— Issue #1 thefreemanjournal.com
CONTENTS
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JAMIE CHUA
LESS IS MORE
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TYLER SHIELDS
LANA SCOLARO
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THE LEGACY LIVES ON
MARTYN LAWRENCE BULLARD
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TOUR ODEON
LA DOLCE VITA
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SILVERFAST
STEVEN SACHS
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EDITOR’S NOTE
— What is luxury? The Oxford Dictionary states luxury is a state of great comfort or elegance, especially when involving great expense. It’s a question both I get asked a great deal and we ask within our various interviews. Yet no two answers prove to be alike. Thus within the first print issue of The Freeman Journal, we aspired to amalgamate the ultimate series. A little black book to the worlds uber elite and a bible to the aspirational luxury consumer. From the spectacular clifftops of Lion Head South Africa where one witnesses the serene marriage of nature and the unrivalled contemporary architecture of Saota, to the controversial celebrity art of Tyler Shields, collaborating with the likes of billionaire heiress Tamara Ecclestone, homeless and begging for diamonds or Lindsay Lohan drenched in her own blood. One thing is for certain, The Freeman Journal proves to challenge the borders of luxury media, showcasing current trends and unique untold stories. On behalf of the Freeman Media Team I would like to welcome you to the club. JACK FREEMAN
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CONTACTS
DIRECTOR / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ART DIRECTOR EDITOR CONTRIBUTING EDITOR PHOTOGRAPHY
Jack Freeman Finnian Mullally Muschinski Samuel How Joshua Hortinela Douglas Freidman Tyler Shields Tim Street Porter Cheryl Fox Jamal Peters Michael Zavros
SPECIAL THANKS
Neels Visser, The Broad Los Angeles, Stefan Antoni, Mark Bullivant, Greg Truen, Phillippe Fouche, Phillip Olmesdahl, Alexandra Von Furstenberg, Tyler Shields, Carlo Sestini, Jason Dundas, Lana Scolaro, Nicolas Bijan, Domvs London, Lorena and Mauro Perruchetti, Matt Walker, Heidi Fedak, Greg Lam, Martyn Lawrence Bullard, Gulfstream, Jon O’Brien, Phillip Mathieson, Jamie Chua, Michael Zavros, Steven R Sachs and Freeman Freighters.
CONTACT — Publishing — Editorial Contributors — Advertising and Promotion
editor@freemanmagazine.net editor@thefreemanjournal.com jack@thefreemanjournal.com
thefreemanjournal.com
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF JAMIE CHUA With over three hundred thousand social media followers, Singapore based socialite Jamie Chua proves to be turning heads internationally, as she forges a name for herself within the dominant world of fashion. WORDS BY JACK FREEMAN • PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMIE CHUA MEDIA
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ith an impressive Hermes collection named the largest in the world, mother of two, Jamie Chua has become a global trendsetter with her sophisticated style and glamorous lifestyle to which she efforts will inspire her many followers into looking, feeling and living better lives. Chua holds many titles to her name, being a prominent celebrity blogger, entrepreneur and mother, yet believes it is possible to have it all. While her fast paced lifestyle sees her regularly travel throughout Asia, Europe and beyond, she still remains humble. Always eager to explore the world and happily experience all it has to offer. While she may have a closet royalty would envy, one thing is certain, Chua brings a fun loving spirit and sense to the clothing she wears. Chua is in fact a walking advertisement. In addition to her online shopping platform “The Closet Raider”, endorsements and collaborations, Chua has thrived. Her strong business sense has gained her respect within a cut throat industry, where she now comfortably sits a top. We spoke exclusively with Jamie. — Describe the day in the life of Jamie Chua. My day starts at around 9.30am. Breakfast typically consists of a hot bowl of Bird’s Nest and a glass of warm lemon water to detox. 4 to 5 times a week, I do an hour of HIIT exercise followed by yoga to warm down. Then for lunch I usually have a light meal either at home or out, if I have lunch appointments. Getting ready for my day and deciding what outfit to wear. I will then go on with business meetings with my various associates and partners and perhaps a social gathering with friends as well. I would also usually find time in between to take my OOTD pictures for my Instagram. Then it’s time to wind down for the day for a nice dinner, after which I would head home and relax with a warm bath and a facial mask. — What designers are you currently inspired by? I’m currently obsessed with Saint Laurent, Chanel and Thai designer Patinya. — What do you think makes Singapore such a unique travel and fashion destination? Singapore is probably the cleanest and safest city to visit and it has changed so much throughout the years. We have been upgraded to a first world cosmopolitan
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city with almost everything imaginable to offer! High fashion stores are abundant and we also have middle and mass fashion to offer everyone from every walk of life. The services industry has greatly been improved and new fancy restaurants are always popping up, leaving us spoilt for choice including great gastronomy experiences in Singapore. — Tell us more about your role as founder of The Closet Raider and Cambridge Therapeutics Ambassador The Closet Raider was founded on the belief of connecting people with alike minds through social media. We help people find new homes for their designer items and it has proven to be one of the most effective platforms around. I am grateful and blessed that I am able to promote my businesses through my Jamie Chua branding which has been highly successful and people trust in me, because of my name and credibility within the fashion scene. I am always in the front line in my various businesses and I enjoy meeting new people, networking and socializing. I am also very honored to also be selected as the current Cambridge Therapeutics ambassador which I have been for the last one and half years and counting. I also have the privilege to inspire women all over the world from all walks of life with my daily skincare regime. That’s how and why I decided to develop my own line of skincare products, “Luminous1 by Jamie Chua”. I believe in spreading and sharing my skincare experience through the years of using every conceivable product in the market to assist women in making the right choice in selecting the correct products and going to the right places for their skin care. Being an inspiration means I have the power to influence people and using that power correctly is in itself the key to success for me personally. — Being a frequent traveler where is your all time favorite destination and why? I enjoy shopping, good food and scenic places. Europe is most definitely my all time favorite and Paris being top of my list. My connections with the boutiques means I get first dibs on anything special and musthave. I wish I could make more trips per year but I have only so much time as I also spend much of my time in other cities worldwide. I love the hedonistic lifestyle and Europe always makes me feel thoroughly pampered in more ways than one.
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THE A TEAM Cape Town based Architectural Firm SAOTA prove to be making waves internationally from Beverly Hills, Dubai to Sydney. WORDS BY JACK FREEMAN • PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAOTA
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ith an expanding network of Architects, Interior and Lighting Designers, manufacturers and Directors the “A Team” lead by Stefan Antoni, Mark Bullivant, Greg Truen, Phillippe Fouché and Philip Olmesdahl have caught the eye of some of the worlds wealthiest and discerning. SAOTA has become the go-to architectural and interior design firm delivering some of the World’s most exciting Mansions, Villas, Luxury Hotels and residential, commercial and retail developments, with an extensive eye for detail. With such International interest SAOTA’s latest project ZA 919 Cape Town has seen them return to soil close to home, where nestled on the cliffs of Lion Head a sprawling family home sits, taking in 360 degree ocean views. — What are you currently inspired by? We are inspired by how people live in and through our buildings. Like Australia, South Africa enjoys a climate and surroundings that are conducive to an indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Our homes therefore facilitate dialogue and flow between the two. Conceptually, Southern Africans have a significant view of shelter: for us, the flat roof is more essential than the vertical wall. Inhabitants of harsher environments such as Europe, distanced themselves from the outdoors and became used to living with more barriers between them and nature. When they experience the South African aesthetic, they respond, and wish to replicate it in their own homes and countries. Greg Truen, SAOTA Director We are also inspired by the settings of our projects. That every SAOTA design responds at a visceral level to its context, whether that setting is a South African cliff edge, Swiss lake edge, American sea shore, Russian Steppe, Middle-Eastern oasis, or an iconic urban location, is what has presaged our firm‘s global expansion.
Mark Bullivant, SAOTA Director We try to create buildings that integrate space internally and externally in a way that maximizes their connection with the landscape and thus creating architecture that is inspiring, easy and empowering to live in. Our designs draw on clues from the spatial and cultural topographies of their sites resulting in distinct architecture which advances the rich tradition of regional modernism. The philosophy of practice is embodied in the spirit of enquiry that flourishes amongst SAOTA staff. This spirit not only guides the firm, but enables it to maintain its position as definitive designers in a highly competitive and fast-changing industry.” Phillippe Fouché, SAOTA Director — What was the brief for the spectacular ZA OVD 919 Project? The brief called for a contemporary, sculptural, openplan home that would respond to its dramatic setting on a ridge above Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard. Balancing exposure to the 360-degree views with the need for privacy was of paramount importance. The southern boundary of the property is shared with Table Mountain National Park and respect for this sensitive environment was a key concern. The preference was for natural materials, clear spaces and a harmonious palette. The client required that the design mediate between the building’s functions: insular family home and expansive entertaining space. Two words that punctuated briefing notes again and again were monolithic and poetic. hilip Olmesdahl, SAOTA Director and Team Leader on P OVD 919
Stefan Antoni, SAOTA Director
— Where to next?
— What is it that you think makes SAOTA such an award winning, architectural and design firm with acclaim all across the world?
We have a few Australian projects; the first was recently completed so we’re planning a Sydney visit early in 2016. Also in the first quarter, we’ll be shooting a SAOTA multi-residential design that was just completed in London. Looking to new markets, we’d like to explore Ethiopia – it has enormous potential. And we’ve barely scratched the surface of the US; Texas is one state we’re likely to focus on next year.”
At SAOTA we understand our clients and their aspirations, lifestyles and needs. From this emerges design that connects built space to external space, the landscape and the view; powerful buildings that delight yet are firmly grounded. Our projects exhibit sophisticated use of materials, precise attention to
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detail and a refined interpretation of contemporary global luxury, which translates into edgy, yet livable buildings that are without artifice and are, essentially, timeless.
Philip Olmesdahl, SAOTA Director
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KING OF DRAMA TYLER SHIELDS Widely known for burning Hermes Birkins, drawing celebrities blood and a little black book full of celebrity muses, American Photographer Tyler Shields proves to be making waves in contemporary art circles. WORDS BY JOSHUA HORTINELA • PHOTOGRAPHY BY TYLER SHIELDS
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or years, we’ve been viewers to Tyler Shields provocative representation of luxury, celebrity and even a little bit of blood. What is it that makes Shield’s work so intriguing? For some, the provoking imagery pushes the boundaries of what it is to be considered art and is something that would not want to be viewed as a constant. When the American photographer, director and writer found himself photographing celebrities in the studio with the unconventional use of items such as luxury goods to raw meat, he found himself making quite an impact and name in the art scene. An impact that has seen Shields follow through on his vision and paid off in creating something unique, enabling him to realise his creative imagination. Looking back to some of his earlier works, the photographs retain a studio-based practice featuring the likes of Lindsay Lohan and the cast of Glee. Perhaps a well recognised piece is his image of Lohan drowsed in blood and swinging a knife. Another development in Shield’s photographs is the key involvement of luxury brands, such as burning the famous eighty thousand dollar Hermes Birkin bag or feeding one to the likes of an alligator. Nonetheless, the aesthetics and avant-garde style pose Shields as an innovative, rule breaking and new class photographer. What might be considered risqué for those more interested in photographs of fruit in a bowl can be considered an industry revival that defies the boundaries as his work is far from something we expect to see everyday. — From luxury, blood, to the use of celebrities how did it all start? It all started with an idea, the idea was to do something different, something my own way and when I started everyone told me I was crazy, I met with magazines and other publications and was essentially rejected by all of them. From there I realized a fun fact, the internet was coming and fast so I set out to do my own thing and that’s when I discovered fine art, the idea that you can shoot whatever you want and people can collect it and put it on their walls seemed like a dream at first, but as the first print sold I was hooked from there, the idea of doing galleries which is a whole other monster on its own was the next thing I knew I needed
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to focus on. As for the items and people I was never interested in celebrity as much as talent, celebrity is a label, a celebrity today can be nothing tomorrow, while talent is a commodity, it is something tangible you can loose it certainly but its much harder to loose celebrity then it is to loose talent. So to answer, it all started a shot down dream that men of power tried to destroy before it ever became a reality, but the best dreams are the ones you fight for. — Talk me through the day in the life of Tyler Shields. No two days are the same right now, I am sitting in room 2005 on the 20th floor of my Hotel in Chicago a few hours ago I was having a conversation with a woman about her 9 children in a dairy queen out side of Gary, Indiana. Some days are spent shooting where anything from blowing up a car to having planes fly over head at 10 feet above the ground can happen. Some days are spent 20 hours straight at a computer, Some days are spent going through prints, I suppose the only thing you could say is there is never a dull day, never an off day, but that is exactly how I like it, I have a lot of ideas and its not possible to do them all at once, so I am learning how to do them when the time is right, that was always the trick. — Tell me about one of your most memorable shoots/experience and why? That’s very tough, the photo titled “Lynching” was a pretty crazy day because we went out with the idea to hang a KKK member and as it was happening this man is naked in front of me while another man hangs from a tree and I am deep in a pond trying to get the camera right above the water and at that moment a hiker walked by and saw us, we all froze but I realized he could not see me as I was covered by bushes so with any luck in his mind he thought he walked right into a episode of the twilight zone. — What are you inspired by right now? France between 1780-1790. — What is your all time favorite destination? London is one of my favourite places in the world. I certainly enjoy the city, but the friends I have made there make it for me.
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— What’s next on your itinerary? I am finishing up my new book, which will be out next year, a new gallery in London and maybe shark diving over the holidays. — Define luxury. An elegant delicacy, to some people, luxury is water, to others its a sports car. I think luxury is only what you need it to be. — What made you choose photography? I didn’t choose it, it chose me. It just happened, one day I wasn’t making photographs then the next day it was all I wanted to do. — How and why did the introduction of celebrities come to be? I have a lot of friends who are actors, when we started not many of them were successful but over time they have become very successful, its so great for me to see them follow their dreams and find them. For me its about making a world, because most of the time the world I want does not exist so I have to create it and what better when creating a world out of your imagination then people who play in other worlds for a living.
— Do you have a close relationship with many of your art buyers/clients? If so why do you think that is? Some of them I have never met, some of them I am very close with. I love people and I am fascinated by all types so to be able to meet people and have the conversations I have been able to have with collectors is incredible, it has shaped my work for sure, I just spent 2 days staying with a friend/collector of mine. The last time I was at his house I came up with the idea for the lynching photo and now its in the room where I first came up with it in. Seeing something that once was only a thought hung in someone’s house is a feeling that can not be described but I will tell you this, it makes you want to do more and be better at everything you do, because unlike a TV or a computer or a phone you can’t turn off the art on the wall it is on display for all to see at all times. — What influences your work? The people in my life, the people I meet and the conversations you have. They can really shape you if you let them. — Most challenging work to date? Whatever is next.
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PERRY’S RECIPE TO SUCCESS Culinary extraordinaire Neil Perry, behind Australia’s renowned Rockpool Group has proven to deliver hospitality from Fine Dining Rooms, Gourmet Food Outlets, Cooking Books, Television and the first and business class suites at 45,000 feet, onboard Qantas Airways. WORDS BY JACK FREEMAN • PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE ROCKPOOL GROUP
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hilst Perry has been considered an overnight success, his passion for great food and the finest produce has seen him deliver ranging uber restaurants under his famous Rockpool empire. Offering a vast menu and the ultimate Fine Dinning experience in both Sydney and Melbourne as well as his stylish Spice Temple, focusing on dishes from regional china offering a sexy underground emporium. Neil’s acclaimed status as one of the worlds leading tastemakers has further been propelled by his attention to detail, as across his wide span of ventures, a common denominator includes seamless quality and service.
— Favourite destination of all time?
And the apple has proven to not fall far from the tree as his 21 year old daughter Josephine recently taking on her own venture launched Missy French, after leaving school at age 16, years of age, she now heads a new modern chic bistro in Potts Point. Independent from her highly successful father, Perry Junior proves to be creating her own path, originating from the humble beginnings of cleaning cutlery at Spice Temple. Perry says “She totally gets hospitality and has grown up with all the guys at Rockpool . It would be hard to find a person with better timing than her”.
We wanted to make the famous Rockpool Bar & Grill wagyu burger more accessible, for more people to enjoy. It really is fast food with slow food values; we use 36 month grass fed Cape Grim beef with no additives, no hormones and it’s cut, minced and rolled into patties by hand daily. Burger Project offers a different vibe but has the same uncompromising Rockpool ethic.
— As one of Australia’s most celebrated and prominent chefs and restaurateurs, what has been your secret to success?
— Where to next? South America…Santiago, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro and Lima. — Tell us about your recent “Burger Project”, how did it come about? And what made you decide to venture into a second outlet in Melbourne?
We’re planning on a Burger Project expansion in the coming months with three openings in Sydney (Gateway October 2016; Parramatta January 2017; and Broadway early 2017) and two in Melbourne. (Collins St Square in March 2016; and Chadstone September 2016).
For me, it’s the focus on detail. From our suppliers to our menus, from our restaurant designs to our customer service, we do everything to the best of our ability. By surrounding myself with a team of management that I trust and respect at every turn, has enabled me as a person, and the Rockpool Group as a company, to grow and flourish.
— What are some of your favourite home-cooked meals you make on a regular basis?
— As the Qantas consultant chef, what do you believe makes Qantas a leading premium airline and how have you gone about designing the inflight and lounge options for Business and First customers?
Whilst you have and continue to work across a range of cuisines and styles, what is one thing you believe is engraved within every restaurant?
Qantas’ attitude makes all the difference. From the top down, they empower, not control. For 18 years, they’ve enabled us to do our job to the fullest and involved us across all aspects of the business from menu planning and testing, to training, service, audit and review.
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It would have to be Tokyo. I love the culture and the food is so extraordinary, that it’s impossible to have a bad meal. They focus on craft, detail and of course, seasonality, all the things that I admire in a cuisine.
We love to make tortillas using a mix of grilled chicken and prawns, cabbage, salsa, chipotle and of course, steamed tortillas. Also, nothing beats a roast chook in my Big Green Egg.
Our philosophy of Care! Care for our suppliers, care for staff and each other, care for our restaurants, care for our customers, care for the community and how we can make a real difference, and care for our sustainable attitude and responsibility. Each restaurant, and our company as a whole, has this as its core.
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THE LEGACY LIVES ON Bentley Motors announced its latest edition to the pinnacle Mulsanne series with the anticipated extended wheelbase making a world release at the 86th Geneva Motor Show. WORDS BY JACK FREEMAN • PHOTOGRAPHY BY BENTLEY MOTORS
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he series consisting of the Mulsanne, Mulsanne Speed and Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase each distinct in their own right, with unique abilities and attributes prove to make up the perfect family, with the latest model turning heads of Bentley owners and prospective buyers looking for the ultimate back seat driving experience. Handcrafted in Crewe, England the historic Bentley brand has reaffirmed its reputation as one of England’s finest motorcars using highly skilled artisans to build the most powerful and beautiful cars. Surviving almost a century, the 97-yearold brand has showcased Bentley’s unrivalled attention to detail within its latest extended wheelbase model designed for back seat passengers, offering a limousine style interior. With an additional 250mm of leg room, passengers are able to relax in the comfort of a first class style cocoon, featuring a full recline, touch screen entertainment systems and privacy screens. Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and chief executive of Bentley Motors, comments: “The Mulsanne is
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the epitome of Bentley’s DNA – exquisite, individual and powerful. It defines luxury in the automotive world and offers a uniquely Bentley blend of luxury and performance. The three distinct handcrafted models now available, each offer customers something different. The Mulsanne, with its understated elegance and sporting purpose, remains the consummate luxury limousine; the Mulsanne Speed is the pinnacle of luxury and performance thanks to its immense power, torque and refinement; and now the Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase – with its extraordinary airlinestyle seats and rear-passenger bias – becomes the new benchmark in automotive comfort.” This extraordinary amalgam of fine materials and engineering will be on view in Geneva from the 1st of March till the 13th. Models go on sale in the Summer & Bentley have proven to set a new benchmark one parallel to none, proving to promise a successful year ahead continuing on the legacy of the historic and sought after luxury car brand.
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REACHING NEW HEIGHTS: MONACO The much anticipated release of the worlds most expensive residences Tour Odeon prove to achieve new levels of luxury and prices per square foot then ever before. WORDS BY JACK FREEMAN • PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOUR ODEON
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Tennis Masters and Yacht Show. Monaco is in fact the utopia of the super successful, where one may relish in their hard earned success without the stresses of modern-day crime, crowds and cultural spite.
The uber exclusive Tour Odeon address matched by an envied Monaco Residency not only allows owners tax free status but furthermore offers a world class calendar including the annual Formula One Grand Prix, Monte Carlo Arts and Jazz Festivals, The Rolex
The development proves to be one of the most glamorous and expensive to ever be conceived in the world. Developer Groupe Marzocco and Interior designer Alberto Pinto have together created a new height of distinction commanding around 450 million dollars for the 5-story penthouse featuring a private wet-edge swimming pool and 360-degree views of the French Riviera and Monaco’s borders to France and Italy. Such price surges have been largely to blame to by international investment from the Middle East, Russia and Europe seeing multi-millionaires and billionaires flock to the sovereign state.
he tax haven of Monaco proves to be the worlds most elite and exclusive destination and preferable home of the Mega Wealthy. Offering the ultimate lifestyle, known for its high level of security and quality of life for internationals from all stretches of the globe. The 560ft tower will be the second tallest building in the Mediterranean offering beyond 5 star hotel services to the discerning residents, including a health club, private chauffeur, room service, housekeeping, business center, valet, concierge and security around the clock.
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ALL IN THE DETAIL: ZAVROS Celebrated artist Michael Zavros, winner of awards such as the Bulgari Art Award and the Doug Moran National Portrait Prize, proves to be a leading Australian contemporary artist, with an eye for detail producing intensely photo-real paintings and drawings. His staged life paintings bring life to the still object. Inspired by European realism and a finalist of the revered Archibald prize, Zavros’ art proves to make a great addition to both contemporary and traditional fine art collections. We spoke exclusively with Zavros. WORDS BY JOSHUA HORTINELA • PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL ZAVROS
— Talk me through a day in the life of Michael Zavros. At the moment I get up at 5am and start working. This gives me at least an hour before breakfast. My studio is a separate building located on my 8 acre property so I can ‘go to work’ and ‘come home’ many times a day. I come home for breakfast with wife Alison and my three children, Phoebe 10, Olympia 8 and Leo, 4. I do the girl’s hair for school and when everybody’s gone I go back to the studio. I come and go from the home office where my computer is, a little through the day but generally I’ll be in the studio for the rest of the day. I like to exercise and for the last six months I have spent swimming, so at some point in the day Alison and I will visit the beautiful outdoor Olympic Swimming Pool right behind where we live to do some laps. My work takes a long time to make and requires long solitary hours of careful rendering. Apart from the physical making of the work there’s so much organisation going into forthcoming exhibitions or projects and I seem to be doing so much at any one time that each day I try to get a little further down the road in many different directions. — What made you choose to take a career in fine art? Art chose me, I’ve just worked hard to make it into a career. Probably the first time it meant something was when I wrote ‘artist’ for occupation in immigration. — What artists are you currently inspired by? The ancient Greek sculptor Myron and American Richard Prince. — Where to next? I spent three months in New York last Christmas on an Australia Council for the Arts studio residency. I absolutely loved it and am very keen to live and work
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more in the US. This coming January I will have a solo exhibition at Art Los Angeles Contemporary. — You often take part in collaborations what made you decide to do this? Collaborating on projects is new territory for me and full of challenges. For many years I was a solo practitioner and very much a control freak but collaboration is all about compromise without compromising the project. I love to draw, paint or sculpt something and I’m comfortable doing this but where I don’t have the expertise, in say film making or photography I’ll work with another talent to realise my vision. I then become more a director of a project but with the same exacting attention to detail I bring to my drawing or painting. Whether I’m collaborating or not, my work has two modes — the creative moment which can be immediate or last weeks or months in development in deciding what I want to make and why. The second mode is the physical creation of the work, whether it’s time spent painting or drawing and this is technical hard work but not a creative process. It’s in this mode that I can direct a project rather than do it myself. — What is the usual timeframe for your intensely detailed works? Usually a few weeks to a few months. — Define luxury. To paraphrase Andy Warhol, if everything is luxury then nothing is. The term luxury has a strange currency now. Probably the greatest luxury I can imagine is time. And that is very much a first world concept.
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FASTEST YACHT OF ITS KIND Sleek, sharp and stylish, the Silver Fast Yacht is a new breed of yachting that is the ultimate form of luxury. WORDS BY SAMUEL HOW • PHOTOGRAPHY BY SILVER YACHTS
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he 77 metre Silver Fast, is the latest to the Silver series collection and promises to be the most advanced and ecofuel-efficient to date. Silver Yachts are recognised as pioneers in the field, purveyors of purification, it seems as they fill this brief in the form of the Silver Fast. Effortlessly stylish, yet a bold and distinguished design statement, it represents Silver Yacht’s evolution towards the purest and most enthralling experience for owners and customers. Whilst Silver Fast maximizes on technological advancements, it still honours the Silver design identity. Harking back to it’s predecessors, it has the signature sleek contour and hull lines, whilst enhancing form and shape through its striking silver paint. The transition of the distinguished exterior to the contemporary lines of the interior creates a seamless flow through the yachts design. The interior pairs modern and cool styling with a range of sumptuous and warm furnishings. The living plan includes guest bedrooms with ensuites, spread over each deck, ensuring a sense of privacy and exclusivity. One of the stand out features is the owners living space, which is generously spread over an entire deck leading to a
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private quarters and a luxurious cabin boasting 180 degree panoramic views and his and her ensuites. It was designed with entertaining in mind, hosting up to 20 guests with alfresco, indoor/outdoor dining and an on water Beach Club, with a private hair salon, gym and sauna. The indoor and outdoor spaces are so effortlessly intertwined it makes for a residency defined by convenience and style. The performance of Silver Fast also shows significant progression for the brand in terms of innovation and technology. With a top speed of 27 knots, Silver Fast is the worlds largest and fastest aluminium motor yacht. It is also the worlds fastest cruising yacht with a range of 4,500 nautical miles at 18 knots and 6,200 nautical miles at 14 knots, allowing it to effortlessly complete long journeys maintaining high speed and comfort. The yacht moves with grace through the seas with its speed of 18-27 knots allowing it too manoeuvre without vibration and minimum noise levels. Silver Fast is a distinguished symbol of luxury, a yacht for those seeking a lifestyle of mellifluous sophistication and finesse and ultimately those seeking to turn heads within each harbour or region one visits.
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”LESS IS MORE” Alexandra Von Furstenberg, a tastemaker, visionary, mother, designer and socialite, has sought to prove you can, as cliché as it may sound, have it all. WORDS BY JOSHUA HORTINELA • PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHERYL FOX
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ollowing a ten-year career as the Creative Director of her mother in law’s iconic fashion house Diane Von Furstenberg, Alexandra resettling in Los Angeles began dedicating her time to creating unique contemporary furnishings, exclusive to the home. After her long quest to find pieces for her own home, Alexandra quickly came to forge her own name in luxury lifestyle products. Her pieces include her now signature acrylic based accessories such as bowls and vases as well as unique furniture pieces available in a wide range of vibrant colours. Alexandra states “Less is More” has always been a personal rule that I believe in. I love the modern warmth of a zen like environment where everything has it’s place respectful of other pieces and items in the room. There are so many different types of styles that I appreciate and consider beautiful though — From Modern to Baroque to Country Chic. Of course beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so I believe the common theme when you choose any of those styles to make them beautiful, is making it personal to you and your family. Picking out items such as artwork, accessories, furniture, etc, should all reflect your personality and aesthetics.” — When and what made you decide to design and create bold contemporary furniture pieces? When I moved to Los Angeles, and began furnishing my home, I found myself designing my own pieces because I couldn’t find what I wanted. Eventually I realized that this is something that I had a passion for and could turn into a business. — Talk us through your design process and your unique style? First comes the function, then the artistic inspiration which when done together becomes functional art. I
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work closely with the top craftsman that are experts in acrylic, to make my ideas become a reality. It’s a long process for every piece that takes countless hours of trial and error. — What are you currently inspired by? As an artist, you’re always inspired by the unexpected, but I’ve always been inspired by diamonds and have named many of my pieces after gem cuts. — You currently live in Los Angeles, what made you decide to relocate from New York City? I have always had a love for Los Angeles, when I would come visit LA prior to living here I always felt this was home for me. — Where is your all time favourite travel destination and why? I love discovering new places I have never been, the adventure in exploring new cities, inspires me and sparks my creativity. — Where to next? With the winter holidays approaching I think we are going to go skiing for a week, to enjoy some snow for a change. — You started out in the fast paced world of fashion, what made you choose to transition into homewares and accessories? It seemed like a natural step and homewares is another form of design that is similar to fashion in many ways. Being a busy mother of two kids, the slower pace of homewares is certainly a welcomed change, plus I wanted to create items that were more permanent.
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NEELS VISSER: OF ITS KIND At just 17 years of age, Los Angeles based Model, YouTuber and Globetrotter Neels Visser already has the world at his feet and now he is setting his sights on new horizons. We talked exclusively with Visser.
— Describe the day in the life of Neels Visser. This is a question I get asked a lot but I never know how to answer. Fortunately I am blessed to be able to wake up and work on projects that inspire and excite me. No day is ever the same, but I often spend a day working on something that relates to another day’s work. I also get to work closely with a lot of my friends and often find myself making new ones. — When and why did you decide to become a model? I actually never decided to become a model; I was scouted by my sister’s agency when I was 14 years old. Being so young I was a little hesitant at first, as I was not really sure what I was getting myself into, but then realized starting a career at a young age could teach me so much, from creating a brand, making connections in selective industries, and even money management.
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— What do you believe sets Los Angeles apart, being your locality of choice? Los Angeles is incredible and really special to me because there are so many creative people that come together to work on projects and turn ideas into reality. Everyday when I wake up there’s an opportunity at my fingertips whether I think of it or someone comes to me with it. Aside from the opportunities there’s always a lot of fun events and parties going on, so you can always be enjoying yourself. — Where is your all time favourite travel destination? I have pretty much travelled the world; aside from a few places that I still want to go to, and to this day I think my favourite destination is New York City. Every time I go, I feel like there’s limitless ways to adventure and plenty of new faces to meet. Although I go fairly frequently it never fails to excite me.
— What are you currently inspired by?
— Where would you like to go next?
I have been really interested in various types of art and design, so I have found myself inspired by it and especially the meanings behind it. Art inspires and teaches me to live for meanings, to find myself in the world, and to always be curious.
I really want to go Dubai. My passion for art has opened my eyes in so many ways, and there’s a huge industry for new innovative arts there, so I think it will for sure be my next destination.
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LIFE IN THE FAST LANE Meet Lana Scolaro at 20 years of age the Monaco based socialite is leading a rebellious new trend, in high-jewellery. WORDS BY JACK FREEMAN • PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMAL PETERS
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ttending the exclusive Parsons College of Design in New York City, the school, with an alumni which has included Tom Ford, Alexander Wang and Reed Krakoff, Lana Scolaro interested in Fine Art and Design, sought to follow in her fathers footsteps, while making her own stamp in a niche luxury industry. Her ambitious jewellery designs feature rounded silver, yellow and rose gold bracelets and necklaces embellished with diamonds. The uber-exclusive designer seeks to represent a younger demographic of jet setting elite circles whom require bespoke and unique pieces. Scolaro is the ultimate representation of this new trend, combining both edgy glamour and effortless sophistication. Her fast paced life sees her travel between London, New York and Monaco on a weekly basis. Unlocking an ever-exciting private world, Scolaro shares photos on Instagram including vacations to St Barth and Ibiza; as well her individual fashion style featuring high top louboutins, caps and croc skin Birkins. Her fearless style is bold yet flawless. Whilst being named a “rich kid of Instagram” she continues to challenge this title, creating her own name for herself in an industry largely dominated by global brands. She is probably one of the most chic rebel designers around, with an entrepreneurial business mindset, displaying a cut above approach — What made you decide to start a Jewellery line? My main talent was always design and Fine Art. I studied at Parsons the New School for Design in New York and I decided to pursue my career in design by designing fine jewellery, as my father was already in the diamond industry so I thought I’d have a bigger advantage. — What influenced your bold choice of guns and crowns, which adorn or shape your exceptional jewellery? I originally wanted to be an actress and am a great lover of classic movies. Some of my favourite films are Django and Blood Diamond which inspired my designs in a big way. Growing up in a scene of teenage rebellion at college, I wanted to create something unique with jewellery. I am also a big collector of PostWar/Contemporary art works and began dealing when I was 16; which led me to be inspired by Jean-Michel Basquiat’s crown signature. I decided to interpret this into my jewellery design, as the scene I was around in New York was all about rebellion, fashion and art.
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The AR15 gun inspiration came from the charity work I did for my father in Africa, which donates to a small charity that protects children living in the world’s most dangerous war zones. — What are you currently inspired by? I am currently inspired by the Knotted Gun Sculpture, which lies in New York City, “Non-Violence” (also known as “The Knotted Gun”) which is a pro-peace sculpture by Swedish artist Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd, designed in late 1980’s and inspired by the shooting death of his pal, John Lennon. It was given to the UN by the government of Luxembourg in 1988. The sculpture portrays a 45-caliber revolver with its barrel knotted into a bullet-blocking twist, a concept normally confined to 2D reality in newspaper editorial cartoons. — Talk me through the day in the life of Lana Scolaro. A day in the life for me is usually taking a yoga or pilates class in the early morning to start my day, I’ll then usually head back to my showroom and work on some new designs and study different materials. I’ll then usually have a meeting with a new press agency I have just hired, followed by more meetings with retailers. However, I never really know how long I will stay in one place at a time, as I have stockists in Europe which I also need to have control over, so I will spend a lot of time on a plane. — Define Luxury? My definition of luxury is something unnecessary but favorable for, to satisfy and ease. Something enticing but expensive, something very charming but not really needed in life. — Where is your all time favourite destination and why? My all time favourite destination is Saint Barth, I have spent every Christmas and New Year there over the last 10 years and will continue. — Where to next? My next destination would be Los Angeles. I love the idea of city life and beach life at the same time. It is always so clean and spread out, I feel like its one big Disneyland. — Where do you call home? Monaco is a place I call home. I was born in London but spent most of my weekends and childhood in Monaco, my family is there.
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LIVE TO DECORATE MARTYN LAWRENCE BULLARD Known as the go to interior designer by the likes of names such as Cher, Ellen Pompeo, the Kardashians and the Hilfigers. Martyn Lawrence Bullard proves to offer the ultimate design scheme fitting any client, style or location. WORDS BY JACK FREEMAN • PHOTOGRAPHY BY DOUGLAS FREIDMAN & TIM STREET PORTER
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hilst it was an accident as to how Martyn ended up becoming one of America’s most prominent and loved international designers, he states “I fell into my career after following another career in London and Hollywood as an actor. That said I really always had the gene.” The English born designer has become widely recognised for his ability to create individual looks matching his client’s own style and personality. He in fact turns their dreams into reality as each of his interiors represents complete sophistication and liveable luxury. The fantastical worlds Bullard conceives are theatrical and transport each owner into a world of their own. The Hilfiger Residence Bullard designed in Miami Florida proves to showcase Bullard’s extraordinary talents as the beachfront home features an impressive infinity edge swimming pool, vibrant contemporary and post-war art collection including works by Jeff Koons, Keith Haring, Jean Michel Basquiat, Marc Quinn and Andy Warhol. This being one of the Hilfiger’s many trophy homes designed by Bullard was thrown a curve ball when they asked him to create something more modern and groovy, in contrast to their worldly Plaza Penthouse in New York City and Traditional Manor House in Greenwich Connecticut. The home ultimately represents an escape from the hectic lives of such a prominent fashion designer and family to which Bullard thrived on, pushing the limits of design with adventurous bold colour palettes, neon lighting and unexpected sculpture. Starring on Bravos Million Dollar Decorators, Bullard has become a celebrity himself receiving international accolade and success with his various home collection brands and collaborations, including furniture, accessories, fabrics and wall coverings in addition to his book Live Love Decorate which offers readers “a glimpse into his glamorous world of dramatic spaces and exquisite detail”. — Talk us through the day in the life of Martyn Lawrence Bullard.
My days are never a standard routine. Life as a designer is full of surprises and twists and turns so an average day doesn’t really exist. When in LA, my home base, the day usually starts with answering about 30 to 50 emails from my foreign clients and associates and a few from the east coast from bed whilst enjoying a cup of earl grey tea. Then I will grab a quick shower, a green protein shake and hit the road. I like an early morning round up with my staff before I hit the list of checking vendors for custom item updates and quality control, passing by my favourite resources for vintage and antique items which I try to do one stop a week per place to see their latest additions, leading onto the afternoons where I will often visit job sites, take client meetings and shopping expeditions or review plans for construction and interiors with architects and contractors. The end of the afternoon is a round up with the design assistants prepping for the next day’s tasks and reviewing what has been done or collected for different projects. I will sit with my architectural team to look at their work and concerns and try to spare a few last minutes to review current product development, fabric colour ways and new strike offs. Dinner will either be with a visiting client, catching up with friends or my favourite, at home in front of the television watching a great movie and cuddling with my dog Daisy. — What are you currently inspired by? Travel is always my main inspiration. It’s not a specific place or thing, just the whole experience. I believe we must always stay open to understand new things. My eyes are everywhere, taking in the beauty that surrounds us. It could be an orange hanging on a tree in Seville or an apple sitting in a pile at the grocery store! Colour, texture, shape all play a part in inspiration, as does smell, atmosphere, people and places. History inspires always, from visiting a castle to reading a design book on David Hicks or Renzo Mongiardino. To become inspired is just about being open to take in all that’s around you and I strive to inspire myself daily with this mantra.
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— What made you decide to become a designer? I became a designer almost by chance. I fell into my career after following another career in London and Hollywood as an actor. That said I really always had the gene. I actually paid my way through acting school by buying and selling antique Bric a Brac at local markets as a boy, which in turn actually taught me to understand decorative history, place of origin and period distinction. My career evolved through a love and passion for design and historic interiors, it was a natural progression and not really a career decision. One I am very happy to say I love and enjoy every day. — What projects have you currently been working on? I am currently working around the globe with projects as far a field as Saudi Arabia, Istanbul, Paris and Italy with my US clientele reaching from Los Angeles to Connecticut, Rhode Island and Miami. I am working on the restoration of a fine Georgian mansion in Ireland, the famous Art Deco hotel ‘the Raleigh’ in Miami, the ancient Yesel Ev Hotel and Armand hotel in the walls of the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul as well as the Californian hotel in Santa Barbara. I am also currently designing the 60 apartments within the Four Seasons residences in Beverly Hills, new homes for Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne, Ellen Pompeo, Tommy Hilfiger and both Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian. My New book ‘ Design and Decoration’ launches at the end of April and new product lines will launch before the end of the year including bedding, bathroom fixtures and new fabrics. — Where is your all time favourite travel destination of all time? I’m a huge fan of Istanbul. The history and magic of the merging of cultures, religions and countries gives Istanbul an unbelievable air of mystery and intrigue. The people, places, food and ambiance is totally original and cannot help but inspire all who visit. — Where to next? My next trip will be 3 days in Dublin, Ireland its a wonderful city and very fun to work in, where I
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will go to check on reclaimed floors for my current project, then three days in Istanbul to oversee a hotel model room development and following that three days in London to shop for vintage items and antique reclamation items to include in the architecture of my up-incoming projects. Back to Los Angeles within 10 days. I never leave my main office base for more than that, if possible, as I always like to keep on top of all my projects in development. — Favourite timepiece? I collect watches and have done so since I got my first good watch on my 18th birthday. Most often I wear a vintage style classic Panerai diving watch in Rose gold with a brown alligator strap or the same model in stainless steel with a black strap, but today I have a yellow gold Cartier Santos 100 on, that a favourite client gave me on my 40th birthday. My watches change with my mood and outfits and I really do love and enjoy them all. Unlike my accountant who freaks out every time a credit card bill comes in with a new one listed amongst my charges. — What would you say the fundamentals of a Martyn Lawrence Bullard residence consists of ? My design fundamentals always include my rules for a good interior. Comfort comes first! I believe modern luxury is comfort and I always instil this into my client’s homes. Deep, luxuriously soft upholstery customized to their rooms and spaces. I never want pieces that are just purely decorative, I hate guests to think they can’t sit on something or touch it or even look too closely. All must be usable and function in one-way or another. Colour obviously plays a big role. I love to bring in colour to people’s lives and enliven their homes with shades that bring happiness and atmosphere. I’m not afraid of pattern or mixing textures. I believe the world is our shopping centre and palette, and as such I like to blend cultures and styles. An eclectic interior will always offer up interest and most importantly reveal my clients personalities. I never want my interiors to be my signature rather I want them to be a window into my clients personalities and soul. That to me is a successful interior.
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BROADENING HORIZONS: LA The recently unveiled Broad Museum in downtown Los Angeles has in its infancy already reached its first milestone with an estimated 200,000 visitors entering its doors by the close of 2015. WORDS BY FINNIAN MULLALLY MUSCHINSKI • PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE BROAD LOS ANGELES
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nticipation is now at a new high point as the much anticipated schedule for the WinterSpring 2016 Season is unveiled, promising more delights for contemporary art lovers. “The public reception to The Broad has been overwhelming and has exceeded our expectations,” stated founder Eli Broad. “Before we opened, we projected annual attendance of around 300,000 visitors, based on museums of similar size. We’re well on our way to exceeding that.” The Broad which opened in September 2015, is now the crowing glory of downtown Los Angeles burgeoning art scene, located across the road from Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Built by life-long art collectors and well known philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad, The Broad Museum is their gift to the people of Los Angeles and America collectivity. Admission to the Diller Scofinfio + Renfro designed building is free and is earmarked to stay like this, truly a contemporary art museum built for and loved by the people of LA. Admission entitles one to a spectacular feast of the senses, as one encounters the inaugural installations drawn from two collections of more than 2,000 works of contemporary art including the likes of Robert Rauschenberg, Ed Ruscha, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Barbara Kruger, Yayoi Kusama, Mark Bradford and Kara Walker. The Broad, which cost an estimated 140 million US dollars has in its infancy already created a global publicity storm, which is heralding its birth as one of the greatest for the appreciation of contemporary art in the 21st Century. The current installation of artworks are drawn from the personal collections of the Broads and The Broad Art
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Foundation, chronologically displaying the installation starting with works from the 1950’s by artists of the likes of Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg and Cy Twombly. Then comes Pop art of the 1960s, an area of specialty for the Broad, well represented through the works of Roy Lichtenstein, Ed Ruscha and Andy Warhol. Then continuing to the 1980s when The Broad Art Foundation was established, with an excellent plethora of works by artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Cindy Sherman, Keith Haring, Barbara Kruger and Jeff Koons. Continuing to the present day with many works by emerging contemporary artists, given patron by the Broads. One of the key and defining factors of The Broad’s uniqueness is its design. Upon entering the lobby of the museum, visitors travel up a 105-foot escalator emerging into the third-floor gallery, which features 23-foot ceilings and 318 skylights that filter diffused sunlight into the gallery space, allowing for a atmosphere which maximises appreciation of height. The Grand Avenue elevation of the building is seemingly ‘glad-wrapped’ in a exquisite exoskeleton made of white concrete panels and steel, evoking reminiscences of sun dried white coral. Adjacent to the Museum is a 24,000-square-foot outdoor public plaza, also designed by DS+R, which features as it focal point, a grove of 100-year-old Barouni olive trees and large lawns, reiterating once more the fact of the museum being a gift to the people of Los Angeles. The Broad Museum has become a must-see for any traveler to Los Angeles, so I’d be sure not to miss this one! Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, — 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. The museum is closed on Mondays.
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MARCUS WETTERHEIM: REDEFINING FOOTWEAR WORDS BY SAMUEL HOW • PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARL ANTONIO
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year old Swedish born designer and entrepreneur, Marcus Wettherheim begun the previous year, by launching his own brand of boots Carlo Antonio bringing a wave of recognition to his name, success he hopes to carry into the year ahead. Wettherheim established Carlo Antonio with the aim to create a boot that incorporated the delicate balance of comfort and style for its wearer. After finding a drought in the market for sartorial items which suited his personal taste, he pursued his own design, ambitions which came to fruition in the form of the Carlo Antonio brand. His simplistic, yet debonair style draws influence from his extensive travel experience and is exuded in the partnership of colour and material in his designs. The hybridization between street and high fashion is a design statement that has been reflected within Wettherheim’s work in both home and fashion. He demands utmost quality within his products, a standard which extends into his personal life. In the coming year, the Carlo Antonio brand plans to extend its range to accommodate female buyers and in industry anticipation, Wettherheim will unveil a new breed of styles and design, continuing to establish himself as one of the most promising names in the high end footwear space. — What are you currently inspired by? What inspires me the most right now is the traveling I do. I find so many new ideas through just traveling the world and seeing new cultures, people and their personalities. I´m also very inspired by my work right now. When it goes well it gives me more confidence and new ideas of designs and business to do. — What made you decide to become a designer? That´s pretty simple. I couldn´t find the stuff I wanted in the stores so I started to create my own things. I have always been creative ever since I was a little kid. — Tell us about Carl Antonio. So, Carl Antonio is my shoe brand that I initiated it early 2015. The name Carl Antonio comes from my name, Marcus Carl Antonio Wetterheim. I got into
designing boots about one and half years ago. I thought, why not start my own brand for boots? I knew I had the potential to do it. So first out last Autumn was the Stockholm boot collection. It´s an ankle boot in suede leather with a little higher heel for the more confident person who knows what he wants. It comes in 3 colour styles, black, grey and light tan. In 2016 I have a lot more styles coming, including Women and focusing on more details for the coming designs, I´m really excited. — Describe your personal style. My personal style is mostly inspired by different cultures. I´m involved with fashion but don´t really care about designers too much. For me it´s about the colour and materials I choose to collaborate with. Although I do dress a lot in black! If I would pick out an outfit for an event or something right now I would go with a pair of black skinny jeans, a distressed t-shirt, a black blazer jacket and a pair of Carl Antonio boots of course. — Items you couldn’t live without? It´s sad to say, but I´d say my iPhone first hand. My wallet and passport are two more things I couldn’t live without. — Where is your all time favourite travel destination? I really love LA because there are just so many different cultures there. But my favourite has to be Dubai. Everything is just so amazing! I love everything about it. — Where to next? I hope to get away to London and Paris in next for a couple days. And as it looks right now I´ll go to Dubai. After all that I´d probably fly over to LA for some time. — What is luxury to you? It´s the ability to travel and explore new things and be happy! Of course I do like some luxury goods but it´s so impersonal that I don´t really put the meaning luxury to it.
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CLEAN LINES: REDGEN MATHIESON Architects and Interior Designers Phillip Mathieson and Harlan Redgen together head up Redgen Mathieson one of Australia’s leading Design Firms offering turn key properties, focusing on minimal sophisticated luxury. WORDS BY FINNIAIN MULLALLY MUSCHINSKI • PHOTOGRAPHY REDGEN MATHIESON
— What made you decide to become an Architect and Designer?
Mathieson designed residence consist of ?
PM: I have an Uncle who is an architect and I grew up in a house he designed. I have early memories of visiting a building in Melbourne that he designed. A Brutalist building entirely clad in bluestone, it opened my eyes to the world of architecture and design from a young age.
PM: It is important to us, that each of our projects capture a sense of purity and timelessness. Underlying all our projects is a clear planning rigour and a holistic approach to the architecture and interior. Our architecture focuses on the sensory and experiential. We are interested in the quality of space, of light and of proportion. These are the elements that enhance the lives of our clients.
HR: From a young age I have always wanted to be an Architect, I don’t think there was ever any question about it. I can’t really remember wanting to do anything else, and if it had, I’m sure it would have been design related. — What are you currently inspired by? PM: I am inspired by anything of quality and longevity. Although our work is very modern my inspiration can come from diverse interests such as Baroque architecture to the manipulation of proportion, to the play of light and shade. HR: I am v white noise in the end, and just ends in visual fatigue. I like spaces that have interest and are dynamic as a result of the space itself, and that are easy and relaxing to be in. I enjoy fewer elements and details in a space, that are of a higher quality and have thoughtful detailing. I am not interested in the latest colours or finishes, so for me brazen ‘look at me’ Architecture or Interiors, are insecure and often pretentious. I am inspired by people who I think are talented in their fields. Most of these are from the past where architecture, interiors, furniture and landscape all co-existed in harmony as a unified environment. That’s projects like Mies van de Rohe’s Barcelona Pavillion, and John Pawson’s Nuendorf house. I’m inspired by artists such as Carl Andre, Donald Judd and Cy Twombly. — What projects are you currently working on? PM: We always have an interesting mix of projects that we work on at anyone time. Currently under construction in Canberra is a large house set within extensive landscaping on a 5000m2 site. In Sydney, construction is about to commence on three apartments in Kirribilli overlooking Circular Quay and the Opera House. We have just finished conceptual design work for two new houses in Mosman, one with views across Chinaman’s Beach to the heads of Sydney Harbour. It’s always exciting to be working on new projects. HR: We are very fortunate in that we tend to work on projects with forward thinking clients, who luckily also tend to own great sites on which to build. — What would you say the fundamentals of a Redgen
HR: These days there is a tendency for someone to have their Architect, then interior designer, then their decorator, and then their landscape architect, which usually results in an incoherent mess. In our work we take a holistic approach to the entire project, encompassing architecture, interior design, furniture and landscape design. — Where is your all time favourite destination? PM: I find great inspiration in Paris. Architecture, Fashion, Culture, Art and History. It is a city of unending perspectives; the gardens with their avenues of clipped trees, the colonnades of the Palais Royale or Place des Vosges. Exhilarating boulevards and the elegant smaller scaled spaces such as Place des Victoires. I love the city’s honey coloured stone. HR: There are too many to pick from, but if I was pushed, it would probably be Spain, in particular Barcelona. — Where to next? PM: We’re excited to be working on designs for a house in Greece overlooking the Ionian Sea, so I’m planning a mid year trip to Greece for a site visit. HR: This year I have a lot of friends turning 40 so the next destination is Ibiza for a week in July for a friends 40th birthday. — How would you define luxury? PM: Luxury to me is experiential, it is about how something makes you feel. It is bringing a sensory, spiritual element to daily life. HR: I don’t believe you have to cover everything in gold for it to be luxurious. I believe in quiet luxury. I think the term and the idea of luxury has been hijacked to become something it is not. What many believe to be luxury, is now mass market. For me true luxury is having confidence to know what luxury is for you, and not simply go out and buy someone else’s idea of luxury. You see a lot of design that is trying really hard to have a ‘luxury’ look, but if the motivation is inauthentic it just ends up as something superficial, which to me is the opposite of luxury.
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ECLIPSE: PALM BEACH Contemporary Hotels, the Australian based company at the forefront of the revolution in luxury and bespoke holiday retails, who champion hand selected villas and bespoke concierge and services are delighted to present Eclipse Palm Beach as part of their ever burgeoning portfolio. WORDS BY FINNIAN MULLALLY MUSCHINSKI PHOTOGRAPHY BY PICTURED VISION STUDIOS
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clipse Palm Beach is the premiere luxury holiday rental property in Palm Beach, offering unsurpassed views from Barrenjoey Lighthouse down to the southern end of Palm Beach and out across the sun kissed endless horizons of the Pacific Ocean, from its vantage point along Northview Road Palm Beach. Eclipse is located in the heart of the summer playground of the upper echelons of Sydney Society. Designed by the renowned contemporary Australian architect Michael Fountain, Eclipse Palm Beach offers guests an unforgettable residence set against the backdrop of one of the most impressive coastal location in NSW. Eclipse is perched upon the slopes of Palm Beach, with the property sprawled over four magnificent floors offering the latest in luxury living and comfort. The property is decadent in its allocation of space, with half of the top floor dedicated to the master bedroom suite, providing maximum comfort mingled with exceptional vistas in all directions. Each floor maximises the spectacular panoramic views out across the ocean. The views add to highlight the sense of pure sublime isolation, just you, the sand, the sea and the sun. Eclipse offers five bedrooms comfortably sleeping up to eight adults and four children in luxurious surroundings. The second level of the property offers the principle living areas, with handsome sandstone open fireplaces, a contemporary kitchen with Carrara marble and Miele appliances, with ample entertaining area and relaxing zones. While the lower level offers a
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family space ideal for children with their own games room and family room. Each level of the property capitalises in its own distinct way, the spectacular views of Palm Beach create a dramatic, light filled and awe inspiring interior Eclipse also offers an 18 meter long infinity pool with floating deck and various leaves of outdoor entertaining zones and balconies, each offering their own unique perspective of Palm Beach. The property also offers its own private inclinator directly to Palm Beach allowing for easy and instant access to the beach, especially for those hot lazy summer days. The property and the surrounding area offers endless activities to keep any company of guests constantly occupied for the duration of their stay. The property also offers an outdoor spa and a luxurious and spacious indoor tiled Turkish Steam Room. The location of the property perched upon the slopes of Palm Beach and boarded by the dazzling horizons of the sun kissed blue ocean, transfers any guest into a sense of purse sublime isolation, of hot summer nights and pure unadulterated comfort and enjoyment. Eclipse Palm Beach is the bespoke property that will offer the perfect location for the backdrop of any family gathering, holiday or getaway. Eclipse is an exceptional property with high-end interiors and aweinspiring views; the property offers luxury, decadence, effortless style and a sublime locate. Your own private paradise of pure isolation, available year long is at the touch of your fingerprints at: www.contemporaryhotels.com.au.
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MADE IN ITALY CARLO SESTINI London based socialite and jetsetter Carlo Sestini proves to be the latest edition to the uber exclusive international circles emerging on social media. WORDS BY JACK FREEMAN • PHOTOGRAPHY BY ENRICO DE FINIS
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ith an eye for luxury and fashion, Italian native Carlo Sestini has proven to represent the new age of social media presenting his luxurious and exciting fast paced lifestyle. Life is anything but ordinary for Sestini who regularly is spotted jetting across Europe by his tens of thousands of followers; Sestini represents seamless and casual sophistication as he is often spotted boarding a private jet in Florence or a superyacht in the Mediterranean. A fitness and wellbeing fanatic Sestini’s lifestyle is based on him maintaining regular early morning ridged fitness routines prior to him attending his daily politics and international relations class. I spoke exclusively to Carlo us about all things luxury and lifestyle. — Describe a usual day in the life of Carlo Sestini? I wake up very early, around 6:30 am, due to the fact that I like to make my self a healthy and nutritious breakfast as well as doing a run or power walk to university to keep my cardio up. Most of the day is then spent in class where I am studying politics and international relations. Where, indeed we discuss and argue hot topics such as the current roles of International organisations and what they do to better the world we live in. Furthermore, we talk about how international communications have affected and united our countries with one another and many more interesting topics. After university, I do a power walk for a good 9.5 km to get to the gym at the Bvlgari Hotel and Spa, where I have an intense session of either: workouts, yoga pilates or boxing (depending on the day) and tend to go to the gym 5 to 7 times a week. Just to explain, gym for me it is not about attaining a beach body, but instead to release stress and learn how to become more flexible and strong, just in order to prevent future problems, as I will eventually
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age. Depending on the days, I do usually have to get a massage and treatments afterwards, as I strongly believe that your appearance is very important in order to project your self to people and especially for yourself. After that, I either have events which I am involved with such as new art exhibitions. I personally love art and fashion. Otherwise dinner with friends or making connections, I’ll make my self a light dinner and go have an early sleep in order to tackle the busy and hard days I have ahead. I’m not a fan of clubbing, rather I prefer private clubs, such as Lolous which I’m a member of, or the Arts Club and Annabelle’s. — Where do you currently live? London, but I do travel every weekend to look and learn about the cultures and try different cuisines in our next door countries. — What are you currently inspired by? Everything around me! For instance, looking at furniture in portobello, to the new opening of the Gagosian Art Gallery in London. I love the news and am always inspired to read about history of Russia and the world wars. Moreover, I love to do research of garmins and textiles and I love vintage shops that restore and bring them back to life. — Where is your all time favourite destination and why? One and Only Hayman Island Australia! The hotel was beautiful and we had phenomenal service. But that was not just it! The water was absolutely beautiful and the weather conditions were optimal. We were also lucky to travel by helicopter to the Great Barrier Reef and Whitehaven Beach. I have no words to describe the place and the feeling I was getting just by observing what was around me.
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— Where to next? Thailand is the next place and I cant wait to visit Phuket and learn about the flora and fauna and the astonishing culture. — Name your favourite timepiece? The Venitian by Bvlgari. I simply fell in love with that complicated movement. It’s a man that is playing with 3 cups and in one he hides a ball and have to find where he hides it. Its simply flabbergasting! — What do you believe sets Italian fashion apart from other international designers? The cuts of the clothes and the so called Sartorial and embroidered elegance that Italians strive at. The geometrical cuts that the jackets have! As well as that, the specific and very curated research that they have in choosing the materials. — What designer collections are you currently drawn to? Valentino. I love the attention to detail and everything embroidered to perfection. Dolce Gabbana also due to the attention that they pay in the Sicilian culture and
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the way they use details and stitching to a very high sartorial elegance, they glorify our culture. Last but not least I love Gucci and the way they through back with their 70’s revisited fashion and super crazy attention to details — Whats one item you couldn’t live without? Sunglasses, they are what represent me. I have a unique collection, where I spent time dedicated to finding my type of sunnies. I like to find detailed complicated and high quality sunglasses. The lenses have to be superb and the material for the sunglasses have to be to the highest standard. They change the outfit that you wear and how you look to people. They give you personality and character and create mystery. — Define luxury. Luxury cannot be defined, it can only be embraced! Luxury is around us and you cannot control it, you just have to try to live accordingly to it. It is attention to detail, to thoroughly research in unique materials and adapt them. Luxury is not a way of living it is a perspective to interpret life.
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DOMVS LUXURY: LOS ANGELES ‘The Park Bel Air’ an ambitious and prestigious residential project in the foothills of Los Angeles is redesigning the definition of bespoke ultra luxury. WORDS BY FINNIAN MULLALY MUSCHINSKI • PHOTOGRAPHY BY DOMVS LONDON
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o learn more about the meteoric rise in demand for luxury property in Los Angeles and details surrounding ‘The Park Bel Air’ project, The Freeman Journal talked with Jon O’Brien the London based Founder and CEO of DOMVS London. Domvs London, developers of ultra-prime residential property, have teamed up in a joint venture with Junius Real Estate Partners, the high end real estate investment unit of J.P. Morgan Private Bank, to acquire the prime 11 acre site located in lower Bel Air, formally know as ‘‘The Park Bel Air’’. The site is located within the prestigious and highly sought after Los Angeles ‘Platinum Triangle’ encompassing the districts of Bel Air, Beverly Hills and Holmby Hills. ‘The Park Bel Air’ will boast three trophy mansions with footprints ranging from 56,000 to 61,000 square feet, each with an estimated cost upwards of $US115 million, depending upon upgrades and custom furniture.‘‘It’s all about understanding our clients lifestyle, the biggest thing for our clients is time. They all have the money to find these amazing locations but having the time or interest involved, is something I don’t believe they are willing to take part in.’’ “There are probably only about 3,000 people in the world who can afford this,” says Barry Watts, the Los Angeles-based president of Domvs London, the Park Bel Air’s developer, the buyer ‘‘needs to be a billionaire.” Each mansion and estate will be a triumph of bespoke designed luxury, tailored specifically to the desire of the buyers. “It took three years to find this actual plot. It ticked all the boxes for us. Located opposite the Hotel Bel Air, which is through the famous East Gate of Bel Air, five minutes from Rodeo Drive and very close to all the culture as well as Malibu Beach. It was once eight blocks, people like Barry Manilow used to live there, you know full of the Hollywood glitterati.’’ The Park Bel Air is unique in the sense that
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while ‘’Other developers saw the sight to build twelve or something houses on the site, DOMVS looked at it entirely differently. I just felt why not build the trophy Mansions, there is a definite market for it. There is very little of substantial quality like it. We are bringing a very British, quintessential modesty and discretion and yet opulence at the same time”. Each of the properties will be sold off the plan in an attempt to craft the property into the epitome of the owner’s taste and will ultimately result in the creation of ultra opulent and unique trophy homes under the skilled guidance of DOMVS. Each property will boast panoramic views of LA City, the canyon and out across the Pacific Ocean. LA has emerged as the latest luxury property destination, fueled predominantly by immensely wealthy international buyers who had traditionally shopped for second homes in New York, London or Monaco, but who have now turned their sights upon LA. Resulting in a boom in the creation of ultra-luxury residential projects. ‘’While there’s no way to know whether the buyer is going to come from the middle east with 20 children or an industrialist from America or India, what we try to do is sell it off the plan. Thus allowing us to create bespoke design and realize how our clients choose to live. What we are seeing is a lot of interest from the Asian market especially China.’’ ‘’These homes are like Downton Abbeys in terms of staff, yet they need to be seen and not heard within common spaces. So all of these things are taken into account. Security is super important to all of these people but it shouldn’t be intrusive.’’ The Park Bel Air though still in its infancy, is already striking ripples in the design and luxury worlds as the project is promising to rethink the definition of high end bespoke luxury and the development of luxury residential property, in a burgeoning market. www.theparkbelair.com
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THE GULFSTREAM DIFFERENCE Recognized as the worlds premium business jet, Gulfstream continue to lead the way in technological innovation, comfort and safety to which its demanding and busy clients rely on daily. WORDS BY JACK FREEMAN • PHOTOGRAPHY BY GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE
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s the international elite and globetrotting millionaires and billionaires continue to advance in communications within both business and their personal lives, Private Jets have seen an increasing rise in sales globally. A leader in this surging demand has been Gulfstream Aerospace, a crowd favourite with a phenomenal safety record and high level of service, offered 24 hours a day. With pricing reaching over sixty million dollars, the aircraft prove to be in high demand with immense waiting lists for new and preowned aircraft, including the latest G650 ER, offering plush and spacious interiors catering to both inflight business and personal travel. With the ability to seat comfortably 18 passengers or sleep 10, the 8.5 foot wide G650 has the ability to travel 13,000 kilometers non-stop, cruising at an altitude of 51,000 feet. Such efficiencies prove to be near impossible today as large corporations and private individuals looking to meet specific targets have become heavily restricted by unreliable commercial airlines. Thus as waiting lists soar, Gulfstream has thrived, we spoke exclusively to Jason Akovenko, regional vice president, Sales, Asia Pacific, Gulfstream regarding what sets Gulfstream apart. — What do you believe sets Gulfstream apart from other Business Jets? The Gulfstream fleet offers the widest range of performance (both range and speed), a full suite of cabin amenities and capabilities, the most advanced technology and the most efficient operation. Combine those amenities with our award‐winning Product Support network, and you have a fleet that’s unrivaled in the industry. Ultimately, what sets our jets apart is the spirit of innovation and excellence that’s woven into every aspect of their creation, from design to delivery. Take, for example, our newest family of aircraft, the Gulfstream G500 and G600, which we announced in October 2014. The G500, scheduled to enter service in 2018, and the G600, which will follow in 2019, have been heralded for their performance, cabin comfort and fuel efficiency. These aircraft will revolutionize the business jet industry. Let’s start with the all‐new Symmetry Flight Deck, which will be the first in business aviation to offer active control sidesticks (ACSs) and a full suite of touchscreen controllers (vs.
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knobs and switches). These ACSs are electronically linked to provide both active force feedback and physical motion, enhancing the coordination between pilots by allowing them to see and feel each other’s actions. Such active controls help prevent pilots from inadvertently fighting each other for control of the aircraft. — What is Gulfstream’s strongest market currently? Geographically speaking, our strongest market remains North America. Our strongest international market is Asia Pacific. From a customer demographic standpoint, our strongest market is publicly and privately held companies, which comprise the majority of our operators. — How has international markets and growing interest changed over the past ten years? For Gulfstream, the market experienced a dramatic shift in 2007. Until that time, the majority of our sales were domestic. In 2007, for the first time in our history, the majority of our sales were international. That shift changed the landscape for our installed fleet. In 2005, for example, 81 percent of our fleet was based in North America, with 19 percent located around the world. At the end of 2015, that shifted to 65 percent of the Gulfstream fleet based in North America with quickly growing fleets in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe and Latin America. Today, our sales are almost evenly split between domestic and international. -What would you say all Gulfstream owners have in common? All Gulfstream owners share an interest in having the best possible product in the business. They’re focused on the strategic value of business aviation, so they want their Gulfstream aircraft to be safe, reliable and technologically advanced. Gulfstream owners are also very generous, giving freely of their time to help us create and deliver the world’s finest aviation experience. They do that by participating in our Customer Advisory Board as well as our Advanced Technology Customer Advisory Team, providing feedback that helps us enhance our current offerings and guide the next generation of Gulfstream aircraft. Working with us, they help ensure that the Gulfstream tradition of innovation, excellence and performance continues.
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LA DOLCE VITA Capri, the epitome of living the sweet life and at its heart the famous boutique JK Place Capri Hotel is a clear front runner on the summer getaway list. WORDS BY JACK FREEMAN • PHOTOGRAPHY BY JK PLACE CAPRI
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s the new year comes into full swing, frequent travellers opt to finalise plans for the approaching summer season within Europe. Thus one who seeks to indulge in complete privacy and luxury, look no further than the JK Place Capri. With a small twenty-two rooms and eight suites, the personalised experience, orchestrated by Hotelier Ori Kafri has become something of a dream come true for the Israeli Immigrant. With an eye for detail, the hotel resembles that of a grand palazzo villa, located in the Anacapri enclave, the hotel offers glistening views over the Mediterranean ocean, a sweeping pool, terraces and gorgeous
surrounding gardens. The Suites remain elegant and muted, captivating the extraordinary vistas with the Penthouse Suite offering 75 square meters of lightfilled grand rooms ideal for families with various living areas and terraces overlooking the Gulf of Naples and the yachting marina. And probably one of the hotels most renowned qualities is its level of service, known for going above and beyond the regular standards of commercial luxury hotels. Making guests feel at home is something of an art, as each stay is tailored around the individual guest, catering to their unique preferences and requirements. No task is too small or great.
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SPARE OF THE MOMENT Meet Steven Sachs, the New York based photographer and filmmaker turning heads in the contemporary art scene. WORDS BY JACK FREEMAN • PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVEN R SACHS
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ith a unique style and aesthetic, Steven Sachs’ rich portfolio proves to blend seamlessly with his lifestyle as various vacations, outgoings, adventures and impromptu photo shoots has lead to him amassing an impressive collection savouring the fun of American Popular culture. As Sachs continues to explore the boundaries of art, his impressive ability to capture any given moment is second to none. His subject matter including precious moments while holidaying around the world or the simplistic natural beauty of a model indulged in her comfort surroundings remaining raw and unblemished, proves to be both provocative and meaningful. Sachs intentions prove to leave powerful messages questioning both contemporary issues and fine art itself. — What are you currently inspired by? I try to find inspiration in everything that I see and everything that I do, so it is difficult to pinpoint exactly what affects my aesthetic. I will say that traveling is always an inspiring experience for me – it’s hard not to be artistically moved by new places and new people. — What made you decide to pursue photography and filmmaking? I have always been creative but it wasn’t really until I picked up a Canon-A1 film camera in middle school that I truly felt I had found my medium. From that point on, photography became more of a part of who I am rather than a specific pursuit. I have been lucky enough to grow up during a kind of photographic renaissance inspired by the emergence of the camera phone and social media. And like many others, documentation has become an integral part of the way that I live my life. — What have you recently been working on? I am currently in the midst of curating a series of
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portraits that I hope to exhibit sometime during summer 2016 in NYC. I have also just finished reenvisioning my website and have made some of my photographs available for purchase, which is very exciting for me as an artist. — What artists do you collect and follow? I have far too many favorite artists to list, but I am constantly deriving inspiration from so many different sources. There are a few artists whose work has influenced and inspired my interest in film and photography in particular — Sofia Coppola, Wes Anderson and Darren Arronofsky to name a few. And, more recently I have been fascinated with artists like Harmony Korine, Steve McQueen and Tyler Shields, all of whom create works across several mediums – which is my ultimate goal as an artist. — Where is your all time favourite destination of all time? Fortunately, I have been lucky to travel enough that this answer is constantly changing. I have recently fallen in love with Japan. I just returned from a trip there, and already I feel the need to go back and explore further. The Japanese have a way of doing everything beautifully, the whole country is a feast for the eyes. — Where to next? Ultimately, I plan to move to Los Angeles at the end of the summer to explore film as a career. Hopefully I will also travel a bit around Europe soon, but until then, follow me on Instagram to keep up with my adventures! — You currently live in New York City, what do you most like about the art scene and lifestyle? My favorite thing about New York is that, it is one of those rare cities that is constantly changing while also remaining, at its heart, the same. The city is a living entity, it has a pulse — there is always something to do, something to see, someone to meet. There is no other place like it in the entire world.
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— Issue #1
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