Mr. Sid Fall/Winter 2019

F A L L / W I N T E R

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FALL FASHIONS ITALIAN STYLE SKIING IN FRANCE

ON THE TOWN look your best this season

4 HAUTE HOTELS

YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO STYLE

THE FERRARI F8 TRIBUTO

ferrari fusion mixing old with new

DWAYNE JOHNSON

4 haute hotels get overhauls unique eats pass the posole

F A L L / W I N T E R 2 0 19

Limited space available, almost sold out. Take your special someone on a journey of a lifetime

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CONTENTS

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

ferrari’s hottest | 40

Memo | 6

The F8 Tributo, the Italian brand’s new flagship, is a blend of its greatest hits and today’s chart-topping tech.

what a comeback! | 42 Some hotels rest on their laurels, but not these four.

They’ve remade themselves— with exciting results.

fall/ winter 2019

finding focus | 64 Photographer Michael Yamashita discovered his ideal career: exploring other cultures with his camera.

We continue to enhance the shopping experience at Mr. Sid.

The Mr. Sid Guide | 9 Stay cool with Baldassari... find out C.P. Company’s surprises...Boston’s top chef... and much more.

clothes talk | 14 Stuart Segel tells us what’s in store this season.

high honor | 16 Mr. Sid receives a prestigious award from MR magazine, the menswear authority.

Profile | 18

urban outfitter

Word on the street is you’ll look great in the season’s top looks from Mr. Sid.

p.

48

Edoardo Fassino wears the pants at PT Torino.

THE LEADING MAN

dwayne johnson | 20 The former professional wrestler has become a firmly established—and nattily dressed—screen star.

Essentials | 24 Mr. Sid has all the must-have pieces you need to stand out this season.

that’s Amore | 58 Find out what makes Italy so stellar in menswear.

the sporting life | 60 At Alpe d’Huez in the Alps, great skiing matches up with unforgettable scenery, dining and nightlife.

pursuits | 62 Luxury goes wild in the Mercedes-Benz G 550, a masterpiece of tech that’s hyper-ready for an encounter with tough terrain.

gourmet | 70 Bowls of tasty posole are like snowflakes—no two are exactly alike.

spirits | 72 Why are these cognacs so hip? Exacting production and ageing standards tell part of the tale.

sid scene | 80

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Mr. Sid gives back to the community, joining charity events for two worthy causes.

ON THE COVER: Vest by Waterville, sweater by Gran Sasso, sunglasses by Randolph.

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9/24/19 1:03 PM

MEMO BOSTON

Enhancing the Experience T

your lifestyle and will he fall season has never compromise rapidly approached, comfort. We have and we couldn’t be found some of the most more excited! We innovative fabrics that recently were named stretch, yet feel natural “Best Specialty Store and comfortable. in America” by MR Functional, beautiful magazine, the authority footwear is abundant in the menswear with renewed looks industry, and we’re such as a velvet formal so proud of our staff shoe with a sneaker sole. and loyal customers Our tailored clothing who make Mr. Sid collections are also Newton and Mr. Sid sensational this season Boston such special and with a vast variety of unique places to shop. made-to-measure and ready-to-wear offerings In today’s world of online shopping and big sneak peek such as velvet jackets for the holidays or box stores, it is such a pleasure to play a role herringbone tweeds, each designed in four in our communities. We are honored to dress color ways. The Mr. Sid in-house tailor shop men for their weddings, children’s bar/bat consists of an amazing team of skilled tailors mitzvahs and many other special occasions that will ensure your clothing fits properly to as well as host numerous charity events and your satisfaction. fundraisers. The experience we try to provide As the months get busier this fall, we our customers is entrenched in a level of recognize that it is not always easy to make service with more than five decades of On the ropes! it into the store so we have developed a new expertise and high expectations. We refuse to p. 24 level of service called Monogram for your sit on our laurels, however, and we are always convenience and often hectic lifestyle. Lastly, we have trying to evolve the experience, pushing to bring new been working tirelessly on a new collection of mademerchandise and to expand upon the level of services to-measure clothing for men and women named we provide our customers.

Sidney that will launch later this fall. (Read about The selection of merchandise at our stores is both Monogram and Sidney on page 14.) As John F. truly better than ever, and we have curated a mix Kennedy once said, “For time and the world do not that we believe is second to none. For example, soft stand still. Change is the law of life. And those who sportcoats—done in a variety of colors, patterns look only to the past or the present are certain to miss and fabrics ranging from silk/cashmere blends to the future.” At Mr. Sid, we look forward to the future over-dyed wools—will help elevate one’s casualand what we have in store for you. We want to thank yet-contemporary aesthetic. Oftentimes we have all of our customers for your incredible support and customers who are confused by the words “casual patronage. If you haven’t had the chance to visit one of dress.” When you come to Mr. Sid, our team will our two locations, now is the best time to do so. help you navigate a look that is cohesive and fits

49 NORTHERN AVE., BOSTON, MA 02210 857.310.5813 MONDAY, TUESDAY, FRIDAY: 10 A.M. TO 7 P.M. WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY: 10 A.M. TO 8 P.M. SATURDAY: 10 A.M. TO 6 P.M. SUNDAY: 11 A.M. TO 5 P.M.

NEWTON 1211 CENTRE STREET, NEWTON CENTRE, MA 02459 617.969.4540 TUESDAY: 9 A.M. TO 6 P.M. WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY: 9 A.M. TO 8 P.M. FRIDAY & SATURDAY: 9 A.M. TO 6 P.M. CLOSED SUNDAY & MONDAY MRSID.COM Editor-in-chief RITA GUARNA creative Director STEPHEN M. VITARBO senior Editor DARIA MEOLI senior Associate Editor DARIUS AMOS lifestyle editor HALEY LONGMAN Editorial assistant GIANNA BARONE art director VICTORIA BEALL Contributing Editors MICHAEL ARDRIZZONE, KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN, TIMOTHY KELLEY, EVERETT POTTER, DONNA ROLANDO, JOSH SENS

Contributing Photographers JOHN GILLOOLY, DANIEL SPRINGSTON PUBLISHING STAFF

group Publisher SHAE MARCUS director of sales MONICA DELLI SANTI account executive KAREN AZZARELLO, JESSICA SALERNO Director of Production and Circulation STEVE SANBORN director of Advertising Services JACQUELYNN FISCHER graphic designer, ad services VIOLETA MULAJ production art associate CHRIS FERRANTE Accounting AGNES ALVES, MEGAN FRANK, RANDALL TASHJIAN PUBLISHED BY Chairman CARROLL V. DOWDEN President & CEO MARK DOWDEN Senior Vice Presidents SHAE MARCUS, CARL OLSEN Vice Presidents NIGEL EDELSHAIN, THOMAS FLANNERY, RITA GUARNA MR. SID Magazine is published twice a year by Wainscot Media, 1 Maynard Dr., Park Ridge, NJ, 07656, in association with MR. SID. Copyright © 2019 by Wainscot Media, LLC. All rights reserved.

Editorial Contributions: Write to Editor, MR. SID, 1 Maynard Dr., Park Ridge, NJ, 07656; telephone 201.571.2244; email rita.guarna@ wainscotmedia.com. The magazine is not responsible for

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Subscription Services: To change an address or request a subscription, write to Subscriptions, MR. SID Circulation Department, 1 Maynard Dr., Park Ridge, NJ, 07656; telephone 201.573.5541.

Advertising Inquiries: Contact Shae Marcus at 856.797.2227 or shae.marcus@wainscotmedia.com.

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T H I R T Y T H I R T Y

Y E A R S Y E A R S

O F O F

D E S I G N D E S I G N

A N D A N D

I N N O V A T I O N I N N O V A T I O N

BOSTON | NATICK | BURLINGTON | MGBWHOME.COM MGBWHOME.COM

THE

MR. SID GUIDE A TIGHTKNIT FAMILY

YOUR TICKET TO RIDE

Most true car enthusiasts are likely familiar with “My Ride,” the Wall Street Journal column by longtime automotive journalist A.J. Baime.

Well, rev your engines, because Baime has turned his popular column into a book, which, like his weekly posts, is a must-read for any true car aficionado.

In 100 Dream Cars: The Best Of My Ride (Rizzoli, $45), Baime highlights 100 of the most impressive wheels (including motorcycles) featured in “My Ride,” each with a descriptive profile of the vehicle, its technical specs and a poignant story about the relationship between car and driver. From a fast ’62 Lamborghini to a classic ’37 Caddy V-16 or the ultra-cool Tesla Model X, this curated collection is enough to make any gearhead googly-eyed.

Mauro Blasi is the heir to a long line of Neapolitan sartorial craftsmen.

Like his father before him, Blasi is a student of his craft. In the early 20th century, the elder Blasi was one of the most trusted and renowned tailors in Naples—no small feat. For us at Mr. Sid, the benefit is that we’re fortunate to carry Mauro Blasi tailored suits. Research and attention to detail are the strengths of this brand, from the fabrics to the design to the execution. Well-dressed men have been wearing suits created by the Blasis for decades. Join them and be an heir to the long line of well-dressed Mr. Sid customers.

SHOES AS ART

FALL/WINTER 2019

There’s an art to everything. When it comes to footwear, Antonio Maurizi is an artist. Special care is taken not only in the design, but in the craft of construction. So it’s only natural, now that sneakers are so popular, that we look to Antonio Maurizi for quality in sneakers. To hear them talk about the construction of their sneakers (and boots with sneaker soles!) is to know that you’re dealing with people who take their craft seriously. Ask your Mr. Sid sales associate about Antonio Maurizi, the Michelangelo of footwear.

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THE MR. SID GUIDE THE A–Z LIST

“MACHO” IN ITALIAN

Mr. Sid is proud to feature more than 40 designer brands under one roof! See if you don’t find your favorites in the list below. Then stop by the store for a shopping experience you’ll love.

Can a clothing line be elegant and masculine at the same time? Can it employ old-school artisans and yet still have cutting-edge styles?

The short answer to both is Baldassari, whose line of knitwear and sportswear debuts at Mr. Sid this fall. Trends change, but the brand’s overall image remains the same—Baldassari personifies a strong and confident man who exudes modern elegance. In short, macho. The look was born in the petri dish of fashion, Milan, specifically the Brera district. It was there, in the 1970s, that Maurizio Baldassari absorbed the industry savvy that would inspire him to start his own line.

This season, look for his collection at Mr. Sid. Try on Baldassari and wear macho.

YOUR FAVORITES’ FAVORITES

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It’s a given that the style pros at Mr. Sid know about fashion, but—believe it or not—the men and women on staff have interests beyond helping you look and feel great. They know all about your likes and dislikes, your interests and hobbies, so why not find out a little about them? On any given day, your Mr. Sid stylist can be found reading, watching and listening to his or her favorite things.

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ADAM KOLB Favorite book: Born to Run by Christopher McDougall Favorite TV show: Mad Men ANDREW OMAN Favorite album: “Lateralus”

by Tool Favorite TV show: Sons of Anarchy Favorite book: Linden Hills by Gloria Naylor BARRY SEGEL Favorite TV show: Yellowstone Favorite book: My Cross to Bear by Gregg Allman and Alan Light Favorite album: “Last Days at the Lodge” by Amos Lee Podcast: The Michael Holley Podcast—NBC Sports

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CHRIS SAWYER Favorite podcasts: Noir Talk, episode 4: Edith Head When Facts Become Fiction; The Bowery Boys, episode 255: The Rescue of Grand Central Station; The Shrink Next Door DAVID SIEGEL Favorite book: Tuesdays with Morrie Favorite movie: Bohemian Rhapsody JOSH JACOB Favorite TV show: Peaky Blinders Favorite album: “A Black Mile to the Surface” by Manchester Orchestra KATIE MOSQUERA Favorite movie: The Best of Enemies

Favorite podcast: How Did This Get Made?

Favorite TV show: Pose LUKE MERRYMAN Favorite TV show: Mom Favorite album: “Hozier” Favorite book: Animal Farm MOUSSA SY Favorite TV show: Snowfall Favorite movie: Ocean’s Eleven Favorite book: 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene TARIK WELCH Favorite albums: “The Return” by Kamaal Williams, “The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady” by Charles Mingus, “In My Element” by Robert Glasper

AG ADESI ALDEN ALESSANDRO GHERARDI ANDERSON’S ANDREA ZORI ANTONIO MAURIZI BARBA BORRELLI CARROT & GIBBS CASTANGIA CORNELIANI C.P. COMPANY DEREK ROSE DI BIANCO DION EDWARD GREEN ELEVENTY ETON FAHERTY BRAND FARNESE CUSTOM BELTS FEDELI GIMO’S GITMAN GRAN SASSO GRAVATI HAMILTON HARRY’S OF LONDON HESTRA GLOVES HILTL INCOTEX ISAIA ITALO FERRETTI JAN LESLIE JACOB COHEN JOE’S KJUS LUBIUM MANTO MARCOLIANI MAURIZIO BALDASSARI MAURO BLASI MEGIN SPIVEY MEYER MGF 965 NASOMATTO NEW BALANCE ON PAIGE PAL ZILERI PARABOOT PARAJUMPERS PATRICK ASSARAF PT01 RHONE SAMUELSOHN SANTONI SAXX SWIMS TASC TIKI NAPOLI TINTORIA MATTEI TORINO TRANDS PANTHERELLA VENTURA WATERVILLE ZANELLA ZEGNA

ELEVENTY

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THE MR. SID GUIDE WHAT LIES BENEATH: CHOOSING THE RIGHT UNDERWEAR

PUNCH LINES

Customers ask us all the time for restaurant recommendations. In Newton, we have just the place.

Buttonwood, from the team behind Sycamore and Little Big Diner, is a neighborhood restaurant in Newton Highlands (51 Lincoln St., 617.928.5771) that serves rustic American food. The bar specializes in local craft beers, classic cocktails and small-production wines. The family-friendly place is run by talented chef and Mr. Sid customer David Punch. Chef Punch took a minute away from the kitchen to chat with us.

What inspired you to become a chef?

It’s something I fell into. When I was 18 years old, I needed a job to pay rent, so I began cooking. I very quickly realized how much I loved the teamwork mentality and endless daily hustle of restaurants.

What’s your 15-second sales pitch for Buttonwood?

It’s really an all-purpose restaurant...come in with family, with friends for drinks or date night for a nice bottle of wine. It’s the kind of neighborhood place you could dine at a few times a week.

Describe the atmosphere you’ve created there.

We have fun, and we hope the guests follow suit. We always have good music and great food and drinks.

You’ll probably see some people you know.

Is there one thing on the menu that guests absolutely have to try?

The whole fish, smoked ribs or the “Pizza Shop” Greek salad.

What’s the best part of your job?

I love meeting new people, from guests to co-workers to purveyors. I get to meet very interesting, passionate people daily.

When did you start going to Mr. Sid and why?

I first went to Mr. Sid shortly after opening Sycamore in 2012. I wanted to visit a local business that was so important to the community. My grandfather, Stanley Halperin, used to shop at Mr. Sid. I still have a pink, “ruffly” shirt from Mr. Sid that my mother gave me from one of his closets.

What do you think of Mr. Sid’s clothes and service?

The clothes and service are truly exceptional. My favorite items are my gingham blue Gitman Bros. shirt and Fidelity jeans.

Can you think of an interesting story about clothes you bought there?

A little bit of spandex in your jeans is a good thing.

Who knew?!

As far as fashion goes, undergarments may be the last item you think about even though they’re the first thing you put on each morning. But as with other sartorial matters, choosing the perfect underwear is key to looking and feeling your best. Here’s the lowdown on the different underwear options and when and what to wear down there.

Boxers are characterized by their open fly and midthigh length. They offer lots of breathability, coverage and comfort, but don’t offer much (or, well, anything) by way of support. Opt for boxers if you’re not a skinny jeans type of dude, as the fabric will most likely bunch up.

Briefs, on the other hand, are best for skinny-pants wearers and offer more support than their boxer counterparts. They also feature a Y-front fly, and are a good bet if you’re thicker in the thigh area.

Boxer briefs, of course, are a hybrid of the two, featuring the shape of a boxer but a closer fit like briefs. Many guys prefer these when they’re working out or being otherwise active, as boxer briefs give coverage and support and don’t bunch or chafe.

A newer style we’ve been seeing as of late? Trunks, which sit lower on the hips, are shorter in the leg than boxers and cut across mid-thigh. Get a pair or two of these if you’ve got skinny stems or wear tucked-in shirts.

A few other quick tips to keep in mind: Replace your underwear once a year—anything with visible stains or holes has got to go. Wash new unmentionables on a gentle cycle to maintain their longevity and get some mesh pairs, rather than cotton or jersey, if you tend to, uh, sweat a lot. As for how many pairs you should own, experts say about 20 is the sweet spot. Stop by Mr. Sid, where we can help you supplement or overhaul your underwear wardrobe—we have comfortable and stylish options from brands like Saxx that we’re sure you’ll love.

SURPRISES IN STORE

C.P. Company is full of surprises. Surprise No. 1: This men’s sportswear brand is an Italian company, originally founded as “Chester Penny”

by Massimo Osti in 1975. Osti earned his reputation by refining a process called garment dyeing, in which clothing is dyed as the final manufacturing step before being fully fashioned.

(Typically, manufacturing is done from pre-dyed fabrics.) While garment dyeing has long existed, it leads us to surprise No. 2: Osti and his colleagues were the first to use dyeing techniques on garments made from multiple types of fabric. This process produces a vibrant piece that the company describes as an “enhanced version” of itself, a vividness that’s impossible to achieve with pre-dyed fabric. If that sounds impressive, you’ll be happy to see C.P. Company’s fall/ winter line, new here at Mr. Sid. Ask your style pro to surprise you today with C.P. Company’s collection.

CLOTHES TALK

THE STATE OF MR. SID

From staying ahead of trends to creating a new line, there’s a lot happening at Mr. Sid. Stuart Segel shares highlights of one of the busiest seasons ever at both locations.

What are the hot trends this season?

We’re seeing that some companies are going a bit more casual during the week, so we’ve made sure we’re prepared for that. We still feel that although you may not need to wear a suit, everything starts with the jacket—even with jeans or a pair of casual pants. Of course it has to be appropriate for the environment you’re in.

Even if it’s a Celtics or Bruins game, you want to dress the part. You should always maintain your image, your style. That’s something we feel is very important.

We also see a renewed effort with formalwear.

Formalwear is our heritage: My grandfather had tuxedo rental stores. But these days, men want to own a tuxedo, not rent one, and it’s a good investment. We have the basic black of course, but we also have navy, midnight navy and dinner jackets with many variations.

Sneakers have come a long way since canvas Chuck Taylors. How is this trend going?

There’s a strong interest in sneakers, casual and upper casual. Many men today are wearing a suit or a sportcoat with sneakers. Our footwear department is loaded with all kinds of sneakers, including very active, casual models that you can run in.

Mr. Sid has an exciting new program called Monogram. Can you explain it?

Monogram is a direct-to-customer service.

It’s a comprehensive effort that goes directly to the customer’s location with clothing,

swatches and whatever they may need.

There’s a very high level of customer service, with closet consultation, pressing and also a one-time tailoring credit.

Going direct to the customer is a growing trend in today’s marketplace. We see it as another avenue in which we can elevate our services.

Here’s how it works: Customers can go online and schedule a call with one of our stylists. We interview the customer as to what their needs are and what they’re looking for. Then we visit their home and assess what is missing from their wardrobes, what they have that they don’t need, what’s too dated. Maybe they need a new look, and if so, we’ll let them know how we can help.

Mr. Sid is creating a new line of clothing.

What’s the story behind that?

It’s called Sidney and it was created by Mr. Sid for men and women. This is all madeto-measure, not ready-to-wear clothing. We felt there was a need in the marketplace to address today’s demographics, so we devised Sidney, which is a new pinnacle of our business. It’s a comprehensive introduction that, in its own way, addresses a lot of social issues, like sustainability, among others.

For Sidney, we developed our own unique patterns. The designer used the phrase “broken elegance,” and I think that’s a perfect way to describe Sidney. The fabrics are more upbeat, traditional and can be worn in ways you might not normally see them. For example, we’ll showcase a tuxedo jacket for men in a fabric that we’re also using in womenswear. Another example: We’re offering a soft suit/ unconstructed jacket with drawstring pants for times when a man wants to dress a little more casual.

We’re gearing up for a busy season for sure. This is just a brief introduction, so ask us about all the new products and services we have to offer.

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What’s new at Mr. Sid this fall?

To start, we’re offering a comprehensive collection of soft jackets from Luigi Bianchi.

They pair nicely with some of our soft trousers from PT. Speaking of trousers, we have a great selection this fall from PT and Incotex. I would call them dress-casual, and some have pleats, which are starting to come back. But these aren’t your father’s pleats; they are a lot narrower.

We’re also featuring a wonderful selection of sportswear from Isaia.

There’s a renewed energy in sportswear, and we carry a comprehensive variety of dress/ sport clothing that’s aimed at today’s corporate world as well as a more casual environment.

Whether it’s aprés-ski or simply going out to a great dinner with your wife, we have the inventory.

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From left: L.B.M. 1911, Isaia, Incotex, PT, Santoni

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IN GOOD COMPANY

HIGH HONOR

It was a night to remember at the Edison Ballroom in New York City when MR magazine, the menswear industry’s foremost trade publication, presented Mr. Sid’s Stuart and Barry Segel with the 2019 Men’s Specialty Store of the Year Award. The Segels were nominated by menswear retailers, designers and manufacturers for their exceptional merchandising, risk-taking (introducing new brands, opening a new Seaport store) and commitment to their communities. They also received a special Community Service Award from Heavenly Harvest, a nonprofit providing healthy meals to people in need. “Stuart and Barry Segel are not just exceptional merchants, they’re genuinely nice guys who treat their customers, vendors and associates like family,” notes MR Editor-in-Chief Karen Alberg Grossman. “They’ve created a unique retail experience with constant excitement and genuine warmth.”

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Experience a California Closets system custom designed specifically for you and the way you live.

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PROFILE

Who Wears the Pants?

They’re your legs, so you can decide. Edoardo Fassino of PT Torino just has a few pointers. By Karen Alberg Grossman

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mong the world’s top pants makers, PT Torino is a worldwide favorite, known for its fabulous fit, luxury fabrics (mostly from Italian mills) and directional styling. Founded

by Edoardo Fassino’s grandfather as a fabric house, the company switched gears to pants manufacturing in the 1980s, first producing for other companies, then (around 2000) switching to luxury and its own label.

As the third generation to lead the company, Fassino confides that he had no choice. “I never even thought about another career,” he admits.

“Well, maybe as a kid, like all other Italian boys, I dreamed of being a professional soccer player.” Although pants specialist might sound less exciting, Fassino is proud to run one of the hottest companies in an industry that’s becoming increasingly fashion-focused.

“As specialists,” he explains, “we offer an extensive collection of all fits, models, colors and patterns, so we have a good finger on the pulse of fashion. The confusion today is that so many different looks are trending at once, depending on the country. Slim pants are considered fashion in the States but basic in Italy and Japan, where wider, pleated, cropped and high-

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Under chairman Edoardo Fassino, PT Torino offers a wide selection of pants in all fits, models, colors and patterns.

rise models are viewed as more contemporary.

But fashion cycles are shorter, trends come back more quickly and guys really need a pants wardrobe to keep up. For example, in Italy, super-skinny has reemerged, pleated is gaining ground and a rocker look (skinny black denim) is back big-time.”

Confused? Fassino happily offers his top tips for U.S. shoppers: 1. Make sure the pants you buy are comfortable—this is the most important factor. No matter how much you love a style, color or pattern, if it’s not comfortable, you won’t wear it.

2. Don’t worry so much about trends; choose a model that’s flattering to your body type. For most men, a slim but not tight fit makes for a taller, thinner, younger look. (Super-slim is downtrending in the States.)

3. Pay attention to the length of the trouser, which should just graze the top of the shoe.

Most Italians are wearing their pants too short, while Americans wear them too long!

4. Although the look in the U.S. is still clean and slim, be prepared for a shift down the road to looser styles, including pleats, high waists, cropped bottoms, sometimes even wide and dragging on the floor.

5. You can’t go wrong with classic pants in luxury or performance fabrics. But why not try a new active-inspired pant with a drawstring waist and gathered ankle? Or a classic houndstooth in a wool/cashmere blend? Remember, fashion should be both flattering and fun!

STYLE PAYS A VISIT MADE-TO-MEASURE C U S T O M TA I L O R I N G STYLE ADVICE C L O S E T O R G A N I Z AT I O N

...at your home or office

M O N O G R A M BYS I D . C O M

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THE LEADING MAN

Like a Rock One-time third-generation pro wrestler Dwayne Johnson has become a firmly established—and nattily dressed—screen star. By Daria Meoli

W

Jungle and Skyscraper as well as three of The Fast and the Furious films.

In 2015, Johnson premiered as the lead (and executive producer) in the HBO series Ballers. In the smash hit, Johnson plays a retired NFL player who becomes a financial planner for professional athletes. During his stint on that show, it wasn’t just Johnson’s acting that got audiences and critics talking; it was also his slick sense of style on and off the small screen.

A far cry from the black briefs he wore as a WWE wrestling champ, Johnson’s sartorial choices now befit his current status as a Hollywood A-lister and a bit of a fashion champ.

While slim, sinewy celebs can perhaps adopt any trend and look good, Johnson’s big build isn’t a natural for strutting in high-fashion duds—the actor must make style choices that accentuate and flatter his physique. Rather than dress his large body in even larger clothes, Johnson dons threads by Isaia and other Italian brands that demonstrate how an athletically built guy can look smashing in European tailoring. In the pages of fashion magazines such as GQ and Esquire and the posts of authoritative menswear bloggers, style watchers tout Johnson as the gold standard for how big men can make a big, but far from ponderous, impression in really cool clothes.

Classic cuts rather than slim fits are the basis for Johnson’s wardrobe. As with any buff dude, alterations and custom-tailored pieces are essential to help him look his best. Johnson’s suiting is crafted to create breathing room under his arms

and around his shoulders to keep sportcoats from looking like straitjackets. Padding in the shoulders is kept to a minimum. Johnson tends to favor a tieless, open-neck look that complements his broad neck. His pants often are tailored with a straight leg and a slight taper to accommodate his muscular thighs.

Off-screen and off the red carpet, the California native rocks T-shirts with a tightly fitted sleeve that hits mid-bicep, but also has more room in the torso and abs. This keeps the star looking casual without necessarily appearing gymbound. Biker jackets are badass, but the asymmetrical zipper and tapered waist can appear cartoonish on men who have some meat on their bones. Johnson has been photographed in a leather racer jacket, a version of the tough biker look that befits his beefcake frame.

Now 47 and the father of three daughters, Johnson continues to make Hollywood headlines.

In the coming year, he will appear in another installment of Fast and Furious, a sequel to Jumanji and the fifth season of Ballers. As he navigates red carpets and the late-night circuit to promote all of this new work, this officially recognized icon seems certain to keep fashion-minded fans impressed, both on and off screen.

As for Johnson’s secret, you wouldn’t suspect that such simple things as humility and authenticity would be part of it—but just maybe they are.

“You are the reason I’m getting this,” he told the viewing audience at home during his MTV acceptance remarks. “I’ve learned the most powerful thing we can be is ourselves.”

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Wrestler-turned-box-office-champ Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has become a fashion star in his own right, making both custom suits from Isaia and casualwear from Gucci look stylish on his 6-4 frame. Johnson has the sartorial confidence to wear just about anything, whether it be a plaid suit or a fitted knit sweater.

FALL/WINTER 2019

ith one powerfully arched eyebrow, Dwayne Johnson could command an audience of thousands of rowdy wrestling fans. Today, his megawatt smile and formidable comedic timing draw big box-office ticket sales. Johnson has done what few other professional wrestlers have been able to do (OK, there’s John Cena): parlay a role in the ring into a successful acting career.

Long known to World Wrestling Entertainment fans as “The Rock,” Johnson began professional wrestling after a football career was cut short by injuries. Wrestling is in his DNA. His original moniker, Rocky Maivia, was a tribute to two other pro grapplers in his family—his father, Rocky Johnson, and his maternal grandfather, Peter Maivia. By 1998, when he shortened his stage name to The Rock, his popularity was exploding.

“When I first got to Hollywood, Hollywood didn’t know what the hell to do with me…a half-black, half-Samoan, 6-foot-4, 275-pound pro wrestler,” Johnson recalled, while accepting the Icon Generation Award at the 2019 MTV Movie and TV Awards.

Soon Tinseltown wised up. When The Rock hosted Saturday Night Live in 2000, the world got to experience his charisma, and his performance earned him fans outside the WWE world. His first movie acting credit was as the Scorpion King in The Mummy Returns in 2000. His character was so popular that in 2002 it spawned an eponymous sequel. Johnson went on to become one of the country’s highest-paid actors, appearing in the movies Get Smart, Tooth Fairy, Moana, The Other Guys, G.I. Joe: Retaliation, Jumanji: Welcome to the

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ESSENTIALS FOR MEN

KNOW THE ROPES

| MRSID.COM

Let Mr. Sid show you the pieces you need to stand out this fall, from sweaters and shirts to sneakers and shoes.

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A super soft and lightweight shirt by Tintoria Mattei with AG jeans and an Anderson’s belt is the perfect outfit for the season, whether you’re headed to a Patriots game or fall festival.

A U T U M N | W I N T E R C O L L E C T I O N 2 019

ESSENTIALS FOR MEN

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When temperatures dip, bundle up with a cozy cardigan by Zanone and a soft cashmere scarf and beanie by Ermenegildo Zegna.

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ESSENTIALS FOR MEN

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Pull off the monochromatic look this season with the right pieces such as an L.B.M. 1911 softcoat, Gran Sasso zip-front sweater and PT01 five-pocket pants.

ESSENTIALS FOR MEN

| MRSID.COM

Antonio Maurizi’s shearling-lined boots with a sneaker sole will keep you warm during the winter months and won’t weigh you down.

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COMING SOON iamsidney.com ©2019 MR. SID

| MRSID.COM

ESSENTIALS FOR MEN

Andrea Ventura water resistant half boots are super lightweight and perfect with your favorite pair of jeans.

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Tailor

Yourselves.

What can you do when you don’t like what you see in the mirror?

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ESSENTIALS FOR MEN

| MRSID.COM

Gravati chukka boots in suede and a rich leather luggage tan are perfect to dress up or down.

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ESSENTIALS FOR MEN

| MRSID.COM

These Gravati monkstrap shoes, available in pebble grain gray or mink suede, are finished with a super comfortable rubber sole to endure the fall elements.

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FERRARI’S HOTTEST

F8 Tributo, the Italian brand’s new flagship, is a blend of its greatest hits and today’s chart-topping tech. By Darius Amos As if we needed another reason to sing the praises of Ferrari, the iconic Italian carmaker has rolled out yet another head turner. Gone from its lineup of speed demons is the 488, replaced triumphantly with the F8 Tributo. It’s easily the new flagship for the legendary brand, whose lineage includes some of history’s most recognizable and quintessential sportscars. (The Testarossa and 308 GTS come to mind.) And it pays tribute to many of its Ferrari ancestors, borrowing design elements from the F40 and the Pista. Performance, however, is all its own. The Tributo is muscled by a 710-horsepower V-8, the highest output ever for a Ferrari equipped with that engine size. Engineers say it can reach a top speed of 211 miles per hour and finish a 0-to-62 dash in 2.9 seconds, two stats aided by top-of-class aerodynamics. The Tributo, which has an estimated price tag of $350,000, has sexy curves, like many Ferrari models and unlike the aggressive lines found on competitors like the Lamborghini Huracan and McLaren 720S. Though styling has always been the company’s forte, Ferrari has never needed sex to sell.

| MRSID.COM

One of the Tributo’s front-end features is the air intake system. Left and right vents provide cooling for the brakes and wheel arches, which naturally heat when drivers have the need for speed.

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Boosting the car’s aerodynamics begins front and center. The S-Duct was specially designed to expel high pressure flow from the central bumper by deflecting it upward through the hood bonnet. Highway driving has never been this fun (or fast).

A 7-inch touchscreen is mounted in front of the passenger, giving the co-pilot a clear view of the car’s vitals and command of the infotainment system, climate controls and more.

Drivers, after all, can’t have all the fun.

Twin LED displays flank a central tachometer on the driver’s instrumentation cluster.

The screens show everything from the car’s gear selection to satellite radio stations so the driver’s head (and racecar focus) rarely has to shift.

While you can select a variety of wheels, the optional starburst design is an aggressive twist on the classic five-spoke rim. The focal point of the wheel, of course, is Ferrari’s prancing horse on a field of yellow.

You can not only feel the power of the Tributo’s 710-horsepower engine, but also see it in action (unless you’re driving, of course).

Ferrari’s engine-underglass bodywork offers a full view of the midmounted V-8.

Maybe you’d like to forget 1980s fashion, but the Tributo’s louvered rear window (a throwback to Ferrari’s legendary F40 of the late ’80s and early ’90s) is a style from that bygone era that Ferrari brings back with pride.

Rearview highlights include the return of Ferrari’s twin tail light cluster—a throwback to the brand’s old 308 models—and a lightweight carbon-fiber spoiler that doesn’t add many pounds but still lowers the car’s center of gravity.

FALL/WINTER 2019

Ferrari debuts its new steering wheel in the Tributo. The design features a flat bottom for added comfort and convenience and more on-wheel controls such as a push-button start and paddle shifters.

Steering-column stalks are clearly things of the past.

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What a comeback! | MRSID.COM

Some hotels rest on their laurels, but not these four.

They’ve remade themselves—with exciting results.

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We admit it: It can be fun to visit an old dowager of a hotel, one whose genteel worn carpets whisper that it’s still trading on a reputation from decades ago. But how much more exciting to stay at an old place that has made itself dramatically new, so that a location full of great yesterdays—and great scenery—can also offer the ultimate hospitality of today.

When we say the famous hotels on the following pages have recently been renovated, we don’t mean a repainted lobby here and a new sprinkler system there. We mean they’ve been stripped bare, reimagined, reconfigured, redesigned and studded with state-of-theart amenities to more than delight the luxury traveler with the most demanding 2020 foresight. Depending on what continent you’re headed to, might one of them be on your itinerary soon?

CONTINUED...

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BELMOND CAP JULUCA, Anguilla, Caribbean

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Since it opened in 1988, this hotel, a cluster of Greco-Moorish-style villas, has been classed among the top upscale accommodations on this popular Caribbean island. A-listers such as Denzel Washington and Liam Neeson have been among its loyalists, booking their favorite villas year after year. But in 2017, when the hotel was acquired by luxury leisure company Belmond, it was long overdue for an update, especially after Hurricane Irma destroyed everything at the resort except a few villas. So in late 2018, the establishment reopened as the Belmond Cap Juluca, with two new restaurants, revamped guest accommodations, an upscale spa and a whole new aesthetic inspired by Moroccan design and architecture.

Change is apparent with one’s first steps into the indoor/outdoor lobby, as crisp white linens, wicker chairs and an eye-catching chandelier replace the former Arabian-style décor. Guest rooms and suites boast handmade tiles underfoot, sprawling bathroom suites and unique accents that show immaculate attention to detail, such as tassels hung on the doors instead of donot-disturb signs. The cuisine here makes hunger a blessing—as an excuse to indulge. Grab an Italian meal on the waterfront at the new Cip’s by Cipriani, or savor Anguilla-European fusion at the revamped Pimms restaurant.

What remains largely unchanged post-reno is the unparalleled staff attention—your stay comes with 24-hour butler service, with one staff member for every two guests.

INSIDER’S TIP: Don’t leave this resort without at least one ride in the Belmond Buggy, a leather-seated, air-conditioned joy-ride vehicle reminiscent of Scooby-Doo’s Mystery Machine.

RATES: Rooms begin at $675 a night.

THE OBEROI, New Delhi, India

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It’s appropriate that the capital of India is home to what was once known as the nation’s fanciest hotel; now it’s new and improved after 50 years in business.

Shortly after its half-century birthday, management of the iconic Oberoi, New Delhi went through a mid-life crisis of sorts, feeling that the hotel was outdated, and hoping to reinvent it with a more modern, relevant vibe that still spoke to its upscale clientele. Just shy of two years after construction began in 2016, Oberoi, New Delhi reopened, revealing a sleek, $100 million refurbishment inspired by the late Sir Edwin Lutyens’ New Delhi architecture.

And what a reveal it’s been. All 220 guest rooms including 34 suites have been enlarged and outfitted with luxury amenities such as Italian marble bathrooms, teak floors and large picture windows. Natural light now hits just about everywhere, and 40 air filters were installed throughout the hotel to provide the cleanest, freshest, healthiest air in this heavily polluted city.

Updated dining and imbibing options were added to the offerings too; the Oberoi hired two Michelin-starred chefs to run Omya and Baoshuan, the hotel’s Indian and Chinese eateries, respectively, and introduced the new rooftop bar Cirrus 9, where guests can sip mixed drinks while looking out on Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on one side and the Delhi Golf Course, India’s oldest, on the other. A hotel’s interior may change for the better, but the view outside? Nobody’s going to mess with perfection.

INSIDER’S TIP: If you’re hankering for a smoke, head over to The Club Bar and Cigar Lounge, the latter of which is attached to The Oberoi, New Delhi’s bar and offers personal cigar lockers (and yes, the air purification thing applies here too).

RATES: Summer prices start at $220 a night; winter stays go for around $290.

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| MRSID.COM

THE FIFE ARMS, Braemar, Scotland

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Credited with “Scotland’s most exciting hotel opening of 2019” by Conde Nast Traveler, The Fife Arms has a lot of hype to live up to. The 19th-century hunting lodge with a many-gabled Victorian façade has always been architecturally special, befitting a facility 15 miles down the road from the royals’ Balmoral Castle. But for years it was underwhelming—a Financial Times writer recalled a sign warning of a leaky ceiling, next to which, sure enough, “a plastic bucket collected the rhythmic drops of water.” Well, forget all that! In December 2014, A-list art dealers Iwan and Manuela Wirth purchased the property, then closed it for four years of renovations, eventually opening its doors in late 2018 to rave reviews.

Located in Braemar, a village in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, The Fife Arms underwent the overhaul of all overhauls; the renovation involved transforming 80 guest rooms into 46 more spacious ones and adding a spa, a garden and a bar, among other luxury amenities. But perhaps the biggest undertaking was imbuing artful touches into every room, including paintings by Pablo Picasso, Lucian Freud and Queen Victoria. Antique furnishings and period wallpaper adorn the guest suites, and if you wander into a particular ill-lit corner you’ll stumble upon Victoria herself—in wax.

The Fife Arms’ eating establishments are Scotland through-andthrough as well, from its neighborhood bar The Flying Stag to The Clunie Dining Room and the Art Deco bar Elsa’s, inspired by fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli, a frequent visitor to Braemer.

INSIDER’S TIP: This hotel is dog-friendly; the Wirths have blocked off several rooms for guests to stay in with their furry friends.

RATES: Rooms start at $325 per night.

HOTEL LUTETIA, Paris, France

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Making over a century-old Art Deco hotel in the heart of Paris’ Saint Germain neighborhood is quite an undertaking. That’s especially true when it’s the iconic Left Bank hostelry where Picasso lived for a short while in the 1930s, where author James Joyce allegedly wrote a portion of Ulysses, where the rooms housed Nazi officers during World War II. But architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte was up to the challenge, undertaking a four-year, $234 million renovation on Hotel Lutetia—the first renovation in its 100-year history—that concluded in 2018 and maintains the spirit of the original Lutetia while appealing to the 21st century traveler.

Just what was involved in such a venture? Turning 233 pre-existing guest rooms into 184 larger ones, building a new courtyard, installing custom-built 19th century-style furniture and adding natural light to windowed bathrooms and common areas, among other things.

The food and drink options have been improved upon too, with seafood expert and three-Michelin-starred chef Gérald Passédat at the helm of Brasserie Lutetia. Guests and locals can also enjoy a memorable meal at Le Saint-Germain Restaurant or the more casual L’Orangerie, or grab a creatively mixed cocktail at Bar Aristide or Bar Josephine, the latter named for French starlet Josephine Baker, who frequented the original bar.

INSIDER’S TIP: Complete your experience at Lutetia by booking a treatment or taking a fitness class at the brand-new Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre. A 55-foot swimming pool drenched in natural light and an infinity-edge hot tub are among this luxurious spa’s many standout features.

RATES: Stays begin at about $985 per night.

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urban

outfitter Show your street smarts and high style with the season’s best looks from Mr. Sid. Photographed on location in Pawtucket, RI

| MRSID.COM

Photography by John Gillooly

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Sportcoat by Mauro Blasi, sweater by Fedeli, shirt by Isaia, pocket square

by Eton, pants by PT01.

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| MRSID.COM

FALL/WINTER 2019

This page: sportcoat by L.B.M. 1911, hooded sweater

by Ermenegildo Zegna, pants

by AG, shoes by DiBianco.

Opposite page: suit by Pal Zileri, shirt by Borrelli, tie by Ermenegildo Zegna, pocket square by Paolo Albizzati, belt by Torino.

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| MRSID.COM

This page: vest by Waterville, sweater by Gran Sasso, pants by PT05, shoes by DiBianco.

Opposite page: unlined sportcoat by Gran Sasso, plaid shirt by Tintoria Mattei, trousers by Jacob Cohen, hat by Mr. Sid.

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| MRSID.COM

This page: sportcoat and sweater by Ermenegildo Zegna, trousers by PT01, shoes by Santoni.

Opposite page: tuxedo

by Ermenegildo Zegna, shirt by Eton, bowtie

by Carrot & Gibbs.

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| MRSID.COM

This page: turtleneck

by Zanone, pants by PT01. Opposite page: coat by Parajumpers, shirt by Tintoria Mattei, pants by Paige, belt by Anderson’s.

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STYLE WATCH

That’s amore!

What makes one boot-shaped nation so stellar in menswear?

It’s no accident that a nation long renowned for art, architecture, design and cuisine inspires the rest of the world when it comes to fashion. Steeped in tradition, men’s Italian fashion in particular is often a step or two ahead of everyone else, and Italian gents possess this undeniable confidence that’s hard to pinpoint. We attempt to do just that here though, by sharing the seven tenets of Italian menswear that will keep you looking as cool around town as the men in the piazza.

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EMBRACE COLORS Though Italians certainly love a good print (Etro’s printed button-up shirts and scarves are quintessential examples), Italian collections consist of lots of subdued neutrals, whether black, white and gray or warmer tones like beige, maroon and camel.

With these colors as the basis of your wardrobe, you can inject bursts of color in small doses (bright red or orange socks, perhaps?) and have more versatility with your looks. Pro tip: Invest in a classic navy blazer or jacket from a brand like Castangia, as this item is one no Italian man’s closet is without.

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SEEK FINE MATERIALS The Italian textile industry is one of the largest in the world. There are hundreds of wool mills and leather factories across Florence, Milan, Rome and Venice.

As of late, brands like Ermenegildo Zegna have been producing high-end luxury garments with new technical fabrics as well.

They regulate body heat, are more breathable and offer the wearer superior comfort, among other benefits.

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DRESS CASUAL, DON’T DRESS DOWN Luxury Italian menswear brands are no longer just designing suits and formalwear. From elevated activewear and polos to footwear and belts, Italian designers offer sartorial versatility with a common thread—sophistication.

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ADD ON THE ACCESSORIES Italian designers know the key to a polished look is careful accessorizing. Whether a wristful of bead or metal bracelets, a tony pocket square or a cozy, oversize scarf tied just right, these final touches adored by Italy’s most stylish instantly make any man look put-together.

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APPRECIATE CRAFTSMANSHIP Much Italian menswear is still produced by small- to medium-sized family businesses—or it’s contracted out to craftspeople who sew in their homes. That means tricks of the trade (the Neapolitan shoulder, hand-sewn buttonholes, artisanal details) are passed down through generations. That family name on the label tells you the garment reflects tremendous pride in quality.

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INSIST ON FIT You’ll be hard-pressed to find an Italian man wearing ill-fitting anything; these guys are raised knowing clothes should be perfectly and expertly tailored. Italian menswear designers like Corneliani and Pal Zileri available at Mr. Sid pride themselves on their garments’ impeccable fit, which is typically a slim, universally flattering silhouette.

FALL/WINTER 2019

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SHOW SOME SWAGGER The Italians have mastered the art of dressing so well it’s merited its own term—sprezzatura, which essentially means effortlessness, a certain nonchalance, “trying not to try.” We Americans may have to try just a little harder to look half as polished, but hey, we’re certainly willing to put in the work.

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THE SPORTING LIFE

the french connection If you make plans to ski at Alpe d’Huez in France this winter, there’s every chance that you’ll be one of the few Yanks on the slopes. Maybe the only one.

Beyond the French who flock here from Paris and the provinces, the resort is also beloved by Brits. Together they set the tone of the resort, which manages to be both friendly and chic, appealing to families and to youthful partiers.

The resort flies under the radar for most Americans, even though it was named Europe’s Best Ski Resort 2019 by European Best Destinations, the second time it’s been singled out. If you recognize the name Alpe d’Huez at all, it’s likely because it offers one of the toughest and most challenging climbing days during the annual Tour de France race in July.

You come to Alpe d’Huez not for a stuffy, jet-set party scene like the one in Courchevel or for hardcore skiing as they do in Les Arcs, but for the terrific and varied skiing and the quietly chic accommodations, many of which are family friendly. Getting here is easy as well, since it’s about a 90-minute drive south of Grenoble.

I came to ski the legendary run called Sarenne, which is the single longest ski run in the world at nearly 10 miles. Personal best aside, what I discovered was that Alpe d’Huez offers much more than mere statistics.

| MRSID.COM

The skiing

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Part of the Grandes Rousses massif, the village is located at 6,102 feet, set on a plateau below the mountain and surrounded by other peaks on all sides.

It is a very beautifully situated resort, one of the best in the world.

The slopes themselves are south-facing, so that long, sunny days are the rule here. For sun-starved Europeans in winter, that is a major attraction, and not all that common in the Alps. There’s a reason that the French call it L’île du Soleil, or Island of the Sun. It’s also one of France’s largest ski resorts, with 155 miles of skiable pistes when you include the neighboring linked resorts. That means plenty of interconnected skiing on the slopes of the neighboring villages of Auris, Villard Reculas, Oz en Oisans and Vaujany.

As a skier, you get a sense of setting out on a different

At Alpe d’Huez in the Alps, great skiing matches up with unforgettable scenery, dining and nightlife. By Everett Potter

journey every morning, which is one of the primary reasons I love to ski in Europe.

Alpe d’Huez is one of those rare resorts that offer a wide variety of skiing terrain at all levels as well. There are steeps—the longest vertical drop in the world at over 6,000 feet is here—but there is also an abundance of blue and green runs, with miles of moderately vertical, well-groomed slopes that are perfect for intermediates who want to feel like heroes on skis. All said, it’s pretty much a perfect destination for families or for couples and friends of different skiing abilities.

My goal was to tackle the Sarenne run, which goes off from the summit of the Pic Blanc glacier.

I reached it by the two-stage DMC gondola from the resort, the Téléphérique des Grandes Rousses, followed by a ride in a cable car. Sarenne, at 9.9 miles, is the longest black run in the Alps. There were some tough bits, but much of it turned out to be surprisingly forgiving. What it really demands of you is endurance. Skiing nearly 10 miles is a real workout, and I made my fair share of stops on the way down to rest my burning thighs.

The next day, my friends went back up the mountain for another challenge. Le Tunnel is a black run from the summit that requires that you ski through a corridor of rock and onto an icy mogul field. It can be dangerous enough that falling is a particularly bad idea. I already had made up my mind to leave them to the challenge and headed down some blue slopes until we met up for lunch.

The slopeside lunch is a ritual in Europe and nowhere more than in France. You’re spoiled with choices at Alpe d’Huez. Our favorite was Chez Passoud, just above the village of Oz, where charcuterie was followed by tartiflette, a fondue made with the local Reblochon cheese. We also liked Chalet du Lac Besson, where lamb and seafood grilled over an open fire were delicious. Out of the way but also delicious was the classic Savoie faire at L’Altiport.

For those who still have energy to burn after a morning on the pistes and a long lunch, La Folie Douce is famed for its views and for encouraging dancing on the tables. Many guests seem to oblige. It should be visited at least once during your stay. My

verdict: The champagne was great, the energy unbelievable, the dancing best left to agile 20-somethings.

The village Alpe d’Huez’s resort village is split into quartiers. The Viel Alpe quartier, also known as the Old Town, is best for nightlife. The chic-est shopping is on Avenue des Jeux. From an architectural standpoint, it’s a bit of a hodgepodge of chalet-style buildings and modern construction. That said, those mountain views, the high-season energy on the streets and that reliable sun together make the village a welcoming place.

Our favorite dinner was at Au Montagnard, a classic in town with wood beams and lace curtains, where I enjoyed steak cooked on a hot stone one night and raclette the next. A slightly fancier meal was on offer at La Crémaillère, which was also housed in a charming chalet building, and they had French mountain fare such as onion soup and Côte du Boeuf.

Nighttime? If you intend to stay out until 2 a.m., then the New Sphere, Freeride Café and Underground Bar are where to head, as well as the tried and true Smithys Tavern. Since my idea of late night after a day of Alpine skiing is 9:30 p.m., I had a quick cognac. You should plan on arriving at least two hours later, just when they start getting lively.

Daria-I Nor There’s been a lot of buzz about Daria-I Nor, which just opened in December. The sister resort to Hotel Koh-I Nor in Val Thorens and Hotel Taj-I Mah in Arc 2000, Daria-I Nor is a “ski in, ski out” hotel with just 46 rooms, each with a private balcony, faux fur throws and phenomenal views. The darkened lobby has highback chairs and spotlights and feels like a chic urban club. The concept of wellness looms large here. The spa is 8,600 square feet, with the requisite pool, Jacuzzi and a hammam, as well as two saunas and a relaxing indoor pool with a fountain. The dining is on the formal side at L’Améthyste, while Table de Daria has traditional French mountain fare. It’s the most sublime hotel in all of Alpe d’Huez, a property I would gladly check into on a return visit. There’s no question that after my first trip here, I’ll be back.

Opposite page, clockwise from top: Skiing Sarenne takes endurance—at 9.9 miles, it’s the longest black run in the Alps; nightlife at Alpe d’Huez’s resort village includes a bevy of taverns, bars and cafes; guests at the Daria-I Nor hotel can enjoy traditional French mountain fare at Table de Daria; each of the hotel’s 46 guestrooms has a balcony with slopeside panoramas; aircraft and gondola rides offer breathtaking views of the Alps.

PURSUITS

Kiss the Road Goodbye

| MRSID.COM

Spacious luxury goes wild in the Mercedes-Benz G 550 SUV, a modern masterpiece of tech that’s hyper-ready for an encounter with tough terrain. By Timothy Kelley

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Once you leave the highway and take to rough turf, it stands to reason you’ll bid adieu to luxury, capaciousness and speed. But wait! The Mercedes-Benz G 550 stands reason on its head.

Melting categories like so much candle wax, this cargo-hungry off-road SUV (with more than 100 cubic feet of cargo volume behind front and rear seats) is every inch a Mercedes. It was thoroughly redesigned for 2019, carries five passengers in comfort, boasts 416 horsepower with 450 lb.-ft. of torque and goes from 0 to 60 in 5.6 seconds.

On-road or off-, the G 550’s engine shows a family resemblance to its racing-minded kin.

It’s a 4.0-liter V8 biturbo, which means two turbochargers are sucking air into the cylinders, for more power with less engine bulk. It’s equipped with an independent suspension with a double-wishbone front axle and a rigid rear

axle. The vehicle boasts permanent all-wheel drive, and its ECO start-stop system automatically shuts off the engine at stoplights and other idling occasions—to save fuel and cut emissions—and quickly restarts it on green. (Don’t want this feature? Simply turn it off.)

The latest G is still no curvaceous sweeping beauty. But in both tech and luxe there’s outsidethe-box thinking inside this box. And while the traditional side-opening swing gate (clumsy for narrow garage spaces) has its quibblers, some things didn’t need changing. The decisive door-lock “clack” and door-closing “clunk,” for instance, will sound just fine in the 2020s.

Reportedly about 350 pounds lighter than its predecessor, the G 550 features a 9G-Tronic ninespeed automatic transmission that changes gears quickly and almost unnoticeably for the smooth-

est ride as you grip the Nappa leather-wrapped steering wheel. And there’s a sequence of three lockable differentials controlled by dashboard buttons to maintain optimal balance between torque and traction.

Almost five inches wider now, the G 550’s interior lavishes six extra inches of legroom on backseat riders. And drivers will savor the 12.3-inch flat-panel display screens showing gauges, while a multicolor ambient lighting setup makes for a surprisingly customizable interior. Was roughing it ever so swanky?

The G 550 starts at $124,500, and with mpg ratings of 13 city and 17 highway there’s no quick payback at the pump. But if your accountant balks, take her for a ride—across the desert, perhaps, or to the parking lot of the trendiest restaurant in Beverly Hills. You only live once.

The Mercedes-Benz G 550 SUV gives new meaning to the phrase “peak performance,” declining to make the usual sacrifice of commodious comfort for the thrill of off-road adventure. It’s available in 24 exterior paint colors—and note the LED daytime running lights that ring the round headlamps.

ANDERSON’S BELTS Elegant and bold. The belts that make a perfect addition to any fall outfit.

GIMO’S A collection inspired by classical elements with a modern touch.

Our garments are a wonderful addition to any wardrobe.

L.B.M.

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1911 slim-fit jacket in maxi piqué wool bouclé, fused effect, extra lightweight.

STYLE finds

HESTRA Hestra has designed gloves for over 80 years using carefully chosen materials to craft timeless handwear with uncompromised quality.

LUIGI BORRELLI All products are handcrafted in Italy, making “Luigi Borrelli” merchandise the most distinguished manifestation of Neopolitan tailoring.

GITMAN Cambridge Oxford has been used continuously by Gitman since 1978. Offering the highest quality, nothing compares to an oxford shirt.

finding focus | MRSID.COM

Photographer Michael Yamashita discovered his ideal career: exploring other cultures with his camera.

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Few people have the privilege of living out their dreams, but Michael Yamashita is one of the lucky ones. The New Jersey native has combined his two loves—travel and art—for more than 30 years as a photographer for National Geographic magazine. Since graduating from Wesleyan University in the 1970s with a degree in Asian studies, the Japanese-American camera artist has spent decades taking indelible photos of people, street scenes and landscapes across the Middle East and Asia. He even retraced the steps of Venetian explorer Marco Polo and simulated life in the 13th century through his lens for one magazine-cover-worthy assignment (and subsequent book).

Yamashita has published 10 photographic books, won innumerable awards, been featured in dozens of exhibits around the world and amassed a bevy of scrapbooks filled with his iconic images. It’s our privilege to share a collection of pictures from his impressive vault, sure to inspire a new generation of shutterbugs.

ART

In an image by photographer Michael Yamashita, Gandze monks study at a nunnery from scriptures hand-made in Derge Parkhang, one of Tibet’s cultural treasures.

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This page: Monks are unperturbed by a snowstorm outside the Labrang Monastery in China and await the start of morning prayers by exhibiting kshanti, or patience and forbearance, a highly regarded practice in Buddhism. Located in the Gansu Province in China, the Labrang Monastery was founded in 1709. Opposite page: A child sits on the Wakhan Corridor, a narrow strip of land in Afghanistan that extends to China.

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This page: Tibetan harvesters arrive in the market town of Sêrxü in China’s Sichuan Province on a motorcycle paid for with the profits from their lucrative trade of yartsa gunbu.

Yartsa gunbu, called caterpillar fungus in English, is the priciest fungus in the world and has been called the “Viagra of the Himalayas.” Opposite page: Photographer Yamashita traveled through numerous Chinese villages that Marco Polo saw on his historic journey, including Tiznot, where women still wear traditional red garments.

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GOURMET

The stew of Mexico

Bowls of tasty posole are like snowflakes—no two are exactly alike. By Donna Rolando

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propelled posole on a journey beyond its homeland to growing popularity in the States, at restaurants in LA, Houston and San Diego, for example—and perhaps soon an eatery near you.

Just what is this dish that more and more Americans are putting on their culinary radar? The word originates with Nahuati, the language spoken by the Aztecs of pre-Hispanic Mexico, and may mean hominy (referring to the shelled, dried corn that is the star of this recipe). The large hominy kernels (cacahuazintle) are soaked (usually in water with lime) until they puff up; your taste buds can anticipate a chewy texture that smacks of corn tortilla. Other featured players are generally braised pork (for which chicken can be substituted—or, for a vegetarian dish, beans) and garlic.

So get your stockpot or track down a restaurant that serves posole, and discover why it’s becoming so popular in

the U.S. Chefs love how this recipe, with its humble foundation, is just right for customization. And talk about variety!

Among its many versions, posole comes in red, green and white—the colors of the Mexican flag. You won’t find any red or green salsas in the white version, while green can include tomatillo, cilantros or even jalapeños, and red relies more heavily on chiles like ancho. Then there’s the wide choice of toppings—everything from finely chopped onions, lettuce and radishes to avocado and lime—teamed up with tasty tostadas and crema.

It should perhaps be mentioned that the corn so basic to this stew had sacred significance to the Aztecs, who believed the gods made humans out of corn-meal dough. But there’s no need to dig that deep to discover why this is a cherished taste sensation. Feel free to experiment! After all, that’s what posole is all about.

While meat, peppers and other spices may vary, every bowl of posole is made with hominy—shelled, dried corn.

FALL/WINTER 2019

ike treasured heirlooms handed down through generations, some recipes are prized for their constancy; chefs— even the home variety—follow them to the letter as though any change might break the culinary spell. (What would Grandma say?) But others are born with a wild streak, just begging for creativity.

Posole, Mexico’s national stew (or is it more of a soup?), is the second kind—simple, yet so appetizing it’s a favorite on special occasions such as New Year’s and Christmas. (Don’t be surprised, though, to see it pop up on ordinary days as well, because why wait?) Indeed, this robust recipe originating from native Mexican tribes has the right stuff to warm up body and soul in the winter and still be a hit in the summer sunshine—it knows no bounds.

It’s that anything-goes spirit—no two bowls are ever the same—that has

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SPIRITS

SIX DEGREES OF COGNAC Why is this spirit so hip? Exacting production and ageing standards tell part of the tale. By Harry Dowden

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rime novelist Mickey Spillane had a ready reason why his fictional hero, detective Mike Hammer, so often drank beer: “Because I can’t spell cognac.” But today pop culture has discovered the spirit, orthography be damned. Cognac is one of the most popular sips among the most influential stars. Appreciating a fine glass of XO is a sure sign of sophistication and taste, and its authenticity and no-compromises production are a big part of its appeal.

Cognac is a complex beverage with a 500-year history and it takes its name from the area in southwest France where it is made under a set of strict guidelines. Brandies can be produced all over, but only those from Cognac itself may bear that moniker. Blends are composed of various eaux-de-vie (“waters of life”), twice copper-distilled wine (at least 90 percent Ugni Blanc varietal) that must age for a minimum of two years in oak (Limousin or Tronçais only, s’il vous plaît). The six blends on the following pages rest for much, much longer, however. A “young” cognac is still a delectable and smooth experience, but age brings the elixir to another level. Kick back with a snifter and the things you enjoy most in life—you may not be jet-setting in a G6 like some of cognac’s biggest fans, but you’ll feel on top of the world.

(A quick note on nomenclature: Until only last year, for a cognac to be deemed XO—extra old—required that the youngest blend component have remained in oak for six years. But that minimum was raised to 10 years—cognacs with threads below that aged now receive the Napoléon grade, the next one down.)

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SPIRITS

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LOUIS XIII

COURVOISIER XO

Beloved by iconic singer Rihanna, Louis XIII is one of the most exceptional cognacs available. One hundred percent of the wines distilled for this blend are from grapes grown in the Grande Champagne cru, the premier subsection of six in the region whose harvests can be tapped for the beverage.

Each bottle of Louis XIII contains 1,200 blend components, meticulously sifted through and chosen. This is after only a “small” portion of eaux-devie are selected for the elusive path. The kicker? The cognac’s age makes a long-in-the-tooth 10-year XO minimum look like the blink of an eye. The minimum age for a LXIII blend component is 40 years, and some threads surpass the century-old mark.

The impressive age inspires a wide array of tasting notes, from the tropical to the earthy. The extended process has also lent the team a long-term vision that allows for careful consideration of processes, and an examination of our engagement with the passage of time. A collaborative effort with rapper and cognac connoisseur Pharrell Williams titled “100 Years” is both an homage to the lengthy creation process of the esteemed cognac and a plea to those who’d wish to pass on the tradition: a song, locked away, that will automatically release in 2117—if climate change and sea-level rise permit.

Recommended pairing: Barring dramatic medical advances, most of us won’t be able to hear what could be Mr. Williams’ magnum opus. Instead, spin a copy of Random Access Memories from another of France’s fi nest exports, the electronic music duo Daft Punk. Their retro-futuristic sounds will lay the perfect backdrop for the waves of fl avor that a glass of Louis XIII offers.

A focus on techniques from the house of Courvoisier leads to an incredibly smooth product. Working closely with many growers across four crus, producers take pride every step of the way. That is refl ected not just in the distillate, but also in the oak that houses it. For both grape and wood, the process begins from the ground up. Two-hundred-year-old oak is selected by in-house coopers, and staves are dried for three years before the barrels are complete. A year’s worth of grapes undergo primary fermentation before they are ready for cognac’s signature double distillation.

Sipping straight will be an immersive experience fi lled with big fl oral notes alongside caramel and dried citrus—think snacking on candied orange in a lush meadow. If you choose to mix it up a bit, Courvoisier recommends a classic sidecar: 5 parts cognac, 2 parts triple sec, 2 parts lemon juice, shaken well and strained.

Recommended pairing: Take a listen to mile-a-minute wordsmith Busta Rhymes’ early-aughts party hit, “Pass the Courvoisier Part II.” Pharrell Williams’s hook and his production as part of the Neptunes are just as smooth as the indelible beverage.

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SPIRITS

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HENNESSY MARC NEWSON

HARDY XO RARE

Bold yet smooth, rich yet filled with subtleties, Hennessy has made a name as a luxury beverage of choice among creatives across different media. Arguably the first to use the XO distinction, Henny, as it’s lovingly referred to, is an excellent sipper and all-around cognac.

Notably using only the Ugni Blanc varietal, each bottle of Hennessy XO comprises 100 blending components. This depth of composition has led to a specific set of seven flavor notes that describe the journey through a pour of the elixir: Sweet Notes, Rising Heat, Spicy Edge, Flowing Flame, Chocolate Lull, Wood Crunches and Infinite Echo. These notes were deemed so evocative that acclaimed director Ridley Scott was commissioned to compose a sci-fi tribute exploring each of the “Seven Worlds.”

The special Marc Newsom edition of the XO is another shining example of Hennessy’s collaborative spirit, showing a commitment to an aesthetic that prizes presentation alongside flavor. The designer’s reworking of the distinctive decanter utilizes horizontal striations to visually highlight both glass and liquid, and creates a uniquely textured object that reflects cognac’s many facets.

Recommended pairing: Savor a glass or two while watching Scott’s sci-fi watershed Blade Runner. Get your hands on 2007’s The Final Cut to appreciate the director’s true vision for the film as you do the same with the work of Hennessy’s blenders.

In a landscape of limited edition blends, many of which focus on the design of the bottle itself, Hardy has to be hailed not just for excellent cognac but also for refined aesthetics. Founded in the region by an English ex-pat, the house takes influence not just from the spirit’s production, but from other sources of specifically French creativity.

Claiming a haute couture philosophy and decidedly feminine influences, Hardy produces cognac filtered through the lens of an atelier: Scents are cited as heavy stylistic influences, with tasting notes leaning toward the floral, and carafe designs explicitly influenced by bottles of fine perfume.

Early collaborations with the Cristallerie Daum studio have resulted in beautiful collectibles whose contents are as intoxicating as their containers. Recent works with the Lalique brand highlight the seasons, paying homage to the passage of time so crucial to cognac and the springlike bouquet it can offer.

Recommended pairing: Damozels & Deities is the most recent volume on 19th century stained glass from researcher William Waters and photographer Alastair Carow-Cox. Take in the beauty that glass working can achieve while savoring the bouquet of Hardy XO.

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SPIRITS

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REMY MARTIN XO

HINE ANTIQUE XO PREMIER CRU

This is a classic take on the spirit and one that has showed immense staying power. The blend, with up to 400 components, is referred to as a Cognac Fine Champagne—its grapes sourced exclusively from vineyards in two of the region’s crus, Grande Champagne (50 percent+) and Petite Champagne.

The particular soil’s terroir encourages the level of ripeness in the grapes that makes the wine well-suited for the 24-hour double distillation process.

The eaux-de-vie that are produced from the distillation processes each year can number in the thousands, but many will not meet the standards required for them to be set down for a transformation in oak.

Years later, we are finally able to taste the product of this patience, hard work and informed selection. A drop of water can open up the cognac and enhance some of the more subtle fruity and spicy aromatics, just as it does with a fine whisky. Fatty cheeses and bold dark chocolates are among the great foods that pair well with cognac, but for its own XO, Rémy Martin recommends figs—a sweet treat that will bring out dried fruit flavors in the liquid that only time can develop.

If you want your cognac consumption to be a truly cinematic experience, check out the limited-edition XO packaging for the Cannes Film Festival. A pointillist take on the Rémy logo evokes the bright lights of a marquee and the flash of the paparazzi.

Recommended pairing: Kick back and take in the movie Port Authority, whose cast and crew made history voguing across the red carpet at Cannes.

The film is a chronicle of romance in the NYC ballroom scene, whose traditions and uncompromising creativity will pair well with the warmth in your glass.

For more than 250 years, the house of Hine has patiently crafted fine cognacs. One of its main tenets is “finesse”—a word with deep history that has maintained relevance, much like cognac itself, and come to represent a certain sense of style and cool. So how does one finesse excellent cognac out of the soil? For Hine’s Antique XO, it means a blend of 40 distinct eaux-de-vies, crafted exclusively from Grande Champagne grapes, and an average component age of 20 years.

The producers cite Cyrano de Bergerac and acclaimed Bach pianist Glenn Gould as inspirations/accompaniments for the blend. As with other producers, there is a crossover of disciplines and lifestyles that inform the making of the cognac—a balance between savoir faire and joie de vivre, a commitment to technique, and of course, a bit of finesse. This blend has a wonderful spice character, lending a particular boldness that evokes Cyrano’s noted panache.

Recommended pairing: Light up a Macanudo Cru Royale while you savor a glass; the cigar’s bold yet balanced flavor will stand up to the cognac without overpowering it. The two powerhouses working together deliver maximum enjoyment.

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IN GOOD COMPANY

SID SCENE

FASHION SPEAKS OUT: Mr. Sid Boston joined five other specialty stores from across the country this summer in the Fashion Speaks Out campaign to raise awareness for mental health. At top, a Sunset Soirée was held at the Via Seaport Residences’ rooftop patio, where guests enjoyed a jazz band, specialty cocktails from Ghost Tequila, bites from Tuscan Kitchen and wine selections from Gordon’s Fine Wines. A virtual art show exhibited the fashion illustrations of René Gruau.

CHARITY CASINO NIGHT: Mr. Sid Newton was transformed into a Vegas-style casino as guests tested their luck to help raise money for The Newton Firefighter Children’s Fund Ira Segel Scholarship. At bottom, guests enjoyed James Bond-style martinis while bidding on amazing raffle and auction prizes. New England Patriots’ defensive back Obi Melifonwu was in attendance, dressed to the nines with his recent Super Bowl ring. The event was catered by Chef’s Table and also featured a cigar station and a DJ.

Mr. Sid is the exclusive partner of Castangia in all of Boston

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