letter from the editor
Dear Readers, UMM . . . (MOMENT OF SILENCE). I don’t know about you, but I can’t believe it’s already 2012. As one of my favorite jewelry designers, Helen Ficalora, puts it: January is the month of transformation. Some of us are on the Slim Fast/no solid foodplan this month, while others are getting a jump start on spring and heading down to Palm Beach in head-to-toe resort wear (jealous!) or gearing up for trips to amazing ski resorts. I always think of resort collections as a foreshadowing of spring looks, so I’m daydreaming of weekends in Palm Beach wearing Tomas Maier bikinis and going to polo matches in white dresses, which make me feel like a princess in the warm sun. Of course, I’m also hitting every thrift store and attending the horse show in Wellington. But back to reality . . . For those who took a “staycation” in New York like me, you have to love the opportunity for a little calm and reflection. A lot of change happens during the holidays, and I personally learned a lot from the people I met with for this issue. Their stories are so inspiring, I created a four-page section about some of the things and people I love in New York, and I couldn’t wait to share it with you. I went grassroots with this section. With just a pen, piece of paper and my iPhone 4S, I photographed everyone in their own environment (though Helen Ficalora’s ring was photographed in my icemaker) while I listened to their amazing stories. My “Modern Maverick” designer, Thom Browne, designs clothing that conveys his self respect and love of old-guard America, while my “Local Hero,” Tracy Venezia at Animal Haven, taught me so much about loving and letting go. Tracy loves each dog so much but is so happy when they get adopted. I was honestly moved by her ability to see so much hope coming out of Animal Haven. And don’t worry, this issue also features coverage of that paradise on earth we all know and love: Palm Beach. Martin Marks interviewed the island’s vintage jewelry maven Tracy Smith for the cover. And I just know everyone is chomping at the bit to find out who made AVENUE’s annual Palm Beach A-List. That, and all of the wonderful party coverage, along with a Financial Roundtable that will help us get our money matters in order this year. January for me has two sides: the reflective, how-can-Iimprove-my-life side; and the I’m-tired-of-wearing black, let’shit-the-beach side. Whichever way you lean, get rid of any toxicity in your life and make room for what is yet to come. It’s going to be a great year, I can feel it.
Guest Editor Kelly Killoren Bensimon
@kellybensimon www.kellykillorenbensimon.com www.facebook.com/kellykillorenbensimon
SETH SABAL
Guest Editor, Kelly Killoren Bensimon
8 | AVENUE MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2012