Lux Bond & Green: Fall/Winter 2023 by Wainscot Media

ACCENT ACCENT · THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS · HOLIDAY 2022

ACCENT: THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATION

THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS · HOLIDAY 2023

LUX BOND & GREEN CELEBRATING 125 YEARS

125th ANNIVERSARY EDITION

HOLIDAY 2023

LUX BOND & GREEN JEWELERS SINCE 1898

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contents fall/winter 2023

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PRESIDENT & CEO John A. Green CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Cassie Wildman

A DV E RT I S I N G & M A R K E T I N G DIRECTOR Andrea Mascaro GRAPHIC DESIGNER Paden Dickinson

EDITOR IN CHIEF Rita Guarna C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R Stephen Vitarbo S E N I O R A S S O C I AT E E D I T O R Darius Amos LIFESTYLE EDITOR Haley Longman

A Message from John & Norma Jean Green The Giving Season The Lux Bond & Green Guide Lux Social Fall for These Timepieces The 24 Hours of Le Mans Men’s Gifts Watch Collector: Idris Elba The Tudor Tradition Lux Giftware Trend Alert Indulgence: Pilotless Storms of Color The Good Times Celebrating 125 Years: A History of LBG Lux Love Stories A Modern Classic How Sweet It Is Portugal’s Wild Secret Peak Luxury The Earth Makes Waves Museum Marvels Minimalist by Nature Just Breathe

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Christen Fisher, Leslie Garisto Pfaff, Everett Potter, Donna Rolando

PUBLISHER Lizette Chin A DV E R T I S I N G / P R O D U C T I O N SERVICES Penny Boag, Griff Dowden, Christopher Ferrante, Jacquelynn Fischer, Catherine Rosario

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Leading the Charge A Promise Made at Sea Women at the Helm Spice It Up The Pets of LBG Japan’s Secret Drink The Delicato Collection At Your Service Here’s to I Do 125 Acts of Kindness Initiative

ACCO U N T I N G Kasie Carleton, Urszula Janeczko, Steven Resnick PUBLISHED BY Wainscot Media CHAIRMAN Carroll V. Dowden PRESIDENT & CEO Mark Dowden SENIOR VICE PRESIDENTS Lizette Chin, Rita Guarna VICE PRESIDENTS Nigel Edelshain, Thomas Flannery, Noelle Heffernan, Maria Regan, Steven Resnick

Jewelry has been enlarged to show detail. Due to the fluctuating prices of diamonds, gold and platinum, prices are subject to change without notice and may vary depending on size, quality and availability. While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information in this magazine, we are not responsible for errors or omissions. ACCENT is published by Wainscot Media, 1 Maynard Drive, Park Ridge NJ 07656, in association with Lux Bond & Green. Copyright © 2023 by Wainscot Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Editorial Contributions: Write to Editor, Lux Bond & Green, 1 Maynard Drive, Park Ridge NJ 07656. The magazine is not responsible for the return or loss of unsolicited submissions. Subscription Services: To change an address or request a subscription, write to Subscriptions, Lux Bond & Green, 1 Maynard Drive, Park Ridge NJ 07656, or by telephone at 201.573.5541. Advertising Inquiries: Contact Lizette Chin at 201.571.2077 or lizette.chin@wainscotmedia.com. Printed In The U.S.A. Volume 21, Issue 2. © 2023

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WELCOME This is our 125th celebration issue of Accent magazine for Lux Bond & Green Jewelers. We feel very blessed as a family business to celebrate this milestone with less than 1 percent of all private businesses being able to claim this distinction. This year we have been very fortunate to have been recognized for our commitments to our communities and our industry. The long-standing relationships with our multi-generational customers, long tenured staff, and incredible partnerships with the likes of Rolex, Roberto Coin, David Yurman, Simon Pearce, and so many others, keep us grounded every day. Our family of 90 professionals will continue to work toward exceeding your expectations with great service and values as we represent the world’s finest watches, diamonds, jewelry and gifts for many years to come. Visit our beautiful stores or our online shopping and social media connections, which continue to expand, making the shopping journey comfortable and exciting. As we celebrate together this fall and holiday season, Accent magazine offers wonderful stories, articles and pictorials of our traditions of the past and future. The relationship we have with each of you and our communities is so important to our family, and the opportunities to give back have never been more important. Enjoy the commemorative issue of Accent magazine, as our team worked very hard to make this the best ever. Cheers and warm wishes to the Lux Bond & Green family, you and your families, and our community, for good health, happiness, great friends, holidays, and a peaceful new year ahead.

The Green Family

Charlie, Norma, John and Ruby Green

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VENETIAN PRINCESS

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the giving season

Lustrous pearls, shiny diamonds, stackable chains: These are a few of her favorite things. These high-end jewelry brands, customer favorites at Lux Bond & Green, have just what she’s hoping for this holiday season.

david yurman

“It isn’t about one piece of jewelry,” says Sybil Yurman, co-founder of the brand named after her husband, in the David Yurman Cable book. “It’s about a lifestyle, and an ease—casual, playful and beautiful.” And that’s been the impetus of this New York-based design house since its inception in 1980: unmatched craftsmanship and artistry. David Yurman’s signature is undoubtedly the Cable motif, a twisted helix made of various types of precious metal, its ends often embellished with precious stones or pavé diamonds. The Sculpted Cable Collection is the latest evolution of the iconic Cable design, a carved relief that references the dimensional look of the original Cable. The necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings are reimagined this season in finer, thinner silhouettes that lie flat on the body for effortless style. Consider the ladies in your life intrigued.

All, the Sculpted Cable Collection. Clockwise from top left: 18K yellow gold pavé ring, $14,500; 18K yellow gold pavé necklace, $49,000; 18K yellow gold pavé earrings, $5,500; 18K yellow gold pavé bracelet, $7,500; 18K white gold bracelet, $3,900; 18K rose gold pavé bracelet, $7,500; 18K white gold pavé band ring, $2,700; 18K yellow gold band ring, $1,250; 18K rose gold pavé band ring, $2,700.

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mikimoto

Clockwise from top left: Classic Elegance White South Sea cultured pearl pendant with diamonds set in 18k white gold, $11,000; Classic Elegance Black South Sea cultured pearl earrings with diamonds set in 18k white gold, $13,000; Classic White South Sea cultured pearl pendant with diamonds, $9,000; Classic Elegance Black South Sea cultured pearl pendant with diamonds set in 18k white gold, $9,300; Classic Black South Sea cultured pearl earrings with diamonds in platinum, $28,000; Classic Elegance White South Sea cultured pearl earrings with diamonds set in 18k white gold, $14,000; V Code Akoya cultured pearl earrings set in 18k yellow gold, $2,900; V Code Akoya cultured pearl pendant set in 18k yellow gold, $4,200..

In 1893, Kokichi Mikimoto successfully created the world’s first cultured pearls. Today, this eponymous luxury brand continues to live up to its legacy in the fine jewelry world, and for 130 years has pioneered the way we wear pearls—with diamonds, stones, various metals or all on their own. Treat her to a piece from Mikimoto’s Classic South Sea Collection, including white, black or golden south sea cultured pearls, or a pearls-and-diamonds piece from the Classic Elegance Collection. The V Code Collection is a newer line, with soft strings of pearls juxtaposed into timeless, deep-V shapes.

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Clockwise from top left, Marrakech Collection 18K Yellow Gold & Diamond 3-Strand Necklace, $9,980; Marrakech Onde Collection 18K Yellow Gold Bracelet with Diamond Pavé Stations, $3,990; Marrakech Collection 18K Yellow Gold Large Oval Hoop Earrings, $1,990; Marrakech Collection 18K Yellow Gold & Diamond Pavé Bangle, $7,560; Marrakech Onde Collection 18K Yellow Gold Necklace with Diamond Pavé Stations, $8,980.

marco bicego

Each brand has a distinctive signature that personifies a piece, and for Marco Bicego, it’s The Coil, an iconic texture found in many of his most well-known collections. A gold wire is wrapped around a woven gold chain, hand-twisted and then set in heat. This technique was born when Bicego worked in his father’s factory in Italy and saw a thread of gold twist accidentally by a damaged machine. He then set out to design the “perfect coil,” which has become part of the maison’s DNA. The Coil returns for 2023 in brand-new, contemporary iterations in Marco Bicego’s Marrakech, Onde and Masai collections.

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grand-seiko.com Evolution 9 Collection Mechanical Hi-Beat 36000 80 Hours

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roberto coin

Roberto Coin’s jewelry brand was born in Vicenza, Italy’s City of Gold, and the gorgeous metal personifies most of his pieces today. Set with a signature red ruby tucked inside so only the wearer can see, each Roberto Coin piece is an ode to Italian craftsmanship and classic style. The Oro Collection features a modern link motif that’s equally on-trend and timeless, while the new Cialoma collection includes bracelets, necklaces, earrings and rings in 18k gold and diamonds reminiscent of the Maison’s Princess Flower silhouette.

Clockwise from top left: 18K Yellow and White Gold Cialoma Medium Necklace with Diamonds, $4,500; 18K Yellow Gold Love by the Inch Diamond 5 Station Necklace, $2,100; 18K Yellow and White Gold Cialoma Small Ring with Diamonds, $2,900; 18K Yellow Gold Oro Classic Necklace, $8,150; 18K Yellow Gold Oro Classic Bracelet, $4,050; 18K Yellow and White Gold Cialoma Diamond Earrings, $5,100.

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WHAT WE LOVE CLOSE TO HOME

The Lux Bond & Green Guide

GREAT NEW ENGLAND GETAWAYS With so much to do in fall and winter, New England is perfectly suited for the cooler days that have helped to shape its character. Towns all across the region offer a host of family-friendly adventures for these seasons, ranging from historic sites to artistic, cultural and outdoor activities. There are also a variety of venues for food and drink. Here are three destinations you’ll find easy to enjoy:

SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS

NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND

STOWE, VERMONT

a little under 1 hour from Boston Halloween is a holiday kids really get into, and while the witch may seem up-to-the-minute in her scarifying power, she’s got a lot of history behind her. Salem offers a host of educational insights—as well as fun for the whole family. First, take a trip back in time with a visit to PIONEER VILLAGE, the first living history museum in the United States. It showcases colonial architecture, culinary and medicinal gardens and a blacksmith shop that interpret colonial life in the early 17th century. Next, check out BEWITCHED TOURS, which combine local legends, pop culture and historical information about Salem and are led by professional guides in an entertaining way. They detail what happened in 1692—the infamous Salem witchcraft trials—besides lighter events of both past and present. We’d be remiss not to mention the HAUNTED HAPPENINGS GRAND PARADE, which occurs annually in the beginning of October to usher in several events for the month. Creative costumes reign throughout the event, which culminates in a celebratory party at the end. With numerous outlets for food and drink, shopping, the arts, culture and additional historic sites and events in Salem, coming up with a busy itinerary won’t be an issue.

about 1.5 hours from Boston Celebrated as a stunning seaside city, Newport is known for its scenery, shopping, culture, restaurants and grand mansions. It has been called “America’s First Resort”— and for good reason. Some of the country’s wealthiest families put down roots here with their extravagant summer residences, the NEWPORT MANSIONS, which highlight 250 years of American architecture, art, history and landscape design. They showcase the Gilded Age in all its glory, and a trek on the 3.5-mile CLIFF WALK along the area’s eastern shore puts them right in your sightline. You’ll also see birds and wildflowers as well as some other unique geological formations. Fun fact: The Cliff Walk, located in a National Historic District, is designated a National Recreation Trail. Speaking of trails, a 10-minute trip to nearby Middletown will land you at the NORMAN BIRD SANCTUARY, an ideal destination for nature lovers of every age. The wildlife sanctuary feature diverse habitats spread across more than 325 acres and seven miles of hiking trails. Arts, culture, food and beverage lovers get their fill as well with options throughout Newport at breweries, wineries, art galleries, film festivals and dance, comedy and theater companies.

about 3.5 hours from Boston This town’s name is synonymous with great East Coast skiing, but skiing is just one of many choices for cold-weather fun in and around Stowe. You also can revel in snowmobiling, dog sledding and sleigh rides (among other things). The best way to survey it all before you begin is with the GONDOLA SKYRIDE. You’ll soar to the top of Mount Mansfield, the state’s highest mountain, where you can take in the breathtaking views, dine at the Cliff House Restaurant, grab a sweet goodie at The Waffle and even pop into the Summit Retail Gift Shop. For those who want not only to see more but also to do more, the STOWE RECREATION PATH is a great bet. This gorgeous greenway runs from Stowe Village to Topnotch Resort on Mountain Road. The 5.3-mile paved trail crisscrosses the West Branch of Little River, and along the route you can see the majestic natural sights and check out several local businesses, restaurants and lodges. Meanwhile, family fun is found at the TRAPP FAMILY LODGE OUTDOOR CENTER. Along with von Trapp family history tours and bird-watching, the 2,600-acre resort offers mountain biking, horse-drawn carriage rides and more.

A QUICK GUIDE TO AUTUMN AND WINTER APPAREL

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New England weather can be wild, especially in the colder months. Once the temps start to drop, residents begin to layer up. From sweaters and pants to boots and jackets, there are certain wardrobe staples you can’t go without in this region. There are a handful of signature regional companies people depend on year after year to provide the right products for not just surviving the seasons but actually thriving in them. A few examples for inspiration? Start with shirts, sleepwear and accessories from the VERMONT FLANNEL COMPANY. Super-soft and created for comfort, this brand has been handcrafting the finest flannel clothing for men, women and children in the country since 1991, and the double-brushed cotton it’s made of provides some serious coziness to combat any chill. Speaking of comfort, Freeport, Maine–based L. L. BEAN comes in handy with an extensive range of jackets and boots developed to shield every member of the family from challenging weather elements like wind, rain and snow. What about sweaters, pants, tees and accessories, you say? VINEYARD VINES has all of that, plus lots of back-to-school options to keep the kids feeling comfy in style. Sweatshirts are a must during autumn and winter, so why not add them to your collection as well? And since we’re on the subject of school, we’d be remiss not to mention backpacks and tote bags, which you can easily source from the Boston-founded brand EASTPAK. Side note: You should also check out the luggage and duffle bags here, because the holiday season is a prime time for travel.

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HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS It’s that time of year again—and we couldn’t be more excited. The holiday season always offers the gift of amazing events in New England, and 2023 doesn’t disappoint. If you want to feel festive and make the most of the magic, you need to choose your adventures wisely. But no need to worry, we did some research for you and found three examples that deliver loads of cheer and some seasonal spirit you’ll savor.

GREENWICH REINDEER FESTIVAL & SANTA’S WORKSHOP What’s more synonymous with the holidays than Santa and his reindeer? Maybe just a Christmas tree and its ornaments. If you want to catch everything together in one gorgeous location, the GREENWICH REINDEER FESTIVAL in Greenwich, Connecticut, is where you need to be. At this festive event meeting reindeers is commonplace, as is getting pictures taken with Santa and enjoying activities in his workshop. This is a journey your kids will surely treasure, and it’s one where holiday memories are made in the most magical way. In fact, this year will be extraspecial, as it marks the 15th anniversary of this amazing event. It’s presented by Jenny Allen/Compass, and this year’s theme is “Celebrating Family Traditions.” It’s being held at Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouse on 437 North St. from Nov. 25 through Dec. 24.

CHRISTMAS PRELUDE WEEK Now, if a trip to Kennebunkport, Maine, is on your holiday list, the CHRISTMAS PRELUDE WEEK definitely needs to be part of your itinerary, because there are so many activities it’s hard to know where to begin. But let’s start with the dog parade, since it’s hard to imagine anyone not loving festive pooches strutting their stuff in style for the season. Then there’s the delectable activity of gingerbread-house-making with its sweet smells and tasty ingredients. Amateur architects appreciate this event, as it’s the ideal way to get creative and build something beautifully delicious. Add to that a tree-lighting ceremony and fireworks, and you have something seriously special. While this year marks the 42nd anniversary of Christmas Prelude Week, just know that a winter weekend getaway here also can include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or taking in the snowfall with a classic sleigh ride. Events will be running from Nov. 30 to Dec. 10.

LIGHTS ON FESTIVAL With the moniker “The Christmas City,” Taunton, Massachusetts has set the bar of expectations high. What awaits you here? For more than 100 years it’s been the city’s signature “LIGHTING OF THE GREEN AND LIGHTS ON FESTIVAL” event. Held on the community’s historic town green, this is a holiday spectacle of dazzling lights and fantastic art displays, a Christmas parade and activities made for the entire family. In the past incarnations, musical performances, fire shows and stilt walkers have played their parts in the evening’s festivities. And don’t be surprised if complimentary sweet treats are on hand for attendees as well. While details on the specifics of this year’s happening were still being confirmed at presstime, the date has been set for Dec. 2.

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SEASONAL SHOPPING As you gear up for the holiday season, it’s time to think about gifts. You know that Lux Bond & Green fulfills all of your jewelry needs, but what about additional items that might bring a grateful smile from family and friends? Luckily, New England towns offer numerous stores to peep for presents. Whether it’s Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island or Vermont, there’s always somewhere you can find exactly what you’re looking for, and often you may come upon something even better. Here’s a handful of spots to get you started:

EBM & CIVVIES VINTAGE For more than 15 years, EBM & Civvies Vintage—formerly known as English Building Markets—has been a fixture in the heart of downtown New Haven, Connecticut. Chockful of goodies from yesteryear, the 4,000-square-foot space specializes in antique collectible memorabilia, mid-century houseware objects and authentic vintage apparel for men, women and children from the 1900s to the 1990s. Whether you’re seeking old photographs, furniture, fabric, sewing notions, kitchen products or a host of other everyday items, each one-of-a-kind piece is a treasure to be cherished. 839 CHAPEL ST., NEW HAVEN, CT 06510, 203.772.1728.

BOSTON GENERAL STORE With two Boston-area locations, Boston General Store has all the bases covered for home goods and furnishings that are of the highest quality, well designed, and long-lasting. Focusing on an inventory that’s both functional and sustainable—and crafted by makers from around the globe—the merchandise here is a call back to small-town general stores of the past. Bath, kitchen, office and home categories—along with specialty items such as greeting cards, bags, accessories, puzzles and games—are all found here, plus picks for the kiddos and pets. 305 HARVARD ST., BROOKLINE, MA 02446, 617.232.0103; 626 HIGH ST., DEDHAM, MA 02026, 781.326.7560.

NORTHSHIRE BOOKSTORE Even though it’s one of New England’s largest bookstores, Northshire Bookstore in Manchester Center, Vermont, still has that small hometown feel. Perhaps that’s because this family-owned, independent community shop gives off such a welcoming vibe to everyone who comes by. The exceptional level of service—combined with a collection of new, used and rare books, vinyl records, stationery, gifts, and home goods focused on highlighting local artisans’ works— makes for plenty to see. With more than 300,000 titles in the store (and access to more than 10 million online), you’ll find books ranging in subject and price point to pique any interest. 4869 MAIN ST., MANCHESTER CENTER, VT 05255, 802.362.2200.

MERRIMACK PREMIUM OUTLETS Did someone say “Shop till you drop?” Well, if that’s a festive activity that lights up the season for you, then hitting the Merrimack Premium Outlets® in New Hampshire should be on your agenda. With 100+ stores, the beauty of tax-free purchases, steep discounts and big-name retailers, it would be difficult not to scoop up anything and everything from shoes to video games. Because a trip here could easily be an all-day adventure, the on-site dining options help to keep your energy up as you shift through all the sales—and trust us, that certainly comes in handy when hunger hits! 80 PREMIUM OUTLETS BLVD., MERRIMACK, NH 03054, 603.424.0050

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INSTAGRAM FOR THE LATEST JEWELRY TRENDS AND WATCH RELEASES

Follow. Discover. Share. #EveryBoxHasAStory | @LuxBondGreen

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PASPAL EY ’S PERFECT PEARLS Paspaley pearls are among the rarest and most valuable in the world. Paspaley’s “pearl-led” jewelry designs celebrate the raw beauty of nature and the incredible environment that is home to Paspaley pearls. Paspaley collections are versatile and playful and are intended to be both treasured and worn. Paspaley’s signature Lavalier design reflects the nautical ropes and nets used to house pearl oysters after divers have hand collected them from the ocean. Lavalier celebrates the pearl in its purest form which is set without drilling – just as it emerged from the oyster. Behind the simplicity and beauty of a Paspaley pearl is an adventure that began in 1935 when Nicholas Paspaley Snr MBE first collected mother-of-pearl shell in Australia’s northern waters. The family business he founded has evolved to become the world’s leading South Sea pearling company.

The beauty of a Paspaley pearl – unrivalled in size, nacre, natural colour and lustre.

Today, Paspaley nurtures its pearls on a remote network of farms stretching more than 1,500 miles across the north-west coast of Australia. With its sophisticated fleet of purpose-built pearl diving and operating ships, Paspaley is one of the few companies that dives and hand collects wild pearl oysters. Paspaley’s innovative techniques have been widely acknowledged as world’s best practice, positioning the brand at the forefront of the pearling industry. Australian South Sea pearls are renowned for their beauty and lustre. They come from the Pinctada maxima, which is the largest and rarest of all pearl oysters. Unlike other species that thrive in large communities, Pinctada maxima is a solitary creature. This accounts for their rarity, just as their large size accounts for their ability to create larger pearls. Visit Lux Bond & Green to discover a selection of Paspaley’s signature jewelry designs.

A pristine Paspaley pearl farm in the Kimberley, Western Australia.

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Paspaley Signature Lavalier Collection – celebrates the pearl in its purest form.

Paspaley diver, handpicking wild shell from the depth of Australia’s northwest.

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fall for these timepieces Don’t waste a moment wondering which watch to wear. One (or all) of these work every time! Photography by Daniel Springston

Tudor Royal, $3,750.

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HIG HLIFE Lad ies Automatic Sp ark ling

M OV ING FO R WA R D

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Grand Seiko Elegance Collection, Spring Drive GMT, $6,000; Oris Divers Sixty-Five, $2,200.

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Crafted from the World’s Most Precious Metal

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Frederique Constant Classics Index, $1,295; Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph, $9,000.

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ELITE SHOWCASE

The 62-car field features entries from the world’s leading car manufacturers, all striving for glory and to prove the durability of their vehicles in competition.

THE 24 HOURS OF LE MANS The centenary edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a race that celebrates endurance and motor sport excellence, takes places on 10 and 11 June. Rolex has been the Official Timepiece of this legendary event since 2001.

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START YOUR ENGINES

Since 1923, drivers have been drawn to the Circuit de la Sarthe to test their mettle – and that of their cars.

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T H E 24 H O U R S O F L E M A N S

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A century of legendary racing

Created in 1923, the 24 Hours of Le Mans is the oldest and one of the most prestigious car races in the world. A stern test of the reliability of the machines as well as the physical and mental stamina of the drivers, Le Mans attracts some of the greatest names in motor sport. On the 13.6-kilometre (8.4 miles) Circuit de la Sarthe in northwest France, some 62 cars, each with teams of three drivers, race against each other, divided into two Prototype and one GT Class. The winning team is the one which covers the greatest distance in 24 hours, some 5,300 kilometres (3,293 miles). Rolex has been the Official Timepiece of the race since 2001. 100 years of innovation

To reach the finish line and become a part of history. The estimated 3,500 drivers who have taken part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans over its 100-year history have been fuelled by this twofold ambition. Since its inaugural edition, the mythical event has also been an ideal testing ground for the many advances in motor sport technologies. The trialling of a new road surface in 1922 (still viable today), improvements to safety, engines and aerodynamics, as well as, since 2022, the requirement for all cars to run on 100 per cent renewable biofuel, are among the notable developments marking a century of progress supported by this legendary endurance race. The 24 Hours of Le Mans has never stopped living with the times.

Tom Kristensen: ‘Mr Le Mans’

Tom Kristensen has well earned his nickname. The most successful driver in the legendary race’s history, he won it a record nine times, starting with his debut in 1997. A Rolex Testimonee since 2010, the Danish racing driver was FIA World Endurance Champion in 2013 and, a decade later, is the ambassador of the 24 Hours of Le Mans centenary. “You carry a win at Le Mans with you forever. I feel proud and humble reflecting on the race’s legacy and Rolex’s involvement with motor sport. Together they are the perfect combination; both striving for excellence through persistence, technical innovation and human endeavour.”

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GRUELLING CHALLENGE

Over the course of 24 hours, the leading teams of drivers will complete in excess of 5,300 kilometres (approximately 3,300 miles) and about 380 laps of the famous 13.6-kilometre (8.4 miles) circuit.

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T H E 24 H O U R S O F L E M A N S

MARK OF CHAMPIONS

The winning drivers at Le Mans receive a specially engraved Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona to commemorate their historic achievement. The Cosmograph Daytona: a singular prize

The winners of the top class of the 24 Hours of Le Mans receive an Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona, specially engraved for the occasion. A legendary watch whose characteristic design has become iconic, the Cosmograph Daytona is emblematic of Rolex’s expertise. Equipped with a movement entirely designed and produced by the Rolex manufacture, it stands out by virtue of its chronometric precision as well as its unfailing reliability. Tom Kristensen has won several throughout his career: “My Daytonas are emotional possessions and remain as special to me today as when I first won them. They tell the story of defining moments in my career. When I look at the watches, not only do I see precision timing but I also relive the achievements with my team and co-drivers all those years ago.” Rolex and sport

Hans Wilsdorf believed in challenging oneself and held a lofty view of sport’s role in society. To test his watches, he entrusted them to those who pushed themselves to the absolute limit. Driven by an unwavering quest for excellence, the founder of Rolex discovered valuable allies in athletes through their exceptional feats. For many decades, the brand has actively championed culture, architecture, exploration and conservation of the planet. And in the sporting world, it has built a diverse range of partnerships across tennis, golf, equestrianism, skiing, sailing and motor sport. Rolex partners governing bodies, competitions and athletes – from established champions to promising talents – in long-standing engagements that help perpetuate the future of these disciplines and promote excellence.

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GOING THE DISTANCE

At this epic, twice-aroundthe-clock race, man and machine embark on a journey through day and night, often in the most extreme conditions.

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make a sophisticated statement Men’s luxury watches are exquisite timepieces that blend exceptional craftsmanship, precision engineering and sophisticated design. These watches are not just functional devices for telling time; they are also symbols of status, style and taste.

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Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph, $6,400.ORIS Propilot x Kermit Edition, $4,600. Wolf Designs British Racing black triple watch roll, $245. Mont Blanc: Egyptomania writing instrument, $940. Egyptomania writing instrument, $580. Frederique Constant Highlife Chronograph, $3,795. Grand Seiko Hi-Beat 36000 GMT SBGJ259, $6,800.

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something for every taste and style

Elevate any outfit while adding a touch of sophistication. Whether you are looking for bold and statement-making pieces or sleek or understated designs, there’s something for every taste and style.

William Henry Pinnacle dog tag pendant, $495. Cuban link necklace in 18K gold, $10,350. Lashbrook rings, $399 - $3,276. Cuban link bracelet in 14K gold, $5,695. Cuban link bracelet in sterling silver, $325. Dark blue Italian leather bracelet, $195.

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Jack Guy

Actor Idris Elba has variety in the luxury watches he wears, much like the roles he plays.

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{ watch collector }

he craves variety Actor Idris Elba has an African heritage, a sexy British accent and an insatiable appetite for what’s new and different—on the screen and in his luxury watch collection.

Unless you were on the London scene in the ’90s, chances are you haven’t heard of DJ Big Driis. No matter; disc-jockeying was just a side gig for this aspiring actor. Today the world knows him as Idris Elba, multi-talented actor, producer, entrepreneur, heartthrob—and watch collector. Idrissa Akuna Elba (he shortened his name to Idris in acting school) was born in London in 1972 to a Sierra Leonean dad and a Ghanaian mum. His big break came in 2004 playing Stringer Bell in HBO’s The Wire, which the BBC famously proclaimed “the best show of the 21st century.” Years later came critical acclaim for playing a detective in the multi-season series Luther, and again for portraying Nelson Mandela in Long Walk to Freedom. He’s appeared in big-budget franchises like The Suicide Squad, Star Trek Beyond and as Norse god and Asgardian gatekeeper Heimdall in a handful of Marvel flicks. He’s been a voice actor (three times in 2016 alone) in Zootopia, The Jungle Book and Finding Dory, and the star (and sometimes producer) of survival stories such as Beast and The Mountains Between Us. Elba’s just as busy off-screen. People’s Sexiest Man Alive 2018—a designation the humble actor called “an ego boost”—makes and sells a wine called Porte Noire, and he co-owns a London restaurant of the same name. Along with his wife, Sabrina Dhowre Elba, the dad of three runs S’Able Labs, a skincare brand, and hosts a podcast on Amazon’s Audible called “Coupledom”. (Listen to it just to hear his sexy British accent, if not for the business advice from some of the world’s most renowned duos.) Amidst all of this, the actor certainly does not let his sartorial side slip. Elba

is a not-so-closeted Gucci fan, having worn the Italian designer on many a red carpet. In 2017, the brand took note and hired him as its spokesperson. (You may have seen his ads for 2022’s Gucci 25H watch collection with the gender-reveal-esque pink and blue faces.) A timepiece from the fashion house that he sports regularly is the 38mm 25H pink-colored crystal watch. He also possesses the 8mm Tourbillon with a skeletonized dial and an 8mm thin case, and he got to wear the pièce de résistance, the yellow-gold Gucci G-Timeless Planetarium, to the 2023 Academy Awards. This pricey piece, worth an estimated $300,000, features a central tourbillon surrounded by a dozen rotating beryl stones, each representing a different zodiac sign. Variety in his collecting—as with the roles he plays—helps keep things interesting. Elba has other luxury brands in his vault too. A few of note include the IWC Mark XVIII in stainless steel with a black dial and 40mm brushed case; the Cartier Santos 100, which boasts 100 meters of water resistance; the 40mm Rolex Day-Date in 18k white gold; Rolex Datejust II with a champagne dial; and the Rolex Day-Date in solid yellow gold with a black dial. And because no sensible star forgets his humble roots, Elba has also been spotted by paparazzi wearing the Gold-Tone Casio A168WG-9MV, worth just $65. Money isn’t the end-all, be-all for this guy. “The assumption is that if you make a lot of money, you can stop working,” he said in an interview with Esquire UK. “I don’t work for money. I do have mouths to feed, businesses to run, taxes to pay. But I do it out of love. I do it because I want to. I’m interested in taking my brain to a place where it hasn’t been before.”

WATCHES TO WATCH From left: One of Idris Elba’s most-worn watches is the Rolex Oyster Perpetual DayDate 40mm in 18K yellow gold with a bright black, diagonal motif dial, fluted bezel and a President bracelet. Another notable piece in Elba’s collection is the IWC Mark XVIII in stainless steel with a black dial, one of the brand’s most most iconic watches. He also owns this 40mm Rolex DayDate in 18K white gold with a silver dial and a President bracelet.

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{ timepieces }

the tudor tradition

Fine ladies’ watches carry the daunting name of a historic English dynasty—and wear it well. By Christen Fisher is available in silver, opaline or black with appliqué even-numbered Arabic The Wars of the Roses was a series of conflicts in 15th century England numerals between arrow-shaped or diamond-set odd-hour markers. It is between the House of Lancaster and the House of York, so named presented on either a bracelet or a rubber-lined brown leather strap. because each house used a rose as its emblem: red for Lancaster, white The beautifully feminine Clair de Rose is a steel watch featuring for York. When peace finally returned, a Lancaster man sat upon the an opaline dial with delicate decorations in relief punctuated by blue throne. He quickly and smartly married a York woman. The man was lacquered Roman numerals or diamond hour markers. Fitted with a Henry VII (father of Henry VIII and grandfather of Elizabeth I), the self-winding movement complete with a date function, the round case very first Tudor king. Understanding that his new dynasty required a boasts a screw-down winding crown with a striking, transparent blue new emblem, Henry VII created what is still known today as the Tudor cabochon. It is available in three sizes—26mm, 30mm and 34mm, each rose. Sometimes called the union rose, it’s made up of five red petals offered with a choice of a steel bracelet or a black alligator or fabric strap. surrounding five white petals to symbolize the unification of the two The Tudor Glamour line offers a broad range of features in retro-chic previously warring houses. style. From the daintiest Glamour Date model sized at 26mm to the larger Perhaps it is this idea of a union between two things often seen at Date+Day and Double Date models, the Glamour line is a robust collecodds that inspired Hans Wilsdorf in 1926 when he launched the Tudor tion of subtle and refined timepieces perfectly suited for any occasion. Watch Company. For a time it used the Tudor Rose as a symbol on the In 2023, Tudor expanded its iconic Royal and Black Bay lines. The brand’s dials, a symbol of the union between strength and grace—and Tudor Royal line of self-winding sport watches boasts two new dial varithe one between quality and affordability. ants, radial-brushed chocolate brown and light salmon. In addition, the “For some years now,” Wilsdorf wrote back then, “I have been considerRoyal is offered in a variety of dial colors with gem-setting options, twoing the idea of making a watch that our agents could sell at a more modest tone case and bracelet enhancements, and a range of sizes beginning at price than our Rolex watches, and yet one that would attain the standard of 28mm, all presented on a fully integrated bracelet. dependability for which Rolex is known. I decided to form a separate comThe newly released Black Bay 31/36/39/41 models bring a unique aespany with the object of making and marketing this new watch.” thetic to the Black Bay line. Their curved cases offer a slight departure Like the dynasty, the Tudor Watch Company included women from its from the brand’s iconic tool-watch spirit to embrace a sophisticated, verearliest days. The first Tudor women’s watches were released in the early satile, unisex aesthetic. In steel with a fixed bezel, all four sizes are fitted 1930s. As the role of women evolved, the brand expanded and developed its with a self-winding manufacture caliber movement. While the small women’s lines accordingly. Today Tudor continues that tradition by offering version boasts a 50-hour power reserve, the medium a large collection of moderately priced ladies’ watches in Clockwise from top left; The newly and large versions feature a 70-hour power reserve and a range of styles, functions, and sizes including the 1926 released Black Bay models embrace a sophisticated, versatile and unisex are deemed “weekend-proof.” The user can take the and the Clair de Rose as well as options in the Glamour aesthetic; Tudor’s Glamour Date is watch off on Friday evening and put it back on MonDate, Tudor Royal and Black Bay lines. available in 26 mm, 31 mm or 36 mm day morning without having to reset it. Named for the year Wilsdorf first registered the Tudor sizes; the Clair de Rose, with sophisticated Roman numerals, is available Since its inception, Tudor has offered a wide variety brand, the 1926 is a line of steel or steel-and-gold, selfexclusively in steel and with mechaniof ladies’ watches with refined aesthetics and robust winding mechanical watches and comes in four sizes cal movements; the Tudor Royal, reliability at a moderate price point. That tradition beginning with a traditional women’s 28mm. Domed for seen here with a salmon dial, is the epitome of versatility and affordablilty. continues today. a vintage touch, the embossed design of the 1926’s dial Lux Bond & Green

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oh - what a wonderful time of year

Discover the joy of giving: Explore unique gifts at Lux Bond & Green. From enduring handcrafted evergreen trees from Simon Pearce to elegant barware by William Yeoward, the options are limitless! This season, join us in embracing the enchantment of giftgiving and the heartfelt joy it brings to others.

Simon Pearce evergreen trees, $85 to $750. Explore our collection by scanning the QR code. Christian Ulbricht Toy Soldier nutcracker, $234. Christian Ulbricht Alpine Santa nutcracker, $468. Christian Ulbricht Candy Santa nutcracker, $468. Herend Nutcracker figurines, $595 each. Herend gingerbread house figurines, $595 each.

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Elevate your festive gathering with sleek wine glasses from Zalto or colorful crystal tumblers from Baccarat, or update your bar cart with the crystal Daisy B barware collection by William Yeoward. Each item will surely enhance the experience of sharing spirits. These thoughtful and functional presents bring a touch of sophistication to holiday celebrations!

the bar was stocked with care

Currin & Cade Hand-blown and Hand-painted Ornaments, $22 to $38. Zalto Universal Wine Glass, $78 each. Georg Jensen Bernadotte Triple Bowl Set, $159. Baccarat Harmonie Colors Of Joy Tumbler, Set of 4, $1,200. ONNO Candles, $99 to $280. William Yeoward Crystal Daisy B Barware Collection: Ice bucket, $300. Champagne flute, $165. Martini glass, $170. Tumbler highball glass, $140. Double old fashioned tumbler, $135. Pitcher, $260.

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gifts that last a lifetime From silver to platinum, jewelry becomes an enchanting holiday gift, seamlessly combining elegance with enduring allure. Consider the delicate tapestry necklace from Platinum Born, adorned with a shimmering beaded lace, a symbol of affection that suits any outfit. Alternatively, opt for silver diamond knot earrings, versatile enough for both casual gatherings and formal soirées. To add a personal touch, incorporate the initials of your loved ones in 18K gold and diamonds. Whether you’re celebrating romance, friendship or special occasions, these jewelry selections will add a touch of sparkle to the holiday season.

Diamond pendant necklace in 14K gold, $3,000. Platinum Born Tapestry necklace in platinum, $8,400. Roberto Coin Tiny Treasures diamond pendants in 18K gold (available in letters A to Z), $750. LAGOS Caviar Spark circle link bracelet in sterling silver, $950. Grand Seiko Ladies Automatic STGK007, $5,500. Diamond heart bracelet in sterling silver, $125. Pavé diamond knot earrings in sterling silver, $70.

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all that glitters is gold Gold jewelry gifts shine brightly during the holidays. Classic gold necklaces or bracelets make elegant presents for loved ones. Delicate gold hoops or statement rings add a touch of glamour to festive occasions. The warmth and luxury of gold jewelry will make a cherished and timeless choice for holiday gifting.

Roberto Coin Venetian Princess diamond half moon necklace in 18K gold, $5,900. Diamond cut chain necklace in 14K gold, $625. Fancy yellow diamond eternity ring in 18K gold, $28,500. Triple-row wave ring in 14K gold, $1,475. Fancy yellow diamond eternity ring in 18K gold, $28,500. Triple-row wave ring in 14K gold, $1,475. Diamond line bracelet in 18K gold, $3,950. LAGOS Signature Caviar black ceramic link bracelet in 18K gold, $1,100. Diamond bangle bracelet in 14K gold, $1,995.

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a wonderful life is a story we write... During the holiday season, diamond jewelry dazzles as a gift of choice. The brilliance of diamonds symbolizes enduring love and commitment, making them perfect for celebrating during this season of togetherness. Classic diamond engagement rings and eternity bands with sparkling diamonds evoke timeless beauty. Capture the spirit of love and unity with these beautifully crafted diamond jewelry creations that will surely be cherished this holiday season.

Diamond necklace in platinum, $7,000. Diamond station necklace in platinum, $14,000. Mixed-cut diamond earrings in 18K gold, $12,500. Emerald-cut diamond ring, $3,850. Channel-set diamond ring, $11,145. Emerald-cut diamond ring, $11,150. Lutece diamond eternity ring, $3,750. Three-row diamond eternity ring, $11,575. Oval half-way diamond ring, $4,100. Oval diamond ring, $8,100. From top to bottom: Beaded stacking ring, $525. Baguette and round diamond ring, $2,250. Diamond milgrain ring in 14K gold, $1,100. Diamond milgrain ring, $1,320. Diamond leaf motif ring, $4,590. Channel-set diamond eternity ring in platinum, $3,250. Bezel-set diamond ring, $2,050. Diamond milgrain ring, $1,070. Diamond milgrain ring in 14K gold, $875. Round diamond ring in platinum, $2,420. Tribute fancy diamond ring, $1,200. Cushion-cut diamond ring in platinum, $18,500.

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celebrate your new bundle of joy Explore gift ideas for baby showers, christenings, birthdays and more! Each keepsake can serve as a meaningful memento that can be passed down through generations. When it comes to celebrating the newest addition to your family, baby keepsakes are a beautiful and lasting choice.

Old MacDonald piggy bank, $145. Noah’s Ark piggy bank, $68. When Pigs Fly piggy bank, $88. Jellycat: “If I Were A Hedgehog” book, $15. Bashful Hedgehog, $25. Mariposa Number Candle Holder Set, $54; LBG Exclusive Birthday Cake Plate, $68. Twinkle bowl and spoon set, $66. Herend star figurines, $180 each. Herend cupcake figurines, $185 each. Lux Baby straight-sided baby cup in sterling silver (engraveable!), $235.

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corporate

GIFTS & AWARDS incentives • milestones • recognitions • retirements • trophies • achievements

PEOPLE ARE THE KEYS TO YOUR COMPANY’S SUCCESS

ELTON JOHN & BILLY JOEL PRESENTED WITH COMMEMORATIVE GIFTS DESIGNED BY LUX BOND & GREEN FOR THEIR SOLD OUT FACE TO FACE TOUR, IN 2002

LUX BOND & GREEN IS THE TROPHY PROVIDER OF THE TRAVELERS CHAMPIONSHIP

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This holiday season, trendy gifts are all about layering with style. From quatrefoil station bracelets and rings to classic watch styles from Frederique Constant, the choices are endless. Whether it’s diamond line bracelets or our bestselling two-tone “X” stud earrings, make your loved ones’ holidays truly special by staying ahead of the gifting trends.

Quatrefoil station bracelet in 14K gold, $300. Disc link bracelet in 14K gold, $250. Diamond cross pendant in 14K gold, $550. Station necklace in 14K gold, $275. Diamond line bracelet in 18K gold, $6,150. Opal and diamond quatrefoil ring in 14K gold, $695. Diamond quatrefoil ring in 14K gold, $674. Frederique Constant Classics Carréeladies watch, $1,495. Twisted double hoop earrings in 14K gold and sterling silver, $175. Roberto Coin Perfect Gold hoop earrings in 18K gold, $740. Twisted double small “X” stud earrings in 14K gold, $150.

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{ indulgence }

pilotless

Let your stuff soar on the Pyka Pelican Cargo, the world’s first self-flying plane in its class. Relax. It’s not you up there as a passenger, plying the skies without benefit of a human to fly you. Not yet. It’s only your cargo that’s up in the air, pilotless, with zero emissions. You know all about drones, and you’ve heard of the military’s self-flying aircraft. Now Pyka (pronounced PIE-ka), which has had success with autonomous crop-spraying planes, ups the ante with the Pelican Cargo, the world’s first self-plying cargo plane in its class—and its largest unmanned electricpowered plane to boot. The aviation industry is constantly trying to one-up itself, of course, and we’ve all been reared on visions of flying cars. But it isn’t one of the giants that offers this innovation. Oakland-based Pyka, the selfproclaimed “global leader in autonomous electric aviation technology,” was launched six years ago by entrepreneur Michael

Norcia in his parents’ garage. The Pelican Cargo has a capacity of 400 pounds and can fly 200 miles on a single charge. Its customers are those “who are looking to do daily delivery between two locations with fairly minimal infrastructure or who don’t have enough cargo to warrant a large aircraft,” Norcia has told Fox News. The Pelican Cargo is faster and more environmentally friendly than a car and more cost-efficient than a traditional plane. As of presstime, more than 80 Pelicans have been placed on pre-order, and more than $37 million has been raised. Maybe that’s because this aircraft’s specs are impressive. A few numbers of note: The Pelican Cargo has four 25-kilowatt electric motors, a 50-kilowatt lithium iron rechargeable

battery pack and a modest wingspan of 38 feet. It requires only a 600-foot runway. The Pelican’s operator requires only minimal training, not a pilot’s license. There’s a backup parachute to ensure the safety of your precious cargo just in case of emergencies, and a nose-loading configuration to make packing it up easier. The Pelican can steer clear of obstacles such as trees, buildings and drones thanks to aerial mapping and pathplanning, which detects whatever’s in the vessel’s path and diverts it automatically. The price of the Pelican? Norcia and his crew remain cagey on that, but he has revealed that the product will run on a leasing model. It’s currently undergoing rigorous testing at the company’s northern California facility, but is expected to be running commercial flights by year’s end. Get on the list at flypyka.com.

Pyka

Thanks to four 25-kilowatt electric motors and a 50 kilowatt lithium iron rechargeable battery pack, Pyka’s self-flying Pelican Cargo can carry 400 pounds for 200 miles on a single charge. That’s more fuel-efficient than a traditional airplane.

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{ home }

Storms Of Color

Spanish painter José Manuel Merello employs lively hues and fierce brushwork to achieve unforgettable impact.

It’s been said that Spanish painter José Manuel Merello’s paintings are as vivid as Matisse’s and as surreal as Picasso’s, yet still uniquely his own. Inspired by the Fauvist movement of the early 20th century, Merello uses strong colors and strident brushstrokes to tell stories on canvas, stories that touch the heart as they tease the mind and somehow make more sense than they ought to. “The art I want,” he has said, “is harmony shining through chaos.” Today, Merello, 63 and living in Valencia, applies a contemporary expressionist style to express the beauty of—and his affection for—his subjects. He’s been showcasing his inspiring paintings worldwide since the 1970s, including 2023 exhibits in Dubai, Paris and Stockholm. “Nowadays, modern art exudes a breath of fresh air and freedom never before imaginable,” the artist has said. “Up until now, art history has never had such an array of possible techniques for artists to choose from or such a variety of artistic languages for artists to fully express themselves.” Artist José Manuel Merello painted “Bodegon Malvarrosa” during what is known as his third expressionist era, 2002 to 2005.

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This page: Inspired by the homes in his homeland, Spain, Merello painted “Las Casas Del Sol” early in the present century. Opposite page: The artist gave florals in “Florero En Azules” vibrant colors, but the blue vase in the center is the true focal point of this expressionist piece.

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This page: “El Cuento Del Caballito Azul” tells “the story of a blue little horse.” Opposite page: “El Nino Del Desierto,” another work from the artist’s third expressionist period, depicts a boy in the desert.

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let’s celebrate

THE GOOD TIMES From the Gem Awards to the Travelers Championship, let’s look back on the special moments that have made this past year unforgettable!

FROM TOP: CEO John Green accepting the 2023 Cindy Edelstein Award at the Couture Show in Las Vegas. | Our team at the 2023 Travelers Championship. | Having fun in the Watch Lab in West Hartford! | Jason, Alena, and Garreth from our West Hartford store. | John Green, Charlie Green, and Ruby for the Hartford Business Journal | Kiernan Shipka wearing Lux Bond & Green diamonds for the Only Natural Diamond Council | The Mohegan Sun team serving Easter lunch with the Thames River Community Service in Norwich, CT | Trish, Westport store manager, awarded for her 20 years of service at Lux Bond & Green.

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FROM TOP LEFT: Karen, Gil, Trish, and Annie attending the U.S. Open in New York. | John Green with the Kaiser family at the 2023 Gem Awards in New York City. | Sophie, daughter of business analyst Josephine, at the Travelers Championship in Cromwell. | Karen, Caitleen, Annie, and Matt at the WHCC Annual Meeting and Spotlight Awards. | John Green, Christine, and Lisa at the Couture Show in Las Vegas. | Keegan Bradley, winner of the 2023 Travelers Championship. | Team members from across the company visiting the newly refurbished Westport store. | Lux Bond & Green was honored with the 2023 Family Business Lifetime Achievement Award from the Hartford Business Journal. | Glastonbury’s Donna awarded for her 20 years of service at Lux Bond & Green. | Westport’s Jess and Simon going head-to-head at a tennis competition.

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“Being part of a family business is an honor as well as a tremendous responsibility for the previous generations and hopefully those yet to come. We all make choices with our life and our careers, and family businesses have many great opportunities as well as challenges. Every generation that I have worked with felt a tremendous sense of responsibility to our heritage, customers, long tenured staff, and our community spirit. The culture that was created set an expectation of exceptional service, the most unique designs, unequaled quality and values in diamonds, jewelry, watches, and gifts, as well as nurturing relationships with the manufacturers. The culture of our family business is to always be warm and welcoming in a non-commission environment and to keep innovating without ever being completely satisfied with the status quo. So, let us celebrate our 125th anniversary, as well as the bright future of Lux Bond & Green.” - John Green

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GENERATIONS OF QUALITY & VALUE 8.375”x 10.875” 3/16” Safety 1/8” Bleed Front Inside Gate

FIG

Over the last 125 years we have built a reputation for excellence in providing the highest quality products and exceptional value to our customers.

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With a commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail our emphasis ensures that customers can expect enduring beauty and value. A symbol of timeless elegance and reliability.

Sapphire and diamond bracelet, $8,750. Ruby and diamond bracelet, $8,750. Emerald and diamond bracelet, $8,750. Emerald, sapphire and diamond earrings, $4,950. Emerald and diamond ring, $1,950. Sapphire and diamond ring, $1,850. All items featured on this page are in 18K gold.

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“History is told through the beautiful 8.375”x 10.875” pieces we offer, commemorating a 3/16” Safety special moment in time.” 1/8” Bleed John Green

Back Inside Gate

BIG

Wedding band styles have evolved since the 1890s, reflecting changes in fashion, culture, and technology. Wedding band styles have evolved from simple and traditional designs to encompass a wide range of materials, aesthetics, and personalization options. The choice of a wedding band today is a reflection of the couple’s unique style and the era in which they live, making each ring a meaningful symbol of their commitment. Two-row round diamond band ring, $16,850. Mixed-cut diamond wedding band ring, $2,725.Three-row channel set diamond band ring, $7,350. Cushion cut diamond halo band ring, $10,750. Mixed cut fashion diamond ring, $1,950. All items featured on this page are in 14K or 18K gold.

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In the beginning Our great grandfather, M. A Green, was born in Poland/Lithuania between 18641867 and immigrated to the United States in approximately 1885 where he was designated as a merchant/trader. He soon began working with a horse and cart on the streets of Waterbury, Connecticut. Waterbury was a leading industrial manufacturing community in the United States and known as the Brass Capital of the world, as well as a leading area for clock manufacturing. The greater Naugatuck Valley helped lead Connecticut’s industrial growth for over a century. M.A. fixed and sold pocket watches, gold eye frames, chains, and other jewelry items of the day. He was successful enough and an early entrepreneur opening his first storefront on Grant Street in 1898. Later, he moved the store to Bank Street. In 1992 we closed our Waterbury location and our family donated the beautifully restored street clock bearing his name to the city of Waterbury where it is still proudly at 117 Bank Street. Today the location is the home to the Shakespeare Productions.

8.375”x 10.875” 3/16” Safety 1/8” Bleed Back Outside Gate

part of Russia at that time. They were truly fortunate to have seven sons, having lost two other children as infants. Four of my great uncles entered the jewelry business determined to carry on the family traditions. Great uncles Harold, Bill, Charlie and Irving helped our great grandfather operate and grow the business. The family ventured beyond Waterbury with Irving moving to Hartford, purchasing Lux Bond & Lux Jewelers in 1932. Lux Bond & Lux had started in 1908 on Main Street in Hartford, and the three partners were ready to sell the business during the difficult Depression era. Irving, with the support of his father and brothers, renamed the store Lux Bond & Green in 1933 and began to build a reputation for offering the finest diamonds, jewelry, and silverware in the region, with exceptional customer service.

M. A Green was a proud American and father to seven sons, with his wife Mini, who also immigrated from Lithuania, which was

The Waterbury location still offered jewelry and a full array of gifts, which were extremely popular for weddings and special occasions. As the depression ended with our family business surviving with two locations and entirely different communities, World War II began with the introduction of plastics and new modern manufacturing techniques. The greater Waterbury area began its slow decline as Hartford grew with the growth of the banking, insurance and the defense industries. Images from top to bottom: 1. Our founder, M.A Green. 2. Inside M.A Green. 3. M.A Green and his family.

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8.75”x 10.875” 3/16” Safety 1/8” Bleed

The second generation was led by the always serious Harold Green, an attorney, Charlie Green, always the affable salesman, Irving Green, who was the Falstaffian uncle who everyone loved, and Bill Green, the artist. These four brothers were dedicated to their communities and their family, living together in their beautiful family home in Waterbury and not marrying until 40 to 70 years old. The four brothers did not have children and were well known for their community and philanthropic spirit. One of M.A.’s seven children, Myron, passed away at a young age in 1931. His other two sons: Doc (Jacques) a Waterbury doctor who had two girls and Larry, an attorney in New York City with two sons who grew up in New Rochelle, New York. Doc’s daughters, Alice and Marion, married and moved away, with Alice moving to Hartford where she worked for many years at Lux Bond & Green. Larry’s younger son Richard, who is 94 years old today, went on to become a well-respected dermatologist in New York City. Larry’s older son, our father Bob, was a student at the University of Pennsylvania and enlisted in the Army during the early days of World War II, then came home to finish his studies and went on to work for Standard Oil of New Jersey (ESSO). As our dad told us, Standard Oil wanted to promote him and send him to Argentina, and he decided not to accept the position. He came to Hartford in 1947 to help his uncles during the Christmas season. We all think that was a way to see if they could convince him to continue the family tradition. It worked, as Bob stayed working with his uncles until their retirement and they passed the leadership position to Bob.

Our father was ambitious and became involved in the Hartford business community as he began modernizing the selections, adding more watches and services at Lux Bond & Green with his uncles focusing on M. A Green. In 1963, with Bob’s leadership, the family purchased the Philip H. Stevens Company which was incorporated in Hartford in 1903. At the time, Stevens was directly across the street from Lux Bond &Green on Pratt Street in downtown Hartford. They also had a store in West Hartford Center on LaSalle Road which they had opened in Images from top to bottom: 1. The Waterbury Democrat from 1936. 2. Bob, Irving and Harold Green at the Lux Bond & Green Hartford ribbon cutting with mayor Ann Uccello. 3. Lux Bond & Green at 70 Pratt Street with Irving Green (second from left) and Bob Green (fourth from left). 4. Lux Bond Green & Stevens at 15 Pratt Street, Hartford, CT in 1969.

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1957. Operating the stores independently for five years, Bob unified the companies in 1968 inside the former Steiger Department Store, occupying three floors with a 9,000 square foot showroom on the ground level and renamed the company and both stores Lux Bond Green & Stevens. Shopping in Greater Hartford was thriving, with department stores G. Fox & Company, EJ Korvette, Sage Allen, and Brown Thompson as anchors. Our holiday celebrations regularly drew 500 to 700 guests to Hartford for a Sunday afternoon shopping party. Bob was also an avid photographer, becoming the photographer for the city of Hartford, taking pictures of the city’s growth and transformation from the Travelers Tower. He also served on the committee which helped build the Hartford Civic Center in 1975, and always promoted the region with his civic commitments both locally and nationally.

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My brother Marc, sister Candace and I, all fourth-generation jewelers, worked most Saturdays and school vacations, helping in Hartford and in West Hartford Center. Marc, who recently retired after his 50-year career, as well as his wife, Sheryl, were integral to our growth and prestige within the jewelry, watch, and gift world, receiving many well-deserved accolades along the way. Marc also served on several local boards and leadership positions within our industry, continuing our family culture to always give back. Our sister Candace, a successful marketing executive who moved to Dallas in 1977, had senior positions at the Zale Corporation and her own firm, Krause Advertising, which focused

on the jewelry industry. Candace also produced our holiday catalog for many years. My wife Norma Jean, from Galveston, Texas, was a thirdgeneration jeweler when we met at Gemological School in 1978 after her graduation from the University of Texas and mine from Boston College. Norma has helped lead the sales teams in Glastonbury and West Hartford for over forty years. I also have been very active over the years from the Bushnell Park Foundation, TheaterWorks, Hartford Ballet, Greater Hartford Community Foundation to more recently leading the Gemological Institute of America Board of Governors, Saint Francis Hospital Foundation and now as a board member of the Jewelers Mutual Insurance Group. During our 4th generation tenure, we purchased the Gertrude Williamson Gallery, a purveyor of beautiful gifts in West Hartford Center in the early 1980s, expanding our gift business. As the community evolved, we opened our store at Somerset Square in Glastonbury in 1988, a location in downtown Westport in 1996 which we recently expanded and remodeled, the Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino in 2001, downtown Wellesley, Massachusetts in 2005, a Boston concierge office in 2021 and our newest concept store, Store52, in

Images from top to bottom: 1. John, Marc and Bob Green at the grand opening of the Boston location in 1999. 2. Sheryl, Marc, Bob, Nancy, John and Norma at the opening of the Glastonbury location in 1988. 3. John and Marc Green. 4. Waterbury Mayor Ed Bergin receiving a winding key to the M.A Green Clock.

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2022 in West Hartford Center. We did have a location in downtown Boston for 22 years which closed during the pandemic, as well as in Greenwich, which closed in 2017 after 25 years.

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8.375”x Hartford changed as the suburbs grew, with all the department stores closing and our flagship store building 10.875” demolished when Society for Savings, which owned our building, claimed to be building a 40-story office tower. Safety Although we argued before a judge that the building would never be built with most of the banks and insurBleed ance companies shifting their workforces, we lost the

argument and moved back to our original building on Pratt Street in 1987, returning our company name to Lux Bond & Green. We later downsized our Hartford location inside Stackpole Moore and Tryon clothing store before finally closing after 101 years in Hartford. The corner of Main and Pratt Street is still a surface parking lot. During this same period, we moved our 60 LaSalle Road location in West Hartford to the larger 46 LaSalle Road store into what was then The English Shop, and later doubled the space, taking over SP Dunn. Even as retail has changed with the onset of malls and online shopping, we have continued to grow our business, reputation and offerings thanks to our strong culture, service, vast inventory, staff and ability to evolve.

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A fifth generation has begun with our son Charlie joining the company this past January. He is learning and offering innovative ideas with our leadership team as we look to the future. Charlie was a successful international precious gemstone trader these past seven years. Our other children, Dan, Debbie, Allie, and their spouses, all have successful careers of their own, with the door always open for them to join the company in the years to come. In addition, Norma and I now have six grandchildren and we are confident that future generations of the Green family will embrace the passion we have for the world’s finest diamonds, jewelry, watches, and distinctive gifts. Lux Bond & Green’s strong culture surrounds our extended family with our staff of 90 professionals. Nine current members of our team have worked with our family for over 30 years, and that doesn’t include having retired five long-tenured staff in the past year. It’s this passion for working with our beloved customers, creating memories and building Images from top to bottom: 1. Wellesley, MA location. 2. Mohegan Sun location. 3. Glastonbury, CT location. 4. Westport, CT location.

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close relationships with our vendors that drives our company. We train to exceed our customers’ expectations by celebrating life’s special occasions for everyone that opens our doors, never to be completely satisfied with our commitment to impeccable quality and designs, honest pricing, and memorable customer service. Today, with technology as an important contribution to our retail landscape, we continue to invest in our infrastructure, ensuring your complete satisfaction to shop the way you want to, in store, online, or the many other channels that are available today. We invite you to visit, tell a friend, and cheers for the next 100 years as we continue the traditions of the past and those of our future.

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Join us through the holiday season as we celebrate our 125th year as a family business toasting to our friendship, community spirit and a bright future ahead.

Written by John Green.

Images from top to bottom: 1. M.A Green at 117 Bank Street, Waterbury, CT. 2-6: Advertisements from the 1940s, ‘50s and ‘80s.

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Our Delicato Collection features timeless and enduring designs of jewelry that never go out of style. These are items often characterized by their simplicity, elegance, and versatility. Classic jewelry can be worn for various occasions and typically transcends trends and fads.

“Five generations of our family are passionate for the world’s finest diamonds, jewelry, timepieces, and distinctive gifts.” - John Green Baguette diamond pendant necklace, $675.Diamond bar necklace, $395. Diamond moon and star necklace, $525. Diamond drop necklace, $895. Diamond spike hoop earrings, $700. Diamond stud earrings, $1,150. Diamond hoop earrings, $575. Pavé diamond flower earrings, $1,025. Pavé diamond butterfly stud earrings, $700. All items featured on this page are part of our Delicato Collection and in 14K gold.

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LUX LOVE STORIES Lux Bond & Green has been helping couples say“I Do” since 1898.

Michael & Bethany, July 23rd, 2022

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A Modern Classic

Text by Donna Rolando Wedding Planning by Christy Glovaski, Christy G. Events Photography by Amy Rizzuto Photography

When two traditionalists tied the knot last fall in Rye, N.Y., they opted for a series of storybook touches. For a bride and groom who consider themselves “old souls,” the perfect wedding had to be classic, from the church ceremony to the transportation via Rolls-Royce to the ballroom-style Pronovias gown. Samantha (Zettl) and David Reider were married in traditional fashion on a sun-kissed Sept. 24 before almost 200 guests they wowed with special touches—like a gentleman’s cigar and whisky bar—orchestrated by wedding planner Christy Glovaski. The couple, who grew up in Westchester County, New York, and shared mutual friends, started dating in 2016. “I think the spark was just there immediately,” says Samantha. It was on their five-year anniversary as a couple that David popped the question at a sentimental site on Long Island Sound near their Stamford, Connecticut, home. (The ruse: brunch with friends.) Choosing a dream venue was no problem for the bride. Her parents and one of her brothers had been married at the Church of the Resurrection in Rye, New York, and it was near Westchester Country Club, where the ballroom had a “beautiful, classical feel,” she says. A fun twist at the reception was the ice cream truck available to guests from her old employer, Longford’s Ice Cream. Even the couple’s last-minute resourcefulness had a touch of the venerable about it: When a hurricane cancelled their planned St. Thomas “mini-moon,” they toasted their new life in California wine country instead.

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This page, clockwise from left: Samantha avoided traditional fall colors and garbed her 11 bridesmaids in dusty blue chiffon by Hayley Paige; the couple makes their grand exit from Church of the Resurrection; a white Rolls-Royce delivers the newlyweds to the country club; a flower girl feels like a princess in her poofy dress. Opposite page: there’s a big kiss in front of guests and the classic trolley.

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This page, clockwise from left: Dusty blue reemerges in the place cards; gold trim marks the place setting; cinnamon snickerdoodle filling wows this wedding cake; candle-lit orbs illuminate the centerpiece, which reflects greenery and the bride’s favorite: white roses. Opposite page: The wedding band Body Heat performs “Can’t Help Falling in Love” for the couple’s first dance.

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]

how sweet it is You’ll get a rush when you indulge in a little eye candy.

Mandarin garnet and diamond ring, $6,550; Adolfo Courrier orange sapphire ring in rose gold, $2,925; Adolfo Courrier diamond and orange sapphire ring in rose gold, $4,095; Adolfo Courier orange sapphire and diamond ring in rose gold, $3,465; Adolfo Courrier diamond and orange emamel ring in rose gold, $2,590.

Photography by Daniel Springston

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Steak or sushi?Both. sushi?

Go all in with 40 restaurants and endless entertainment options, because you + me + Mohegan Sun = BEST. TIME. EVER.

mohegansun.com

? k e e w g n o L ! s p o h s it the Let’s h

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Who’s in for some shopping? From jewelry and cosmetics to clothing and electronics, you’ll find something for everyone at Mohegan. Visit mohegansun.com today to see what’s in store!

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Lolite multicolor bead necklace, $1,800.

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. y a l s p t e L ’

Steak or sushi?Both. sushi?

Go all in with 40 restaurants and endless entertainment options, because you + me + Mohegan Sun = BEST. TIME. EVER.

mohegansun.com

Come feel that sense of magic and welcoming spirit that creates memories you’ll never forget. Because you + me + Mohegan Sun = BEST. TIME. EVER.

mohegansun.com

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Evocateur Paradiso cuff bracelet, $408; Fancy yellow and white diamond bracelet 10.4 cts., $47,650; Fancy color diamond brooch 10.20 cts., $195,000.

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r o k a Ste i? sush Both.

Steak or sushi?Both. sushi?

Go all in with 40 restaurants and endless entertainment options, because you + me + Mohegan Sun = BEST. TIME. EVER.

mohegansun.com

Go all in with 40 restaurants and endless entertainment options, because you + me + Mohegan Sun = BEST. TIME. EVER.

mohegansun.com

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Portugal’s Wild Secret The relatively unspoiled Alentejo region, breadbasket of this small nation, has the charm of Tuscany without (so far) its fame. By Everett Potter Most Americans heading to Portugal make a beeline to Lisbon, the country’s lively and colorful capital. If they’re interested in something besides an urban experience, they may venture north to cruise along the river in Porto or perhaps book a condo in the south on the Algarve to laze in the sun and play some golf. The major drawback is that these destinations have become increasingly overrun with tourists for at least half the year. Yet there is much more of Portugal to explore, and savvy travelers should venture farther afield. The hope of getting out of well-worn tourist spots led me to visit the region known as Alentejo, which is set in the south central part of the country, north

of the Algarve. This landscape includes vineyards, wheat fields, whitewashed houses and cork oaks (from the bark of which winebottle corks are made). The deep blue skies are vast, and the place has a wildness about it. Alentejo means “beyond the Tagus” River, which in geographic terms means it lies south and east of Lisbon. The interior of Alentejo is known for rolling plains and fertile land that gives the region its nickname “the breadbasket of Portugal.” Those extensive forests of cork oak trees have their bark hand-harvested every 10 years. The region also has rice fields and a bucolic feel, which has led some observers to liken it to Tuscany or Provence. Yet it’s unlike either of those fabled regions. It’s still

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Portugal’s Alentejo region is known for a varied landscape that includes vineyards, whitewashed houses and scenic coasts.

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This page, from top: While architecture is among Portugal’s manmade attractions, the sunset is one of the top natural wonders in the country. The Shrine of Our Lady of Aires Baroque Sanctuary is another visual marvel in Alentejo. Opposite page: The interior of the Church of the Dominicans in Alentejo is as stunning as it is serene.

regions. It’s still somewhat primitive and gets a fraction of the tourists that they do. Alentejo holds the distinction of being the largest area in the country, encompassing more than 30 percent of its land mass, yet is also the least inhabited. For example, at Alqueva there is an International Dark Sky Reserve, some 6,000 acres set aside for prime stargazing here on the edge of Europe. Alentejo stretches from the Atlantic Ocean clear across to the border with Spain. On a continent that has been well explored and developed for tourism, Alentejo is one of the last great secrets. While I found the bucolic nature of the countryside instantly appealing, I was blown away by the star attraction, an incredible coastline that starts about an hour’s drive south of Lisbon and extends about 90 miles to the town of Odeceixe, the starting point for the Fishermen’s Trail, 46 miles of coastal paths, historically used by fishermen and local smugglers. The beaches and cliffs along Alentejo’s Atlantic coastline are as close to pristine as you can find anywhere in Europe, and this coast is only now being developed, albeit slowly.

One of the first towns to go upscale here is Comporta, which has the region’s best hotels, including Quinta da Comporta, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and a bolthole for those seeking what’s become known as “the Hamptons of Portugal.” If the water temperature on the beautiful strand called Praia da Comporta is too chilly, which it often is, you can do the backstroke in the hotel’s 130-foot solar-heated lap pool. I loved the subtle design in neutral colors and the brilliant massage at the Oryza Spa. My room was simple and white, with soft wood tones, but if you have the means, step up to a townhouse or a pool villa. Two other high-design options in town include Sublime Comporta and Spacia Comporta. Plan on doing very little; sightseeing is pretty much limited to watching flocks of pink flamingoes and doing things like horseback riding. The nearby town of Melides is on the edge of transforming from sleepy to developed, thanks to well-heeled Europeans looking for the next Côte d’Azur, Mallorca or Mykonos. The most famous part-time local is Christian Louboutin, the French shoe designer, who owns lots of property and has constructed fanciful buildings for his own compound. This spring he opened Vermelho, a 13-room hotel in Melides that is as wild with patterns and colors as almost everything he touches. The sleepy town may soon be getting a full-scale upscale makeover, so now is the time to see it before it becomes the next “it” destination. The draw is Praia de Galé, a lovely beach with red sandstone cliffs. Surfers congregate here, as they have for years. The water is chilly, not Mediterranean warm, but there’s a conspicuous absence of hotels, bars and restaurants. It’s wild and undeveloped, at least so far. Enjoy it while you can. Porto Covo is another favorite find, a surfer’s mecca, a town with cobblestone streets and an excellent place to stretch your legs on the Rota Vincentina. This

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This page: The Convento do Espinheiro is a former 15th-century convent transformed into a five-star property. Chef Jorge Peças is at the head of the hotel’s famed Divinus restaurant. Opposite page: The beaches and cliffs along Alentejo’s Atlantic coastline are as close to pristine as you can find anywhere in Europe.

traditional pilgrimage route runs for about 280 miles. The town has yet to catch the affluenza bug and remains sleepy, two things in its favor. About an hour’s drive inland is Herdade da Matinha, a 35-room hotel compound with oaks and umbrella pines, a welcoming swimming pool, and genuine low-key Alentejo hospitality. It is close to the Rota Vincentina trail, making it ideal for a bit of walking while staying in very comfortable and stylish rooms. The property is spacious and has several lounges and a library, and the coast is easily accessible. Along the way, you’ll be sampling the food of Alentejo. Pork is king here, especially porco preto, pork from the black pigs fed on acorns. From the sea comes octopus and clams, and on the table you’ll often find the bread soup called açorda de bacalhau and arroz de pato, duck with rice. The area is one of Portugal’s most respected wine regions, with reds produced from Tempranillo grapes and Castelão and Trincadeira grapes. Whites are generally made from vineyards featuring Antão Vaz, a grape grown almost exclusively in Portugal.

Before heading eastward toward the other side of Alentejo, I had time for a quick visit to southwest Alentejo and Vicentina Coast Natural Park, an area of protected shorefront that runs from Sao Torpes to Cape St. Vincent and offers an authentic taste of the wilderness aspects of the region. Inland from the coastline, I drove to Evora, the regional capital dating from Roman times. There’s a medieval cathedral at its heart, a walled city with winding streets that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. These whitewashed buildings make it a charming spot for a few nights. I stayed at the Convento do Espinheiro, a former 15th-century convent transformed into a five-star property. It’s not a stretch to say that the first inhabitants of this place did not have an indoor and outdoor pool at their disposal, nor lavishly decorated rooms or the remarkable cuisine of Chef Jorge Peças at the aptly named Divinus restaurant. Even further afield was São Lourenço do Barrocal, a much-lauded property with a handful of top awards and affiliations, including Virtuoso and Leading Hotels of the World. Located near Monsaraz, the hotel sprang up from the ruins of a small villa, and it has been reimagined as a compound of rooms, suites and cottages. The accommodations are upscale and minimal: a swimming pool, a large organic garden and a restaurant with a cutting-edge design. Stargazing is a significant activity in this remote area, as is ballooning over Lake Alqueva. Nearly 15 years after its creation, the hotel is a fashionable stop for those making the design circuit in Portugal, to places where they are virtually guaranteed to have a rarefied experience. Alentejo is still comparatively wild and undeveloped, but that’s already changing. It should be on your short list with its breathtaking beaches, charming small hotels and venerable cultural treasures.

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peak luxury

Now Jackson Hole, Wyoming, has a nearby five-star luxury hotel worthy of its stellar skiing and eye-popping vistas. By Everett Potter Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming, is one of the grand prizes of American skiing, an adventure that begins with a jaw-dropping view. Set at the base of the Teton Mountains, these jagged spires of rock are arguably the most scenic stretch of the Rocky Mountains range. Jackson Hole has long attracted the big dogs of the skiing and snowboarding world, who come here for so-called Big Mountain skiing. If you’re unfamiliar with that term, it means what it says. Jackson Hole is a behemoth, with a vertical drop of more than 4,000 feet and 2,500 acres of in-bounds terrain, on a 10,400-foot mountain. While there are easier green and blue runs, you don’t head to Jackson for easy turns. It gives fresh meaning to the term “challenging.” The out-of-bounds terrain is more than 3,000 acres and, basically, if you can see it, you can ski it—but only those with avalanche gear and training are encouraged to head past the ropes. In-bounds has challenges aplenty. There are runs with enormous moguls and chutes, the most famous being Corbet’s Couloir. It starts with a fearinducing vertical drop, a double black-diamond entry into a narrow chute where you need to start making turns instantly. I count myself among those who’ve peered over the edge, only to retreat while a braver soul gamely takes the plunge down what looks like a sheer vertical wall. Just ride the tram from the base to get a drone’s-eye view of the action as you near the top of the mountain. But hard-core skiing is only part of the story. Jackson Hole has slowly evolved over the past 20 years, and while it still attracts plenty of 20- and 30-somethings eager for a steep and deep experience, it long ago recognized that a well-heeled crowd would come for better hotels and fine dining, make a few turns and admire the dramatic vistas over cocktails. Thus Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole, Hotel Terra and Caldera House came to town, the leading edge of the luxury options at the base of the mountain, where also there are restaurants, shops and neigh-

borhoods with CEO-level homes that routinely sell well into mid-eight figures. The ultra-chic Amangani resort lies a couple of miles away. At Jackson Hole, you can still have a frosty après ski beer with the cliff jumpers at the Mangy Moose bar, with Warren Miller movies playing in an endless loop. But your dining choices are more like those found in Los Angeles or New York and trend to upscale steakhouses, sushi bars and Italian trattorias. Staying at the base of the mountain is great. But you’re in Jackson Hole. Twelve miles down the road lies the town of Jackson itself, an upscale cowboy town, centered on a town square whose four corners are ringed by inventive clusters of elk antlers that had been shed and collected. Surrounding the square are wooden sidewalks à la Old West, roofed over against the elements. There’s also a range of restaurants, shops and bars, the most colorful being the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, whose neon sign shows a rider on a bronco. There’s even another ski mountain in town, Snow King, that is beloved by locals. Now, with the opening of Cloudveil in May 2021, Jackson finally has what it’s long been missing: a five-star luxury hotel. Part of the Autograph Collection of hotels owned by Marriott, it takes its name from the Cloudveil Dome, a peak within the Grand Tetons. It’s the first major building project on the town square since 1997—and a game changer. From Cloudveil you can walk to the restaurants and shops, and you’re directly across from the town square. Skiing or riding? There’s a shuttle to slopes, so you can leave the often gnarly winter driving to the pros. The design was a group effort by three firms: TruexCullins, CLB Architects and IBI Group. There was clearly an attempt to invoke rugged local elements, so they used materials such as stone, metal and wood throughout, as well as huge windows. The lobby has a giant, 3,000-pound boulder that functions as the front desk, and the lobby fireplace is a welcome touch. A three-story granite wall is a reminder that you’re in the heart of climbing country.

The hotel has 100 rooms and suites, and the décor has accent walls of wood, banquettes, wrought iron touches and neo-midcentury-modern chairs. Some of the rooms have corner fireplaces and balconies. There are smart TVs, and the bathrooms are stocked with Grown Alchemist products. On a sensible riff on the mini-bar, each floor of the hotel has a pantry stocked with complimentary local snacks and drinks. If you need to get your heart rate up before tackling the moguls on Jackson Hole, it’s good to know that there’s a gym with weights and Peloton equipment and, for après ski, a heated outdoor pool and Jacuzzi. The hotel’s 5,000-square-foot terrace is the only rooftop space of its kind in Jackson and is designed for summertime yoga and meditation. It’s expected to be open to the community as well for music performances and stargazing. Given Jackson’s proximity to both Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks, the latter about 60 miles away, there’s little question that summer and fall will be big here as well. Nor do you need to wander far for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Bistro, a French-inspired restaurant in the hotel, is the brainchild of the Fine Dining Restaurant Group, led by Gavin Fine and Roger Freedman. Fine is the Danny Meyer of Jackson, a savvy restaurateur who has put the town on the culinary map with such acclaimed eateries as Bin22, The Kitchen, II Villaggio Osteria, Bar Enoteca, Bodega, Sugar + Spice and Bovine + Swine. It offers outdoor café dining, a zinc bar, an oyster bar and a newly established reputation as a dining destination itself. So the sage advice is to come to Jackson Hole prepared for challenges and stay for the deep creature comforts of the new Cloudveil. It’s the newly crowned cool kid on the block, perfectly positioned to offer the ultimate in Western chic in the hippest ski town in the West. Enjoy the vibe, even if you can’t quite bring yourself to leap into Corbet’s Couloir. Lux Bond & Green

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{ home }

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{ high seas }

The Earth MakesWaves These days success in the yachting industry has a new key ingredient: sustainable practices to help save the planet. From the clothes we wear to the cars we drive to the way we throw things out, the trend is clear: We’re all trying to reduce our “footprint” and thus help assure a future for the environment we cherish. And the superyacht community is no exception. Manufacturers appeal to the “green,” eco-conscious conscience of consumers, and consumers respond. A few cases in point: • The power. Just as auto engineers have developed electric and hybrid systems to replace fully fossil-fuel-burning combustion engines, so have many boat manufacturers. Hybrid yachts are becoming commonplace, as builders research propulsion that requires zero gas consumption—many yachts are now equipped with solar power and sails, for example. And high-profile yachtsmen are taking notice. Take Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso, who this year had a Sunreef 60 Eco equipped with 1,800 square feet of solar panels that help power electric engines. • Smart construction. Lightweight materials have long been required for speed, but maritime racing isn’t for everyone. These days, many people seek boats made with lighter materials simply because less weight means less fuel burned. For hull construction, builders are relying more on materials such as carbon fiber and aluminum, both lightweight when compared with steel. That’s not to say steel doesn’t factor into an eco-friendly design: It’s highly reusable and often employed—along with other sustainable materials such as wood and cork—for yacht decking. Manufacturers like Steeler consider this during construction, making sure many parts of their yachts can easily be recycled when the boats are taken out of service and dismantled. • The feel-good factor. Whether on deck or below it, we’re used to the good

life. This means designing a yacht interior that not only meets all of our needs, but also exceeds style expectations. Tech gear going into today’s yachts is often environmentally friendly. Newcastle Marine built the 129-foot Safira with energy-saving LED lighting as well as reclaimed oak, remnant stone and Esthec (a reusable alternative for teak) for interior cabinets and exterior decks. Other sustainable accessory ideas include air-conditioning systems with eco-modes, insulation upgrades to decrease fuel consumption and black-water treatment systems to reduce waste. • Second-hand, not second best. Boaters are discovering that a refurbished yacht can often be just as good as the latest and greatest. When you consider a superyacht like a home, it’s a canvas for renovations and remodels. Compared with building a yacht from scratch, revamping a yacht reduces landfill waste (a properly disposed of boat can cost an owner up to $40,000 as tons of hull material can sit for years) and requires fewer resources. In addition, you’re in charge of what goes into the rebuild, meaning that you can select items that are cost-effective, eco-friendly and technologically advanced. And just as with rebuilding a classic car, there’s a sentimental value to honoring a yacht’s history and overall coolness. • Togetherness. There’s collective action being taken by builders, owners and governments to promote sustainability. Boating associations around the globe, including the International Maritime Organization, are pushing for stricter laws governing emissions—sulphur, specifically—around certain ports. And shipbuilders are now required to reduce emissions of nitric oxide, a major polluter from large vessels. Superyacht industry leaders even created the nonprofit Water Revolution Foundation, whose members are committed to the sustainable consumption of natural resources.

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{ home }

Museum Marvels Drawing millions to their exhibits, these six world-renowned repositories are works of art themselves.

The Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo, Japan The biggest museum in Japan is the Tokyo National Museum, a can’t miss destination when visiting this populous Asian city. There are more than 100,000 artifacts of Japanese art and history on view across five distinct buildings. If you don’t have the stamina or time for them all, the Honkan building is a cheat sheet of sorts displaying cultural items, Buddhist statues, samurai swords and the like from 10,000 B.C. to the late 19th century. Fun fact: This museum is part of Ueno Park, which means there are outdoor exhibits to enjoy when the weather cooperates, including Kuromon, the “Black Gate” to the Edo residence of the Ikeda family, who took the reins during the Edo Period (1603-1868), and the Azekura Repository stone house.

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Doge’s Palace, Venice, Italy Ride a gondola and visit Doge’s Palace. Those are two things any tourist must do when visiting this famous city. Located on the famous St. Mark’s Square near St. Mark’s Basilica, the palace is a spectacle before you even walk in, with a remarkable exterior that defines Venetian Gothic architecture. The interior spans 1,000 years of history, giving visitors a glimpse into the wealth and power once centered here. Ornate chambers and detailed sculptures abound in the museum, which officially has been operating as a tourist spot since 1923, as do paintings and other artifacts. Fun fact: Tintoretto’s 16th century masterpiece “Il Paradiso,” one of the world’s largest oil paintings, is on display in the main hall of Doge’s Palace.

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The Egyptian Museum, Cairo, Egypt Before or after a stop at the Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx, take in some more Egyptian antiquities at this art museum in Cairo; it’s the oldest archaeological museum in the Middle East and the largest on the continent of Africa. Most of the exhibits are of the Pharaonic and Greco-Roman periods—we’re talking tombs, ornaments, gigantic statues and more pieces that pay homage to Egypt’s rich cultural heritage. Fun fact: Some exhibition highlights include an entire room devoted to king Tutankhamen (aka King Tut), the most famous Egyptian pharaoh; a display of extremely detailed Ancient Egyptian jewelry; and the Royal Mummy Room, where you can come face-to-face with them.

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The Museo Soumaya, Mexico City, Mexico Like the others on this list, this museum is full of thousands of artifacts from its country’s culture. But this attraction, built in 1994, is more of a personal art gallery, displaying 70,000 works from the 15th to mid-20th centuries that belong exclusively to Carlos Slim, the richest man in Mexico, who also finances this building. The Museo Soumaya’s defining characteristic is clearly its rotating silver rhomboid, which looks different from all angles and reflects light at various points depending on the time of day and season. It was designed by Fr·ee (Fernando Romero Enterprise), a venture of Slim’s son-in-law. Fun fact: The museum is named after Soumaya Domit, founder Carlos Slim’s wife, who died in 1999.

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The Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao, Spain You know the Guggenheim in New York City; now let us introduce you to her Basque cousin, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain. It was built in 1991, when the Basque government approached Solomon Guggenheim about building an attraction in its main port to reel in more tourists. Now it’s a distinct landmark there, one that has helped make both the city and architect Frank Gehry worldrenowned. Titanium, limestone and glass curve to create the subtle shape of a boat, reflecting the heritage of the port of Bilbao. Fun fact: The museum originated what’s called the “Bilbao effect,” the phenomenon whereby beautiful architecture can transform a struggling city into a bustling tourist spot.

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The Louvre, Paris, France This is, of course, one of the most recognizable art museums in the world, as well as the most visited. Did you know it’s one of the oldest too? Serving as a royal palace before debuting as a museum in 1793, The Louvre sits right in the center of the City of Light, across from the Tuileries Garden. It’s home to a vast collection of various works ranging from ancient civilizations to the mid-19th century and divided into eight departments. The Louvre’s most famous painting, Leonardo Da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa,” is in the Salle des États, the museum’s largest room, to accommodate its many admirers. Fun fact: The Louvre pyramid, made of glass and metal, wasn’t designed by a French architect but instead by Chinese-American architect I. M. Pei. Since 1989 it has served as the main entrance to the museum below it.

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MINIMALIST BY NATURE Designer Orlando Diaz-Azcuy made this built-fromscratch California home an open, modern tribute to the verdant landscape that surrounds it. Open-concept rooms with clean lines and functional furniture go back at least to the middle of the last century. And since the 1980s, San Francisco-based designer Orlando Diaz-Azcuy has been influencing interior designers with his own take on minimalism. On these pages, you’ll see one of his projects featured in Soul: Interiors by Orlando Diaz-Azcuy (written by Jorge S. Arango); a custom home built in Woodside, California. In collaboration with David Oldroyd, principal of DiazAscuy’s company, ODADA, everything was designed with the history of its site in mind, and intended as a visual echo of its environs.

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Everything in this West Coast home is inspired by its lush surroundings, sometimes subtly and sometimes conspicuously—as in the custom rug designed to resemble tree bark, and a round coffee table made of elm. The lime-green accent color is seen in almost every room, a nod to the lush scenery outside.

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This page: A custom walnut credenza halts foot traffic in the entryway, where the slabbed ceiling soars into the living and dining rooms. Limed oak screens partially separate the foyer and living room, allowing light and air through. Opposite: The cozy reading nook sits parallel to the living room, beckoning guests for a respite thanks to its custom chaise lounge, limited-edition Suora floor lamp by Carlo Mollino and trio of asymmetrical wooden sculptures by Belgian designer Kaspar Hamacher (through Almond & Co.).

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This page: A crisp white kitchen looks anything but traditional thanks to its sculptural island’s distinct angles, inspired by the roofline of the home. Note the dark window frames over the Wolf stove, which give the home a chic urban feel. Opposite: This windowless powder room, with horizontal slats of wood and a floor-toceiling mirror, references cow fencing on the dairy farm that once occupied this site. The piece to the left of the limestone pedestal sink looks like a stealth medicine cabinet, but in fact it’s a painting by David Simpson.

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This page: Three walls of silver travertine add movement to this primary bathroom, sizable enough for two (or more) with a double vanity and makeup counter. The oval soaking tub by Agape Design sits under a custom light fixture as it overlooks the wooded forest. Opposite: Guests will feel right at home in this bedroom, where the lime-green throw pillow is a welcome pop of color atop the neutral chair from Design Within Reach.

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{ fitness }

just breathe

Focusing intentionally on how you inhale and exhale during a workout can increase its benefits.

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If there’s one thing we’ve all got a knack for, it’s respiration. We’ve been taking regular breaths more or less unthinkingly since birth, and to say that it’s the key to everything else we do is laughably self-evident. But science now says there’s a special benefit to breathing deeply during exercise—and focusing your mind on the process of breathing in and out. A study reported in the journal Cell Reports Medicine this year found that even five minutes a day of conscious breathwork and mindful meditation can improve our mood and reduce anxiety. To put it simply, diaphragmatic breathing, or belly breathing—when the air coming in through your nose fully fills your lungs and your belly—helps calm the body and lower the heart rate and blood pressure. “When you breathe through your chest, you tend to use muscles in your shoulders and neck which can lead to neck pain, headache and tension,” says Zee Clarke, author and CEO at Denver-based Reclaiming Flow, where she’s a breathwork teacher. Belly breathing stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which circulates more oxygen throughout the body.” “We don’t breathe as well as we should,” adds San Diego-based Belisa Vranich, author and breath coach at The Breathing Class. Most humans breathe vertically rather than horizontally, she says, where the middle of the body expands and narrows with each breath, and this is hurting our health. “Thanks to screens and evolution, we now breathe in a way that’s more shallow and faster, which puts us into a more anxious state and affects our digestion, back health, energy and sleep.” Here’s a technique for breathing through your diaphragm (in other words, practicing “belly breathing” or “horizontal breathing”): —Lie down on a flat surface and place one hand on the middle of your upper chest. —Place the other hand on your stomach just beneath your rib cage. —Inhale through your nose so your stomach pushes toward your hand but your chest doesn’t move.

—Exhale through pursed lips while your stomach and hand go back down. Vranich also says that knowing your breathing IQ is essential to becoming a “good” horizontal breather. (You can learn how by taking a quiz at thebreathingiq. com, which will grade you and provide exercises to help you improve.) Different breathwork techniques work best for different exercises. Once you’ve got belly breathing down, here’s how to practice it during… • Running. Many runners practice what’s called rhythmic breathing, which creates a rhythmic connection between your breath and the way your foot hits the ground. You can inhale for two footstrikes and exhale for two footstrikes, or whatever pattern feels comfortable to you. No matter what your rhythm, though, make sure you’re inhaling through your nose when running or jogging. “This brings oxygen to your brain and muscles, and the nose filters a lot of toxins and allergens and adds moisture,” Clarke notes. “If you breathe through your mouth, the air is drier and colder, which can lead to shortness of breath and chest tightness.” Over time, you’ll find that you’ll be able to pick up the pace and not become as breathless. • Cardio. With any sport or exercise that requires endurance, breathing is critical, says Vranich. And when working out with just your body weight (as opposed to equipment), “the general principle is to exhale when you exert the effort” adds Clarke. As with running, Clarke finds counting breaths to be helpful when doing continuous cardio exercise such as cycling. “Inhale two three four, exhale two three four,” she says. “The counting means you’re getting the oxygen you need, and the rhythm allows you to maintain your momentum and have endurance.” • HIIT. Lightheadedness and fatigue can be common symptoms after a highintensity interval training (HIIT) workout, but being more conscious about your breathwork may help alleviate these notso-pleasant aftereffects. It comes down to syncing your breaths to your movements.

Exhale through your mouth at the peak of a movement—for instance, pushing up during a push-up or squat—and then inhale when you finish. When you’re in between circuits, Clarke advises, “engage in belly breathing to maximize the oxygen during your rest period.” • Strength training. You’ve probably seen weightlifting champions hold their breath while benching or squatting, but leave that to the pros, please. Vranich says you need to breathe so that you have power for your workout and can prevent back injury. “You want to breathe in a way that’ll pressure your body to take care of your spine,” she says. Do this by timing your breaths precisely when lifting and lowering weights—this is in fact necessary when it comes to proper strength training. The goal here is to exhale during the concentric phase of the exercise, which strengthens the core, increases stability and prevents lightheadedness. “Purse your lips like you’re blowing through a straw to force an extra-long exhale, which stimulates that parasympathetic nervous system,” adds Clarke. Then inhale a belly breath on the eccentric phase, when you lower the weight back to where it was. • Yoga. Breathing is the essence of yoga, and in yoga it even has a special name: pranayama, a word for focusing on breath. But Clarke, who studied yoga in India, and Vranich, both agree that we tend to hold our breath trying to perfect the move and forget to breathe entirely. “Don’t hold your breath or take tiny little breaths when you’re doing a move like a Chaturanga,” says Vranich. Unless you’re doing a specific pranayama about holding your breath, try what’s called the Ujjayi pranayama, also known as ocean breath because its noises resemble that of the ocean. “Breathe in and out through your nose but constrict your throat, exhaling through your mouth as if you’re fogging up a mirror,” Clarke suggests. For the actual movement, mimic that same sound but with your mouth closed and exhaling through your nose. This elongates the inhale and the exhale to activate the parasympathetic nervous system.

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{ auto }

leading the charge

A trio of new electric SUVs puts a jolt into the market, equally attracting speed demons and family drivers.

Manufacturing eco-vehicles isn’t new to the automotive world. Even traditional brands like Aston Martin and Ferrari have shed some of their stubbornness, trading in their mighty combustion engines for cleaner, quieter and more efficient plug-in versions. It was only a matter of time until the move-

ment hit the SUV market. Now three widely respected makers from around the globe—two historic names and one up-andcoming brand—have caught a bolt of lightning and released their historic first electric sport utes. Each combines luxury, high performance, practicality and eco-friendliness.

RIVIAN R1S No mere imitator of the likes of Tesla, this upstart American electric-vehicle manufacturer is making a name of its own with its lineup of cars. Unlike other manufacturers, Rivian has given its first SUV, the R1S, full off-road capability. Engineers outfitted it with an adjustable suspension system that offers up to 15 inches of ground clearance, while the Quad-Motor trim comes with an electric motor for each wheel—in other words, better control over varied terrains. There’s also great news if you’re more of a city and highway driver: The SUV comes standard with three rows of seating for the entire family, high-end features to rival the best luxury vehicles, a battery-powered motor that can produce around 260 miles on a single charge and a power train that makes 600 horsepower. Repeat: That all comes standard. Starting at $79,000.

MASERATI GRECALE FOLGORE Keeping up with speed-demon producers like Lamborghini and Ferrari isn’t necessarily Maserati engineers’ goal. Instead, the legendary Italian automaker is appealing to a wider demographic as it continues to electrify its lineup of cars for eco-minded consumers. Its latest model, the family-friendly Grecale Folgore (Italian for “lightning”), is the company’s first electric crossover SUV—and it brings a jolt of energy to the busy EV field. When it debuts in 2024, it’s expected to offer a massive 105.0-kWh battery pack powering two electric motors. On a full charge, the battery should last around 300 miles while generating speed and strength comparable to Tesla’s famed Model X. Maserati’s sustainability mindset can also be seen on the inside: Upholstery, for instance, will feature recycled materials. Starting at $75,000.

LOTUS ELETRE The British automaker has been known for producing simple, lightweight (and fast) sports cars for more than seven decades. Though it’s not ditching that philosophy entirely, Lotus is doing something radical: packing a heavy battery, luxury amenities and much more into its all-new midsize SUV, the Eletre. Available as a four- or five-seater, the Eletre weighs nearly three times as much as the brand’s iconic Elise sports car but can perform just as well—the electric power train generates about 600 horsepower. On full charge, the hefty battery in the base Eletre has a range of about 315 miles, on par with some of the market’s top SUVs from Lamborghini and BMW. It also competes with the best interiors in the industry, incorporating lush materials such as stitched leather, microfiber and bronze accents into the cabin. Starting at $84,500.

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THE BEST DINING & TAKE OUT IN TOWN (860) 233-0220 @restaurantbriccowh

(860) 659-0220 @briccotrattoria

ACCOLADES

BEST LOCAL CHEF

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BEST LOCAL CHEF

EXCELLENT ITALIAN RESTUARANT

CHEF OF THE YEAR 2015

BEST ITALIAN BRICCO

(860) 233-0220 @chef_billy_grantiii billygrant.com

10/5/22 2:51 PM

{ home }

A Promise Made At Sea Stranded in a sailboat three decades ago, two men agreed on an ambitious vow. Let your palate determine if they kept it. A 1994 boat trip gone wrong—that was the genesis of the Serafina Restaurant Group. When friends Vittorio Assaf and Fabio Granato were stranded at sea far off the Long Island shore—no food, few supplies and barely any hope—they vowed that if they survived, they would open a restaurant that served the world’s best pizza and pasta. They made it. The first Serafina restaurant opened in New York City in 1995, and the group is now offering unforgettable Italian meals in dozens of locations around the world, including Brazil, Japan and Turkey. “It’s not an exaggeration to say that pact inspired our will to survive,” the jovial, free-spirited restaurateurs write in their new book Serafina: Modern Italian Cuisine for Everyday Home Cooking (Rizzoli New York). And did they literally keep their vow? Try the recipes on the pages—or visit a Serafina—and decide for yourself.

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Food should always be enjoyed with good friends and family. Here Fabio Granato and Vittorio Assaf, middle, share a meal and laughs with Paolo Gennari and Andrea Gennari.

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la bresaola INGREDIENTS: n 2 cups loosely packed arugula n 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil n 1/4 tsp. grated Parmigiano Reggiano n salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste n freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon n 14 oz. thinly sliced bresaola meat n 1 cup Parmigiano Reggiano shavings n 1 lemon, cut into wedges

SERVES 4

DIRECTIONS: Put the washed and dried arugula in a bowl; add the olive oil, the grated Parmigiano Reggiano and season to taste with salt, black pepper and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Arrange the bresaola slices around a platter and place the dressed arugula on top. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving to give time for the bresaola to absorb the flavors of the arugula condiments. Finish with Parmigiano Reggiano shavings. Garnish with lemon wedges.

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orecchiette with sausage & broccoli INGREDIENTS: n 7 oz. broccoli n 7 oz. sweet sausage n 2 Tbs. unsalted butter n Salt to taste n 1 lb. dried orecchiette n 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano

SERVES 4

DIRECTIONS: Remove and discard the lower stems from the broccoli. Quarter the broccoli florets length-wise if large. Remove the casing from the sausage and break it up with your fingers.

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Brown the sausage meat, stirring frequently and breaking it up further with a fork if necessary Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta. When the pasta is about halfway cooked but still fairly hard in the center, probably about 5 minutes in, add the broccoli and cook until both pasta and broccoli are cooked, about 5 additional minutes. Drain and add both to the skillet with the sausage. Toss over medium heat until combined, about 2 minutes. Divide the pasta among individual serving bowls and top with grated Parmigiano.

Recipes and images reprinted with permission from Serafina: Modern Italian Cuisine for Everyday Home Cooking by Vittorio Assaf and Fabio Granato with Lavinia Branca Snyder, © Rizzoli New York. Photography © Mark Roskams.

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{ wines }

women at the helm Winemaking in northern California isn’t the exclusive province of men, and actually hasn’t been for quite some time. By Robert Beringela

Just as you can’t judge a book by its cover, you can only tell so much about a wine from its label. Scanning the fine print, you may read about the vintage and the varietal, but you’ll miss a thread in the wine’s origin story—you won’t learn about the people behind it. In northern California, many of those people happen to be women. That’s not a new development, but it’s one that is finally getting noticed. “When I was getting started, there were a number of women doing amazing things in wine,” Hilary Sjolund says. “If you weren’t in the industry, you may not have heard about them because they didn’t always get the attention they deserved. But they were inspiring figures to people like me.” Sjolund, 43, is associate winemaker at Aperture Cellars, an acclaimed property in the Anderson Valley of Sonoma County that is known for its focus on Bordeaux varietals. She took the job in 2019, following a 13-year stint as a winemaker and wine consultant in the Pacific Northwest, in a move that amounted to a California homecoming. Born and raised in Sonoma, Sjolund spent much of her childhood shuttling through the Anderson Valley, riding to and from her parents’ grocery store on the Mendocino coast. In those days, many women, including Stacy Clark of Pine Ridge Vineyards in Napa, were playing influential roles in the industry. But Sjolund never considered making a life in wine until her first year at college, at U.C. Davis, when she took her first elective: “Introduction to Wine Making.” “The part that caught my eye was ‘educational tastings included,’” Sjolund says. “And I thought, ‘Wow. Mom and Dad are going to pay for me to drink in college!’” In truth, she’d always been into science, so winemaking tapped a lifelong interest. The more she learned, the more she came to appreciate the way wine melded science with art, a mix of creativity and laboratory precision that allowed for an active life in the outdoors. She was hooked. Sjolund joined Aperture as the estate was getting ready to unveil a new winemaking facility for its inaugural vintage. She now has a hand in array of celebrated wines in a portfolio of terroir-driven blends and singlevineyard releases. She also works on Aperture’s sister label, Devil Proof Vineyards, which has received a wealth of accolades, including the first-ever

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100-point score for a Malbec from the Alexander Valley. In northern California as elsewhere, winemaking positions are still held predominantly by men. But gone are the days when women’s vital contributions went widely ignored. At the historic Far Niente winery in neighboring Napa, Sjolund’s winemaking counterpart, Nicole Marchesi, has been running the show since 2009, overseeing the production of one of the valley’s most iconic Chardonnays, made without malolactic fermentation to yield wines of unparalleled freshness and complexity that pair wonderfully with food and improve with age. In Lodi, meanwhile, Marissa Lange has been a driving force behind the growth and evolution of pioneering LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards. Now a fifth-generation agricultural family, the Langes entered viniculture in the 1970s, selling their grapes and leaving the winemaking to others. Marissa’s childhood was beautifully bucolic. But when she went off to college in the 1990s, she figured she was leaving California for good. “As a 17-year-old I knew two things,” Lange says. “I knew I wasn’t going to work in wine. And I knew I wasn’t coming back to Lodi.” Fast-forward to the present. Lange has been back in California for nearly 20 years, guiding the family business in exciting new directions. In 2005, with Marissa leading a collaborative effort, the Langes built their own winery, which today produces wines from grapes in four Lodi appellations, including single-vineyard releases that are uniquely expressive of their surrounds. Central to the operation is sustainability. LangeTwins generates 55 percent of the energy it uses, drawing its water from a state-of-the-art irrigation system designed to maximize conservation. An early adopter of solar power, LangeTwins has kept a focus on the future. The foundations of the winery were built to accommodate fuel cells, and 70 acres of family land have been set aside for an experiment in regenerative farming, in which crops are rotated to ensure the long-term health of the soil. “A generation ago, women in the wine industry were mostly in marketing and public relations,” Lange says. “Now the majority of my winemaking team is female. And you see women in a wide diversity of roles.”

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Clockwise from top left, Nicole Marchesti, Hillary Sjolund, Marissa Lange

2021 Far Niente Estate Bottled Chardonnay, $73 A vivacious wine with bright citrus notes and hints of toasted oak that lingers on the finish. Wonderful with seafood, poultry and pork.

2019 Devil Proof Malbec, $273 A moody, complex wine, with traces of black licorice, herbs and berry. Pair with roasted meats and duck.

2018 LangeTwins Midnight Reserve, $40 A lush and layered Bordeaux blend, showcasing notes of dark fruit and tobacco that give way to fresh fruit on the palate.

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{ cocktail hour }

spice it up Lattes and muffins are great, but when it comes to autumnal flavors, this cocktail takes the cake.

pumpkin pie martini SERVES 2

INGREDIENTS n 1/4 cup whipped topping or whipped cream n 2 1/2 oz. vanilla vodka n 1 1/2 oz. aged rum n 1/4 cup pumpkin puree n 3 Tbs. maple syrup n 1/4 cup half and half n 1/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice, plus additional for garnish n Handful of ice cubes

DIRECTIONS Chill 2 martini or margarita glasses in the freezer. Line a small sheet tray with waxed paper. Make 2 dollops of whipped topping or whipped cream and place in the freezer for 30 minutes. In a cocktail shaker, combine the vodka, rum, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, half and half, pumpkin pie spice, salt and ice cubes. Cover and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds. Strain into the 2 martini glasses. Top each glass with one piece of frozen whipped cream. Sprinkle additional pumpkin pie spice and serve immediately.

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JEWELRY AND GIFTS

ESTATE & PRE-OWNED WATCHES

STORE FIFTY TWO | 52 LASALLE ROAD, WEST HARTFORD www.store-52.com facebook.com/shop_store52

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860.561.6552 instagram.com/shop_store52

9/15/23 4:01 PM

the “pawsitively” adorable

#PETSOFLBG

Meet some of the furry friends of our company—our adorable “co-workers” who bring endless joy and smiles every day!

FROM TOP LEFT: Gracie; Otis & Bear; Teddie & Frankie; Cooper; Nile; Theo & Cardi; Kenzie & Theo; Ruby; Ollie; Delfina.

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{ spirits }

japan’s secret drink The world is finally getting a taste of shochu, the most popular distilled spirit in the Land of the Rising Sun.

WHEN WE TAKE A SIP OF SAKE OR

Japanese whisky while dining in the neighborhood sushi bar, it isn’t just for the taste. We also imbibe for the experience. This, we tell ourselves, is what people do in Tokyo. Well, not always. The truth is that Japan’s most popular distilled spirit is something most people in the States have never heard of. Shochu (pronounced “show-choo”) is a liquor that many consider Japanese vodka, though it’s far less potent in alcohol content. And while sake isn’t a distilled spirit (it’s a brewed alcohol), the fact is that in Japan, shochu significantly outsells sake these days too. Now, finally, shochu is popping up as more than a mere curio in major Western cities. In the Big Apple, for instance, officials last year passed a law enabling Japanese shochu to finally be sold as “shochu.” It was previously lumped into the category of soju, the popular spirit from Korea. The change should make for less consumer confusion, as the drinks are completely different in process and production. Why not become familiar with four big names of the shochu world and take a sip or two next time you’re sitting for sushi? Kanpai! (That means, in effect, “cheers!” or, more literally, “empty cup!”)

MUGI SG SHOCHU Distilled barley is the primary ingredient of this relatively new shochu. The straw-colored tiny and light vanilla on the nose comes from the cask-aging process. But don’t let the oak deter you: Sweet chocolate notes and a banana accent accompany the woodiness. Cut the drink with a splash of cold water to up the sweetness, or try it with a 2:3 ratio of hot water for a sweet, nutty flavor. Try it: Mugi pairs well with chicken and root vegetables.

KINMIYA MIYAZAKI KI SHOCHU Made from sugar cane, this shochu is light and smooth on the palate. Sip it at room temperature, with seltzer (chuhai—a.k.a. shochu with soda) or as the base of your favorite cocktail. Try it: Sip as a standalone dessert drink or mix it with plum syrup (9:1 ratio) to make a classic Umewari.

MUGON SHOCHU From the century-old Sengetsu Distillery comes this rice shochu, distilled for more than 10 years in oak casks. It won a Gold Medal at the Los Angeles Wine & Spirits Competition nine years ago, earning praise for its silky body and notes of cashews and vanilla. It’s best sipped on the rocks or mixed with hot water. Try it: Mugo Shochu pairs well with meat dishes as well as light bites such as cheese and nuts.

IICHIKO SILHOUETTE Connoisseurs consider Iichiko the best-known shochu maker in the world, and the Silhouette line is its flagship product. Made of distilled barley, Silhouette has gained fans thanks to its aromatics, with lemon zest front and center. Other fruity notes are lychee and peach, as well as hints of mint, thyme and almond. Silhouette is lightbodied with a bright finish, with a sophisticated umami (savory and meaty) on the nose. Try it: Not surprisingly, Silhouette (thanks to the umami) pairs well with meat dishes.

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effortless jewels to layer this holiday season We all strive to find the perfect gifts that convey our love and appreciation for friends and family. One timeless option that never fails to delight is jewelry. Remember that it’s the sentiment that truly counts. Gifts from our Delicato Collection will be cherished and meaningful. So, spread the joy and let your loved ones sparkle with LBG jewelry that will be treasured for years to come.

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Diamond flower necklace, $695. Sapphire and diamond evil eye pendant, $450. Diamond moon and star necklace, $525. Sapphire and diamond bracelet, $1,195. Diamond stud earrings, $600. Heart-shaped hoop earrings, $325. Diamond oval drop earrings, $1,595. Diamond paperclip link earrings, $775. Diamond tassel earrings, $1,650. Diamond huggie hoop earrings, $775. All items are in 14K gold and from our Delicato Collection.

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AT YOUR SERVICE FOR 125 YEARS WE HAVE BEEN A ONE-STOP DESTINATION FOR ALL YOUR SERVICE NEEDS.

jewelery Master Goldsmiths Jewelry repair and restoration Custom design and fabrication Pearl and bead restringing Free jewelry cleaning and inspection

watch and clocks Rolex Authorized Service Center Certified Watchmakers Watch cleaning and restoration Strap replacement Battery replacement and water sealing Bracelet sizing Polishing of cases and bracelets Clock repair (including grandfather clocks) Brand authorized service center

appraisals Our team of Certified Gemologist Appraisers are accredited by the Gemological Institute of America and American Gem Society in addition to our experienced silver appraisers for your insurance, replacement and estate protection. Estate jewelry, gold, silver, diamond and watch trading and purchasing.

silverware, metal and glass Hand, laser and machine engraving Polishing, restoration and repair including replating Glass etching

additional services Wedding and gift registry (available online) Crane invitations Corporate gifts and incentive rewards Complimentary gift-wrapping

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here’s to ‘i do’ Raise a glass to his and hers wedding rings.

Lashbrook domed bevel ring, $1,953; Lutece diamond eternity ring in platinum, $9,450; Round brilliant diamond ring 3.00 cts., in platinum, $107,500.

Photography by Daniel Springston

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GIVING BACK

125 ACTS OF KINDNESS INITIATIVE As we celebrate our 125th anniversary as a family business in 2023, we made a collaborative decision to donate to 125 worthy organizations. Some of these contributions were important sponsorships, checks or donations of our valuable jewelry, watches and gifts for silent or live auctions, all helping with the necessary resources to further the missions of the nonprofit communities. In some cases, it was a random act of kindness for an event or situation that came to our attention helping the community heal. Fortunately, many of our fantastic staff members have been contributing their own time and energy to these worthwhile endeavors. Throughout our history, from the wisdom framed from M.A. Green, giving back and community spirit was a family value. Each generation of Greens has had their own stories and preferences for contributions, with community as a cornerstone. During our fourth generation, Marc and I hosted an annual golf tournament for many years, raising over $200,000 for local charities including the Connecticut Children’s Hospital. We were also honorees at the annual Jewelers For Children gala where our family raised over $500,000 supporting Jewelers For Children, The National CASA/GAL Association for Children, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Make-A-Wish Foundation. With our historic business anniversary, we worked closely with our staff and our partners acquiring unique or one-of-a-kind items dedicated to our 125 years of design and value. A percentage of these sales will benefit our beloved community organizations. Here we highlight a few of these exclusive and limited-edition items. We thank the communities we serve and our staff for building a strong tradition of giving.

If you have an interest in our giving commitment, please visit our website at LBGreen.com. You will find the information under About and Corporate and Social Responsibility.

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125 ACTS OF KINDNESS INITIATIVE

Temple St. Clair Where Angels Play Foundation Roberto Coin

Lux Bond & Green 1.25 ct. diamonds

As part of our 125th celebration, a portion of proceeds from our 125 Acts Of Kindness collection will be donated to charitable organizations throughout our communities.

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Scan this QR code to shop our selection of items in our 125 Acts Of Kindness Initiative

Frederique Constant Limited edition #125

Oris Limited edition #125 Baccarat Jewelers For Children

Simon Pearce Love Your Brain Foundation

Currin & Cade Ornaments

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MERCER COLLECTION

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