Chic Metropolitan by Digital Publisher

CHIC EDITORS ONE ON ONE INTERVIEW WITH

NAVAL RAVIKANT

FOUNDER AND CEO OF ANGELLIST PLUS A PROFILE OF

JEFF BEZOS, CEO OF AMAZON

CHIC SNEAK PEEK OF

BENTLEY’S NEW CONCEPT CAR

THE BILLIONAIRE ISSUE IT’S NOT IN THE DREAMING, IT’S IN THE DOING! OWNER OF THE NBA CHAMPION DALLAS MAVERICKS

MARK CUBAN “SHARK”

INVESTOR ON THE TELEVISION SERIES SHARK TANK

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OBTAIN THE PROPERTY REPORT REQUIRED BY THE FEDERAL LAW AND READ IT BEFORE SIGNING ANYTHING. NO FEDERAL AGENCY HAS JUDGED THE MERITS OR VALUE, IF ANY, OF THIS PROPERTY. ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING THE REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THIS BROCHURE AND TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. This is not intended to be an offer to sell, or solicitation of an offer to buy, condominium units to residents of CT, ID, NY, NJ and OR, unless registered or exemptions are available, or in any other jurisdiction where prohibited by law, and your eligibility for purchase will depend upon your state of residency. This offering is made only by the Prospectus for the condominium only. The plans, specifications, design, amenities, managing entities, hotel operators, restaurants operations, and resort style services (if any) referred to are accurate as of this publication; however, the Developer reserves the right to change any of these, as the Developer deems best it’s sole and absolute discretion. This condominium is being developed by AMCO PRH 801 SOUTH MIAMI AVENUE, LLC which has a limited right to use the trade names, logos, images, and trademarks depicted pursuant to license agreements. The Related Group, SBE Hotels, LLC, The Allen Morris Company and Yabu Pushelberg are not the Developer. © 2014 AMCO PRH 801 South Miami Avenue, LLC. All rights reserved unless otherwise credited to another.

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“NATIONAL” EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT IN SAN FRANCISCO’S PRESTIGIOUS MAIDEN LANE. PRESENTED BY

2 DAYS SATURDAY JULY 25TH & SUNDAY JULY 26TH THE BEST WINE, FOOD, MUSIC, ART AND FASHION EVENT TO EVER HIT CALIFORNIA. GET YOUR CHIC TICKETS NOW BEFORE THE SELL OUT. WWW.CHICMETROPOLITAN.COM THIS EVENT WILL SELL OUT FOR SURE! TO SPONSOR THIS BIG CHIC EVENT CONTACT US SALES@CHICMETROPOLITAN.COM CO SPONSORED BY

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CONTRIBUTORS

Talent The

Emilio Mesa

Daniele Rocha

Daniele Rocha is a leading art dealer and curator specializing in innovative, interdisciplinary contemporary art. Since moving to San Francisco from her native Brazil in 1999, Daniele has represented a variety of well-known artists from the fine art and street art worlds. She was a founding partner of Ian Ross Gallery and has independently curated exhibitions for many clients including Gensler, Facebook, Infinity Towers, and others. In 2015, Daniele embarked on her latest project, Rocha Art, an art gallery, mobile curatorial platform, and public art initiative based in San Francisco. She also co-founded the non-profit 1 Brush Initiative, which sponsors community murals and recruits experienced professional artists to lead creativity workshops for youth from underserved schools and the juvenile justice system. Philanthropy is at the heart of Rocha’s work and she has used her influence to raise funds for venerable organizations such as the Global Fund for Women, City Youth Now, and Youth Speaks. Though her involvement in the arts, she seeks to empower women and create a better future for San Francisco’s next generation.

Emillio Mesa is a writer and hospitality expert. Currently, he’s developing a TV show based on “The Art Of Hospitality” and conversations, while covering San Francisco’s social scene for SF Wire and The Huffington Post. His essays and profiles appear in The New York Times, Interview magazine, OUT magazine, Four Two Nine-to name a few. He’s a social media addict. According to the American Psychiatric Association, he has a “mental disorder” for constantly changing his profile picture.

Barbara Winchell

Sandy Mandel

My interest in style emanated from my mother. She designed my clothes and was an expert seamstress. I was brought up rummaging through bolts of fabric in downtown LA and developed an early passion for the fashion world. I also love the business world and pursued a Masters Degree in Business Administration. Wear2where allows me to combine business and fashion. I have been involved in the SF philanthropic community chairing numerous events and organizations. Opening Night of the Ballet was probably the most fun! I style for Print and TV Media. A fashion designer at heart, I usually chop, re-construct, and modify anything I buy to create a new look.

Daniel Bean

Elena Vertlib

Elena’s passion for marketing started early in her career when she successfully built a strong brand equity for a privately owned IT and management consulting company, making it into a global brand. It was later sold to PACTERA, with headquarters in Beijing, China. She discovered her enthusiasm for the luxury industry while studying for her MBA at International University of Monaco. Here she consulted luxury brands including Facconable, Emerignaldo Zegna, Bottegga Venetta, and Gucci to name a few. After obtaining her degree Elena joined the DELOITTE Strategy Team in Dubai, UAE where she developed a comprehensive understanding of the region’s macroeconomic environment and market dynamics to supplement strong analysis, problem solving and strategic decision skills. In just a short period of time, Vertlib is now recognized as a leading specialist on luxury marketing and brand expertise. Due to the fast expansion of the luxury goods market in Miami, Florida, Elena moved there in September 2014, to help luxury brands thrive in the region. She opened her own Marketing and Advertising Agency, Luxury Brand Atelier, where she consults and executes media buy, PR, advertisement campaigns, social media, brand development and national marketing plans for her list of luxury brands. Her expertise includes marketing strategy, luxury marketing, media buy, Public Relations, digital media, social media, brand development and VIP strategic partnerships.

Daniel Bean is a writer, producer, and creative director who has been involved in the fashion industry for nearly two years. He got his start as the manager for Shae Lynn, Founder & CEO of VipSocialite.com, who introduced him to the industry. Working with her allowed him the opportunity to hone his skills in writing, branding, social media, and effective client outreach. After successfully producing and publishing his ﬁrst photo shoot for designer Maritza Regalado of Atzi Designs, he took on the role of creative director to make his own vision to come to life. Since June of 2014, he has been the editor-in-chief of Tech Fashionist, a magazine that spotlights Silicon Valley lifestyle, fashion, technology, and entrepreneurship. Founder & Creative Director Alena Starostina encouraged him in his writing, and got him involved in several photo shoots for the magazine. His ﬁrst assignment for Chic Metropolitan was covering the opening of the Hermès installation at Bloomingdale’s in San Francisco. Since then, he has gone on to conduct numerous interviews and compose press releases for a variety of Chic events. Being involved in the ‘Billionaire Issue’ is a great source of pride for Daniel, and working with such talented and creative people to make an exceptional publication is an experience like no other.

Riaz Danekari

VP, Sales and Technology WaveStreet Managed Services He is charge of all of Chic Metropolitan technology. Managing sales and marketing efforts of cloud products, managed services, professional services. Work with clients to design and implement cost-effective solutions utilizing best-of-class products and services. Architected cloud offerings such as VOIP, virtualization solutions for server and desktops, storage, and security products.

Christine Rios

Christine’s Ivy league education and decade in ﬁnancial services led her to the most logical destination: Wine! As co-founder of Wineluv, she curates the the most fabulous wine experiences for wine lovers. We have reeled her in to cover food and wine, as well as the parties that showcase them best, for the Chic set. Count on Christine to search out the chic-est spots for the most enticing eats and events to suit your luxurious lifestyle.

CONTENTS Chic Auto featuring Bentley

Price Upon Request featuring Morayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jewelers

Mark Cuban Cover Story

Chic Time - Richard Mille

CEO of Amazon Jeff Bezos

36 Interview with Eric Shepard Rolls Royce

98 Chic Time featuring Richard Mille

40 Van Dutch Fashion Yacht photo-shoot

100 Chic CEO interview - Morayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

44 Chic Auto featuring Bentley

105 Chic Jewelers

46 Billionaire Yacht Editoral

106 Price Upon Request featuring Morays Jewelers

50 Pagani Editorial

110 Chic Real Estate

52 Mark Cuban Cover Story

118 One on One with Dahila

60 Enticing Eats Beverly Hills

122 CEO of Angel list Naval Ravikant Interview

62 Billionaire Wines

126 CEO of Amazon Jeff Bezos

64 Napa Wine Autcion

128 Top 5 Golf Courses

68 Top 5 Wineries to Visit

130 Select Group, Angel List

70 Enticing Easts Miami

140 Top Nightclubs

75 Top 2 Billionaire Restaurants New York

144 Pool parties

86 Chic Destinations

154 Miami Hearts & Stars Gala

92 1st Class Airlines top picks

Nationally distributed to Newstands and Subscribers On the Cover: Mark Cuban Van Dutch Fashion Yacht photo-shoot

CEO of Angel list Naval Ravikant Interview

Take Luxury Outside

Find your style at: http://www.overstock.com/chic

BILLIONAIRE ISSUE 2015 A PUBLICATION OF ROJAS AGENCY LLC CHRISTOPHER ROJAS CEO & FOUNDER DESIGN DIRECTOR GC Design Studio NATIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Connie Savage Connie@chicmetropolitan.com ONLINE DIGITAL MANAGER Arvind Behera CHIC WRITERS MELISSA McVoy, Chic Wine World Editor Angella Sprauve - EDITOR Mario Guarded - EDITOR Las Vegas Katie Pegler - EDITOR Daniel Bean - EDITOR Emillio Mesa - Senior Writer Olya Rostov - Senior Tech Writer Lee Fowler - Senior Writer Miami Christine Rios- Party Editor Sandy Mandel & Barbara Winchell - Chic Destinations Editors Brittany Tilleman, Proof Reader Janie Silver Writer PHOTOGRAPHY Adam Browing Hill, DUBAI Cehman Birick, Miami Michael Vicent, LA Luke Mathews Woodford, London Zach Coco, LA Andrea Mate, Miami Rey Del Fierro, SF DIRECTOR OF EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY Drew Altizer DIRECTOR OF CHIC TV Lukasz Suski, Miami DIRECTOR OF MAKE UP Ginger Wong DIRECTOR OF HAIR Carnete Burnette ADVERTISING (LOCAL AND NATIONAL) PRINT, DIGITAL, EVENT SALES@CHICMETROPOLITAN.COM SUBSCRIPTIONS SUBSCRIPTIONS@CHICMETROPOLITAN.COM Website www.chicmetropolitan.com Facebook www.facebook.com/metropolitanmag Twitter :twitter.com/chicmetromag intrgram #chicmetropolitanmagazine Billionaire Issue 2015 Cover is featuring MARK CUBAN

Chic Metropolitan “Billionaire Issue” Copyright @2015 by Rojas Agency LLC, All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission of Rojas Agency LLC. Chic Metropolitan is published by Rojas Agency LLC, Contact 515.573.0030. For inquires contact Rojas@rojasagency.com. Chic Metropolitan is a National Publication with distribution in the top Chic Metropolitan cities in America, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Miami, Dallas, and Atlanta. Now internationally distributed in Canada and Dubai.

At United Capital, we know what is truly important to our clients. Let us create a plan to help you achieve the ﬁnancial life you and your family deserve.

KELLY B. TREVETHAN, CIMA™ MANAGING DIRECTOR PRIVATE WEALTH COUNSELOR KELLY.TREVETHAN@UNITEDCP.COM

KATHLEEN HOGAN, CIMA®, CFP® MANAGING DIRECTOR KATHLEEN.HOGAN@UNITEDCP.COM

ONE MARKET STREET SPEAR TOWER, SUITE 1800 SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105 415.418.2101 | DIRECT 415.418.2100 | MAIN 866.695.0969 | TOLL FREE

CEO LETTER

hen initially formulating the concept for our Chic Metropolitan Billionaire Issue, I wanted to be certain to personally handpick every ingredient in this publication to ensure that it was among the best magazines to hit the newsstands, both domestically and abroad. Doing so guaranteed not only the exceptional quality our readers expect, but elevates Chic Metropolitan into the rare and distinguished category of being the premier luxury publication in the world. If you were to combine the net worth of all of our featured Chic Billionaires, CEOs Entrepreneurs, and Investors you would come up with a number well over $100 billion! Additionally, we wanted to give everyone a taste of what one could expect when living like a billionaire, and the exciting destinations, restaurants and automobiles that would keep you on the jet set! In this very special issue we launched Chic Auto & Yachts, Chic Wine & Food, Chic Luxury Lifestyle & Travel, and Chic Tech & Business sections. We also feature one-on-one interviews with icons in these industries, ‘Top 5’ listings, and Editors’ Picks. I’m very excited to have Mr. Mark Cuban, one of my personal mentors, featured on

our cover! We wanted to surpass expectations and make this cover truly stand out and excite our readers as well as potential new subscribers! Additionally, we hired one of the top illustrators in the business to assemble our ‘Billionaire Issue’ cover. This issue is packed with some of the Most Coveted Luxury Brands on Earth; Audemars Piguet, Bentley, OMEGA, Ritz Carlton, Berkshire Hathaway, Van Dutch, Rolls-Royce, Overstock.com, and SLS Hotel Beverly Hills. The ‘Billionaire Issue’ is more than a publication and release party; it’s an occasion to enjoy and recognize all of the hard work our Chic Metropolitan team did to make this issue extraordinary! So clear your calendar, book your trip to an exotic location, conﬁrm your reservations, and take a road trip beforehand in your new Rolls-Royce; it’s time to live the good life, and enjoy every second of it! Be sure to visit us online at www.chicmetropoltian.com to keep up-to-date on editorials, listings, and party photos. Thanks to everyone that helped make this one of the best issues in Chic Metropolitan company history! Chris Rojas CEO Chic Metropolitan Don’t miss Chic Metropolitan “CHIC NYE 2015” in Los Angeles. It will be hands down one of the best New Year’s Eve parties in 2015.

You can ﬁnd more exclusive interview, event photos, and inside access disgital each week at metropolitanmag.com Check out our facebook page and like it to receive all the special announcements for our hot red carpet issue release parties in your cities. https://www.facebook.com/MetropolitanMag

CHIC EDITORS ONE ON ONE INTERVIEW WITH

NAVAL RAVIKANT

FOUNDER AND CEO OF ANGELLIST PLUS A PROFILE OF

JEFF BEZOS, CEO OF AMAZON

CHIC SNEAK PEEK OF

BENTLEY’S NEW CONCEPT CAR THE WEDDING & LOVE ISSUE

SEX,LOVE, RELATIONSHIP Advice From The Experts Future of

WEDDING DRESSESIs Here PRESTON BAILEY

THE NEW *MU BILLION ST HAVES

F FA

We Honor n Legend Fashioon

Exclusiv with Cy e Interview and Ph otoshoot and Sharkber Security Exper t Tank Sta r

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Premier Event Designer Showcase

AIR OF THE ES YEAR

ROB HERERT Check O JAVEC and Pe ut His $35 M

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Chic Photo sho Some of the ots With Mo MANSI st Expensive

CARS, ONS, LUX URY FASH YACHTS AN D IN THION ATTIRE E WO RLD!

THE BILLIONAIRE ISSUE IT’S NOT IN THE DREAMING, IT’S IN THE DOING! OWNER OF THE NBA CHAMPION DALLAS MAVERICKS

MARK CUBAN “SHARK”

One With Th-on- One eC Of The EO Top La Dealersh mborghini ip In Miam i

PRE IMPSOTRIGE TS

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Daniele Minarelli (above) says that All’Osteria Bottega is meant to be a club for those who prize simple dishes made of top-quality local ingredients. The modest dining room (opposite, top) doesn’t hint at the superb renditions of Bolognese cuisine that come out of the tiny kitchen.

LUXURY L LU UX XU URY URY RY WE W WEDD ED DD DIIN NGPO WEDDING PORTAL P PORT POR ORT OR O RT R TAL AL

INVESTOR ON THE TELEVISION SERIES SHARK TANK

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OFFICIAL FERR ARI DEALER

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CHIC AUTO & YACHT SECTION

Rolls Royce

ULTRA LUXURY HAS NO OF ROLLS-ROYCE WITH

LIMITS IN THE FUTURE ERIC SHEPHERD

B Y M ELI SSA MCAVO Y

S ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS CELEBRATES ITS FIFTH SUCCESSIVE RECORD SALE YEAR, WE LOOK TO ERIC SHEPHERD, Rolls-Royce Regional Director for North America, to learn the key to success for this ultra luxury brand. Prior to joining Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in 2013, Shepherd was the Regional General Manager for Mercedes-Benz USA. Utilizing his luxury brand expertise, Shepherd has been an instrumental component in the boom of the super-luxury division of Rolls-Royce, which arguably stands alone as the elite luxury car brand. While overseeing operations in the carmaker’s largest global region, North America, Shepherd is propelling Rolls-Royce ahead of other luxury brands and exceeding exclusive car buyer’s expectations. The cars are the most luxurious motor vehicles on the market, well worth the $284,000$474,990 (actual average price is $350,000 - $550,000) price tags. I had the opportunity to sit down with Eric Shepherd and talk about Wraith, Ghost and Phantom and where the company’s future plans lie in the Bespoke department.

How does Bespoke differentiate Rolls-Royce from other luxury brands? Historically Rolls-Royce buyers, especially in the Middle East, the UK or Europe, were predisposed to waiting for their cars. They would commission their cars and wait anywhere from three to nine months for delivery. When it finally arrived, everyone was thrilled. As you know, that’s not necessarily the way American car buyers have traditionally operated. They want to buy a car right now. We had to go through a bit of an education process with our dealers and our customers to get everyone to understand what is so special about a Rolls-Royce Motor Car. Commissioning a unique object requires patience. That’s how we make it special for the customer, and that’s been our focus for the last couple years. We’re not a company that focuses on volume; rather we focus on what appeals to our current and prospective customers. That is the ability to truly build a motor car exactly as they want it. The mark of luxury today is exclusivity, the level of individualization and customization. That’s what our Bespoke process is about. We’ve made an effort with our dealers, educating them and helping them to educate our owners and prospective owners about the possibilities of Bespoke, and they’re unlimited. They can work with our dealers and the design team within our Bespoke department to craft a vehicle that is uniquely their own, ensuring that there’s not ever going to be another car like it. It’s truly a unique piece of art, and one that creates value to our customers. What is so special about a client’s Rolls-Royce is that it is unique from anyone else’s Rolls-Royce. Our customers are willing to pay for that approach and our Bespoke business from 2013 to 2014 has doubled while the total number of motor cars we sold surged 30%. What are some of the key components that you’re going to focus on when clients Bespoke their car? There are some of the more simple things like unique paint colors and leather colors. Melissa, imagine that you had a favorite flower in the garden that had a really unique shade of color that you loved. If you wanted to design your Wraith around that color, you could bring it to us and our designers would turn it into a vibrant, matching automotive paint. Then you could design a matching interior to complement the exterior and it would be completely unique you. We ensure that no one else would ever get that same shade on their RollsRoyce Motor Car. The visual aspect is one of the more simple things to talk about. You can also get into an array of customized interior designs and options. For example, a gentleman may want us to take out the glove box and create a travel humidor. Many customizations are items that have a meaning or emotional draw to an individual. For you, we could have your publication’s logo embroidered into the headrests or into the landfall carpeting of the car. Quite often we customize the tread

plates or dash with an owner’s name or company. The options are only limited to what we can do legally and safely and, of course, to your imagination. What personal elements would you use to create a car for Eric Shepard? I did a couple of special Wraiths last year. We were testing out some unique combinations and I really like contrasting trim. I like a very vibrant exterior color and a more subtle interior color with that vibrant exterior color accented in subtle ways inside. I really enjoy subtle hints of very vibrant colors. You take the leather that matches the exterior color and tie it in, whether in the piping or in one or two panels within a seat or the door panel itself. The good thing about Wraith is that we have the capability to do this quickly for an owner. When we launched Ghost it took a bit longer than we liked to Bespoke products. With Wraith, we designed in the ability to offer a greater level of Bespoke more quickly and it has worked wonderfully. When we come out with our new Drophead in 2016 we intend to do the same thing, encouraging early Bespoke orders. Obviously Wraith has been in the spotlight for Rolls-Royce but let’s talk Nighthawk and how it will be involved in Bespoke to another level. Nighthawk is an excellent example of how our designers create a limited run of cars with a theme that highlights our Bespoke capabilities. They blend cues from what customers have asked for and create a package pushing the envelope a bit. We intentionally create just a handful of those cars. We took idea even further and produce a unique Bespoke car just for the US, and that is Nighthawk, a Phantom Drophead Coupe. We only made nine and they weren’t sold anywhere else around the world. They feature unique colors and carbon fiber trim, something more associated with sports cars. This is the most aggressive use of carbon fiber, something we haven’t been known for since we don’t make a sports car. However, the modern hi-tech fiber lends to the dynamism in the design of Nighthawk. When you see this motor car’s dark imposing body with the starkly contrasting vibrant color trim you know that it is unique and desirable, especially when you learn that only nine will ever be created. What is the vision in reaching a younger target audience for Rolls-Royce? This has been a key factor for us over this time period as we’ve built our Bespoke business. We do this because a Rolls-Royce Motor car is appealing and

dynamic to younger prospective owners. This is particularly true of those in Southern California. With the launch of Wraith, these younger shoppers make up nearly 70% of new Rolls-Royce owners. They are bringing down the average age of our owner family. The average age of a Phantom buyer has been well into the 60s, a Ghost buyer is in their mid 50s while the average Wraith buyer is in their 40s. We’ve certainly seen plenty of customers in their 20s now buying Wraith. Between newly minted entrepreneurs that have had a phenomenal business take off to entertainers and celebrities, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is a surging brand. That dynamic group is really doing wonders for the perception of our brand. It’s a cool, modern luxury brand because of the efforts we were started with Ghost and have carried on through Wraith. Upcoming new products and special build cars will continue this trend.

What’s up next for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars? This year is exciting; we’ve had a flurry of Bespoke activities already and still have some wonderful highlight products to come. One design aspect we are experimenting with is fabric. We launched “Serenity” in March. It’s a “one of one” stunning Phantom with the entire interior adorned in silk embroidery. We’ve also launched “Wraith Inspired by Fashion” which uses silk accents and brocading we’ve never incorporated together, all in a clean, cool and modern color design. Longer term, we will show the world our next major product expansion with an all-new Drophead similar in size to Ghost-Wraith. You’ll see it by the end of 2015, and it will be on sale in mid-2016. And finally, we have announced that we will bring a new vehicle to market in a few years, bringing an option for our owners to enjoy the Rolls-Royce Motor Car experience on or off-road. This brings the concept of effortless luxury, everywhere. But you’ll have to wait to hear more on that in the coming year or two. In the meantime, we have a lot to do to continue to meet the challenges our customers bring to us every day.

CHIC FASHION NECKLACE Alexis Bittar: Antique Rhodium-plated and 18-karat yellow gold-plated jewelry, from the Elements Collection 43a Chrysocolla and crystal earrings. Necklaces with jasper and ammonite doublet. Multi-strand with picture jasper doublet. Single strand with chrysocolla nugget. Yacht-bound attire wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be complete without the ďŹ nish of a fabulous necklace. This summer, neckwear takes a turn to carefree and feminine, with a touch of the earthy, extravagant, and eccentric. With a collection of beaded necklaces, one can mix and match layers of beautiful gemstones to create a stylish bib for the modern bohemian.

Nautical Chic Must-Have Accessories for a Yacht-Bound Summer Season All images courtesy of Neiman Marcus BY ANG EL L A S P R A U V E

THE SEASON HAS ARRIVED FOR YACHT-BOUND FUN. WHETHER YOU’RE SPENDING AN EVENING AT a swanky soiree or heading out for a day on the water, choosing the proper attire is easy; lightweight and light colors are always nautical-chic. When it comes to choosing the right accessories, however, some creative styling is in order to complete an ensemble that works as well on land as at sea.

BATHING SUIT Mara Hoffman: Blue/green printed bikini top and bottom. The 1970s boho-chic style has made a serious comeback this season. Fetching geometric prints and bold colors are paired perfectly in an easy pull-over style bikini. The boho swimsuit is a fantastic way to create juxtaposition underneath any lightly-colored ensemble, and a ﬁtting way to rule the water.

BAG Eric Javits: Gold “Shrimpton” hat of metallic yarn, propylene and polyester. Gold woven cotton and polyester “Tuti” drawstring tote with gold leather straps and bamboo closure. Traveling in style means putting your faith – and daytime essentials – into a carryall tote. The ﬂoppy tote bag is a must-have for this summer season and most certainly for all water-bound activities.

SUNGLASSES Tom Ford: Frosted pink acetate and rose golden metal “Joan” sunglasses with gray gradient lenses. Nothing upgrades an ensemble faster than a fabulous pair of sunglasses. Luxe eyewear always makes a statement and gradient lenses instantly take the look to the next level.

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VanDutch raises the bar for modern design and advanced technology. Renowned Dutch engineering meets modern craftsmanship. Quite simply â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it is like no other.

VanDutch B Y VAND U T CH â&#x20AC;˘ P H OT OGR A P H S B Y A LF RED O O MA N A

Models: Lauren Amanda Agustin Ackermann MUA: George Penn

A NEW DESIGN IN ELEGANCE 41

HE VANDUTCH 40 IS AN ELEGANTLY DESIGNED LUXURY YACHT, WITH clean lines and flourishes courtesy of the globally-renowned Frank Mulder. Few yachts can match the VanDutch 40 for power, speed and luxury, presented in a simplistic yet classical design. Ideal for day time exploration and night time soirees, the VanDutch 40 is a standout example of the VanDutch line. An immense, host receptive cockpit and inviting cabin is designed to leave an impression. The flagship VanDutch 40 curates to both unrivaled comfort and precision performance. The distinct style finish is created with innovative composite Esthec. All of the standard exclusive elements of a VanDutch 40 yacht are built with our unique customer in mind. VanDutch has distinguished itself by not only creating an exceptional design for exceptional people, but by implementing the precision comfort built specifically for the yacht worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s elite.

VAN D U T C H A RRIVE I N S T Y L E. L EAV E A N I M P R E S S I ON . VA N DUTC H . C O M

CHIC AUTO

Into The

FUTURE Bentley’s Two-Seater Concept Car Rides In A Class of Its Own

I M A GES C OU R T ES Y OF B EN T L EY M OT OR S

BY A NG EL L A S PRA U V E

44 44

HE FUTURE OF BENTLEY DESIGN HAS ARRIVED. THE British motor company known for its impeccable craftsmanship has made a bold move toward the future with its bespoke two seater concept car, the EXP 10 Speed 6. The sleek new design unveiled at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show is an homage to the brand’s racing origins - a modern balance of Bentley’s refined aesthetic with muscle and performance. “This was an opportunity for us stylists to really play and see what’s possible, to take the DNA of our design and see where we could push it forward for the future,” said Brett Boydell, Head of Interior Design at Bentley Motors. Boydell oversaw such contemporary interior design elements from the new interpretation of the iconic Bentley matrix grille and four-round headlamps to the paint color – a deeper, richer and heavily metallic version of British Racing Green. Each detail takes Bentley’s core interior DNA principles and moves them forward,

such as the knurled surface, which is a feature throughout the controls of the car, but is now created using steel and copper to create a two-metal 3D texture. These aesthetic features have been applied in new and invigorating ways; the result is a coupe of clean, lean, modern surfaces that remain unmistakably Bentley. The luxury brand is largely known for the classic aesthetic of its three model lines, Continental, Flying Spur and Mulsanne. This begs the questions, why a two-seater, and why now? “We wanted to do something different that didn’t tread on the toes of our existing cars,” explains Boydell. “Because it wasn’t a production car that was confined by time, it was an opportunity for us to let loose.” The EXP 10 Speed 6 may potentially expand the Bentley appeal into a younger market, as the sports concept is a bold vision for the brand that has its eyes on the next generation.

CHIC YATCHING

Pershing 92

Seafaring In Style

Navigating the water runways and sailing the seasons in synchronicity BY KATIE P E GLE R

HILE CONTEMPLATING THE VARIOUS AVENUES TO “WALK ON WATER” FOR LEISURE OR SPORT, physics dictates the options to using watercraft to sail, cruise or speed — or in some cases, opting for amphibious vehicles. Most of us either appreciate the blissful moments of coasting or attempting to conquer the seas while caught up in the thrill of the chase. Although we can’t yet walk on water as mere mortals yet — albeit there are a few exceptions — those of us with enough selfmade zeros in our bank accounts, startup stock options or scion-receiving trust funds can experience the next best thing: yachting. Yachting is not just using oceanic currents, Intracoastal Waterways and the trade winds’ prevailing patterns as highways; it’s something intrinsic. The experience of haute couture seafaring is much more than traversing the seas in luxury or entering thrill-ofwinning regattas. It entails floating on water via a masterpiece in motion with enough technology to make your head spin and enough amenities to make you want to simply sail away indefinitely. Whether you have the means of your own or must gain access to such an exquisite mode of transportation through a friend, let’s take a look at the experience of options.

PERSHING 92 Ever wish you could drive a Lamborghini on the open sea? That is, if you’ve ever had the pleasure to drive one in the first place. If so, enter the Ferretti Group’s Pershing 92. With aerodynamically correct, incredibly sleek styling to keep air resistance to a minimum, it’s both a luxurious motor yacht and high-speed, oceanbound rocket ship able to thrust at 40 knots. If you want Italian nautical styling that’s built extremely light and powered by twin 16V MTU diesels generating up to 2,638-hp driving through surface-piercing props, the Pershing 92 may just be your masterpiece of choice. With best cruising

about 38 knots and a range of 385 nautical miles, the most interesting ports of call from your metropolitan coastal area are within reach. Wall Street to Nantucket? Sure! Boston Commons to Bar Harbor? No problem. Miami Beach to the Bahamas? Easy breezy. Marina del Rey or Newport Beach to Santa Barbara and coasting around the Channel Islands along the way? Simple. Seattle up the Canadian Coast? Like a hop, skip and jump. Did we mention a jet ski comes standard with the Pershing 92? Why yes, of course it does. Price available on request | pershing-yacht.com

Van Dutch 75

VANDUTCH 75 When it comes to gliding on the seas and wandering the oceans with all of life’s necessities and luxuries within, the VanDutch 75 is one of the most charming and exclusive yachts in the world. Plus, only one word comes to mind: stunning. VanDutch’s tagline of “Arrive in Style. Leave an Impression” is nothing short of fitting for its yachts. And yet the 75 is promised as a majestic alternative with its “pure lines, vast cockpit and fault finishes.” It’s simplistic, seamless exterior that lacks the overtly “look-at-me flash” is just a reminder that the 75 is nothing less than a yacht for true connoisseurs. Like nearly all things worth the wait or guest-list only, the VanDutch 75 is only available to current owners of the award-winning 55 model. She’s powered by two high-performance Volvo engines and can reach an incredible top speed of 40 knots.

But it’s not just speed that matters. The flagship of the fleet — set for release in autumn 2015 — pays homage to avant-garde Dutch design. The clean, sleek design also boasts an immense cockpit, spacious lounge area that can accommodate up to 40 guests and ternal engineering make it exceptionally easy to maneuver and ensure a smooth, quiet ride in any sea conditions. “The VanDutch 75 is unlike any other member of the VanDutch family,” says Nicholas Cardoza, vice president of VanDutch Miami. “Its extensive waterline, massive length, powerful engine, superior aesthetic and internal engineering make it exceptionally easy to maneuver and ensure a smooth, quiet ride in any sea conditions. In addition to its advanced technology, its ultimate contemporary design is raising the bar for future yacht designs.” Price available on request | vandutch.com

CHIC AUTO

PAGANI HUAYRA A MODERN SUPERCAR WITH CLASSIC REFINEMENT

BY D ANI EL B EAN * P H OT OGR A P H Y DON AT O D ELLA PI

HAT COMES TO MIND WHEN YOU THINK OF A SUPERCAR? Most likely you think of a vehicle that transcends the traditional limits of automotive engineering and styling; a vehicle with a classic pedigree and a vast array of championship trophies to its name. Certainly, marks like Bugatti, Ferrari, and Lamborghini can trace their lineage back decades, along with the legendary drivers who raced down the track with lightening speed and set records around the globe. Some, however, have more recent history; witness Pagani, or in its official company designation, Pagani Automobili S.p.A, which is located just down the street from Ferrari in northern Italy.

Horacio Pagani, the founder of the company, was born in Cavilda, a small village in Argentina in 1955. He demonstrated a passion for automobiles since childhood, showing his mother a toy car that he made from balsa wood at the age of 7 and exclaiming that he would set out to build a real car and that it would be the best in the world. After creating several additional models and immediately before setting off to study industrial design, he built his first automobile at 17. Subsequently, he received invaluable advice from Argentine racecar driver Juan-Manuel Fangio, whom heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d had a chance encounter with.

He flew out to Italy with his wife in 1983 as he felt that, “To build the world’s best car you have to be in Italy, because that’s where all the resources are; the designers, the engineers, the technicians.” After several years at Lamborghini, he had proven himself a brilliant engineer and designer, and rose to head the company’s composite division. After gaining valuable experience while working at Lamborghini, he created a company that designed special carbon fiber composites for a variety of sports cars including Daimler and Ferrari. He founded Pagani in 1992. The first vehicle manufactured by his company was the Zonda, which debuted in 1999 and continues in very limited production to this day. The Pagani Huayra (pronounced “why-ra”) made its debut in 2012. Pagani’s goal was to combine unparalleled craftsmanship and engineering to deliver a supercar that gave its competitors a run for its very substantial money in both style and raw power. To quote Pagani himself when asked about the design of the supercar, “We wanted to give shape to the wind; an energy that is subtle and elegant, yet strong and persistent.” The Huayra was named after Aymara Huayra Tata, the god of hurricanes that was worshipped by the indigenous peoples of the Bolivian and Peruvian Andes before the arrival of Europeans. Much like its namesake, the design of the automobile makes it resemble a projectile speeding through torrential and unforgiving winds. The 2015 Pagani Huayra has a 6.0L V12 power plant with an incredible 740 lb-ft of torque and can reach 62 miles per hour in a mere 3.2 seconds with a top speed of 230 miles per hour. In addition to its massive power, the supercar has all of the unique touches of its creator, who is responsible for the design throughout all stages of the process through Modena Design, a company he founded in 1988. The distinct rear-view mirrors were made to resemble the eyes of a woman, while the graceful lines denote not only speed, but the passion and inspiration that are behind the vehicle. This sense of design and styling make it all the way down to the key fob, which is itself made to resemble the vehicle. The interior is a luxurious mix of traditional and futuristic; its seats are reminiscent of the classic Italian sports cars of the 1960’s and 70’s, while the gauges are milled and hand-polished by premier watchmakers from around the world. The steering column is made of carbon fiber, which is lightweight and conforms well to the driver’s hands. The 2015 Pagani Huayra is priced at $1.4 million and can go for up to $1.8 million when a variety of custom elements are included. Perhaps what makes the car even more fascinating is its elusive nature; it is quite rare that one comes across one of these vehicles. For example, in 2014 only 33 of these vehicles were manufactured. Of course, with such small numbers comes incredible exclusivity. There is no doubt that the Pagani Huayra has made its mark in the supercar market since its introduction, and it will be interesting to see what the next incarnation of this automobile will look like. One thing remains certain, Pagani will certainly continue to fine-tune its vehicles to achieve even greater speeds while maintaining its classic design. In 2012, thanks to the relationship formed years ago between the founder of Prestige Imports, Irv David, and Horatio Pagani, Brett David acquired one of the first PAGANI dealerships in the U.S. PAGANI MIAMI is a division of Prestige Imports and has been leading North America in volume sales. In 2016, Prestige Imports plans to build a brand dedicated Pagani Showroom to display the exquisite vehicles and innovative merchandise.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MARK C UBAN

COVER STORY

AMERICAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ENTREPRENEUR )URP %HDXW\ WR 7HFK 0DUN &XEDQ 6RXQGV RÄ³ RQ :KDW 0DNHV +LP 7LFN BY A N GE L L A S P R AU V E â&#x20AC;¢ PH OTO I LLUSTA RT I O N BY PET ER BO LLI N G ER

53 53

COVER STORY

ven in a brief chat with a stranger, Mark Cuban exudes conﬁdence. And why wouldn’t he? The self-made billionaire and owner of the Dallas Mavericks possesses the know-how to be successful in several industries. He is also approachable and happy to share tidbits on achieving entrepreneurial success. As an astral success story himself, Mark Cuban is the American dream, and much of what makes him successful today is his willingness to learn, as well as teach.

The last place one would expect to encounter the tech entrepreneur, sports team owner and self-described “man’s man” is front and center at a beauty conference. But lo and behold, in July 2014, Cuban was the keynote speaker for the Las Vegas Professional Beauty Association Beauty Week hosted by Cosmoprof North America, where he spoke to beauty enthusiasts and business owners about his keys to success. Cuban repeated the soundbite he is best known for: “Business is 365 days a week, 24/7. You have to work like the whole world is trying to kick your ass.” Cuban, 56, is well-known for “kicking ass” on ABC’s Shark Tank, where the investment mogul has funded businesses in just about every

We recently asked Cuban what he’d learned about the industry in the eight months since the conference. “I thought it would be easier to get shelf space, but it’s not,”he said. “Salons are very entrenched with existing vendors and don’t really like change. So it’s hard to break through unless you just want to spend a lot of money.” Yes, even billionaires can learn a thing or two. The self-professed “information junkie” is a sponge for just about anything that gets his attention. In 1995, Cuban and long-time friend Todd Wagner came up with an Internet based solution to not being able to listen to an Indiana Hoosiers basketball games in Texas. That answer was broadcast.com, a pioneer in streaming audio over the Internet. In just four years, Broadcast.com [then Audionet] was sold to Yahoo for $5.6 billion dollars, and Cuban has not slowed down. His lifelong love of basketball came to full fruition when he acquired the Dallas Mavericks basketball team in 2000. He oversaw the Mavericks competing in the NBA Finals for the ﬁrst time in franchise history in 2006 before winning the NBA world championship in 2011. The team is currently listed as one of Forbes’ most valuable franchises in sports. Forbes estimates Cuban’s net worth at $3 billion. In addition to his business ventures, he is chairman and CEO of AXS tv, a cable network dedicated to providing live events on television, including music pro-

CUBAN, 56, IS WELL-KNOWN FOR “KICKING ASS” ON ABC’S SHARK TANK, WHERE THE INVESTMENT MOGUL HAS FUNDED BUSINESSES IN JUST ABOUT EVERY CATEGORY POSSIBLE, FROM FOOD TO WINE TO HIGH-TECH GADGETS AND MANY MORE. category possible, from food to wine to high-tech gadgets and many more. Winning an investment from Cuban means it’s time to grind. And if you’re not ready, he’s got no time to waste. He elaborates on his taste of Shark Tank failures. “My ﬁrst two investments were my worst. They [the entrepreneurs] failed because they didn’t want to work. They wanted to be on TV and do PR instead of grinding. That is the road to failure.” On the ﬂip side, three of his successful investments came from the beauty industry. It’s a category that he never thought he’d be involved in, but he saw great potential in the pitches from the owners of Simple Sugars, KissStix and HotTot. That’s why he was at Cospmoprof. “Honestly, it was to help these guys,” he said. He pointed in the direction of his beauty entrepreneurs. “Each one of them has drive, motivation and commitment to their products, and this is a place where I could help them.” As for what he knew about the beauty industry, he admitted, “Absolutely nothing.” But, he added, “I want to learn everything.”

gramming, festivals, comedy performances, current events and mixed martial arts. With a still-growing portfolio of 50-plus investments, he employs a team to help him keep up with it all. “I have people at my companies take over the drudge work like bookkeeping, websites, mobile and tech,” he said. “Those are the types of things that are not key to gaining an advantage but can suck your time.” Whether it’s running a basketball team or a tech business, Cuban says that the recipe to success is virtually the same. “I try to let great performers be great and to put everyone in a position to succeed.” Cuban is rarely at a loss for words. On his blog, Blog Maverick, he asserts his opinions on just about everything from the over-inﬂated “tech bubble” to his disdain for patent trolls. When we asked him about the most overrated piece of technology today, he responded, “I think websites are rapidly becoming overrated as apps take us two taps away from pretty much anything we want to do.”

COVER STORY

Speaking of which, Cuban has got apps covered. He created two, Cyber Dust and Xpire, as a result of scrutiny he faced in a 2013 insider-trading lawsuit by the Securities and Exchange Commission. [Cuban was found innocent and cleared of all charges]. It was alleged that he violated confidentiality agreements and unloaded his shares in a Canadian search-engine company in 2004 after learning that the company planned a stock offering that would reduce the value of his $7.5 million stake. During the trial, his personal messages, emails and texts were entered into evidence. Cuban realized that there was an opportunity in having the ability to erase those messages forever. Both have since become effective communication platforms. Surely, the benefits of success far outweigh the problems. Cuban says that the best perks of reaching billionaire status are flying in the comfort of his private plane, and not having to worry about everyday stresses like paying bills. “I have had my utilities turned off and credit cards cut. Even after I sold my first company, I used to stress that I could end up right back there.” Now free of those worries, he says he relaxes by “shooting hoops in my own arena.”

Another side of Cuban is a fearless sense of adventure, wherever that might take him. He has acted on TV shows, The Simpsons and Entourage, as well as executive produced movies like Good Night, and Good Luck and Akeelah and the Bee, among several. He’s also appeared on Dancing with the Stars and WWE Raw. He doesn’t set his sights on on anything particular, and instead chooses to keep his options open. “I work on whatever comes along that I think is interesting. I really like acting, so hopefully I will get more of those oﬀers.” Cuban will be returning to Las Vegas this summer for the second year at Cosmoprof ’s Beauty Week, where he’ll be a keynote speaker. Only this time, he will also sit on a panel of judges for a contest called “Beauty Pitch,” a one-of-a-kind opportunity for beauty entrepreneurs to present their company to a panel representing savvy business leaders and industry experts. “It’s an industry that’s ripe for innovation, but I just don’t know how,” he says with a smile. Catching Cuban’s attention can’t be easy, but it’s safe to say that the beauty industry holds a common denominator that Cuban looks for in any business he chooses to invest, “I love the entrepreneurial spirit.”

MARK HIS WORDS 5 HABITS OF A SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEUR 1. BE PREPARED. 2. KNOW YOUR BUSINESS BETTER THAN ANYONE ELSE.

3. GRIND! 4. SELL! 5. IF YOU AREN’T PREPARED TO DO ALL OF THESE, THEN IT’S TIME TO QUIT.

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ENTICING EATS LOS ANGELES Address: 465 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048 Phone:(310) 246-5545 http://sbe.com/restaurants/brands/thebazaar/

SAAM AT THE BAZAAR

A CULINA RY S TA G E S E T F O R A B I L L I O N AIRE BY M EL I SSA M C AV O Y

lionaire, the legendary celebration of truffle season unearths the 16-plus course dinner that expresses the flavor of the truffle through the artful imagination and inventive gastronomic vision of José Andrés’ culinary team. Some of the many exquisite courses include a black-trumpet-mushroom cracker made with truffle salt and a delicious ceviche made with sea urchin, truffle, squid ink, and surprisingly coconut. Brought to life by the expert Truffle Brothers, Michael and Marco Pietroiacovom of Italy, this dinner fit for a billionaire indulges truly exclusive savory culinary masterpieces. SAAM offers an unrivaled experience where culinary creations and world-class wines unite and pair perfectly with the elite guests.

N A HIDDEN CORNER OF THE BAZAAR, SAAM BOASTS 1940s Italian décor that offers an intimate experience where guests are guided through 16 small courses or “tastes”. Head Chef Holly Jivin together with Chef José Andrés create an unparalleled union of culinary expertise and offer a unique menu featuring some of the favorite flavors found in The Bazaar along with new inspired creations uniquely crafted for SAAM. Wine flights are offered from a list exclusive to SAAM. Sherry, Sparkling, Global and Spanish flights are arranged at the beginning of the meal and guests are encouraged to taste, mix and match while dining. With a table set for a bil-

CHIC WINE

Ferrari Wines

WINE TRAVEL FOR BILLIONAIRES B Y ME LI SSA MCV O Y

F YOU COULD EXPERIENCE TRUE LUXURY THROUGH wine, where would you go? Being ultra-wealthy not only enables billionaires to travel, stay and eat anywhere they please, but the exclusive options of the wealthy are endless. Many jet setters will choose the likes of Champagne, Burgundy or even Napa, but to ﬁnd a truly magical experience, I look no further than Ferrari Wines in the heart of the Trento region of Italy. My travels recently sent me to this exclusive region which may have otherwise overlooked amongst Italy’s more well-known wine destinations. Trento is the capital of the Trentino province, a northern Italian region that wasn’t annexed until 1919, after the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Rich in history and surrounded by beautiful mountains, Trento sets an amazing back drop to what I found to be an emotional experience at Ferrari Wines. My love for family owned wineries and for seeking ones out which create wines that leave a lasting mark, has led me to Ferrari Wines (not to be mistaken or related

to the automobile namesake).This winery draws you in like a best-selling novel with many elements rarely experienced. A large family owned and operated winery, Ferrari Wines was founded in 1902 by Giulio Ferrari. After studying Champagne making in France, Giulio Ferrari returned to Italy with the goal of producing sparkling wines equal to the ﬁnest French Champagne. Ferrari was also the ﬁrst person to bring the Chardonnay grape to Italy well over one hundred years ago. In 1952 Giulio sold his winery to Bruno Lunelli and with much success, Lunelli and his sons made Ferrari one of Italy’s most famous and highly successful producers of Metodo Classico sparkling wines. Today, Matteo Lunelli and cousin’s Marcello, Camilla and Alessandro Lunelli, the third generation at the helm, have made Ferrari Wines the sought after Italian sparkling wines for the elite. Many people mistake Italian sparkling wines to be Prosecco, but Ferrari keeps with the tradition of the region and requirements of the TrentoDOC, which is involved with how the vines are planted, cultivated, pruned, and hand-harvested.

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FERRARI 2004 PERLÉ The Perlé is Ferrari’s best known sparkler in Italy. Estate grown on limestone soils, it is rich and fruity with aromas and flavors of apple and pear with hints of almonds and notes of yeast and brioche. FERRARI 2005 PERLÉ ROSÉ This Rosé has a lovely dark salmon rose hue with candied red raspberry fruit and hints of almond and freshly baked bread. It is rich and creamy on the palate and is tightly structured. FERRARI 2005 PERLÉ NERO This yellow gold sparkling wine is a very dry extra brut with amazing freshness and crisp acidity. With autolytic aromas and flavors, it also reveals light red cherry fruit notes and is very refined and delicate on the palate with a light creamy finish.

FERRARI 2001 GIULIO FERRARI Medium gold color and aged for 10 years on the lees, this rich estate-bottled reserve Cuvée is very complex and refined with flavors of grilled pineapple, crème brûlée and white chocolate. This is my pick if you’re looking for an amazing top-of-the-line Cuvée. With the beauty and finesse of Camilla and the inviting nature of Matteo, Marcello, and Alessandro, the family takes great pride in their winery and the hospitality they show their guests. The family and winery brings you in and takes you on a journey not experienced at many wineries. To experience this romantic winery, is to find love for the first time. I found myself creating lasting memories hiking up to the vineyards, viewing the region by helicopter and experiencing top culinary paired creations. Ferrari is a luxury destination that fully delivers for the wealthiest travelers who expect nothing but the best.

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WINE EVENT

AUCTION NAPA VALLEY:

A Weekend Worth

Over $15 Million

Have a peek inside one of the most spectacular events in the wine community, Auction Napa Valley BY AN G EL L A S PRA U V E

ess than one year following the Napa Valley earthquake, it was awe-inspiring to witness an entire community rally together for four of the most spectacular days in the Valley. From June 4th â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7th, the vintner community and supporters from around the world raised $15.8 million in proceeds from Auction Napa Valley, the Napa Valley Vintnersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (NVV) annual charity fundraiser. The weekend began with vintner-hosted Welcome Parties on Thursday evening and continued on Friday with the Napa Valley Barrel Auction at HALL St. Helena. Guests were warmly greeted with a glass of wine and the summertime sounds of the ragtime band as they entered the property. Some 2,000 guests sampled 120 coveted Napa Valley wines, directly from the barrel, while having a chance to spend time with the winemakers and vintners themselves. The Napa Valley Barrel Auction raised a record $1.9 million through the sale of these Napa Valley wine futures.

Just a few of the many wines being sampled during the barrel auction.

Inside the Auction Tent at Auction Napa Valley 2015.

CL OCKWIS E: PHOTO BY BOB MC CLENAH AN. P HOT O BY BOB MCC LENA HAN PHOTO BY JAS ON T INACCI. P HOT O BY JASON T IN ACCI

John Legend performs at the Live Auction of Auction Napa Valley 2015.

Philippe Melka celebrates having the highest priced barrel lot at Auction Napa Valley 2015.

Saturday’s Live Auction Celebration at Meadowood Napa Valley welcomed 850 guests, who enjoyed a wine country marketplace lunch composed by Chef Michael Chiarello, before gathering under the tent for the auction of 51 extraordinary lots of Napa Valley wines and special experiences. The Chair’s Lot, donated by Honorary Auction Chairs, the Opus One Team, included a 35-year vertical wine collection of Opus One magnums and a two-week tour and visits with celebrated winemaking families in Napa Valley and throughout Europe. The Chair’s lot raised $2.4 million, becoming the charity wine event’s top grossing lot of all time. Another memorable moment arrived when singer-songwriter John Legend performed his hit “All of Me” immediately prior to the sale of Live Auction Lot 31, a collaboration between Legend and Raymond Vineyards. The lot, which includes six etched bottles of Napa Valley wine and a dinner party for 30 graced by a private performance by Legend, sold for $850,000. As the Live Auction ended and guests strolled to a twilight dinner by renowned international Chef Pierre Gagnaire, Auction Napa Valley’s online E-Auction, which had opened on May 31, came to a close, netting a new record of $612,500. Auction Napa Valley funding enriches the lives of more than 90,000 clients annually in Napa County in the areas of community health and children’s education. The Next Auction Napa Valley takes place June 2-5, 2016.

CHIC CELEBRATIONS

NAPA VALLEY FESTIVAL DEL SOLE TURNS 10 G LITZ Y S URP RI SES ARE IN STOR E FO R T H E L A N D M A R K 10TH SE ASON O F FEST IVA L D E L S O L E BY AN G ELLA SPRAUVE

era and popular classics from the Great American Songbook. Guests will feast on a meal from Meadowood estate chef Alejandro Ayala, paired with wines from the vaults of Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines. The festivities will culminate with a high-energy live auction featuring a dozen exclusive luxury lots, for which proceeds will beneﬁt the festival’s free and low-cost concert opportunities for local residents and Napa County’s public school arts education initiatives. The second week holds a number of grand highlights including a once-in-alifetime Jazz concert at Castello di Amorosa on July 23. Legendary trumpeter and nine-time Grammy Award-winner Herb Alpert and his wife, Grammy Awardwinning singer Lani Hall, make their Festival del Sole debut in a night of sublime jazz, American Songbook favorites and Brazilian rhythms. The evening of Jazz will be followed by what is sure to be a spectacular patron dinner at Charlie Palmer’s newest restaurant, Harvest Table. Save your energy for closing weekend, which starts on July 25th with yoga in the vineyard at Solage Calistoga, followed by a Vintner Luncheon at Seven Stones Winery. The evening holds a fun festival twist when a celebrity cast will take the stage at Lincoln Theater during Festival Live: Pinot Noir UnScripted, a completely improvised play by Impro Theatre. Guests can expect a team of gifted actors to pay tribute to Noir’s tough-talking private eyes and femme fatales, incorporating improvisational jazz and song. Saying goodbye is never easy. The 10-day celebration culminates on July 26th with The Grand Finale performance by The Russian National Orchestra and superstar violinist Midori, who brings the season to a close with the beloved Mendelssohn Violin Concerto. For the grand ﬁnale, guests will gather under the stars for the closing Patron dinner at Odette Estate, prepared by Meadowood Napa Valley. Surrounded by 45 acres of beautiful vineyards, guests will bid farewell to Festival del Sole’s landmark 10th season.

PHOTOGRAPHER: SUSANA BATES FOR DREW ALTIZER 2014 PHOTOGRAPHY

FEW CELEBRATIONS IN THE WORLD CAN CAPTURE THE MAGIC that is Festival Del Sole. The ten-day celebration of the art of life, staged in iconic Napa Valley, blends the world’s finest classical, jazz, opera, theater and dance artists with curated culinary, wine and fitness pursuits. From July 17-26, Festival Del Sole will celebrate its landmark tenth season by honoring composer Gordon Getty, along with a lineup of glamorous surprises in store. This year’s festival will feature more than 60 cultural adventures for every interest. Among the many fabulous fêtes kicking off the first week is the Founders Dinner at Opus One on Thursday, July 16th, an exclusive event that honors the benefactors, patrons and many supporters whose vision and support launched Festival del Sole a decade ago. The evening of June 17th will bring opening night festivities at Castello di Amorosa, with hosted pre-concert receptions atop the castle tower and in the winery’s Great Hall. Guests are then invited into the courtyard for a concert starring soprano Deborah Voigt, who will perform a very personal collection of famous arias and American Songbook classics with pianist Brian Zeger. Opening weekend is highlighted with a series of festival “firsts,” starting with the first annual 5K & 10K Sun Run benefitting Napa County arts education programs. Then, food and wine lovers have a golden opportunity to enjoy a festival signature event, A Taste of Napa, which introduces a new culinary competition to complement tastings from 70 wineries, restaurants and food artisans. The evening’s concert will premiere new choral works by Gordon Getty, along with Beethoven’s monumental Ninth Symphony, culminating in the famous “Ode to Joy.” After a full Sunday of Vintners Lunches, opening weekend closes with one of the festival’s most glamorous celebrations, The Festival Gala at Meadowood Napa Valley. This year’s event, themed Hollywood + Vine, will be reminiscent of the glittering nightclub scene of Hollywood’s Golden Era, and will feature the star power of actor Kevin Spacey. The two-time Oscar Award winner will sing standards from the swing

Festival Del Sole Opening Night at Castello di Amorosa

Festival Del Sole Opening Night Concert at Castello di Amorosa Margrit Mondavi

Festival Del Sole Opening Night Concert at Castello di Amorosa: Darioush Khaledi, Shahpar Khaledi, Maria Manetti Shrem, Margrit Mondavi, Michelle Baggett, Daniel Brewbaker, Robin Baggett

Festival Del Sole Opening Night Performane at Castello di Amorosa

PHOTOGRAPHER: SUSANA BATES FOR DREW ALTIZER 2014 PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHER: DREW ALTIZER

Patron Dinner at Alpha Omega: Natalia Buichkova

Patron Dinner at Alpha Omega: Martha Bredon, Gordon Getty, Job Maarse, Christina Gembaczka, Daniel Brewbaker

Bella Italia! Tribute to Sophia Loren at Far Niente

PHOTOGRAPHER: DREW ALTIZER

Bella Italia! Tribute to Sophia Loren at Far Niente: Sophia Loren, Edoardo Ponti

Closing Night Dinner at Chimney Rock

Annual Festival Gala at Meadowood

Sunset over Opus One

Patron Dinner at Alpha Omega

PHOTOGRAPHER: PAUL E. RICHARDSON

Annual Festival Gala at Meadowood

ENTICING EATS MIAMI

COYA

MAKES ITS AMERICAN DEBUT B Y O L EE F O WL ER

KNOWN AS A GLOBAL HOTSPOT  WITH POPULAR LOCATIONS IN LONDON AND DUBAI — tHE AWARDWINNING LATIN AMERICAN concept Coya has ﬁnally opened its doors in the U.S. right in the heart of Miami in early 2015. The ﬂagship location in London has already become a mainstay in the city’s culinary and lifestyle scenes for the past two years and recently received the coveted London Lifestyle Award for Restaurant of the Year 2014. Coya Miami is the third opening, as the brand unveiled its second global installment in Dubai in early December.

AMBIANCE Coya’s expansive space evokes the rustic eccentricity of the Incan golden age with metallic accents and earthy decor. The restaurant highlights the lively, bright culture of Peru through a series of elaborate murals done by native artists and an ornate collection of antiques collected throughout the region. For those looking for a more private ambiance, Coya is also equipped with a Members’ Only Lounge whose association allows access to sister locations in London and Dubai. The intimate space hosts a range of events and entertainment every night of the week, including live music performances, art exhibitions and signature events. DRINKS Coya boasts a dedicated Pisco Bar which oﬀers twenty varieties of infused piscos, made in-house using a range of fruits, spices and herbs like blackcurrant, aji panca chili and cinnamon orange. In addition, guests can sip on Coya’s seasonally changing cocktail list, which continues to explore pisco as well as spirits like tequila, mezcal and rum. FOOD Inspired by the colors and ﬂavors of the Incan Empire, Coya’s food program marries ingredients native to Peru with modern, fresh approaches. Equipped with a

dedicated ceviche bar and charcoal grill, Coya serves traditional dishes with an elevated twist like the Tiradito de Hiramasa, a ceviche of kingfish, dashi, truffle oil, and chives; Solomillo de Res, a spicy beef filet with spring onions, aji rocoto and star anise; and sprouting purple Brócoli with chili & garlic butter and sesame seeds. Sprinkled on the dessert menu are a few boozy items like the Parfait de Arabica served with Kiwicha, caramelized bananas and Zacapa YO Rum and the Caramelo con Chocolate y Frambuesa Sorbete, a salted caramel ganache topped with raspberry sorbet and pisco. Coya is designed to take guests on a culinary adventure exploring the multi-dimensional flavors of Peru. From the food and drinks to the décor, Coya invites guests to join in its celebration of an ancient, vibrant culture and cuisine.

THE ART OF THE GETAWAY Welcome to the new Caribbean.

$%8 '+$%, ã $1*8,//$ ã %(9(5/< +,//6 ã %2'580 ã '8%$, ã ,67$1%8/ ã 0$/',9(6 ã 0,$0, ã 1(: <25. 3$/0 635,1*6 ã 5,9,(5$ 0$<$ ã 6$17$ 021,&$ ã 612:0$66 ã 67 /8&,$ ã =,+8$7$1(-2 RESORT RESERVATIONS 800 578 0283 INTERNATIONAL 264 497 7000 OR CALL YOUR TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL OWN A RESORT RESIDENCE 800 357 1930 INTERNATIONAL 264 497 0757 viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/anguilla facebook.com/viceroyanguilla twitter.com/viceroyai This is not an offering in any state where prohibited by law, including, but not limited to New York and New Jersey. WARNING: THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF REAL ESTATE HAS NOT EXAMINED THIS OFFERING, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE CONDITION OF TITLE, THE STATUS OF BLANKET LIENS ON THE PROJECT (IF ANY), ARRANGEMENTS TO ASSURE PROJECT COMPLETION, ESCROW PRACTICES, CONTROL OVER PROJECT MANAGEMENT, RACIALLY DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICES (IF ANY), TERMS, CONDITIONS, AND PRICE OF THE OFFER, CONTROL OVER ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS (IF ANY), OR THE AVAILABILITY OF WATER, SERVICES, UTILITIES, OR IMPROVEMENTS. IT MAY BE ADVISABLE FOR YOU TO CONSULT AN ATTORNEY OR OTHER KNOWLEDGEABLE PROFESSIONAL WHO IS FAMILIAR WITH REAL ESTATE AND DEVELOPMENT LAW IN THE COUNTRY WHERE THIS SUBDIVISION IS SITUATED.

CHIC EATS CITY PICKS NEW YORK

Restaurants

Chic Top Billionaire

to visit this summer NEW YORK

BRUSHSTROKE 30 HUDSON ST NEW YORK, NY 10013

wood. It evokes the serenity of a dojo along with some of the buzzy excitement of one of those clothing stores that displays very little clothing.

BOOK A RESERVATION HOTLINE: (212) 791-377

AMBIANCE: The elegant space is decorated in steel and

stone and what might be miles of reclaimed honeyed

BOULEY 163 DUANE STREET

MIND BLOWING DISHES: Scallop-and-lobster dumpling in cherrystone-scented soup; Grilled duck salad with eggplant and a miso-mustard dressing; Tender wagyu

paintings, tapered candles, crushed velour and stonework add up to sappy, thrilling romanticism.

NEW YORK, NY 10013 BOOK A RESERVATION HOTLINE: (212) 964-2525

AMBIANCE: Vaulted gold ceilings, Impressionist-style

MIND BLOWING DISHES: Egg with ham and white trufﬂe; Oyster with scallop; Cod; Chicken with almond purée; Duckling with turnips; Coconut soup.

steak with a garlic-sansho pepper sauce. LUX DESSERTS: Roasted Green Tea Pudding; Soy Sauce Gelato & Pecan. CHIC COCKTAILS: The Hommage; Raspberry Black

Manhattan; Sake.

LUX DESSERTS: Caramelized pear with chocolate; Chocolate frivolous; Meringue snowball with pomegranate and white chocolate. CHIC COCKTAILS: The Danube, Raspberry Black

Manhattan; French wines.

Top 5

Winery’s TO VISIT IN 2015

B Y CHI C ME TR OP OLITA N DOMAINE CHANDON Chandon is one of the few Napa Valley wineries permitted to have a restaurant, the excellent Étoile. For the tasting lounge, chef Perry Hoﬀman created dishes to go with Chandon sparkling wines. chandon.com Phone: 888-242-6366 1 California Drive Yountville, CA 94599

BLACK STALLION WINERY Visitors can assess leaf shape and cluster size and otherwise analyze 17 grape varieties in the demonstration vineyard here. Try the Syrah and Cabernet with ﬂatbreads in the tasting room ($20). blackstallionwinery.com 643 N La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood, CA Contact 310-652-2012 • www.greystonemanoria.com

BEAULIEU VINEYARD One of the oldest producers in the valley, BV offers tours of the original winery building, which dates back to 1885. These are followed by barrel samples of Cabernet and a stop in the new Heritage Room, which chronicles the history of wine in Napa. bvwines.com 1960 St. Helena Highway Rutherford, CA 94573 Visiting and Events 1-800-264-6918 x-5233

CADE ESTATE The views of the valley ﬂoor are glorious from this super-sustainable, LEED Gold–certiﬁed winery, located on Howell Mountain. Guests can taste Cade’s superb Sauvignon Blanc in its chic outdoor living room. cadewinery.com 360 Howell Mountain Road S Angwin, CA 94508 T. 707.965.2746

BUEHLER VINEYARDS The nicely understated Cabs at this family-owned vineyard are some of the valley’s best values. Plus, private tours and tastings are hosted by the Buehler family. buehlervineyards.com Appointment only, Please call us at 707.963.2155 Burns

HEITZ WINE CELLARS

Classically Inspired, Artfully expressed.

webstercellars.com PO Box 812 St. Helena, CA 94574

makers of the Exotic Rosé™

Our Winemaker

Applying her expert scientific skills to the world of wine making, Viaggio’s winemaker, Teri Lawrence, crafts single vineyard wines that showcase the true flavors of the varietals. Since their inaugural release, Viaggio wines have earned awards and critical acclaim. In the world of science, Lawrence’s speciality is human pathogens, and she applies the same methodical principles to wine making; namely, what will hurt the wine and what will help the wine. In finding the answers, Teri’s background and experience has allowed her to completely understand the winemaking process. For technical assistance, Viaggio brought in winemaker Heather Pyle-Lucas, whose expertise brought legitimacy to Teri’s skills, a feat that would have taken years to achieve on her own. Lawrence strongly believes that it in order to produce excellent wine, one must start with excellent fruit. Then, let the wine become what it needs to be, as each wine evolves a bit differently. “Once I began producing single vineyard wines, I realized how much fun and how unique it is to taste and to know exactly where the fruit started. It makes the tasting experience that much more personalized and interesting.” -Teri Lawrence

Elevate yourExperience OF Vineyards OAK FARM

Lodiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Destination Winery

23627 north devries rd. lodi, ca 95242 209.365.6565 oakfarmvineyards.com tasting room hours: thursday - sunday 11am-5pm or by appointment

History, Opulence and Elegance converge at The Villa by Barton G.

HOME TO THE ACCLAIMED RESTAURANT CAST AND THE SCENE-MAKING CAMEO BAR

Luxury Boutique Hotel Premier Event Venue – Epicurean Dining FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE VERSACE MANSION 10 PALATIAL SUITES (INCLUDING VERSACE’S FORMER BEDROOM) EACH WITH UNIQUE INTERIORS ACCESS TO PRIVATE LOUNGES, ROOFTOP, AND OBSERVATORY 54-FOOT, 24-KARAT GOLD LINED THOUSAND MOSAIC POOL INTIMATE DINING IN MEDITERRANEAN-FOCUSED RESTAURANT PRIVATE EVENT SPACE FOR PARTIES, WEDDINGS AND CORPORATE EVENTS STEPS FROM SOUTH BEACH, HIGH-END SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT

thevillabybartong.com

CHIC LUXE TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE

OUR CHIC TRAVEL EDITORS HAND PICK THE TOP CHIC DESTINATIONS FOR YOU TO VISIT. CONTACT US TODAY TO LIST A HOTEL OR VACATION IN THE NEXT ISSUE. SALES@CHICMETROPOLITAN.COM

TRAVEL

HOW DO YOU SPEND OVER $30,000 A DAY?

Singapore

Head” to Singapore, the new Monte Carlo. Smoky temples merge into modern skyscrapers, hawker food stalls & fashion malls woven with underground passages & tunnels. You never have to stop shopping. Boasting the largest Louis Vuitton Store in the world (take their private boat.) Want a steamy nightlife? You just found it. Singapore fused with more millionaires per capita.

STAY

The 5 star Marina Bay Sands Hotel redefines luxury. The second most expensive building in the world build at a cost of 5.5 billion! Gaze over Singapore from your 6000 sq. ft. Chairman Suite w/2 living rooms, 4 bedrooms, a private exercise & media game room. Debut your Gucci bikini at their 2.5-acre rooftop infinity pool (the world’s largest.) Spanning three 55 story hotel towers on the 57th floor, it is an architectural marvel. Want to swim there? Need to stay there. Only $17,000 a night

DINE

Restaurant Andre, voted the 5th best restaurant in Singapore, # 37 in the world! That alone is worth the plane ride! Serving a multi-course feast in a private terraced house in Chinatown, an exploratory journey in the mind of the chef. Taiwanese born, French trained - only 30 seats, book now!

PLAY

What is decked out in crocodile, ostrich & zebra? Pangaea, the most exclusive & highest money making club in the world! Located in the Crystal Pavilion at the Marina Bay Sands (obviously you never need to leave.) 20,000 individual colored bulbs descending from the ceiling creates its sexy vibe! Mingle with Kate, Paul & Cindy (Moss, McCartney & Crawford) Tableside service minimum - a mere $1,500 to $15,000. If that isn’t enough to impress, order their signature $26,000 drink – diamond included.

STYLE

Where else can you wear 7inch stilettos? High style meets sky-high prices. Get on track with the Formula 1 Grand Prix Sept.18 -20 featuring Pharrell Williams & Maroon 5. Don’t want to leave? Buy a house on ultra-exclusive Paterson Hill only $60,000 per square metre. Or just look stylish in The Graﬀ Diamonds’ Hallucination Watch with a cost of $ 55 million. No you are not hallucinating!

TRAVEL

HOW DO YOU SPEND OVER $30,000 A DAY?

Cannes Voulez-Vous Jouez?

Want to be seduced? Head to Cannes the hedonistic adult playground for the rich and famous. Ocean views, string bikinis, and the ultimate people watching will make you feel like a rock star! What else do you need?

STAY

Be a movie mogul. Reserve the Presidential Suite at the Hotel Martinez. For a mere $18,812, this 5 star suite oﬀers the perfect view from your private 2000 sq. ft. rooftop terrace. Head to Zplage, the hotel’s private beach on Boulevard de la Croisette, then dine at the only 2-star Michelin Restaurant in Cannes, La Palme d’ Or. Do you need anymore?

DINE

What would you do if marooned on a desert island? Drink champagne of course! Head to Restaurant La Tonelle located on the private island of Saint Honorat 15 minutes from Cannes. Board a private boat, dine under olive tree trellises, as you taste Abbey of Lerins locally produced wines. Can you think of a better place to have lunch? Being marooned should only feel this good!

PLAY

Where do you party with the French Elite? Le Bâoli. It’s the most lavish nightclub in Cannes - if you can get past the pistol-packing bodyguards. Located in the Golden Square of Cannes. Sit amidst the chic crowd of yacht hopping billionaires. If you’re counting euros, you’re in the wrong place.

STYLE

Cannes Fashion Festival (May 20-22) Where do you find film stars and glamorous fashionistas? The Cannes Fashion Festival, a fashion event taking place across from the Cannes Film Festival’s red carpet! Global designers, global runways and emerging designers will attract your favorite film stars. Pull out 5 -inch heels, a glittery fitted dress and head to stunning runway shows, glamorous parties, designer competitions with backstage interviews and Global Fashion Awards. Celebrate emerging fashion in the South of France. Then jump on a yacht and party on!

TRAVEL

HOW DO YOU SPEND OVER $30,000 A DAY?

Milan

BY CHIC METROPOLITAN CHIC DESTINATIONS EDITOR BARBARA WINCHELL AND SANDY MANDEL

Milan - head to the fashion powerhouse of Europe! All about fashion, followed by the # 2 industry - banking. Those medieval narrow streets you dream about in Italy? Not Milan! The Roman ruins – not Milan. Milan is all about looking good and playing hard!

STAY

Boscolo Exedra Milano: This 5 star Art Deco hotel perfect location with high proﬁles clientele. You’re in the vortex of the best shopping street in the world, Via Montenapoleone. Roll from bed into Prada! Sip cocktails from their rooftop terrace, gaze at the awe-inspiring Duomo. Do not miss their “space age” spa, the largest in Milan. Technicolor sphere-like bubbles adorn the ceiling creating an optical illusion (or is it all the champagne you drank?) Open till midnight – a perfect place for that late night rendezvous!

DINE

Eda - Be a savvy-insider dining at this industrial warehouse in a palazzo courtyard. Feel like a model on a catwalk as you strut through the sexy dark interior. An eclectic interior with stuﬀed animals, plaid sofas and a circular bar, recline on one of three long steps to dine. Beautiful young wait staﬀ. Live DJ on weekends. Dress the part!

PLAY

Relaxation and glamour come together in the fashionable Dolce Gabbana Bar Martini next door to the boutique. What’s better than shopping and drinking? Perhaps alternating the 2. Dolce & Gabbana now takes their passion for luxury to the nightlife game. After a few cocktails the outﬁt you have on hold just became reasonable.

STYLE

Sept 17-23 Milan Fashion Week for Women –Spring/ Summer fashion with the top Italian designers and emerging talent. Want to look hot in Milan? Killer shoes = killer guys. Giannico - Italy’s 19 year-old designer highlights shoe style with ultra creative ﬂair. Lace up boots, velvet shoes, furry shoes & embossed looks… all add sex appeal. Want to meet Italian men? Start with fabulous footwear and let them work their way to the top.

CHIC 1ST CLASS AIRLINES TOP PICKS

Thinking you Of

Airlines redeﬁning the traveling experience BY EMI LLI O MESA

Five stars, all the way

EMIRATES: continues to be in a class all by itself. The luxurious Dubaibased airline offers personal suites with your very own mini-bar, but the thing that really sets it apart is a shower. Yes, you can shower at 43,000 feet, if you’re in first class and if you’re flying a jumbo A380. It must be reserved in advance and comes with a “shower assistant,” who will prepare the Shower Spa prior to each appointment. Tiptop Technology-with 1,200 channels of on-demand entertainment, including 200 movies, 500 audio channels and 100 video games, you are covered for in-flight entertainment. The highly-praised system has recently been upgraded with a new “graphical user interface,” making it easier to navigate the vast collection by swiping and scrolling, as well as send SMS and e-mail messages. For more info. travel to: www. emirates.com/us/english

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a family affair

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face it, traveling with children on long flights can be a nightmare, at best. Thankfully, more and more airlines are providing child-friendly perks designed to keep kids -and those seated around them â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from wanting to eject from the planet. LUFTHANSA- provides baby food and special menus for children developed by German Chef Stefan Marquard, with delectable and healthy meals like fish fingers with potato and cabbage puree, as well as games, puzzles and coloring books that feature the antics of airline crane mascot, Lu. For more info. travel to: www.lufthansa.com/us/en

GULF AIR-has professionally trained nannies aboard, who ensure the children are fed and kept busy, so the parents and other passengers can relax during the flight. For more info. travel to: www.gulfair.com/English

CHIC 1ST CLASS AIRLINES TOP PICKS

“The key is to set realistic customer expectations, and then not to just meet them, but to exceed them-preferably in unexpected and helpful ways.”—SIR RICHARD BRANSON, FOUNDER OF VIRGIN GROUP

ASIANA AIRLINES: offers the “Happy Mom Service” at several airports that include: a separate check-in line, and a full line baby products (from blankets to seats). Due to the popularity of the service, they introduced a “Pre-Mom” service that invites expectant moms into the separate check-in line but whisks them to the departure gate on an electric cart for early boarding. Once on-board, they get sleeping socks and front row seating that makes it easy to reach the lavatories. For more info. travel to: www.flyasiana.com

Luxury for all

PORTER: forget the “services only for VIP passengers,” the Canadian airline welcomes all its passengers to experience their lounges in Toronto and Ottawa, where free cookies, Starbucks coffee, Tazo tea, Wi-Fi and newspapers are offered. Onboard, Canadian craft brews and wine are served gratis, in real glasses. Another bonus: no middle seats . For more info. travel to: www.flyporter.com

Pampered all the way

VIRGIN ATLANTIC: has elevated their Heathrow “clubhouse” concept even more . This first class passenger play area provides complimentary haircuts from Bumble and bumble, plus numerous free spa treatments, food, and a spectacular cocktail bar.) Arrive and depart your airport in a chauffeur-driven car. Don’t like the idea of hanging out at the airport? No problem, says the Virgin website: “You can arrive as late as 40 minutes before departure and go straight through our Private Security Channel to the boarding gate.” For more info. travel to: www.virgin-atlantic.com

JEWELRY/WATCH SECTION DIAMONDS ARE A GIRLS BEST FRIEND! LUXURY WATCHES ARE A GUYS BEST FRIEND! YOU CAN FIND IT ALL IN THIS AMAZING SECTION. SPONSORED BY MORAYS JEWELERS

CHIC TIME

The History of Time,

Evolution Style Of

Richard Mille’s limited-edition luxury timepieces are uncompromising, expressive and scientiﬁc BY B Y KATIE P E GLE R

nificance with sky-high prices upon request, Richard Mille’s two new limited editions are truly works of art. Like all rare and awe-inspiring finds, the RM 1902 Tourbillon Fleur and RM 022 Tourbillon Aerodyne Dual Time Black Carbon are nearly impossible to possess. Just 30 of the RM 19-02 Tourbillon Fleur watches and 10 of the RM 022 Tourbillon Aerodyne Dual Time Black Carbon watches are available worldwide.

JUST HOW MUCH WOULD YOU PAY TO TELL TIME? AND WHAT if that time-telling object was also literally a limited-edition work of art blended with cutting-edge technology? While we now live in a world of digital everything, the necessity for analogue watches has fallen to the wayside and been pushed aside by all-in-one smartphones. Yet the allure and intrigue of luxury timepieces still remains — some would say the finest in the world are even priceless. Watches are a means of communication and information that should not just tell time but also be artistic, expertly crafted, ergonomic and expressive. Every piece should connect emotionally to the individual wearing it and bring a sense of pleasure, confidence and pride. In the world of luxury watches, they should also be uncompromising, expressive and scientific. The upper echelons of timepieces offer art-meets-technology sensibilities with finesse rather than existing as mere timekeeping accessories. Enter two of Richard Mille’s masterful designs that transcend traditional time tracking with visual and scientific innovation. Defined by horology — the science of measuring time — and encompassing artistic flare, they reflect both a nod to the past and what’s to come with the science of tomorrow. Part utilitarian accessories, part conversation pieces and rich in cultural sig-

TIME TRAVELING BACKWARDS Since Antiquity, scientists, philosophers and adventurers have been tracking the concept of time — whether through sundials or celestial maps. By the Age of Reason, aspirations of capturing time using mechanical means began — all inspired by the inner workings of the universe. Fast-forward to the Swiss watchmaking era circa 1574 when Frenchman Thomas Bayard became the first orologier in Geneva, soon also began the ageold Swiss tradition of creating mimetic mechanical objects of art that imitate nature. Exquisite miniature animal, insect and flower automata were created in precious metals and lacquer work to amuse and delight royal patrons in Europe and beyond. Suddenly, it wasn’t just time tracking that mattered, it was also incorporating artistic natural qualities into daily life.

THE RM 022 TOURBILLON AERODYNE DUAL TIME ZONE BLACK CARBON

THE RM 19-02 TOURBILLON FLEUR

THE RM 19-02 TOURBILLON FLEUR The RM 19-02 Tourbillon Fleur pays homage to horological artistry and pairs it with the designer’s vision of timekeeping in the 21st century. As aesthetically pleasing as it is functional, the women’s RM 19-02 signifies unwavering persistence and beauty with a foundation in philosophy and royal delight. For the RM 19-02, the design centers on the magnolia. With its delicate appearance in contrast to its distinct organic structure, the flower is resilient in difficult environments. In fact, the magnolia bloomed in endless cycles even before the emergence of bees. A flying tourbillon escapement with five delicate, hand-created colored petals surrounds the magnolia at the lower left of the dial on the RM 19-02. Working either in passing or on demand using the pusher at 9 o’clock, the magnolia opens and closes with rhythmic regularity in a delicate kinetic ballet. However, the magnolia does not just open, the entire flying tourbillon actually moves upwards 1 millimeter when fully opened — copying the natural motion of the flower’s arching upwards of its stamen to increase its chances of pollination. Talk about watchmaking artistry on every level. For those interested in the technical mastery behind this distinct grade 5 titanium tourbillon caliber masterpiece, an in-store demonstration is a must. THE RM 022 TOURBILLON AERODYNE DUAL TIME ZONE BLACK CARBON For the men, savor the RM 022 Tourbillon Aerodyne Dual Time Black Carbon. Richard Mille built upon his masterpiece launched in 2010, the RM 022 Tourbillon Aerodyne Dual Time, where he seamlessly synthesized manufacture d’horlogerie and the aerospace industry. Borrowing the honeycomb-patterned orthorhombic titanium aluminide alloy originally developed for the wings of supersonic aircraft, the RM 022 used its design for inspiration to add strength and torsional resistance to the tourbillon. The shape of its baseplate is inspired by the aerodynamic architecture of an aircraft’s wing —V-shaped with wing tips higher than the body of the plane — and the light and airy layout of the movement, balancing on four arms. The new RM 022 Tourbillon Aerodyne Dual Time Black Carbon timepiece features a tripartite case crafted from NTPT® carbon. Already used in aerospace technology, manufacturing racing sails and Formula 1 design, NTPT carbon is incredibly strong and light, and composed of multiple layers of parallel filaments obtained by dividing carbon fibers. These thin layers are impregnated with resin and then woven on a special machine that modifies the direction of the weft. Not only does this make each case exceptionally rigid in every direction, it also means that on a visual level every timepiece is totally unique. Again, to fully experience the unparalleled genius of this watch, and in-store demonstration is in order. These limited editions timepieces are selectively available at Richard Mille boutiques in Beverly Hills, Las Vegas and Bal Harbour Shops. Get more Richard Mille intel: www.richardmille.com

INTERVIEW

Beau Hequin BY I LO NA T H O M P SO N

CEO OF MORAYS JEWELERS You are a seventh generation jeweler. Have you considered any other profession or was it always about continuing the legacy? I grew up coming to work with my parents after work, during holidays, and every summer. They always took me to trade shows growing up, and I have always felt that keeping the tradition of being jewelers in the family was important for me. I never had any doubt in my mind that this is what I wanted to do. To make my family proud in continuing the Morays Legacy. You grew up in Miami. Tell me about your sense of community and how it impacts your business decisions. Morays has been a staple for jewelry and watches in the Miami community. We have been in downtown for over 70 years. We depend on the community to keep the business going, and in return we try to cater to our customers and offer them the luxury shopping experience that they deserve. We try and invest in our community as much as possible whether that be through our charitable efforts with foundations such as the Sylvester Cancer Center, Miami Heat Family Fund, Doctor’s Hospital, or the United Way. We are always looking for new opportunities to reinvest in the community that has supported us through the life of our business. What is your favorite childhood memory? My favorite childhood memory was going to SIHH as a child with my parents. This was an eye opening experience for me, and cemented my commitment in wanting to take part in the family business. After the show we went to the nearby city of Lugano for a family vacation, and this was one of the happiest memories of my life. Who was your strongest influence, leading mentor? I would have to say without a question that my Mom was the strongest influence in my life as well as my mentor. She always taught me to do right by people and to make sure that whatever I did I was doing for the right reasons. She was there for me when I needed it most not matter what it was. She pushed me when I need to be pushed and was

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day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible. -T.E. Lawrence What inspires you? What is your biggest motivation? I am inspired by trying to make my parents proud. This has always been my motivation. My parents always worked so hard to build up the business and provide the best for me and my sister. My motivation is to make them proud by taking what they have done and building on it for the next generation to hopefully keep the Morays tradition going strong. What is your most prized possession? My most prized possession is the 1950’s Patek Philippe pocket watch that my Grandfather gave me as a birthday gift. What song or lyric best sums you up? I will default to a lyric that Tag Heuer CEO, Jean Claude Bivert, has been using lately to describe his passion for what he does for the watch industry. I believe it is true in everything you do, no matter what industry you work in or what achievement you are working towards: “All you need is love, Love is all you need.” – The Beatles Which one of the five senses is your strongest? TASTE! I LOVE FOOD! What are your hopes and dreams? My hope and dreams are to take Morays to a new location and build the store back into one of the leading independent jewelers in the world. I want to leave my mark on the industry and garner the respect that my Grandparents and parents before me earned from their peers.

a shoulder to lean on when I had no one else to go to for advice. Unfortunately, she passed away in November of last year due to Breast Cancer, and this has become a cause that I have tried my best to support in as many ways as possible. What is your proudest achievement? My proudest achievement was bringing the manufacture Breguet back as an authorized retailer to Morays Jewelers. I was able to get the meeting with them in Basel World and convince them that Morays was worth being partners with again. I did this on my own, and I consider being able to have such a prestigious brand in the store an honor and a privilege that not many retailers are able to share. What was your most challenging moment? My most challenging moment was when my Mom passed away shortly after my parents got divorced. At the age of 26 I had a lot of responsibility thrown at me at once at an age when I don’t think many other people would have been able to keep things going personally and professionally. Striving to build on what my parents had accomplished in the business I had to deal with a lot of personal emotions at the same time. I had a very fast learning curve to deal with. Sometimes it felt like I was walking around with a 100 pounds on my back. What is your favorite word or saying? All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to ﬁnd that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the

What does the concept of “luxury” mean to you? For me “luxury” and “comfort” are synonymous. It means having things or experiences that bring us comfort, whether that be breakfast in bed from your loved one or the finest handcrafted timepiece. The luxury experience is not something you can always buy, but is something that brings you to a pinnacle of appreciation and comfort. What does the concept of “customer service” mean to you? Customer service means going above and beyond our clients’ needs when it comes to purchasing. My staff are more than just clerks. They get to know our customers and some of them we consider family. We know all their birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. We have customers who have been shopping with us for generations, and that is because we are able to offer more of a family connection than a simple shopping experience. How do you ensure a top-notch consumer experience? My staff is my family. They have all been in the industry for over 20 years and they know the difference between clerking and providing a true customer experience. My staff treat their customers like real people. They care about them, and I don’t need to micromanage them to know that this is happening. It is not uncommon for me to get hand written notes from time to time to tell me how much customers enjoyed working with my staff. I have customers come in who will wait 30-45 minutes, sometimes even an hour to make sure that they are taken care of by “THEIR” sales person.

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What is the single most important thing you want people to know about your store? Everybody is welcomed and will be taken care of the same way whether they are just browsing for future purchases or are looking to purchase something that nobody else has. We treat people as people, from children looking to buy something for their parents, to young professionals who are shopping on a budget to celebrate an occasion or a loved one, to the ultra-wealthy looking for an art or investment piece. What is your competitive advantage over other businesses similar to yours? We are always whiling to work with our customers, whether that be taking something in trade towards a new purchase, driving across town to pick up repairs or drop off gifts, or scouring the globe for the rarest diamonds, gemstones, or watches. We will go the extra mile to make sure our customers are happy, satisfied, and find exactly what they are looking for with the peace of mind that our honest and open approach gives them confidence in their experience with Morays. Discretion, having families as customers, Many of our customers are politicians, celebrities, athletes, and well known oligarchic families; however, we never let anyone know their names because we respect their privacy and we are known for our discretion. It doesn’t matter who the customer is, we just care that they leave happy with their experience. What, if any, value added your European background and annual trips to Europe provide? I’m a third generation American on both sides of my family, so as far as my European background it is something that I am proud of and appreciate, but it is the hard working self-made mentality engrained in me that adds the most value

to me as a business man. My trips to Europe for Basel World and SIHH, amongst other vacations, have given me a worldwide perspective on how the watch and jewelry industry work. I have made customers and business partners everywhere from U.K. to Germany, to Switzerland, to Russia, to the Far East in China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Thailand. What are some of the unique features of your business? There are not many businesses that can lay claim to being run by the same family for seven generations. It is both an honor and a challenge in keeping a business in the same hands for this long. In achieving this it was through a real passion for the family business and being able to supply top notch service and unique and beautiful merchandise. We have some of the highest quality watches and jewelry that you will find not just in Miami, but in the world. We try and consult our customers on buying for investment whether that be an engagement rings, a graduation watch, or one of a kind jewelry or timepiece. What are your short and long term goals for your business? In the short term I am currently working very hard at bringing Morays to a more luxurious, comfortable, and convenient location on Miracle Mile. In the long term my hopes is to represent all the major watch brands that manufacture the finest watches in the world. What is your favorite comment made about your company and by whom? The best comment I can hear is when a customer pulls me aside to tell me how well they were taken care of by my staff. Customer service is important to me and hearing that we were able to provide a next level of care to our clients puts a smile on my face every single time. It means to me that we are doing what we do best.

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EXACTLY HOW BADLY DO YOU WANT TO BUY A YACHT? Fine Diamonds & Exquisite Jewelry Since 1984 With over 25 years of experience in the industry, we love sharing our passion for diamonds and take pride in our personable customer service. Call us - 866. Yadegar â&#x20AC;˘ Like us - https://www.facebook.com/yadegardiamonds

CHIC JEWELER

Yadegar SAN FRANCISCO

Early in his career he learned a valuable lesson to spoil his customers, as they are the most valuable asset of his business. Located in the heart of San Francisco, Yadegardiamonds has been committed to providing its customers with a wide selection of certiﬁed loose diamonds, ﬁnished jewelry, custom jewelry options and unparalleled customer service. 415.626.5035

http://www.yadegardiamonds.com

Morays MIAMI

For Seven Generations, Morays has been the preferred ﬁne jeweler and purveyor of collection-worthy timepieces for the reﬁned Miami Gentleman and Lady. From Austria at the turn of the nineteenth century to modern Miami, Max Schechter’s descendants and their family of long-serving employees offer all the services today’s customer might require of their trusted jeweler, from gemstone choices and custom design, to sizing, and cleaning all the while educating our

Ofﬁcially Approved by

patrons about the ﬁner points of jewelry. Many of their customers they help today are descendants of those who ﬁrst came to Morays all those years ago. 305) 374-0739

http://www.moraysjewelers.com

PRICE UPON REQUEST

THE NEW GENERATION

Wishing on stars for a handful of diamonds…and emeralds BY K AT I E P EG L E R

• PH OTO GRAPH Y PROVIDED BY MO RAYS

Brilliant emeralds shine brightly amidst beautifully crafted loops of lustrous diamonds, set in an 18 carat white diamond necklace. A truly regal design that is the very deﬁnition of classic beauty. Price upon request: (305) 374-0739

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“Diamond buying can be overwhelming. Educating yourself through literature or speaking with a certiﬁed gemologist can make purchasing a more fun and enjoyable experience, rather than something scary.”

Designed for bold simplicity yet regal elegance, our white gold diamond ring is a statement of individuality. A stunning 3.9 carat emerald shines amongst 106 diamonds in a truly glamorous setting. Price upon request: (305) 374-0739

hat happens when a descendant of jewelers with a legacy that began in Austria takes over the family business in Miami, Florida? Pure magic. “I am the seventh generation in my family to run the store,” says Beau Hequin, CEO of Morays Jewelers. “It was always a goal of mine to keep the tradition within the family of being a jeweler and expanding on the success that my parents had built for Morays.” While Morays offers some of the most luxurious, rare and sought-after items available for purchase, this scion of jewelers offers an approach and atmosphere that is warm, welcoming and inviting — like a family environment. All of his staff have been with Morays for at least five years and have a minimum of 20 years in the industry. With a family tradition of priding themselves on customer service, buying jewelry and family heirlooms with diamonds, gemstones, minerals and stones from this family is a very special process. WHAT’S HOT RIGHT NOW IS COLOR “There is a strong trend of color right now as opposed to only diamond pieces, whether that be the use of rubies, sapphires or emeralds that also includes semiprecious stones like amethyst, aquamarine, peridot and citron,” Hequin says. “We have even seen some clients opting to use colored stones in place of diamonds for their engagement and wedding bands.”

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A striking combination of the eye-catching beauty of emeralds with the classic elegance of diamonds, Moray’s Platinum Emerald Diamond Flower Earrings feature over six carats of diamonds complementing over seven carats of Emeralds. Price upon request: (305) 374-0739

CHIC JEWELRY

HOW TO BUY FAMILY HEIRLOOMS “Consider the quality of what you are buying. You can get something that looks heirloom quality but doesn’t have the value you may think,” Hequin says. “Trust the people you buy from in order to make an informed decision. You don’t want to pass something down for generations only to have the recipient ﬁnd that they didn’t inherit what you thought you had originally purchased.”

BVLGARI Serpenti Timepiece: Quartz movement. 26 mm 18-ct white gold curved case set with brilliant-cut diamonds. White mother-of-pearl dial set with diamond indexes. Single-spiral 18-ct white gold bracelet set with brilliant-cut diamonds.Price upon request: (305) 743-0739

THE MAGIC OF DIAMONDS AND EMERALDS If you’re investing in a major legacy piece, Hequin suggests doing a little research first. “Diamond buying can be overwhelming and educating yourself through literature or speaking with a certified gemologist can make purchasing a more fun enjoyable experience rather than something scary,” he says. Emeralds, however, can be a little trickier. “While it is possible to treat diamonds without someone knowing, a GIA certificate should put fears to rest,” Hequin says. “Treatments are a very common practice within the emerald trade. Know your sources. When it comes to colored stones there are a lot of different factors that contribute to price such as the country of origin and the color that it has on the certificate,” Hequin says. “If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” Hequin’s best advice when looking at emeralds would be: “If there are no inclusions it is probably a synthetic or not an emerald. Emeralds are one of the most naturally included stones. Trust the person you are buying from.”

BVLGARI Serpenti Bracelet: Serpenti 18kt white gold bracelet with full pavé diamonds. Price upon request: (305) 743-0739

THE SYMBOLISM OF DIAMONDS “Diamonds are an emotional stone,” Hequin says. “They represent a monument in someone’s life. While men like to celebrate with watches, women like their diamonds. Studs, necklaces, and of course their engagement rings. Diamonds are always a fun sale, as it’s often a reason for celebrating.” THE SYMBOLISM OF EMERALDS “Emeralds are a very emotional stone for me. My Mother who passed away from breast cancer last year always had an aﬃnity for the stone. She would wear them whenever she had the chance, and when I see a high quality emerald I can’t help but to think of her.” After all, the best designs are the ones that mean something. moraysjewelers.com

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Morays Platinum Diamond Chandelier Earings Price upon request: (305) 374-0739

A Morays signature piece, this white gold imperial bracelet has a stunning 13 carats of beguiling diamond brilliance. Set against white gold, the over all effect is powerful yet elegant. Price upon request: (305) 743-0739

“Emeralds are a very emotional stone for me. My Mother who passed away from breast cancer last year always had an afﬁnity for the stone. She would wear them whenever she had the chance, and when I see a high quality emerald I can’t help but to think of her.”

Rare in its shape, spectacular in its lustre, and gorgeous in this platinum set necklace, Morays signature pear shaped diamond necklace is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and design. Price upon request: (305) 743-0739

***Dedicated to Laurel May Bond, a dear friend of the Chic Metropolitan team, who passed from breast cancer July 5, 2015. She shined bright like a diamond and loved her emeralds and rubies.

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JOSH

FLAGG

RODEO REALTY $

;

Estates Director I Beverly Hills Office: 310.724.7100 | Mobile: 310.720.3524 Josh@JoshFlagg.com | www.JoshFlagg.com

REAL ESTATE IT’S NOT JUST LUXURIOUS IS REAL ESTATE, IT’S AN EXPERIENCE. WELCOME TO CHIC REAL ESTATE ~ UNPARRALLED LUXURY PROPERTIES & TOP PROFESSIONALS IN THE INDUSTRY

CHIC REAL ESTATE, A LUXURY ESTATE PORTFOLIO CONSISTING OF THE TOP REAL ESTATE FROM EACH OF THE TOP MARKETS IN THE U.S., AND ABROAD. OUR PROPERTIES AND AGENTS CONNECT OUR READERS AND ONLINE USERS WITH THE MOST CHIC REAL ESTATE & PROFESSIONALS PER REGION. If you want to join the Chic Real Estate Group or have a Chic Listing perfect for the Billionaire Issue. Contact sales@chicmetropolitan.com

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REAL ESTATE MALIBU

BUILD YOUR MALIBU DREAM ESTATE

PARTNERS TRUST O: 310.818-5788 3900 Cross Creek Rd. Suite 1 A Malibu, CA 90265

MADISON HILDEBRAND FOUNDING PARTNER MALIBU Madison Hildebrand, President and Founder of The Malibu Life, Inc., is one of the world’s most recognizable faces in the world of real estate. Bringing 10 years of experience and career sales of over $250 Million, Madison acts as a Founding Partner of Partners Trust Malibu ofﬁce and is recognized internationally as a top producing agent year after year. Madison incorporated The Malibu Life, Inc., enlisting a team of 8 specialists who work together to make record transactions, exerting passion, professionalism, integrity, and uncanny industry knowledge. Madison’s ability to connect and communicate with a wide range of clientele is guided by his passion for travel, and his experiences living in various countries, states, and cities.

JENNIFER CHRISMAN FOUNDING PARTNER MALIBU Having been raised in Malibu, Jennifer Chrisman, Partner at The Malibu Life, inherited the entrepreneurial spirit that thrives in the Malibu community at an early age. It’s no wonder that Jennifer knows of every hidden gem in Malibu, as well as its neighboring communities. She has distinguished herself within Malibu’s real estate arena so much so that her name has virtually become synonymous with luxury property. Not only that, but a savoir faire to the bone, Jennifer’s reputation for amiable intermediary action between buyers and sellers are rivaled by few. Jennifer is Malibu’s land expert.

6041 KANAN DUME RD. $2,500,000 Rare opportunity to build multiple homes in Malibu close to everything. Surrounded by large estates and even a vineyard, this approximately six acre offering consists of four parcels legally created with a recorded parcel map. The current owner has graded, installed drainage and retaining walls – all with permits. Less than a mile from PCH, the land is only a minute or two from Point Dume and Zuma Beach. Older reports are available for viewing. This property is idea for a family compound or estate with multiple structures. Developers welcome. http://www.themalibulife.com/property/fantastic-6-acre-opportunity/

RAMERA MOUNTAINWAY. $3,250,000 Pristine ocean and island view acreage in Malibu. Located off of Kanan Road – convenient to Malibu’s beaches, schools, shopping and the 101 – this 91 acre offering is a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Consisting of 7 lots each with a Certiﬁcate of Compliance, each property has its own unique view and vista. Build a trophy estate, mountaintop ranch or community of multiple homes – the possibilities are many. A private paved road leads to the land and there is Las Virgenes Municipal water in the street. APNs in the offering are: 4465-006-060, 061, 062, & 051 and 4465-005-040, 042, & 043. www.91malibuacres.com

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REAL ESTATE BEVERLY HILLS, CA

JOSH FLAGG Josh Flagg Beverly Hills, Rodeo Realty 202 N Canon Dr Beverly Hills, CA 90201 310-623-8703 email: josh@joshﬂagg.com http://www.joshﬂagg.com

2 BEVERLY PARK, BEVERLY HILLS, CA 90210 $100,000/MONTH BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED FULLY-FURNISHED HOME LOCATED IN THE PRESTIGIOUS, GUARD-GATED ENCLAVE OF BEVERLY PARK. THIS GORGEOUS MEDITERRANEAN VILLA OFFERS UTMOST PRIVACY AND IS SITUATED ON ALMOST 4 ACRES! THE REGAL ENTRY INCLUDES A DUAL STAIRCASE. IT FEATURES 6 BEDROOMS, 7 BATHROOMS, FORMAL DINING ROOM, FAMILY ROOM, SPACIOUS DEN, MAJESTIC LIBRARY/STUDY, OFFICE, & LIVING ROOM. THE BACKYARD HAS SWIMMING POOL & SPA AND GREAT ENTERTAINING SPACE. THE GOURMET KITCHEN HAS BEEN REMODELED WITH HIGH END APPLIANCES AND BEAUTIFUL SKYLIGHT. TRUE CALIFORNIA LIVING WITH BREATHTAKING CITY VIEWS.

With over ten years in the real estate business, Josh Flagg has taken the real estate market by storm. Josh has sold over $1,000,000,000 worth of property and is a top realtor at one of the most prestigious real estate firms in the United States. His record selling achievements include the most expensive house in Brentwood and the most expensive house in Beverly Hills south of Sunset Blvd just to mention a few. Josh’s extensive sales record includes several high-profile sales. He was the listing agent for the famed Dorothy Chandler estate in Hancock Park and Merv Griffin’s sprawling Bel Air estate. Josh has worked with several celebrities and a variety of high-end clients, and he is committed to maintaining the utmost privacy and confidentiality for all of his clientele. As the market has shifted, once again, so has Josh. Josh now represents some of Los Angeles biggest builders and developers. While there are over 20,000 real estate agents in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas, Josh and his unique approach to the business stand out. Josh’s

1870 CARLA RIDGE, BEVERLY HILLS 90210 $19,900,000

dedication and enthusiasm towards his clients is un-

PRIVATE, GATED AND PERCHED ATOP A PROMONTORY, THIS CONTEMPORARY TROUSDALE ESTATE OFFERS PANORAMIC VIEWS FROM DOWNTOWN TO THE OCEAN. SOPHISTICATED MATERIALS ARE USED THROUGHOUT, INCLUDING WHITE TERRAZZO FLOORS, TECHNOLOGY BY CRESTRON, & RHEINZINK GARAGE DOORS. THE FAMILY ROOM WITH OAK WALLS OPENS TO STUNNING CHEF’S KITCHEN WITH MIELE APPLIANCES. LEADING FROM THE LIVING ROOM IS A LUXURIOUS SCREENING ROOM. 5 BEDROOMS AND 6.5 BATHROOMS, WITH STAFF QUARTERS, GLASS WINE CELLAR AND A GYM/OFFICE. THE MASTER SUITE WITH RIFT OAK PANELING, LINEAR FIREPLACE AND FLEETWOOD POCKET DOORS BOASTS A GORGEOUS VIEW. THE POWDER ROOM IS STUNNING WITH BACK LIGHTED ONYX AND VENETIAN WALLS. THE MASTER BATHROOM FEATURES HIS/HER VANITIES AND A STEAM SHOWER. THE RESORT LIKE BACKYARD FEATURES A TILED INFINITY EDGE POOL & JACUZZI. THE OUTDOOR COOKING AREA HAS VIKING APPLIANCES, LINEAR FIRE FEATURE, TVS, AND SEATING AREA. ONE OF A KIND HOME.

matched. He has a reputation for going the extra mile. High-end residential real estate in Los Angeles is all about connections, and Josh Flagg’s are unmatched. Between Josh’s vast business network and unrivaled commitment to every listing he is involved with, it is no wonder Josh is one of the most sought-after agents in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas.

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REAL ESTATE ATLANTA, GA

DEBRA JOHNSTON Berkshire Hathaway Luxury Collection Buckhead Ofﬁce Mobile: 404.312.1959 Debra.Johnston@BHHSGeorgia.com DebraAJohnston.com

THE ST. REGIS, 88 WEST PACES FERRY ROAD, PH25, ATLANTA, GA 30305 LIST $5,250,000

This penthouse has Northwesterly views with high ceilings, 3 patios, one of which has an outdoor ﬁreplace and grill. The unit has at least 13 foot ceilings, master bedroom with his/her bathrooms and dressing room, stone ﬂoors, Control 4 automation and a 2 car garage with additional storage.

After a successful career as a top corporate executive with The Coca-Cola Company, KPMG and Ernst & Young, Debra Johnston entered the real estate industry with 25 years of sales and marketing experience. It paid off. In 2011 and in 2014, she brokered the second largest sales in Atlanta, putting her in the top 5% of real estate agents in the city. Currently, Debra’s $30M listing portfolio includes some of Buckhead’s most distinguished properties with more scheduled for 2015. Her consistent performance and success has earned her a place her in the industry’s top prestigious ABR’s Multi-Million Dollar Club, year over year. This year Debra became a member of Berkshire Hathaway’s Chairman Circle Platinum designation which represents the top 1% of the company.

1325 MONTE CARLO DRIVE, ATLANTA, GA 30327 LIST $6,750,000

Imagine your own private resort in Buckhead. New sports court and batting cage. Double infinity edge pool and spa, summer pavillion, mahogany doors and windows. High ceilings, open spaces, master wing with his/her bathrooms and separate dressing rooms, morning kitchen and sitting room. McIntosh theater, billiards, hardwood and stone floors throughout. Loggia, outdoor fireplace, grill, spectacular grounds & landscape. Elevator & generator. Crestron automation. Visit WWW.1325MONTECARLOATLANTA.COM

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BUCKHEAD Luxury Real Estate Redefined

450 Blackland Road | $4,750,000 450BlacklandAtlanta.com

Debra Johnston LUXURY COLLECTION SPECIALIST

rom the manicured gardens and grand estates of historic Tuxedo Park to the

rooftop terraces and dazzling penthouses gracing Buckhead’s skyline, Debra Johnston’s portfolio of luxurious homes represents the in the most sought-after neighborhoods of

5790 Winterthur | $3,000,000 Represented Buyer

Atlanta. Renown for her discreet professionalism and acclaimed international network, Debra provides her distinguished clientele bespoke service and uncompromising personal attention.

CHAIRMAN CIRCLE PLATINUM TOP 1% IN NETWORK WORLDWIDE

2nd Highest Sale in Atlanta - 2014

Buckhead Office

404-312-1959 DebraAJohnston.com Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices | Georgia Properties

REAL ESTATE

LAS VEGAS

SHAPIRO & SHER GROUP Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Luxury Collection 1215 S Fort Apache, Suite 210 Las Vegas, NV 89117 O: 702-315-0223 C: 702-400-2400 Info@shapiroandsher.com www.LasVegasFineHomes.com

THE RIDGES, LAS VEGAS NV 89135 - $8,450,000 Contemporary elegance and state-of-the-art automation provide for the finest property within the prestigious Ridges community. As you explore the interior courtyard, cascading water combined with fire and distinguished architecture welcomes you to an understated, remarkable residence. Clean lines, neutral tones and sophisticated design create an aesthetically soothing environment that flows from room to room. The backyard of this home is extraordinary, perched high above the fairway, sweeping views of the Las Vegas Strip and Red Rock National Park can be enjoyed every direction.

The Shapiro & Sher Group is a legend in the Las Vegas luxury real estate market, Florence Shapiro & Ivan Sher have become the benchmark for professionalism, expertise and integrity in their industry. It is their love for people that may very well be the secret to their success. With more than $1.5 billion sold, the Shapiro & Sher Group is the only option to consider when searching for results that matter. Specializing in high-end properties and luxury high rises, they have become a staple in the Las Vegas real estate market. The team was ranked number two for Berkshire Hathaway nationally in 2014. Open seven days a week, no call goes unanswered.

QUEENSRIDGE, LAS VEGAS NV 89145 - $9,950,000 This custom estate deﬁnes luxury living with extravagant amenities not thought of by the typical homeowner. Arriving to this privately gated residence it is apparent through the expansive size, beautiful architecture, and manicured landscaping that this residence was designed for the most discerning buyer. Resting on a double fairway lot, this luxury home offers an indoor basketball court, personal gym, home theater, billiards room, media room, two-story lanai and that is just half of it. While gazing over tranquil views, enjoy the multi-level pool, putting green and guest house.

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REAL ESTATE

SAN FRANCISCO

JUSTIN FICHELSON Climb Real Estate Group 251 Rhode Island Street, Suite 105 San Francisco, CA 94103 Tel : 415.431.8888 justin@climbSF.com

1160 MISSION ST. #506, 2 BR, 2 BA SAN FRANCISCO CONDO $1,295,000 SOMA Grand Residence #506 is a one-of-a-kind 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom corner home with a huge private balcony, extra-high ceilings, and panoramic downtown views through floor-to-ceiling windows. This bright, spacious, and open floor plan is nicely appointed with upgraded hardwood floors, Bosch stainless steel appliances, Studio Becker cabinetry, Caesarstone counter tops/breakfast bar, and custom window coverings. The master bedroom has a walk-in closet, and there are dual sinks in the en-suite master bathroom. The second bedroom also has downtown views and easily doubles as a home office.

330 MISSION BAY BLVD. N #117, 3 BR, 3 BA, SAN FRANCISCO $1,995,000 Residence #117 offers the rare combination of serenity, taste, and spacious modern luxury. This 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom townhome offers a unique chance to experience waterfront living in one of San Francisco’s most desirable communities. This residence showcases an open floor plan with high-end luxury finishes. Expansive windows allow natural light to fill the residence while rich hardwood floors, a balcony, and an open living area all contribute to an amazing and expansive home. With access to all the Radiance’s amenities, Residence #117 offers an unparalleled living experience.

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As one of the stars of the new BRAVO TV show Million Dollar Listing San Francisco, Justin focuses on the marketing of extraordinary properties in the San Francisco Bay Area with a focus on top-tier properties. Always discreet and conﬁdential, Justin brings an innovative and creative sense to marketing properties as well as an unparalleled knowledge of the market. Born and raised in San Francisco, Justin Fichelson decided to pursue his lifelong passion for real estate and architecture by earning his real estate license immediately after graduating from the University of San Francisco with a degree in history. Justin is a founding board member and current treasurer of the Exploratorium Lab, which raises money for the San Francisco Exploratorium, one of the world’s premier interactive science museums. Justin is also an active member of the Junior Committee of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, The San Francisco Fall Antiques Show.

CHIC DESIGNER INTERVIEW

Award-Winning DESIGNER

DAHLIA

BY Y ILONA A THOMPSON

Wheree did d you y grow up? Was there a particular family member that you admired? W What were your biggest influences? Favorite memories? I lived d myy ea early years in southern California. I lived only minutes away from Disneyland, which I regularly visited with my family. I was always fascinated by the amusementt park. p I remember being inspired by how magical it all was. I said to myself, “Iff W Walt Disney could create something that is so unique and is appreciated byy both h adul adults and children from around the world, then why can’t I elicit those same ffeelings?” fe elings?” I w would always watch the fireworks and tell myself that one day I would be ssomeone omeonee imp important. I remember clearly telling my mother at the age of five, to which ssh he willl attes es “Mom, be prepared. I am going to be a famous designer!” she attest, M i my greatest influence and inspiration. She is the epitome of elegance Myy motherr is and d class. Her He unbelievable work ethic has molded me into the woman I am today. Shee taughtt me m that no matter how uncertain our future may be, we must carve out opportunitie opportunities for ourselves to grow and flourish. She taught us to carry ourselves with confidence, eelegance, and respect, regardless of the situation. Whyy did d you decide to become a designer? If you weren’t a designer, what would you u bee and d why? w I knew w att a vvery young age that I appreciated aesthetics. Everything surrounding me needed d to be arranged just so. Even when I played with my Barbies, I would rearrange thee dollhouse to look perfect. When I was a child, my mother would do my hair morning before school. If one hair was out of place or the bow was crooked, I everyy mornin would d bee so bothered that I would refuse to go to school until it was perfect. I was an intensee ch child, but truthfully, it was those details that I cared about so much that broughtt mee tthe success I have today. Iff I was nott a designer, I would be a humanitarian. I love public service and receive when I can relieve suffering or make someone’s day in any way. My immensee pleasure ple ultimatee goal is to improve the lives of others, whether by design or any other means.

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What is your greatest strength as a designer? Biggest weakness? My greatest strengths as a designer are my acute attention to detail and my desire to always exceed my client’s expectations. I am a master at mixing different textiles and colors, which enables my designs to constantly evolve and always excites and enchants my clients. My biggest weakness is that I tend to overwork myself. It is very hard for me to say no to my clients. When my creativity is flowing, I can’t rest until I’ve created my masterpiece! What is your proudest achievement? My proudest achievement was designing my first museum for King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia in Fairfax, VA. It was an enormous responsibility to bring the spirit of a visionary leader to life. I was truly honored to have been entrusted with the task of representing the King’s legacy in such a large scale visual exposition. I was given four weeks to complete the design, but I was so inspired that I had it fully mapped out in my mind in two days. We used a variety of advanced technological mediums including the latest indoor mist dispersion technology. I hope this museum will just be the bedrock to many more interesting and challenging experiences in my career as an interior designer. What is your favorite word or saying? “Here is to living glamorously. Life is too short not to enjoy beautiful things!” What inspires you? I love to travel! Visiting different countries and diving into foreign cultures continuously expands my creativity and influences my work. I love seeing different forms of architecture, colors, and styles and incorporating ideas from around the world. Fashion is also a big inspiration as it is always evolving in form and style, and that is how I want my brand to be. What is your most prized possession? My husband, Mounsif Tolab, and my three boys: Kayden, Saif, and Jad. They are the loves of my life! What song or lyric best sums you up? Alicia Keys - Girl on Fire Which one of the five senses is your strongest? I believe my sight is my strongest senses because I can spot things from a thousand miles away and am always noticing the minutia around me.

What advice would you give to young starting professionals in your field? I strongly suggest developing a strong work ethic. It is wrong to assume that just because you now have a degree, you are entitled to a job and a career. You need to be prepared to work hard and go above and beyond if you want to succeed in this business and in all things in your future. Success will not be given to you freely, but when you achieve it, it is worth all of the struggle.

What is your biggest motivation? My children are my biggest motivation. I do what I do for them. They give me the drive to work hard and be a good role model. Their endless love and support keep me grounded and allow me to be what I am today.

Where do you see Dahlia Design decades from now? Decades from now, I would like to see Dahlia Design as a global empire. I want my company to have grown and evolved from interior design to adding a wide range of services that influence the home and lifestyle.

What does the concept of “luxury” mean to you? Luxury is a limitless indulgence of the best things in life. It is all about expectation, uniqueness, and simply feeling good. Luxury affects all the senses and makes you feel something special. You can taste, touch, smell, see, and hear it. What is your definition of “quality”? Quality is synonymous with luxury. It is something that can stand the test of time. I would rather have a few things of quality than many things of poor caliber. What is the single most important thing you want people to notice in your designs? The most important thing I want people to notice is the simple elegance in the details of my designs. I put my heart and soul into my work and I want my clients to feel that when they walk into a Dahlia Design room. What is the best comment made about your work and by whom? The best comment made about my work is by one of my favorite clients; Andrea Butler, wife of a NBA star, Caron Butler. She wrote, “ Dahlia Designs are impeccable! When I came through our front doors, it was if we were walking into a new home! Not only is her work of quality, she and her team are trustworthy. We were able to be across the country for my husband’s basketball season and trust that our home was safe in her hands.”

What is your short and long-term vision for your business? In the short-term, we are working on expanding our services. We just launched a new service for our clients called “Dahlia Design Lifestyle”, where we continue to service our clients even after the completion of a project. This service aims to maintain our signature luxury stamp on our clients’ everyday lives from fresh flowers services to event planning. Our long-term goal is to venture into product lines such as accessories, bed and bath products, and household goods to give everyone an opportunity to experience the Dahlia Design Signature. We are also in talks for a very exciting new venture. Stay tuned... What are your hopes and dreams? My hope is to be at least half the mother and woman my mother is to me.. If I can achieve that I would be content! I pray that my boys succeed in whatever they want to do in life. I want them to look back and see that all the sacrifices I made was to clear a path for their future. With success comes a responsibility to help others. My dream as an ArabAmerican woman is to show the world how I overcame all odds and stereotypes with pure determination and hard work and built a successful career. http://dahliadesign.net

CHIC INTERIOR DESIGNER

Aly Daly LOS ANGELES

Aly Daly

Creative Director + Principal alydaly.com c: 310.463.1221 w:424.293.0001

Ken Fulk SAN FRANCISCO

Aly Daly

Creative Director + Principal alydaly.com

OfďŹ cially Approved by

c: 310.463.1221 w:424.293.0001

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TECH & BUSINESS SECTION-

Executive Interviews, Start up advice, Tech report, Power Lunches, and private Clubs. You can ďŹ nd the best information in the Tech & Business section.

Meet our Chic Tech & Business Team Olya Rostov Daniel Bean To be featured in this section next issue. Contact: sales@chicmetropolitan.com Sponsored by AngelList

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CHIC ENTREPRENEUR INTERVIEW

Naval Ravikant B Y DANI E L B E AN

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NAVAL RAVIKANT IS A MAN OF MANY TITLES; ENTREPRENEUR, CEO, FOUNDER, BUSINESSMAN, AND visionary, among others. He has revolutionized the tech industry through his company, AngelList, by making a platform by which to effectively facilitate a lucrative relationship between companies and investors through an enormous online network. He is perhaps best known as the co-founder of Epionions.com as well as an investor in Uber, among other popular startups that have gone on to great things.¶ We had the chance to sit down and meet Mr. Ravikant for an interview at his San Francisco office. After being warmly greeted by his staff, he entered the conference room and we had a very insightful interview! CM: Can you tell us a little bit about your background and what prompted your interest in becoming an entrepreneur? NR: Yes. I’m an entrepreneur because I love technology, and entrepreneurship these days is the business of technology. I grew up programming and hacking; just in love with computers, and I wanted to be in the business of computers. I got started with Apple at a very early age and came out here where all of the action was. Once you arrive, entrepreneurship is in the air, in the water, and all around you. I’ve always been fiercely independent and I started a bunch of companies and along the way I learned a lot about raising capital, investing, and dealing with venture capitalists. As a result, people started asking me for advice on how to raise money. I met this guy, Nivi, and he was writing this blog called Venture Hacks and we ended up co-authoring it together. He interviewed me and I gave him feedback on how to raise money and negotiate with investors; we became the 2nd most popular venture-related blog on the web. The question we kept getting asked was, “How do I negotiate a term sheet, much less obtain one?” By then, I had raised a small fund and was investing, and I realized the whole process was very inefficient. Entrepreneurs didn’t know how to find inves-

tors and how to reach them systematically. It was clear that there would be thousands of companies created each year, instead of tens or hundreds, and, as a result, you need a place to organize all of these investors and entrepreneurs, so we started AngelList. We originally began as a mailing list and then it kind of blew up into the huge online network that it is today, with tens of thousands of companies and investors, along with hundreds of millions of dollars moved into thousands of companies. CM: How did your very first entrepreneurial endeavor come about? NR: I worked at a large cable modem ISP; I met with some physicists that were coming out of Lawrence Livermore Labs who were developing a new product, so I became their business guy and I helped them develop a business plan. I then got introduced to some venture capitalists and helped them raise money. I subsequently joined their boards; that was my ﬁrst entrepreneurial eﬀort. I did a similar thing for a company that later became Google Earth. After that, I began my own company

called Epinions.com, which eventually merged and became a part of Shopping.com. I then raised my fund, and that fund is what I invested out of for about four years. I then became an investor in Uber Twitter, Foursquare, and lots of other cool companies. CM: What was the impetus behind the founding of AngelList? NR: I negotiated with VC’s for startups and had some bad experiences. I always fundamentally think of myself as a money manager so being a fund manager, I didn’t want that to be my legacy. Creating the platform of AngelList was a natural extension of who I am and I don’t believe that people should get paid for being information middlemen; it seemed like too many of the returns in the venture capital business were concentrated around a few people who had access and everyone else did not. What we’ve done with AngelList is taken a large number of deals (probably about 10% of Silicon Valley’s active deals) and moved them online and given access to people who otherwise would not have such access to invest in those companies. Today, most of the wealth is being created in the private markets, not the public markets. Companies go public at the end of their lifecycle, not at the beginning. It used to be

the case that Microsoft or Google went public earlier and appreciated 10, 20, 50x in value and the average investor could participate in that. Today, because of all of the regulations around it, companies go public at the last second when they’ve already run up and appreciated fully in value; the private investors are realizing all of that. CM: What do you feel are the essential ingredients for success as an entrepreneur and investor? NR: They’re actually very diﬀerent things. As an entrepreneur, you want to have speciﬁc knowledge about something that you know better than almost anybody else in the world. You have to care about it to an irrational degree; otherwise you just won’t stick with it because startups are so hard. You have to have a high appetite for risk and be extremely good at what you do. On the investor side, it’s almost the opposite; you want to be very dispassionate, you want to be very rational, and you don’t want to be emotional. You have to spread

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CHIC ENTREPRENEUR INTERVIEW

your bets a little bit. There’s a learning curve, so you have to lose money ﬁve or ten times before you learn how to start making money, identifying good entrepreneurs, as well as good opportunities. You have to seal lots of deals and have massive access. At the same time, you have to be a positive force because entrepreneurs talk; reputation is very important in this business. For angel investors, I’d recommend going slow, gathering the data, learn as you can, and while you’re learning, the only really safe way to invest is through diversiﬁed funds, rather than trying to pick individual deals. CM: Could you provide us a snapshot of the challenges and rewards you’ve experienced as an entrepreneur? NR: Being an entrepreneur is extremely stressful. The way you recognize an investor in his 50’s is he has a full head of hair; the way you recognize an entrepreneur is he’s gone bald [laughs]. As an entrepreneur, you have all of your eggs in one basket and you’re watching that basket. You sort of build this giant pyramid of expectations, hire people, raise money, and you’ve told the world what you’re going to do. If you fail, you fail very publicly. You must have an internal compass, be very thick-skinned, be more attached to the work than the outcome itself, and not get too bent out of shape if you fail. You also have to do it all while being ethical, moral, and a good person because you’re under massive scrutiny and the work that you do is just an extension of your

DNA. At the end of the day, the company relies upon you as an extension of you, so whatever moral force and whatever commitment that you project will sort of ripple through the entire company CM: What qualities do you feel are necessary to succeed as the CEO of a startup? NR: A CEO is a little different than an entrepreneur. The best companies are owned by founders/CEO’s because no one else cares as much. There’s a line that’s attributed to Benjamin Franklin, “If you want it done, then go. If not, then send.” It’s a great line because it summarizes the most fundamental problem in microeconomics, which is the principal-agent problem. Principals own the business or the capital; the aides do the work for them, and the agents optimize for themselves, not for the owner of the capital or the business. The larger the business, the more the agents are optimizing for themselves, and by the time you get to a multi-thousand person company, people are doing what’s best for each individual, not the company. What makes startups work is that their small founders care. Ideally, a founder should still be able to be the CEO, but it’s a very different job. Being a CEO is a lot more about management, setting goals and priorities, and communicating clearly. It’s a lot more about being patient, effective delegation, and scaling. CM: What would you like to say to someone who’s never heard of AngelList? NR: AngelList is the place you can go to invest in high-quality tech companies

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when they get started and not wait until they go public and all of the value and wealth creation is gone. We have gotten thousands of companies funded; everyone from Uber that got a few investors through us, to Thumbtack, Pinterest, and Leadmotion. We have a list of two-thousand of them so it feels great. But now moving to online investing, it’s even better because we’re having the money ﬂow online and we’re connecting people who otherwise never would have had access to startups. Right now, if you want to invest in a startup, other than AngelList, your next option is to move to Silicon Valley or New York and start networking like crazy. The majority of the capital in the world is not invested in tech companies. However, the majority of wealth in the world is being created by tech companies. If you look at the fastest wealth creation in the last half a decade, it’s all tech; they are even displacing companies on the Fortune 500 annual listings. CM: Why should a venture capitalist like Robert Herjavec sign up with AngelList? NR: Because of his partner, Barbara Corcoran from Shark Tank. She’s leading a syndicate which means that if Mr. Herjavec has great companies that he’s investing in, he can bring his friends or other people on the internet to invest behind him; they can follow the signal of his money and do it in an honest, ethical, and transparent way. Additionally, he can get paid for it. Basically, we create these popup venture funds online. If Barbara wants to invest in a company, she puts in some of her

own capital, we then put in more capital for her and other people. She gets paid a percentage of the profits that they make; she’d bring them access and judgment, in exchange for getting her cut of the upside. Uber was on AngelList in August of 2010. We had four investors who founded through us and invested, giving $25,000-$100,000 each. That investment today is worth 4,000 times what they invested. That’s obviously the one huge winner. But there are dozens of smaller winners, there are hundreds of other ones that have potential, and there are a thousand that are going to lose. The only way to learn is to do it, like anything else in life. It has very nonlinear aspects to it; it’s not a lottery, it’s not rigged against you, and you’re investing in productive assets. But at the same time, it is a very difficult business. You can come, build a great profile and start doing it. Or, if you’re only interested in returns and watching from afar, we’ll invest it for you and let you track everything. CM: What’s on the horizon for AngelList in 2015? NR: Last year, we launched the world’s first heavily diversified, no load, no cost, publicly available venture funds. If you go to http://angel.co/funds you’ll see them; there are six of them and you can invest as little as $50,000 in the fund. We’ll invest in the top 100 deals, then for the next two years on the platform there are no management fees. It’s a carry-only so we collect a percentage of the profits that are made off of the investments. If you don’t know how to angel invest or invest in tech, but want a very small percentage of your portfolio in this dynamic high-risk,

high return industry, then this is the way that you should do it. I see people rushing into buying things like art and wine. That’s fine and they appreciate in value, but it’s all speculation-based. Your wine collection doesn’t get out of bed at night and work for you, it just ages. Every time you invest in one of these tech companies, or 100 of them, you’ve got entrepreneurs that are killing themselves to make you successful and make you rich. You’ve got armies of servers working at data centers in the night while you sleep. CM: Is there a certain designer you like, perhaps a power suit you like to wear to large investor meetings? NR: I quit my first job because I wouldn’t wear a tie [laughs]. I spoke in front of the Senate Finance Committee and testified and I received special dispensation to not wear a tie. I didn’t wear a tie to my wedding. The only time I’ve worn a tie in the last decade was at the Rose Garden; I was in the second row when President Obama signed the Jobs Act. I like comfortable, non-branded clothing. This is so geeky and so Silicon Valley [laughs], but everything I wear is optimized for weight, comfort, and flexibility. For example, today I’m wear-

ing a sweater; its cashmere, which is very unstructured and light. My shirt is unstructured linen silk. My shirt is Barbados, and my pants are Armani. I like going to this place called The Archive in San Francisco. CM: Where do you go to unwind? NR: For quick getaways, my wife and I got to Napa a lot. We also enjoy Big Sur, Monterey, and Carmel. CM: Is there a certain car that you like or have been looking at? NR: I have had my eye on one of the new Tesla’s, but having Uber and living in the city, I’m not sure what I’d do with it. When we have kids, a seven-seater Tesla might be the way to go. Tesla’s are far and away the most interesting cars on the road today. CM: What else can you tell us about the future of AngelList in terms of expansion, etc? NR: We’re really big in Silicon Valley and New York. We also have a fair bit of presence in Europe. We just got clearance to be online in the Western part of Europe, and we’re ramping up in London and Berlin. Our recruiting platform is actually huge in India; ten percent of the users come from India, and I would argue that we’re probably the largest presence of startups in that country.

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CHIC BILLIONAIRE PROFILE

“What we want to be is something completely new. There is no physical analog for what Amazon.com is becoming.”

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Jeff Bezos

BEHIND THE E-COMMERCE: KEY MOMENTS IN THE LIFE OF A “REVOLUTIONIST.”

IMAGE COU RTESY OF AM AZON .COM

BY EMIL L IO MESA

EFF BEZOS IS NOT JUST A TENACIOUS ENTREPRENEUR, but someone who has reformed our modern society. The internet was originally created by the Defense Department to protect computer networks from natural catastrophes or enemy attacks. Throughout the years, it was embraced by government a nd academic agencies to swap information, but as late as 1994, there was still no e-commerce on the horizon. His research showed that internet usage was increasing by 2,300 percent a year. “That was my wake-up call, things don’t grow that fast,” he said. He saw the opportunity for a digital bazaar and seized it. He left his job at a New York City hedge fund, which coincided with a thennew U.S. Supreme Court ruling holding that mail order catalogs were not required to collect sales taxes in states where they lack a physical presence. Bezos set up the office for his experimental company in his garage, with a handful of employees. With a $300 thousand loan from his parents, he started. It was one of the first and massive gambles placed on the emerging information highway, which changed the way we shop and read forever. On July 16, 1995, Bezos launched Amazon.com, named after the South American river, symbolizing great size and selection. According to Forbes magazine, he is now the ninth richest person in the world with a net worth of about $40.5 billion. Not bad for a business plan conceived during a cross-country drive from New York to Seattle. From the beginning, Bezos sought to increase market share as quickly as possible. He never hid his ambition to go from “Earth’s biggest bookstore” to “Earth’s biggest anything store.” However, there is no success without heavy criticism; it is a public affair, after all. He’s been blamed for the collapse of the industries which he essentially reinvented. Yes, it’s true his business model has shaken up sales in the publishing and retail sectors; but more importantly, he gave consumers and creative types the power of choice. The “era of the customer,” based on relationships that Bezos had worked so diligently to construct paid off just as he had predicted, by establishing a new equation for success based on customer satisfaction and longevity. With the introduction of the Kindle, Amazon quickly captured 95 percent of the U.S. market for books in electronic form. He also purchased the

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newspaper division of The Washington Post Company. In addition, the sale included a number of smaller local periodicals in the Washington, D.C. area. Bezos made the purchase as principal of a privately held company, rather than on behalf of his company. “The balance of power is shifting toward consumers and away from companies…The right way to respond to this if you are a company is to put the vast majority of your energy, attention and dollars into building a great product or service and put a smaller amount into shouting about it, marketing it,” Bezos has explained. Despite his progress, he’s never taken the time to rest on his laurels. Through each round of expansion, Jeff Bezos continually emphasized the “Six Core Values: customer obsession, ownership, bias for action, frugality, high hiring bar and innovation,” as his driving force. In 2012, Bezos launched Amazon Studios, crowdsourcing the development of feature films and television shows. This past January, amidst the Hollywood honchos and stars being applauded at the 72nd Golden Globes were two new names: Amazon and Jeff Bezos. The innovator received a shout out when “Transparent,” a show available via Amazon’s streaming service, garnered two golden statues. One for “Best Television Series Musical or Comedy,” the second for the show’s lead character, Jeffrey Tambor, who portrays a middle aged father who comes out to her children as transgender, for “Best Actor” and called Bezos his “new best friend.” “I’m pretty sure we’re the first company to have figured out how to make winning a Golden Globe pay off in increased sales of power tools and baby wipes,” said Bezos in his annual letter to his company’s shareholders. He leads a rather simple lifestyle, in Seattle, with his wife, Mackenzie and their four kids. He supports his wife’s career as a novelist, but wasn’t mad when she decided not to publish with Amazon. When asked about her decision to publish elsewhere, he laughed. “We are calling her the fish that got away,” he said. At 51 years young, Jeff Bezos has some great years and projects ahead of him. “What we want to be is something completely new. There is no physical analog for what Amazon.com is becoming,” he said. So stay tuned.

TOP GOLF

TOP GOLF COURSES FOR

BILLIONAIRES TO VISIT BY CH IC ME T ROP OLITAN PEBBLE BEACH GOLF LINKS, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A. ($475 PER PERSON, PERSON PER ROUND)

Often the venue for the US Open and Ryder Cup tourneys, Pebble Beach Golf Links is considered as one of the most beautiful golf courses in the world, with a rugged coastline and a view of the Paciﬁc Ocean in Carmel Bay. Just don’t let the wind from the sea throw you oﬀ your game. Designer Jack Neville placed many holes of the course as close as possible to the rocky coastline. The holes were also designed to take the game into a peninsula jutting out into the ocean. How much should you set aside for a round per person? $475. That plus a $35 cart fee for non-resort guests. 17-Mile, Pebble Beach, CA 93953 Book Reservations 800-877-0597

TPC SAWGRASS – FLORIDA, USA ($350 PER PERSON, PER ROUND)

This course in Jacksonville, Florida, is another design of Dye. This one is said to be a true test of anyone’s golfing skills as it is devised not to favor any particular style of play. Golf Digest has ranked its stadium course as #41 their list of 100 Greatest Golfing courses for 2011-2012 while Golfweek considered it the best course you can play in the State of Florida. While their price may be steep they are also offering promos for June, slashing more than $170 and $135 for their weekday and weekend rates, respectively. TPC Sawgrass usually hosts the ‘fifth major’ of each year. 110 Championship Way, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 (904) 273-3235

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SHADOW CREEK GOLF COURSE, NEVADA, U.S.A. ($500 PER PERSON, PER ROUND)

Located in North Las Vegas, Nevada, this 18-hole golf course owned by casino mogul Steve Wynn and also designed by Tom Fazio opened in 1989. Built from the desert ﬂoor it reportedly has over 21,000 trees of over 200 varieties to make sure the course is hidden from public view. How much it cost to make the course is under debate but estimates place it between $60 million to $100 million. So what does $500 get you? First up you will be driven to and from the course in a limo. You will also get your own personal caddy for the round to guide you through each of them. You can’t also just pack up and go there as only invited guests of MGM Mirage resorts are allowed to play. 3 Shadow Creek Dr, North Las Vegas, NV 89031 (702) 399-7111 http://www.shadowcreek.com/pages/index_ﬂash.htm

THE PINEHURST COURSE NUMBER 2 NORTH CAROLINA, USA ($375 PER PERSON, PER ROUND)

While the Pinehurst golf resort in North Carolina features eight unique courses, it’s the Number 2, the Number 8 and the Number 4 courses that have been consistently ranked as among the best in the golfing world. Designed by Donald Ross, the course has already hosted several major tournaments and is set to be the venue for the 2014 US Open. Aside from tee time they also offer packages for those seeking more than just golf. Among these is their Donald Ross Package which offers three rounds of golf, two nights of accommodation with dinner and breakfast at $398 per person per night based on a two-night minimum stay; and their Pinehurst Golf Package which offers a round of golf, accommodations and breakfast at $297 per person per night. Rates vary with the season. 80 Carolina Vista Drive Pinehurst, NC 28374 For Reservations, Call (855) 235-8507

THE SPYGLASS HILL GOLF COURSE, CALIFORNIA, U.S.A. ($315 PER PERSON, PER ROUND)

First opening in 1966, Spyglass Hill takes its name from the legend that ‘Treasure Island’ author Robert Louis Stevenson once went there to gather ideas for his novel. Keeping to tradition, some of the holes in the course are named “Black Dog” and “Billy Bones” in obvious references to pirates. The course itself is rated among the toughest in the world, but if you play through it, you would have done what some of the world’s best like Phil Mickelson and Luke Donald have. 3206 Stevenson Drive, Pebble Beach, CA 93953 (888) 415-3268 Burns

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CHIC ONE ON ONE INTERVIEW

We Interview

CARLO CISCO CEO of SELECT Carlo Cisco, Founder & CEO of SELECT has taken exclusivity to greater heights than previously imagined. Through partnerships with restaurants and venues that represent the utmost in luxury, lifestyle, and entertainment, his company is pairing premier establishments with clients that, likewise, discover new horizons while letting themselves explore all of the different ways to enjoy an evening out. All that is required for entrance is a distinctive and elegant black card…the SELECT Card. BY DAN IEL B EAN CM: Could you provide our readers with a snapshot of your background and what lead to your interest in finance and entrepreneurship? CC: I started my own event planning and promotions business in college. We concentrated mostly on nightlife venues, but we were also putting on fairly large-scale events; rather than 20 or so people, we were bringing 300-500+ and taking over entire venues. Additionally, we worked with restaurants and hotels; however, nightlife was definitely our bread and butter, especially in a city like Miami. That was a lot of fun for me and I got to work with many of the owners directly because we were putting on such large events. That was my first foray into working with and marketing for local businesses. I actually had an internship as a merchant processor, which wouldn’t seem relevant at first, but SELECT Card acts as an extension to any existing credit or debit card, the experience actually came in pretty handy as far as understanding the industry. I had done well investing while in college, so I basically took the money I was making off the parties, which ended up being about $9,000 that I just had sitting around and put it in the stock market, bought a few different companies, and by the time I graduated I had almost a 10x return. That’s what I used as the foundation to begin my startups. I came to New York and worked for a hedge fund, left, and joined Groupon. I helped build Groupon in Japan, quickly scaling it to become one of the company’s largest international markets. After that, I founded another startup which is still operating today. While we saw immediate growth with that company, I saw a much bigger opportunity and left to start SELECT.

pretty soon and we already have some places out there. Rather than having a onetime offer, or one-time incentive, it’s continual. It’s profitable and sustainable for the business; the user has to apply to join, so there’s an exclusivity element, and then they have to commit to paying an annual fee. If they are accepted, they’re charged a fee and have unlimited access to all of the benefits. The main idea was to connect those premier brands with the customers they want in a way that creates a relationship. It’s almost like a lifestyle elevation thing; it’s not necessarily changing the things you do, but it’s allowing you to do them more frequently and at an entirely different level. It’s like this cool ROI (return on investment) and VIP experience with every use. You get significant value every time you use it; typically something like 20-40% off or experiential perks like a free round of drinks, free round of appetizers, etc. Many of the restaurants will provide priority reservations; at a nightlife venue, you can cut in the line. One of the other large elements of SELECT is our member events. Initially we had monthly events but due to demand now we host at least two per month in New York and D.C. They’re opportunities for our members to connect with each other over complimentary cocktails in cool and interesting settings. For example, we recently hosted a private gallery viewing and cocktail reception at an art gallery in SoHo; we had Guest of Guest there, and the members got to see all of these different works from some emerging as well as established artists.

CM: What was the impetus behind developing The SELECT Card and how does it work? CC: We were looking for a solution to connect premier brands; the places that people actually wanted to go with the high-income, high-value customers the establishments want on a repeat basis. All of our SELECT partners have to meet minimum thresholds and, for the most part, they’re the best places in town. We’re actually coming out West

CM: Do you believe there’s been a paradigm shift in terms of saving money not being associated with compromise in quality and service as in the past? CC: At the end of the day, everyone cares about value to some degree, and if you’re able to access it without compromising quality or your own experience, that’s a really powerful thing and that’s exactly what we’re trying to do. CM: Who are some SELECT partners that you find best demonstrate the caliber of quality as well as the varied locations that your company covers? CC: In terms of dining: (NY) Spice Market,

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Rosa Mexicano (NYC, DC, LA), Bouley, Beaumarchais, (DC) Masa 14, Boqueria, El Centro, Smith & Wollensky, Fig & Olive (NYC, DC, LA). For nightlife: (NYC): LAVO, Ganesvoort Park, VIP Room, Sky Bar (LA) The Huxley (DC). For national and international destinations: Morgan’s Hotel Group (Mondrian, Delano, CLIFT etc.), Hyatt, Andaz, Ritz Carlton, Brooks Brothers, AMC Theatres, etc. CM: When you began SELECT, what did you find to be your primary demographic and did it fall outside of the one you had anticipated? CC: It’s more or less what we expected; the threshold is 25-45 years of age. The median income right now is over $130,000. That’s a little higher than I expected and I think that, in time, that will come down. It’s pretty broad on almost every front; in terms of industries people come from we see everything; politics, art, entertainment, music, finance, consulting, etc. It leans a little heavier towards startups, technology, and finance. Almost every industry is represented pretty well. One of the most interesting things to see is how many different types of people can engage with us in various ways. You’ve got those people who go out to trendy place for dinner and then to a bar, and then you’ve got those that are going to Broadway shows and on luxury travel excursions. It’s very broad mix which we’re really happy to see.

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CM: What do you find to be the most challenging parts of being a CEO? CC: The most challenging thing about being a CEO is balancing everything, because your list of priorities is not only long but very diversified; it could be anything from recruiting a senior hire to fundraising, to marketing, to what’s going on with partnerships, especially if you’re in the early stages of growth like we are. There are so many different paths to look at and oversee. What you end up doing is just start delegating and people own their individual areas, to the point where you trust them enough that you don’t even need to think about it. We’re up to about eight employees now and I’m mostly overseeing things and guiding the ship, keeping the vision running and doing most of the marketing. Over time you’ve got to find those people that you can work most closely with, who you trust, and who can manage other people. CM: How do you unwind and what activities do you enjoy? CC: Great restaurants, to me, are a fantastic way to unwind; you have a great meal as well as social time with someone. The other thing that I’m big on is travel; one of the most exciting things about having a company that is growing geographically is that I get to travel a little more (laughs). I think it’s great to experience new places and different cultures. I’m also a little bit of a sucker for the beach, so I definitely make it out to Florida every year.

CHIC “HOT” START UP CEO INTERVIEW

ARI KALFAYAN STARTUP & TECH MIXER Of

BY DAN IEL B EAN

TARTUP & TECH MIXER IS NOT ONLY CHALLENging the concept of what it means to network effectively, but it reflects the personal ethos of founder Ari Kalfayan. His philosophy is both pragmatic and humanistic. He came up with the idea for the mixer a couple of years ago. The first event had about 75 people in attendance, and the next would bring over 3,000. We wanted to dig a bit deeper and learn more about Mr. Kalfayan’s background, and what led to his success at the helm of this innovative organization. CM: Give us a snapshot of your background and what led to your interest in entrepreneurship and technology. AK: I grew up in a middle-class neighborhood in San Carlos. My family immigrated to the United States from Lebanon, and when I was 5 years old my father passed away; we toughed it out and my mother stayed at home to raise us. I definitely grew up more modestly than most, despite my middle-class surroundings; it’s not like we had a ton of resources at our disposal, but I had every basic need taken care of. I went to great schools, played soccer; all of the things you love to do as a child. But I always wanted more; that was a feeling from a very young age. I preferred getting involved in running an organization as opposed to simply being a part of it. I had a talent for organizing people, so through middle school and high school I took on leadership roles, mainly in church and in sports. I went to college and, in addition to being senator for the school, I ran several organizations and started the Men’s Water Polo Club Team. I didn’t see myself going into the family business and set out to find what I wanted to do. After graduating from school, I worked in finance for three years but figured out that making money purely for the sake of making money wasn’t interesting for me; creating organizations that help people really drove me Through my first organization, Reason to Party, we raised money for local charities as well as the spirit of San Francisco during the financial crash of 2008, and we raised $250,000 for local businesses and charities. Through that process I learned that I loved entrepreneurship and it just drove me. Subsequently, I joined CrowdFlower, which was a tech startup, and ran sales for them. I made my first 5, 6, and 7-figure deals and helped them grow from $50,000 in revenue to close to $4,000,000 in revenue in their first year. What I learned is that in a fast-paced startup you have to create a conscious culture and bring values to people; I learned mindful conscious management. There was a better way of doing things,

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level, but who’s standing up for you? You can have an investor, mentor; there are all kinds of levels of support but we want to make sure that entrepreneurs, whether its early stage or late stage have access to other people who are also in the startup game. CM: Could you walk us through the planning stages of a Startup & Tech Mixer event? AK:Many factors play into the planning stage; design, lighting, sound, furniture, art, etc. For many people, connecting does not necessarily come naturally, especially in the tech and engineering fields. It’s not alcohol that loosens people up, it’s being in an environment where people are conversational, open, and friendly; where you feel like you’re not going to get your head bitten off when you reach out to someone. Even a two- person arcade game can create a connection; someone stands next to you and you don’t know what possibilities might emerge. We want to create the types of conditions where it doesn’t matter if you are young, old, introverted, extroverted, a technologist or an entrepreneur; you just connect. We have a really great team that puts in 10-20 hours a week their blood, sweat, and tears into their work; I am really blessed to be among such dedicated individuals.

but I only learned that through the friction I felt through my first tech company; we were all young, hungry, and smart leaders, but none of us knew how to keep everyone aligned and pointed in the same direction. CM: What is your personal philosophy regarding business and leadership? AK: One of my favorite television characters is Frank Underwood on House of Cards. He is as ruthless as ruthless can be and he’ll do anything to get ahead. When I first got into business, I thought that’s what you need to do. There’s this whole current of mindful companies that are popping up all over Silicon Valley, who not only believe in purpose-driven entrepreneurship, but doing it in a conscious manner. Two people come to mind that address this; Fred Kofman, who teaches how to build value through your own values, and Chip Conley, who discusses taking care of your employees so they’ll take care of you. Additionally, how vision, purpose, and values can drive a business. Those are concepts that often escape young business leaders or founders and they are the types of lessons that we are looking to teach and share at Startup & Tech Mixer. While you can learn entrepreneurship from books, at some point you have to live it out. You can achieve it through reading, conferences, coaching, going to burning man, etc; being aware of your choices, bringing other people into that state of awareness, and keeping them focused on the end goal. A good leader needs to know what motivates each person. Businesses inherently are made up of people, and people are not mechanical, though our minds work in a mechanical fashion; business is about managing and creating quality relationships with people. It’s very lonely at the top, and as your business grows you become more isolated; you are creating a space at your company for your employees to work at their peak

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CM: How do your events encourage more active interaction among its participants? AK: We have several levels of activities and encourage play amongst our participants. We want them to be vulnerable and open to connecting with one another, and the best way to create the space for vulnerability in people is for them to live out their curiosities with each other. The mixer is designed to break people out of their autopilot mode where they are just cruising and not aware of what’s going on. We’re all about creating authentic connections among people. When it comes to networking events and introducing people, it’s the art of the connection; creating a space for people to come together in a vulnerable and open fashion and creating the relationships that will help drive their business life forward, whether that takes the form of a mentee/mentor, employee/employer, or peer/peer. You have to think on all of those levels; what people are looking for and how we connect with them. Age has nothing to do with it; we’re learning from each other and it’s really about that spiritual connection that you share with someone that creates the fairy dust that makes the startups here work. Someone who is young and hungry is also clued in to what’s new and innovative, while someone else may be older and more experienced in building a business and has his or her own manner of doing things. The combination of the two of them sharing openly and in a vulnerable fashion is one that creates magic. CM: What do you find to be the most rewarding part of running Startup & Tech Mixer? AK: Watching the teams grow as a group and as individuals; one of our interns took on a leadership role and in two years went from someone who is hugely talented but had no experience to becoming a leader in the organization; this desire and hunger is now lived out, unlocking his true potential. Its fun and it’s a lot of work, trust me. I work from 8:30am to 4:00pm straight, there’s almost no break, and it’s not my only job. It’s great to have a support system; someone you can call when it gets to be too much CM: Who would be your “dream” speaker at one of your events? AK: Elon Musk; not because of his success in businesses or his wealth, but rather his continuing to share a vision of the future that inspires people, technologists, entrepreneurs, and politicos to take action towards goals that are both friendly to the environment and society as a whole. That’s really an inspiring business leader!

THE CHIC ULTIMATE NIGHTLIFE AND PARTY GUIDE! Each listing has been hand picked by our Nightlife Editor in each of our top Chic Metropolitan cities. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t waste your time with going to boring nightclubs and parties. We have done the work for you! Now book your trip, buy your VIP bottle service, get pre sale tickets now. The picks on this list are always a sell out. If you think your nightclub, party, pool party, concert is good enough to make this privileged list. Contact: Nightlife@chicmetropolitan.com 135

OFFICIAL CHIC METROPOLITAN EVENT

JOHN VARVATOS BAL HARBOR M AIAMI CHAMPAGN E P R OVIDED B Y JACQ UART P HOTOS B Y AN DR EA MATE

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CHIC CELEBRATIONS

BOTTLEROCK NAPA VALLEY BY A NGELL A SPRAUV E I M AG ES COURT ESY OF BOT T L EROC K N APA VALLEY

THE THIRD ANNUAL INSTALLMENT OF BOTTLEROCK NAPA VALLEY WAS A ROCKING party that brought together more than 100,000 music, food and wine fans. Held in historic downtown Napa, California from May 29 to May 31, the festival delivered an unparalleled lineup of music acts, rock star chefs, restaurants and vintners. More than 90 performers graced ďŹ ve stages during the three-day event highlighted by Imagine Dragons, Snoop Dogg, Los Lobos, Robert Plant and No Doubt. One of the biggest highlights of the festival was the newly added Williams-Sonoma Culinary Stage which featured a unique mashup of cooking demonstrations with renowned chefs, celebrities, performers and rock stars including Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, Iron Chef Marc Forgione, Top Chef Michael Voltaggio and more.

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PHOTO CREDITS: ROBERT PLANT: TOM HOPPA SNOOP DOGG AND IRON CHEF MASAHARU MORIMOTO: TOM HOPPA RICK MOONEN AND GUEST: PATRICE WARD FOOD GARDEN: PATRICE WARD PLATINUM LOUNGE: PATRICE WARD WILLIAMS-SONOMA CULINARY STAGE: TOM HOPPA GWEN STEFANI OF NO DOUBT: TOM HOPPA SNOOP DOGG: TOM HOPPA PUBLIC ENEMY: CHRIS TUITE LOS LOBOS: CHRIS TUITE

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CHIC NIGHTLIFE ULTRA VIP LIST

City

Nightlife

Top nightclubs in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, Atlanta BY CH I C M E T ROP O L I TA N NI G H T L I F E A M B ASSADO RS

NEW YORK LE BAIN AT THE STANDARD Across the hall from the Standard Hotel’s celebrity-favored retro lounge Top of the Standard is its younger, naked-er neighboring bi-level roof bar and club. The narrow, all-black tiled lower level, located on the 18th floor of the hotel, is the club part. Its most noticeable feature, besides the river views, is a hot tub in the back, which may or may not contain hot topless chicks. Up the industrial staircase — complete with fake “sexy” graffiti and the Standard’s cheesy board shorts vending machine — is the roof bar. Keeping with the pool theme are the low plastic string lounge chairs, stacks of neatly rolled white towels strewn about the Astroturf lawn, three large, round pink waterbeds and female employees clad in tennis whites with see-through skirts showing yellow knickers. The snacks (including savory and sweet crepes) and drinks (mostly fruity cocktails served in plastic tumblers) combine to give the whole place the atmosphere of a flamboyantly fun Fourth of July party. And all of those accoutrements are easily trumped by the killer views: the space is glassed in on all sides, meaning scenic vistas of the river and beyond. Two planted binoculars provide closeups of Lady Liberty. 848 Washington St, New York, NY 10014 Contact 212-645-4646 • www.standardhotels.

NEW YORK Le Bain at the Standard

LOS ANGELES GREYSTONE MANOR Greystone Manor is a beautiful and exclusive new club in West Hollywood ideal for dinner, drinks and dancing; this incredible venue features ornate decor, live entertainment and a hot young bottle-pop. For an exclusive dinner club experience at one of Los Angeles hottest new venues, head to Greystone Manor in West Hollywood. This new hot spot oﬀers a unique nightlife experience that combines dining, drinking and dancing into one incredible, upscale evening. With high ceilings, chandeliers lit by LED and reﬁned decor, this supper club is currently THE place to see and be seen in LA. 643 N La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood, CA Contact 310-652-2012 • www.greystonemanoria. com Next Chic Party not to miss! Every Saturday Night you can’t go wrong

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LAS VEGAS Hakkasan at MGM Grand

SAN FRANCISCO HAWTHORN The latest lounge to target the downtown scene is Hawthorn, which opens today at Geary and Market, in the heart of the FiDi. It comes from Chadwick Baumbach (Kimpton Group, La Costanera) and Gabriel McWilliams, who are aiming to make it an after-work cocktail scene in the early hours and a full-on dance party in the later ones. With lots of swank seating and a booming Void Tri-motion sound system, which the owners say is the ﬁrst of its kind in North America, getting the party started should be no trouble. 46 Geary St, San Francisco, CA 94108 Contact 415-693-9255 Next Chic Party not to miss! Every Saturday Night you can’t go wrong

MIAMI LIV Fontainebleau Resort is a major destination for Miami’s trendsetters, and their LIV nightclub is no different. The club was recently honored by Reuters as one of the world’s top 10 nightclubs thanks to its state-of-the-art sound and lighting equipment, solid rotation of top-notch DJs and beautiful clientele. Wide open and awe-inspiring architecture is all around the dance floors inside, with grand staircases leading to different levels and exclusive VIP cabanas around the perimeter. 4400 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140 Contact: 305.674.4680 • www.fontainebleau.com Next Chic Party not to miss! Every Saturday Night you can’t go wrong

ATLANTA OPERA NIGHT CLUB When you choose to spend your weekend evening in Midtown and you see a huge line along the sidewalk you’ve found Opera. Getting into the best club in the city takes a little while, but is always worth the wait. Achieving megaclub status, Opera oﬀers tons of dancing, the world’s best DJs, and plenty of VIP accommodation. Dress your best when you come to Opera, and expect nothing less from everyone else in attendance no matter which night you go. Their week starts on Wednesday with a hugely popular college night and continues through the weekend. 1150 B Crescent Ave. Atlanta, GA 30309 Contact: 404.874.3006 • www.operaatlanta.com Next Chic Party not to miss! Every Saturday Night you can’t go wrong

LAS VEGAS HAKKASAN AT MGM GRAND This megaclub in MGM Grand has been THE place to party. A five-story nightlife and culinary complex, Hakkasan spans 80,000 square feet. The main club is situated on the fourth floor and stretches upward to include the mezzanine on the fifth floor. It boasts a huge dance floor, a suspended performance area, floor-to-ceiling LED screens and oversized VIP booths. Hakkasan’s impressive roster of DJs includes Steve Aoki, deadmau5, Calvin Harris, R3hab, Tiësto and Tommy Trash. MGM Grand Hotel & Casino 3799 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109 Contact 702-891-3838 Next Chic Party not to miss! Saturday June 20th, CALVIN HARRIS with Burns

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CHIC PARTY PHOTOS “MIAMI”

HEARTS AND STARS GALA THE MOST SUCCESSFUL LITTLE LIGHTHOUSE FOUNDATION EVER! HTTP:// HEARTSAN DSTARSGALA.COM

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CHIC ULTIMATE PARTY POOLS

Chic Top Nightlife Pools to visit on Labor Day Weekend in Las Vegas

Do you think your pool it good enough to make this list? Contact: Nightlife@chicmetropolitan.com 144

LAS VEGAS BARE POOL Located at Mirage, Bare Pool is an intimately sized topless pool that is best for drinks, lounging pool side, enjoying the music, seeing and being seen, and for casually enjoying the pool. Many enjoy Bare because it has all of the same major elements of a pool party, but within a much smaller and less hectic setting. The Mirage, 3400 S Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV 702-791-7111

LAS VEGAS FOXTAIL POOL CLUB: Launching this summer at the SLS Hotel & Casino featuring DJs such as Eric Morillo, R3hab and Steve Angello. SLS Las Vegas 2535 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 702-761-7619

LAS VEGAS DAYLIGHT Newly opened in 2013 at Mandalay Bay, Daylight harnesses the latest trend in Las Vegas daylife / nightlife by centering the party around their all star lineup of internationally known residents. 3950 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas, NV 89110 702 693-8300

LAS VEGAS TAO BEACH From the geniuses behind Tao and Marquee nightclubs, Tao Beach is another excellent option for those looking to enjoy a smaller, but still high-energy, pool party atmosphere. You can expect to see just as many people partying as you see relaxing under the sun, which makes Tao Beach an excellent choice for those looking for both or something in between. 3355 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 702-388-8588

LAS VEGAS WET REPUBLIC Featuring multiple pools – including many that are salt water, Wet Republic is one of the most popular Megapools on The Strip and is a frequent home to internationally-renowned DJs, celebrities, and sexy locals. 3799 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NY 702-891-3563

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ENVISIONED BY BARTENDERS….BUILT BY INDUSTRY EXPERTS WWW.ULTIMATEBARS.COM

Innovators Not Imitators

ULTIMATE BARS are based on a skeleton frame made of aircraft aluminum where any or all the panels can be easily interchanged, branded or lit up. Ultimate Bars offer ﬂexibility like no other bar on the market today and come with a lifetime warranty • Company Branding • Interchangeable Bar Tops and Conﬁgurations • Battery Operated Multi-Color LED Lighting • Custom Interchangeable Panels • Folds to 5 inches for Storage and Transport • Made from Aircraft Aluminum CONTACT Ultimate Bars (714) 849-1340 www.ultimatebars.com

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Jodhpur One night in

POWER, A PALACE AND A PARTY; A NIGHT SPENT WITH ROYALTY REALLY DID ADD EXTRA SPARKLE TO THE FIREWORKS AND EXTRAVAGANZA OF DWIALI. B Y R A N D A LL MA C D ON A LD

HEN OUR FRIEND DON TOLD US THAT HE was related to the Maharaja of Jodhpur my interest was heightened, but when he told us that the Maharaja was having a party at his royal palace for Diwali and that he could get us an invite, I was all a tingle. I have been accused of being obsessed with aristocracy, so you can imagine that the thought of mingling with the crowned set made me light headed. Plans were made for Darcy & me to attend the celebrations in Jodhpur, however, due to other commitments we couldn’t arrive in Jodhpur until the day of the party, so arrangements were made to get our outfits in Vancouver. I could have spent a fortune on our ensembles and even with showing some restraint, I still spent way over my budget. Budget? What is that? A small bird? Don also touched base with his royal connections in India and before we knew it, we were being contacted by butlers in the palace who would be taking care of us during our stay there; did I mention that we were going to actually be staying in the Maharaja’s palace as well! One of the things they wanted to know was what kind of car we wanted to be picked up in. I was given the usual list; Jaguar, Land Rover, etc. but there also was

a list of vintage cars from the Maharaja’s personal collection. I love vintage cars and after some investigating decided on a 1947 Cadillac. The palace was advised of our choice of cars but did warn them that we travel with a fair amount of luggage. They responded “Oh sir, your luggage would never travel in the same vehicle as you!” We arrived at the airport in Jodhpur the morning of the gala to be greeted by our head luggage handler. He was very apt at directing his two helpers as they gathered our multiple bags. We headed out of the airport to see four white gloved attendants waiting there with silver trays holding water, cold moist towels, etc. by the monstrous Cadillac waiting for us. The Maharaja’s of Jodhpur had lived in the Mehrangarh Fort from 1459 until the 1930’s when it was decided that a new 347 room palace should be built; today it is considered one of the best examples of Art Deco in the world still retaining all of its original furnishings which were designed in Paris. The wing to the right of the public rooms is the private residence of His Royal Highness and to the left has been turned into a museum which the public can access via a separate driveway and entrance from the main palace. As our motorcade entered the palace grounds, we noticed a rush of museum patrons to the fence separating them from the main porte cochere. Once our car

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pulled up to the entrance of the palace, four costumed gentlemen descended the stairs to support a velvet canopy. As we exited the car, there was a shout of camera shutters from the onlookers and a man throwing rose petals walked backwards up the stairs in front of us as we entered. We were shown to one of the royal suites and provided a refreshing cocktail. The apartment went on for days and we settled in after running around it squealing with delight. Luckily the suitcase which carries all our champagne had arrived safely and we opened a bottle as we relaxed on our veranda overlooking the palace grounds. Our butler had asked us if we wanted a tour of the palace and of course we said yes! We gathered in one of the state rooms and there met a lovely couple from Antwerp who would also be attending the evening festivities.

fter the tour it was time to dress. At first we worried that our dressing in Indian attire might be taken as mocking, but upon leaving our apartment, our worries were put to rest. The staff of the palace seemed so pleased to see us in the national costume and we were greeted with many “You look very auspicious!” and great smiles. Diwali is the celebration of light and it is traditional for fireworks to be set off this evening and it was no exception at the palace. There were dancers and singers helping us get into the mood for the evening. We ran into Kathy & Edmond and learned that they had gotten engaged between our parting after the tour to dressing for the evening. Well this of course called for champagne and we had some sent over in short order. We enjoyed the festivities on the grounds for about an hour, but it was now 8:30 and time to move up the main party at the Mehrangarh Fort. Arrangements had been made to have the guests driven from the palace to the fort, about a 45 minute drive, and there was a fleet of cars passing through the porte cochere. As we were embarking into our vehicle, one of the butlers approached us with the usual gushing about our dress and in passing Darcy mentioned that he wished he had a turban. With that we got in the car and headed to the fort. We arrived and headed up to the party which was being held on the ramparts. The sight was amazing; original cannons, tables draped in white, and butlers passing hors d’oeuvres to the 250 guests. On the roof of the fort were musicians and singers, and the Blue city below was literally ablaze with fireworks. We had now gathered an entourage of six and were offered red and white wine, but I was disappointed to learn they weren’t offering champagne. So after chatting with our new friends for a while, over the din of the fireworks, music and chatter, I hear the pop of a cork! I turn to our group and announced that I had just heard champagne being opened and was setting off to investigate. I confidently walked up to the bartender and advised him I was a champagne drinker and was sure I had just heard the sound of a cork popping and would like to obtain a glass. The bartender became very uncomfortable and hesitantly advised me that the champagne was only for the Maharaja and his entourage. I thanked him and headed back to our group and announced that I had learned two things; one, that the champagne was strictly for the Maharaja

and secondly that the Maharaja had arrived. I announced I had every intention of meeting him and if they wished to do so as well to hang on. So off through the throngs we went. His Royal Highness arrived with all the pomp and security, one would expect from someone of his status. I hit the secret service men with head held high and laser vision on my target. One of them made the mistake of putting his hand on my chest to stop me to which I replied confidently “No, no! I know him” and pushed my way through dragging my group with me. I marched up to His Highness the Maharaja Gaj Singh II of Marwar and proceeded to explain to him how he would know us. After a few photos, it was now time to take our seats. We found our table and within minutes of sitting an Indian man, who we had not seen before, approached our table confirmed our identity and said he would be right back. I’m sure at first the group thought we were about to be arrested for crashing through the Maharaja’s security team and entourage. About 10 minutes later the man returned with two hand wrapped turbans from the palace. It turned out that the throw away comment by Darcy was taken to heart by the butler and he set about getting the 6 yards of fabric for each of them, had them wrapped and put into a car with the instruction to the driver to look for the two white guys in Indian garb. We thanked the gentleman very much and placed the fabric crowns upon our heads. Once on, we instantly turned into rock stars. People were insisting on photos and it felt like everyone there wanted a picture with us. After the dust settled, we headed back to our table and sat down. As soon as we landed, the bartender arrived at our table with a bottle of champagne from the Maharaja and two glasses. I thanked him very much, advised that we would be needing 4 more glasses and that we would be drinking champagne all night. After dinner around midnight, the musicians were now seated on the ramparts. His Royal Highness was placed in front of them with some of his entourage enjoying their music. I noticed that there were two empty chairs next to him, and without a second thought, grabbed Kathy and rushed to the chairs. We stopped just behind them and upon seeing us, were invited to sit down by our host. We chatted with him about the wonderful party and his lovely palace. We drank scotch, bubbles and smoked cigars. After a half hour of this I asked Kathy if she knew how to Indian dance. She didn’t but I had been to a wedding and would show her what I knew but we must stand behind the Maharaja as I didn’t want him to see me teaching her to screw in the light bulb and pet the dog. My plan didn’t work though and we were spotted. His Majesty insisted that we come and dance for him and his crew. With champagne courage, we stepped in front and danced for this lot and luckily our moves were met with approval. We sat down after dancing, chatted some more and suddenly it was 1:30 in the morning. All that was left was Darcy and myself, Kathy and Edmond, His Royal Highness, two of his body guards and two of his entourage. He suddenly arose and walked away signaling the end of the party. We too made our way back to the palace and got ourselves unwrapped and into bed. The next day as we appeared many of the palace staff who had worked the party, though they didn’t know our names, would point to us and say “Champagne!!”

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San Francisco Opera Ball 2015: Moonlight & Music Presented in New Tented Pavilion Venue Spanning Grove Street for Company’s Gala Opening Of 93Rd Season

Alison Speer, Sabrina Baldieri

Paula Carano

Produced by San Francisco Opera Guild and Led by Opera Ball 2015 Co-Chairmen Karen Kubin And Jane Mudge Giuseppe Verdi’s Luisa Miller Opens San Francisco Opera 2015–16 Season with Leah Crocetto, Michael Fabiano And Conductor Nicola Luisotti

Dede Wilsey, Willie Brown

SAN FRANCISCO (April 17, 2015; rev. April 21, 2015 rev. June 22, 2015) — San Francisco Opera Guild in collaboration with San Francisco Opera Association announces Opera Ball 2015: Moonlight & Music, a gala benefit on Friday, the 11th of September celebrating San Francisco Opera’s 93rd season and opening-night performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s Luisa Miller.

Charlot Malin, Jon Rubinstein, Karen Richardson

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Produced by San Francisco Opera Guild and led by co-chairmen Karen Kubin and Jane Mudge, Opera Ball 2015 will be celebrated in a new venue this year with the creation of a tented Opera Ball Pavilion on Civic Center’s Grove Street between the War Memorial Opera House and Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall. Acclaimed designer J. Riccardo Benavides will create an evocative 18th-century Tyrolean setting for the 850 Opera Ball patrons beginning at 5 p.m. with a festive cocktail reception in the resplendent Beaux Arts-designed War Memorial Opera House foyer. At 6 p.m., guests will make the short promenade through the Opera House south porte-cochère to the Grove Street Opera Ball Pavilion for an elegant dinner designed by Executive Chef Josip Martinovic of McCalls Catering and Events. Following dinner, patrons will return to the Opera House in time for the magnificent gold grand drape to rise for the 8 p.m. seasonopening performance of Verdi’s romantic drama.

Ginny Ziegler, Alvin Ziegler

At the conclusion of the performance, Opera Ball 2015 guests will be welcomed back to the Opera Ball Pavilion for cocktails, savories, sweets and dancing to the incomparable New York City-based high society band, The Bob Hardwick Sound. San Francisco Opera Ball, one of the premier philanthropic evenings on the West Coast, brings together local and national corporate, political, civic and charitable leaders all committed to the enduring first-tier quality work produced by San Francisco Opera. Opera Ball 2015 is made possible through the generous support of Opening Weekend Grand Sponsor Diane B. Wilsey, lead donors John and Cynthia Fry Gunn and Denise Littlefield Sobel, corporate sponsors TriplePoint Capital, Neiman Marcus Union Square, de GRISOGONO, Morrison & Foerster LLP, Baird, Wells Fargo, Wells Fargo Foundation, Bank of America, Bank of the West, Union Bank, Accenture, BNY Mellon , United Airlines and media sponsors The Nob Hill Gazette and Town & Country. Proceeds from this signature fundraising event benefit the Opera Association and Opera Guild’s bold and innovative education and community programs reaching more than 60,000 students annually throughout Northern California.

Jack Calhoun, Mary Beth Shimmon

Dede Wilsey, Deepa Pakianathan

San Francisco Opera Guild President Charlot Malin commented: “This year’s Opera Ball is more special than ever because it launches David Gockley’s final season as San Francisco Opera’s General Director. David’s innovative spirit, energy and inclusiveness have served to connect the Opera more closely with the broader community. He has been a wonderful partner to the Opera Guild, and we salute his many accomplishments.” Adding to that sentiment, Opera Ball 2015 co-chairman Karen Kubin said: “It is a special honor to be co-chairing Opera Ball 2015 in celebration of David Gockley’s final season. No doubt in recognition of David and the huge impact he has had, the early response to Opera Ball has been overwhelming and we expect to sell out quickly. We are so grateful to all our generous supporters and we promise an evening that will always be remembered.” Opera Ball 2015 co-chairman Jane Mudge added: “We are especially delighted to collaborate on the Ball’s event design with our good friend and creative genius J. Riccardo Benavides. Our goal with this partnership is to bring the splendor of the 18th-century and our theme—Moonlight & Music—to life by creating a beautiful event that celebrates the magic of San Francisco and its greatest treasure, San Francisco Opera.”

Martin Camsey, Dede Wilsey, Randy Reynoso

Giuseppe Verdi’s Luisa Miller features three fast-rising, young international stars including soprano Leah Crocetto in the title role, tenor Michael Fabiano as Rodolfo and in his Company debut Ukrainian baritone Vitaliy Bilyy as Miller. Nicola Luisotti, distinguished Italian conductor and Company music director since 2009, will lead the San Francisco Opera Orchestra and Chorus in this vivid Francesca Zambello production. Opening Friday, September 11, six performances are scheduled through September 27.

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