Bachendorf's Fall/Winter 2022

STORE LOCATIONS:

PLAZA AT PRESTON CENTER 8400 PRESTON ROAD, DALLAS, TX 75225 214-692-8400

GALLERIA LEVEL 1 13350 DALLAS PARKWAY, SUITE 1415 DALLAS, TX 75240 972-392-9900

SHOPS AT CLEARFORK 5175 MONAHANS AVENUE FORT WORTH, TX 76109 817-806-0303

ROLEX BOUTIQUE 85 HIGHLAND PARK VILLAGE DALLAS, TEXAS 75205

EDITOR IN CHIEF Rita Guarna CREATIVE DIRECTOR Stephen Vitarbo SENIOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR Darius Amos LIFESTYLE EDITOR Haley Longman CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Christen Fisher, Leslie Garisto Pfaff, Everett Potter, Donna Rolando

PUBLISHING STAFF PUBLISHER Lizette Chin

ADVERTISING/PRODUCTION SERVICES Penny Boag, Griff Dowden, Chris Ferrante, Jacquelynn Fischer, Catherine Rosario

ACCOUNTING Kasie Carleton, Urszula Janeczko, Steven Resnick PUBLISHED BY Wainscot Media CHAIRMAN Carroll V. Dowden

PRESIDENT & CEO Mark Dowden

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENTS Rita Guarna, Carl Olsen

VICE PRESIDENTS

Lizette Chin, Nigel Edelshain, Thomas Flannery, Coleman McCartan, Belinda Pina, Maria Regan, Steven Resnick, Diane Vojcanin

ON THE COVER Jewelry and image by Norman Silverman

Subscriptions, ACCENT, 1 Maynard Drive, Park Ridge NJ 07656, or call 201.573.5541. Advertising Inquiries: Contact Lizette Chin at lizette.chin@wainscotmedia.com. Printed in the U.S.A. Volume 20, Issue 2. ©2022

dear loyal clients and friends,

Welcome again to another edition of Bachendorf’s Accent publication. A lot has been going on at Bachendorf’s over the past six months. Exciting, new and big improvements to our Plaza at Preston Center store location include new Omega and Breitling shops. Enjoy equally new and immersive watch experiences outfitted with the finest finishes. The store also boasts new brands such as Grand Seiko, Charles Krypell, Sloane Street and Dihn Van, among others. Certainly, worth a visit to enjoy and experience all our new offerings.

Our production teams have been in full swing staging and preparing all kinds of new jewelry items for your viewing this season. The basics, such as our diamond studs, line necklaces and bracelets, along with our diamond angels are always on my mind. So, we will be prepared for you despite the current supply chain setbacks near and far.

Additionally, we are gearing up for exciting new expansions for the coming year. Our Galleria store location will be expanding with a complete transformation. Stay tuned for much more to come on this exciting development.

From our family to yours, we hope you enjoy our fall/winter issue. As always, we are here to serve you, so please do not hesitate to contact your sales professional if you have any questions or interest in pieces featured but not limited within this issue.

Sincerely, Lawrence Bock

say it with color

BRIGHTEN ANY DAY—AND ANY LOOK— WITH LIVELY HUES FOR HER NECK, WRISTS, FINGERS AND EARLOBES. SHE’LL SURELY GLOW WITH GRATITUDE.

ROBERTO COIN

Roberto Coin, best-known Italian luxury jewelry brand, is epitomized by its perfect combination of timeless craftsmanship and modern innovation. The brand originated in Vicenza, Italy, and being born in the “City of Gold” is no coincidence. Each of these designer pieces is handcrafted in white, yellow and rose 18KT gold with and without diamonds and other precious stones. The Venetian Princess collection is one of the Maison’s most iconic; the feminine pieces are representations of ancient Venetian architecture. The stunning blue of the lapis lazuli gemstone is accented by rose gold and pavé diamonds. As with all of Roberto Coin’s collections, each piece features his signature, hand-placed ruby on the inside, a gift-within-a-gift for the lucky wearer.

Clockwise from top left:

18k Rose Venetian Princess small lapis/diamond pendant and chain, $2,390; 18k Rose Venetian Princess lapis/diamond pendant on a long chain, $5,900; 18k Rose Venetian Princess small lapis/diamond earrings, $3,390; 18k Rose Venetian Princess small lapis/ diamond ring, $2,590; 18k Rose Venetian Princess lapis/diamond drop earrings, $8,500.

DAVID YURMAN

Craftsmanship and creativity combine at David Yurman, a New York City-born luxury jewelry brand founded by artists David and his wife, Sybil. Every season, the couple introduces fresh interpretations of iconic pieces such as the twisted Cable bracelet, evolving and reimagining designs. DY Elements® pendants are circular symbols of unity and strength, allowing the wearer to create a personal story. The Lexington Collection honors Manhattan’s Art Deco architecture, while the Petite Châtelaine® Collection presents a brilliant assortment of gemstones with hand-set pavé diamonds. Finally, this season the Renaissance Collection features a contemporary, all-metal version of the classic Cable bracelet, Yurman’s signature piece.

Clockwise from top left:

DY Elements® disc pendant in 18k yellow gold with lapis, $1,950; Evil Eye mobile amulet in 18k yellow gold with pavé emeralds and diamonds, $2,900; Lexington chain necklace in 18k yellow gold with pavé diamonds, $8,800; Petite Châtelaine® stud earrings with Hampton blue topaz, 18k yellow gold and pavé diamonds, $795; Petite Châtelaine® pavé bezel ring in 18k yellow gold with champagne citrine and diamonds, $1,650; Renaissance color ring with turquoise, 14k yellow gold and diamonds, $475; Sculpted Cable Contour bracelet in 18k yellow gold, $5,900; Renaissance bracelet, $1,200.

MIKIMOTO

Kokichi Mikimoto successfully created the world’s first cultured pearls more than 125 years ago. Since then, his eponymous brand has become known for its luxurious pieces, which combine the cultured pearl with diamonds, stones and various metals. The Mikimoto Classic South Sea Collection features Black, Golden and White South Sea cultured pearls, elegantly framed by sparkling white diamonds and 18k gold detailing. While characterized as black, the rich, dark colors actually range from slate gray to pistachio with overtones of green, pink or blue. The golden pearls are produced by the golden-lipped oyster. Deep golden colored pearls are rarest of them all. Mikimoto’s Ocean Collection is inspired by the tranquil ebb and flow of water. Each piece features an Akoya cultured pearl paired with brilliant blue sapphires to symbolize the beauty of the crashing waves.

Clockwise from top left:

From the Ocean Collection Akoya cultured pearls and sapphires earrings set in 18k white gold, $3,100; From the Ocean Collection Akoya cultured pearls and sapphires bracelet in 18k white gold, $2,300; Classic Golden South Sea cultured pearl earrings with diamonds set in 18k yellow gold, $11,000; Classic Black South Sea cultured pearl earrings with diamonds set in 18k white gold, $9,100; Classic Black South Sea cultured pearl cuff bracelet with diamonds set in 18k white gold, $9,500; Classic Golden South Sea cultured pearl cuff bracelet with diamonds set in 18k yellow gold, $9,800.

MARCO BICEGO

Combining old-world Italian craftsmanship with a contemporary design aesthetic, Marco Bicego is defined by its handmade 18k gold pieces that can be worn every day or on special occasions. Each piece can be enjoyed on its own or layered for a personalized look, and each is inspired by multifaceted gemstones and/or various locations around the globe. For example, its notable Jaipur Collection and Jaipur Color Collection both pay homage to the vibrant Indian city. Marrakech Onde Alta features vibrant gemstones inspired by Morocco enhanced by diamond flowers, while Paradise boasts multicolored gemstones featured in varying shapes and sizes and unique arrangements.

Clockwise from top left: Paradise Collection 18k yellow gold mixed gemstone and pearl lariat necklace, $4,510; Jaipur Collection 18k yellow gold & London blue topaz small stackable pendant, $1,680; Marrakech Onde Collection 18k yellow gold citrine and pink tourmaline drop earrings with diamond flowers, $4,630; Jaipur Collection 18k yellow gold green tourmaline pendant with diamonds, $5,820; Jaipur Collection 18k yellow gold flat link collar, $7,520; Marrakech Onde Collection 18k yellow gold and diamond flat link three-row bracelet with mixed gemstones, $21,950; Jaipur Color Collection 18k yellow gold amethyst and diamond stackable ring, $1,390.

Left, Spencer nominee Kristen Stewart looked like real-life royalty at the 2022 Academy Awards bedecked in a Chanel high-jewelry “Ganse Noire Spinelle” necklace featuring onyx, a red spinel and diamonds set in 18K white gold. Right, Jennifer Hudson was pretty in pink at the 2022 SAG Awards, to which she wore a pair of rose gold padparadscha sapphires, imperial topaz and pink sapphire earrings from Pomellato’s La Gioia di Pomellato High Jewelry Collection. She finished off the look with the brand’s Nudo rings in rose gold with rose quartz.

Left, for the 2022 SAG Awards, Tiffany Haddish chose a from the La Gioia di Pomellato 2022 High Jewelry Collection white gold encrusted with 2,143 hand-set diamonds and 54.27 carats cabochon green tourmaline. She complemented statement piece with Pomellato Nudo diamond earrings, Collection knot ring in rose gold and Iconica band ring in gold. Right, to the same awards show, Yellowstone star Kelsey Asbille wore David Yurman’s Liberty Illusion-set hoop earrings white gold and diamonds. She also wore a single Stax three-row ring in 18K white gold with full pavé diamonds.

DESIGNERS

By Leslie Garisto Pfaff

THE WORK OF JEWELRY DESIGNER MONICA RICH KOSANN LETS WEARERS SHOWCASE

NARRATIVES THAT SHAPE—AND EMPOWER—THEIR LIVES.

Monica Rich Kosann is a storyteller by nature. Before she launched her line of fine jewelry in 2004, she was a celebrity portrait photographer whose work was informed by the idea that every portrait should tell a unique story about its subject. Now that philosophy guides her jewelry designs, each of which serves as a vehicle through which the wearer can tell her own very personal story.

Her earliest pieces, though, weren’t jewelry at all but vintage-style powder compacts and cigarette cases intended to hold photos or other personal mementos. The collection grew out of her portrait photography as well as her passion for combing flea markets and antique shops worldwide for decorative objets—like those compacts and cases—dating back to the early 20th century. She was inspired to use some of them as client gifts, in which she’d include one of her black-and-white portraits, and when those clients started clamoring for more, she suspected she was on to something. She began having them manufactured from the original molds in Italy, and Bergdorf Goodman picked up the line. “I used to call them ‘little tokens of love’ because they were so sentimental, personal and meaningful,” she says.

Following that line of thought, it occurred to Rich Kosann that the quintessential love token might actually be the locket, worn close to the heart, with its contents known only to the person wearing it. But the only lockets she could find in jewelry stores were a shade too grandmotherly for her taste. “I’ve always thought that a locket is the sexiest piece of jewelry a woman can wear,” she says, “because it holds her secrets.” She proceeded to add lockets to her line, designing pieces that would appeal to women of all ages.

She also loved the way a locket allowed the wearer to tell her story—an idea that animated her growing collection. She added medallions and charms designed to speak volumes—to the woman who wore them and those around her. She was less interested in charms that described what the wearer did—a camera for a photographer or an ice skate for a skater, for example—than in those that expressed how the wearer felt. “I wanted pieces that addressed women’s grander themes:

THE

adventure, perseverance, strength,” she says. Thus the images she used in her designs—compasses, globes, sundials, starbursts—symbolized those themes.

That idea of expressing grander themes has resonated among Rich Kosann’s thousands of fans and followers. Among her most popular pieces are rings, charms and medallions engraved with what she calls “messages of inspiration and aspiration”: “Carpe diem” (Latin for “seize the day”), “Never fear,” and a favorite of customers and the designer as well, “You had the power all along, my dear”—the words spoken by Glinda the Good Witch to Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, a particularly appropriate phrase for a designer who wants to help women tell their stories in an empowering way.

Rich Kosann wears Glinda’s words around her neck virtually every day, and it’s a lesson she has imparted to her two daughters, now in their early 30s. “I always wanted my kids to feel strong and empowered, and I tried to lead by example,” she says.

Her jewelry is empowering in another way: technologically. Either in the store or online, customers can use her website’s “locket bar” to upload an image, a meme or a saying and then have it sized and printed out to fit exactly the locket it’s intended for. Also on the website: the Design Your Own Experience, which allows buyers to build their own charm necklaces using 3-D animation.

Today that technology can be enjoyed by men and women alike. Earlier this year, Rich Kosann launched her first men’s line, and in fact, she notes, women have been gifting men with her lockets all along. “Why shouldn’t a man wear a locket?” she asks rhetorically. “It’s super empowering, and it’s a very emotional thing.” Also empowering is the fact that all her pieces—in silver or gold and with luxurious touches such as gemstones and faceted rock crystals—are available at a wide variety of prices. “Our pieces bring joy to people,” the designer says. “We’re just a very happy brand.”

Clockwise from top left: Water Opal Midi Crescent Moon Necklace in 18K gold with diamonds, $3,475; 18K gold Six Image Diamond Border Locket, $27,000; The Dorothy Medallion in 18K gold, $1,930; 18” Design Your Own Charm Chain Necklace in 18K gold with 2 Charm Stations, $2,400; Large “Carpe Diem” Charm in 18K gold, $2,450; 18K gold “Dream” Moon Charm with diamonds, $3,900; Marilyn Link Bracelet in 18K gold, $11,250.

For a photo call in Madrid for his film Unchartered, British actor Tom Holland showed off his Rolex GMT-Master II with a two-tone bezel in both black and chocolate brown. It was the perfect complement to his brown suede jacket, sure, but also apropos for this press tour; this watch displays the hour in two different time zones.

PLAYING SPIDER-MAN IS A STANDOUT ACHIEVEMENT BRITISH ACTOR TOM HOLLAND MAY YET TOP. AT 26 HE’S GOT TIME—AND LUXE WATCHES TO TRACK IT.

By Haley Longman

As Spider-Man, Tom Holland flicks his wrist to unleash his all-powerful spiderwebs. And off-screen, his wrist tricks are just as impressive, as this young star has a luxury watch collection that would do credit to a much more seasoned connoisseur.

British actor Thomas Stanley Holland is certainly best known—so far—for his role as the webbed superhero in Marvel’s newest trio of Spider-Man films: Homecoming, Far From Home and No Way Home, in that order. Rumor has it that it was his physical skills that differentiated Holland from the thousands of other young thespians vying to play a teenage Peter Parker—he somersaulted in and out of the frame during his audition to show off his stamina. In fact, Holland is a trained dancer and gymnast who began his career playing boy ballerina Billy Elliot on stage in London. Two years after that gig wrapped, in 2012, he starred in his first film, The Impossible, alongside Naomi Watts, which solidified for him that movies were his passion.

He was also developing an off-screen passion: watch collecting. Before he began earning that Marvel money, the now 26-year-old was spotted at his first-ever ComicCon with a $350 Nixon Sentry in stainless steel. After his Marvel Universe debut in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War, his timepieces reflected his heightened net worth: In 2017, during the Homecoming era, he was first seen wearing a Drive de Cartier with moonphase. By 2019’s Far From Home, he also had a Cartier Santos with a square dial and black leather strap to his name, likely inspired by his then co-star Jake Gyllenhaal, who is the face of the brand. Holland has referred to this particular piece as a “chameleon,” having worn it at both awards shows and casual jaunts around the neighborhood. He rounds out his Cartier vault with a Santos-Dumont Skeleton with blue hands and a white-gold case, as well as a yellow gold Cartier Tank Américaine.

At age 7, Holland was diagnosed with dyslexia, a big part of his life that he’s been open about in interviews. “It’s just about taking your time,” he explains. “The better prepared you are for anything, the more you will be able

to do and accomplish things that are fantastic,” he told Entertainment Weekly. But this disability hasn’t stopped him from reading the time in style. The BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) Rising Star Award winner has at least four Patek Philippe pieces: three Aquanauts and a Perpetual Calendar in rose gold with a silver dial. The last was his watch of choice for the SpiderMan: No Way Home premiere; it has a 240 Q movement that’s self-wound and displays day, date, month, leap year and 24-hour indication. The actor’s self-proclaimed “daily beater” watch is the 40mm Aquanaut in 18K rose gold with a brown dial, Ref. 5167R.

As with that famous red-and-blue Spidey suit, Holland isn’t afraid to accessorize with some color. His collection also includes the Patek Philippe Aquanaut Ref. 5168G with a blue dial; the Rolex GMT-Master II Ref. 126711, nicknamed the “Root Beer” for its black and brown bezel; the Rolex Submariner Date in Oystersteel with a Cerachrom bezel insert in green ceramic and a black dial; and the Rolex GMT-Master II Ref. 126710BLRO (“Pepsi” for its blue-and-red, Spider-Manesque dial). Holland even owns the Rolex GMT-Master II “Batman” with blue and black—ironic, because Batman is part of the rival DC Comics universe.

Holland’s taste for luxury watches is sophisticated and smart—he gravitates toward pieces that can be dressed up or dressed down, choosing ones that can be worn to the Oscars (like the ultra-thin Piaget Altiplano with an 18K rose gold case and exposed movement, which he wore to the 2018 ceremony) or on the greens, as Holland is an avid golfer in his spare time. Rounding out his collection are the Baume & Mercier Classima, the Rolex Daytona Ref. 116500 with a white dial and a handsome Tag Heuer Monaco.

And perhaps his affinity for expensive timepieces has rubbed off on his other Spider-Man co-star and on-andoff girlfriend, Zendaya, too, just as Gyllenhaal’s did on him. When doing press for 2021’s No Way Home, she was seen wearing a woman’s Patek Philippe Nautilus. Hey, it helps to have friends with good taste.

FACE TIME

This classic Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona in Oystersteel features a white dial and an Oyster bracelet.

Holland owns three Patek Philippe Aquanauts: this one with a black strap, a second in rose gold and a third with an in-demand blue dial.

The Rolex Submariner, like this one in Oystersteel with a Cerachrom bezel insert in green ceramic and a black dial, was originally intended for divers, so it’s fitting for Spider-Man too.

Like the Avengers, Tom Holland has assembled an impressive lineup of luxury timepieces, each a superhero in its own right:

By Christen Fisher

On the morning of April 3, 1933, 33,000 feet above sea level in two open-cockpit planes battling an air temperature of 50 degrees below zero and adverse winds of more than 100 miles hour, Sir Douglas Douglas-Hamilton, David Latham Valentine Stewart Blacker

R. G. Bonnet made history by flying of Mount Everest. Rolex Oyster wristwatches on board.

In 1934, after participating in Air Race from London to Melbourne, place finishers Owen Cathcart-Jones Waller immediately turned around a record for the round trip. A Rolex watch was there once again, this time serving as the duo’s on-board chronometer.

Charles Douglas, a recordsetting British aviator of the same era, once said of his timepiece that “the peculiar qualities of this Rolex watch render it eminently suitable for flying purposes, and I propose to use it on all my long-distance flights in the future.”

As a tribute to these pioneers of and a celebration of the brand’s longstanding support of aeronautical endeavors, presents a new edition of the Oyster GMT-Master II and a new-generation Perpetual Air-King.

GMT–Master II: Designed to two time zones simultaneously, the created as a navigation tool for professionals crossing the globe. It first launched when intercontinental travel was

This year’s model features a

and a two-color Cerachrom

On this novel

and crown guard are on the left side of the watch case

the

the date aperture and the Cyclops lens at 9 o’clock. The GMT-Master II offers exceptional legibility in all circumespecially in the dark, thanks to its ChroThe broad hands and hour markers in shapes—triangles, circles, rectangles—are filled luminescent material that emits a long-lasting addition to conventional hour, minute and hands, the GMT-Master II features an arrow-tipped hand, which circles the dial once hours, as well as a bi-directional, rotatable, 24-hour graduated bezel.

The distinctively colored 24-hour hand displays the “home” reference time in a first time zone, which can be read on the graduations on the bezel. The traveler’s local time is easily set by “jumping” from hour hour, thanks to an ingenious mechanism operated via the winding crown: The hour hand can be adjusted forward backward independently of the minute second hands. This allows travelers adapt to their new time zone without affecting the precision of their timekeepPowered by a new generation movement 3285, the GMT-Master II has a power approximately 70 hours.

Air-King : First launched in 1958, the offers a new generation this year, featurcompletely redesigned case with a crown straight sides, giving it a look similar to professional models. The watch’s dial is combination of large 3, 6 and 9 numerals hours and a prominent minute scale for navigation time readings, but with the addition

It was the official watch of Pan American World Airways, known as Pan Am. And when Concorde, the world’s first supersonic passenger airliner, performed its final test flights in the 1960s, its French and British pilots wore Rolex GMT-Masters. Heir to the original model, the GMT-Master II debuted in 1982 and has been a staple in Rolex’s collection of travel watches ever since.

black dial

bezel insert in green-and-black ceramic.

version,

crown

with

of a 0 before the 5, so that each five-minute interval is now marked by two digits.

Like the GMT-Master II, the new Air-King boasts an optimized Chromalight display. The watch’s hands, triangular hour marker at 12 o’clock, and the 3, 6 and 9 numerals are all coated or filled with a new luminescent material exclusive to Rolex that provides a longer-lasting intense glow, guaranteeing maximum legibility whether you’re setting records or just setting down in darkness.

Equipped with Caliber 3230, a self-winding movement developed and manufactured by Rolex and originally released in 2020 but fitted to this model in 2022, the Air-King offers outstanding performance in terms of precision, reliability and resistance to shocks and magnetic fields. Like the GMT-Master II, it has a power reserve of approximately 70 hours.

Both watches are housed in Oystersteel 40-millimeter Oyster cases, waterproof to 100 meters (about 300 feet), and presented on Rolex’s iconic Oyster bracelet featuring the Easylink comfort system that allows the wearer to add 5 millimeters to the bracelet length for an optimal fit.

The GMTMaster II and the Air-King begin at $10,550 and $7,400, respectively.

Opposite page, the Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II, intended for jet-setters, displays two time zones simultaneously and is an heir to the original model that was unveiled in 1982. This year’s design features a black dial and a two-color rotatable Cerachrom bezel insert in green and black ceramic. This page, the new-generation Oyster Perpetual Air-King features a redesigned case with a crown guard and straight sides. It features 3, 6 and 9 numerals coated or filled with a luminescent material exclusive to Rolex. The Air-King lettering is the same as it was on the original model designed in the 1950s.

MONTANA’S PRE-EMINENT SKI RESORT, ALWAYS A WONDER, HAS GONE SOPHISTICATED—AND WEARS IT WELL.

In the two decades or so that I’ve been skiing Big Sky Resort in Montana, I’ve watched it grow and change as much as any mountain in the country. When I first arrived in the ’90s, I was struck by the limitless, jaw-dropping expanse of snowy peaks and the vast, seemingly endless sky that gives the Montana resort its name. It was a drop-dead gorgeous resort.

What also struck me was how sleepy the place was. The vibe was laid-back cowboy cool, with unremarkable lodges, pickup trucks aplenty in the parking lot, Moose Drool brown ale in the bar and gnarly steeps skied by a macho ski crowd, terrain that locals call “Triple Black.” This was not Vail, Park City or Aspen. You skied, ate a bison burger and went to sleep.

Big Sky Resort was conceived and opened in 1973 by the late NBC newsman Chet Huntley, and was later bought by Michigan-based Boyne Resorts, which still owns it. On an early trip, I took the tram to the 11,166foot summit of Lone Mountain and skied the famous Dictator Chutes, named after Castro, Lenin and Marx. These are steep, intimidating runs with unbelievable views that appear to go on for 100 miles. They are legendary among hard-core Big Sky skiers.

I also skied the mountain’s delightful groomed runs, corduroy highways that were the widest trails that I’d ever skied. There were no lift lines, so you could exhaust yourself on the slopes. The base resort was centered on the Huntley Lodge, the original hotel. There were a handful of bars and restaurants. The only one of note was Buck’s T-4 Lodge, a motel outside of the village that had a Wine Spectator Award-winning wine list. You could ski like a cowboy and drink like a prince. The mountain was like your own secret stash. Mention Big Sky back East and you’d mostly get blank stares.

Cut to 2022 and you’ll still find evidence of all of the above on a mountain that has nearly doubled in size and has vaulted to the ranks of ultra-sophisticated resorts, with a vibe that is no longer sleepy. It now caters

in part to a new kind of guest who flies private to the airport in Bozeman, just an hour away, before checking into a five-star luxury resort where his or her ski concierge awaits. There are now 39 lifts and more than 300 runs, and you won’t ski half of it in a week here.

The changes were years in the making. Boyne Resorts went on to purchase an adjacent start-up real-estatedevelopment-turned-ski-resort called Moonlight Basin. That suddenly gave the resort a lot of intermediate- and beginner-friendly terrain. Not to mention luxury homes, condos, town homes and cabins, with a handsome Western look of stone and timber.

Boyne also developed nearby Spanish Peaks. All told, Big Sky now weighs in at a staggering 5,800 acres of terrain, well ahead of Vail’s 5,289 acres, and thus is the largest ski resort in the United States.

It wasn’t just the acreage that changed. The money changed as well. Big Sky was one of those resorts that had long harbored a lot of quiet money, much of it from the Midwest. It’s no longer so quiet.

What drove a lot of change was the opening in 1999 of the Yellowstone Club, where the slogan “Private Powder” was coined. I visited the Club during that first year, as the founders began rounding up moneyed members like cattle on the range. The celebrated club is not technically part of Big Sky, but lies adjacent. Sitting on more than 13,000 acres, it includes Pioneer Mountain, which has more than 2,000 skiable acres, and a private 18-hole golf course designed by Tom Weiskopf. It’s the original billionaire’s ski club, with membership capped at 864. That’s membership as in Bill Gates, Tom Brady, Eric Schmidt, Justin Timberlake and Phil Mickelson.

Passing personal and financial muster from the board in order to get accepted is just the beginning. Membership costs are in the millions when you factor in the price of building a home, which is north of $5 million.

Call it the Yellowstone Club boom. The wealthy neighbors brought an infusion of capital and spawned

From top, Montage Big Sky is the newest addition to Big Sky—it’s an alpine retreat offering ski-in/ski-out

private Jeep tours of Yellowstone National Park and a state-of-the-art spa; book your stay at a Big Sky cabin,

tains; Big Sky boasts 5,850 skiable acres; enjoy pasta, burgers, sushi and more at one of Montage Big Sky’s five

bowling alley and its game room/arcade.

By Everett Potter

the luxury leap at Big Sky in the ensuing years. The development at Moonlight Basin was surpassed by the luxury homes at the 3,530-acre Spanish Peaks area and, in 2021, the 59,000-square-foot Lake Lodge at Moonlight Basin. It brought such amenities as the Three Forks Tapas Restaurant and Bar, an indoor threepoint basketball court, an indoor climbing wall and a 3,000-square-foot outdoor pool with lap lanes and slide.

This past winter saw the opening of Montage Big Sky, a kind of crowning glory. Located within Spanish Peaks, this is a $400 million resort with ski-in/ski-out access and 139 guestrooms, suites and residences. This is a contemporary take on the classic North American lodge, with six dining venues, including the signature restaurant Cortina, serving rustic northern Italian. The property also includes Spa Montage Big Sky, a 10,000-square-foot space with 12 treatment rooms, an indoor lap pool and a state-of-the-art fitness center surrounded by mountain views.

It’s not over. Next on deck is another ultra-luxury brand, One&Only, which chose Big Sky to open its first American property. One&Only Moonlight Basin will have a lodge and 62 private residences with prices starting at $8.45 million.

The sleepy cowboy ski mountain now deals with lift lines and there are now six- and eight-passenger lifts, and even they can seem inadequate on powder days when demand is high. A bigger tram is in the works, and the area’s first gondola should be running by 2024.

There’s a lot more of everything here, from money and lodges to restaurants and bars, not to mention people. Bozeman Yellowstone Airport has grown, allowing more flights and yes, more skiers.

Yet the place is so large that it’s handling the growth with aplomb. The secret is out, but there are still mountains as far as the eye can see, and Big Sky may well be America’s most distinctive and dramatically beautiful resort.

a

a

access to Big Sky Resort, fly-fishing rivers, a private 18-hole golf course,

condo or private home, or call it

night in

suite overlooking the moun-

restaurants; for a respite from the slopes, visit Montage’s four-lane

Robert Procop platinum and 18K rose gold bracelet with 146 pink and light blue sapphires at 14.95 ct. accompanied by 3.64 ct of diamonds, $59,400.

Takat 18K rose and white rhodium plated interchangeable ring and pendant with 1 Imperial topaz weighing 14.78 carats, round diamonds weighing 1.76 carats total weight, $45,180.

Platinum three-stone sapphire and diamond ring with one emerald-cut sapphire weighing 3.57 carats, 2 trapezoid-cut diamonds weighing 0.58 carat total weight, $30,000.

Norman Silverman Platinum radiantcut diamond eternity ring with 19 radiant-cut diamonds weighing 6.07 carats total weight, $28,500.

Norman Silverman Platinum emerald cut diamond eternity band with 20 emerald-cut diamonds weighing 6.12 carats total weight, $27,500. Norman Silverman Platinum oval-cut diamond eternity band with 15 oval-cut diamonds. weighing 8.94 carats total weight, $78,000.

18K yellow gold diamond bangle bracelet with 29 round diamonds weighing 3.25 carats, $8,580. 18k white gold rhodium plated 3-row diamond cuff bracelet with 191 diamonds weighing 10.76 carats total weight, $30,400. 18K yellow gold diamond link half-way bangle bracelet with 76 round diamonds weighing 2.00 carats total weight, $4,840. 18K white gold rhodium plated baguette and round diamond halfway bangle bracelet with 40 baguette cut diamonds weighing 7.02 carats total weight, 54 round diamonds weighing 5.40 carats total weight. $40,000.

18K yellow gold diamond half-way bangle bracelet with 33 round diamonds weighing 1.40 carats total weight, $3,750.

18K white gold rhodium plated diamond pavé wide bangle bracelet with 438 round diamonds weighing 14.00 carats total weight, $24,650.

bachendorf’s bride: eric and ashley

PROPOSAL

How did you meet and how long have you been together?

Ashley: We met on a dating app in January of 2019. We spent the first few weeks talking on the app and then on the phone. Eric took a trip with work to Mexico shortly after we started talking but kept in contact with me while away. Upon his return, we met up for our first official date for breakfast at BuzzBrews in Deep Ellum and have been going strong ever since. How did he propose?

Ashley: My friends had been preparing me for every possible outing that could lead to a proposal for almost a year. We had talked about it many times, but Eric wanted to ensure that it was a surprise. Prior to going to dinner one night, Eric suggested that we take our dog to the park at White Rock Lake to tire him out. Eric drove and Pete, our miniSchnauzer, rode in my lap to the park. Once there, he smugly asked me if I noticed Pete’s tag. When I looked at the tag, he had engraved “Will you marry me?” on the back side. He also had one of his friends and former coworkers, whom I had never met, on hand to take pictures and then proceeded to get down on one knee and ask me to marry him. He successfully picked the one time I was not expecting a proposal to pop the question (and of course my hair, clothing and makeup were not photo ready)! We then went out to a celebratory dinner at Nick & Sam’s with the founder of Eric’s company and his wife.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATIAS EZCURRA PHOTOGRAPHY

Eric: The riskiest part of the entire endeavor was the car ride to the dog park at White Rock Lake where Pete sat on Ashley’s lap for a 20-minute ride with the modified dog tag mere inches from her face. Fortunately, her lack of awareness worked to my advantage, and she didn’t notice anything the entire time.

Ashley: Involving our dog Pete made it even more special knowing how much he means to me. Eric is my dream guy in so many ways, and knowing that he wanted to spend his life with me filled my heart with so much joy. I had no doubt that he was the one for me. Tell us about the ring!

Ashley: It’s a cushion-cut, fancy intense yellow diamond set in platinum. I told Eric the cut and color I wanted but he designed it using design elements from multiple different rings inspired by Harry Winston and Tiffany’s. The Bachendorf’s team helped him improve upon their already timeless designs. Ultimately, he and the team combined the best parts of each, with a few additional elements, to make what is now my dream ring.

Eric: I also bought a custom Louis Vuitton trunk box for her ring but because it was so big, there was no way to use it as part of the proposal. Dennis Deutsch, our sales associate at Bachendorf’s, was smart though and gave me a super compact flat ring box that allowed for easier concealment at the park. Once we got home, I then gave her the ring box as an engagement present, which LV then customized for her.

Unfortunately, it’s a rarely used item because Ashley almost never takes her ring off since she loves it so much.

Why did you choose to buy the ring at Bachendorf’s?

Ashley: Eric’s boss and his wife always raved about the amazing service and experience that Bachendorf’s had provided, and the CEO at Eric’s company was also a longtime client. The experience that Eric had working with Dennis, as well as with Don and Fallon at Bachendorf’s, has only reaffirmed his decision. When was your wedding?

Eric: The wedding was held June 14th, 2022 in Maui, Hawaii. It was a small ceremony with only the bride’s parents present for the event. The ceremony took place at Plumeria Point at the Four Seasons in Wailea and was followed by an intimate dinner overlooking the ocean. Did any cute or quirky things happen at the wedding or throughout the planning process?

Ashley: The wind was very strong during the ceremony. As I stood at the altar, the wind caught my veil and very nearly blew me over. Luckily, Eric was holding my hands and was able to keep me from toppling backwards! What else should we know about you?

Ashley: I work as an anesthesiologist at UT Southwestern and Eric is VP of Sales Engineering at Alkami. We really enjoy travel; our most recent trip was our honeymoon in Bora Bora. We spend our free time golfing, working on projects around the house and taking our dog, Pete, to the park. What’s next for you two? We recently moved to Colleyville, Texas and are loving suburban life. We would love to start a family in the future, but for now we’re enjoying settling into married life.

timeless jewels for generations

LISA NIK’S DESIGNS CAN MAKE OUR MOST SPECIAL MOMENTS LAST A LIFETIME. THE BRAND’S JEWELS AND GEMSTONES ALLOW US TO HOLD MEMORIES CLOSE TO OUR HEARTS EVERY DAY, AND TO ENDURE FOR GENERATIONS TO COME. HERE’S A BEAUTIFUL LETTER FROM A NEW MOM TO HER MOTHER, AND A LOOK AT THE PIECES THAT MAKE HER EXPERIENCE EVERLASTING.

By Lisa Nik

Dear Mom,

After returning home from the hospital, I’m writing my first letter as a mother to a mother. You’re the mom that I love and aspire to be, which is why we named our baby girl after you. I feel lucky to have a supportive husband who was by my side for the delivery, and once our little girl entered the world, he put the two most beautiful necklaces around my neck—the first featuring tourmaline, my birthstone, and the second a “Grace” diamond name necklace so that I would have something beautiful to wear when we took our first family photos. I was impressed that he understands the stacking trend. (He did let me know that Lisa Nik helped him a bit.)

As I take on this new role of mom, I know I will need you by my side to offer advice. So, I’m sending you this sapphire bracelet to honor you as a new grandmother and to remind you to always have your pulse on our family. We would be lost without you and can’t wait to visit with you over the holidays. Love, Your daughter

P.S.—Is it too soon to give my loving husband a hint on what I want as a holiday gift?

a personalized shopping experience. Lisa Nik has been available at Bachendorf’s since its inception.

Lisa Nik combines colored gemstones, diamonds and artful elements to create fashionable jewelry that women can enjoy on any occasion. The company was founded on the strong belief in the individuality of expression through bold color, an adherence to the highest standards of quality and the importance of

David Yurman and his wife and business partner, Sybil, visit the SCAD campus in Savannah, Georgia, to meet with the Jewelry Design program’s class of 2022. Bottom right: An exceptional student shows off a creation that used precious stones donated to the college from the Yurmans’ personal collection.

DAVID YURMAN AND HIS WIFE, SYBIL, HAVE TEAMED UP WITH THE SAVANNAH COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN TO OFFER A SCHOLARSHIP TO A “RISING STAR” JEWELRY DESIGN STUDENT.

Throughout its four decades in the jewelry business, David Yurman, one of the world’s most iconic luxury jewelry brands, has partnered with many charitable organizations to raise funds for a wide variety of causes. Its latest collaboration is a personal one that helps the next generation of jewelry designers as it pays homage to founder David and his wife Sybil’s humble creative beginnings as a sculptor and a painter, respectively.

David Yurman has announced the David Yurman Endowed Scholarship for Jewelry Design, which will be awarded to one “rising star” each year in

the jewelry design program at The Savannah College of Art and Design’s (SCAD) School of Fashion in Savannah, Georgia. Additionally, the brand donated $1 million worth of gemstones from its personal collection to the university. Students in the jewelry design program, the largest in the United States, have been using them as inspiration in designing their own pieces. These talented students got some real-life inspiration from the famous design duo too. Toward the end of the spring quarter, the New York-based couple visited Savannah to meet in person with the jewelry

design students in SCAD’s class of 2022. Several students got to present their creations to David and Sybil and receive feedback on their work. Then, the entire group sat in on a lecture and Q&A session with the pair. “You need to be comfortable with the unknown to bring your own dreams into reality— and never take ‘no’ for an answer,” David told the graduates.

Surely the Yurmans’ gemstones, their scholarship fund and the inspiration of their example suggest a bright future for jewelry design and craftsmanship.

THE PASTELS COLLECTION

RINGS FEATURING MORGANITE, LONDON BLUE TOPAZ, RHODOLITE RASPBERRY GARNET, AMETHYST, AND AQUAMARINE

Chopard L.U.C. 1937 Classic 42mm automatic stainless steel white roman dial, $9,630. Omega Constellation steel polished blue ceramic bezel blue dial on leather strap with steel buckle $6,500. Breitling Superocean Heritage steel 42mm black bezel black index dial on steel bracelet $5,000

Tudor Black Bay 41 steel 41mm smooth bezel silver dial on steel bracelet $3,275.

18K white gold wide diamond bracelet with 198 diamonds weighing 36.67 carats total weight, $62,000. 18K white gold rhodium-plated diamond necklace with 285 round diamonds weighing 30.73 carats total weight, $70,000. Norman Silverman 18K white gold rhodium-plated long diamond drop earrings with 32 pear-shape diamonds weighing 8.00 carats total weight, 14 marquise cut diamonds weighing 3.41 carats total weight, $44,000.

Graduated pearl strand necklace with gray pearls 8-10mm and darker pearls 10.5-13mm and 176 pavé diamonds in ball drop and clasp weighing 3.29 carat total weight, $22,000. 18K white gold pearl and diamond ring with 168 round white and champagnecolored diamonds weighing 1.58 carats total weight, $5,940. 18K white gold Tahitian pearl and diamond drop earrings with 86 round diamonds weighing 0.48 carats total weight, 2 Tahitian pearls measuring 12.9mm, $3,520.

18K white gold rhodium plated tanzanite and diamond drop earrings with 2 cushion-cut tanzanites weighing 9.37 carats total weight, 2 asscher cut diamonds weighing 1.03 carats total weight, 2 round diamonds weighing 0.27 carat total weight, $15,000. Platinum tanzanite and diamond pendant, 1 pear-shaped tanzanite weighing 9.49 carats, 1 pear-shaped diamond weighing 0.35 carats, 38 round diamonds weighing 1.24, 18K white gold rhodium-plated chain with 32 round diamonds weighing 0.32 carat total weight, $58,000.

18K white gold rhodium-plated sapphire and diamond bangle bracelet with baguette-cut blue sapphires weighing 6.02 carats total weight, round diamonds weighing 1.30 carats total weight, $29,000. TAKAT 18K white gold rhodium-plated sapphire and diamond ring with 1 cushion blue sapphire weighing 14.57 carats, multi-shape diamonds weighing 2.52 carats total weight $86,900.

Trends come and go, but icons never get old. Neither does artist Robert Mars’ fascination for cultural immortality—a fascination that isn’t limited to superstars but extends to legendary cars, soft drinks and other phenomena of the golden era that was the ’50s and ’60s.

Behind the neon lights, folk art and mixed-media collages that elevate Mars’ work toward its own iconic status, “there’s definitely a message,” he says. “The people I’m representing in my work, they don’t ever go out of style.”

Maybe it’s our own fascination with icons, but Mars has inspired numerous solo exhibits, from the Galeries Bartoux in France to the Coral Springs Museum of Art in Florida and recently his “Past is Present” exhibition for Gullotti Galleries in West Australia, which will be followed by a second exhibit there this November.

It’s been quite a journey since Mars—now 52, married and the father of two—first dazzled his parents with crayon creativity back in Monmouth County, New Jersey, letting them know they had an artist on their hands. But not a starving artist. Guided by their insistence on education, Mars attended Parsons School of Design in New York City, which led to decades as a graphic designer. He also found his muse nearby in a studio dedicated to Andy Warhol. (Both Warhol and pop artist Robert Rauschenberg have influenced Mars’ work.)

Still, in a quest for individuality, Mars is always zigging when others zag. His wife’s quilting drew him to folk art in 2014, and a few years later the pandemic inspired abstract compositions—a way to balance chaos and control, he says.

Judging from what he’s done so far, if there’s anything we can expect from Mars, it is the unexpected.

Mars and rock singer Bruce Springsteen both lived in Holmdel—that’s Jersey. “He’s like a local legend,” says Mars of the star he’s yet to meet. “His music is rooted in Americana and rock n’ roll and is timeless.” For that Americana spirit the star personifies, Mars tied in Old Glory in a quilt pattern.

LIKE WARHOL AND RAUSCHENBERG BEFORE HIM—BUT WITH A STYLE ALL HIS OWN—ROBERT MARS COLORFULLY CELEBRATES THE POP ICONS OF AMERICANA.

Clockwise from left: French actress Brigitte Bardot on Vogue’s cover in a colorburst collage. In “All Roads Collide,” spinning wheels create a sunset effect with layers of painted newspaper from Mars’ vintage collection. A 3-D Coca-Cola bottle, which celebrates the 100th anniversary of its shape, was not the end of his corporate work: His art appears in the private and corporate collections of the New York Mets, Absolut Vodka and Oceania Cruise Lines to name a few. Inspired by Warhol’s idea of multiples is this depiction of supermodel Kate Moss.

Clockwise from left: The Palms Motor Hotel in Portland, Oregon, drew Mars with its 25-foot-tall neon sign, and the Mustang—well, that’s a street legend. Pop artist Robert Indiana inspired Mars to create “Most Kings,” a neon work united with Americana. Mars’ collage format gives this triple threat—Frank Sinatra, Brigitte Bardot and Michael Jackson— a fresh look above a piano. It was bound to happen that Mars, a lifelong guitarist, would combine two loves: music and art.

If you’ve been the tenacious tourist, seeing every sight on your well-researched list, but not setting foot inside historic post offices, you’ve been missing something. Yes, Instagram and other social media are fast replacing postcards for many of us, but some shrines to the daily mail are worth searching out even if you don’t need to buy stamps. They’re architectural treasures, and neither snow, nor rain, nor heat— you know the drill—should keep you from discovering their glory. Claiming center stage in prominent cities around the world, these celebrated postal edifices are iconic for their grandeur, with a spirit that recalls the Basilica of Sacré-Coeur in Paris, but without its snapshot familiarity. Some post offices even serve as museums, another reason to come explore.

Saigon Central Post Office, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

With its bright yellow façade and green shutters over rows of arched windows, the Saigon Central Post Office is a must-see tourist destination built in the late 1800s—and yes, you can mail a letter there; it’s a working facility. Some credit the Eiffel Tower’s designer for this outstanding combo of neo-classical European architecture and Asian décor, but the person to thank is really another Frenchman, architect Marie-Alfred Foulhoux.

Kudos to the domed roof with metal arches and bountiful pillars for creating such a spectacular effect on the spacious interior that you may just stand there in awe—but don’t forget that letter!

Other notable features are the patterned floor, painted maps of an early postal route from southern Vietnam to Cambodia. The interior nostalgically echoes a 20th-century European railway station, complete with old-school phone booths. The post office is next to the Notre Dame Cathedral, a fact that makes it easy to cross two landmarks off that list.

General Post Office, Kolkata, India

A striking sight in Kolkata by night is the General Post Office’s more than 220-foot-tall hallmark dome lit up through its circle of arched windows. But the GPO, as it is known, is also an architectural wonder by day and worth a visit as one of the city’s oldest landmarks. Though it’s a centrally located tourist attraction, GPO has a job to do for the city as well as the state of West Bengal. It’s one of India’s more than 150,000 post offices, and mail has been its game since 1868.

The collector in the family won’t want to miss the world-renowned postal museum featuring stamps from the GPO’s early days or the new Parcel Café. Besides the landmark dome, architect Walter B. Grenville also went all out with Corinthian pillars both inside and out. Walk through the door and discover the drama of these iconic pillars stretching toward the domed ceiling in a space encircled with arched balconies. A brass plate marks the boundary wall of the Old Fort William.

Central Post Office, Valencia, Spain

No, a king and queen don’t live there, but the Valencia Post Office is known as a palace—The Palacio de Correos y Telégrafos. It sits right in the Municipal Square, and with its immense structure and the variety of statues gracing its roof and arched entrance—not to mention its shining beauty at night—the palace does look fit for royals. Architect Miguel Angel Navarro designed the building in 1914, but construction met delays and the post office did not open until 1923. With so many bells and whistles, the post office can’t help but captivate. Picture rooftop domes, columns flanking the entrance and, of course, a king-sized fountain in front. The structure reflects an eclectic theme popular in its day with traces of classicism, modernism and baroque. But what fires the imagination most are five allegorical statues above the entrance, each a symbol of communications, lest we ever forget this palace is devoted to carrying the written word.

Grand Post Office, Algiers, Algeria

A port city on the Mediterranean, Algiers is known for ottoman palaces, mosques and the Casbah, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. So perhaps it is no surprise that this capital city’s Grand Post Office really lives up to its name—Grand. Built in 1910 for the French Postal Service by architects Jules Voinot and Marius Toudoire, the post office is a spectacular example of Neo-Moorish architecture with arches and ornate mosaics.

“Its true beauty is on the inside,” a visitor marvels in a Tripadvisor review. “It’s a throwback in time as you step through the doors.” An added treat, this post office is now a museum, and the area offers plenty of cafes and stores for an extra-special day.

Palacio Postal, Mexico City, Mexico

Heavily damaged in an earthquake but now restored to its original glory, the Postal Palace is magnifico for an over-the-top design that draws from diverse traditions. Built at the start of the 20th century and considered modern in its day, this sumptuous stunner in the heart of the city’s historic area is the epitome of contrasts: The stone exterior is formidable with iron dragon light fixtures and an army of arches, among the varied features Italian architect Adamo Boari used to make it one of a kind. But at the heart of the palace, beauty and art abound. Consider the meeting room with frescoes—on written communications, of course—painted over a gold base. With a castle-like opulence, marble floors run up to the main stairway that combines two ramps in a wow of a landing. Eclectic is the best way to describe the architecture since it brings together everything from Art Deco to Elizabethan Gothic and more.

A SPECIAL COLLABORATION OFFERS A STYLISH UPGRADE TO AN ELITE-LEVEL MERCEDES-BENZ.

Mercedes-Benz had pushed the envelope as far as it could go—or so we thought. But now the German automaker’s engineers have given their already best-in-class Maybach sedan a next-level-of-luxury upgrade, and a few folks can own one of the new models—if they’re lucky.

The limited-quantity Mercedes-Maybach by Virgil Abloh is the final collaboration between the historic car company and the late fashion designer. Abloh, former artistic director at Louis Vuitton, helped complete the project before he died in November 2021. Mercedes planned just 150 units of the special edition, meaning these vehicles will be among the rarest in company history.

A two-tone paint job makes this car, essentially an ultra-exclusive S680, a visual masterpiece. The designers selected obsidian black for its top half, giving the hood, roof and trunk as well as the A, B and C pillars the dark shade. The lower body panels, including 20-inch wheels, are coated in a light tan hue.

The colors are replicated inside the cabin, where beige Nappa leather featuring precise diamond-stitched design covers the seats. Plush black leather lines portions of the door panels, foot wells and dashboard. If the

two-tone scheme isn’t a giveaway that you’re driving a special-edition car, Mercedes-Maybach and Virgil Abloh logos scattered throughout the interior will relay the message.

Like any Maybach—any model in Mercedes’ uber luxury line— this car has features aplenty. For starters, it boasts soft-close doors, dual touchscreens (a 12.8-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster), a rear entertainment system and 30 speakers. If that’s not enough, how do a 64-color ambient lighting system, heated and ventilated front massage seats and an air ionizing system with a signature fragrance sound? Under the hood, all S680s are equipped with a 621-horsepower, twin-turbo V12 that reportedly reaches 60 miles per hour from a standstill in about 4.5 seconds.

Remember, all that and more is standard. Optional equipment includes a refrigerator, branded Champagne flutes, rear-seat folding tables and temperature-controlled cup holders.

Those who bring home this Maybach will also receive a 1/18 scale replica of the car presented in a custom wooden box wrapped in, of course, Nappa leather. All of it can be yours for approximately $215,000.

Who better to showcase a creative duo’s masterpiece of a home than another creative duo? That notion animates designers Susanna Salk and Stacey Bewkes as they visit the 200-year-old, Federal-style farmhouse of Karen and Martin Cooper, tucked away in New York’s tranquil Hudson Valley, and let readers tag along. It’s a selection from the designers’ new book, At Home With Designers and Tastemakers (Rizzoli New York), for which Salk provides the prose and Bewkes the images.

As founders of The Punctilious Mr. P’s Place Card Co., an old-fashioned customized place- and notecard business, the Coopers know something about design. It’s only fitting that their home is styled to inspire and entertain for nearly every occasion, whether it’s a formal event or Sunday dinner with their 11-year-old son.

GOOD TIMES AWAIT GUESTS IN A COUPLE’S LUSHLY DETAILED HUDSON VALLEY FARMHOUSE. AND WHY NOT? THE SOCIAL GRACES ARE THEIR BUSINESS.

For the living room walls in their Hudson Valley farmhouse, Martin and Karen Cooper selected a terracotta color, pulling the rusty hue from the Greek vases lining the mantel. To bring cohesion and add touches of luxury, they splashed gold trim on the crown moldings here and throughout the house, including the carpeting.

This page: The Coopers lined the foyer walls and main staircase with Farrow & Ball Broad Stripe wallpaper in green, a soothing color to welcome visitors and provide a transition from the outdoors to interior space. Already showcasing the green shade, an antique settee and chair did not require reupholstering. Opposite page: This east-facing room is bright all day long, with morning sunlight popping through floor-to-ceiling windows, canary-colored walls and a soaring chandelier from Doyle Auctions in New York. Adding to the room’s cheer is the grand piano, acquired from Steinway in Boston.

This page: Bringing the outside in, the homeowners fill many of their tables with potted herbs, ivy or green fruits. “We love displaying a bit of earth inside,” says Martin. Opposite page: The dining room’s black lacquer walls and candlelight fixtures create a formal and intimate environment for dinner guests. But the space is not only a gathering place for meals; it’s also where the family recounts personal experiences and memories, Karen says.

What is autumn’s essence? Leaf raking, pumpkin picking, the taste of apple cider—and just enough nip in the air for an excuse to bring out that favorite sweater. Then there are fall festivals—but perhaps the ideal way to mark the season is to stage your own festival for friends and family.

To throw the perfect private party for your inner circle this fall, you might follow the lead of Cordelia de Castellane, artistic director of Dior Home and Baby Dior. In her latest book, Life in a French Country House: Entertaining for All Seasons (Rizzoli New York), she invites readers into her welcoming world of stylish hospitality. On a mild day, the designer suggests, host an intimate meal outdoors with ivory linen tablecloths, vintage plates and décor that echoes the surrounding nature.

That’s autumnal pleasure everyone can share. And don’t forget to pull up a chair and enjoy the celebration yourself.

THE RIGHT OUTDOOR REPAST CAN YIELD A HARVEST OF FRIENDLY FALL VIBES.

Decorating a table using items you love adds a personal touch to the dining experience. An outdoors enthusiast, Cordelia de Castellane brings elements of nature and the forest to her table. “I set out pumpkins and squash from the vegetable garden, flowers from the garden, walnuts and pine cones,” she says. China with colorful prints is also a favorite that adds visual interest. “I don’t think I could do without [prints], either at home, on me or in my collections,” she says. A hearty autumn meal isn’t complete without a sweet exclamation point. A heartwarming crème caramel dessert, courtesy of de Castellane’s friend and business partner Sanaz Degany, will be a hit with all your guests, especially when presented in a rustic wicker basket and glass serving dish.

SANAZ’S CRÈME CARAMEL INGREDIENTS

n 15 sugar cubes n 3 cups milk n 5 egg whites n 10 egg yolks n 1 cup sugar n 1 vanilla pod, seeds scraped

DIRECTIONS

Melt the sugar cubes in a saucepan or a mold over low heat until they turn a reddish-brown color. Remove from the heat and swirl the pan or mold from side to side so that it is caramelized all over, including the edges. Leave to cool. Bring the milk to boil in another saucepan. Beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. In a large bowl, mix the egg yolks with the sugar and vanilla. Pour in the warm milk and whisk vigorously to obtain an even mixture. Add the beaten egg whites and mix carefully. Pour the entire mixture into the caramelized mold and cook it over a double boiler for 40 minutes.

Leave to cool before removing from the mold.

All photos and recipe reprinted with permission from Life in a French Country House: Entertaining for All Seasons. Photos by Matthieu Salvaing. Rizzoli, New York, 2021.

6of the hottestworld’s foods

At Anchor Bar in Buffalo, N.Y., diners challenge each other to handle the “extreme heat” sauce, the variety that made the restaurant’s spicy chicken wings worldrenowned. In the past, people who finished a bucket of those wings won a small prize. There’s a growing population of foodies who crave fiery food; some are in it for the glory, others just like the taste. Then there are those who crave the rush—spicy food is known to release endorphins, a hormone associated with happiness. The recipes for these half-dozen dishes incorporate scorching amounts of peppers and chilies, and at their best they employ high-quality ingredients as well. Sample them if you dare.

FOODIES BELIEVE THAT SIX OF THE WORLD’S MOST FIERY DISHES ARE ALSO AMONG ITS TASTIEST.

CHICKEN VINDALOO, INDIA.

Look beyond butter chicken and tikka masala on your favorite Indian restaurant’s menu and you’ll likely see a selection of vindaloo dishes accompanied by two or three pepper symbols. Most with delicate taste buds don’t dare approach—but they should! Vindaloo is a thick curry sauce originating from the Goa region in southern India and is based on a Portuguese meat marinade. It is often prepped with caramelized onions, coconut milk, vinegar, garlic, ginger, chickpeas, lentils and more than generous amounts of fiery curry pastes, chilies and jalapeños. The traditional Goan dish includes pork, though in other parts of India and throughout the world vindaloo can also come with chicken, goat, lamb or shrimp. Many Indian restaurants in Western cultures also add veggies and potatoes to vindaloo (aloo translates to “potato” in Hindi); however, the original Goan version does not include the starchy root vegetable. Try it: Asiana Indian Cuisine, Austin, Texas

TOM YUM SOUP, THAILAND.

With food boasting funky flavors like dried fish, ginger and lemongrass, Thai cuisine is one of the most popular in the world. And foodies in the know—even those who sweat up a storm at the sight of peppers— can’t get enough of the country’s spiciest soup, tom yum goong. It’s believed to come from the region around the Chao Phraya River, where seafood was pulled to help create a broth. The hot-and-sour soup gets its unique taste from a healthy combination of kaffir lime leaves, lime juice, fish sauce, galangal root, lemongrass and other spices, while plenty of Thai chili peppers give it a potent heat index. For added flavor, it can be served with meats such as jumbo prawns and chicken. Try it: Jitlada, Los Angeles, California

SICHUAN HOT POT, MONGOLIA.

If you’re only familiar with hot dish, the popular Minnesota casserole, you’re in for an eye-opener. Though commonly believed to be a food from China, hot pot is a plate whose origins can be traced to Mongolia some 1,000 years ago. In its beginnings, the simmering stew was made using relatively inexpensive ingredients: vegetables, herbs, spices, proteins such as pork, chicken, fish and eggs as well as sesame, soy, chili and garlic sauces. Over time, however, cooks masked the low-cost (and sometimes low-quality) components by spicing up the recipe—literally—and adding Sichuan peppercorns. The peppercorns have a floral aroma and a spiciness that isn’t paralyzing to those with strong taste buds, though their lasting tingle on the tongue may make some mouths extrasensitive. Restaurants today have picked up the spicy hot pot game, upping the ingredients to include fine Wagyu beef, Angus rib-eye and New Zealand lamb. Try it: Dragon Beaux, San Francisco, California

GRIOT, HAITI.

Considered one of this Caribbean country’s national dishes, it’s traditionally made with pork shoulder and fiery sauce ti malice. Depending on who’s making it (every family has its own recipe), the sauce is mainly comprised of apple cider vinegar, spicy pickled peppers, minced Scotch bonnet (sea snail) or habanero chili peppers and other herbs. Restaurants may serve it alongside a cool slaw or fried plantains, but it’s a fun dish to pick at and snack on at parties or at home. Try it: Chef Creole, Miami, Florida

SUYA, NIGERIA.

Some of the best meals aren’t created in a Michelin-starred kitchen; neighborhood cooks have a knack for flavor too. Suya, a popular Nigerian street food, originated in the country’s northern region, where the people have a mastery of meat that’s second to none. Knowing what works with beef is what makes suya so good. Before it’s skewered and grilled, the beef is flavored with yajin kuli, a blend of chilies, ginger, onion, garlic, spices and tantalizing kuli kuli, a dehydrated peanut paste. If you can’t make it to a Nigerian market, there are eateries specializing in Nigerian cuisine in the U.S.—for instance, in New York City and San Francisco. Try it: Buka, Brooklyn, New York

WAT STEW, ETHIOPIA.

In a country known for spicy foods, this thick stew is widely considered the national dish. The traditional recipe is likely hotter than tamed-down versions served in Western restaurants, such as the chicken-laden Doro wat. Much hotter. It’s made with a fragrant paste whose flamethrower ingredient is berbere, a bright-red blend of spices including red chilies, peppercorns, turmeric, paprika and cumin. Doro wat is made with chicken, liver, gizzard and boiled eggs and is often served with injera, an Ethiopian flatbread, which is used to scoop up the sauce. Try it: Ethiopic Restaurant, Washington, D.C.

snow wonder

You ride a golf caddy to get around the course, rent a Citi Bike to make it across town and book a cart to navigate the airport terminals. And now there’s an optimal way to travel from place to place at a ski resort or the snowy backcountry, thanks to the world’s first-ever electric snow bike, MoonBikes.

This electric bike from the French start-up of the same name was introduced to the United States market in Las Vegas at CES (Consumer Electronics Show) 2022. It’s more specialized than your run-of-themill e-bike that isn’t equipped for winter weather, yet it’s narrower and easier to navigate than a bulky snowmobile. The MoonBike combines the benefits of both, allowing the rider to zip through up to a foot of snow with the ease of an electric bicycle and the speed of a motorcycle. It literally can take you places you’ve never been before, squeezing you into terrain through which your 4x4 won’t quite fit. And even if you leave tracks in the snow, no one will hear you coming or going—this snow bike, unlike other e-bikes, is 100 percent silent.

And it sure is a looker. This sleek design and winter white colorway are undeniably two of MoonBikes’ best assets. It has a single ski in the front and a motorized snow tread on the back end for an extra oomph of power. A headlight makes evening treks possible, handy when the winter sun sets at 4:30 p.m.

But this beauty is a workhorse too. Weighing just 191 pounds, battery included, it won’t bog you down on your travels. It’s 28 inches wide, the size of your typical mountain bike, and can be hitched onto a vehicle for easy transport. And it’ll have you cruising up to 26 miles an hour for up to an hour and a half on a single battery charge; give MoonBikes some juice by plugging it into the charging cable, or remove the battery and charge it at home.

Now only one question remains: Will you buy one for yourself to show it off and make your ski buddies jealous, or invest in a few so you can race your companions on the slopes? It’s not cheap, but it’s a doable indulgence: Pricing starts at $8,900 plus shipping and tax.

THE WORLD’S FIRST MOTORIZED SNOW BIKE IS SPEEDY, AGILE AND LIGHT. SO NATURALLY PEOPLE ARE FALLING IN LOVE WITH WINTER ALL OVER AGAIN.

By Everett Potter

For more than 60 years, Sardinia, the Italian island that lies off the country’s west coast, has been famous as a celebrity haven. It has lured the rich and famous, from Elton John and Steven Spielberg to Bradley Cooper, Lindsay Lohan and the late Princess Diana, who spent her last summer on a private yacht that circled the island. That struck me as remarkable the first time I glimpsed Sardinia, the second-largest island in the Mediterranean (the largest being Sicily). What I found was not a lush, tropical paradise of an island. Instead, it was rocky, dry, rugged and sun-baked, perfect for raising sheep and growing olive trees. The interior was mountainous and somewhat forbidding as I drove its length. This was paradise?

However, I learned that there was one significant, overwhelm-

Sardinia’s terrain is mainly dry and rocky, but it is indeed an island paradise. It’s a land of beautiful cliffside seascapes, white sand beaches, bright hilltop buildings and five-star resorts that cater to your every need and desire.

AS JET-SETTERS HAVE LONG DISCOVERED, THERE’S MORE TO SARDINIA THAN THE SAND. (BUT, OH, WHAT SAND!)

ing draw: the beaches: Not just any beaches, but what the Italians call spiagge bianche, or white beaches. Dazzling white beaches, in fact, of a fine sand that outlines much of the undulating rocky coastline. Unlike the rest of the Mediterranean, Sardinia possesses so many beaches that you can find yourself on a strand by yourself if you’re lucky, not packed like a sardine (despite the name) as you might be on the Italian mainland.

If you know anything about Sardinia, it’s likely because of the Aga Khan. One of the world’s wealthiest royals and a famed breeder and owner of racehorses, he is credited with “discovering” the island’s northeast coast in 1958.

The area he developed is called Costa Smeralda, or the Emerald Coast. Featuring possibly the most beautiful of all those talcum-powder white beaches, which offset the emerald-green sea, it not only inspired the Aga Khan. He was shrewd enough to buy an entire shore consisting of thousands of acres of undulating coastline. He went on to invite his wealthy and famous friends to come to pay and stay in what rapidly became a yacht-filled, celebrity-friendly environment. Princess Margaret led the charge, hotels were followed by lavish homes, and Costa Smeralda quickly became a byword for the emerging jet set of the 1960s. Think Brigitte Bardot, Catherine Deneuve and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. It was la dolce vita writ large—exclusive, snobbish, challenging to reach and very, very expensive.

Today the beauty is undeniable, and this glitzy destination in the island’s northeast is a renowned jet-set playground—of course, renown has its complications. Bring on the exquisite small hotels, nightclubs and paparazzi. It’s little surprise that in recent decades, Costa Smeralda has been embraced by Russian oligarchs, who built lavish estates and anchor their mega-yachts here. Porto Cervo is the main town, headquarters for the uber-rich.

Yet Costa Smeralda is only part of Sardinia’s story. That small corner of celebrities aside, the island remains largely undiscovered by Americans, and its rugged charm and the lack of pretense on the rest of the island are worth savoring. The culture alone is a history lesson in ancient civilizations. This island in the Mediterranean lies at the

crossroads of many empires that have come and gone. The megalithic towers called “nuraghi,” beehive-shaped tombs that dot the landscape, are a vestige of the Nuragic civilization, which is considered the Mediterranean’s oldest culture. The Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Romans presided here in succession. The maritime republics of Genoa and Spain came later. Each one left its footprints and, not surprisingly, the countryside is a trove of archeological sites.

Even today, you can hear the cultural mix when a local speaks Sardinian, or Sardu, which is a Latin language closely related to Catalan. I can steer my way through Italian but I was immediately lost when I tried to puzzle out road and shop signs in Sardu. If nothing else, it added to the magical and somewhat mysterious quality of the place.

The capital city, Cagliari, is a throwback to a simpler time, unprepossessing and still a few steps behind the mainland. When I first visited in the early ’90s, I was shocked to see a much-faded painting of Mussolini, Il Duce himself, high up on the wall of a building, a remnant of 1930s Fascist rule. Change in much of Sardinia still comes very slowly.

Much more charming were the steep and narrow streets filled with restaurants offering local flavors and local wine. A food such as pane carasau, a thin flatbread, is the essence of the basic Sardinian peasant cuisine. There’s fregola, which is akin to couscous, often served with local clams or chickpeas. Roast suckling pig is a staple. The pastas are unique to the island, from malloreddus (Sardinian gnocchi) to hand-braided rings of pasta called lorighittas that date back to the 16th century. The latter was served to me in a rich, lamb-based tomato sauce in a tiny restaurant in Cagliari.

Given all of the sheep on the island, it’s little surprise that most of Italy’s pecorino Romano cheese comes from here. That ruby-red wine found every-

This page: Experience the full Sardinian billionaire lifestyle at the Hotel Cala di Volpe in the heart of the Emerald Coast. It dates back to the 1960s, when it was built by the Aga Khan, but it’s full of modern amenities and amazing sea premium suites. Nearby is Quattropassi al Pescatore, where you can enjoy chic seafood lunch. Opposite page: From basket weavers on the streets of Barbagia to reflections in La Maddalena harbor at sunset, Sardinia is never short of everyday charm and picturesque moments.

where on the island is made with cannonau, a grape suited for hot, dry climates. This is not just wine for the locals. The Sardinians have earned a Cannonau di Sardegna DOC for both their red and rosé wines.

Pay attention to what the locals are eating, and not just for the sake of taste. Sardinia was the world’s first official Blue Zone, a designation that in 2004 began to single out regions of the globe where lifestyles led to long lifespans. Sardinia has 10 times the number of centenarians per capita than the U.S.A. Credit a diet composed largely whole grains, vegetables and fruits, with moderate red wine consumption. Walking daily also helps, and having a rugged landscape out the door turns a short stroll into a Stairmaster routine.

While the glitterati congregate on the Costa Smeralda, there are many offthe-beaten path locations that are compelling for us mere mortals. Secretive and alluring, the rugged landscape reveals its pleasures slowly.

Sardinia offers limitless hiking and, for the fittest, road biking. Yet on island with a hot climate and little shade, I’d recommend taking exercise in the morning and then exploring by rental car, targeting an out-of-the-way village for lunch and taking in sights as you go. The island is 170 miles long and about 90 miles wide at its widest point, so there’s a lot of ground to explore.

Its west coast has many places worth exploring, such as Bosa, with its hilltop castle, Castelli Malaspina. There’s also charming Alghero. While hardly undiscovered, this town is filled with historic architecture and is close to Neptune’s Grotto, where sea caves have been carved by centuries of waves crashing against the limestone cliffs. Drive to nearby Caprera Island, a nature reserve with some of the same white sand beaches the island is known for. My favorite is San Pantaleo, a small town that

This page: There are plenty of ways to capture the view of the sea in Sardinia. One way is to soak in the cliffside scenery in Cagliari during sunset—but remember to take in the beauty of the crystal-clear water during the daytime too. Opposite page: The Baglioni Resort on Sardinia’s northeast coast features lush accommodations and plenty of opportunities to relax on the sea. Whether you’re on a boat or taking a dip, the water at Cala Napoletana in Caprera shouldn’t be missed. With colorful buildings, a hilltop castle and calm river, the town of Bosa is a must-see when visiting Sardinia.

holds a Thursday market with antiques and traditional woven textiles. When I first went to Sardinia, there were large, charmless resorts springing up in the southern part of the island. Forsake those and consider artful boutique hotels such as Su Gologone, an elegant mountain hotel in Barbagia. Or look at La Bitte, a charming seaside hotel in Arbatax on the east coast that has stunning views and affordable rates and has been around since 1967. Of course, I can’t blame you if you want a taste of the Costa Smeralda experience. If your pockets are deep, then consider staying at Hotel Cala di Volpe, a Luxury Collection Hotel, in the heart of the Emerald Coast, a pink palace with roots dating back to the 1960s, when it was built by the Aga Khan. This is a rare chance to experience the full-bore, billionaire Sardinian lifestyle. The new Baglioni Resort Sardinia is the choice for a very manicured taste of five-star luxury. Then plan on one of the chic-est seafood lunches on the planet at the waterfront Quattropassi al Pescatore in Porto Cervo. Put on your shades and gaze out at the superyachts at anchor while waiting for the Aperol spritzes to arrive. Why should celebrities have all the fun?

By Robert Beringela

Strip away the fuss and the fancy trappings, and you realize that winemaking begins with farming, an earthy, unpretentious practice, rooted in the rhythms of the seasons. It depends on nature’s cooperation—on clean water and healthy soil, on robust vines and pristine fruit. No wonder, in an industry known for reds and whites, so many properties are going “green.”

The shift is evident around the globe, from emergent wine regions in the Southern Hemisphere to old-world appellations in northern Italy: Sustainability is the order of the day, as wineries embrace innovative measures that allow them to tread more lightly on the land. Beneficial to the environment, the results are also good for consumers, giving rise to wines that are uniquely expressing of their surroundings. Here are three eco-minded wineries and their flagship labels.

VILLA MARIA, NEW ZEALAND.

With its low population density, high levels of government regulation and large swaths of postcard-worthy open spaces, New Zealand has a reputation for clean, green living. Not for nothing is the country’s tourism slogan “100 Percent Pure New Zealand.” Against this backdrop, Villa Maria is right at home. Founded as a small Auckland operation in 1961, the winery has gained a global reach, but its carbon footprint keeps shrinking, thanks to recycled glass in its bottles, organic practices in its vineyards and an all-electric fleet of forklifts, in place for the past 11 years. The winery’s packing suppliers are all located within 10 miles of the bottling plant, further minimizing environmental impact. On track to eliminate every bit of waste it sends to landfills within the next three years, Villa Maria also expects to run on 100-percent renewable energy by 2035.

Flagship wine: 2014 Villa Maria Ngakirikiri Cabernet Sauvignon. $100

Tasting notes: Intense aromas of plum and cassis give way to concentrated dark berry flavors in a lush-textured, full-bodied wine that will only gain in complexity from cellaring over the next 10 to 15 years.

ENDRIZZI WINERY, ITALY.

Trentino, in the shadow of the Dolomites, Endrizzi fertilizes the old-fashioned way: chemicals. Manure and other organic materials are used instead. Herbicides have no place property either; weeds are kept at bay through cutting and plowing. Pests are managed too. With nest boxes clustered throughout its vineyards, Endrizzi is a haven for chickaredstarts, sparrows, robins and bats, which gobble up leafhoppers, grapevine moths and other insects. To protect against fungi and powdery mildew, copper, sulfur and other naturally elements are employed. These and other practices took root at Endrizzi in the 1980s, long sustainability became an industry buzzword. In the decades since, the winery’s eco-friendly commitment has only deepened. To preserve water, irrigation only happens in extreme emergencies, harvesting is human-powered: Every grape on property is handpicked.

Flagship wine: Endrizzi Masetto Privé, $85.

notes: With a golden straw color and fine bubbles, this elegant sparkling wine is complex with a long, delightful finish. It’s excellent with aged cheeses, roast duck and light roasts.

SEÑA WINERY, CHILE.

In 1995, Robert Mondavi and the Chilean vintner Eduardo Chadwick collaborated on a pioneering project. Their goal: to produce a world-class Chilean wine, handcrafted in the manner of a Bordeaux-style blend. On a sun-kissed hillside in the Aconcagua Valley, less than 20 miles from the Pacific Ocean, the pair began cultivating Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and other classic red varieties. But to give these Gallic grapes a vivid sense of origin, they made their vineyards biodynamic, which is like organic, only more; it limits outside interference by drawing on natural materials from the property itself. In that way, Seña operates as a self-contained ecosystem, using sprays and fertilizers made from its own composted materials. Along with healthier soil, the approach creates a robust canopy, with resilient vines that can stand up better to drought and heat, and fruit that speaks directly to its terroir.

Flagship wine: Seña 2019. $125.

Tasting notes: This reddish-purple wine lives up to its looks with complex aromas of dark berries and plum. Those same traits are apparent on the palate. This is lush and elegant wine that marries well with hearty roasts but also drinks beautifully on its own.

MING RIVER SICHUAN BAIJIU

Every Thursday since September 2021, the ultra-hip Backbar in Boston’s eclectic Union Square neighborhood has held a ticketed, pop-up event with a vibe straight out of a Prohibition-era speakeasy. What’s served at the Boston Baijiu Bar, as it’s called by those in the know, isn’t illegal, but it is something of a rarity here in the States. That’s remarkable, given that it’s the most popular liquor on Earth.

Baijiu (pronounced bye-joe) is the national spirit of China, a fact that helps explain the numbers. Vodka, whisky, tequila? In worldwide consumption they don’t even come close. Only soju, South Korea’s top-selling booze and a kind of kindred spirit, even gives baijiu a run for its money.

This clear grain alcohol (baijiu translates to “white spirit”) with roots back in the Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644 A.D.) is distilled from fermented sorghum and sometimes grains such as rice and corn. Fermentation is propelled by a combination of yeast, bacteria and, according to some studies, more than 50 mold varieties. Then distillers blend ingredients together and develop the flavor profile.

Baijiu is potent; when CBS newsman Dan Rather quaffed it 50 years ago while covering President Nixon’s trip to China, he pronounced it “liq-

BAIJIU BY THE BOTTLE

FENJIU BAIJIU

It’s no surprise that this brand, often referred to as the “grandfather of Chinese spirits,” is one of the most popular in China, a nation known for its respect for elders. The drink is also celebrated for its light floral and jasmine aroma and soft and sweet taste of melon and herbs.

uid razor blades.” Its taste may strike Westerners at first as weird. But its very uniqueness—added to a growing impulse to broaden palates—helps explain why it’s developing a following outside Asian markets in cities like New York and London as well as Boston.

The liquor is typically classified into four different fragrances—rice, light, strong and sauce—that indicate specific flavors. The mildest flavor, rice, has nutty and ricey notes that make it an easier-entry choice for baijiu rookies. The stronger flavors have more complex palates suggestive of overripe tropical fruit, anise and spicy peppercorn.

Baijius range between 80 and 120 proof, so this is one spirit you won’t want to drink quickly. Though you probably won’t swap out tequila for baijiu in a margarita, the Chinese liquor does mix well in tropical cocktails and with bitter and spicy ingredients. At Backbar it’s often served in small glasses in multiple rounds with meals. Lighter baijius pair well with chicken and seafood, while the strong-aroma varieties are best served with hot and spicy food—think Indian curry or hot stir-fried noodles to replicate an authentic experience of Chinese Sichuan. Now that’s a flavor we know and love!

LUZHOU LAOJIAO BAINIAN BAIJIU

Its name means century, but the tradition of processing baijiu in Luzhou cellars goes well beyond 100 years. Those lucky enough to try this spirit experience a fermented peach aroma that gives way to a subtly floral palate and a smooth finish.

KWEICHOW MOUTAI

Considered one of China’s premium brands, this baijiu is typically used during celebratory toasts. Its aroma and taste are both described as resembling soy sauce, pear and almond with a smooth, cocoa-powder finish.

Third Time’sThe Charm

An old adage comes to mind when New Jersey natives Kate and Kevin Cox look back on their wedding, an adage about the third try bringing success.

Their plans changed first when they switched the ceremony from New Jersey to Florida. “It was fun to see people we hadn’t seen in over a year because of the pandemic,” Kate says. And that would never have happened if the pandemic hadn’t shut the door on their planned Sept. 26, 2020, ceremony, initially set for Jasna Polana, a country club in Princeton. COVID seemed to steer them toward Naples, Florida, where Kate’s parents have a second home—and where pandemic protocol didn’t frown so much on gatherings. And southwest Florida had always been a happy place not only for Kate, but also for Kevin, whose family too vacations there.

But when The Club at Mediterra (her parents’ country club) banned indoor gatherings itself, even the Sunshine State seemed to be raining on their parade.

By Donna Rolando Photography by Amy Rizzuto Photography

“That one hurt because we thought we were finally in the clear,” says Kate, who had already booked most of her wedding vendors.

The couple understood, of course, that for many families, COVID had caused dislocations far more serious than a shift in wedding venues. But they hoped to stick with their second wedding date, April 24, 2021, keep the vendors and go ahead with the ceremony— safely—if they could. They happened to be in Florida when they got the bad news about Mediterra, and immediately began hunting for an alternate venue. The third venue was 10 minutes away at The Club at Olde Cypress, also in Naples.

“One of the reasons we’d wanted to get married at Mediterra was because the grounds are really spectacular,” Kate says. She

gained “a little bit of both worlds” when Mediterra allowed access for a few photos.

Once the wedding day arrived, the jitters were gone (the ones associated with planning the ceremony, anyway), and warm sunshine welcomed an outdoor ceremony with a string quartet and an open-air reception under the full moon. “All of their dancing was under twinkle lights,” says photographer Amy Rizzuto, and the bride notes that the dance floor was “packed the entire night.”

Another highlight of the occasion—not one for dry eyes—was when Kate, the oldest of three daughters, arrived by trolley and saw her dad. “It was a very emotional moment,” Rizzuto recalls.

For her special look, Kate wore a Caroline Castigliano bead-andlace gown with Jimmy Choo pumps and J. Vincent jewelry. She had met Castigliano at a Connecticut trunk show and they collaborated on the perfect dress.

The ceremony drew 120 guests, who had their choice of two cocktail hours, the indoor with a raw bar and a “fun twist”— The Vanderbilt Strings performing modern hits.

Of course, COVID shutdowns were unheard of when Kevin popped the question in May 2019 while the pair were in Maine hiking—one of many favorite activities these former bank-tech workmates discovered they have in common. Now the couple, in their 30s, live in South Jersey, where Kate is starting to love football almost as much as Kevin does.

Kate and Kevin pose for photos on the lush grounds of The Club at Mediterra in Naples, Florida. Blending well with the setting, Kate’s bouquet combines white and green florals such as orchids and rose lilies.

Clockwise, from left: Bridesmaids in sage-colored silk from Bec & Bridge; the newlyweds take their first walk down the aisle; time to relax with champagne on the trolley; The Vanderbilt Strings; an official wedding welcome.

Clockwise, from left: Festivities at The Club at Olde Cypress, coordinated by Jonathan Amiel, the food and beverage director; the couple’s first dance as the Finesse Band played “Joy of My Life;” strawberry-and-cream cake; elegant place settings with green-and-white florals.

ARTFUL. ORGANIC. PERFECT!

Marco Bicego 18k yellow gold Jaipur Link charm short necklace, 18“, $2,830. Marco Bicego 18k yellow gold Jaipur Link charm long necklace, 29.5”, $4,470. Marco Bicego

18K yellow gold Africa Collection medium diamond ring with round diamonds weighing 0.58 carat total weight, $4,420. Marco Bicego 18k yellow gold Lunaria a lobo small French wire earrings, $955.