James Free FW22: Cincinnati

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MEDALLIONS COLLECTION

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Designers

THE PEARL KING

Kokichi Mikimoto was a pioneer who created the world’s first-ever cultured pearls. A century later, If you want something that doesn’t exist, invent it yourself.

That’s what Kokichi Mikimoto did, who set out to create cultured pearls—pearls that have been manipulated by humans— when he realized the supply of natural pearls was diminishing. And if it weren’t for Kokichi’s gumption and determination, we may not have pearls today at all.

Born in 1858, Kokichi spent much of his early life on the water in his seaside Japanese village, where he realized that the sea’s supply of natural pearls was running scarce.

He was fascinated by the science behind this and wanted to bring the beauty of pearls to the masses—and he wanted more for himself than to be a vegetable salesman to help support his family. So, around age 30, Kokichi and his wife Ume took out a loan to establish an oyster farm at the Shinmei inlet, now called Mikimoto Pearl Island. The process of cultivating pearls took a lot of trial and error, but ultimately, in 1893, Kokichi cultured the world’s first semi-spherical pearl; he discovered that by inserting a particle into the flesh of the oyster, it would stimulate nacre secretions and thus create a lustrous cultured pearl.

In 1896, he obtained a patent for his pearl cultivating process, but it took a few more years (and a few lawsuits) thereafter for naysayers to believe in his invention.

and New York. “My dream is to adorn the necks of all women around the world

“My dream is to adorn the necks of all women around the world with pearls.

with pearls,” he once said.

—Kokichi Mikomoto

Eventually, he began marketing his creations through newspapers and ads, but also through national exhibitions. He’d display his extravagant cultured pearl designs around the world, and opened jewelry boutiques in Tokyo, London, Paris

Kokichi, who was nicknamed the “Pearl King,” worked right up util his death in 1954 at age 96, leaving behind his legacy as the first person to culture both white akoya pearls and black South Sea pearls.

For the last century, Mikimoto’s eponymous brand has offered the world’s finest collection of cultured pearl jewelry. Each piece is timeless and modern, traditional and innovative, with the utmost attention to detail. James Free is a proud retailer of Mikimoto; come visit us in-store to see Mikimoto’s pearls up close, and choose the piece(s) you’ll cherish for generations to come.

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Designers

PEARL PERFECTION “My dream is to adorn the necks of all women around the world with pearls.” — Kokichi Mikimoto Mikimoto Jeux De Rubans South Sea cultured pearl necklace and earrings

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CONTENTS

F/W 2022

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COVER AND FEATURED PIECE BY PICCHIOTTI

THE PEARL KING

Kokichi Mikimoto was a pioneer who created the world’s first-ever cultured pearls.

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PEARL PERFECTION

Kokichi Mikomoto’s dream is to “adorn the necks of all women around the world with pearls.”

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AT YOUR SERVICE

Service has always been the heartbeat of James Free Jewelers.

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BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL

Layer on contrasting colors in this season’s can’t-miss color combination.

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FULL SCALE

From timeless diamonds to precious stones, ultimate luxury is always on trend.

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JUST ADD COLOR

Introduce a pop of color into your everyday look with Roberto Coin’s standout pieces.

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FLASHES OF COLOR

Kaleidoscopic gems with a lot of details allow the beauty of color to shine through.

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IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Find everyday elegance in Marco Bicego’s timeless creations.

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STAR GIFTS OF THE SEASON

Get into the spirit of giving and receiving at James Free.

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HONEYMOONS YOU’LL LOVE

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3 PERFECT PAIRINGS

A renowned sommelier-turnedwine-director suggests a trio of apt varietals to for your three-course meal.

36 FACE TIME

More than just perfect timekeepers, these watches are wearable works of art that are suitable for any occasion.

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POLO, ANYONE?

Two luxury watches owe their origins to an ancient game played on horseback.

Make your wedding trip extra special by choosing a stunning, faraway destination.

50 FIVE STAR SIPS

You know these performers, but have you tasted their bold forays into the booze biz?

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A FLYING CADILLAC?

The personal travel drone from America’s biggest automaker isn’t yet being mass-produced, but already it has a name to live up to.

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ONE MOMENT, ONE LOVE

Share your love with a Momenti ring, and create a lasting memory.

JAMES FREE

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At Your Service

HOLIDAY HOURS

2022

STARTING DEC 12TH

SHIPPING

Monday-Friday 10am to 8pm Saturdays 10am-5pm Sunday Dec 11th Noon-5pm Sunday Dec 18th Noon-5pm

Next day shipping available

COMPLIMENTARY GIFT WRAP Any purchase from James Free Jewelers can be beautifully wrapped

CINCINNATI OH USA 9555 Main Street Montgomery, OH 45242 513 793 0177 888 844 0133 DAYTON OH USA 3100 Far Hills Avenue Kettering, OH 45429 937 298 0171 800 647 0031

SERVICES Since 1940, generations have trusted James Free with expert repair of their precious timepieces and jewelry.

CLEANING/MAINTENANCE: We invite you to bring in your jewelry/timepiece for a complimentary cleaning.

APPRAISALS: Ensure your most treasured pieces have the correct and formal documentation of value.

REPAIRS: We have hundreds of years of experience in jewelry/timepiece repairs. Most repairs completed in-house.

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Designers

BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL Layer on contrasting colors in this season’s can’t miss color combination.

Marco Bicego Africa Short Gemstone and Pearl Necklace; Marco Bicego Jaipur Diamond Pave Stackable Ring; Marco Bicego Jaipur Diamond Pave Stud Earrings; Marco Bicego Paradise Lariat Necklace; Marco Bicego Jaipur Brushed Double Row Ring; Marco Bicego Africa Bead Medium Collar Necklace; Marco Bicego Africa Graduated Double Wave Necklace with Jaipur Pendant with Pave Diamonds; Marco Bicego Africa Diamond Ring; Marco Bicego Africa Diamond Large Stud Earrings; Marco Bicego Paradise Gemstone and Pearl Single Strand Bracelet; Marco Bicego Paradise Mixed Stone Single Strand Bracelet

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Fine Jewelry

FULL SCALE

From timeless diamonds to precious stones, ultimate luxury is always on trend.

Piranesi 17 Inches Diamond Necklace; Piranesi Platinum Emerald and Diamond Halo Flower Drop Earrings; Piranesi platinum Blue Sapphire and Diamond Hidden Halo Flower Drop Earrings; Piranesi pear shaped Blue Sapphire and Diamond Double Flower Ring; Piranesi Platinum Emerald Cut Diamond and Emerald Ring.

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Designers

JUST ADD COLOR Introduce a pop of color into your everyday look with Roberto Coin’s standout pieces.

Roberto Coin Venetian Princess Collection and Cialoma Collection

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Fine Jewelry

FLASHES OF COLOR Kaleidoscopic gems with a lot of details allow the beauty of color to shine through.

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Sloane Street Peridot and Blue Topaz Bubble Ring, $3,105; James Free Feather White Sapphire and Tsavorite Earrings, $5,230; Sloane Street Amethyst Double Halo Ring, $2,575; James Free London Blue Topaz Three Stone Ring, $1,595; Sloane Street Amethyst And Diamond Halo Drop Earrings, $3,315; Sloane Street Blue Topaz and Peridot Diamond Bubble Earrings, $3,830; Sloane Street Blue Topaz Ombre Chandelier Earrings, $5,325; Sloane Street Blue Topaz and Diamond Ring, $5,132; Sloane Street Blue Topaz Ring, $3,115; Sloane Street Dangle Blue Topaz and Diamond Earrings, $2,895; Sloane Street Blue Topaz with Diamond Halo Ring, $2,510; Sloane Street Amethyst Eternity Ring, $605; Sloane Street Peridot Eternity Ring, $585; Sloane Street Blue Topaz Eternity Ring, $575; Roberto Demeglio “Extensible” Emerald Cut Rainbow Sapphire Bracelet, $16,780; Roberto Demeglio “Extensible” Emerald Cut Sapphire Rainbow Bracelet, $8,380; Roberto Demeglio “Extensible” Emerald Cut Rainbow Sapphire Bracelet, $16,780.

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Designers

IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS Find everyday elegance in Marco Bicego’s timeless creations.

Marco Bicego Lunaria Collection

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C R A F T

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Gift Guide

Dana Rebecca Ava Bea Interval Trio Diamond Necklace, $2,995

From the James Free Collection

Messika Move Uno Diamond Ring, $990

STAR GIFTS OF THE SEASON Get into the spirit of giving and receiving at James Free.

Mikimoto Akoya Pearl Drop Earrings, $1,500

John Hardy Asli Link Chain Pearl Bracelet, $995

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Roberto Coin Cialoma Open Heart Diamond Necklace, $4,990

Mikimoto Akoya Pearl Chain Bracelet, $1,800

Roberto Coin Navarra Extra Large Diamond Hoop Earrings, $9,750

Marco Bicego Lunaria Double Drop Earrings, $3,050

Dana Rebecca Ava Bea Triple Drop Earrings, $880

Sloane Street Navy Blue Enamel Diamond Band, $695; Sloane Street Turquoise Blue Enamel Diamond Band, $695

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Gift Guide

John Hardy Classic Chain Link Drop Necklace, $3,700

James Free Diamond Link Bracelet, $4,850

Messika Move Uno Stud Diamond Earrings, $3,120

Goshwara Garnet Diamond Earrings, $1,950

James Free Turquoise Enamel Diamond Huggie Earrings, $750

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John Hardy Asli Classic Link Chain Drop Earrings, $595

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Goshwara Amethyst Emerald-Cut East West Pendant, $1,650

Marco Bicego Lunaria Diamond Ring, $9,055

Roberto Coin Navarra Diamond 3 Link Drop Earrings, $4,600

Messika Move Diamond Necklace, $3,990

Gabriel and Co. Diamond and Beaded Double Huggies, $1,665

Mikimoto Akoya Pearl and Diamond Circle Earrings, $1,950

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Grape

3 PERFECT PAIRINGS Why not make dinner special by choosing a wine to match each course? Here, a renowned sommelier-turned-wine-director suggests a trio of apt varietals.

No law says you can’t get away with serving just one great wine at your next get-together. But maybe, given the vagaries of the past year and a half, it’s your first for a while, and you’d like to step it up. To make the evening truly memorable, you can pair each course of your meal with its own bottle, one chosen to complement its individual flavors.

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CHOCOLATE: When eating something sweet, Fortgang prefers drinking

something sweet or savory with it. He loves dark chocolate with Banyuls, a dessert wine with some spice and herbalness from the Roussillon region in Southern France. A nuttier, oak-aged Tawny port is his ideal companion for milk chocolate, while he leans toward an amber-hued Madeira, made with white grapes, for white chocolate treats.

BOTTLES TO TRY: Dark chocolate: Domaine de la Casa Blanca Banyuls, $27 Milk chocolate: Ramos Pinto Quinta da Ervamoira 10-Year Tawny, $41 White chocolate: Rare Wine Company Boston Bual Madeira, $60

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Grape

CHARCUTERIE:

When assembling a plate of meat, cheese, fruit and veggies for a crowd, our expert likes to drink a wine from the country that the food on the charcuterie platter comes from: Italy, Spain or France, for example. “It doesn’t mean it’s a better pairing, but I like that connection,” he says. Generally speaking, though, this type of appetizer works best with a dry white wine like the Fino en Rama Sherry. “This is an unfiltered pinot, so it has a little more weight and texture but is still bright and dry,” Fortgang says of the selection.

BOTTLE TO TRY: Valdespino Manzanilla en Rama Deliciosa, $15

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STEAK ENTRÉE: Many of us associate juicy steak with a

nice bottle of red, and Fortgang agrees.

“With steak, you have to have a wine that either has the tannin or the acidity,” he says. And the type of red you opt for depends on how you serve the main course. If you’re preparing your meat with lots of herbs and veggies, he likes a Cabernet Franc from Bourgueil. “It has weight and structure and depth and herbaceous qualities to mirror what you’re cooking,” he says. A barbecuesaucy steak is great with a Grenache (Garnacha), which has spicy and fruity flavors.

BOTTLES TO TRY: Herbed/grilled: Domaine de la Butte Bourgueil (Cabernet Franc), $40 Barbecue flavor: Grenache (Garnacha), La Bruja de Rozas, Comando G, $30

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Timepieces

FACE TIME

More than just the perfect timekeepers, these watches are wearable works of art that are suitable for any occasion.

Breitling Premier B09 Chronograph 40, Pistachio Green Ref. AB0930D31L1P1; Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Duoface Stainless Ref. Q3988482; Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M Co-Axial Master Chronometer Ref. 220.12.41.21.03.005; Oris Aquis Date Relief Cherry Ref. 01 733 7730 4158-07 8 24 05PEB; IWC Schaffhausen Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Ref. IW503605

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Anti-magnetic.

5-day power reserve.

10-year warranty.

The new ProPilot X is powered by Oris Calibre 400.

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Profile

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POLO, ANYONE?

Two luxury watches owe their origins to an ancient game played on horseback.

The polo field was the birthplace of one of the most inventive luxury watches ever designed, the Reverso by Jaeger-LeCoultre. A true sport watch, the Reverso was the brainchild of businessman César de Trey. After watching British military officers play polo in India in 1930, de Trey sought to find a way to protect players’ wristwatches from the obvious risks that went along with riding

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Profile

Clockwise from top right: The entire Jaeger-LeCoultre collection is manufactured in Vallée de Joux in Switzerland; the brand’s watches are all made under one roof—here, the company’s original building; Jaeger-LeCoultre’s headquarters today.

horses at high speeds while swinging a mallet. He approached Jacques-

28.3 millimeters and is presented on a light brown strap with stainless steel

David LeCoultre with an idea about a case that could be flipped over, and

double-folding buckle. It is waterproof to approximately 30 meters and has a

the two engaged French designer René-Alfred Chauvot. On March 4, 1931,

power reserve of 42 hours.

Chauvot filed an application with the Paris patent office registering “a

The Reverso Tribute evokes the original Reverso, with its trapezoidal

watch capable of sliding in its support and being completely turned over.”

applied indexes echoing the form of the Dauphine hands to create a modern

Nine months later, the Reverso was born.

interpretation of the original watch. Also powered by caliber 854A, the

The Reverso’s subtle art deco lines and unique, pioneering reversible case

Tribute features an understated silvered gray dial with velvety Clous de

have made it one of the world’s most recognizable watches. The inventive-

Paris Guilloché and applied hour markers on one side and on the other, a

ness and ingenuity found in the original live on today in the Jaeger-LeCoul-

sunray-brushed blue dial reminiscent of the colorful models first made in

tre collection, which includes the Monoface, the Duetto and the Duoface.

1931. It displays two time zones and features a practical day/night indicator

Like the original, the Monoface flips from a single watch face to a blank surface, allowing for personalization with monograms, emblems and messages created using lacquer, hand-engraving or enamel. The Duetto Reverso features two faces, allowing the wearer to flip between them at will. The Duoface Reverso boasts two dials that display two different time zones powered remarkably by a single movement. Two elegant examples of the Duoface are the Reverso Classic and the Reverso Tribute.

Featuring the original three-lined gadroons and 12 Arabic numerals, two-toned finished dials and sword hands, the Reverso Classic Duoface Small Seconds offers a timeless design for elegant travelers. Driven by a single manual wind movement, caliber

and 24-hour display, as well as a small seconds sub-dial. Measuring 47 millimeters by 28.3 millimeters, the stainless-steel case of the Tribute is fitted with a blue leather strap specially designed by Casa Fagliano, which has been a world-renowned Argentinian polo bootmaker for five generations. Casa Fagliano handcrafts the Reverso’s watch strap with the same cordovan leather used to make its signature polo boots. It takes the family 24 hours to make a single strap from scratch. Waterproof to approximately 30 meters and with a power reserve of 42 hours, the Tribute is an understated homage to the history of the iconic Reverso and the perfect timepiece for the refined world traveler.

Both the Reverso Classic Duoface and the Reverso Tribute Duoface—along with the entire JaegerLeCoultre collection—are manufactured and assem-

854A, the vertically brushed, silvered gray face

bled under one roof in Vallée de Joux in Switzerland,

with Guilloché treatment and black transferred

as they have been since 1833, when Antoine

numerals indicates hours and minutes, and fea-

LeCoultre transformed his family’s small barn

tures a small seconds sub-dial, while the watch’s

into a watchmaking atelier with the intention of

black face with Clous de Paris Guilloché displays

creating timepieces of great accuracy.

a second time zone as well as a 24-hour sub-dial with day/night indicator. Offered in stainless steel, the large format watch measures 47 millimeters by

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The Reverso Classic Duoface and the Reverso Tribute Duoface begin at $10,200 and $11,900 respectively.

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Travel

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HONEYMOONS YOU’LL LOVE

Your wedding trip will be a cherished memory; make it extra special by choosing a stunning, faraway destination.

Honeymoons are all about possibilities. The place you choose to visit for these golden days and nights will be linked in memory (and maybe in a scrapbook and/ or on an Instagram account) with your brightest hopes and dreams for as long as you live. Happily, there’s a world full of possible destinations. For instance:

MOROCCO— FOR CULTURE

Rich in history and boasting gorgeous scenery such as mosques, gardens and palaces, Morocco, especially Marrakech, is seriously honeymoon-ready.

There’s plenty to do here, from treks to the souk to a day at the beach or a hike in the mountains, followed by those classic Arabian nights. This North African locale is famous for its bohemian aesthetic and vibrant prints; take some romantic photos on the sand or with the Atlas Mountains in the background. Indulge in local delicacies such as rich mint tea and tagine. Plus, the weather is perfect here almost all year round, with subtropical temperatures and a gentle breeze from the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. Hotels to consider: Kasbah Bab Ourika, a rustic yet luxurious retreat with spectacular mountain views; La Mamounia, the prestigious granddame (and celebrity-adored) hotel of Marrakech; Riad Farnatchi, a quaint boutique hotel in Medina with an award-winning spa.

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Travel

GREECE— FOR ISLAND SCENERY

There’s a reason half of your Instagram friends have been to Greece—it’s easily one of the most romantic spots in Europe, as well as one of the most beautiful. And oh, those Greek islands! Oia in Santorini has a world-famous sunset, cobblestone streets and blue-roofed homes that promise the most incredible honeymoon pics. But choose any of the islands, on which you’ll revel in crystal-clear water and stunning seaside views and taste some of the freshest fish and seafood you’ll ever consume. You and your newly minted spouse can enjoy low-key sightseeing, beachgoing or boating on the Aegean Sea, and/or party at the world-famous clubs in Mykonos.

Hotels to consider: Canaves Oia in Santorini, with suites built into caves and views of the Aegean; San Giorgio Hotel in Mykonos, for couples who want both waterfront views and a vibrant nightlife scene; Klidon Dreamy Living Suites in Mykonos, for a private two-person hot tub and insane sunset views from your balcony.

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CANADA’S WHISTLER— FOR SKIING

If you’re an outdoorsy pair, there’s truly no better honeymoon haven than Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. On a warm summer’s day or atop a snowy mountain in winter— either will be equally memorable—you can make family history exploring a cultural center, an art museum or—of course—a lavish ski lodge. Ski, snowboard or snowshoe (if it’s cold out), or opt to go hiking, bungee jumping or window shopping at the area’s many boutiques.

Hotels to consider: Whistler Blackcomb, the largest ski resort in the region, with a variety of rustic-inspired spaces; Four Seasons Resort & Residences Whistler, for topnotch service and proximity to the Canadian wilderness; Fairmont Chateau Whistler, located in the upper village with stunning mountain views and luxurious accommodations.

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Travel

AUSTRALIA— FOR WINE

It’d be an obvious choice for oenophiles to honeymoon in Napa, and a long trip does have its downside. But delights await you if you toast your recent nuptials Down Under. Many varietals are cultivated in Aussie vineyards, with Shiraz the most popular type. You’d be surprised at the romance and charm of an Australian winery, and of course it will treat your palates to some of the world’s best whites and reds. In your “off hours,” venture out to metropolitan cities such as Sydney and Melbourne, or book a few more days of relaxation along the shores of the country’s Gold Coast.

Hotels to consider: South of Melbourne there are Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill, a boutique hotel nestled among 34 acres of vineyards and gardens, and Jackalope Hotel Mornington Peninsula, the region’s most lavish five-star hotel, with a large terrace and infinity pool. And northwest of Sydney you’ll find Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, private villas with three all-inclusive meals daily.

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ICELAND— FOR NATURE

This Nordic island nation is a unique wedding-trip destination, perfect for outdoorsy, adventurous folk who see rain on these special days as a sign of good luck, not a parade dampener. It’s not often sunny in Iceland, but foggy skies and misty mountains make for stunning vistas, and those raindrops make things cozy when seen on the window from safely indoors. Gorgeous spots in Iceland to visit include the Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach in Vik, two glaciers called Langjökull and Vatnajökull and the geothermal natural spa in Reykjavik, the Instagram-famous Blue Lagoon.

Hotels to consider: 101 Hotel in Reykjavik, a boutique hotel in the capital’s city center next to the Icelandic Opera House; Hotel Rangá in South Iceland, a log cabin-inspired country retreat; The Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland, with award-winning architecture and the chance to take in the Midnight Sun phenomenon from your patio.

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Spirits

FIVE STAR SIPS You know these performers, but have you tasted their bold forays into the booze biz?

When a TV headliner makes a movie it seems natural; a screen actor releasing an album of songs is less common, but still not exactly “man bites dog.” These days, however, a gaggle of showbiz celebrities is branching out further—into the spirits world. They’re pouring talents that can’t be bottled into a product that can, giving a whole new meaning to the phrase “creating buzz” and helping to endow chosen liquors with star power of their own:

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GEORGE CLOONEY Casamigos Tequila This 61-year-old actor totes a heavy bag of Hollywood hardware, including three Golden Globes and two Oscars, and plays significant social roles as a philanthropist and political influencer, but he’s also a major player in the world of spirits. His impact started in the early 2010s while he was looking for local tequilas to stock at his vacation home in Cabo San Lucas. When none of the offerings suited his taste, he sought to make his own. Along with his friend Rande Gerber and developer Mike Meldman, Clooney founded Casamigos Tequila Company in 2013, making a spirit that not only tasted great but also felt cool when consumed straight or on the rocks. As with anything Clooney touches (even his comparative box-office bust Batman & Robin was 1997’s 10th highestgrossing film), the tequila turned to gold and doubled in sales each year. But star power wasn’t the only thing behind Casamigos’ big numbers; Clooney and company knew good tequila too. The flavor profile is unlike many other varieties, as traditional herbal and citrus notes aren’t as prevalent as smooth caramel and black pepper. This makes it an ideal sip, whether it’s neat, on the rocks or mixed in a delicious cocktail. Just four years after starting the company, the team sold its operations to beverage magnate Diageo in a deal worth $1 billion.

FALL / WINTER 2022

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BRUNO MARS SelvaRey Rum

KATE HUDSON King St. Vodka

It’s no surprise that mixologists concocted a drink inspired by and named after Bruno Mars’ punchy groove “24K Magic,” but that cocktail isn’t the music star’s first connection to the spirits world. When Mars, who was born Peter Hernandez in Hawaii in 1985, started performing small gigs throughout the U.S., he connected with SelvaRey, a Panamanian company that catered his events and parties. And soon after he broke through with his part in “Uptown Funk,” Mars purchased a stake in the company, which produces a line of popular rums. The prize of the collection, however, is SelvaRey Owner’s Reserve, released last year. Though Mars technically co-owns the brand with brothers Seth and Marc Gold and Robert Herzig, he is the “owner” in this case. Mars worked with master distiller Don Francisco Fernandez to create this drink, a blend of 15- and 25-yearold rums that was then aged in oak barrels.

The pop star not only controlled its taste—it has smooth notes of toffee, hazelnut and vanilla—but also designed the shape and color of the statuesque bottle, logo and box.

And why not? He does make magic, after all.

Though some of her rom-coms have flopped and the athleisure line she founded may fall out of trend, Kate Hudson’s labor-of-love vodka brand will always be perfect for any martini. The 43-year-old actress-slash-entrepreneur took a stab at the world of liquor in 2019 for one reason: She wanted a vodka that truly satisfied her own palate. What she created was King St. Vodka, a 100 percent glutenfree beverage crafted with alkaline water that’s “7x distilled for purity.” Named for a Greenwich Village street where Hudson once lived and welcomed guests, the vodka has done more than gain the favor of her current celebrity pals: VinePair gave it an A-minus rating, while Jeff Ellingson, popular liquor critic and founder of the Best Tasting Spirits blog, awarded its Silver Medal to King St. And despite the vodka’s feminine rose-wrapped label, which was Hudson’s idea, its neutral palate and peppery finish would likely please Mr. Martini himself, James Bond.

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10/13/22 9:24 AM

DRAKE Virginia Black Whiskey

RYAN REYNOLDS Aviation American Gin

At just 36, Toronto-born Aubrey Drake Graham is already a multifaceted global phenom. It’s tough to bet against anything he has his hands on, from making hit records and writing chart toppers to starring on the big screen and being the global ambassador of an NBA franchise (the Toronto Raptors).

So when he teamed with spirits industry giant Brent Hocking, founder of the original DeLeón Tequila (which is now controlled

by Diageo and Sean “Diddy” Combs), to create Virginia Black Whiskey in 2016, the result was an almost instant success.

Entertainers and athletes alike enjoy a sip from the champagnelike, black-and-gold bottle, but it appeals to everyone else as well. It’s smooth on the palate with hints of toffee, vanilla and orange on the finish, a flavor that helped the spirit earn 91 points and a spot in Wine Enthusiast’s list of Top 100 Spirits of 2017.

In most cases, the after-1 a.m. crowd at your local watering hole can’t distinguish the merits of a good cocktail, so their gin-and-tonics are often mixed using the house liquor.

That’s passable for last call, but those with a more discerning palate deserve better. And Christian Krogstad and Ryan Magarian gave them better in 2006, when the duo first produced what is now called Aviation American Gin (Aviation, for short) in Portland, Ore. Its flavor starts with heavy rye and lavender followed by juniper, cardamom and orange. Wine Enthusiast magazine once gave it a 97-point rating, the highest grade the magazine had ever given to a gin. That caught the attention of actor and gin aficionado Ryan Reynolds, who bought a stake in the premium liquor company in 2018 and retained his minority ownership when spirits giant Diageo took over the brand in 2020 for $610 million. Reynolds also still remains the face of the brand (not a bad-looking face), appearing in multiple places on the gin’s website. Also handsome are the gin’s Art Deco-inspired bottle and FALL / WINTER 2022

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Pursuits

A FLYING CADILLAC?

The personal travel drone from America’s biggest automaker isn’t yet being mass-produced, but already it has a name to live up to. By Donna Rolando General Motors has kept Cadillac’s penchant for luxury and given

presentation by CEO Mary Barra. But while it’s only a vision today,

it wings. The epitome of sleek, this single-passenger drone is com-

it shows what Cadillac’s maker has on its mind.

pletely autonomous, with helicopter-like landing prowess. The ul-

Of course, GM isn’t alone in exploring the aerial taxi idea. Others

tra-lightweight design in stealth black features four sets of rotors at

like Aston Martin and Hyundai are also looking to the sky and the

varying heights and a cabin with at least one bucket seat—since you

urban air mobility sector, which Morgan Stanley says could be a $15

can’t start or finish spelling “Cadillac” without that “c” for comfort.

trillion market by 2040.

GM’s first venture into aero-mobility, this baby is streamlined and futuristic to the max, with bonus panoramic views.

Imagine the commute it could enable, free of traffic jams and

“We are preparing for a world where advances in electric and autonomous technology make personal air travel possible,” says Michael Simcoe, GM’s global design chief, in the online publication

without a single red light. Parking hassles? Pshaw! The drone

TechCrunch. “It is a concept design for the moment when time is of

would navigate the city from rooftop to rooftop with the powers of

the essence and convenience is everything.”

vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL).

The Federal Aviation Admin-

Gas misery would also be a

istration says limited air

quaint memory, as the drone is

taxi services may be fea-

all-electric, with a GM

sible by 2023. So why not

Ultium battery system and

Cadillac? The name evokes

90-kilowatt hour motor. Air-to-

adventure and luxury. The

ground and air-to-air communication

French explorer Antoine de la Mothe Ca-

would mean you’re never out of touch.

dillac established in 1701 the settlement

But before you rush to the showroom,

that became Detroit. And the car brand

know this: GM’s Cadillac drone isn’t

Cadillac is known for innovation, starting

yet available for purchase. The company

with the interchangeable parts that led to

whetted America’s appetite by revealing

the mass production of automobiles.

the concept at the 2021 virtual Consum-

It isn’t time to buy a Cadillac drone

er Electronics Show as part of a keynote

just yet. But keep your eyes on the sky.

Sporting a sleek, futuristic design, this Cadillac drone would enable rapid treks through the city—even at rush hour.

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