THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS WINTER 2017/2018
Holiday Gift Picks: MAKE DREAMS COME TRUE
BASELWORLD CELEBRATES 100YEARS SPECIAL SECTION:
Weddings
THE LADY-DATEJUST The classically feminine Rolex, sized and styled to perfectly match its wearer since 1957. It doesn’t just tell time. It tells history.
rolex
oyster perpetual and datejust are ÂŽ trademarks.
oyster perpetual LADY-datejust 28
C O N T E N T S P U B L I S H E D BY
Winter 2017/2018 4 6 14
T H E U B M FA S H I O N G R O U P
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Welcome Letter
PUBLISHER STUART NIFOUSSI E D I TO R- I N - C H I E F
Events at Bachendorf’s
KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN
The Heart of Bachendorf’s: Elaine Bock
M A N AG I N G E D I TO R
16 Team Profile: Son Le 18 From the Runways 20 New & Noteworthy
JILLIAN LAROCHELLE D E S I G N D I R EC TO R HANS GSCHLIESSER
24 Gift Ideas: Holiday Edition 28 Designers: John Hardy 32 Trends: Vibrant Versatility 34 Natural Color Diamonds 36 Spotted: As Seen On… 38 Exclusives: Breitling 40 Timepieces: Retro Cool 42 Anniversaries: Baselworld at 100 44 Timepieces: Cartier 46 Timepieces: Omega 48 Art: In Sharp Focus 50 Design: Rising Above Time 62 Top 10: Beauty Trends 64 Profile: Helen Ching-Kircher 66 Designers: Lisa Nik 68 Spirits: Stir It Up 70 Perfect Gems 72 End Page: The Gift of Time
P R OJ EC T M A N AG E R LISA MENGHI A S S O C I AT E P U B L I S H E R
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MICHELLE BROWN D I R EC TO R O F P R E P R E S S JOHN FRASCONE
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
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every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information in this magazine, we are not responsible for errors or omissions. Accent® Magazine is a UBM®
52 54
Ring Bling
Engagements: Sam & Sidney
56 58
Ease Please
Honeymoon Down Under
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Free to Be Me
All
rights
Plaza, Floor 15, New York, NY 10121. The
SPECIAL SECTION: WEDDINGS
publication.
reserved. UBM Americas, 2 Penn
S T O R E L O C AT I O N S : P L A Z A AT P R E S T O N C E N T E R 8400 PRESTON ROAD, DALLAS, TX 75225 214-692-8400 GALLERIA LEVEL 1 3350 DALLAS PARKWAY, SUITE 1415 DALLAS, TX 75240 972-392-9900
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claims, unsolicited manuscripts or other materials. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission of the publishers. Printed In The U.S.A. Volume 15, Issue 2. ©2017
The Artisan Handcrafted Modern Chain Collection
John Hardy and Modern Chain Collection are Registered Trademarks.
welcome
To Our Valued Customers and Friends, This has been a big year for the company, as well as for me personally; we are celebrating the accomplishments of 2017 in ACCENT magazine by publishing our largest issue yet! Family values have allowed us to maintain our business for over 70 years. My father, Harry, believed in quality, excellence and high ethical standards. My mother, Elaine, was an integral part of building our family business while raising three boys, working and teaching us these values (you can find her story on page 14). Continuing our family legacy, I am proud to congratulate my daughter, Fallon (pictured above), as she recently achieved her graduate gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America in New York City. Consistent with our constant desire to offer the finest selection of watches and designer jewelry, we are pleased to announce we once again offer Cartier fine timepieces at our Galleria location. As Bachendorf ’s was one of the first retailers of Cartier timepieces in the state of Texas, it is only fitting to re-open with the brand in grand fashion. I have saved several of Harry’s Cartier watches, and on special occasions, I still wear them in his honor. I would like to say thank you to our loyal ACCENT readers. I hope you enjoy our winter edition filled with topics you will find entertaining and of interest. Happy holidays from my family to yours. Sincerely, Lawrence Bock, President
Galleria Dallas, Level 1 13350 Dallas Parkway Dallas, TX 75240 972.392.9900
Plaza at Preston Center 8400 Preston Road Dallas, TX 75225 214.692.8400
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EVENTS AT BACHENDORF’S
BREITLING DC3: DAVID STIFF; GUESTS AND PILOTS: AMY HERFURTH
AT BACHENDORF’S JEWELERS, WE CONTINUE OUR LONG-STANDING TRADITION OF HOSTING EVENTS TO ENTERTAIN CLIENTS AND BENEFIT CHARITABLE CAUSES.
THE BREITLING DC-3 MAKES A STOP IN DALLAS Guests had the opportunity to view the new limited-edition Navitimer.
RAYMOND WEIL BLOGGER EVENT FOR THE UNVEILING OF THE NEW TANGO CLASSIC The evening featured Dallas style bloggers Cathy Williamson (The Middle Page) and Lauren Murphy (Murphy’s Law).
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JAMES FRENCH PHOTOGRAPHY
LA FIESTA DE LAS SEIS BANDERAS Bachendorf’s hosted a reception honoring the 2017 La Fiesta Duchesses and their parents, and presented each Duchess with Mikimoto pearl earrings. TOP: Denise and Todd Bradshaw with their Duchess daughter Bethanne; Duchesses Jeanne Anne Bullington, Helena Burns, Hannah Jurgensmeyer and Lane McCormick. CENTER: Duchesses Claire Green and Erica Yaguchi; La Fiesta gala chairs Michelle Johnson and Anne Besser. BOTTOM: La Fiesta Bachendorf’s co-chairs Terrie Jenevein and Shannon Pettle; Duchess Kristen Haggerty with her father Mike Haggerty; Duchess
Emily Weisfeld receives her pearl earrings from Paolo Ongaro at Bachendorf’s.
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY HERFURTH
EVENTS AT BACHENDORF’S
CATTLE BARON’S BALL LIVE AUCTION PREVIEW
TOP: Heather LeClair, Taryn McDonald, Virginia Schofer, Jennifer Tobin, Theresa Bando and Rachel Michell. CENTER: Lawrence and Katy Bock with Nancy Gopez; Lisa Bhattacharya, Lara Farris and Lauren Snyder. BOTTOM: Anne Stodhill, Mojan Amirlak and Sunia Solomon; auctioneer Jeff Copeland and Heather Randall.
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CHICK LIT LUNCHEON Bachendorf’s hosted a Bethenny Frankel meet-and-greet at the Chick Lit Luncheon, an annual Community Partners of Dallas Fundraiser. TOP: LeeAnn Locken, Chad Collom and Jane McGarry; Nicola Hobeiche, Sakina Foster and Elizabeth Gambrell; Nikki and Crayton Webb. CENTER: Kirsten Gappelberg, Julia Santosuosso and Caytie Langford; Stephanie Seay, Robert Weatherly and Ashley Connely. BOTTOM: Lawrence and Katy Bock with Bethenny Frankel; Lara Tafel and D’Andra Simmons; Stephanie Stollenwerck and Karen Higgens.
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©2017 CHANEL®, Inc.
STEEL CASE, 64 DIAMONDS, STEEL 'TWEED' BRACELET
The Heart of Bachendorf's "It was love at first sight."
What was your role while Harry was building the company? Harry taught me everything he knew about the business. He sold the diamonds, then I would help sell their mountings. I loved it and I loved working here. It was wonderful. I would come every day when the kids were in school.
How did you meet Harry? I was at my sister's wedding in St. Louis when Harry saw me from across the room. We had never met before, but he came over to me, and he asked me to marry him! It was love at first sight. I was taken aback by his proposal, but right away we started dating. After Harry graduated from Washington University, he moved back home to Dallas. Since I was still in St. Louis, he sent my engagement ring through the mail.
Did you have any previous knowledge of the industry? I learned all about diamonds by taking a GIA course through the mail. I was so busy taking care of three kids and working, I was only able to finish one page at at time while everyone was sleeping.
When did you get married? We got married on June 27, 1954. We took our savings and started to build the company. Steven arrived one year later. Lawrence and David followed after.
Harry and Elaine Bock 1995
"...having an honorable business was what mattered most."
"We always worked hard together..." What is your most exciting memory from the early years of the company? Harry inherited his father's mentality. He believed in honesty, and integrity, and having an honorable business was what mattered most. We continue to instill that in our children. We always worked hard together to build the business to what it is today. Back then, it was Harry that really kept the business going and his sons followed. I have been so proud of all my sons as they found their way into this business.
Harry and Elaine Bock June 27, 1954
Harry's father, Abram, and Harry Bock June 27, 1954
We heard you have a fun nickname. Can you tell us about it? Everyone calls me Pooch! I was walking down the stairs when I was pregnant with my first son, Steven, and Harry said, "You look like a pooch!" Ever since then, everyone has called me Pooch.
Do you hope the company stays family owned?
Elaine Bock In the newly renovated Plaza at Preston Center location
Definitely. As the kids were growing up, Harry would have the kids come to the office and he would have them pick out diamonds. They were brought up in the company.
Do you have a favorite piece Harry designed for you? My heart. We were in Paris waiting for an elevator when we saw a woman wearing a heart necklace. Harry looked at me and he said, "Elaine, I am going to make you that heart." It took him over a year to perfect the necklace, but once he did it was beautiful! I still wear it today. We have made similar versions for the store and those have been sold to customers.
Top left to right: Harry's father, Abram Bock, Elaine's father, Leo Hiken Bottom left to right: Harry and Elaine Bock June 27, 1954
What would you consider your signature style?
"We sold so many rings off my finger!"
Anytime Harry would design a new piece, he would make it for me. I was like a showcase, I had a very classic style. The customers would like what I had and he would sell it. We sold so many rings off of my finger! He would have to turn around and make me another one. But my heart – that was always for me.
"I have been so lucky to live this life."b How are you still involved with Bachendorf's?
From left to right: Lawrence, Harry, Steven and David Bock
I will still come up during the holidays and help out. But mostly I have my other hobbies to keep me busy. I like playing cards, going to Mavericks or Rangers games, and the symphony. My real passion is writing songs for family events. I have been so lucky to live this life.
team profile What is your favorite watch to work on? A Rolex. The inside is a totally different system from other brands. The cool thing is they are the only brand with red wheels for the automatic system inside.
How often do you recommend having a watch serviced? I would say five to seven years for both mechanical and automatic. The inside of a watch must stay lubricated. If you lose the lubrication, there is more friction, which makes it less accurate. The watch will also run slower and become magnetized over time. It’s just as important as getting the oil changed on your car.
What does a watch servicing consist of? I will test the watch and check all the components. Even if all the components are in good condition, there are parts we will need to replace due to wear. I will also do a water-resistance test depending on which kind of watch you have. I myself will never say a watch is completely waterproof, but I will say it is water resistant. We have different machines to test watches at different levels. Last, I will clean the watch with an ultrasonic machine to make it fresh as new.
SON LE
WATCHMAKER LO C AT I O N :
The Plaza at Preston Center
What are your top three tips for keeping a watch in good condition for years to come?
Y E A R S AT B AC H E N D O R F ’ S :
Almost 5, total of 20 as a watchmaker
This really depends on which kind of watch you own—a jewelry watch, a sport watch or a casual watch—but in a general sense I would say: 1. Make sure to take it off when you’re going to bed at night. Wind the watch by hand if you don’t own a watch winder. 2. Clean the watch every three months to keep dust off the crown. That is how everything gets inside of a watch. 3. Handle your watch like a baby! Your watch is more than jewelry; it is a piece of art.
What led you to pursue a career in watchmaking? I was interested in the micromechanics of a watch. When I was 15 in Vietnam, I would help my uncle when he worked with watches. I felt that a watch was a piece of art, and while I was learning about what it took to make it run, I fell in love.
What was your first watch? A Japanese watch, the Automatic Seiko 5.
If you were not a watchmaker, what other industry would have sparked your interest?
What kind of watchmaking education do you have? How important is having the right training?
Before I was a watchmaker, I was an electrical engineer. I liked it, but it wasn’t my true passion.
I went to school for horology in Paris, Texas, then I became certified CW21 (Certified Watchmaker of the 21st Century). To be able to work on a Rolex, Omega, Breitling, or any other luxury watch, you must have this certification. There are not many people who can do what I do.
What are your hobbies outside of watchmaking? I love watching the Cowboys play football! Growing up in Vietnam, I liked soccer, but now that I live in the United States, I really like football.
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®ROBERTOCOIN
POIS MOI COLLECTION
FROM THE RUNWAYS
Layers on LAYERS Lisa Nik 18K rose gold Twisted Wires heart and twist link chain, 16”, $1,365
Lagos sterling silver Maya sixstation chrysocolla doublet link necklace, 36", $895
Lana Jewelry 14K yellow gold Nude Tassel eardusters, $1,495
FROM LEFT: BURBERRY, DRIES VAN NOTEN, ISABEL MARANT, LOUIS VUITTON, MAX MARA / FIRSTVIEW
David Yurman sterling silver Stax wide cuff bracelet, 54mm with diamonds weighing 1.58 ctw, $4,900
Phillips House 14K yellow and white gold Love Always bracelets with pavé diamonds, starting at $2,300
Penny Preville 18K rose gold diamond and textured four bands with diamonds weighing 0.80 ctw, $5,300
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We So FANCY Marco Bicego 18K yellow gold Lunaria black mother-of-pearl necklace with diamonds weighing 0.96 ctw, 17.25", $10,890 Doves 18K yellow gold Amazon Breeze Amazonite and diamond ring with one clear quartz over Amazonite weighing 16.28 ctw and round diamonds weighing 0.28 ctw, $2,892
Carrera y Carrera 18K yellow gold Universo Origen drop earrings with two amethysts weighing 39.78 ctw and diamonds weighing .61 ctw $14,500
Rina Limor 18K yellow gold opal and diamond drop earrings with two opals weighing 3.81 ctw and diamonds weighing 0.58 ctw, $2,640
Casato 18K white gold Vie en Rose diamond necklace with 254 round diamonds weighing 3.61 ctw, $11,800
FROM LEFT: ERDEM, JASON WU, MAX MARA, VALENTINO, RALPH LAUREN / FIRSTVIEW
Carrera y Carrera 18K yellow gold Universo Origen Maxi ring with diamonds weighing .97 ctw and one amethyst weighing 30.52 ctw, $13,700
Casato 18K white gold Miss Chi diamond bangle with diamonds weighing 4.68 ctw, $12,800
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NEW
& NOTEWORTHY
ROBERTO COIN Since 1996, Roberto Coin has been known as a creator of sophistication, blending modernity and tradition. Driven by an innate love for the world of art and fashion, Coin decided to leave his successful career as a hotel manager to follow his dream, facing a new and passionate adventure. His creativity took shape through the hands of the most renowned Italian jewelry artisans, who brought Roberto Coin’s romantic and borderless imagination to life through their skills, telling his story through jewels that truly become works of art. Proof positive of this is the Venetian Princess collection, inspired by the patterns and decorations of storied Venetian architecture. It brings to mind fables and majesty, handed down through the narrow Venetian alleys under the warm light of lanterns, where elegance meets intrigue. New this year are sophisticated satin finishes and exquisite pavé lockets, allowing you to carry a piece of the mystery close to your own heart.
MIKIMOTO Those lucky enough to discover Mikimoto’s beautiful High Jewellery creations remain forever in awe of the brand’s ability to marry the highest-quality pearls with sophisticated design and expert craftsmanship. Always a highlight are rare and natural Conch and Melo pearls surrounded by sparkling diamonds. To give an idea of the rarity of these luscious pink and peach-hued stones, only one in every 100,000 found in nature meets Mikimoto standards; finding a matched set is truly more difficult than locating a needle in a haystack. For those without access to the brand’s one-of-a-kind creations, The Pearl Necklace (Assouline Publishing) is Mikimoto’s newest art book, which tells the story of the pearl necklace throughout time, highlights some of pearls’ most illustrious wearers from Cleopatra to Princess Diana, and instills the importance of Mikimoto’s contribution as “The Originator of Cultured Pearls since 1893.” It leaves the reader with a renewed sense of the beauty and artistry that only Mikimoto has mastered.
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NEW
& NOTEWORTHY
MARCO BICEGO Born to a goldsmith father in Italy’s Veneto region, Marco Bicego spent years perfecting his craft at his family’s atelier. With the passion and desire to create jewelry that blends old-world craftsmanship with a modern feel, Bicego launched his jewelry company in 2000. Today, Marco Bicego has established itself as a leader in the luxury accessories arena and is continually redefining the phrase “everyday luxury,” crafting easy-to-wear jewelry that pairs as effortlessly with a T-shirt as it does a ball gown. As an extension of one of Bicego’s most iconic collections, Lunaria, the black mother-of-pearl styles add a subtle and natural gleam to these already elegant and refined designs. Inspired by the delicate shape and movement of petals blowing in the wind, the mixed in hand-cut black mother of pearl yields lustrous necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings, all handmolded in Italy by skilled craftsmen and available exclusively from independent jewelry retailers.
LAGOS Since 1977, Lagos has stood for integrity, strength and intelligence. Its founder, Steven Lagos, believes that jewelry is one of the most personal, significant forms of art a woman can own, and draws his inspiration from the effortless style of the Lagos woman as well as the culture and sights from his frequent travels to Asia and Europe. His appreciation for jewelry began at an early age, and he has been sketching, sculpting and designing for more than 40 years. In fact, he made his first bracelets and necklaces out of silverware when he was in high school. As a young man, he trained with the most talented master jewelers. Then, after perfecting his skills, Steven channeled his entrepreneurial spirit and created Lagos at the age of 19. In 1984, he pioneered the brand’s signature design, Caviar. It takes hundreds of steps and a keen eye to complete a single Caviar creation. The luminous caviar beading brings texture to sterling silver and 18K gold, transforming these metals into captivating, wearable and iconic jewelry. Each season, Steven sets out to offer a new interpretation of the brand’s signature design. One of the newest iterations is Diamond Lux, featuring diamonds highlighted by 18K gold on strands of sterling silver Caviar beading.
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LISA NIK KITE COLLECTION 18K YELLOW GOLD AND DIAMOND HOOP EARRINGS WITH DETACHABLE AMETHYST CHARMS $1,365
DOVES JEWELRY 18K WHITE GOLD BLUE TOPAZ AND DIAMOND RING $5,148
ROBERTO COIN 18K WHITE GOLD VENETIAN PRINCESS BLACK AND WHITE FLEUR DE LIS DIAMOND BANGLE BRACELET $18,300
Gift ideas for her
LAGOS GEMSTONE LARIAT NECKLACE $1,150
MONICA RICH KOSANN 18K YELLOW GOLD BLUE TOPAZ PETITE LOCKET $2,800
PHILLIPS HOUSE 14K YELLOW GOLD REVOLUTION BLACK DIAMOND RING NECKLACE $3,200
GURHAN 22K YELLOW GOLD AND 18K WHITE GOLD GEO PAVÉ CUFF WITH DIAMONDS $12,500 MARCO BICEGO TWO-TONE 18K GOLD AND DIAMOND JUNIPER LINK EARRINGS $2,640
PENNY PREVILLE 18K WHITE GOLD CUTOUT DECO DIAMOND EARRINGS $4,695
e m i t t a h t ut
b a s ' t I
CHANEL J12 XS BLACK LACQUER 19 MM DIAL, BLACK CERAMIC AND STEEL BRACELET, SET WITH DIAMONDS $12,300
JAEGER-LECOULTRE RENDEZ-VOUS NIGHT & DAY STEEL 34MM WITH DIAMOND BEZEL $13,900
RAYMOND WEIL TOCCATA COLLECTION, STAINLESS STEEL WITH YELLOW GOLD PLATING, A WHITE MOTHER-OF-PEARL DIAL WITH DIAMONDS, 29MM CASE $1,050
OMEGA DE VILLE PRESTIGE COLLECTION, WHITE MOTHER-OF PEARL DIAL WITH RHODIUMPLATED HOUR MARKERS, MADE UP OF DIAMOND INDEXES 24.4MM CASE $2,750
JOHN HARDY CLASSIC CHAIN DOG TAG WITH BLACK SAPPHIRE $995
BLACK TONE MOVEMENT SQUARE CUFF LINKS $330
KONSTANTINO STERLING SILVER SPARTA RING $505
DAVID YURMAN THE HEX CUFF BRACELET $375
Gift ideas for him
18K ROSE GOLD MOTHER-OFPEARL CUFF LINKS $2,500
BACCARAT HARMONIE WHISKEY SET DECANTER $790 TUMBLER, SET OF TWO $350
JOHN HARDY CLASSIC CHAIN ID BRACELET STARTING AT $995
STEPHEN WEBSTER THORN STEM TIE PIN $725
TIME
OMEGA SPEEDMASTER MOONWATCH 44.25MM BLUE DIAL ON LEATHER STRAP $10,600
SHOP RAYMOND WEIL FREELANCER DAY DATE AUTOMATIC CHRONOGRAPH, STEEL AND ROSE GOLD, 42MM SILVER INDEX $3,100
TAG HEUER LINK CALIBRE 16 AUTOMATIC CHRONOGRAPH, STEEL, 43MM, SILVER DIAL $4,450
BREITLING SUPEROCEAN HERITAGE 46MM STEEL CASE WITH BLACK DIAL $4,405
designers
The
FUTURE is FEMALE armor? What styles will they want to work into their existing collections?” Having an expansive set of archives is also helpful to lean on while designing. While I was designing Naga, it was important to honor the original silhouette in the new iteration. I feminized the silhouette, replacing the scales with leafier interpretations and swapping the red eyes for softer blue sapphire eyes. The newest collection features a number of mixed metal pieces and introduces stones like silver sheen obsidian. It’s a byproduct of volcano, but one would never guess from the stone’s beautiful sheen and sense of light. As we modernize and elevate our collections, adding more gemstones was a natural next step.
Creative director Hollie Bonneville Barden brings a new outlook to JOHN HARDY. Tell us about your first year at John Hardy. I spent a great deal of time really getting to know the brand’s history and our clientele. My first major challenge was to reinterpret the Naga, one of the mythical talisman icons from our Legends collection. When researching the Naga myth in Bali, I discovered stories of Naga represented as a spirit of nature (sky, ocean, volcano) that had great universal symbolism. Working closely with the brand’s artisans helped me grasp a greater understanding of the spirit of Naga in artwork and carved expression. The historical celebration of the raw power and symbolism of Naga formed the overarching concept for the season, which also features new iterations of the timeless Chain, Dot and Bamboo collections. I also had the opportunity to visit our retail partners, many of which are family-run businesses, and connect with customers. Many of our clients are strong, empowered women who are purchasing John Hardy for themselves to celebrate a milestone. It’s truly so inspiring to see this display of female power through jewelry.
What’s it like being John Hardy’s youngest creative director as well as the first female? I am very lucky to hold the role of creative director for such an iconic brand. It’s my personality to take the bull by the horns, which has helped me. Every day there is a steep learning curve, but it is empowering too. Being young offers me the advantage of having a different viewpoint. I have been fortunate to have incredible experiences thus far.
You’re British but now spend the majority of your time traveling between New York and Bali. How do these diverse places inspire your designs? I am attracted to the fast-paced rhythm of NYC and all of the innovative design happening. I’m inspired by its vibrant energy and glamour. Bali has this amazing creative energy and offers a much slower pace. This sort of yin and yang I experience between the two places is very much reflected in the versatility of my designs.
How do you continue to innovate while designing for a brand that has such an iconic look? I am keeping our strong, powerful female clientele in mind. I ask myself, “What do they want to wear as their personal
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Special Edition - shine
C AV I A R C O L L E C T I O N S
M Y L A G O S M Y W AY
A DESIGNER’S PERSPEC TIVE STE VEN L AGOS SHARES HIS INSPIRATION BEHIND THE ART OF CAVIAR
1. W HAT I S U N I Q U E ABO U T L AG OS? T h r o u g h o u t o u r b r a n d ’ s h i s t o r y, w e h a v e s t r i v e d to make designs that a re both high - qual it y a n d ve r s a t i l e f o r eve r y d a y w e a r. C a v i a r, our signature design, sets our brand apar t and allows for our handcrafted pieces to be immediately recognizable. The unique tex ture of the Caviar rope bracelet is tr uly a feat of both engineer ing and exper t craf tsmanship. Ou r b racelet is k nown to move seam lessly w ith the body – its comfor table f it is unparalleled i n t h e i n d u s t r y. T h i s i s e s p e c i a l l y s i g n i f i c a n t a s we ce l e b rate o u r 4 0 t h a n n i ve r sa r y t h i s fa l l . We create a por tfolio of jewel r y that allows you to p i ck o ut yo u r ow n s t y l e; we h ave a l ot of silhouettes, different st yles and colors. The idea i s : M Y L A G O S M Y W AY.
2 . W H AT I S YO U R S O U R C E O F I N S P I R AT I O N? Travel is a constant sou rce of inspi ration. W h e n I ’m t ra ve l i n g , I ’m a l wa y s l o o k i n g fo r local crafts. Things people are doing that are indigenous to the area and ideas that I can wo r k i nto a co l l e ct i o n . W h e n I ’m o n t h e p l a n e it’s o n e of t h e o n l y t i m es I a ct u a l l y d i sco n n e ct. Being in a different time zone allows me to focus and obsess about the details of our j e w e l r y. L i k e t h e c l a s p o f a b r a c e l e t , o r t h e luminous beading of si lver and gold in ou r Caviar Collection.
3 . H OW D O YO U D E F I N E T H E S T Y L E O F T H E WO M E N WE AR I N G L AGOS? Wo m e n a re at t h e ce nte r of eve r y t h i n g we d o. We fo l l ow a wo m a n w h o i s a s m u lt i fa cete d a s t h e L AG O S s h e we a r s a n d w h o ce l e b rates t h e ve r s a t i l i t y o f C a v i a r, i t s g l a m o u r p o t e n t i a l jux taposed with its casual appeal. Jewel r y is a s u p e r p e r so n a l ta l i s m a n p e o p l e h a ve; i t m e a n s a l ot t o t h e m . We’r e w o r k i n g o n p i e c e s t h a t a r e g o i n g t o b e a p a r t o f p e o p l e’s l i ve s fo r a ver y long time. When we design, we make su re to tie back to our signature Caviar with the intention that all collections can be layered and stacked.
4 . H OW D O YO U C H O O S E M AT E R I A L S W H E N DESIGNING A NEW COLLECTION? W h e n I d e s i g n e d B l a c k C a v i a r, I d r e a m e d o f creating a Caviar bracelet that retur ned to the roots of my or iginal hematite design. I searched for the per fect mater ial before finally choosing ceramic. I then went on to spend three years developing the technology that would give the c e r a m i c b e a d s t h e i r s i g n a t u r e C a v i a r l u s t e r. When you have the per fect gemstones, the per fect diamonds, the per fect mater ial, they real ly speak to you.
trends
vibrant
VERSATILITY
Fall ushers in sculptural statements and multi-purpose functionality.
H
as jewelry ever been more fun to wear? Whether you lean toward delicate charms, sparkling florals or bold geometry, there are plenty of ways this season to tie it all together and make it hip, elegant and uniquely your own. Versatility is key right now, and designers are expanding their collections with that in mind. Look for necklaces that convert to bracelets or multi-finger rings that fold into one. We’re still stacking and layering, so there’s plenty of room for individual expression. You probably don’t need to retire anything in your jewelry wardrobe this fall to remain on point. But you might want to step it up a notch, add a statement piece or two, some edgy texture and vibrant color. BY CATHLEEN MCCARTHY
WEARINGTHE BLUES
O
your gems to your jeans. Fashion designers from Dior to Calvin Klein to Stella McCartney showed denim ensembles for fall, and we predict denim blue will be the primary gem color of 2018. Jewelry looks are already showing the denim hues of London blue topaz and the whole spectrum of blue sapphire from faded to inky. Look for hoops set with translucent tanzanite or rose-cut fancy sapphires, and pendants strung on multistrands of sapphire beads gradated from pale to indigo. Tanzanite is another option to consider; it’s elevated to new levels when combined with the sparkle and elegance of diamonds in black or white gold.
FROM LEFT: SUTRA
pal continues strong, showing up as the standout in cocktail rings accented with diamonds, or colored gems like blue topaz and peridot that bring out the stone’s inner rainbow. Watery blue moonstones are another crowd favorite, and we’re seeing other misty blues and blue-greens like aquamarine and chalcedony. Along this line, David Yurman is pairing chrysoprase and turquoise in the Chatelaine collection. Also expect to see more of the newcomer gem aquaprase, a minty-green chalcedony discovered in Africa in 2014. But the hottest hue on the horizon will have you matching
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COLLARS & CUFFS
TOP: FOREVERMARK DIAMONDS BY JADE TRAU, FOREVERMARK DIAMONDS BY JADE TRAU, PENNY PREVILLE. BOTTOM: PENNY PREVILLE, ARMENTA.
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ne way to update the layers at your throat is to add a personalized, engraved charm or pendant. Another is to add one of the new, more refined chokers, destined to become a go-to basic. David Yurman added lots of gold this year, including rose gold. One way to open your existing Yurman silver stack to the gold to come: add a piece or two from this season’s mixed-metals, like those polished gold accents in his silver Chatelaine collection. Whether you normally go for the gold or stick to silver, a mixed-metal lariat is destined to become a wardrobe basic. Open-ended rings and bracelets are everywhere, ranging from those slender diamond-tipped bangles that Halle Berry stacked on one wrist at the Oscars to the bold geometry of baguette rings. Where the statement bracelet is concerned, it’s all about female empowerment. The power cuff can be worn stacked, one on each wrist like Coco Chanel, or Wonder Woman style as this show-stopping (bullet-deflecting?) statement piece from Penny Preville.
OUTER SPACE
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hat celestial trend we’ve been seeing for a couple years is moving away from the yoga influence of astrology and zodiac constellations and drifting into the far reaches of outer space. Maybe it’s all the talk of reviving space exploration, but a UFO has landed in the design zeitgeist. Chanel and Comme des Garçons were among those who introduced astronaut-inspired silver garb on the runway this year. Jessica Biel created Oscar buzz with a diamondmounted fringe collar worn with her form-fitting metallic gown. Priyanka Chopra sported matching platinumand-diamond cuffs on each wrist on the same red carpet. You can get in on this space-age trend with any of the bold, geometric cuff bracelets or collars on offer. In some cases, it’s a little subtler: concentric gold circles dotted with gems and pearls, hinting at planets revolving around an axis. A simpler way to get a piece of that night sky: add a starburst. These exuberant bursts of celestial energy are everywhere. Try a blackdiamond star choker, cluster earrings, or a delicate bangle of white diamond stars to add sparkle and texture to your stack.
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REVIVAL STYLES
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ith The Jazz Age exhibit at the Cooper-Hewitt whetting our appetites once again for Deco, and Past is Present: Revival Jewelry at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts (through August 2018), vintage jewelry lovers are newly dazzled by the glamour and craftsmanship of past eras. You don’t need to bid at auction to score revival style. Today’s designers are reinventing looks that have been around for decades or, in some cases, millennia. Some designers are bringing Deco back with colored diamonds, or setting pyramid-shaped colored stones in that familiar stepped, architectural gold. Even Stephen Webster has played with Deco, with his Chrysler Building-inspired detachable diamond earrings. Digging further back, Armenta has added bold new pieces to its Artifacts collection, playing off the tarnished finish and aged texture of long-buried antiquities by mounting them in bright, granulated gold.
the
RAREFIED REALM of
NATURAL COLOR DIAMONDS
For centuries, natural color diamonds have been regarded as the world’s most sought-after gems, by knowledgable collectors and even royalty. Natural color diamonds have long been treasured for their rarity: coveted by many, but owned by few. These diamonds are truly wonders of the world, as old as the Earth itself, yet never have they been more sought after than they are today; their scarcity is at the heart of their desirability.
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COLOR
Only one in 10,000 diamonds mined displays enough natural color to be designated a fancy color diamond by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Theirs is a discreet luxury: In the rarefied realm of fancy color diamonds, strength of color is more important than the size of the stone. Natural color diamonds can be 10 to 20 times more valuable than their colorless counterparts, and their popularity as an alternative is growing. However, no one acquires a fancy color diamond for its investment value alone. Their allure lies in their mesmerizing beauty, rarity, mystery and unique provenance. Rare natural color diamonds have increased in value exponentially in the last 10 years, often by double digits year over year. According to leading trade organizations, auction houses and expert diamantaires, rare fancy pink and fancy blue diamonds have led the way, growing by well over 300 percent on average and outperforming most other asset classes in the same period. As global financial markets continue to demonstrate volatility and instability, affluent collectors and investors around the world are acquiring natural color diamonds to protect their wealth, and to transfer it from one generation to the next. Meanwhile, as demand rises, the earth’s supply of fancy color diamonds is dwindling: The Cullinan Mine in South Africa is today the only important source of blue diamonds; Australia’s Ellendale Mine, a main source of yellows, has recently ceased production; and Rio Tinto’s Argyle Mine in Western Australia, the source of most pink diamonds, is scheduled to close by 2020.
In diamonds, rarity equals value. With diamonds in the normal range, value is based on the absence of color, because colorless diamonds are the rarest. With fancy color diamonds—the ones outside the normal color range—the rarest and most valuable colors are saturated reds, pinks, blues and greens. In all cases, even very slight color differences can have a big impact on value. Compared to fancy yellows and browns, diamonds with a noticeable hint of any other hue are considerably more rare. Even in light tones and weak saturation, as long as they show color in the face-up position, they qualify as fancy colors. Red, green and blue diamonds with medium to dark tones and moderate saturations are extremely rare.
CLARITY
With fancy color diamonds, color is the dominant value factor. Even diamonds with numerous inclusions that result in a low clarity grade are prized by connoisseurs if they display attractive face-up color. Of course, inclusions that threaten the gem’s durability can lower a fancy color diamond’s value significantly. Fancy color diamonds can exhibit color graining, which is considered an inclusion. CUT
Size and shape are two aspects of cut that can influence diamond color. The larger a diamond is, or the deeper its pavilion, the farther light can travel in it. This can often lead to a richer, more intense color. C A R AT W E I G H T
As with diamonds in the normal D-to-Z color range, large fancy color diamonds are rarer and more valuable than small ones. Some information courtesy of GIA.
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spotted
AS SEEN ON ‌
Our favorite stars share a love for our favorite brands! BY JILLIAN LAROCHELLE
Jennifer Lawrence in Penny Preville at the Venice Film Festival
Zendaya in Forevermark at the Met Gala 36
Kate McKinnon in Roberto Coin at the Emmys
Sophia Bush in John Hardy at a Max Mara event
Louise Roe in Marco Bicego at the Emmys
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exclusives
A REAL RARITY
Movement: COSC-certified Manufacture Breitling Caliber 01, self-winding, high-frequency, 47 jewels. Over 70-hour power reserve. 1/4 of a second chronograph. 30-minute and 12-hour totalizers. Calendar. Case: Blacksteel. Resistant to 3 bars. Rotating bezel with circular slide rule. Cambered sapphire crystal, glare-proofed on both sides. Transparent sapphire crystal caseback. Dial: Stratos Gray. Strap: rubber Navitimer.
The NAVITIMER 01 BLACKSTEEL LJRG LIMITED EDITION will be issued in 50 pieces sold only at Luxury Jewelers Resource Group retailers.
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e are proud to announce our collaboration with Swiss watch brand Breitling, which has produced an exclusive iteration of its iconic Navitimer in conjunction with the Luxury Jewelers Resource Group (LJRG), of which we are a member retailer. The timepiece is distinguished by its Blacksteel exterior, Stratos Gray dial, three black counter dials, black oscillating weight and transparent sapphire crystal caseback. A cult model among pilots and aviation devotees since 1952, the Navitimer chronograph steps things up a notch in a version entirely clothed in black: from its satin-brushed steel case coated with an ultra-resistant carbon-based treatment to the famous circular slide rule serving to handle all operations relating to airborne navigation. Yet this original, modern and technical exterior is not its only distinctive feature. The 50piece Blacksteel limited series is distinguished by its exclusive Stratos Gray dial bearing hollowed black counters and framed by an inner bezel in the same shade. The original aesthetic is enhanced by Blacksteel hands and logo, along with a red chronograph sweep-seconds hand. Although exuding a natural sense of refinement, this limited edition never loses sight of its nature as an instrument for professionals—as confirmed by its famous circular aviation slide rule and the Manufacture Breitling Caliber 01, chronometer-certified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute), a token of superior precision and reliability. This high-performance self-winding chronograph “engine,” entirely developed and produced in the Breitling workshops, is visible through a transparent sapphire crystal caseback. Complementing its technical and elegant appearance, the new Navitimer 01 (46 mm) Limited Edition is available on a rubber Navitimer strap featuring an aircraft tire-tread profile and Blacksteel folding buckle.
ABOUT BREITLING A specialist of technical watches, Breitling has played a crucial role in the development of the wrist chronograph and is a leader in this complication. The firm has shared all the finest moments in the conquest of the skies thanks to its sturdy, reliable and high-performance instruments. One of the world's only major watch brands to equip all its models with chronometer-certified movements (the ultimate token of precision), Breitling is also one of the rare watchmakers to produce its own mechanical chronograph movements, entirely developed and manufactured in house. Moreover, it’s one of the last remaining Swiss watch brands independent of any watchmaking group.
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Know Your Diamond CARAT WEIGHT
COLOR GRADE
CLARITY GRADE
CUT GRADE
Look for diamonds graded by GIA, the creator of the 4Cs.
CARLSBAD
ANTWERP
BANGKOK
DUBAI
GABORONE
HONG KONG
JOHANNESBURG
LONDON
MUMBAI
NEW YORK
RAMAT GAN
SEOUL
TAIPEI
TOKYO
timepieces
Retro COOL
Watches look to yesteryear for designs that fuse nostalgia with modern technology.
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atch designers have taken note of the recent popularity of vintage watches—particularly among Millennials who have made retro cool again. More than ever, brand visionaries are mining their archives for inspiration and even faithfully recreating historic flagships, many of which are marking significant anniversaries this year. While the styling may be vintage in spirit, the technology is strictly state of the art, so you can have the best of both worlds. While Omega often channels a vintage vibe for its flagships, this year it faithfully recreated three of its most famous models—Seamaster 300, Railmaster and Speedmaster—all, remarkably, launched in 1957. The limited-edition 60th anniversary models are available individually or as a specially packaged set. Using digital scanning technology for the first time, Omega preserved the historic aesthetic but with robust highprecision movements that are the best of the best. Rolex’s 50th anniversary Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller is another
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While the STYLING may be VINTAGE in spirit, the TECHNOLOGY is strictly STATE OF THE ART, so you can have the best of both worlds. and cone-shaped hour markers allude to the 1957 original, but the new COSC-certified (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute) Breitling Caliber B20 movement is based on the Tudor Caliber MT5612 with Breitling modifications. Superocean Héritage II is available in 42 and 46mm sizes, plus there is a 46mm chronograph. You can choose from black, blue and bronze with a matching strap with contrast stitching. Other options include leather, crocodile, or rubber strap—or you can go old-school with a steel mesh bracelet. Perhaps no brand fused the notion of old meets new better than TAG Heuer, which revived the Autavia Rindt with a reissue of the 1962 model worn by Austrian F1 driver Jochen Rindt; it was chosen in an online contest called the Autavia Cup. TAG Heuer upsized the original design to 42mm and powered it with the new Heuer-02 caliber automatic chronograph movement. BY LAURIE KAHLE
heavy hitter expected to be one of the year’s bestsellers. The tribute model has been upsized to 43mm, and the brand added its hallmark cyclops lens over the date at 3 o’clock, for the first time in the legendary dive collection. The next-gen SeaDweller is water resistant down to an incredible 4,000 feet and is powered by a new automatic movement, the Caliber 3235, which achieves the precision of -2/+2 seconds per day to meet the brand’s Superlative Chronometer standards. In a reference to the original from 1967, the words “Sea-Dweller” appear in red on the black dial. Meanwhile, Breitling also celebrated the 60th anniversary of its Superocean dive range with the Superocean Héritage, updated with a new steel bezel fitted with a scratch-proof ceramic ring that matches the dial, which is embellished with the original Superocean logo. Distinctively shaped luminous hands (triangular for the hours and lozenge for the minutes)
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anniversary
BASELWORLD AT 100
Celebrating a century of jewelry and timekeeping innovation!
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niversally considered the world’s most extraordinary trade show, Baselworld brings together the industry’s most exalted jewelry and watch brands to showcase their exquisite offerings for the coming year. Just as important, store owners, buyers, designers and top industry execs from around the world come to Basel, Switzerland to brainstorm ideas and exchange information—on business, on fashion and on life! It’s an exhilarating meeting place, impossible to visit without feeling totally inspired by the beauty, precision and creativity of our ever-evolving industry. This 100th edition of Baselworld in March attracted 1,300 exhibitors from 40 countries, 106,000 international retail buyers, and 4,400 journalists. That said, it’s been a tough few years for Swiss watch exports: despite their 60 percent share of watch business worldwide, they’ve been challenged by a strong Swiss franc and political and economic uncertainty around the globe. To stay relevant, luxury watch brands now track social changes as well as fashion and financial fluctuations. Nevertheless, Swiss watch business has almost doubled since the early 2000s. Clearly, the 220 Swiss exhibitors at the show have done a brilliant job blending innovation and tradition, drawing on their rich heritage and adding more accessible price points to engage a younger generation. Turning time into objects of beauty, Swiss watchmakers continue to pursue their quest for technical, functional and aesthetic innovation. Says Bachendorf ’s owner Lawrence Bock, “Baselworld is the annual luxury exhibition for our industry, where all the major players in our world display their newest products. Mostly, I go to find exclusive limited-edition or hard-to-get watches that have just recently been released. Several brands give first priority to the dealers who take the time and effort to visit the show. This year, some of the hardest-to-get new models are from Tudor, Breitling, Omega and Rolex. Also exciting this year: some less expensive opening price points from some of the best Swiss makers, including Montblanc smart watches starting at $900 and the newest Breitling opening at $2,100.” BY KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN
Lawrence Bock’s watch picks from Baselworld: 1. The new Rolex Sky-Dweller in stainless steel is destined to become the next Daytona. Whereas Rolex is known for its professional performance watches rather than for fancy complications, this watch is special, featuring an annual calendar, GMT function, and a most interesting setting mechanism that requires only rotating the bezel. It’s sharp looking, and a steal at $14,400 in stainless (versus $40,000 to $50,000 in gold). 2. The Rolex Cellini line, known for classic-looking, quiet watches, just introduced its first moon phase edition. It’s a real beauty! We loved the use of alternative metals, including a beautiful golden copper.
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timepieces
ICONS WEARING CARTIER’S TANK WATCH This page: Gary Cooper Opposite page: Catherine Deneuve, Andy Warhol, Princess Diana, Sofia Coppola
THE TANK MARCHES ON A century after the Tank’s debut, CARTIER offers new updates of its signature watch.
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o timepiece symbolizes the brilliance of Louis Cartier as much as the Tank watch, which was designed exactly 100 years ago and immediately took its place as a reference model in watchmaking. The strength of the design lay in its dramatic break with the elaborate curves fashionable at the time and the exercise of restraint in its form. The story goes that Louis Cartier himself modeled the design of the Tank watch onthe top view of a tank: the brancards evoked the treads and the case represented the cockpit of the vehicle. Over the past century, it has been seen on the wrists of Rudolph Valentino, Yves Saint Laurent, Madonna and countless other arbiters of style. Now, in honor of the Tank’s centennial, Cartier has launched updated models of some of the most popular Tanks in its repertoire. First created in 1922, the Tank Louis Cartier symbolizes the quintessential Tank spirit with its proud, taut lines, softened corners and horns incorporated into the case. Today, this timeless model is being offered with two new faces, both powered by the 8971 MC mechanical movement with manual winding: a choice of pink or white gold in a women’s watch with diamond-set brancards, or a fine, elegant pink gold model that is a chic, incontrovertibly Cartier creation. When initially created in 1996, the Tank Française transformed the stylistic features of the Tank watches. The
45
case was attached to a metal bracelet, thereby reconfiguring the design of the side brancards, along with a dial with Roman numerals, “rail-track” minute circle, sword-shaped hands and faceted winding crown adorned with a sapphire cabochon. In 2017, this practical yet attractive wristwatch has now been liberated again so it can combine the purity of steel with a brilliant-cut diamond setting. Launched in 1989, the Tank Américaine was the first Cartier watch to offer a curved waterresistant case and feature a new folding buckle that allowed the strap length to be precisely adjusted to the wrist size. The new Tank Américaine Watch, Steel embodies the spirit of the original in its contemporary, understated aesthetic, but makes an utterly modern statement in presenting steel as a precious material. Lastly, the new Tank Cintree Skeleton watch is presented in two versions—in pink gold and platinum—both of which reveal a skeleton movement that follows the curves of the case. Its transparent design only preserves the bare essentials: the hands, the chemin de fer and the overlapping gears in the background, all contained within the distinctive curve of this singular watch.
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THE NEW ERA OF
AQUA T E R RA
Over the years, Omega wristwatches have proven tough enough to partner with even the most adventurous explorers on travels throughout our planet and beyond into space, earning a reputation for reliability driven by technological innovation. That drive has most recently manifested itself in the release of the new Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra collection.
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1 In spotless conditions, Omega watchmakers oversee every tiny detail. 2 An Omega watchmaker places the watch dial on the Master Chronometer movement 3 A pressure-sensitive screwdriver secures the placement of Aqua Terra's exceptional 8900 calibre. 4 The Aqua Terra dial and movement are carefully placed within the casing. For all the cutting-edge technology at Omega's new manufacturing plant, much of the process is still very much hands-on 5 Watches are tested for water resistance under enormous pressure. 6 These Aqua Terra watches are about to be subjected to one of the biggest permanent magnets in the world, to test WKHLU OHYHO RI UHVLVWDQFH DW ÿHOGV of 15,000 gauss. 7 A boxed Aqua Terra UHFHLYHV WKH ILQDO WRXFK IURP a robotic arm. The red Master Chronometer card guarantees the wearer that their watch has passed every METAS approved WHVW ZLWK IO\LQJ FRORUV Below: The Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M, 41mm, stainless steel-18K Sedna™ gold, Omega Co-Axial Master Chronometer calibre 8900.
art
INSHARP FOCUS Atom Moore is a New York City photographer who makes portraits not of people, but of watches. BY JULIANNE PEPITONE
There’s nothing else quite like Atom Moore’s “watch portraits,” which splice details from different watches into a single unreal image for an effect that’s dreamlike yet sharply focused. Here, he tells us more about his unique art.
to see. I print the portraits on giant sheets of metal, which is uncommon and reminds you of the watch’s original form. They’re interesting on paper, but on metal they really come to life.
Why are you drawn to watches? What makes a successful watch portrait? They’re essentially mashups. You can get incredibly granular with macro shots, down to the finest detail. Then I take details from one watch and details from another and manipulate them to make something different. I don’t go into the process expecting to create a certain thing in a certain time period. Sometimes I just like two images. And I work on [the portrait] until it feels done.
Why are people drawn to this art? It isn’t just for watch nerds; it’s visually interesting art. Seeing the details of something so close up changes your perspective on that thing. And the combination adds this unreal element that’s interesting. People will ask, “Is this real? Is this an actual watch?” People see in the images what they want
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Photographing jewelry and watches is hard to do. Most jewelry is extremely reflective from all angles, so if you don't take that into account your photo won’t show the quality. My wife and I are both collectors. We were introduced to the RedBar Crew, who meet up [at a New York bar] to talk about and share watches. I got access to really cool watches without having to go into a store, which is huge. And I like seeing how watches change over time. I’ve gone through photos of vintage watches and you can see, oh, in 1974 they changed how the dial looks. Watches age, just as everything does, and they change in very different ways.
What’s your favorite watch? The one that’s currently in front of my lens.
The Forevermark Tribute™ Collection
FOR ALL T H AT YO U ARE A diamond for each of your qualities
™
© Forevermark 2017. Forevermark ®, ® , and Forevermark Tribute™ are Trade Marks of The De Beers Group of Companies.
design
TIME RISING ABOVE
Philippe Lebru and the art of contemporary clockmaking.
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hen we recently discovered this sculptural collection of wall and tall clocks at the 2017 Watch Fair in Basel, Switzerland, we felt we had stumbled upon something extraordinary. Then when we met its creator, Philippe Lebru, we knew we were face to face with genius! Since 1993, Lebru has been experimenting with oversized, graphic (some say subversive) timepieces, and with the relationship between individuals and time. “I imagined a clock that could rise above time, a clock that would connect the past to the future, tracing a line that defines our relationship to a greater force,” he explains. This greater force, no doubt, is what catapulted the artist to considerable fame. In 2005, his collection was awarded the Grand Prix at France’s Concours Lepine for inventions. He then won a gold medal for horology at the International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva. In 2011, Lebru produced two monumental clocks for the city of Besancon (birthplace of Victor Hugo, Gustave Courbet and Louis Pasteur): one for its high-speed train station and one for its art museum. In 2015, he was commissioned to produce a five-meter-high skeleton clock, the largest in the world, which currently marks the moments in downtown Tokyo. And speaking of commissions, you too can own one of Lebru’s horological masterpieces. Check out his collection online (utinam-manufacture.fr) or send him a photo of your room and he will custom design the perfect piece for your wall. More than mere clocks, these timepieces are unique combinations of art, science, culture and technical prowess. As it is said: “If we take care of the moments, the years will take care of themselves.” BY KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN
CLOCKWORK ORANGE: Lebru’s creations are technical and artistic feats of imagination.
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WEDDINGS
IMAGE COURTESY OF YUMI KATSURA
ACCENT MAGAZINE SPECIAL SECTION
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OVAL HALO
The round halo’s popularity has waned. What’s newly in demand: diamond accents elsewhere, such as on the shank, and the oval halo, an elegant look that elongates and slims the finger. Oval has risen to the top among fancy diamond shapes.
INTERTWINED BANDS
FLOWERS & BOWS
Flowers, vines and leaves seemingly gathered from the garden join bows in bringing the latest bridal gown trends to engagement rings. Floral halos or ribbon-like flourishes make for sophisticated styles that appeal to Boho and classic girls alike.
VINTAGE INSPIRATIONS
Whether twisted or overlapping, this wrapped design focuses attention on the center stone and adds interest to a simpler setting. What better way to signify tying the knot?
COLORED STONES
Vintage has been gaining favor for its glamour and timelessness. Nods to the Victorian and Art Deco periods include delicate engraving and personalized elements.
RING BLING
More than ever, couples want to convey their stories in uniquely personal ways. Today’s abundant engagement ring choices offer an extension of that storytelling.
While colored diamonds in pink, yellow, chocolate and black are all options, colored gemstones are even bigger breakouts. Sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and the dimensional color of alexandrite and opal are being used alone or with diamonds in three-stone settings and halos.
BY LAURIE SCHECHTER
PEAR & MARQUISE SHAPES
These tapered cuts provide a slenderizing effect on the hand and work well in an array of on-trend settings, from vintage to east/west.
STACKING BANDS
MIXED METAL
More evidence of the non-traditional movement and the desire to assert individuality, rose, yellow, white gold and platinum come together in stacking rings or in a single design.
DOUBLE SHANK
Dual bands offer an architectural and fashion-forward look. Plain or covered in diamonds, it’s a bold yet simple statement.
This is the ultimate example of customization and personalization. Rising in status for some time now, stacks are fast becoming the new standard, able to be mixed and matched, worn separately and added to over time.
DIAMOND & DESIGN DETAILING
DELICATE SETTINGS
EAST/ WEST SETTINGS
Perhaps one of the newest looks is the east/west setting, showcasing a horizontal stone orientation rather than vertical. Unique and versatile, accommodating all manner of stone cuts, this setting creates the illusion of a larger stone and stacks well with other rings.
Dainty and delicate, simple designs can be as impactful as over-the-top styles. The most popular engagement ring on Pinterest recently was a brilliant round solitaire diamond on a thin, simple band. Traditional and au courant, the design proves sometimes less is truly more.
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Unique details kick it up a notch and enhance the center stone. Scrollwork in an ornate setting lends a one-of-a kind feel. Elaborate details on the sides of a band add dimensional views. Accent diamonds, in baguettes or unique shapes, ramp up the bling factor.
ROSE GOLD
Uber feminine and romantic, rose gold is probably the trendiest of metals and flatters all skin tones. With more women going for a feminine, fashionable look when walking down the aisle, it’s no surprise pink reigns supreme.
engagements
A Bachendorf’s Love Story SAM & SIDNEY’S ROMANCE WAS MEANT TO BE.
The first time we saw each other was at our church in Denton, Texas. Sam says I stood out to him, but he didn't have the opportunity to say hi. By chance, we later ran into each other on the University of North Texas campus, where we were both majoring in business. At the time, he played football for UNT and I worked as a model for the Campbell Agency in Dallas. We started out as friends, but it didn't take long to realize God had something different in mind for us. The next few months were filled with spontaneous dinner dates (our first was to Cracker Barrel), hunting, and the purchase of our first dog (he’s paw-fect)! Though you wouldn't think an East Texas boy and a girl born in Dallas would have much in common, we found we were exactly what the other needed.
told them he was going to marry me at dinner while I was in the restroom. You can imagine my confusion when I came back to his mom almost in tears!
Sam, when did you decide to propose? I had been saving up for a long time for Sidney's ring. I knew early on I wanted to marry her, so early I don't even remember the exact moment. But I also knew I wanted to give her a ring she would love. I went to Bachendorf ’s as soon as I had saved up enough. My sister was the one to help plan the proposal. She knew everyone would be in town for her high school graduation, so she suggested I ask Sidney after dinner, surrounded by our entire family.
Was it love at first sight?
Tell us about your experience buying Sidney’s engagement ring.
Both of us agree we recognized something unique in the other. We were definitely drawn to each other, yet at the time we didn't know it was love. That quickly changed when we began dating. At that point, both Sam and I knew it would last forever. Sam wasted no time telling his parents; in fact, he
I was nervous. I knew nothing about diamonds prior to our appointment. But after learning the ins and outs of color, cut, clarity and carat, I truly enjoyed the experience. Dennis Deutsch was incredibly helpful, which made the process easier. I brought my mom and Sidney's mom with me, which made the
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY A NOMADIC LOVE, VISIT ANOMADICLOVE.COM
Sidney, how did you and Sam meet?
At the time I had no clue why. When I began to notice it early in the night, I started to question him. I told him I had no idea what he was worked up about, but he needed to chill. Looking back on it, I probably should have gone a little easier on him! Sam asked me to marry him in the Bishops Art District at Enos. His whole family was there for dinner following his sister’s high school graduation ceremony. Of course my mom, dad and little brother were there too. I really did not think Sam would propose that night, especially because it was the night of his sister’s graduation. Looking back, is was the perfect time because of all the family there. Before dinner started, Sam stood me up in front of all of our family and got down on one knee. I went completely blank in shock. I still don’t know what he said! Just as he began to slip the ring on my finger, my grandparents, aunt, uncle and cousin all came up the stairs. It was absolutely perfect!
experience even more special.
Why did you choose Bachendorf’s? I was referred to Bachendorf ’s by Sidney's dad. I knew with Bachendorf ’s I would leave with a beautiful diamond. The values the Bock family built the brand on are something I both respect and can relate to. I couldn't be happier with Sidney's ring and the experience I had buying it for her. Dennis actually helped Sidney's dad pick out the ring he gave to her mom almost 25 years ago, and it was great to add to that history. Buying a ring is a pretty big deal, so having someone like Dennis walk me through it made all the difference.
How did you choose the ring? During our appointment, Dennis set out several diamonds in front of me. They were all beautiful, so deciding between them was difficult. However, toward the end of our appointment, Dennis remembered a specific diamond he thought Sidney would like and had someone drive it to us from another location just so I could see it! Of course it was perfect, and it's the one that's on her hand now.
Sam: I was both excited and incredibly nervous. Throughout the night everyone was asking me when I was going to pop the question. I was also trying to time it right with the arrival of Sidney's family. When I finally decided it was the right time, I realized I didn’t even have the ring! It had been hiding in Sidney's mom’s purse. I had to fiddle around with the box first to make sure I held it the right way when I got down on one knee. When I grabbed her hand, she immediately started crying. Right then I knew the elaborate speech I had planned was going to go in one ear and out the other. At that point, words just started coming out and I asked her to marry me.
Did you already know what style you were looking for? Sidney wasn't shy when it came to what she liked! She loves oval diamonds and just wanted something timeless and simple. Dennis met with Sidney several months before I proposed so she could see different ring styles. Then when I made my appointment, he led me to the exact design she wanted!
Sidney, did you have any suspicions that Sam was ring shopping? My mom and I made an appointment at Bachendorf ’s to look at rings several months before Sam asked. We went just so I could get an idea of what I liked. At that point I knew a ring was likely in my future, but I had no clue when Sam would pop the question. He did a pretty good job of hiding it all from me and when he did go in to Bachendorfs, he told me he was working!
Have you set a wedding date?
Tell us about the proposal. Sidney: Leading up to our proposal Sam was very anxious.
We will be getting married exactly one year after Sam proposed, on May 26, 2018. This day is extra special because it is also Sam’s parents’ anniversary!
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weddings
Ease
Even if you’re getting married indoors in the 21st century, there’s a way to evoke outdoor elements and add touches that recall the Renaissance or Victorian periods. Many couples are doing just that. The current word in wedding floral design is natural: flowers are given their own space rather than cramped into shiny vessels where they stand uniform, and plenty of greenery is added to mimic nature. “We’ve been seeing a trend for letting nature act on its own, with loose, asymmetrical designs that give the flowers a lot of room,” says Erin Hornstein, owner of Plum Sage Flowers in Denver, Colorado. The trend is being driven both by florists and their clients, with much of the inspiration coming from social media. Image-driven sites such as Pinterest and Instagram are where couples, wedding planners and florists all showcase their latest creations. “These sites give brides access to so many ideas,” says Hornstein. “They can type just a couple of words and get so many images.” Greenery has become very popular, including garland runners placed down the center of long tables, or leafy suspensions hanging over the altar or reception tables,
Evoke the outdoors with loose, natural floral arrangements and vintage styling.
conveying the sense that they're growing. The use of greenery even extends to bridal bouquets and to bridesmaids. Instead of corsages, there’s a trend towards flower “bracelets” along with flower hair combs and even full crowns. Michelle Hannah, founder of NYC-based Wild Floral Designs, is finding that clients want to evoke an English garden even when the wedding is indoors and in a city; one recent bride did this by requesting an archway with hanging branches and roses. “This new movement feels very earthy, organic and garden-like in a way flowers didn't necessarily feel before, when they felt compact and uniform,” she says. “It's all leaning to a very creative and personalized style for couples to show off what they regard as beautiful and interesting.” BY CHRISTIAN CHENSVOLD
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IMAGES COURTESY OF PLUM SAGE FLOWERS
PLEASE
weddings
HONEYMOON DOWN UNDER
While Oz is famous for its gorgeous weather, beaches and exotic animals, you can also experience fine dining in wine country or play a round of world-class golf. Here are three Australian itineraries highlighting the country’s less-traveled destinations. BY ALYSSA PINKSER
HUNTER VALLEY This Australian wine region has over 150 high-quality wineries and cellar doors and some of the best al fresco dining in the world. Sleep on the massive acreage of hotel and spa Chateau Elan and spot kangaroos outside your window. Stay in a luxury villa room or a spa suite replete with fireplace. Enjoy the award-winning 18-hole golf courses, then relax with a world-class massage, ritual or treatment in its spa. While in the Valley, eat at the charming French-owned Bistro Molines, which overlooks the rolling green hills. Drink at Krinklewood Vineyard, where vintner Evan Windrim plays classical music and performs reiki on his barrels of wine as they age. Eat at Peppers Convent; it’s an institution and its restaurant, Circa 1876, is a must-dine for newlywed foodies. A hot air balloon experience with Balloon Aloft is a once-in-alifetime experience where you’ll float above the clouds, seeing the valley below and toasting your new marriage with a Champagne breakfast.
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BYRON BAY Byron Bay is one of the only beaches in the world where the bright white sand squeaks as you walk along it. This is due to its superfine quartz crystals that sparkle in the sun and feel soft as silk underfoot. Once a hippie haven, it’s now a chic and wellrespected Australian coastal town that retains its earthy roots with five-star eco-lodging and music venues that put Nashville to shame. Secluded in the Byron Bay Hinterland is Olivia Newton-John’s beautiful Gaia Retreat & Spa, inspired by healing cultures and arts from around the world. Sleep in southeast Asian-inspired villas and unwind as a couple with meditative walks and massages. Elements of Byron is another cozy resort for pairs and features an adults-only 25-meter heated pool with swim-up bar and villas that overlook a charming natural pond. The spa incorporates indigenous ingredients and each massage room boasts its own private garden.
Get pampered at Gaia Retreat & Spa.
Unwind as a couple with MEDITATIVE
walks and massages.
Ride the waves in eastern Australia.
GOLD COAST The Gold Coast is south of Brisbane on Australia’s eastern shores. Couples can stay in one of QT Hotels & Resorts’ 1950s-inspired, surf-glam, apartment-style rooms overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Dine at an international celebrity favorite, the understatedly named The Fish House, featuring southern European cuisine and incomparably selected Australian and international wines. The restaurant’s open windows overlook Mermaid Beach. Try yoga upstairs at the healthy yet delicious raw food restaurant BSKT, and celebrate with cocktails afterwards at its bar. Relax on long white sandy beaches, or sign up for surf lessons from the Get Wet Surf School. Rick Shores, located next to a swim school at a stunning oceanfront address, offers high-end creative pan-Asian cuisine with a locally sourced twist. It’s a popular celebratory spot perfect for indulging in a multi-course meal. Stop by Miami Marketta, a hip indoor venue for street food with a full bar, where you can check out artist performances—everything from painters to poets to bands.
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weddings
free
TO BE ME
O
A guide to 2018’s most important dress trends, offering something for every bride’s unique style.
ther than selecting a groom, few decisions are more fraught than what a bride will wear on her wedding day. Two things can help: a head start on choosing a dress (ideally six to eight months) and staying true to your tastes.
C L A S S I C CO M E B AC K This season features a marked return to a traditional 1950s and 1960s influence. “Think Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy,” says Yumi Katsura’s creative director, Paulette Cleghorn. Look for understated, classic silhouettes that are “more tailored, more structured,” she says. Cristina DeMarco, VP of New York’s Bridal Reflections, agrees. “Girls are looking to bring back the romance of the A-line, off-the-shoulder and cap sleeve.” Trending: fit-and-flare rather than trumpet skirts, and classic boatneck and Bardot necklines. Detachable trains or fuller skirts take a sheath gown from ceremony to reception. Substantial fabrics such as heavy satins and silk failles suit these styles. Complete the look with a sparkly brooch or modern pearl jewelry that’s a step up from simple strands.
This season’s offerings prove VERSATILITY
is the key to freedom.
Cathedral veils are back, decorated with lace borders or scattered with pearls or crystals. “It allows the gown to feel grand, but once removed, softens the dress,” says DeMarco. Ultra-sheerness of the tulle provides a “cleaner, longer, more fluid line,” adds Cleghorn. Statement alternatives for the more daring bride abound, including high-neck designs, short dresses, separates and even one-piece pantsuits. Fringe, fur, pleats, cascading center ruffles and silk swirls replace layered looks. Capelets and capes, open-gauntlet hand coverings and gloves of all kinds add drama. Shoulder-sweeping fringe earrings or a bold choker are the perfect on-trend jewelry elements to round out these looks. “Brides today are just more free,” concludes Cleghorn. This season’s offerings prove versatility is the key to freedom. B Y L A U R I E S C H E C H T E R
M A K E M E B LU S H Darker ivories, blush, champagne and nude are becoming more popular. The depth of color, “when combined with lace, allows the lace to become more vibrant,” notes DeMarco. Consider a warm yellow or rose gold wedding band to complement these sweet shades.
AT T E N T I O N TO D E TA I L Details take center stage, especially black accents and 3D floral appliques. The bow, whether thin or oversized, steps out on sleeves and waists. Note the plethora of sleeve choices— full-length, cap and flutter all feel fresh. On-trend too: the plunge neckline, often made more demure with illusion tulle. Steer clear of necklaces here to let your décolletage take center stage; try oversized floral studs or a vine-like cuff.
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MARCHESA NOTTE
M A K E A S TAT E M E N T
top 10 2. CLIMATE CHANGE Sustainability and ingredient transparency: these are the new norms. Honest Beauty Magic Balm blends organic fruit and botanical oils to soften and soothe, plus donates to help fund access to safe products and advances in research education.
6. SENSORIAL JOURNEY Somerset House’s recent London exhibition, “A Sensory Journey Through Contemporary Scent,” explored the emotional connection that is a burgeoning trend in the luxury beauty category. Search for fragrances that evoke unexpected places or moments.
7. VIRTUAL BEAUTY ASSISTANCE ER EYE 1. THE POW an es d warm
hu Try cool mineral oky graphic with a sm metallics, or go el Kajal eb -R -N ck Ro cs eti look. Flirt Cosm smolder. es a long-lasting Eyeliner provid
By Laurie Schechter
BEAUTY
trends
3. NO MAKEUP MAKEUP “Flawless but bare,” #iwokeuplikethis and #nomakeup are all trending. Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen “gives skin a fresh, healthy, no-makeup look with a soft hint of color,” says Mercier.
5. BODY & MIND 4. GLOWING COMPLEXION “Strobing” means to highlight with light only—think dewy glow. Shiseido’s Synchro Skin Glow Luminizing Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 20 synchronizes throughout the day to maintain an all-day luminous finish. By Terry Glow-Expert Duo Stick claims to be the ultimate strobing tool, a three-inone blush, bronzer, highlighter with integrated blending brush.
Fully reconnect body and mind through experiential elements. Two years in development, Elemis’ Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm uses sublime texture, distinctive aromatics and a spa experience to relax you and your skin.
Your virtual beauty assistant is in with step-by-step tutorials based on your face, features and skin type. The Wow How app uses a virtual beautician and augmented reality to teach makeup applications that enhance your features prior to buying from affiliated retailers.
8. MULTITASKING Time savers for active women are in demand. Take Shiseido’s Sports WetForce, a sunscreen and makeup in one that uses an innovative technology to cause the sunscreen’s SPF 50+ UV protection to become even more effective when exposed to water or perspiration for 30 minutes.
9. SALT THERAPY Himalayan Dry Salt Therapy at Breathe Salt Rooms aims to improve respiratory systems, skin conditions and overall wellness. The Cove at the Shore Lodge in McCall, Idaho boasts granite-lined heated saltwater pools to immerse you in the stuff.
10. THICK BROWS To grow them, Fernanda Lacerda of NYC’s Maria Bonita Salon & Spa and MB45 Studio recommends regularly visiting an eyebrow guru and using an eyelash booster on your brows. Microblading, a form of tattooing and a popular alternative, should be carefully considered with pre- and postprocedures followed closely. “Look at tons of pictures, client recommendations and reviews before you commit,” Lacerda advises.
TECH-BASED AND INNOVATIVE, PERSONALIZED AND CUSTOMIZED, MULTI-TASKING AND SUSTAINABLE: TODAY’S BEAUTY TRENDS TAKE YOU TO A WHOLE NEW WORLD. 62
profile
BUSINESS,PASSION &RACING The Journey of Helen Ching-Kircher. BY KRISTA DEVERSON
T
he fairy tales of the future will be written about strong women who care more about breaking through stereotypes than they do about fitting into glass slippers. Young girls will be enthralled to hear of the women who overcame barriers, created opportunities for other women, and inspired new ways of thinking about what is possible for equality in the world. Changing ideologies about where and how women belong in the world is not something Helen Ching-Kircher had in mind when she first got into the luxury car business, but she has since seen an untapped niche in the male-dominated automobile world.
Ching-Kircher acutely understands the experience of a woman delving into the automobile world as an interest and discovering it as a true passion. She began her journey after moving from Hong Kong to Canada in 1989 with her children, at which time she met Dr. Peter Kircher, who introduced her to the luxury car business. They married and together they developed DFC Auto Group into a multi-million dollar luxury car business, currently comprised of Downtown Porsche and Audi Uptown in Toronto, Ontario. Her admiration of fine design and aesthetics, which began with an interest in fashion, blossomed at DFC Group and strengthened her love for cars and her
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excitement for the automotive business. Ching-Kircher excitedly explains, “A car is more than a mode of transportation. It’s an individual statement. It’s a lifestyle.” Realizing that while women were competing in near equal numbers to men in most sports like tennis, golf and volleyball, there was still a deficiency in the number of women involved in the sport of race car driving. Ching-Kircher explains, “Cars and racing are interests that have always been seen as predominantly male. It’s important to establish and recognize that a passion for cars and driving goes beyond being a man or a woman.” Twelve years ago Ching-Kircher and the DFC Auto Group created the Women Only Driver Development Day. The goal is for all of the participants to feel comfortable behind the wheel and test their limits at their own rate. She explains, “I hope that participants come out of the event feeling like a more confident driver and leave with an even stronger appreciation of their Porsche than they did going in. Our goal is that they drive away with a memorable experience and a desire to grow their skills even further.” This exciting learning experience is nothing less than what clients have come to expect from DFC Auto Group, a company where unparalleled service is the standard. It’s also important for her to nurture the next generation of female car enthusiasts and those with a desire to break into the business. Her positivity is contagious. “I would strongly encourage other women to explore this interest and not let presumptions influence their decision in pursuing this career path. It is incredibly valuable to experience it all and decide for yourself.” Ching-Kircher loves Porsche for “its history, its presence, its statement. It’s a brand that is recognized by the young and is something everyone dreams about until the dream becomes a reality. For me, the incredible engineering and race history is what makes them so outstanding.” A longtime commitment and interest for Ching-Kircher is the blend of Chinese and North American cultures and influences. “I grew up in Hong Kong and when I came to North America, I saw an opportunity to bridge the two worlds. For many years I have used this unique perspective to help organizations—including hospitals, charities and our own dealerships—benefit and grow from an understanding and desire for both cultures learn from each other.” I saw a unique opportunity to bring this to life through the development of a special type of race team. So two years ago we created the only North American Chinese Porsche racing team. “The race team has exceeded our expectations by winning 16 podium finishes during the 2016/2017 race season. It has enabled the DFC Auto Group to build on the long racing history that Porsche
represents to the Chinese community and create an experience that everyone can celebrate and be involved with.” With solid expertise in luxury vehicles, and a zeal for the automotive industry, Ching-Kircher is a leader in her field and a role model for car enthusiasts. Of her experience, she says, “I’d be lying if I said there weren’t intimidating moments when I first entered the automotive world. This industry has been, and still is, dominated by men. From the start, I faced the challenge of being taken as seriously as my male counterparts.” To overcome these challenges, she simply focused on doing the best job she possibly could. She notes, “Just know that when you do a good job, nobody will challenge you.” And the success of DFC Auto Group is an outstanding tribute to her determined work ethic. These solid career values extend further to her volunteerism and philanthropic endeavors. She was a member of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, a member of the Board of Governors of Mount Sinai Hospital, and a member of the Board of Governors for the Yee Hong Wellness Foundation for Geriatric Care. As an advocate for the elderly, a patron of the fine arts, and frequently in attendance at numerous charitable events and galas, Ching-Kircher spends her time giving back to the community. “It’s only natural for me to extend the same amount of care and compassion to groups and individuals in society as others have shown me,” she explains. “In my lifetime, I have been fortunate enough to receive opportunities and experience great success. I want to offer those opportunities to others. Most important of all, my mother instilled in me to never forget to help others.” Ching-Kircher has been the recipient of numerous awards and industry recognitions over her career, including the 2009 Entrepreneur Award of the Year presented by the ACCE (Association of Canadian Chinese Entrepreneurs). Also in 2009, Ching-Kircher was awarded the Premier Porsche Dealer Award for being the most outstanding Porsche dealership in Canada, for excellence in all categories of customer service. In 2011, she was awarded the HSBC Great Canadian Woman Award, The League for Human Rights of B’nai Brith of Canada. As a leader in her field, she recognizes the value of her female clientele and knows that they are pushing a change within the industry, noting that she thinks more and more manufacturers and dealers will recognize the importance of appealing to this demographic. A longer version of this article originally appeared in the fall 2017 issue of Autostrada Forum and is being reprinted with permission from the publishers. Visit autostrada.com.
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designers
Inspiration Insights:
LISA NIK
Global style influences her colorful jewelry.
L
isa Nik has been traveling internationally since childhood, learning about foreign cultures and languages for as long as she can remember. This influence is clearly present in her jewelry design aesthetic. Born in Washington, DC, her roots were planted in California. After completing university, she moved to New York to pursue a career in jewelry. Today, Lisa Nik maintains a bi-coastal presence with bases in both New York and Los Angeles. She makes it a point to continue to travel to new cities each year, so she can keep growing and gaining inspiration to create new designs and concepts. During her coursework Nik studied abroad in Switzerland and Florence, and she also spent many years traveling throughout Europe. Always fascinated by the way women’s tastes vary throughout the world, her curiosity later led her to travel throughout South America, various parts of Asia, and the Middle East. Nik strives to use these influences in each of her collections.
GREECE
As Nik reminiscences about her time spent in the Greek Islands, she recollects the incredible healing power of the water and the soothing nature of the color of blue. The influence of this can be seen in the Rocks Collection’s blue topaz pieces offered in three shades of universally appealing blue: light, medium and dark. The blue stones awaken emotions that take her back to a relaxing vacation by the sea, where she can once again hear the ocean waves. Now, Lisa has noticed that women vacationing enjoy their jewelry as much as they do while at home. She hopes women will imagine wearing a white dress against tanned skin, accented by a stunning blue jewel with sparking diamonds for a night out around the island.
LOS ANGELES
Lisa Nik’s edgy, playful, oversized rings are inspired by the red carpet. Statement pieces are the way women in Hollywood make an impression, so Nik made a point to create a collection that still represents elegance and simplicity while creating a lasting impression through color and size. Example: this black onyx ring worn by Sharon Lawrence and several other Hollywood favorites.
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ITALY
Lisa Nik can still distinctly remember the paper products sold at the markets in Florence during the time she lived there; her favorites contained beautiful hand-painted metallic scroll designs. The Twisted Wires collection was inspired by this styling. Before starting her own collection, Nik spent a decade traveling to Italy while working for a leading Italian jewelry firm. It was here she discovered the influence of textured yellow gold. With the added bold gemstone and diamond accents to incorporate her belief in “color for any occasion,“ the Twisted Wires collection is a modern-day interpretation of an old-world style.
BRAZIL
Brazil is home to some of the highest-quality aquamarine and tourmaline gemstones in the world. Lisa Nik’s use of bold gemstones saturated with vivid hues was influenced by Brazilian women’s strong appreciation for the use of color in fashion. The risky design choice of mixed gemstone shapes and colors in Nik’s Asymmetric earrings is evidence of this.
NEW YORK Modern, versatile and on-the-go styling is all-important here. The New York woman is ever so classic. These chains can be worn at varying lengths to accommodate different necklines and occasions. From work to events, or lunch dates to formals, these necklaces are made focusing on quality and durability, ensuring a lifetime of wear.
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spirits
Pumpkin Old Fashioned
STIR IT UP
Meticulously crafted libations to spice up the change of season.
s autumn gives way to even cooler evenings, nothing soothes the senses and warms the soul like sipping a perfectly executed cocktail. The recipes that follow, conceived by recognized mixologists from awardwinning bars across the country, all tell a story. Each celebrates the change of seasons and reflects the mixologist’s regional roots. Seek out these complex creations during your travels to appreciate the sophisticated blends and experience winter in a glass. Cheers!
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VALERY MOROZOV / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
A
BY LESLEY RUBENSTEIN
THE BETTY CHICAGO
A local favorite in Chicago’s Fulton Market District, The Betty is described as an upscale neighborhood tavern with a sophisticated vibe, warm atmosphere and innovative approach to classic drinks. Mixologist Julianna Arquilla has worked there since its opening, starting out serving and moving up the ranks to running the entire bar. Known for her calm and finesse with large crowds, she creates thoughtful, fulltasting drinks using interesting ingredients. She chose a local big rye for this cold weather cocktail. THE BITTERSWEET 2 oz. Journeyman Last Feather Rye .50 oz. CH Dogma Fernet .25 oz. spiced syrup 2 dashes orange bitters 1 egg Coffee dust and orange for garnish “In the winter I want to warm up with a nice spicy rye. Chicago winters can be long, bitter and cold, but they make the wait for the summer worth it. (The quote ‘Without the bitter, the sweet isn’t as sweet’ is definitely true about Chicago!) The Bittersweet is a perfect nightcap for a cold winter night. The bitterness from the fernet melds well with the spiciness from the rye, and the spiced syrup adds just enough sweetness. The egg rounds it out with a lovely elegance.”
MANSION BAR DALLAS
Tucked away on beautiful grounds in Dallas sits the stately, luxurious Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek.
Recognized internationally for its exemplary service and extraordinary amenities, the historic hotel includes a restaurant and bar that have garnered awards on their own. Danny Caffall has spent the past six years creating sophisticated, flavor-layered cocktails and welcoming locals and travelers from around the world. “I love being part of something so special,” he explains. “Mansion Bar is an incredible place within a legendary property. Welcoming our guests is a great honor.” PUMPKIN OLD FASHIONED 2 oz. rye whiskey ½ oz. cinnamon falernum Muddled orange peel Dash Angostura bitters Eyedropper of pumpkin tincture Caffall is known for using interesting ingredients to craft traditional cocktails with an unexpected twist. “The Old Fashioned is a timeless classic cocktail. We’ve added a hint of the fall season to it. The beauty of the Pumpkin Old Fashioned is its subtlety: a breath of the pumpkin and fall spice on the exhale.”
SEAMSTRESS NEW YORK CITY
Patrons treasure the extensive menu, the fresh seasonal flavors, the knowledgeable staff and the steamy décor of New York City’s Seamstress, recipient of national accolades. Head bartender Luis Hernandez leads the tight-knit team with well-honed skills. His inspiration for creating cocktails is the pursuit of flavor—and the look on people’s faces when they discover something special! AROMATICS .5 oz Ardbeg 10 1.5 oz Amontillado sherry .75 oz fig broth .75 oz Scottish breakfast tea .5 oz bitter blood orange 2 dashes Madagascar wild peppercorn tincture 2 dashes coffee-infused Angostura bitters Spritzed dehydrated blood orange for garnish
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“Aromatics is a drink where you can smell the warmth before you feel it. As the name suggests, the aromatics represent layering in flavors, all dark and warming. When I create a cocktail like this one, I’m representing myself, Seamstress, my bar team and all the bars in New York. This drink is the summary of all that inspires me in this wonderful, creative city.”
CURE
NEW ORLEANS A native New Orleanian who bartended in New York and traveled the world, Neal Bodenheimer returned to his Louisiana stomping grounds after Hurricane Katrina to open Cure, a sophisticated uptown cocktail bar that pays homage to the city’s cocktail history while pushing the envelope. He and his partners have since opened other establishments to rave reviews. Customers value Bodenheimer’s inventiveness and personal warmth. His handcrafted drinks and cocktail menus reflect the flavors and hospitality of his hometown and his world experiences. Cure has been recognized by the James Beard Foundation and is continually listed as a top bar in the South and the US. DELTA EGGNOG 6 eggs 1 cup La Canne raw turbinado sugar 2 cups cream/milk mixture (one cup milk, one cup heavy whipping cream) 1 cup Cathead Hoodoo chicory liqueur 1 cup Donner-Peltier LA1 Louisiana whiskey 1 whole nutmeg Grated nutmeg for garnish “Delta Eggnog is a great holiday drink, because it gets better as it sits over time. It’s regionally appropriate, it makes amazing gifts and it’s a great addition to any holiday party!”
Perfect G EM S
Explore the little luxuries the world has to offer.
plane and
FANCY
There’s flying first class and then there’s truly getting the first-class treatment. London’s Heathrow Airport has recently introduced Heathrow VIP for passengers who are traveling in first or business class. This ultra-luxe service includes an exclusive entrance to the airport, concierge service, a private lounge for up to 12 guests decorated by Helen Green and featuring food-anddrink options by Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton, along with private security screening within the lounge and a private car that will take you directly from the lounge to your aircraft at boarding time. What a way to go!
bedding with
BENEFITS
Doing your part for the environment while also doing something nice for your home is a true win-win situation. So why not sign up for San Francisco-based Coyuchi’s new Coyuchi for Life luxury linens subscription service? This unique program not only provides customers with new GOTS-certified organic sheets, towels and duvets regularly (you can choose whether to have them sent every 6, 12 or 24 months), but also allows you to send back your old ones, which will be renewed or upcycled for other purposes and attain a new life of their own. It’s one way to guarantee you’ll have sweet dreams.
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ICELAND,
iceland baby
Iceland is already a popular vacation destination, but this cold-weather spot is about to get even hotter. In early 2018, the Retreat at Blue Lagoon Iceland, a new resort deep within moss-covered lava fields and surrounded by the mineral-rich waters of the Blue Lagoon, will open its doors. The Retreat will feature 62 elegant suites each with a floor-to-ceiling window and terrace, a state-of-the-art spa offering dry heat, steam heat, in-water treatments and more, and the Moss Restaurant, where every dish will be locally sourced and based on the reinvention of Iceland’s culinary heritage, and where your wines will be brought up from an underground cellar forged deep in the centuries-old lava. Finally, guests can partake in a variety of adventure experiences including visiting black sand beaches, lava hiking in a lunar environment and private Northern Lights viewing tours.
CRYSTAL clear
Shoe icon Manolo Blahnik is one of New York City’s most revered citizens, in part due to his iconic association with HBO’s Sex and the City. But for a double dose of the artisan’s genius this fall, you’ll have to head to another city: Prague, Czechoslovakia. Together with Preciosa, the leading manufacturer and global supplier of Bohemian crystal, Blahnik has created a one-of-a-kind shoe, embellished with fuchsia pompoms and more than 100 crystal chandelier trimmings, that is on display at the Preciosa flagship store in Old Town Prague. Meanwhile, a comprehensive tribute to his life’s work, The Art of Shoes, is making a stop at Museum Kampa through November. Guest-curated by Cristina Carrillo de Albornoz and made up of six thematic sections (Nature, Gala, Art and Architecture, Heart, Geography, and Materials), the retrospective gives visitors a kaleidoscopic view of Blahnik’s creative path as shown by an impressive collection of 80 drawings and 200 shoes that represent nearly 50 years of his work as a stylist and designer. Prepare to be dazzled. BY BRIAN SCOTT LIPTON
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tirelessly to build a sanctuary for his mission church on Long Island. The watch, which bears an inscription from 1957, is from the only banker who would lend the reverend money for the construction. “I wear my Rolex every day,” says Hinsch, “but when I go to church, it’s always the Wittnauer.” It’s not uncommon for a watch’s story to span generations, even when it just involves digging it out of storage and getting it running again. Take Maxwell Raymond Rich, a 26-year-old attorney in Manhattan. In 1956, his grandfather rewarded himself for his hard work as a stockbroker with a goldplated Omega Seamaster Automatic. Five years later he found himself with a wife and bouncing baby boy. When Rich was set to graduate law school, he, too, decided to reward himself and began talking about buying a watch. That’s when his mother remembered grandpa’s Omega stashed away in a box somewhere, forgotten for decades. “We decided that, in honor of my father’s upcoming 55th birthday, we should have the watch serviced and restored,” recounts Rich. “Omega sent it to Switzerland for six months, and the watch arrived a few days before his birthday. He loves telling the watch’s history and how it pays honor to his father. My brothers and I look at the watch as one of our few heirlooms from Grandfather.” (Hopefully they won’t have to fight over it!) You could say the value of the Omega—the sentimental value, that is—had been reappraised. And isn’t that the nature of younger generations: to value the things of their grandparents’ era, things that their parents deemed old-fashioned or even worthless? We should all aspire to be scrupulous reappraisers of all things in our lives, in an effort to fill them with as much beauty and meaning as possible. BY CHRISTIAN CHENSVOLD
ew luxury brands can create lifestyle marketing campaigns that rival the true stories of real people. Heirloom watches and jewelry pieces are often passed on with tales attached to them—sometimes banal, sometimes sparkling with romantic adventure. The term “sentimental value,” after all, is hardly a sentimental term, for it describes something very real. Some possessions are more valuable to us than their monetary worth would suggest because of the emotions and memories attached to them. That’s why, when we lose something with sentimental value, it really hurts the heart. “I went to Knox College, the same college my father did,” says Jack Dechow. “Right after I decided to attend, my father gave me a watch inscribed with the college’s crest that his parents had given him upon graduation. It was a simple gold watch with a metal band. I wore it a lot over the summer, but it was stolen out of my car the month before I embarked for campus. I really wish I still had it, so I’d have a tangible gift to remember my father and grandfather by when they inevitably pass.” Much has been noted about Millennials’ low interest in things like status logos and analog watches. But it turns out many in this generation value luxury heirlooms more than we expected. To own a fine piece is one thing, but to wear a fine piece with a tale behind it elevates it from mere status symbol and makes the wearer a storyteller. Dr. James Hinsch has a luxury watch of his own—a vintage Wittnauer—also a sentimental keepsake he takes out weekly. His father was a reverend who worked
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Imparting more than intrinsic value, a watch is the person who wore it.
60 YEARS OF ADVENTURE AND DISCOVERY
BACHENDORF’S ACCENT THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS
WINTER 2017/2018