

Written by Andre James / Photos courtesy of Mercedes-AMG

For those who desire the ultimate in AMG performance, few models can match the exclusivity, rarity, and track-optimized performance of the AMG Black Series models. AMG's most extroverted sibling, since 2006, the Black Series is noted for being uncompromisingly sporty. The expressive design reflects the most direct technology transfer from motorsport to series production.

Black Series models are exclusive automotive rarities. While street-legal, these cars appeal to collectors looking to put them through their fast paces on racetracks. Thus far, only five unique models have worn the distinctive Black Series badge. These include the SLK 55 Black Series, the CLK 63 Black Series, the SL 65 Black Series, the C 63 Black Series, and the SLS AMG Black Series.

Debuting this past July, the Mercedes AMG GT Black Series features the most potent Mercedes-AMG V8 series engine of all time.

52 slmag.net

"The new GT Black Series is our latest automotive highlight and continues a tradition established in 2006. The sixth iteration of its kind is another AMG milestone and impressive proof of the incredible development expertise in Affalterbach. I am proud of the team who have created this unique super sports car, which now represents the absolute peak of our successful GT family. The performance, appearance, and driving dynamics of the GT Black Series are second to none. This project was a fantastic end to my work at AMG, for which I am truly thankful," says Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board at Mercedes-AMG GmbH. Although the new GT Black Series engine is based on the AMG 4.0-liter V8 bi-turbo with dry-sump lubrication, it has been given a new internal code of M178 LS2, due to its numerous modifications. It achieves 720 HP at 6,700-6,900 rpm

and delivers a maximum torque of 590 lb-ft at 2,000-6,000 rpm.

By comparison, the GT-R comes with an impressive 585 HP. The Black Series shoots from 0 to 60 MPH in 3.1 seconds and 124 mph in under nine seconds. The top speed is 202 MPH. Power transfers to the rear wheels via the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed dual-clutch transmission located on the rear axle in a transaxle arrangement for optimal weight distribution, as is the case for all AMG GT 2-door models. It has been specially modified for use in the AMG GT Black Series and adapted to the increased torque of 590 lb-ft. The previous limits governing shift performance and response time have been extended, making them more suitable for racetracks.

These modifications contribute to new and unique characteristics. Not only are the accelerator and engine response more agile - the drive programs, start-up characteristics, and gear changes

are, too. Increased starting revs, more sensitive wheel slip control, and high-performance tires fit for the racetrack make the Race Start function even more impressive.

The similarity to the AMG GT3 and AMG GT4 racing cars is visually and technically more substantial than ever. A significantly larger radiator air inlet stems directly from the AMG GT3 racing car.

The new carbon-fiber hood has two large exhaust air outlets made from black finished carbon-fiber surfaces. The new rear bumper characterizes the rearview with a large diffuser, two rounded twintailpipe trims on the outside left and right, side wheel arch ventilation, and an innovative rear spoiler design.

Getting your hands on the most powerful, technologically advanced, and fastest front-engined supercar produced by AMG comes at a cost, $391,500 to be exact. sl

slmag.net 53

CUFF ENOUGH Statement bracelets that stand on their own Compiled by Bridget Williams

Clockwise from top left: Aida Bergsen 18K yellow gold Medusa cuff (aidabergsen.com). Treillage South Sea Keshi Pearl cuff from Assael (assael.com). 14K yellow gold Sea of Stars cuff with diamonds from Marrow Fine ($3,200; marrowfine.com) . Cyclone cuff from Elizabeth Garvin Fine ($10,350; elizabethgarvinfine.com). Star 18K white gold and diamond cuff from Colette ($34,010; colettejewelry.com). John Hardy Lahar cuff with diamonds ($4,900; johnhardy.com). Bespoke cuff from Parulina Couture Fine Jewelry (parulina.com).

54 slmag.net

Clockwise from top left: Tempo hand-painted Italian enamel over sterling silver bracelet ($550; belleetoilejewelry.com). Vintage cuff from Jill Heller Jewelry (jillhellerjewelry.com). Marco Bicego 18K yellow gold and diamond Triple Flower cuff from the Petali Collection ($6,400; us.marcobicego.com). Curve bracelet in 18K yellow gold and sterling from Georg Jensen ($4,750; georgjensen. com). Anaconda Mosaic Collection cuff from Vendorafa (vendorafa.net). Lalaounis cuff bracelet (lalaounis.com). From Stephen Silver, an 18K white gold hinged cuff bracelet with a 91.89 carat cushion-cut aquamarine and 7.07 carats of round brilliant-cut diamonds ($95,000; shsilver.com). Cadar Python 18K cuff bracelet ($28,000; cadar.com). Philip Crangi & Co wide Diamondback Pyramid cuff in forged brass with diamonds ($1,450; philipcrangiandco.com).

slmag.net 55

LAURA CATENA Argentina’s Wonder Woman Written by Bonnie Graves

It’s rare and kind of cool when a woman becomes virtually synonymous with a given wine region; in an industr y traditionally dominated by men, these female leaders in positions of visibility help to encourage a rising generation of women in the field. In the Champagne region of France, business-savvy women like the widows Clicquot and Laurent-Perrier normalized women in decision-making roles in the 19th century. Today that tradition continues with women running several of the top grande marque houses.

Argentina also has a wonder woman, but instead of a widowed dowager inheriting her husband’s business interests, this one is a practicing medical doctor with an impressive educational background all her own.

Laura Catena may have been born into one of Argentina’s most storied wine-producing families, but her energy and her vision have revitalized the family business in a truly impressive way.

Currently serving as Managing Director of Bodega Catena Zapata, Laura also manages her own winery in Mendoza called Luca while somehow working part-time as a pediatrician in San Francisco.

That’s quite a commute for a busy mother of three!

56 slmag.net

The Catena wines are in many ways emblematic of the history of Argentina’s wine industry and its early dependence on immigrant labor.

Because so much of the vineyard work was undertaken by Spaniards and Italians with a healthy daily consumption habit consistent with their homelands, Argentine wine production initially was more about quantity than quality. Frankly, it was anonymous wine sold in bulk, and that’s a reputation that is hard to shake once entrenched in consumers’ minds. (See that more recent cautionary yellow tale that helped drive Australia’s mono-variety shiraz boom down deep into the discount racks.) Founded by Laura’s great-grandfather Nicola Catena, an immigrant from the Marche region of Italy, Catena Zapata’s first vineyard was planted near Luján in the Mendoza Valley in 1902. Malbec, known then as la uva francesa, was popularized

by Michel Aimé Pouget, who touted the grape’s prodigiousness on the vine. Production among these early industrial “smokestack” wineries in the region ramped up, and by just 1915, Argentina had already become the 6th largest producer of wine in the world.

It would fall to Laura’s dad, Nicolás Catena, the grandson of Nicola, to change Catena from a forgettable volume player to a brand that has firmly established Argentina as a fine wine player.

Like Laura, Nicolás also completed some of his education in the US with graduate work at Columbia and at the University of Chicago in Applied Economics.

The legendary “Judgement of Paris” tasting in 1976, combined with a fortuitous visit to Mondavi’s property in the 1980s, convinced Nicolás that Catena could be transformed, a conviction that quickly became a passion. He hired top names like José Galante, Guy Ruhland, and Paul Hobbs, visionary winemakers who brought a new sensibility to both vineyard management practices and to winemaking techniques. The shift from high-yield to better-yield began, and when Laura officially joined the family business in 1995, the time was right to take Catena into yet another period of expansion and improvement.

Essential to Catena’s next-gen push is Laura’s scientific/ medical background. What for many winemakers remained anecdotal or accidental – the notion of “terroir” - was quantified

by Laura’s research into the soils and microclimates of her family’s holdings. Loosely put, terroir is the concept of place speaking through a wine, e.g., the ability to discern site-specific aromas and textures based on a wine’s place of origin.

It’s the polar opposite of manufactured wine, and Laura’s success in founding the Catena Institute has helped to legitimize terroir by grounding it firmly in science. A joint partnership between UC Davis and the Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, the Catena Institute continues to conduct world-class research into the complex relationship between farming grapes and bottling juice.

I met with Laura over lunch a few years back. As a high-energy, bilingual wine enthusiast myself, I came away duly impressed by her enthusiasm and seemingly limitless energy. Recent adventures for Laura have included conducting a tasting of five benchmark Catena wines on the Great Wall of China and hosting a UC Davis lecture entitled “How Science Can Preserve the Ancient Art of Winemaking,” a hot topic that allows both natural, low-intervention wine enthusiasts and more clinically-controlled winemakers to understand each other’s interdependence. And I imagine she has more than a few Zoom meetings scheduled in 2020, too. For anyone interested in top-tier malbec, the flagship red variety of Argentina, the wines of Catena are a must. Their suite of wines, in general, are now unequivocally worldclass. Bodega Zapata Catena and Luca wines are widely available online or at your local retailer throughout the US. www.catenawines.com sl

slmag.net 57

DOG TIRED

While chances are our pets are happy with all of the extra time we’ve been spending at home, all of the additional attention (and walks!) can be exhausting. Our selection of pet beds allows you to pamper your best friend without compromising style.

Compiled by Claire Williams

This page, clockwise from top left: Club Nine Pets Orthopedic Mid-Century Dog Chaise from Ruff Houzin (from $287; ruffhouzin.com). Charley Chau Deeply Dishy dog bed in leaf velour ($150; charleychau.com). Loue dog bed from Labbvenn (from $475; labbvenn.com). High-loft pillow Lettino dog bed in crisply tailored Festival linen from Sferra (from $245; sferra.com). Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Luke pet bed in Anthracite from Labbvenn ($200; labbvenn.com). Large Riviera rattan dog bed from Serena & Lily ($548; serenaandlily.com). A completely custom 60-bottle wine rack with built-in dog bed and personalized wine barrel plaque from Rockstar Puppy Boutique ($2,999; rockstarpuppyboutique. com). Custom Double Doggie Den from B & B Kustom Kennels ($2,099 as shown; bbkustomkennels.com).

58 slmag.net

slmag.net 59

2021 two-door Bronco Black Diamond series in Cyber Orange Metallic Tri-Coat with available Sasquatch™ off-road package.

BRONCO IS BACK!

Ford announces a new family of Built Wild™ SUVs, US off-road driving schools, and a unique community for owner and enthusiast engagement.

Written by Andre James

The story of Bronco—from the birth of the iconic SUV during World War II, its life until it was canceled in 1996 (including a notorious police chase in 1994), and the efforts of dedicated Ford employees to bring back a family of Bronco vehicles this year— has created quite a buzz in the motoring world. “The Bronco is on a very short list of American vehicles that provide a true lens through which you can view the changes in the fabric of America,” said Ford Chief Communications Officer Mark Truby.

Ford’s off-road SUV expertise traces back to World War II when the automaker was part of a government competition to build rugged carry-all utilities for GIs in the battlefield. Ford’s entry was called the GP, for General Purpose. More than 270,000 Ford GPs were built for Allied forces. GIs returning home bought Army surplus GPs, but they were too small and uncomfortable for civilian life, according to Ford research from the early 1960s, so Ford developed a more refined, yet durable off-road vehicle to meet this need – Bronco.

The original Bronco was nicknamed G.O.A.T. by Donald Frey, the Ford product manager who championed both Mustang and Bronco nameplates and challenged engineering teams to deliver “go anywhere roadability.” As an agile, sports-oriented offroad 4x4, Ford dubbed the original 1966 Bronco “a completely 60 slmag.net

new line of sports-utility vehicles” at its reveal Aug. 11, 1965 – the first reference to “SUVs” from an American manufacturer.

Early Broncos had a rugged body-on-frame design with short front and rear overhangs, high ground clearance, and a short wheelbase for maximum off-road capability. Bronco’s toughness and agility at high-speed enabled off-road racers like Rod Hall and Larry Minor to capture an overall win at the grueling 1969 Baja 1000 – a victory that no other production 4x4 has replicated in 50 years.

Bronco holds a special place in popular culture and has been featured in more than 1,200 films and 200 songs. Since Ford ended production in 1996, Bronco SUVs have continued to grow in popularity with collectors and enthusiasts. With the January 2017 announcement of the return of Ford Bronco, valuations have skyrocketed, according to Barrett-Jackson, with the average first-generation Bronco sale price nearly doubling from $39,763 to $74,820 in just more than three years. Hagerty valuation guide ranks 1966-77 Broncos as among the highest vehicle price increases of all collectible SUVs over the past three years – a 75.8 percent gain.

Ford took the wraps off the new Bronco during an event broadcast across Disney network channels, including National Geographic and ESPN. The lineup includes a Bronco two-door, a

The instrument panel is inspired by the firstgeneration Bronco, with intuitive, clearly visible LED gauges and controls in this prototype version of the all-new 2021 Bronco four-door.

The four-door 2021 Bronco will have available removeable modular roof sections – left and right front panels, a full-width center panel and a rear section.

Roof panels on both two- and fourdoor models can be easily removed by unlocking the latches from the interior to provide the largest overall open-top view in its class to take in the sunshine or to gaze at the stars at night.

first-ever Bronco four-door model, and an all-new rugged, small SUV, the Bronco Sport. Bronco will be the only domestic brand of SUVs with standard 4x4, a base setup, and advanced 4x4. More than 200 factory-backed aftermarket accessories provide infinite opportunities for maximum personalization, enabling dealers to offer outfitting-ondemand for each customer’s individual adventure needs.

“Bronco gave rise to the fun and versatile off-road SUV in 1966, becoming the first enjoyable sport utility vehicle for those who wanted to live, work and play outdoors,” said Jim Farley, Ford chief operating officer. “Like the original, the all-new Bronco family is engineered to take you to epic places, with the capability to deliver confidence on any terrain.”

Bronco’s advanced topographic trail maps and more than 1,000 curated trail maps are powered by class-exclusive trail content from NeoTreks’ AccuTerra® Maps, Trails Offroad trail guides, and FunTreks trail guides. “The trail mapping system available on Bronco is truly a game-changer in the off-road community,” said Mark Grueber, Bronco consumer marketing manager.

To coincide with the launch, Ford has introduced new owner experiences, including Bronco Off-Roadeos. Opening next year, these off-roading and outdoor adventure playgrounds will suit all skill levels and are designed to inspire Bronco owners to get out in the

Bronco two-door in Cyber Orange Metallic Tri-Coat and Bronco fourdoor in Cactus Gray.

Bronco Sport

wild for years to come. Current and future Bronco owners and offroad fans and outdoor enthusiasts will be able to connect via Bronco Nation (www.thebronconation.com). This independent online community elevates the excitement of owning an all-new Bronco or Bronco Sport.

Ford is ramping up all-new Bronco merchandise, too.

From Bronco gear to remote control cars, Ford-licensed Bronco merchandise is available at Amazon.com/fordbronco. Enthusiasts can shop for gifts, novelties, collectibles, and apparel. A portion of Bronco merchandise proceeds will be donated to the Bronco brand’s stewardship efforts.

“Bronco delivers on the common thread desired by enthusiasts – authenticity,” said Mark Grueber, Ford U.S. consumer marketing manager. “Building Bronco as Ford’s distinct outdoor brand includes a unique network of experiences, community, and engagement that extends far beyond ownership of Bronco and Bronco Sport models.”

The 2021 Bronco two-door and four-door models will be built at Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan. MSRP for the base two-door Bronco is $29,995, including $1,495 destination and delivery. Reservations for Bronco two- and fourdoor models can be made for $100 at ford.com. sl

slmag.net 61

LAPIS OF LUXURY

Contemporary pieces celebrating the deep-blue metamorphic rock coveted since ancient times Compiled by Lionel Haff

Clockwise from top left this page: Rush Jewelry Design Icon Victoire matte lapis necklace ($4,700; rushjewelrydesign.com). Retrouvai Signature Compass pendant with lapis and emerald ($2,090; retrouvai.com). Emerald Cut Munchkin Blueberry Glazed earrings from Bondeye Jewelry ($1,115; bondeyejewelry.com). Jenny Dee Jewelry Taygeta lapis and diamond ring ($1,680; jennydeejewelry.com). Pamela Love Multi Paillette band with sapphires, white diamonds and lapis cabochons ($3,600; pamelalove.com).

62 slmag.net

Clockwise from top left this page: Picchiotti Xpandable lapis and diamond bracelet (picchiotti.it). Arman Sarkisyan Peace on Earth ring in 22K gold with Lapis, sapphire, diamonds and oxidized silver ($6,160; armansarkisyan.com). Mini Mobile earrings in white gold with lapis and diamonds (from $2,080; colettejewelry.com). Lapis and diamond 18K gold Ladder earrings from Karma el Khalil (karmaelkhalil.com). Melis Goral Deep Sea lapis and diamond pendant ($1,136; melisgoral.com).

slmag.net 63

WHAT A STUD! Little earrings that make a big statement Compiled by Claire Williams

Clockwise from top left this page: Andrew Glassford Sleeping Beauty earrings with turquoise, tourmaline and multi spinel (andrewglassfordjewels.com). Ananya Lotus stud earrings with tsavorite ($2,564; 1stdibs.com). Picchiotti Classics Buff-Topped ruby earrings (picchiotti.it/ENG). Karma el Khalil 18K yellow gold Hedgehog studs (karmaelkhalil.com).

Origami stud earrings from Walters Faith (waltersfaith.com). Ruby Strawberry stud earrings from Sorellina ($590; sorellinanewyork.com). Milamore baguette diamond studs ($1,250l en.milamorejewelry.com). Mary MacGill Shark Tooth studs ($425; marymacgill.com). Nouvel Heritage Star studs ($1,200; nouvelheritage.com). Brent Neale gold shell earrings with sapphires ($14,500; brentneale.com). Broken Arrow stud earrings with diamonds from Established Jewelry ($2,475; establishedjewelry.com). Nak Armstrong Portrait earrings with green tourmaline, blue zircon and diamonds ($3,600; nakarmstrong.com).

64 slmag.net

Have you considered private jet ownership?

SpiritJets welcomes inquiries on this beautiful 2010 Learjet 40XR. The 40XR has the efficiency of a light jet with the range and comfort of a mid-size jet.

“SpiritJets offers turn key ownership to include aircraft management and charter revenue.�

For a private and discreet discussion of options, call Doug McCollum at 314-223-4900 or dmccollum@spiritjets.com

SpiritJets, Spirit of St. Louis Airport, 18260 Edison Ave, Suite A, Chesterfield, MO 63005

Charter - Management - Sales and Acquisitions

www.spiritjets.com

66 slmag.net

CORTEX: WHY YOU BELONG HERE Written By Craig Kaminer

Cortex 4260 Forest Park Ave.

As part of my writing about important innovation initiatives in St. Louis, I recently sat down with Sam Fiorello to talk about his new role as president and CEO of Cortex. Sam was raised in Madison, Wis., and he and his wife Rebecca lived in Chicago, Austin, Tex., Rome, London, and Washington, D.C. before moving to St. Louis 25 years ago. “St. Louis was never on the radar screen for me. We moved here because Rebecca got a job at Washington University while we were working in D.C. I was doing work with The World Bank and putting together public private partnerships. So we moved to St. Louis and now it’s where I’m from. It’s who I am.”

Sam was originally hired by Monsanto where he spent time doing international public private partnerships in Brazil, India, Indonesia and other parts of Southeast Asia. One of his mentors, Hendrik Verfaillie, was elevated to president and CEO. He asked Sam if he would be his chief of staff. “I said, sure, but shortly thereafter, Dr. Danforth approached Monsanto with this audacious idea to start the world’s premier plant and ag research institute.” According to Sam, the new institute would be funded in a way to attract top quality scientists and have an affiliated innovation park where companies could go from discovery all the way to commercialization. “I was asked by the Monsanto CEO to see if it made sense for Monsanto to be involved. I visited seven independent research institutes around the country to find out what worked, what didn’t work, and what would they have done differently.”

Soon after, Sam put together a business plan and presented it in July 1997 to a fledgling board composed of Dr. Danforth, Mark Wrighton of Washington University, Peter Raven of the Missouri Botanical Garden, Hendrik Verfaillie of Monsanto, and Chancellor of the University of Missouri Richard Wallace. “To move it forward, we needed a commitment of funding. And the number that I put down for a ‘go/no go’ ticket to get into the game was $100 million. In December of that year, I pitched the idea to Monsanto and the Monsanto Fund. They pledged $50 million and said, ‘you know, it’s a match kind of thing and you’ve got 90 days to match it or it goes away.’ In January, we presented to the Danforth Foundation and they pledged another $60 million.”

slmag.net 67

MICROSOFT ribbon-cutting ceremony in 2018.

“So, we were off and running. We had the money that we needed.

I was asked by Dr. Danforth to consider leaving Monsanto to help start this and I did. It was terrific. We borrowed offices at WashU’s West Campus at the old Famous-Barr building and we recruited a scientist named Roger Beachy to be the president. We started hiring faculty and designing the buildings. It was great. But from the very beginning we knew it would not be enough to be a terrific place of discovery with a purely academic model. We had a culture and a mindset to improve the human condition through plant science.”

Fast forward 22 years to August 2019 when the search started for a new president and CEO of Cortex. “A couple of Cortex board members approached me saying, ‘you should put your hat in the ring.

I think you’d be a great candidate.’ I said no, I’ve got a really great thing here. And then my wife and I were talking and I said, ‘I’m 57, I’ve got it really good, I probably have 10 to 15 years of hard driving work left. Where can I make a bigger difference?’ And ironically for the Danforth Center, the answer is making a difference globally. But for Cortex, I thought I could make a bigger impact for the city and the region. It’s creating more jobs here and the whole diversity, equity, and inclusion piece. We’re in an urban center.” Lucky for us, Sam wanted to make a bigger impact in St. Louis.

Sam is a first generation American. His parents were born and raised in a poor part of Sicily. They moved to the United States in 1960 and Sam was born in 1963. He was the first kid in the family to not only go to college but to high school. “I have always had this real appreciation for the opportunity America provided us. Our lives were better as my parents worked hard. They gave us access to a great education and we went to public schools in Madison. And 68 slmag.net

then, I went to undergrad at University of Wisconsin. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial zeal. I really enjoy working with innovators and entrepreneurs who are looking at the pain points in the world and how we can solve them.”

“To this day, I love creating partnerships, bringing people together who normally wouldn’t come together, being a convener.

Those skills were perfectly suited for the Danforth Plant Science Center and now for Cortex. Cortex is a shiny star in a constellation of other stars. We’re not alone. And it’s incumbent on us to find partnership opportunities wherever we can. Sometimes as the lead partner in an endeavor and sometimes in a supporting role. Are there any glaring gaps that need to be filled and is Cortex suited to fill those? We should go after those and ramp up to that. Even though Cortex is a great brand, I have no problem playing second fiddle in a partnership and saying we’re going to support Arch to Park or T-Rex or BioSTL, because in the end, we achieve mission impact when the region succeeds and that is wealth creation, job creation, increased quality of life, and increased opportunity for the citizens.“ As soon as we sat down for this interview, Sam quickly pointed out that his first 90 days at Cortex were not what he had imagined.

While Cortex has been a wild success on many levels, in the shadow of COVID, it too is struggling to find its way back to what it was and move forward to accomplish the hairy audacious goals Sam has for the future. Based on his track record, if anyone can do it, Sam can.

Most people think of Cortex as a place off Forest Park Parkway between BJC and SLU. But it is so much more. Sam elaborates, “It’s three Ps. First, it is a place. There are the physical buildings. So it is a place, which is important, but not the most

A gathering of friends during the 2019 Venture Cafe StL - Kinesis fundraiser. Photo credit Venture Cafe St. Louis.

Startup Connection, Talent Showcase 2019 at Washington University’s OTM office @4240 Duncan. Photos courtesy of Cortex staff.

important. Second, it is the programming that happens in that place. It’s providing Venture Cafe events, networking opportunities, training opportunities, and programs to help companies. And, it’s partnerships. That’s the third P. “ The overriding spirit of the Cortex district is innovation. Says Sam, “One of our great strengths is that we’re conveners. We can bring folks together from different organizations and different parts of the city and region to explore big ideas and solve problems. Every day, there is an opportunity to do a hackathon. Today, it’s how do we solve the issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion? Let’s bring really great minds together from our academic institutions, corporations, and grassroots organizers to talk about hacking solutions. It’s exciting.

It’ll get more exciting when we can actually physically be together. I’ve come to think about Cortex’s place, programming, and partnerships all in a ball, and the glue that holds it together is innovation.”

Despite dealing with the COVID blues, this could be the perfect time for Cortex and St. Louis to stand out on the national stage. “We’re seeing a fraying of the tapestry in places like San Francisco, where the cost of living is just out of control. And frankly, they have their own serious diversity and inclusion problems,” says Sam. “We can make a case for coming to St. Louis now. But, I don’t think it’s enough to say you’re going to find cheaper housing or it’s a great place to raise your kids. It’s gotta be something bigger and grander that can appeal to millennials who have a lot of choices.

And again, that’s half the equation. The other half is we have got to figure out a way to mine our underutilized talent in this city.”

“We know we have problems in St. Louis with urban decay and racial inequity and other things that make us not perfect,

Food truck lunch at Forest Park Commons.

@4240 Duncan Ave., Cortex Innovation Community.

but we’re going to go after it. We’re going to do the best we can and try to turn things around. Come join us and be part of that grand experiment. Come help us create a model of urban renewal and of opportunity. I remember Bill Gates saying that talent and abilities are equally distributed around the world, but opportunity isn’t. How do we make more of that collision between ability and opportunity? There’s an American ethos that we’re a meritocracy.

Well, the meritocracy only works if people have the same playing field to compete in the game.”

“I’m not being Pollyannaish and I know it’s going to be really hard. There are things like workforce training so that you can get more people of color from north St. Louis into lab jobs at Washington Medical Center or companies at Cortex. I think that we can figure out ways to train people for IT jobs. Talent is the currency. It’s not capital, it’s not buildings, it’s talent.”

“I want to be measured on how the region fares and that we were a part of it. It isn’t just about the real estate. We want to be part of something grand - 20,000 new jobs created over the next seven years and access to a more diverse population for greater diversity and equity inclusion. It’s incumbent on us to do it. It’s the right thing. And the smart thing. There’s so much data out there that shows that businesses that have diverse and inclusive leadership and teams actually do financially better as well,” concludes Sam. There are many reasons to go - or come - to Cortex. Some go every day for work. Some for the frequent events like Venture Cafe.

Some go looking to raise money as it’s the second home of many venture capital and private equity firms. Others come looking for local investors like the readers of Sophisticated Living. sl

slmag.net 69

From the President and CEO of Cortex The Cortex team is grieving with St. Louis and the country. We grieve the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, David McAtee, and all those killed before them. We grieve also for all those who have been thwarted in living their promise due to unjust and inequitable policies, practices, and beliefs. We grieve because we know that these underlying structures of racial inequity are systemic and deep-rooted, creating and upholding obstacles to success for Black people and all people of color. We see and feel the pain and anger in St. Louis and nationwide, and we believe that organizational silence in the face of these wrongs is irresponsible at best – complicit at worst. To the Black and African-American members of Cortex and the St. Louis region: you belong here; we see you; we need you; and we must do better to welcome and support you.

Shared grief and words of recognition are not a substitute for action. Cortex cannot change all the factors that led us to this particular point of grief and rage, but we have a responsibility to respond to the consequences of racial inequity in our work of entrepreneurship and innovation.

Our goal has always been to build a community of talented, passionate people who build businesses, achieve economic stability, and thrive. Achieving equity in this work requires a network of programs, activities, and policies that work together to abolish systemic barriers to success in this country for people of color and people of all marginalized identities. We believe we have a duty to bridge that divide between ability and opportunity in our region.

We see our role in bridging ability and opportunity as one of entrepreneur education and business support. Currently, these resources are provided by a team of partners including our ancestor organization, the affiliate Center for Emerging Technologies (CET), which is dedicated to supporting women and entrepreneurs of color in building businesses. However, we know that Cortex itself does not always feel like a safe or welcoming place for all in our region to live, work, learn, and play. We regret this – and we commit to action to correct it. Not just because it is right to do so, but because it is critical to the wellbeing of our whole region. St. Louis is stronger and better when all of us can achieve our greatest ability.

Although we have not yet been fully successful in communicating this and making it real: Cortex belongs to all of us. We commit ourselves to listen, learn, and change to better serve this community.

Here are our pledges to action in this catalytic moment: • We will continue developing and refining our vision and related commitments, for building a community and an organization that is accessible, inclusive, and dynamic. We will continue to do the internal work of becoming an inclusive and anti-racist institution.

• We recognize that we must be more transparent in these efforts: clear about our undertakings, open to input from our partners and neighbors, and responsive to our community. We commit to regularly updating our website and communications – at least on a quarterly basis – with progress toward, and additions to, the goals listed in our vision statement.

• We commit to being open and responsive to the St. Louis community. We commit to listening. You can reach us on social media, through email, and (when we are no longer physically distancing) at our events including town halls, tours, and gatherings. We invite you to ask questions about our work, to help hold us accountable, to challenge us to do better, and to share your stories and experiences with our organization and our district.

• We commit to amplifying the work and voices of partner organizations who work for racial equity 24/7. We encourage our community members to follow and support the work of organizations like Forward Through Ferguson, the St. Louis Equity in Entrepreneurship Collective and its members, WEPOWER, EdHub, BioSTL’s inclusion initiatives, and STEMSTL – and we will prioritize championing these organizations and others that do similar work.

SamFiorello

Sam Fiorello, President & CEO Hank Webber, Chair of the Board of Directors

70 slmag.net

ORGANIZED YEARS

a place for everything

free estimates | 314.781.9000 | stlouisclosetco.com

SAFE CELEBRATIONS An interview with master event planner Sam Foxman Sam Foxman is the go-to event planner for high-profile organizations and individuals in St. Louis and one of the top event pros in the country. He has been credited with entertaining more than three million people in his 25-year career of producing world-class events.

Foxman is the President and Cofounder of Evntiv, an agency dedicated to creating one-of-a-kind events and celebrations. We sat down (virtually) with Foxman to discuss how individuals and organizations can celebrate safely during the pandemic.

You have one of the hottest event planning firms in the Midwest.

How has Covid-19 changed your business? It has been a roller coaster! In a matter of two weeks last March, most of our live event projects were halted. Even though we had a diverse portfolio of clients and projects, the pandemic forced us to take a hard look at how to incubate new lines of business – and do it quickly. As a company, we had been planning and producing virtual events and hybrid events for years. Typically, these virtual events were a part of a live event – in other words, a virtual layer. We were now challenged to create virtual events to stand on their own as engaging and compelling tools for organizations to use instead of live events. I am proud to say that, in just four months, we have booked more than 16 virtual events and three Covid-conscious hybrid events. Many of our virtual event concepts and tactics have been modeled both in St. Louis and around the country. Most event planners have quickly evolved to be providers of virtual event services. This seems to be the easiest jump from what they were doing before. However, it is not that easy. My team has developed a very specific virtual event planning process that combines coaching clients in this new realm, writing and developing engaging content, and deploying the right technology to exceed their goals. Again, virtual and hybrid events were not new concepts for me or my team, which helped us gain ground quickly.

Everyone is talking about virtual events and hybrid events.

Help me understand the difference. A virtual event is an online 74 slmag.net

experience that involves people interacting in a virtual environment – no live component. A hybrid event is an experience that combines a live in-person event with a virtual online component.

The word “pivot” is certainly being used in the business community during this pandemic. As an event host, can you “pivot” a live event to an online experience? (Laughs) I think this notion that you can just pivot your old plan to a new digital environment is absolute nonsense. A virtual engagement is completely different and involves a reimagining of the event, not a pivot. I would encourage all event hosts to look at this as a new medium, not a substitute for what they have done in the past.

How are people safely celebrating personal milestones like weddings, anniversaries and birthdays during the pandemic? We are seeing two groups of event hosts emerge in this pandemic: those who are devout supporters of in-person interaction and those who are adamant about not being with others in the same space. Most of the events I am involved with currently are based in the virtual world. Most personal milestone events (other than weddings) have been canceled, moved to a virtual realm, have been limited to family only, include fewer than 25 guests, and take place outdoors. Many weddings have been rescheduled for 2021. Some couples have elected to host a small in-person ceremony with a virtual component, so family and friends can join via livestream.

How easy is it to do your own virtual event? Very easy. Any of the standard two-way video platforms (Zoom, Go-To Meeting, WebEx, Microsoft Teams, etc.,) can be used to create a virtual party. By investing an additional $250 for a good webcam, microphone and lighting, hosts can pull off a very elevated broadcast – and definitely look better than their friends! However, in my opinion, the magic is not in the technology or the platform. The goal of a fantastic virtual event is creating moments of impact with the audience in attendance.

The way to architect these moments is through compelling content, strong messaging and professional broadcast quality. In my view, these components are what separates DIY virtual events from those that are professionally produced.

different as well. Food and beverages will not be left sitting out – no more dessert stations, champagne towers or passed hors d’oeuvres.

And, you can forget about a pre-set salad! All catering staff will be wearing the appropriate masks and gloves while serving guests.

What are some creative ways to keep virtual events fun and engaging? We are using many tactics to “break the fourth wall” and deliver a live element as well. Examples of this include sending audience members a highly curated meal prepared by a local chef, a mixology kit assembled by a noteworthy mixologist and floral centerpiece kits that guests assemble themselves with a tutorial from a famed florist. We are even encouraging our hosts to invest in elaborate printed invitations with high design, a complicated folding and great artwork to give importance and a human touchpoint to a virtual experience.

St. Louis is a hugely philanthropic city. What is going to happen to the dozens of fundraising galas and dinners this fall? Most nonprofit organizations have begun the task of reimagining their gala events as virtual experiences. Some organizations are doing this on a very high level. My team is working on many of these projects, and we are excited to see the creativity and innovation at play with these hosts. Conversely, some organizations are pushing their galas into the second quarter of 2021 or later. This will give them a better opportunity to have some live components as part of the event.

Definitely still a hybrid situation until October 2021 in my opinion.

What are the safety protocols event hosts are using to keep events safe during the pandemic? I was part of a working group led by our convention and visitors commission, Explore St. Louis, to help craft protocols that would allow event venues of all sizes to reopen safely. These protocols can be found on the Explore St. Louis website and are a fantastic resource for anyone planning an event during the pandemic. The two biggest game changers are capacity restrictions and duration of events. Capacity will be limited by 50 to 75 percent. When determining the size of the venue needed for a party, hosts will need at least twice the square footage. Also, the duration of events will be very condensed. Gone are the days of the 90-minute cocktail “hour” and two hour afterparty with dancing. A typical four hour event will be reduced to approximately an hour and 45 minutes. For larger public events, guests will experience a health screening before they are allowed inside the event, including a temperature check, mask check and general health questions.

Registration or check-in will be handled very differently, with touchless options and plenty of plexiglass screens between staff and guests. As you can imagine, food and bar service will be very

Do you think virtual events will be around after the pandemic subsides? Definitely. I am sure we are all growing tired of “Zoom culture” with all of the online interaction happening now. I can see pure virtual events tapering off over the next two years. However, I believe hybrid events will stick around for the foreseeable future as a way to offer audiences another option to join in the experience.

When can we expect to see larger events, like concerts and festivals, return? I am asked this question almost every day. The truth is that I don’t know. None of us truly knows the answer until we have a vaccine in place that is ready to be distributed widely. The model I am working off of currently shows the remainder of 2020 as mostly virtual events. If a vaccine is ready by December, we will see more hybrid events with smaller audiences appearing in the second quarter of 2021. By fourth quarter 2021, larger events and concerts will return.

Of course, there will be exceptions, and many will rush to market with conferences, festivals and events. However, I believe it is important to have a measured and cautious return to the live event world. sl

slmag.net 75

the life and work of British fashion designer Lee Alexander McQueen

4739 McPherson Avenue barrettbarrera.com

TWO EXHIBITION

S

a fashion and photography exhibition

76 slmag.net

TWO LOCATIONS

4568 Manchester Avenue projects-exhibitions.com

SOPHISTICATED SOCIETY

Moving Forward

With so many fundraisers, galas, events and concerts canceled or postponed, many organizations and artists are still determining new dates to schedule. Here are a few we have been following and some dates for later in the year.

We look forward to seeing you there – SL

September 12 13 19 26-27

Ladue Education Foundation and Alumni Association’s ‘Due Run 4 Education Pedal to Peace benefitting Crime Victim Center and Alive, Katy Trail Glennon Gallop Patio Polo and Virtual Program Pedal the Cause Inspired Virtual Fundraiser for Siteman Cancer Center and Siteman Kids

October 1 2 3 8 12 16-17

Thompson Foundation for Autism, Heroes Among Us Virtual Gala Jazz St. Louis Gala, The Harold & Dorothy Steward Center for Jazz Benefit for the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis to honor Alison and John Ferring St. Louis Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Light the Night Virtual Fundraiser Columbus Day Kendra Scott Panhellenic Event for Scholarships, Plaza Frontenac

Photos by Diane Anderson

November 6 8 12 26

St. Louis Mercantile Library at UMSL art and lecture Ollie Hinkle Heart Foundation Eat Drink Love Greater St. Louis Honor Flight Gala Thanksgiving

slmag.net 77

25th Anniversary Celebration!

October 2, 2020

Join our virtual festivities as we celebrate Jazz St. Louis’ first 25 years!

6:30pm 7:00pm

Pre-Show by the JazzU Allstars The Big Event Hosts: Peter Martin and Gene Dobbs Bradford Performances by: Regina Carter, The Bad Plus, John Pizzarelli and more!

Plus, surprise appearances by jazz greats!

8:00pm

After-party concert with Denise Thimes

Celebrate this milestone with us as we look back at years of great jazz, education, and community.

Tickets are free. Donations, appreciated.

To RSVP, share the event, or make an honorary donation, visit:

jazzstl.org/25

1

2

4 3

5

7

ST. LOUIS SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

6 8

1

2

The St. Louis Shakespeare Festival hosted their 20th Anniversary Gala, A Virtual Event, on May 7th. The evening raised funds to foster community and joy across the St. Louis region through the Shakespearean tradition of art for all. Though watching on Zoom, guests enjoyed galalevel hospitality in the form of a Gala-in-a-Box, delivered to their’ doors before the event and packed with gear to create a gala at home. Guests enjoyed a live DJ, cocktail tutorial and a performance by Sean McNall and Jennifer Ikeda (the original Romeo and Juliet from the Festival’s first Shakespeare in the Park performance). The event recognized Stewardship Honoree Marvin Moskowitz and Leadership Honoree Lana Pepper. Over 300 people participated.

3

4

DE LA SALLE, INC

5

6

De La Salle, Inc, an educational nonprofit organization in the near North Side supporting the students, graduates and families of La Salle Middle School and six other St. Louis schools, held a “virtual” online Catch-A-Rising-Star Gala to fundraise after having to cancel two previous dates for its annual live gala. Gala co-chairs Tricia Harrison, Rodney Harrison, Jennifer Dhar and Suvir Dhar; De La Salle advancement staff; Jamie Vollmer, Owner of Events

by Inspire; Ironman Sound Industries and Butler’s Pantry collaborated to present the gala on June 6, 2020. With sponsorships, virtual “tables,” small, socially distanced gatherings across the area, food deliveries, recorded video components and masters of ceremony Art Holliday, Anchor/reporter at KSDK 5 “On Your Side,” and radio host at KTRS The Big 550, and Korey Stewart-Glaze, De La Salle graduate, handling live portions, online contributions, a raffle and student art auction, the gala raised $234,000. The De La Salle community celebrated the event as a great success in a time of challenges.

St. Louis Shakespeare Festival 1) Matthew Longueville 2) Marvin Moskowitz 3) Lana Pepper 4) Sean McNall 5) Jennifer Ikeda 6) DJ Alexis Tucci 7) Rob Townsend 8) Ben Nordstrom De La Salle, Inc 1) Jasmine Franklin 2) Muriel Smith 3) Claudia Smith 4) Suvir Dhar, Sebastian Dhar 5) Rodney & Tricia Harrison 6) Art Holliday, Korey Stewart-Glaze

slmag.net 79

“The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements. Past results afford no guarantee of future results and every case is different and must be judged on its own merits.�

Photos by L Photographie

1

2

4 3

5

LANG MITZVAH

Though their daughter Annabelle’s elaborate “Around the World” bat mitzvah and party were canceled, the Langs decided to persevere with the religious service and a small event to follow. A rental tent in their yard allowed for immediate family to join the live-streamed service while everyone else - including the rabbis - met virtually. They broadcasted to over 300 living rooms and at least two poolsides. Event planner Simcha Lourie and mitzvah mom, Suzanne Epstein-Lang, worked with the original vendors to transform the day into a micro event including a trolley service that transported Annabelle and 10 of her closest friends on a parade and candy crawl. It was “around the world in 80 minutes” followed by an international dinner with immediate family in Lang’s backyard.

5

1) Suzanne Epstein-Lang, Annabelle Lang, Naomi Lang & David Lang 2, 3, 4) Annabelle Lang 5) Naomi Lang, Alex Cohen & Anna Carpenter

slmag.net 81

10218 Bach Blvd | St. Louis, MO 63132 | 314-991-1600 | www.callahan-customs.com @callahancustomhomes

Callahan Custom Homes

@callahancustoms

1

3

2

6 5 4

COLLEGE BOUND

6

7

8

9

1) Marsha & Al Mitchell 2) Pam & Carlos Vargas 3) John E. Roberts 4) Brian Henry & Julia Boyer 5) Hassan Owens 6) Jeremiah Hathorn 7) Carol & Michael Staenberg 8) Lauryn Mosby 9) Scott Baier 10) ZeCora Smith

College Bound hosted its first-ever Virtual Cap & Gown Ball on Saturday, June 13th. With the thoughtful and active support of the event’s co-chairs, the College Bound Board of directors, Founder Lisa Orden Zarin and College Bound alumni across the country, the organization produced a live, one-hour program highlighting its mission and successes with hundreds of first-generation college graduates. To date, the event has raised over $938,000. Cap & Gown has historically funded about one third of the organization’s annual costs, so now they are in a position to continue responding to students’ needs as they arise. This is especially important as many families navigate disruption to employment, mental health challenges, and difficulty fulfilling basic needs in addition to the preexisting structural barriers to college degree attainment experienced by firstgeneration students who do not come from means.

10

Here to Help You Rebuild Your LifeÂŽ

Does It Make Sense to Appeal?

Some divorce and family law matters do not settle. Instead, the case is tried in the family court. Putting the case in the hands of a family court judge can be a risky proposition.

Most parties would prefer to settle outside of court, but it is not always possible. All it can take is one issue of disagreement for many parties to decide that they have no choice but to go to trial.

After trial, the family court judge will issue a judgment. How this works can vary by jurisdiction and locality, but it can often take weeks or longer for a judge to render their judgment. It can take weeks because family court judges generally have to issue a written judgment that has findings of fact and conclusions of law.

Some parties are happy with the results of the trial. Other parties are unhappy. In some cases, it can be a mixed bag. A party might like certain parts of the judgment and not like others.

For parties who are unhappy with the results, the question for them is whether they should appeal the judgment. Appealing the ruling can prolong the litigation. It can result in more attorneys’ fees. But the question beyond that is whether an appeal will work.

Laws vary by jurisdiction. Every case can also involve different intricacies. However, in a general sense, to succeed on an appeal, a party must generally show that the family court judge erred as a matter of law or that they abused their discretion.

These terms can be somewhat complicated for many to understand. But to show the judge erred as a matter of law, this generally requires a showing that the judge did not abide by the statutes,

rules or existing case law. Sometimes, this does happen, but it is not always easy to show.

To show the judge abused their discretion is a bit more complicated. Within the confines of statutes, rule and existing case law, there is some grey area that family court judges can navigate based on the law. Take the standard in child custody cases that these matters are to be resolved based on the best interests of the child.

To determine what is in the best interests of the child, a family court judge has to weigh the evidence. The family court judge also can believe and disbelieve witnesses. Showing a judge abused their discretion is not easy, but sometimes a party can prove it.

To simplify how an appeal works, think instant replay in football. With instant replay, the question is whether or not the referee got the call right based on the play itself and the rules the referee has to apply. An appeal works largely the same way.

Parties do not get to redo the trial on appeal. Instead, the appellate court is to review the transcript and legal file. In doing that, the issue is whether the trial court erred based on the evidence presented at trial.

For some parties, they might have a reasonable chance of succeeding on appeal. For others, it might be difficult. Nonetheless, for parties who are considering an appeal, there are deadlines that have to be followed or else a party can waive the right to appeal.

Thus, it is always critical to speak to a lawyer immediately.

Stange Law Firm, PC limits their practice to family law matters including divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, guardianship, adoption, mediation, collaborative law and other domestic relation matters.

Stange Law Firm, PC gives clients 24/7 access to their case through a secured online case tracker found on the website. They also give their clients their cell phone numbers. Call for a consultation today at 855-805-0595.

Multiple locations in the St. Louis Metro Area, including in Clayton, Arnold, Ellisville, St. Charles and Downtown St. Louis (by appointment only) Paid Advertisement

WWW.STANGELAWFIRM.COM • 855-805-0595 The choice of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Kirk Stange is responsible for the content. Principal place of business 120 South Central Ave, Suite 450, Clayton, MO 63105. Neither the Supreme Court of Missouri/Illinois nor The Missouri/Illinois Bar reviews or approves certifying organizations or specialist designations. Court rules do not permit us to advertise that we specialize in a particular field or area of law. The areas of law mentioned in this article are our areas of interest and generally are the types of cases which we are involved. It is not intended to suggest specialization in any areas of law which are mentioned The information you obtain in this advertisement is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results afford no guarantee of future results and every case is different and must be judged on its merits.

1

2

3 4

OUR LITTLE HAVEN SHOW

6 5

When faced with challenging circumstances, Our Little Haven has always been quick to adapt. This summer proved that. After canceling their annual gala due to the pandemic, Our Little Haven changed its in-person format to the Our Little Haven Show. This “late night” style show aired on YouTube on Sunday, July 19th with hundreds of supporters watching live from the comfort of their own homes. The Show, hosted by Martin Kilcoyne, featured many special guests including Ozzie Smith and Jackie Joyner-Kersee. The show provided an opportunity to share the Our Little Haven mission as well as thank the community. You can still catch The Our Little Haven Show on ourlittlehaven.org/olhshow.

2

1

3

6

ST. PATRICK CENTER IRISH OPEN

4

5

St. Patrick Center’s first-ever virtual Irish Open on May 30, 2020, raised more than $480,000 to assist the homeless in St. Louis. The Irish Open included “gala in a box” with special food and beverages delivered to participants. Thanks to the St. Louis community for supporting the Irish Open through sponsorships, “virtual gala tables,” “virtual golfer foursomes,” event committee, promotional “selfie videos,” venue management, live event hosting and production.

Our Little Haven 1) Kathleen Hummel & Scott Hummel 2) Jacke Joyner-Kersee 3) Sami Mauer, Louie & Sarah Hummel 4) Theo Peoples & Anthony Bedford 5) Our Little Haven Staff 6) Ozzie Smith St. Patrick Center Irish Open 1) Gala in a box prep 2) A champagne toast to the BIG results 3) Sarah Webb 4) St. Patrick Center Development Team 5) Maggie Kloppenberg & Joe Mooney 6) Anthony D’Agostino & Joe Mooney

slmag.net 85

TED WIGHT tedwightrealestate.com |

Stlouis.style

A Mid-Century Masterpiece

219Graybridge.com | Harry Hammerman House | Ladue National Register of Historic Places | Private ž Acre Lot | Oversized 3-Car Garage

Your best life starts with a home that inspires you.

Ted will find your inspiration: 314.607.5555 dielmannsothebys.com |

dielmannsir | 314.725.0009

Photos by Josephine Havlak

1

2

5

4

3

6

BASSMAN WEDDING

Jana Bassman and Alex Morley had a dream wedding planned for March 28, 2020. Jana had always dreamed of a big whimsical celebration with a large wedding party but with COVID-19 issues, they decided their wedding must come second to love ones’ health and safety. They pushed their wedding out to July 18, 2020 but then realized that this date was not possible as the pandemic continued. Most of all, they wanted to be married. Their planner, Simcha Lourie, helped to ensure that their special day was still very special. They moved the venue to Jana’s parents’ backyard, with their family dogs, Bucky, Bailey and Riley, serving as the wedding party. Jana’s brother-in-law became ordained and performed the ceremony.

It was perfect and magical….a tale for the grandkids for sure.

7

7

8 9

1) Donald Bassman & Jana Lynn Bassman 2) Janie Bassman LaBarge, Jana Lynn Bassman & Julie Bassman Aylward 3) Beau Aylward & Jeanie Bassman 4) Alex Morley, Christopher LaBarge & Jana Bassman 5) Alex Morley, Jana Lynn Bassman & Bucky 6) Donald Bassman & David Morley 7) Justin Aylward, Brooks Aylward, Beau Aylward & Julie Bassman Aylward 8) Samantha Morley Ryan & Alex Morley 9) Donald Bassman, Jana Lynn Bassman & Jeanie Bassman

slmag.net 87

What I Love Right Now Tania Beasley-Jolly is a strategic creative consultant in the fashion, luxury and lifestyle industries. She is co-founder of the Saint Louis Fashion Fund and MERCH. These are a few things she’s falling for this season.

SCENT OF A WOMAN I’ve always said that I am a visual person, but I am also moved by a distinct and complex scent, especially if it reminds of a special time and place. Le Labo’s Another 13 is a wonderful fragrance that I met in Paris during Paris Fashion Week last year and we’ve not parted since. The musk is clean and velvety with notes of amber, pear, apple, and green citrus. Since I can’t get to Paris right now, this fabulous fragrance transports me there daily. @lelabofragrances THE MASTER OF PRINT Having spent my formative fashion years in Antwerp, Belgium, I fell in love with the master of print and fantasy, Dries Van Noten. His Spring 2020 season in collaboration with French couturier Christian LaCroix was a marriage made in heaven…brocades, floral explosion, puffy sleeves, bows, and animal print…all the things a gal like me LOVES even if I’m just playing dress up in at home. @driesvannoten BEDSIDE CANDY As a self-proclaimed royalist, historian and lover of biographies, it’s easy to read more than one book at a time. Right now, I’m reading “Zora and Langston,” “The Romanov Sisters,” and “Nickel Boys” by Colson Whitehead. I curl up in bed with a cup of tea or glass of wine and transport myself to the Cotton Club of the Harlem Renaissance or the imperial palaces of Russia all within one night.

CINCO DE ANY DAY This is the year of tequila for me. While I typically don’t drink margaritas in the winter, these are by far my favorite summer libation with Codigo tequila. From Cadillacs with Grand Marnier to my new favorite, the spicy margarita made with fresh slices of jalapeno and a chili lime rim, they make my long afternoons in the backyard with a book, an occasional run through the sprinkler or a Zoom cocktail with friends, all the more festive. @codigo1530 88 slmag.net

ART THAT MATTERS Art is as much of my life as fashion. I have been collecting for years, but have recently shifted to photography by African-American artists. Dario Calmese is one to watch and is represented locally by projects+gallery in the CWE. A thinker, artist, writer, producer and creative, his work is not only provocative, but beautiful and timely.

He is also the first African-American photographer to shoot Viola Davis for Vanity Fair’s historic August issue. Perhaps it’s time to snap up a new piece? @projectsplusgallery CURBSIDE APPEAL Yes, I miss eating out, but the one tradition I treasure more than anything right now is spending every Saturday evening with my boys having family dinner, getting take out and playing poker. LOUIE has been like a second kitchen. Chicken is a new comfort food for us and let’s not even talk about the pasta and cookies. Thankfully, my daily workouts and walks in the park burn those calories. Looking forward to a time when I can return to the dining room, but for now, this is family, home and fabulous food! @louiedemun

9751 Clayton Road St. Louis, MO 63124 Photo Credit: Matt Marcinkowski

314.872.3955 www.mgarch.net