Over the course of the past few years, there has been a steady increase in brick-and-mortar retail stores shuttering their physical locations and transitioning to online sales. This has been in part due to necessity, as consumers living during the global pandemic were forced to find ways to make purchases from the safety of their homes. It has also been driven by the preferences of younger generations who enjoy shopping with the tap of a finger.
However, while many retailers have shifted their gaze to the digital market, there are rare exceptions that arise — brands that are instead transitioning from the digital to the physical experience of shopping. These companies are taking shoppers back in time, providing them with the chance to physically interact with a product before making a purchase.
Enter Wrist Aficionado. This luxury watch retailer, born a digital baby, has grown to adopt a hybrid model of operations, providing customers with the opportunity to interact with the brand the way they prefer.
Founded in 2016 as a digital marketplace, Wrist Aficionado was designed to help watch enthusiasts source rare and unique timepieces. The company quickly grew, gaining fans of exclusive brands such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Richard Mille, and Audemars Piguet. Along the way, Wrist Aficionado also became the go-to spot for Hermès Birkin bags and fine jewelry for all occasions, including designers like Tiffany and Bulgari. Collectors of luxury brands flocked to Wrist Aficionado for its unique combination of accessibility, expertise, and its carefully curated collection.
As the company expanded, an opportunity arose. Wrist Aficionado recognized that customers were interested in reconnecting with a tangible shopping experience. Rather than being constrained to a digital storefront, customers expressed the desire to try on watches and speak with a salesperson face-to-face. In response, the brand decided to open retail stores in New York, Miami and Beverly Hills, becoming one of only a few companies to begin digitally and transition to brick-and-mortar operations.
While many retailers have closed their doors to the public, Wrist Aficionado is paving the way for the future of luxury shopping. For centuries, luxury purchases have been made with an in-person handshake, and Wrist Aficionado is bringing back this vintage experience with its curation of high-end watches in equally luxurious settings. Through the opening of its retail locations, Wrist Aficionado now provides luxury watch buyers the chance to physically see and try on watches with the help of experienced specialists in store. Additionally, shoppers can browse local artisans’ products and attend premier events.
Positioning their stores in decidedly upscale areas is part of the brand’s elevated approach to shopping, with a New York store located off Fifth Avenue adjacent to Central Park, a Miami location calling the five-star, world-rated Setai Hotel home and the brand’s newest addition at the Waldorf Astoria, in sunny Beverly Hills.
The balance of both online and brick-and-mortar options best meets the needs of 21st-century consumers. Looking toward the future, Wrist Aficionado plans to continue to expand its physical reach, opening one to two additional retail stores every year.
Whether it is through a visit to one of their premier retail locations or by visiting their digital storefront, customers will be provided with a true luxury experience when interacting with this innovative brand. Please consider Wrist Aficionado for all your buying and selling needs for luxury timepieces, fine jewelry, and Hermès handbags.
You can’t literally see the teams of designers, research and development, or the number of months it takes to make a pair of DITA frames. But you will always feel its presence when you hold it in your hands. This is why DITA’s design and manufacturing standards are regarded as the benchmark by which all other luxury eyewear brands are judged. We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are. We see
design that finds beauty in purpose; craft that celebrates the unseen; and culture that transcends convention.
Founded in 1995, DITA reinvented eyewear by transcending its conventions, creating a discreet luxury with products ranging from bold character frames to new interpretations of timeless shapes through innovative technology. With close to 30 years in design and partners at the highest levels of manufacturing, DITA’s expertise is unparalleled, earning a coveted reputation as a true leader in optical innovation. There is natural beauty, and beauty that is earned; that is considered, crafted, and constructed. While you will never see all virtues in the traditional sense of sight, with DITA you will always feel its presence when you hold it in your hands.
DITA has had the unique pleasure of serving the world’s most discerning clientele, challenging the old guard, and forging singular relationships within culture, style, sport, and entertainment; affirming the brand’s position as individual as the product it creates.
If you wear a DITA frame and come across another person wearing DITA, there is an instant connection – a barrier breaking moment. The recognition may be through a nod, a wry smile, or a wink but it subtly acknowledges that you are both part of the same family. It is a rare experience to generate such a unique connection. Wearing a DITA frame makes you a Category of One.
DITA-EPILUXURY A name crafted from the meaning of ‘above luxury’ – was born for the connoisseurs of impeccable goods. There are countless luxury eyewear brands but there is only one EPILUXURY eyewear brand in the world.
Devoted to excellence: DITA-EPILUXURY is limited, rare and precious, not licensed or mass-produced.These frames embody a tradition of perpetual relevance through history. Driven by the relentless pursuit of excellence.
DITA-EPILUXURY frames take 39 months of development informed by highly specialized manufacturers and designers from Germany, Japan, and America.
Specializing
JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT
HARLAND MILLER
ALEX KATZ
521
MONDAY - FRIDAY
GALLERY@ARTONCONTEMPORARY.COM
521 MADISON AVENUE, FLOOR 2
BET. 53RD AND 54TH STREETS
NYC
MONDAY - FRIDAY 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
SATURDAY & SATURDAY BY APPOINTMENT
P. 212.335.0062
GALLERY@ARTONCONTEMPORARY.COM
ARTONCONTEMPORARY.COM
ARTON CONTEMPORARY IS A PREMIERE CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY LOCATED IN THE HEART OF MANHATTAN ON MADISON AVENUE. PROVIDING EXPERT ADVICE AND UNIQUE ACCESS TO SOUGHT-AFTER ARTISTS.
HARLAND MILLER draws inspiration from words and the inherent possibilltiies of language in the visual field. He employs humor, irony, and emotion to explore the interection of painting, printmaking, and the written word.
DAMIEN HIRST is internationally known for his bold work that explores the complex relationship between life, death, and religion. His practice has expanded the boundaries of what it means to produce art in a modern world.
MEL BOCHNER is recognized as one of the leading figures in the development of conceptual art. Finding a niche for himself at the inersection of painting and langauge, Bochner’s work raises important questions and forces us pay attention to what underlies language and what is left unsaid.
Mel Bochner ‘Is This It?’, 2023 ANDY WARHOL is considered the father of the Pop Art Movement. His interpretation of popular american culture and consummerism resulted in the creation of some of the most recognizable artwork made in the last century. Damien Hirst ‘Cineole’, 2004
THERE IS ANOTHER WAY TO FLY.
It is flying that is an extension of what you value not an interruption of it.
Less harrowing than flying commercial.
More intimate than flying private.
IT’S FLYING PERSONAL.
And once you’ve done it, you’ll never want to fly any other way
PUBLISHED BY
Freecom Luxury Art Book, LLC.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Frederic Fournel
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Charlene Laskin
PARTNERSHIP MANAGER
Sacha Fournel
FREECOM LUXURY ART BOOK, LLC.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Ludmila Lacerda Barros
MALE MODEL
Stefano Maderna - Q Model Management
FEMALE MODEL
Renata Gubayeva
PHOTOGRAPHER
Raoul Beltrame
charlenelaskin@luxuryartbook.com • www.luxuryartbook.com © Reproduction
STYLIST
Cannon - The Cannon Media Group and Artist Management
HAIR & MAKE UP
Andreas Schonagel - Artist Management
STYLIST ASSISTANTS
Winnie Noan, Sydney Loera, Malak Ismail
Gabriela Jagodzinska, Summer Guderian, Kana Kobayashi, Clementine Vernon
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
Jack Umphrey
For over 100 years, The Plaza has been the New York hotel to see and be seen. Kings, presidents, and stars of stage and screen have all gathered and stayed at The Plaza.
The most lavish social affairs, as well as classic Hollywood films have all used the legendary hotel as their setting. Ideally situated on Fifth Avenue, The Plaza’s prestigious address continues to define elegance with unmatched service and an ever-evolving modern sensibility.
On September 3, 1609, Henry Hudson sailed into one the greatest natural harbors on either side of the Atlantic Ocean. On behalf of the East India Company, he established New Amsterdam, as a trading outpost. Half a century later, New Amsterdam became New York City and began to evolve into what it has become today: The most extraordinary city in the world! Capital of commerce, culture and sophistication.
Over the decades and centuries, New York has had its triumphs and trials. Each triumph has brought it to new heights and each trial has given it new strength. Through it all, in good times and in bad times the City has had its arms open to an endless flow of visitors from all corners of the world. Millions upon millions, they come attracted by the mystique, the energy, the opportunity, the pleasure, the excitement, the glamour and the beauty that New York City radiates with its every breath. Some stay for days others for lifetimes and many return, time and again.
We are thrilled to welcome you, too, to New York and honored to have you as our guest at The Plaza, the most famous hotel in the world! From our location in the heart of it all, we invite you to explore our neighborhoods, landmarks, parks, shops, restaurants, museums, culture and nightlife.
We wish you a wonderful stay.
The Plaza Hotel Team
“NOTHING UNIMPORTANT EVER HAPPENS
Gown by Bibhu Mohapatra
Watch by Rolex at Tourneau/Bucherer Sunglasses by DITA Coat, Pants and Sweater by Giusto Senza Regole
Watch by Rolex at Tourneau/Bucherer
Sunglasses by DITA
Coat, Pants and Sweater by Giusto Senza Regole
Shoes by Crockett and Jones
Sunglasses by DITA
Coat by Maison IRFE
Shoes by Dear Frances
Watch by Rolex at Tourneau/Bucherer
Sunglasses by DITA
Suit by Sartorio Napoli at Riflessi
Shirt by Mattabisch at Riflessi
Sweater by Fedeli at Riflessi
Watch by Rolex at Tourneau/Bucherer
Coat by Luciano Barbera at Beretta Gallery Sweater by Johnstons of Elgin at Beretta Gallery
Shirt by Beretta Gallery Pants by Orslow at Beretta Gallery
Shoes by Crockett & Jones
Watch by Rolex at Tourneau/Bucherer Coat by Luciano Barbera at Beretta Gallery Sweater by Johnstons of Elgin at Beretta Gallery Shirt by Beretta Gallery Pants by Orslow at Beretta Gallery
Watch by Rolex at Tourneau/Bucherer Blazer, Pants and Sweater by Giusto Senza Regole
Gown by Bibhu Mohapatra
Shoes by Jimmy Choo
Gown by Bibhu Mohapatra
Gown by Bibhu Mohapatra
Shoes by Jimmy Choo
Gown by Bibhu Mohapatra
Shoes by Jimmy Choo
Watch by Patek Philippe at Wempe
Jewelry by Wempe
Dress by Frances Valentine
Watch by Patek Philippe at Wempe
Jewelry by Wempe
Dress, Coat and Shoes by Frances Valentine
Both Watches by Glashütte Original
Jewelry by KIM at Wempe
Dress by Nardos
Shoes by Manolo Blahnik
Coat by Brioni at Riflessi
Shirt by Zilli Paris at Riflessi
Pants by Riflessi
Shoes by Crockett & Jones
Watch by Patek Philippe at Wempe
Jewelry by Wempe
Dress by Frances Valentine
Watch by Patek Philippe at Wempe
Jewelry by Wempe
Dress, Shoes and Bag by Frances Valentine
Watch by Glashütte Original
Coat by Brioni at Riflessi
Shirt by Zilli Paris at Riflessi Pants by Riflessi
Shoes by Crockett & Jones
Watch by Patek Philippe at Wempe
Glasses by DITA
Suit and Shirt by Giusto Senza Regole Shoes by Crockett & Jones
Both Watches by Patek Philippe at Wempe
Jewelry by Wempe
Gown by Manuel Tiscareno
Shoes by Manolo Blahnik
Coat, Shirt and Pants by Giusto Senza Regole Shoes by Crockett & Jones
Both Watches by Patek Philippe at Wempe
Jewelry by Wempe
Watch by Glashütte at Wempe
Jewelry by Wempe
Dress by Nardos
Watch and Jewelry by Wempe Gown by Nardos
Watch and Jewelry by Wempe
Gown by Nardos
Watch by Audemars Piguet at Wrist Aficionado
Jewelry by Wrist Aficionado
Gown by Bibhu Mohapatra
Suit by Isaia at Riflessi
Shirt by Kiton at Riflessi
Watch by Audemars Piguet at Wrist Aficionado
Suit by Isaia at Riflessi
Shirt by Kiton at Riflessi
Shoes by Crockett & Jones
Jewelry by Wrist Aficionado
Gown by Lever Couture
Jewelry by Wrist Aficionado
Gown by Bibhu Mohapatra
Watch by Audemars Piguet at Wrist Aficionado Jewelry by Wrist Aficionado Gown by Haleia Coat, Shirt and Pants by Giusto Senza Regole
Watch by Audemars Piguet at Wrist Aficionado
Jewelry by Wrist Aficionado
Gown by Haleia
Coat, Shirt and Pants by Giusto Senza Regole
Gown by Reem Acra Shoes by Mia Becar
Gown by Bibhu Mohapatra Tuxedo and Shirt by Giusto Senza Regole Shoes by Crockett & Jones
Gown by Bibhu Mohapatra
Suede Shirt by Meindl at Beretta Gallery
Shirt by Beretta Gallery Pants by Luciano Barbera at Beretta Gallery Shoes by Crockett & Jones
Dress, Sweater and Pants by Qiviuk
NEW YORK CITY’S
most famous resident
The first hotel to allow dogs
“One belongs to New York INSTANTLY...”
– Thomas Wolfe
Art enthusiasts, tourists, and individuals of all ages unite at the Mr Brainwash art museum, a place to experience an extraordinary mixture of creativity, expression, inspiration, and passion, passion, passion, passion, and passion. Located in Beverly Hills, CA in a Richard Meier architecture building, it has become a massive attraction. With its recent opening in December 2022, this museum has already emerged as a prime example of the beauty of art.
Thierry Guetta, aka Mr Brainwash, has been challenging the boundaries of contemporary art for more than a decade. The French-born, Los Angeles-based artist first came to prominence as the subject of the Banksy-produced, Academy Awardnominated documentary, Exit Through the Gift Shop. His unique style challenges traditional norms and puts smiles on faces worldwide. Here, his work and vision is open for all to see.
The Mr Brainwash Art Museum provides an insightful journey through his artistic evolution. It showcases a stunning mix of vibrant murals, large installations, mixedmedia sculptures, and thought-provoking multimedia experiences. Each exhibit gives visitors something new to awe at. It is a space that lets your imagination run wild. Regardless if you’re new to art, a longtime fan, or an artist yourself, the Mr Brainwash Art Museum promises an unforgettable adventure through the mind of a boundarypushing artist. The journey through the museum is a true celebration of art that will make you smile, laugh, and tell everyone you know about your experience.
mrbrainwashartmuseum.com
Now featured at the Mr. Brainwash Art Museum in Beverly Hills.
Mr. Brainwash
2020 TIME “Van Gogh Room”
UNITED IN THEIR PURSUIT OF TOP PERFORMANCE, RICHARD MILLE AND FERRARI ARE ENGAGED IN THE SAME PASSIONATE QUEST FOR EXCELLENCE IN THEIR RESPECTIVE DOMAINS: CONTEMPORARY HAUTE HORLOGERIE AND SPORTSCAR MANUFACTURING.
In 2021, Richard Mille and Ferrari, driven by their shared quest for perfection, joined forces to create a long-term partnership. Naturally, Richard Mille felt compelled to celebrate this budding relationship by creating an exceptional timepiece. After many years of development, the RM UP-01 Ferrari has emerged, breaking with the Swiss watchmaker’s usual iconography while remaining faithful to its identity, and once again pushing the envelope by taking up the ultra-flat challenge.
WITH THE RM UP-01 FERRARI, RICHARD MILLE IS PROUD TO PRESENT AN ULTRA-FLAT WATCH JUST 1.75 MILLIMETERS THICK. WORKING COLLABORATIVELY ALONGSIDE THE FERRARI TEAM, EXPRESSED MAINLY IN THE CHOICES OF MATERIALS AND THE LINES OF THE WATCH, LENT THE PROJECT PRECISELY THE COMPETITIVE SPIRIT SO ESSENTIAL TO MOST EXCITING ADVENTURES.
The quest to reduce thickness of a watch is one of absolutes, the very conception of many components had to be entirely revisited. The approach selected was to distribute across a large surface area the elements that could no longer be stacked, creating a greater symbiosis between the movement and the titanium case, which mutually stiffens each other. The extremely demanding brief made the movement’s performance a priority, meaning it would have to be a caliber both extremely thin and equipped with a 45-hour power reserve with a balance beating at 4 Hz. The manual-winding RM UP-01 movement with hours, minutes and function selector presents a profile of just 1.18mm and weighs in at 2.28 grams.
The watch’s movement required 3,600 hours of development. In addition, 2,400 hours were dedicated to functional design, and 2,000 hours of labor devoted to the casing. Batteries of tests at every phase of development included a 10-year accelerated aging of parts, water resistance tests, torsional tests, flex tests, and shock resistance tests certifying resistance exceeding 5,000 g’s. As a result, the RM UP-01 Ferrari is not a concept timepiece, but rather a 150-piece limited edition fit for the purpose of everyday wear.
BREAKING NEW GROUND, BOTH TECHNICALLY AND GRAPHICALLY SPEAKING. A HIGH-PRECISION MECHANISM COMBINING MODERN LINES AND PERFORMANCE, AESTHETICS AND RUGGEDNESS. IN SHORT, A WORK OF INCREDIBLE PROWESS TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIC TO A WATCH THAT CAN BE WORN IN ANY SITUATION. A MODEL WORTHY OF THE UNCONDITIONAL ADMIRATION THAT THE PRESTIGIOUS ITALIAN AUTOMOTIVE BRAND INSPIRES ALL OVER THE WORLD.
Like a living fresco, fifty fragrances—Les Classiques-form the gateway to the Henry Jacques universe. It is this variety that gives Maison Henry Jacques its incredible olfactory freedom. Just like a sartorial gentleman expanding his wardrobe, everyone can build their own olfactory collection. There are those who explore every expression of a key ingredient and others who are more whimsical, venturing from one olfactory family to another.
It all started with an intimate first meeting between Henry Cremona and the one who would become his wife, Yvette. Henry and Yvette, aesthetes at heart and avid pleasure seekers, would go on to launch their Perfumery with the sole aim of retaining and celebrating the beauty of life. By creating refined essences in beautiful bottles, at their own pace and wherever their hearts led them, a declining tradition was brought back up to date: French Haute Perfumery. Today, it is carried forth by CEO and daughter of the founders, Anne-Lise Cremona, with Artistic Director Christophe Tollemer.
This exceptional concentration of juice reincarnates the forgotten, elegant gesture: the perfume is applied directly to the skin with the use of a crystal rod, restoring all its carnal presence.
This reimagined vision of a spray allows everyone to choose the gesture that best suits the moment: a splash brings the perfume in contact with the skin, or a press of the thumb on the spray forms a delicate cloud over the head and hair like an invisible cocoon.
Nestled within its case, the Clic-Clac is a solid version of the perfumes. Once opened, it releases a scented wax, a unique recipe that took years to develop. By reviving the gesture of applying solid perfume, Henry Jacques has not only created a remarkable object but has also reintroduced a mark of allure into our daily lives. Like a precious lighter or a cigarette case, Clic-Clac is one of those companion items that gives its owner an elegant air of poise and nonchalance.
Now available in the United States, discover the fragrances of Henry Jacques at the Henry Jacques Beverly Hills boutique, and online at ParfumsHenryJacques.com
In today's self-improvement culture, cosmetic dentistry has emerged as a key player, showcasing not just technical skill but also an artistic sensibility. We've come a long way from the days when dental enhancements were exclusive to celebrities. Now, it's a widely embraced aspect of personal care, reflecting both style and health. Over five times the number of patients are seeking cosmetic dentistry now relative to just a decade ago. The average income of a person seeking cosmetic dentistry before the age of fifty has dropped from over $1 million a year in 2004 to $75,000 in 20231. The consequence of this is that the esthetic level for an acceptable smile has been raised for all of us.
Our philosophy at Smile Design Manhattan aligns with the transformation seen in the industry, where it's not just about creating perfect teeth but crafting smiles that complement an individual’s facial features. We believe in a holistic approach, where each smile makeover is tailored to the individual, considering factors like facial symmetry and personal style. This method stands in contrast to the one-size-fits-all approach of the past, which often led to the infamously fake 'Hollywood smile' - which could be unnaturally perfect and way too uniform. Further, computer-aided design is at the forefront, but nothing can be done without an artistically-inclined ceramic technician. Artificial intelligence will never fully replace the artistic eye of the dentist, although it is absolutely slated to improve efficiency.
The evolution of dental materials, from ancient gold wire to modern porcelain veneers, has revolutionized cosmetic dentistry. At Smile Design, we utilize these advancements to offer solutions that are not just aesthetically pleasing but also durable and functional. Porcelain veneers, for example, allow us to enhance smiles while preserving the natural look and feel of teeth.
Our approach at Smile Design Manhattan is to see beyond the teeth. We consider the entire facial aesthetic, working towards a harmony between dental enhancements and the individual's overall appearance. This comprehensive view ensures that our clients leave with smiles that are not just brighter, but also more authentic to their personalities and lifestyles. We are considerate of the difference between a CEO’s smile, a professional athlete’s smile, or even a lawyer, versus someone who works in tech.
Our personalities impact our career choices. Similar to a game of which came first, the chicken or the egg, cosmetic dentists understand which came first, the personality type or the smile type. Either way at Smile Design Manhattan we craft the smile that is bespoke for our individual clients. In essence, at Smile Design Manhattan, we're not just reshaping teeth; we're reshaping perceptions of beauty and self-confidence, one smile at a time.
