TALK14 by Talk Magazine Miami

Talk Magazine Miami Publisher Talk Magazine Miami LLC.

Publisher & Text Bethan Rees - Alice Moraes

Design & Art Melissa Emerson

Layout Ana Carolina Diniz

Revision Olivia Sharpe

Chief Collaborator Clare Farme - Ana Silveira

Collaborators Alice Morais, Claudio Reis, Daniel Copriva, Eduardo Trevisan, Jonatas Jaque, Ludemila Bittencourt, Luiza Grunewald, Magali MagalhĂŁes, MĂĄrcio Amaral, Mariana Carniello e Veruska Blasck

Printed in USA

Talk Magazine is a publication from Talk Magazine Miami LLC. It does not take responsability for any opinion expressed by collaborators or for articles of public domain. Talk Magazine is an experimental magazine, it must not be sold or comercialized. The advertising material that has been displayed on the magazine pages is used on experimental purpose.

FOUNDER’S LETTER ear readers, first of all, we at Talk Magazine want to wish you a very happy 2019! May the new year be full of happiness, success, great experiences and fun! For this first number of the year, we’ve worked hard to bring you the best.

We are very proud to have the astonishing Isabeli Fontana as our cover girl. The Brazilian top model has talked to us about her life, career, family, philosophy and plans for the future. We’re sure you will fall in love for this beautiful and special woman. Are you thinking about your next holiday yet? How about a wonderful safari in Africa with breathtaking views and all the comfort you deserve? We’re here to help you with an exclusive list with the best luxury safaris in Africa, so you can make your dreams come true. And, as usual, we have prepared the most interesting texts about our favorite topics: food, travel, cars, people, technology and the pleasures of life. Our content can be accessed and read on www.talkmagazinemiami.com and you can follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@talkmagazinemiami). Hope you enjoy reading it! Thank you, Alexandre Soares

CONTENT

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P.06 BEAUTY P.10 ISABELI FONTANA P.26 TRAVEL P.34 LIFESTYLE P.36 VERUSKA BLASCK

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P.52 LUIZA GRUNEWALD P.60 TECHNOLOGY P.62 FASHION P.72 TALK VIEW P.96 TALK GIRL

BEAUTY

THE BEAUTY MAGICIAN By Magali Magalhães

u Rodrigues is the name of beauty for Brazilian celebrities. She founded the first unit of her successful business, Lu Make Up, in 2010 in Curitiba. The brand has become the most important center of dermopigmentation in Brazil and currently has 8 units in five different Brazilian capitals. With over 20 years of experience in the area, Lu started her career at 18 when she was living in Europe and where she worked for 5 years in Germany, France and Switzerland. It was in that continent that Lu had the insight to start her own method, later called Long-lasting Makeup. The method changed the micropigmentation market and quickly attracted a lot of VIP clients. Brazilian celebrities like Bruna Marquezine, Deborah Secco, Giovanna Antonelli, Grazi Massafera, Anitta, Claudia Leitte, Laís Ribeiro, Ivete Sangalo and Sabrina Sato are on the list. Because she believes that beauty can change people’s lives, Lu Rodrigues is really into helping people to feel happier, more confident and empowered by improving their self-esteem. Based on techniques that work with each strand of hair individually and pointillism, Lu gives her clients new expressions, mostly through eyebrows, eyes and lips. Her techniques are also used to rebuild women’s nipples after breast cancer and coverage of scars, vitiligo, stretch marks and other skin patches. Since it was founded, Lu Make Up has worked on philanthropic actions and partnerships with organizations that promote those procedures. The brand Lu Make Up employs more than 30 professionals around Brazil, but clients

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who want to see Lu must go to the unit in Jardins, São Paulo. The long-lasting makeup can cost from $256 to $1.620 and it lasts for about 8 months. We talked to Lu about her career, her plans for the future and more.

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LU RODRIGUES INTERVIEW How did you find out that the micropigmentation area was your path? Like any child, I loved drawing. When I was 11, I found out my true passion… I didn’t want to draw on a sheet of paper, I wanted to draw on women’s faces, highlighting their individual beauty. I used to work for one of my grandma’s friend, who was a hairdresser, helping with the clients’ makeup. I loved working on their eyes, eyebrows and lips. That’s when I started thinking about how wonderful it would be if women could have that forever because, in my point of view, the secret of beauty is in outlined eyes, beautiful eyebrows and healthy lips. I started thinking about tattoos and bought my first machine when I was 14. My clients liked the results, but I wasn’t satisfied. I went searching for development through new techniques and lot of studies. During this search, when I was in Germany, I learned about micropigmentation, that I called long-lasting makeup. And that’s when my journey started,

to offer men and women a way to make them feel beautiful and natural. When did you become famous? I don’t think I’m famous. I think I’m a hard worker, motivated and passionate for what I do. I believe that I can show clients the best they have. I see my work as something that brings what is already inside people, because the drawing is there, I just highlight it… but the drawing is already on a person’s face. That’s how I see all my procedures. The other day I worked on a lip that shows exactly what I’m saying: part of a woman’s lips was very down. I saw that but at the same time I saw it corrected and had it in my mind. Then I prepared a first drawing of her lips and showed her. She said: “That’s exactly what I want”. Every woman knows what’s missing on her appearance and I believe I can understand their minds, and also men’s. The perfect drawing lives inside each person and what my work does is just to make it real.

Lu Rodrigues and Sabrina Sato

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BEAUTY Which micropigmentation services do celebrities prefer? Eyebrows, lips and eyes. They like all of them because there are little details that make the whole image. I usually say that if I change two hair strands from the eyebrows or a little line on the eye or the lip, I can change everything. Drawing people’s faces requires a lot of sensibility and the secret is in details, I always teach this to my makeup artists… the method is there but we must pay attention to details. This careful attitude is what makes all my clients happy. It’s like they could reborn after one of my treatments. How does your work impact women’s confidence? I’m convinced that I do something that helps men and women to develop their self-esteem. I believe a woman with high self-esteem is able to find out and show her best. She may feel more attractive, sexier, more confident and empowered. It’s like they are wearing some dirty glasses and can’t see. My role is to “clean those glasses”. This is what I love the most. I remember one day that a client came to see for an eyebrow procedure. I realized she had some skin stains on her legs because of leukoderma. I asked if

she wanted to try something on those stains. She agreed and by the end of the treatment she was speechless. She couldn’t explain how her life was going to change because of my work. She now wears high heels and short skirts… I offer people possibilities to rescue their (each one’s) potential. It’s amazing what my work can do to people’s lives. Tell us about the procedures focused on diseases. That’s the part that really means a lot to me. It’s interesting because I feel very emotional when I talk about it, even more than when I’m working on a case, because at that moment, it’s really fast and intuitive. The drawings come to my mind almost immediately. There are some cases of women who had suffered from breast cancer and I had the opportunity to reconstruct their breast, the nipples. Once I received a lady who had a big scar on her head and because of that she always had the same hairstyle, with bangs. After the procedure she came to see me and told me how happy she was because she could finally have a ponytail. These reactions make me very emotional, because it’s about life, about happiness.

Bruna Marquezine

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BEAUTY What’s the next city to receive a unit of Lu Make Up? It’s not the moment to open one more unit in Brazil. Now I want the best professionals of the world to know the Lu Make Up method and use this idea to work with more love; to take care of the clients and help these people to feel happier and more confident, instead of thinking solely about the financial return. When I started, I used to pay for some women to try my techniques. They paid for the drawings and the procedure was on me. I did it for a long time and didn’t have any kind of profits, all the money was used to pay for the dermopigmentation products.

Do you see any new possibilities to use micropigmentation for other beauty services in the future? Many! In the future I think we’ll be able to highlight the skin and make a better use of dermopigmentation on scars, for instance. Besides that, I believe the techniques will improve a lot more. I love my work but I always think it’s possible to make it even better, then I start thinking about new creations, new colors, machines and materials. That motivates me. I feel very happy to make people’s lives better and because of that I think there’s still a lot to grow, many things will happen in this area. In less than 10 years, your brand became a successful case. What’s the main reason for that? I love my work as if it was my child. It’s tough sometimes but the chance to be part of people’s lives in a very sensitive way and doing what I really love is very satisfying. I believe this is the secret for my success.

Do you plan to take Lu Make Up to other countries? Definitely. I want to take my brand to the world. I want people to change the way they think and work in this area. There’s a lot to evolve. I can see more confident and more responsible professionals who do it for love and not only for money. And mostly, I want these professionals to use my products, my techniques, my method so we can have a great experience exchanging knowledge. That’s how I think we’re going to evolve. How did you come up with the philanthropic actions? One of my main motivations is to work in order to make people happy. Having the chance to contribute in the life of a person who is going through a hard time because of any disease is wonderful and exciting because to me it’s very simple to do a procedure. I don’t feel tired of my work, so it’s a pleasure to do it and collaborate to make people happier and stronger is priceless. But you need to give yourself to it… and do it with love. And then people will feel your essence and realize you’re doing something really genuine. I believe in it and I think it’s the best way to express God’s presence in other people’s lives.

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Photograph MĂĄrcio Amaral | @marcioamaral Beauty Ludemila Bittencourt | @makeupbyludemila Fashion Model Isabeli Fontana | @isabelifontana Interview by Magali MagalhĂŁes

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ISABELI FONTANA

hen we talk about fashion, Isabeli Fontana is the synonym of success. The Brazilian top model, who is about to be 35, has a considerably long list of jobs all over the world. Born in Curitiba (South of Brazil), Isabeli debuted in the fashion world at the age of 13 after making it to the finals of Mega Models in 1996. The following year, she moved to Millan, Italy. And just like a fairytale, a new life of success and challenges started to her. In 1999 Isabeli was living in New York when she first appeared on a campaign by Italian fashion house Valentino. That same year she modeled for fashion labels like Givenchy, Giorgio Armani, Versace and walked the runways of the most important fashion weeks of the world – New York, Paris, Millan and Berlin. Certainly because of her charming personality and charisma, the beautiful blue-eyed woman has always been one of the favorites for some of the most influential names of the fashion world. For many years, Isabeli was on the Top 50 list of international top models ranked by the website models.com. She has been included on the Forbes 15 Top-Earning Models list and also on many lists of the world’s sexiest models. Fontana has been on the covers of all the big fashion magazines: Elle, Glamour, GQ, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Clarie, Vogue… you name it! She has been the face of famous labels like Balmain, Hermès, Balenciaga, Chanel, Calvin Klein, Missoni, Versace, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana… the list goes on and on. And we can’t forget to mention that Isabeli was a Victoria Secrets’ angel for 6 years and appeared in the Pirelli Calendar for 8 years. Far from the runways, Isabeli loves taking new challenges. In 2017 she was on the video of Fergie’s “M.I.L.F Money” and made some cameos on Brazilian TV soap operas. Multitask and versatile, the model finds some time to invest in other areas: she has signed collections for fast fashion labels and most recently became L’Oreal Paris international spokesperson. Even with such a busy life, Isabeli is the kind of woman who searches for simplicity and balance in her routine. Sharing her time between São Paulo and Miami, the top model enjoys meditation, yoga, exercising, cooking and mostly spending time with her family – she is the mother of two boys, Zion and Lucas, and is married to musician Di Ferrero.

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ISABELI FONTANA

What’s the best gift Fashion has given to you? Fashion has given me a lot of positive things. Living with inspiring and creative people who have a wider view of the world and society, this is an opportunity of a lifetime. I believe one of the best things from Fashion is the relationships I’ve created. Working with different people, visiting new places, trying new working styles, being so many different ‘personas’ (for the fashion editorials)…

of them I was “playing myself”. It would be interesting to play a different role and take part in the creation process, do something completely different from modeling.

And the best lesson? Fashion has taught me to be tolerant, to have empathy with diversity, to develop a more generous way to see the people around me. The interesting thing about working with fashion is that we can develop different speeches, raises new questions and stimulate discussions. Somehow, fashion is the reflect of society and the moment we’re living.

How does it feel to be a mother, a wife and an international top model at the same time? It’s like being 3 women in 1. I ended up creating an organization and life style that allow me to be a mother, a wife and a top model all at the same time and in their context. When I’m with my family, I am Isabeli Bergossi Fontana.

In the world of fashion, is beauty fundamental? Beauty is not fundamental anywhere. The time when beauty was a priority is over, mostly because the concept of beauty is quite questionable. Fashion has realized that it would become superficial, démodé, if it focused just on beauty and kept imposing standards and rules. Today, the fashion professionals need to be coherent with the time they’re living. A pretty face is not just a pretty face. You’ve done a lot of important jobs in life. Do you feel professionally fulfilled? I am very grateful for the opportunities that life has offered me and the maturity I’ve ha to deal with all of them. I think all our choices bring consequences and mine have been positive. I’ve reached a lot in my professional life, so of course, I feel satisfied. Will acting be more present in your life? I was in two Brazilian soap operas, but in both

If you could change you job for one day, what would you do? Maybe I’d be a vet or an architect. I love animals and decoration. I would choose one of these options.

How do you balance your public and glamorous life with your “zen” lifestyle? Meditation and yoga help me to keep balance in my busy life. The practice of these activities reminds me to keep centered, to breathe correctly and to give the right amount of importance that any situation requires. The “zen lifestyle” is, in fact, something continuous. It is part of my characteristics, my personality. Why did you choose Miami as your second home? Because of the life quality the city offers. I live in front of the sea and the weather here is excellent. Apart from it, my son Zion was accepted in one of the best schools of Miami. We have been talking a lot about women empowerment. What’s your message on that? Keep our self-esteem high and believe in our potential. Women are getting more space because we deserve it, not because we’re fragile. We are the owners of our bodies and our choices. We are free to be who we want to be.

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TRAVEL

LUXURY SAFARIS THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME By Alice Morais

frican safari vacations were created in the Golden Age of luxury travel, during the 1950’s, and the ideals of that era are still alive. Why not considering a glamorous travel like the old ones, but with all the amenities and technology that modernity has to offer? Africa’s best luxury safari tours feature warm and personal service; fine wine and dining; and a lot of exuberance and comfort, all delivered in some of the world’s wildest settings where the scenic natural beauty is an essential part of the trip. Africa will certainly delight and surprise visitors. It’s not uncommon for the top luxury lodges to enrich safaris with unexpected flourishes: a scented, steaming bath; a wonderful dinner in a candlelit location; champagne served on the vast savannah plains overlooking the great herds of zebras, wildebeest and delicate antelopes. Everything is possible on a luxury safari.

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TRAVEL

Sabi Sabi Deep in the African bushveld, within South Africa’s famous Sabi Sand Reserve, is the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve. Situated in the world-renowned 65000-hectare Sabi Sand Wildtuin (Sabi Sand Reserve) in the South-Western section of the Kruger National Park, this award-winning private game reserve has hosted visitors from all over the world since 1979. Visitors are drawn to this unique area by the promise of the safari experience of a lifetime. Sabi Sabi is a wildlife oasis, where you can observe at close quarters the age-old relationship between predator and prey. The diverse habitat is home to incredible wildlife including the Big 5 – lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant – as well as cheetah, wild dog and some 200 other animal species native to the area. It is also home to 350 species of birds. On a summer day, a visitor will probably see more bird species than he is likely to see in an entire life. In fact, almost 5% of the world’s bird species have been spotted in this region of South Africa. The complex offers four completely separate luxurious, all-suite, awardwinning lodges with very distinct styles and atmospheres based on their motto “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”.

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TRAVEL

The “Yesterday” experience is represented by the romantic Selati Camp. It offers the perfect accommodation for travelers looking for a romantic safari lodge in South Africa. Selati is furnished with a historic railway theme and is carefully created as a traditional home in the bush. With its classic vintage style, this exclusive lodge comprises seven suites, each with full bathroom en-suite and private alfresco shower nestled under the majestic trees. For “Today”, there are two options: Bush Lodge and Little Bush Camp. The Bush Lodge has been designed to allow a lot of space to relax, unwind and enjoy the peace of the bush. An elegantly furnished lounge, atrium and intimate bar area are perfect places for meeting friends. And as an extra indulgence, the Amani

Spa offers the best African Spa experience. The second contemporary option is Little Bush Camp. It offers accommodation for families, friends and small groups. There are six luxury suites each with a private viewing deck and heated spa bath overlooking the riverbed and decorated in contemporary African design. “Tomorrow” is represented by the breath-taking Earth Lodge. Sculpted into a slope of the earth, this lodge uses texture, light and space to offer visitors a unique lodge. Using the most of the surrounding environment, it has been described as the most environmentally sensitive lodge in Africa. A series of sensory revelations is the highlight of Earth Lodge. On arrival a hidden corridor leads visitors down on a journey to an unforgettable experience. The unexpected entrance opens to a panorama of bushveld. There is a constant sense of calm and a restoring spirit. Home to 13 ultraluxurious suites, the lodge breaks with traditional bush lodge style to create a masterpiece of art and innovation. Each suite at this lodge features individually designed furniture, private pool and indoor and outdoor showers. Considered by National Geographic one of the best safari lodges in the world, Sabi Sabi offers luxury, adventure and comfort for a truly unforgettable experience. Besides Sabi Sabi, there are a few other options for those seeking for a safari experience. Here our favorite ones:

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TRAVEL

Elsa’s Kopje – Meru National Park, Kenya Winner of the Good Safari Guide’s ‘Best Safari Property in Africa’ award, Elsa’s Kopje is famous for being one of the most elegant lodges in Africa, with the most spectacular setting and breathtaking views. It is the best location to view rhinos in their natural habitat in Kenya. Every cottage is uniquely designed incorporating the natural features of the rocky hillside. There is an open bar, lounge and dining room with an inviting infinity pool overlooking the Meru plains.

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TRAVEL

Belmond Eagle Island Camp â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Okavango Delta, Botswana A Luxury Safari Camp with 12 luxury tents, Eagle Island Camp is a water-based camp on a raised wooden deck, situated in the Central Delta. It offers game viewing, motorized boats and a 14-seater Sundowner cruiser. The magnificent sunsets can be enjoyed during times of high flood from the campâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most romantic Fish Eagle Bar at Eagle Island or from the deck overlooking the lagoon. For adventurous travelers, the Camp offers guided walks for a complete African experience.

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TRAVEL

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat South Africa This unique haven, nestled at the foothills of the Cederberg mountains, is just 270km from Cape Town and the ideal refuge to escape, restore and relax. Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat is a luxurious ecological oasis of 7500 hectare that offers exciting outdoor activities, luxurious accommodation, award-winning cuisine and a wellness experience deeply rooted in nature to create an unforgettable, luxury wilderness adventure. It is recognized as a conservation success story and has received international acclaim for its exceptional environmental and conservation projects. These include its Rock art conservation program; providing a sanctuary for the endangered Cape Mountain Zebra and Clanwilliam Yellow Fish; its support of the Cape Mountain Leopard project and the Clanwilliam Cedar Tree project.

TRAVEL

Bateleur Camp at Kichwa Tembo â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Masai Mara, Kenya Much of "Out of Africa" was shot here...Enjoy the views of the Masai Mara plains from your honeymoon bedroom, while being pampered by your personal butler. 18 spacious tents with wooden floors and private balconies grace this exclusive camp. Inside each tent, you will find every possible comfort, including an unexpectedly expansive en-suite bathroom. There is also a writing desk, subtle lighting and ceiling fans in each tent. The ultimate indulgence - a personal butler service.

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TRAVEL

Epacha Game Lodge & Spa Etosha National Park, Namibia Epacha Game Lodge and Spa is situated on the majestic 27,000-hectare Epacha Game Reserve. Each of the luxury en-suite chalets has its own private balcony with a breathtaking view across the bush. All airconditioned chalets are equipped with all the amenities discerning travelers expect. In keeping with the Victorian era in Africa, all chalets are furnished with antiques and decorated in subtle, relaxing colors. Besides daily game drives throughout the beautiful park and the nearby Etosha National Park you can also take part in activities such as guided walks, quad biking and horse trails, or simply relax by the pool, in the cozy lounge overlooking a waterhole, in the billiard room or at the inviting pool bar. The Epacha Game reserve is home to 21 antelope species as well as endangered species such as the black rhino and sable antelope.

LIFESTYLE

H145, THE NEW AIRBUS AIRCRAFT ARRIVES IN SOUTH AMERICA By Alice Morais

ocusing on the twin-engine helicopter market, Helibras – the Airbus Helicopter subsidiary in Brazil – launched their new H145 in the country last year. Based on the EC145 model, the new aircraft shows structural modifications, and works as the updated version of it. During the event HeliExpo, Airbus announced the rebranding of the twin-engine model. The H145 is a twin-engine aircraft and can carry up to nine passengers along with two crew, depending on customer configuration. The helicopter was designed for passenger transport, corporate transport, emergency medical services (EMS), search and rescue, parapublic and utility functions. During its launching in Brazil, François Arnaud, former Commercial and Marketing

vice-president for Helibras, revealed: “For this helicopter, we’re focusing on 4 different audiences. First, corporate transport, second parapublic, including governments, police and fire brigades, because it has been really used for those purposes all over the world. It can also be very useful for offshore and onshore missions in Amazônia. Finally, we’re introducing the model to the Marine.” Created to deliver excellent performance throughout the flight envelope, Airbus’ H145 is the latest member of its 4-tonneclass twin-engine rotorcraft product range – with designed-in mission capability and flexibility, especially in high and hot operating conditions. Compact in size, this helicopter’s small footprint and large, flexible cabin make it the aircraft of choice for a variety of missions.

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LIFESTYLE The H145 is derived from the EC145 – which was based on the BK117, a twin-engine certified in the 1980s, developed by MBB (Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm, from Germany) and Kawasaki (from Japan). In 2014 the EASA issued its certification for the model. According to François Arnaud, the production of EC-145 should be discontinued. The H145 joins Airbus’ multi-purpose EC145/ BK117 family, from which some 1,100 rotorcraft are in service worldwide – logging a combined total of more than four million flight hours. Bringing a large cabin, a compact airframe, and powerful engines, the H145 responds to a multitude of mission needs. Enhancements incorporated in the H145 include Airbus’ innovative Helionix avionics suite and 4-axis autopilot; increased performance through its Safran Helicopter Engines Arriel 2E; an anti-torque system with the latest version of the company’s signature Fenestron shrouded tail rotor and a new tail gearbox as well as an upgraded main gearbox. The Fenestron technology brings to the H145 benefits such as improved flight and ground safety, enhanced anti-torque control efficiency, reduced power demand in forward flight, and lower noise and vibration levels. Meeting the latest international avionics standards, the Helionix installation incorporates the most innovative alerting and self-monitoring system. Additionally, the H145 is equipped with the most advanced dual-duplex, four-axis autopilot specifically designed for helicopters. This offers

high flight stability and precision, unique flight envelope and over-limit protection, automated takeoff and fully-coupled approaches to hover. Building on Airbus’ extensive experience gained with the BK117/EC145 helicopter family, the H145’s maintenance procedures optimize the intervals between periodical inspections, ensuring increased availability and reduced operating costs. The optional helicopter usage monitoring system (HUMS) keeps track of the engine’s health in accordance with usage conditions, resulting in further availability and enhanced cost-effective maintenance.

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VERUSKA B lasck

Photograph Claudio Reis | @claudiaoreis Styling Eduardo Trevisan | @dumidian Production Hush Brasil | @hushbrasil

Fashion Model Veruska Blasck | @veruskablasck

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LIFESTYLE

BILLIONS By Alice Morais

he American TV drama series Billions premiered on Showtime, on January 17, 2016. It was created by Brian Koppelman, David Levien and the financial journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin – author of “Too Big to Fail”, the definitive book about the 2008 financial crisis. Back in 2011, Sorkin’s book was adapted into a film of the same name and released by HBO. After that, the author decided to create a fictional television show about an area often ignored by Hollywood: Finance. “After the HBO version of ‘Too Big to Fail’, I thought we could try to explore the

power structure that is the financial world in a nuanced and elevated way. The goal was to create something that I hadn’t seen on television before”, Sorkin told Modern Trader. Starring Paul Giamatti and Damian Lewis, Billions is a complex drama about power and wealth in the world of New York High finance. U.S. Attorney Chuck Rhoades (Giamatti) goes after the brilliant and ambitious hedge fund king Bobby “Axe” Axelrod in an explosive battle between two powers, with each side using all of his intelligence, power and influence to defeat and manipulate the other.

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LIFESTYLE The only survivor of his firm after the attacks on September 11, 2001, Axelrod has rebuilt his company into one of the industry’s most successful. How he achieved this success is the question Rhoades needs to answer. Here’s one of the greatest highlights of the show: the two sharply developed main characters. Giamatti’s character Chuck Rhoades is a conflicted, moral man. While in his private life he is in service to his wife’s dominatrix tendencies, in his professional life he is serving public as a successful Wall Street sheriff. With 81 straight convictions under his belt, he picks his battles against financial titans carefully, but offers no leniency, even to those he has known his entire life. At a certain point, Rhoades is confronted by his father and asked to step in on behalf of a family friend who has been convicted of insider trading. His decision lead to serious consequences for the convicted as Rhoades needs to confront his influence and power on Wall Street. The character seems to be based on a number of different attorneys that creator Andrew Ross Sorkin witnessed over the years as a journalist covering white collar crimes.

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LIFESTYLE

Axelrod is also a complex character, the typical portrait of the “American dream”. A very interesting fact about him is that despite all his wealth, his marriage and two kids, Axelrod seems lonely. He is only able to discuss his personal issues and motivations with his psychologist, Wendy (played by Maggie Stiff), who happens to be Chuck Rhoade’s wife. Although Axelrod has been extremely careful about his trades, the decision to buy a $63 million mansion is the launching point of an investigation of his company’s activities. But how does Billions reflect the Wall Street reality? Here’s what some of those financial people have to say. Robert Wolf, former president and chief operating officer of UBS who now serves as founder & CEO of 32 Advisors, is a “Billions” fan. “I love the show,” he says. “It takes all the big events and the ‘larger than life’ stereotypes of Wall Street from the 1980s to today and creates a fast-paced, high-impact historical fiction.” As to the authenticity of operations at Axelrod’s fictional hedge fund, TALK Miami 46

LIFESTYLE Wolf says, “I can identify with many of the stories from my trading days at Salomon Brothers to my weekend at the Fed for the Lehman crisis and to having regulators around on a non-stop basis.” (In 1991, while Wolf was at Salomon Brothers, the investment bank was caught up in a bondauction-market manipulation scandal which partly inspired season two of “Billions.”) “I think everyone in the industry is aware of ‘Billions,’ says Ben Axler, the founder and chief investment officer of Spruce Point Capital Management. He’s particularly impressed with the character of Bobby Axelrod. “He displays a lot of the traits of a successful hedge fund manager,” Axler says. “He’s calm, cool and calculated about how he’s approaching the investigation of his firm and how he’s going to try to prevail to save it and his passion, which is trading.” Bruce Goldfarb, founder and CEO of

Okapi Partners, says that while “Billions” exaggerates some scenes for entertainment value, “it really does capture the social milieu that some hedge fund players inhabit — the way people live, their wives, the social events they attend after-hours. There hasn’t been something fictional that has felt as real about the Wall Street world since [Tom Wolfe’s 1987 novel] “The Bonfire of the Vanities.”” A line that particularly impressed him is when Axelrod observes, “Lots of guys watch Bruce Lee movies — doesn’t mean you can do karate.” “That sentiment covers the attitude that investors have when they think about the information they put out to the market that they’re willing to share,” says Goldfarb. “That’s a mindset that separates good hedge funds from bad hedge funds.” Billions season 4 is set to premiere on March 17.

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LIFESTYLE

EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS FOR AMEX PLATINUM CARDHOLDERS By Alice Morais

t’s no surprise that credit cards have become inseparably related to travel experiences in our minds. Recent Google searches show that more people search for “travel credit card” than any other kind of credit cards, reward schemes or membership programs. That’s because the first credit card rewards were exclusively flyer miles, tied to a partner airline company. The first frequent flyer program was launched by Texas International Airlines in 1979, while the three biggest programs in the United States today – run by American

Airlines, Dela and United – were launched in 1981. In a short period of time, those cobranded cards offered customers the chance to earn extra miles as a reward for using their credit cards, in other words, for spending money. The first cash-back credit card came a few years later, and credit card-specific rewards programs started to become more frequent in the late 80’s. If there’s one brand that represents the connection between credit cards and travel, that brand is American Express. Originally a shipping business, American

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LIFESTYLE Express started issuing money orders and travelers checks before the turn of the 20th century and launched one of the first charge cards in 1959. By that time, travel services were deeply tied to the company’s target market and reputation. When it launched its premium Platinum card in 1984, incomparable access to experiences and service were the essential offerings for a long story of success. Since then, it has also evolved into the premier travel service

products: along with access to airport lounges, credits to cover airline fees and access to a concierge service, the Platinum card offers cardholders exceptional value. In 2017 AmEx re-launched the premium Platinum Card with a new variety of benefits and confirmed its positioning within the market as a product for people who seek adventure and remarkable experiences. Here’s a list of the most interesting and exclusive benefits available for Platinum Card holders:

Platinum Houses The brand has offered exclusive “Platinum Houses” and pop-up lounges at major cultural and sporting events, from the US Open to the Coachella music festival. These spaces are designed as break, a chance to relax and to enhance the event with exclusive extras. There are typically areas to rest, wellnessfocused programs such as SoulCycle and yoga classes, fashion displays and complimentary food and cocktails. There’s also a lot of extra and exclusive entertainment, such as secret shows or performances.

Exclusive dining offered by Eleven Madison Park Over the past years, AmEx has worked with the famous Michelin-starred restaurant to offer exclusive dining experiences for American Express cardholders. Alongside the EMP Summer House, which will hold its third edition, the partnership is also offering the experience at the EMP Winter House, from December to March, in Aspen Colorado.

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Concierge and Travel Planning One of the most underestimated benefits of the AmEx Platinum is access to a full in-house concierge service. Even with the huge amount of information we have at our fingertips, it’s still very helpful to have the concierge service. Whether you’re trying to get tickets to a show, or you need to send a gift to a client and just don’t have the time to do it, or you’re just looking for suggestions of great hotels and restaurants, the service is perfect.

Centurion Lounges This is one of the most useful benefits of the Platinum card for travelers. You can access more than 1,000 airport lounges around the world, but mostly, you have access to the Centurion Lounges, featuring lots of complimentary amenities which include food and alcoholic drinks designed by famous chefs, mixologists and sommeliers, comfortable workspaces, spa treatments in some locations, kids areas and more.

By Invitation Only American Express offers hundreds of events along the year with exclusive access or benefits for card members, but there are about 100 “By Invitation Only” events around the world each year, and these events can be really exciting. They can include things like backstage tours at concerts, special trips, VIP access to events like the Monaco Grand Prix, cocktails parties with remarkable guests and many more. So, as competition in the premium card and rewards space has grown, American Express has enhanced their service to offer Platinum Card holders unforgettable experiences.

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TECHNOLOGY

A CINEMA IN YOUR POCKET By Alice Morais

f you like to keep up with the most interesting gadgets in the world of technology, you have probably heard about the PIQO 1080p Pocket Projector. This small kit from PIQO is considered as the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s smartest and most powerful 1080p projector and it has the perfect size to fit in the palm of your hand. Initially available just for supporters on their Indiegogo campaign, the first class

PIQO 1080p Pocket Projector really is the epitome of small but perfectly formed. The quality of this tech is plain to see right off the bat and anything that allows you to deliver a 240-inch HD projection from a 2-inch cube should certainly arise your curiosity. You can stream from all your devices anywhere, anytime and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the powerful performance of this projector that sets it apart from the competition.

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TECHNOLOGY Few projectors available on the market offer the same quality that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see with the PIQO 1080p Pocket Projector. This great bit of tech will connect wirelessly to all your devices or directly via HDMI or USB, which makes it universally viewable, portable and sharable. Powered by Android, the small device has a 5-hour battery life when fully charged, which is enough time to fit in a few movies or to binge watch some of your favorite TV shows. With superb features like built-in WiFi, Bluetooth, Hi-Fi Speakers, screen mirroring, offline storage and over 50 hours of battery life, the Pocket Projector will transform your average media viewing into a cinematic experience.

It is the capacity of the PIQO 1080p Pocket Projector to cast or stream anything that makes it such an attractive product to movie or tv lovers. Using WiFi or Bluetooth, it can cast anything from any of your devices onto any surface. You can access your photos and videos from your phone or open up the Netflix app and start streaming your favorite shows onto your living room wall. As their crowdfunding campaign is meant to be over in January, we hope we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to wait for a long time to see this small but powerful device available on the shelves. TALK Miami 61

FASHION

PAUL GEORGEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LATEST SNEAKERS By Alice Morais

aul George, ex-NBA star, has been collaborating with Nike for some time on limited edition sneakers but now heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s back with some a bit more astronomical in nature in the shape of these Nike Paul George NASA Sneakers. The brilliant looking sneakers have great aesthetic dignity and combine it with design features that put them among the most impressive footwear on the market. All the footwear from George tells a story of self-awareness and commitment to improvement. The Nike Paul George NASA Sneakers have been created in partnership with Nike Basketball Footwear Designer Tony Hardman, who is famous for creating some of the most functional and efficient footwear on the market. As expected, there is a distinct NASA vibe to the visual of these sneakers, using the colorways and patches we know from the space agency. This superb collection of footwear and apparel from Nike has captured our imagination, and if the same has happened to you, stay tuned because the pieces will be available from January 26th.

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FASHION

THE TIMELESS STORY OF A WATCHMAKER By Alice Morais

udemars Piguet plays a special role in the Swiss watchmaking industry. Independent of big corporations, the company has been producing extremely elegant watches and movements since 1875. The Audemars Piguet 1972 sports model changed the world of luxury watches and presented one of the most famous watch designs of the century. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the story of that remarkable watchmaker. Founded in 1875 by Jules-Louis Audemars and Edward-Auguste Piguet, the company remains as a family business today. At any point in history, it has not been sold. The founders were both from traditional watchmaker families who had established in Le Brassus in the Swiss Vallee de Joux. The technical production of the luxury pieces was left to Audemars, while Piguet was responsible for the business aspects of the company. TALK Miami 64

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Initially, the company produced pocket watches. In 1882, they had already produced a chronograph pocket watch equipped with a perpetual minute repeater. Seven years later, the company impressed the world with an Audemars Piguet Grande Complication â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a complex pocket watch that won a medal at the World Exhibition in Paris. In 1891, Audemars Piguet created the first wristwatch with a minute repeater. Talent and passion paid off as watches from Audemars Piguet gained worldwide fame and popularity as they opened branches in Berlin, London, Paris, New York and Buenos Aires. Following the death of the two founders, the heirs of the company took over the business and continued developing and producing highquality watches.

Royal Oak

THE REVOLUTIONARY ROYAL OAK launched in 1972, a time when watchmakers ignored the sports watches and steel casing was a taboo. Audemars Piguet broke all the rules and launched a luxury watch in a sporty design and equipped with a steel case. It was a great risk, but Audemars Piguet accepted the challenge. The courage of the company paid off as the Royal Oak started a new chapter for Audemars Piguet. Besides that, the model set a new benchmark for the entire watchmaking industry. Jules

The Royal Oak is the most famous of Audemars Piguet watch models. Thanks to the Royal Oak, the company has continued in their path of glory and elegance. In the 1970s the Swiss watchmaking industry was going through difficult times: quartz quickly became popular and traditional producers had to search for innovative ideas to impress the market. They company took the opportunity to show its pioneering spirit: the Royal Oak was TALK Miami 65

Jules

FASHION

Millenary

The Royal Oak still enjoys great popularity today. Enthusiasts of sophisticated watch mechanics are familiar with the unique timepieces and the prices that come along with them â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Royal Oak models tend to exceed the value of 200,000 Euros. In addition to the Royal Oak model, Audemars Piguet creates many respected collections. The Jules line offers a classic design while the Millenary series is characterized by a striking shape and the movements that are fitted in it are organized in a specific way since they can be viewed through skeletonized casings. Another unique

model is the Edward Piguet, a piece with an elegant rectangular case. For all these memorable models and the horological perfection, Audemars Piguet is one of the few independent manufacturers in Switzerland that receives worldwide admiration and respect. Watch collectors, enthusiasts and numerous celebrities have fallen for the charm of the bold character watches produced by Audemars Piguet. Arnold Schwazernegger, Michael Schumacher (who had a model created in his honor), LeBron James and Leo Messi have been spotted wearing an Audemars Piguet model. The company is also involved in environmental causes and the promotion of sustainable development. The Audemars Piguet Foundation promotes reforestation and projects to raise awareness in children on the subject of environmental protection. Each piece sold contributes to financing the foundation. Audemars Piguet is a brand that stands for luxury of the highest quality, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why their pieces are so valuable and admired all over the world. Edward Piguet

Royal Oak Concept

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LIFESTYLE

FERRARI 812 SUPERFAST HOW FAST IS SUPERFAST? By Alice Morais

nlike many other brands, this Ferrari’s name is 100% literal: the “8” stands for 800 horsepower. The “12” denotes 12 cylinders, arranged in two banks that are positioned in a perfectly balanced 60-degree V. And the “Superfast”? Well, this car’s test numbers speak to that credential.

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LIFESTYLE The Superfast is, in essence, a widely and considerably updated version of the F12. It brings a substantial power hike, as well as some transmission, suspension, aerodynamic and steering revisions to the market for frontengined coupĂŠs, which the brand so famously dominated and influenced through its classic machines. The engine is one in a long line of V-12s from Ferrari. In simple terms, this 6.5-liter V-12 is a stroked version of the F12â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s engine. But according to the Italian carmaker, it consists

of 75% new parts, including a system that continuously varies the intake-number length. Indicated redline is 8900 rpm. The model reaches 100mph in 5.8 seconds and completes the quarter-mile in 10.5 at a blistering 138mph. just 7.1 seconds later, the 812 hits 170mph. It's incredible how much of that power the rear wheels will cope with. The traction, and the management of it through the stability control, must be praised. Ferrari 812 is a very fast car indeed and the suspension does a brilliant job of delivering stunning control.

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Hauling down all that speed are four girthy Pirelli P Zero PZ4 tires and carbon-ceramic brake rotors that wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t looked undersized on a Boeing 737. Stops from 70mph require just 142 feet, what is astonishing for a car that weighs 3851 pounds. Cabin ergonomics are excellent. All the normal steering-wheel stalk controls are

moved to various buttons on the wheel. The idea is to allow the driver to keep both hands on the wheel all the time. Shuffle steering isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t necessary. But the carbon steering wheel feels solid and fantastic to hold, and having all the instruments and dials a fingertip away gives the car a very driver-orientated feel.

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The companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to making the fastest and most powerful option within the niches of the sports car market in which it competes has brought us some amazing cars in recent years and the 812 Superfast is another remarkable and visceral one.

The design does the magic of packing in a lot of details without making it look busy. Sure, there is a lot going on, but as with any fine art, the details make the whole picture better, after all, this is a Ferrari.

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Miami Design District Fashion Stores

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Photo: Olga V Kulakova

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TALK Miami 74 Aventura Mall is one of the biggest shopping malls in Miami

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Photo: photravel_ru

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Bayside Marketplace

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Photo: Willowtreehouse

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Lincoln Road, a tourist landmark and shopping boulevard in Miami Beach

Photo: Kamira

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Louis Vuitton famous boutique in Aventura Mall

Photo: dennizn

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Miami Design District Fashion Stores

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Photo: Olga V Kulakova

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Nike store in Miami Beach

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Photo: Michael Gordon

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Miami 86 2nd avenue Tom Ford boutique in Design District Miami TALK Midtown

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Photo: Olga V Kulakova

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TALK Miami 88 Brickell City Center modern new commercial shopping mall

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Photo: Olga V Kulakova

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Gap Lincoln Road

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Photo: Felix Mizioznikov

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Miami Design District Fashion Stores

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Photo: Olga V Kulakova

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Tourists visit Apple Store at night time

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Photo: pisaphotography

TALK GIRL

MARIANA CARNIELLO Photograph l Claudio Reis @claudiaoreis Direction | Daniel Copriva @danielcopriva Beauty l Jonatas Jaque @jonatasjacque Production l Hush Brasil @hushbrasil

Fashion Model | Mariana Carniello @maricarniello TALK Miami 96

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