SCENE by Mark Stinson

MADE IN MONACO

THE NEXT GENERATION OF ROYALTY ROMAN À CLEFS THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY

SCAMMING A SOCIETY SUITOR MIDNIGHTS IN PARIS

$4.99

02 APRIL 2012

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4AM AT FLORENT, REAL ESTATE VISIONARIES AND THE SCOOP ON SUPER LINDA

HILARY RHODA IN HEAVY METAL

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346 Madison Avenue & 351 Bleeker Street, New York City 2223 Fillmore Street, San Francisco 800 274 1815 Also available at Barneys New York and barneys.com

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EVOLUTION OF THE BR MILITARY WATCH

AVIATION BR 03-92 42 mm . VINTAGE BR 126 41 mm . Natural Leather strap Bell & Ross Inc. +1.888.307.7887 . information@bellrossusa.com . e-Boutique: www.bellross.com

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InterIor desIgn by JAmes HunIford

At Home In An Icon Manhattan House, a Landmarked Modernist icon in the heart of the Upper East Side, captures the spirit of living beautifully in one of the world’s most compelling cities. Set within one of the largest private gardens in the city, it is distinguished by five-star services and well-curated amenities. Residences with multiple exposures and gracious floorplans have been designed to embrace a contemporary lifestyle. manhattan House Amenities: Five-Star Concierge Services . Rooftop Manhattan Club . exhale® Mind Body Spa & Fitness Center . Children’s Playroom . Private Gardens . Porte Cochère Entrances . On-Site Parking

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INTERIOR 3,196 SF (297 SM)

SECOND ENTRANCE

BREAKFAST ROOM PANTRY

3 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms Powder Room Media Room Dining Room Breakfast Room

REF

DINING ROOM 11’5” × 16’7”

MASTER SUITE 25'2" × 14'7"

WIC

MEDIA ROOM 12'5" × 16'0"

BEDROOM 2 11'7" × 14'7" LIVING ROOM 22'2" × 23'11"

BEDROOM 3 13'5" × 15'0"

FOYER

The complete offering terms are in an offering plan available from the sponsor. File No. CD06-0055. All dimensions are approximate and subject to normal construction variances and tolerances. Plans and dimensions may contain minor variations from floor to floor. Sponsor reserves the right to make changes in accordance with the terms of the offering plan. We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.

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04.12

CONTENTS

ROCK ON

P.40 BEHIND THE SCENE

TATTLE TALES

P.58 HAVE TO HAVE

FEATURES 40 ROCK ON Hilary Rhoda in the most coveted jewels

48 SOCIETY SQUARE Todd Meister is quite the ladies man, but recently he's been swindled by the one he should have trusted most—his personal assistant by Daniel Edward Rosen

52 THE NEXT GENERATION The Casiraghi clan comes (seemingly) out of the woodwork to make a splash on the international scene by Jasmine Lombardi and Delphine Barguirdjian

58 THE TRIUMPHS AND TRADEGIES OF TELL-ALLS In the wake of Tinsley Mortimer's roman à clef, SCENE digs deeper into the consequences of airing your dirty laundry by Tatiana Boncompagni

63 REAL ESTATE OF MIND New York's top real estate visionaries answer the questions on everyone's mind

COLUMNS 14 CRICKET CRAVES Brave April's showers with these Britishinspired boots by Cricket Burns

20 HAUTE SPOT

22 GET OUT OF TOWN Head to La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels in Paris for the chicest glass of vino possible by Jared Baumeister

24 BEHIND THE SCENE Inside mixed-media photographer Margeaux Walter's Brooklyn studio by Delphine Barguirdjian

28 SCENE LIST The most invited Manhattanites by Peter Davis

30 SCENE & HEARD A magazine launch, museum parties, Marni and more by Kristian Laliberte

33 SCENE STEALERS This month's hottest social happenings

38 EXHIBIT A Keith Haring at the Brooklyn Museum by Delphine Barguirdjian

112 SCHOOL DAZE Charlie Campbell goes XXX with secret screenings by Peter Davis

16 HAVE TO HAVE Time is on your side with these whimsical watches by Cricket Burns

18 SEEN IN NY Florent diner leaves its mark on 69 Gansevoort Street by Jasmine Lombardi

P.16

From the owners of the Beatrice Inn and La Esquina: Super Linda by Carson Griffith

HAUTE SPOT

P.20

On the Cover: Hilary Rhoda Photographed by Juan Algarin Styled by Cricket Burns

HAIR BY BRIAN BUENAVENTURE FOR ORLO SALON, MAKEUP BY BRYAN ZARAGOZA AT FORD ARTISTS NY. ON THE COVER: PEAR SHAPE DIAMOND ABSTRACT FLOWER EARRINGS AND WHITE MULTI-SHAPE DIAMOND ABSTRACT EARRINGS WITH YELLOW RADIANT-CUT DIAMOND CENTERS BY GRAFF. PHOTOGRAPHS, CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: JUAN ALGARIN; RICHARD RUTLEDGE; ALEXANDER THOMPSON; COURTESY OF BOUCHERON DELANEAU AND ED HARDY; COURTESY OF SUPER LINDA

P.24

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the diamonds and jewelry you no longer wear. At CIRCA, our belief is that every diamond we buy from you is one less that has to be mined. Helping the environment has never been easier or more beautiful. CIRCAJEWELS.COM | 212.486.6013

EL E LA AI NE N I RWIN R , CI RCA A CL C LIE L NT

R e Eva luat e

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CEO/Publisher

Julie Dannenberg Editor in Chief Peter Davis Creative Director Cricket Burns Art Director Dean Quigley Managing Editor Delphine Barguirdjian

Senior Editor Jasmine Lombardi

Executive Assistant to the CEO/Publisher Jacqueline Curley Editor at Large Martin Marks Photographer at Large Patrick McMullan Society Editor Kristian Laliberte European Editor Tom Sykes Men's Fashion Editor Benjamin-Ă&#x2030;mile Le Hay Nightlife Editor Carson Griffith Technology Editor Melissa Thompson Palm Beach Editor Renee Morrison fact checker Ida Griesemer Contributing Writers Jared Baumeister, Tatiana Boncompagni, Yale Breslin, Corbin Brett Chamberlin, William Corwin, Molly Jong-Fast, Elise knutsen, Anisha Lakhani, Ray Rogers, Daniel Edward Rosen, Rebecca Suhrawardi, Whitney Spaner Contributing Photographers Juan Algarin, Tommaso Cardile, Hanuk Hanuk,

Nathaniel Kramer, Josh Lehrer, Danielle Levitt, Ben Pope, Ben Fink Shapiro, Victoria Stevens, Alexander Thompson Contributors June Ambrose, Hannah Bronfman, Stephen Drucker, Miguelina Gambaccini, Good Days by Unruly Heir, Ann Grauso, Lorenzo Martone, Claire De Rham, Lucy Sykes Rellie, Euan Rellie, Amy Sacco, Kate Schelter, Luigi Tadini, Arden Wohl

President Christopher Barnes Executive V.P. Barry Lewis Associate Publisher Jamie Forrest V.P. sales and marketing David Gursky Classified Advertising Director Ken Newman Audience Development Manager Sydney Sarachan Controller Mark Pasquerella V.P. Circulation Kratos Vos General Counsel Laurence Rabinowitz Founder & Editorial Director Arthur L. Carter

www.VelvetRoper.com 321 West 44th Street, New York City 10036

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04.12

contributors

daniel edward rosen Daniel Edward Rosen is a staff writer for The Commercial Observer and a frequent contributor to The New York Observer. Rosen is a native Upper East Sider and proud Allen-Stevenson alumnus.

Haute Spot: You can never go wrong with Friday Nights in the Club Room at The SoHo Grand Hotel, with Ted Gushue at the helm. Have to Have: A Michael Andrews bespoke suit. Seen in NY: First Elaine's closed, now Billy's getting priced out of a spot it's held for centuries. Old New York can't keep up with new New York.

tatiana boncompagni

camille shimshak 13-year-old Camille Shimshak is a New York City native attending Convent of the Sacred Heart. She loves to paint, draw and take pictures with her Polaroid. Shimshak also loves fashion. "My favorite designer is Opening Ceremony and basically anything unique. I love dressing up and stealing my mom's clothes. I hope I have half as good taste she has.”

Haute Spot: Corner Bakery (the turkey pinwheels are to die!). Craves: Oxfords of all shapes, sizes and colors. Exhibit A: I'm dying to go see Renoir, Impressionism, and Full-Length Painting at The Frick Collection—I'm a sucker for impressionism.

Freelance journalist Tatiana Boncompagni has written for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Vogue and Town & Country, among other publications. She has written two novels, Gilding Lily and Hedge Fund Wives. Boncompagni lives in Manhattan with her husband and three children.

Haute Spot: Toalache on 82nd Street. It's close to home and they serve the best margaritas. Have to Have: A toss up between my Clé de Peau concealer and Nespresso machine. Both are morning necessities. Seen in NY: I would love to hang out on the set of The Office.

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ÂŽ

LLegendary e g e n d a r yJewelry chic

O riginal

designs by

M arina b ulgari

beverly hills Dallas atlanta Palo alto newPort beach san Diego chicago houston san antonio san francisco Palm beach bal harbour white Plains www.MarinaB.coM â&#x20AC;˘ Marina B showrooM: 212.644.1155

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EDITOR'S LETTER

AND DIAMOND EARRINGS FROM BULGARI'S HIGH JEWELRY COLLECTION)

Social circles have always been populated with tattle tales— characters like Truman Capote who was infamously banished by Babe Paley and the ladies who lunch when Esquire published portions of his scandalous, unfinished roman à clef Answered Prayers in 1975. Capote not only lost his jet-set pals, but also ended up a drugged-up drunk who never showed the brilliance of his earlier work, like the seminal true crime tome In Cold Blood. Next month, party girl Tinsley Mortimer is releasing her own roman à clef titled Southern Charm. (Full disclosure: Mortimer was married to my half-brother). At a dinner party, a mutual friend wondered why Tinsley would write a thinly veiled version of her own life, especially after her reality TV series, High Society got such low ratings that it was canned. Whether Tinsley’s book will “Capote” her from society or end up a blockbuster like Candace Bushnell’s Sex and the City (which was culled from Bushnell’s life) is anyone’s guess. Author Tatiana Boncompagni, who wrote the roman à clef Gilding Lily, examines the truth and consequences of penning a tell-all. Speaking of social scandals, one of New York’s most eligible bachelors, the charming and successful Todd Meister was recently allegedly ripped off by his former assistant, who stole his

identity and charged up a lavish lifestyle to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars. And now the assistant is claiming she was his lover, which Meister flatly denies. Daniel Edward Rosen digs deep into the criminal case and discovers that the accused grifting assistant was not just a conniving con woman, but had more than a few men on her speed dial. The whole drama reads a bit like a sordid tell-all, but none of the names have been changed. This tale of betrayal would actually make a riveting roman à clef; one that the assistant just might write—behind bars. Not all of Manhattan’s beautiful people are embroiled in controversy. My friend, the supermodel Hilary Rhoda stunningly models some of the year’s most jaw-dropping jewels in a series of photographs by Juan Algarin that left me wanting more and more with every shot. And we introduce you to New York’s future crown jewels: the young, gorgeous and chic Casiraghi kids who were made in Monaco but meant to rule Manhattan. Want to chum around with the Casiraghis? Better study our insider’s guide to Super Linda, the eatery that has become a clubhouse for all the pretty young things. The Latin grill’s name means both “extremely lovely” and “super fine,” which sounds like perfect place for a Casiraghi or our cover beauty Hilary Rhoda to sit front and center. PETER DAVIS

BOTTOM RIGHT: JUAN ALGARIN (HILARY RHODA WEARS EMERALD, SAPPHIRE

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

LEFT: THOMAS WHITESIDE

PETER DAVIS

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SALES

R E N TA L S

R E L O C AT I O N

NEW DEVELOPMENTS

R E TA I L

MORTGAGE

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

TITLE INSURANCE

©2012. Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities. An independently owned and operated broker member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license. Equal Housing Opportunity.

YOUR ONE-IN-A-MILLION HOME NEEDS THAT ONE-IN-A-MILLION BUYER. HOW DO YOU ENSURE THE TWO MEET?

A successful real estate transaction depends on your ability to assemble the right team. From buying and selling to appraisals, mortgage financing and rentals, top experts on AskElliman.com offer timely answers to today’s questions about all things real estate. With the largest regional and global network, Douglas Elliman offers customized resources to guide you skillfully from beginning to end. Put the power of Elliman to work for you.

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CRICKET CRAVES

JUMPING JACK SPLASH

CRICKET BURNS

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JAY ZUCKERKORN, MAREK AND ASSOCIATES

Here are some things I love the most: The Rolling Stones; a sultry, warm rainstorm; a cozy pair of rubber wellies; and, "God save the Queen," the Union Jack flag. Leave it to the eponymous producer of the original Balmoral-stomping boots to unite my not-sosecret desires and, ta-dah, here you have it! Jagger may tell us "you can't always get what you want," but it seems to me that Hunter has just proven my rock icon wrong. Maybe, in the end, these boots are just what I need...until the next thing I just can't live without. Now go get caught up in a chic storm!

3/28/12 5:24 PM

tassel collection | 109 mercer st. nyc | ivankatrumpcollection.com

Rock Tradition.

CMY

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16 HAVE TO HAVE 01

04 03

WRIST CANDY

06 05

11 12

01 Tiffany Gemea by Tiffany & Co. 02 Diamond Cocktail Watch by Leviev 03 Happy Sport by Chopard 04 Crazy Jungle Seahorse Watch by Boucheron 05 Flaming Skull by Ed Hardy 06 BR01-94 Yellow Chronograph Men's Watch by Bell & Ross 07 Rainbow Watch by Jacob & Co. 08 Timeless Birds of Paradise by Van Cleef & Arpels 09 Zeitmeister Q ST by Wempe 10 Amazone Hibiscus Colibri by Delaneau 11 Skeleton Watch by Patek Philippe 12 Monterubello Solo Tempo Watch by Ermenegildo Zegna 13 GraffStar Diamond Watch by Graff 14 Concentrica Watch by Bulgari Prices upon request CRICKET BURNS

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Milla Jovovich

jacobandco.com

212.719.5887

48 East 57th Street, New York, NY

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18 SEEN IN NY

Left: Morellet surrounded by guests inside his namesake diner; Top Right: The famous neon sign and the sign underneath that marked the end of an era; Bottom Right: One of the many examples of the transgressive nature of Florent and its patrons. sc.04.12.SeeninNY.indd 2

FLORENT 69 GANSEVOORT STREET

In 1985—before McCartney, McQueen and Louboutin took hub, Florent Morellet took a risk on a neighborhood that was, at the time, laden with streetwalkers and meathackers. Six years after moving to New York, the ostentatious Frenchman took over R & L diner at 69 Ganesevoort Street but did little to its interior, keeping the original Formica countertop, the chromeplated walls and the fluorescent lighting (though Morellet did have them tinted pink for a cheery glow). Not long after his late-

August opening night, Morellet was dubbed the unofficial mayor of the Meatpacking District for his namesake 24-hour French diner that prided itself on serving “French bistro fare at nonexclusive prices.” Florent soon became a sanctuary for artists to both socialize and work. Performance artist and theatre director Lucy Sexton was once a night manager; performer and choreographer Richard Move and short-story writer Vestal McIntyre were waiters; Matthew Barney was a regular for lunch. However, over the years the crowds grew to include more than just creative types—from celebrities and socialites to silver foxes, pink-haired punks and everyday New Yorkers. In the 2010 documentary Florent: Queen of the Meat Market, which profiles this legendary diner and its fabulous owner, Morellet refers to his costumers as “an absurd mix.” But that was exactly the point. Morellet made sure Florent was not exclusive but inclusive—open at all times, to anyone. This put the HIV-positive owner at the forefront of activism and his

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did you know? Morellet was the son of a renowned Conceptual artist, Francoise Morellet, and he himself was interested in maps of real and imaginary places. A tiny map of the world’s sixth-smallest country of Liechtenstein hung in the back of the restaurant (amongst the other maps covering the walls).

Florent: Queen of the Meat Market features Julianne Moore, Isaac Mizrahi and Michael Musto. Rent rose to more than $30,000. Florent Morellet told The New York Times that his diner brought "the first bit of gentrification to the area.'' In the 1930s, the original space was where longshoremen and meatpackers would dine at night.

florent's reasons to go back into the closet: It's all just been a phase. "Culture war" suddenly not as important as one in Iraq. AIDs is 25 and still going strong!? Queer Eye is still on TV. Crystal is still cheap and easy to score. Mark Cheney has a book. Rosie on The View. It works for Tom Cruise! NOTE: Some of the jokes as seen on one of Florent's bulletin boards (along with Morellet's T-cell count)

opposite page: paul Szynol; this page: (top) EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images; (bottom) Paul Szynol

restaurant became a safe haven in the early days of the AIDS crisis. Morellet even posted his dwindling T-cell count on the menu board. After nearly 23 years in business, due to an extremely high rent increase, Florent closed on Gay Pride Day, June 29, 2008— fitting for a place that was a symbol of transgressive ideas and had acceptance permeating its walls. Since its closing, the space that was once home to a New York institution has housed three different restaurants—two of which closed within a year of opening. Two days after Florent's closing, the landlord attempted to bring the space back to its roots and serve the same food, by the same staff, under its original name. Then, less than a year later, in September of 2009, Gansevoort 69 opened with a decor that was hardly recognizable from its modest diner days, and was flooded with a more contemporary district crowd: investment bankers, waifish models and European diplomats. This new-wave of American comfort food (traditionally uncool comfort food served alongside cool cocktails in a chic setting) didn't seem to stick.

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Today, the space houses the Vinatta Project with contemporary American small-plates and family-style dining. The interior has been redone to be more condusive to the current downtown crowd's interests, containing a zinc bar, tufted banquettes and communal wooden tables to encourage mingling amongst guests—an idea that pays homage to the beloved inviting atmosphere of the Florent. But can it survive in a space that is so widely known for its past? Perhaps the sticking point will be the Vinatta Project's seasonally bespoke beverages, courtesy of the Mulberry Project team, or the vending machines that offer three-ounce pours of various liquors and wine at the push of a button. Time will tell, but what is known is no matter what takes shelter at 69 Gansevoort Street, it certainly has some big, fabulous, shoes to fill. Jasmine Lombardi

3/28/12 5:31 PM

20 HAUTE SPOT The team behind Super Linda; One of four keepsake stickers

INSIDE SUPER LINDA 109 WEST BROADWAY

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OWNED BY: Matt Abramcyk, Serge Becker, Richard Ampudia and John Martinez THE OWNERS’ OTHER VENTURES INCLUDE: The Box, Employee’s Only, Miss Lily’s, La Esquina, Bar Bruno, Culinary Concepts By Jean-Georges, Smith and Mills, Tiny's and Warren 77 LOOK OUT FOR: Kirsten Dunst, Mickey Rourke, Terry Richardson, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Josh Hartnett and Chloe Sevigny MYTH BUSTER: The restaurant's name is not based on Linda Evangelista. It means extremely lovely, or super ﬁne, depending on what part of Latin America you come from SEATS: 85 Super Linda, 109 West Broadway, between Duane and Reade Streets, Tribeca

TOP AND MIDDLE: ALEXIS DAHAN; BOTTOM: DANIEL KRIEGER

Getting a table at Super Linda is not the same namedropping process that careening the ropes of the Beatrice Inn was before the beloved nightclub shuttered its doors in 2009. Despite both establishments sharing an owner, the Latin American eatery doesn't involve bulky bouncers or pesky passwords to gain entrance into the two-story restaurant and lounge. “We want to take care of our friends, but we want to take care of our neighbors. The people who are most likely to come visit us,” co-owner Matt Abramcyk explains, adding that there are numerous reasons for Super Linda's West Broadway location but the “local, tight knit community” in Tribeca plays a major factor. Serge Becker agrees with his business partner. “We're keeping a lot of the tables open to the public. We don't want it to be a private club. It's pretty simple stuff,” Becker added, saying the lounge, which is called El Jockey and located below street level, “is pretty relaxed so far.” Becker also says Super Linda's focus will be on Tribeca's locals. “We have a lot of friends and ties in the neighborhood. We hope to create a real meeting place for them.” But that doesn't mean you shouldn't keep your eye on the door for some of the high-profile celebs and fashionable New Yorkers who once hung at “the Beatrice,” as regulars fondly referred to it. “Those people come to all of our places, truthfully,” Abramcyk says. “We get our share of neighborhood people and our share of notable people.” Before the doors were barely unlocked, a pre-opening dinner held in February brought out Harvey Keitel, John Varvatos and Griffin Dunne to the colorful Latin grill, and on a relatively quiet New York night in March, a handful of Rangers hockey players could be spotted swigging cocktails at the restaurant's bar—an ode to Abramcyk's partnership in Warren 77 and Tiny's with former NHL player Sean Avery. Regulars in the know can make a game of repeat visits by trying to collect all four of the punk-like stickers the restaurant puts on the bills at the end of the meal. El Jockey has its own special marker, while the upstairs area claims three different varieties. The California skateboard-chic stickers are a way for guests to leave the restaurant with something more than matches or a postcard. Lack of pretention is a theme that seems to run deep within the nameplate-adorned walls of the casually cool establishment, but for what the restaurant lacks in ostentatious rules and décor, it makes up for in ambition. “In our dreams we would love for it to become the younger sibling to the Odeon,” Becker waxes: “A lasting home for the Tribeca creative set.” CARSON GRIFFITH

3/28/12 5:32 PM

HUNTER is a trade mark of Hunter Boot Limited

WWW.HUNTER-BOOT.COM

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09/03/2012 10:43 3/26/12 11:25:28 AM

GET OUT OF TOWN

MIDNIGHTS IN PARIS AT LA COMPAGNIE DES VINS SURNATURELS

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LA COMPAGNIE DES VINS SURNATURELS 7 Rue Lobineau Paris, 75006 France tel. +33954902020 Metro: Odéon or Mabillon (equal distance but on opposite sides) OPEN MON.-SAT. 6PM-1AM Wine by the glass from 6 euros to 80 euros per; By the bottle from 20 euros to 3,500 euros per

NOTE: The team behind Compagnie also runs Prescription Cocktail Club, Curio Parlor and Experimental Cocktail Club in Paris; Experimental Cocktail Club London; and in early March 2012, opened Experimental Cocktail Club Lower East Side on Chrystie Street between Stanton and Rivington.

COURTESY OF LA COMPAGNIE DES VINS SURNATURELS AND BY BILLY FARRELL/BFANYC.COM

If you’re looking for wine in Paris, I like your odds. While there is no shortage of cafés, bars and restaurants for the transient oenophile to pop into for a drink, La Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels offers more than just a great selection of wines by the bottle or glass, fluctuating month to month between 20 to 30 euros by the glass and 300 to 400 euros by the bottle. The bar’s slick interior was designed by Dorothée Meilichzon and has a jazz age vibe with white tin ceilings accented by Louis XVI pieces as well as mid-century furniture. Patrons can sit on high stools at the long mahogany bar that occupies the left side of the room, or snag a cozy table by the backroom fireplace if all the spots in front of the picture windows facing the street have been taken. Fans of the Experimental crew’s (Olivier Bon, Romée de Goriainoff, Pierre-Charles Cros) other bars may be surprised by the lack of a cocktail list, but they will recognize the familiar black and white striped awning and the conspicuous lack of a name or sign out front. Owner Olivier Bon says cocktails will always be his first love, but he wanted to create a new kind of wine bar, “Cocktails are our passion, but we are not just complete cocktail geeks. We really like wine and good food.” Although there is no kitchen, the bar also offers a selection of small plates of high quality meats and cheeses served alongside slices of fresh bread from Poujauran. The truffled ham as well as the burrata with sea salt, olive oil and a dash of pepper are particularly popular at the moment. Bon explained that wine is part of French culture, but it isn’t accessible to everyone. With bottles ranging from 20 euros to 3,500 euros per, there is something for almost all tastes. However, Bon and company have a more cultured customer in mind. “Our main customers are people who appreciate quality and are willing to pay a little bit more for quality and design. It’s not for the guy who wants a 3 euro glass of wine.” During a recent early evening rendez-vous at Compagnie, a patron put her glass of red aside and assessed the crowd, “It’s a nice change from the regular cafés and it’s still very preserved from Americans and other tourist invaders. I’m hoping it will stay this way.” So for now, it’s just our secret, OK? JARED S. BAUMEISTER

3/28/12 5:34 PM

Scene in NY:2012

3/29/12

11:26 AM

Page 1

T&HEAM ANHATTAN ART NTIQUES CENTER WWW.THE-MAAC.COM

Cuff bracelet by Art Smith, copper and brass, American, c. 1948. L. 3.5".

LEAH GORDON ANTIQUES

GALLERY 18 |

TEL :

212.872.1422

Bird pin, 18k gold with emeralds and rubies, Italian, c. 1950. H. 3.5"; W. 1.5".

BRIAN STEWART

GALLERY 49A |

TEL:

212.758.1252

Hermes Paris Cape Cod watch, 18k gold and mother-of-pearl face, c. 1980.

CLIFFORD BARON

GALLERY 8 |

TEL :

646.204.0143

www.LeahGordon.com

E-mail: brian.brian@me.com

E-mail: cliffordbaron@yahoo.com

18k gold crucifix watch with diamonds and pearls, Swiss, 19th century.

18K gold, pearl, diamond and coral necklace, American, 1960.

Jomaz vintage earrings of 3 interlocking rings, c. 1960. H. 4â&#x20AC;?.

BOTIER INC.

GALLERY 15 |

TEL :

212.371.2424

E-mail: mbotier@hotmail.com

SAMUEL SAIDIAN & SONS

GALLERY 48 |

TEL :

212.752.2684

www.SaidianCollection.com

MELODY RODGERS

GALLERY 10A |

TEL :

212.758.3164

www.MelodyRodgers.com

1050 SECOND AVENUE AT 55TH STREET NEW YORK, NY 10022 TEL: 212.355.4400 | FAX: 212.355.4403 | E-MAIL: info@the-maac.com

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COURTESY OF MARGEAUX WALTER

24 BEHIND THE SCENE

OUT OF THE BOX A STUDIO VISIT WITH MARGEAUX WALTER

Acquiescence, MDF, plexigrass, 3-D lenticulars, 48 x 48 x 22 inches

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Margeaux Walter is quite the chameleon. She’s posed as a teenager, a bride, a clubgoer, a dad, a jogger, a child, a commuter— and has the wigs to prove it. “I like to figure out who the characters are before I start photographing,” says Walter. With a background in photography, Walter uses digital media to create lenticulars—prints that move when looked at from different angles. Forcing viewers to sway back and forth in calculated motions, the most intriguing aspect of Walter’s lenticulars is the viewer interaction they rely on. With some pieces showing three or four different images,

observers can easily spend more than a few minutes trying to grasp each of the characters' movements. Her Crowded series featured images of groups of up to 50 people in various social settings; in line to get into a club, at a sporting event, a concert, a graduation. For this series, Walter photographed herself as each of the characters (sometimes taking up to 150 photos per character) and later collaged the photos together to create a crowd of incognito Margeaux Walters. “I’m told that my men aren’t very believable,” says Walter, who resorts to hats and a fake

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Top: You Are the Controller, 3-D photographic lenticular, 30 x 40 inches. Bottom: Vacay, 3-D photographic lenticular, 30 x 40 inches

alexander thompson

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behind the scene

alexander thompson

scruff for her male personas, “so I’ve started working with prosthetics to see how far those will take me.” As for the setting of her pieces, Walter relies on dollhouses to create the desired background for her characters—meticulously crafting miniature rooms which she photographs and enlarges to the scale of her autoportraits. Aside from the shelves upon shelves of wigs, Walter’s Brooklyn studio is crammed with artifacts from each of the characters she’s posed as for her pieces: a clothing rack with everything from a graduation gown to a muscle suit, prosthetic noses, masks, toys, sculptures, cables and countless books. But the most imposing accessory in Walter’s studio is a frilly, white and pink wedding dress. Made entirely out of paper by the artist herself in less than a day, the dress is worthy of a Barbie outfit, complete with layers and layers of ruffles and rosebuds lining the top seam of the corset. “My friends kept telling me to do something on weddings, but the only connection I had to weddings was the playful, childish aspect,” Walter explains. She used the dress to pose as a bride throwing her (also paper) bouquet at the line of hands reaching out from below her. Her latest series, TMI, took over a year and a half to make and will be on display at Winston Wachter Fine Art until April 28th. An acronym for “too much information,” TMI explores the invasion of technology in all aspects of a daily life, in even the most intimate settings. “I’m really intrigued by this addiction to technology in all forms—cell phones, iPods, game consoles. The anxiety and need to be connected at all times is what inspires me, like the fact that most people can’t even go to the bathroom without bringing their cellphones.” Her lenticular iPhone Accident, depicts just that—a woman dropping her cell phone in the toilet. “So many people described this happening to them. It seemed so ridiculous to me,” says Walter, who noted the irony in the fact that while this had never happened to her before, she herself fell victim to phone-flushing not long after she completed the piece. Because although she seems to lament and mock digital dependence, Walter isn’t one of those people who doesn’t own a cell phone and even confesses to being as addicted as the next person. “I have a love/hate relationship with technology. I embrace it for my work, but am still skeptical,” she explains. Drawing inspiration from everyday experiences—the subway, the street, the park— the TMI series reveals a caricature of the common person. “Media in general is what inspires me; how advertising projects this notion of the perfect person and how we all strive to conform to that same, idealized person,” adds Walter. delphine barguirdjian

Top: Margeaux Walter in her studio in front of her 3-D photographic lenticular, Commencement. Bottom: Third Wheel, 3-D photographic lenticular, 30 x 40 inches

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3/29/12 10:13 AM

Tailored by ABC at the new designer showroom

on 2 at 881 Broadway in Manhattan 646 602 3499 the Bronx outlet 718 842 8772 now introducing wood and ceramic flooring www.abchome.com

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3/29/12 1:29:20 PM

scene list

the most invited in new york city

AndrĂŠ Balazs Daniel Benedict Hannah Bronfman Andy Cohen Jennifer Creel Thom Filicia Giancarlo Giammetti Mark Gilberston Zani Guglemann Jamee Gregory Peter Gregory Jessica Hart Amanda Hearst Fern Mallis Gilian Miniter Carlos Mota Stavros Niarchos Euan Rellie Lucy Sykes Rellie The Roitfeld Family The Ronson Family Rachel Roy Andrew Saffir Lauren Santo Domingo Russell Simmons Emily Smith Carlos Souza Mary Alice Stephenson Luigi Tadini Valentino Arden Wohl Bettina Zilkha

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3/28/12 5:37 PM

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3/28/12 10:11:43 AM

Scene & heard

#hashtags and hot toddies Nights out on the town It’s our big launch party for SCENE and Desmond’s, the chic spot on the Upper East Side that feels part Brit private club, part downtown lounge, is packed with PYTs like Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, Dani Stahl, June Ambrose, David Lipke, Charlotte Ronson, Ali Wise, Euan and Lucy Sykes Rellie, Andrew Saffir and Daniel Benedict, Anh Duong, Page Six’s Emily Smith and Erika Bearman (aka the prolific and muchfollowed Tweeter, “OscarPRGirl”) to name just a few. Hot on the heels of the Oscars, the bon mots are all about the bestdressed, and really, this crew is a little better equipped to judge the sartorial prowess of Hollywood stars than say, Giuliana Rancic. Stacy Keibler's gold Marchesa? “A little too Oscar,” observes Bearman, and she wasn't referring to her own boss, Mr. Oscar de la Renta. Rellie, who may possibly tweet just as much as Bearman, focuses on Angelina Jolie's now notorious appendage: “She overdid the split pose. Whoever told her to show some leg made a mistake.” Saffir, the founder of the Cinema Society, may just know more about movies than anyone on the planet and admits he didn't get the Jolie memo on Twitter. “I don't do that,” he claims, referring to social media. “No Facebook, no Twitter,” which, while understandable given all the insider gossip he's privy to, is a big #shame for the insatiable social media masses. Speaking of hashtags, there were quite a few at the GANT Rugger Fall 2012 presentation at the Fat Radish (one of the most popular restaurants, as farm-to-table, organic food doesn't have calories, right?). Most of the hashtags and instagram uploads refer to the quality of male models that create the mise en scène all around the LES hotspot. After glancing at a couple of #smokeshows—and the craftsmanship of GANT Rugger designer Christopher Bastin's newest collection—it is time for some celery root potpie and a catch-up with shutterbug Douglas Friedman. He was also a fan of the man-candy on display: “All of the models’ backsides look fantastic. And the front sides were even better.” And the clothes? “We’ll chalk it up to 12 years at an all boys Catholic school...preppy is in my blood.” On

Friedman's iPhone is his latest shoot, an ad campaign for the high-end Canadian department store Simons. The twist? Friedman himself plays photographer and model. So does he consider himself a veritable Zoolander now? “It was a rather traumatic experience; to answer your question, no, I don't.” There are zero models (with the exception of Tori Praver) at the opening of Josephine Meckseper's Manhattan Oil Project at the Last Lot Project space, but the Art Production Fund-presented public installation is definitely photo shoot-worthy. The two massive kinetic sculptures, inspired by, yes, oil pumps, attract a who's who of the young art elite—think Yvonne Force Villareal, Casey Fremont Crowe, Rachel Feinstein, John Currin and Bill Powers with his lovely lady Cynthia Rowley. Because nothing gets the cerebral juices flowing like a sugar high, publicist Bettina Prentice hires a truck from The Sweetery NYC and has it parked outside the exhibition. Clever girl. “We are all mobbing the truck for their Belgian hot chocolate and hot apple cider, then mobbing the bar at the nearby pub for whiskey, vodka, hot toddies—anything STRONG to shake off the cold,” she explains. It's surprising how quickly those toddies sneak up on you, but with Prentice on the project: “Everyone was saying this was the most successful piece of public art they've ever seen.” Pour me a double with that sculpture. Two days later, it’s champagne time, though people are flocking not to see art but the latest H&M collaboration, this time with Marni. Which, in retrospect, should be some sort of museum installation documenting the lengths to which shopaholics will go to score a $99 sweater. Interior decorator Natalie Obradovich arrives at the private shopping event just 10 minutes past the start time to racks and racks of…nothing. The scene is straight out of a Black Friday sale at Best Buy: Vogue’s Meredith Melling Burke departs empty-handed, standing dazed by the empty shoe shelves, while Leandra Medine (“the Man Repeller” blogger) battles the frenzied crowd clutching coveted beaded necklaces. “Clearly, they're doing something right,” Obradovich shouts over the blasting Rihanna and shrieks of bloggers looking for a size seven sandal. The Marni madness causes no casualties. Next up: the screening of Bully hosted by the Cinema Society at the Crosby Street Hotel, while no less emotional than the Marni pre-sale, is definitely a bit more weighty. From director Lee Hirsch and producer Harvey Weinstein, the film is a moving, character-driven documentary that explores the epidemic of bullying through the harrowing perspectives of five kids and families. Anderson Cooper and Kelly Ripa host the premiere and speak on the importance of showing this movie at schools. “Everyone should see Bully,” Cooper urges. The audience includes Russell Simmons, Rachel Roy, Prabal Gurung and André Leon Talley—there is nary a dry eye in the house. kristian laliberte

patrick mcmullan and billy farrell/bfanyc.com

Left to right: Jacqueline Carr, Courtney Booth AND Michael Moore; Prabal Gurung; josephine meckseper; doreen ramen and yvonne force villareal; kelly ripa and anderson cooper; alexandra champalimaud, ashley wick and casey fremont; Michelle Trachtenberg

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3/29/12 10:15 am

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3/26/12 10:35 AM

SCENE STEALERS OF THE MONTH: AFTER PARTY AT THE BOOM BOOM ROOM FOR THE SCREENING OF THE HUNGER GAMES sc.04.12.SceneStealers.indd 1

NEIL RASMUS/BILLY FARRELL

COURTNEY LOVE, PETER BRANT JR. AND HARRY BRANT

3/28/12 5:41 PM

SCENE STEALERS

SCENE LAUNCHES

DESMOND'S & BELVEDERE VODKA HOST SCENE'S LAUNCH DINNER DOUBLE SEVEN & BELUGA VODKA HOST SCENE'S LAUNCH PARTY

06 05

01 Dani Stahl and Erika Bearman 02 Arthur Wayne and David Lipke 03 Alex Kramer, Christian Leone, Tatiana Boncompagni and Pheobe Eaton 04 Suzie DeFosset and Nicky DeFosset 05 Lucie Sykes Rellie and Emily Smith 06 Logan Scott and Steven Mackinney 07 Ben Fink Shapiro and Anastasia Arianas 08 Milos Alca and Emma Snowdon-Jones 09 Douglas Friedman 10 Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump 11 Tyler Burrow and Martin Marks 12 Andrew Saffir, Anh Duong and Jeffrey Sharp 13 Cory Kennedy 14 Scott Lipps, Ami James and Alan Rish

08 07

11 09

12 10

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3/29/12 12:30 PM

HAVE A BALL

GIORGIO ARMANI AND THE MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK HOST THE DIRECTOR'S COUNCIL WINTER BALL

03 04

01 Lauren Remington Platt 02 Polly Onet and Amy Hoadley 03 Nicole Hanley and Matthew Mellon 04 Mary Alice Stephensen and Joe Motta 05 Zani Gugelmann, Gillian Hearst Simonds, Amanda Hearst and Meredith Dunn 06 Liam Neeson and Jamie Tisch

05 06

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3/29/12 12:32 PM

SCENE STEALERS

CINEMA SOIRﾃ右

CINEMA SOCIETY HOSTS SCREENINGS OF SALMON FISHING IN THE YEMEN, FRIENDS WITH KIDS AND THE HUNGER GAMES

01 Jennifer Lawrence and Liam Hemsworth 02 Patricia Clarkson and Ewan McGregor 03 Walter Schupfer and Helena Christensen 04 Stanley Tucci 05 Robert Konjic and Julia Restoin Roitfeld 06 Jon Hamm and Jennifer Westfeldt 07 Harry Brant and Peter Brant Jr. 08 Andrew Saffir and Ann Dexter-Jones 09 Jonah Hill, Jack Macbrayer and Paul Rudd 10 Christy Turlington and Edward Burns 11 Emily Blunt

CREDITS HERE.

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3/29/12 12:32 PM

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO LAUNCHES SIGNORA 02

01Emma Roberts and Kate Mara 02 Rachel Chandler, Alexandra Richards, Bianca Balti, Stella Schnabel, Theodora Richards and Lauren Remington Platt 03 Jessica Hart

ALL PHOTOGRAPHS BY PATRICK MCMULLAN AND BILLY FARRELL

MADELINE WEINRIB AND DARREN HENAULT HOST A LUNCH 01Allison Aston 02 Darren Henault and Olivia Chantecaille 03 Nicholas Kilner and Madeline Weinrib

MUSEUM DANCE AT THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 01

01 Jill and Harry Kargman 02 Brad Comisar, Peter Lyden, James Anderson and Julian Peploe 03 Savannah Engel and Michael Ariano

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3/29/12 12:33 PM

Photograph courtesy of the Brooklyn Museum

exhibit a

off the street Top: Keith Haring, Untitled, 1982. Sumi ink on paper, 107 x 160 inches

keith haring exhibit at the brooklyn museum An exhibition devoted to Keith Haring opened this past month at the Brooklyn Museum where the artist’s drawings, videos, archival objects, rarely seen sketchbooks and journals are all on display until July 8th. Chronicling Haring’s career from its very beginning when he left Pennsylvania to attend the School of Visual Arts in New York, the exhibit follows the artist's development as he introduced socially and politically charged art to the streets and subway walls of New York City. As an artist whose life was devoted to making public art, Haring’s move to New York City proved to be a key point in his career—exposing him to the alternative art community that was developing and the musicians, performance and graffiti artists who populated the streets of Downtown Manhattan in the 80s. Exploring his relationship with contemporaries such as Jean-Michel Basquiat and Kenny Scharf, this exhibit also take a look at how Haring’s environment contributed to his development as an artist in the public realm. In 1980, Haring started using the blank advertising panels in the subway as his canvas. Drawing with white chalk onto the black paper panels, Haring transformed the subway into what he called his “labora-

tory,” where he experimented with ideas, shapes and exposed his work to the wide audience he hoped for. Haring, who had dabbled briefly in commercial arts before his move to New York City, embraced the notion of an artist’s independence, paving the way for future street artists like Banksy and Shepard Fairey. Christo, the man behind “The Gates” of Central Park from 2005, had quite an impact on Haring, who stated in a 1989 interview for Rolling Stone, “The thing I responded to most was [Christo’s] belief that art could reach all kinds of people, as opposed to the traditional view, which has art as this elitist thing.” Always striving for a wider audience, Haring opened his Pop Shop in 1986 in Soho, where visitors were given access to his work in the form of T-shirts, posters, buttons and magnets. Though it received criticism from the art world, fans—including one of Haring’s mentors, Andy Warhol—praised his innovative project. In keeping with his desire to create altruistic art, Haring continued to create public works throughout his career, creating more than 50 public artworks between 1982 and 1989 in various cities around the world. Laden with social messages, Haring’s public work focused on art as a form of altruism, while the artist himself also worked with children in schools throughout the world to create drawing workshops and draw images for use in literacy programs. Today, pieces like the Crack is Wack mural along New York’s FDR Drive have been landmarked for preservation. And for those of us who weren’t around to revel in Haring’s fleeting subway art from the 80s, we can thankfully find solace at the Brooklyn Museum. Delphine Barguirdjian

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3/29/12 12:35 PM

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3/26/12 12:02:55 PM

Head turning treasures that will Head turning treasures that will stop you in your tracks stop you in your tracks. Photographed by Juan Algarin Hair by Brian Buenaventura for Orlo Salon

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Styled by Cricket Burns Makeup by Bryan Zaragoza at Ford Artists NY

3/28/12 5:51 PM

Tear drop earrings of white diamonds and 18k white gold by Jacob & Co.

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3/28/12 5:51 PM

Pear shape diamond abstract flower earrings and white multi-shape diamond abstract earrings with yellow radiantcut diamond centers by Graff all jewelry priced upon request

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Yellow and green enamel parrot brooch with sapphires in 18k gold by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.

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"Mediterranean Eden" necklace of 18k yellow gold with coral, peridot and diamonds by Bulgari

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Lizard ring of mixed colored diamonds and rubies in 18k yellow gold from the Animal Collection at Jacob & Co.

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This page: Brilliant, pearshaped and baguetteshaped D-G VS+ diamond necklace totaling 66.83 carats, hand-crafted in platinum by Leviev Opposite page: "Flying Butterfly" ring and bracelet and "Papillon" pavĂŠ clip and pendant of diamonds and 18k white gold by Van Cleef & Arpels

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3/28/12 5:54 PM

SCENE: What is your favorite New York neighborhood? HILARY RHODA: Nolita has the cutest restaurants and boutiques. I love to walk around at night after a meal when it's quiet and window shop—it's one of the most charming neighborhoods in the city.

with the blue-eyed bombshell, Hilary Rhoda

S: What are some of your favorite New York spots? H: ABC Carpet & Home to shop and get inspiration for my apartment; Rubirosa for vodka pizza; El Parador Café for the best mexican and margaritas in the world; Ten Degrees to enjoy a glass of wine with friends; and Super Linda's sexy downstairs lounge to see all the beautiful people! S: Who are your favorite designers? H: Alexander Wang, Rag & Bone and Isabel Marant S: What is your favorite piece of jewelry? H: I haven't really bought a terribly expensive piece of jewelry yet—my favorite ring was a gift. It's a Lia Sophia cubist ring. S: As the face of Estée Lauder, what are your beauty must-haves? H: Estée Lauder’s Sumptuous mascara, Bronze Goddess bronzer and body oil; I'm also religiously applying Advanced Night Repair serum; and the Private Collection powder compact to slip into my clutch for nights out. S: What’s the best part of your job? H: The amazing places I get to see. I like to travel, but only for short periods of time. This works out well for me because I'll shoot somewhere incredible that I'd otherwise never go to for one or two days, I see it, I experience it and then it's back to New York. S: What is your most obvious characteristic? H: I'm very punctual and pretty easy going! S: What is your favorite way of spending time? H: I actually enjoy going to the gym. My friends make fun of me for this, but sometimes when we've had a couple glasses of wine, I will start recruiting them to join me for a spin class the next morning! It's much more fun to do it with friends. I make it a priority to fit it into my schedule every day (even if that means at 6 a.m., ouch).

S: What is your greatest extravagance? H: Private training sessions. S: What is your motto? H: Live well, laugh much, love often.

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3/28/12 5:54 PM

Daniel Edward Rosen discovers Shamrakovaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s secret lovers, her penchant for living as large as Meister and why her taste for the good life might land her behind bars.

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patrick mcmullan

New Yorkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s popular and rich social suitor Todd Meister dated boldfacers like Samantha Boardman Rosen and Jamie Tisch before his name was thrown into the spotlight when a quickie marriage to celebutante Nicky Hilton made headlines in 2004. But media-shy Meister is in the news again with a woman, unlike Hilton, he wished he never met: his personal assistant Renata Shamrakova, who allegedly stole more than one million dollars when she worked for him.

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Mr Meister and the misfit Of all the identities that could have been stolen in this town, it had to have been the one belonging to the broad-shouldered, balding man standing in front of the Sherry-Netherland Hotel one warm Sunday afternoon. That man—who despite his secret protestations to friends and despite his best efforts to maintain a respectable career in finance, will forever be known as the ex-husband of socialite Nicky Hilton—is Todd Meister. Meister was standing by his BMW SUV, sporting a sharp pair of Persol sunglasses and a tweed jacket while tapping out a message on his iPhone. To have stood there with no fanfare or recognition was surprising. His face had made it back to the newspapers after becoming the unwitting victim of a massive swindle perpetrated (allegedly) at the hands of his trusted assistant. It was a story that had the perfect headline, the perfect subject matter, and perhaps the perfect combination of characters: "Raider Renata: Foxy personal assistant of

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Nicky Hilton’s ex-hubby swindles nearly $1 million from the hedge fund millionaire, claims she and him were doing more than just business." The story did not get much play in the papers, largely due (and largely thanks) to the “Millionaire Madam.” As Renata Shamrakova, the easy-on-the-eyes Ukrainian immigrant who was accused of robbing Meister, was appearing in Manhattan court to face felony charges of grand larceny, Anna Gristina, the alleged proprietor of a booming Upper East Side brothel, was grabbing enough media attention to prevent Shamrakova and Meister from becoming frequent fixtures in the newspapers. To make the tale even tawdrier, Shamrakova claimed, through her attorney, that Meister had given her permission to use nearly $1 million of his money because they were lovers. Once again, Meister’s loins, which have been tied to socialites both young and old, were given more press coverage than his business chops. “This is not a story about Todd Meister nor who he has dated, but a story about a criminal and a thief who stole somebody’s money and

3/28/12 5:55 PM

looked for shortcuts,” says a person close to Meister. It is perhaps both a blessing and a curse that Meister would seem so appealing to both women and the public eye. He has the face, the brawn and the bank account to make him a catch in any society woman’s date book. His romantic résumé is a testament to that. He had squired women who, like him, were fostered in a world of

privilege, educated in top Ivy League schools and would eventually grow up to become prominent faces in the Manhattan social scene. Born the son of Robert Meister, a longtime vice chairman of Aon Group, Inc., the insurance brokerage and risk consulting giant, Meister attended Allen-Stevenson and Riverdale for grade school and high school, respectively. He went to Harvard University, where he would meet and begin a long-term relationship with

TOP: MARCH A. HERMANN, NY DAILY NEWS; BOTTOM: PATRICK MCMULLAN

RENATA SHAMRAKOVA AT HER ARRAIGNMENT ON MARCH 1, 2012 IN MANHATTAN SUPREME COURT

Samantha Boardman, the stunning daughter of D. Dixon Boardman, who founded the hedge fund Optima Fund Management, and Pauline Pitt, a banking heiress and Palm Beach mainstay. He and Boardman dated throughout the 90s before they parted ways sometime around the new millennium (a split he was reportedly slow to recover from). Boardman, who was one of New York’s favorite 90s "It" girls, was later linked to Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter and former Condé Nast editorial director James Truman before marrying art collector and RFR Holding president Aby Rosen. Meister, meanwhile, continued to have relationships with women of equal social stature and good breeding. He was with Elizabeth Lindemann (née Graham), a Yale and Columbia-educated relative of Samuel Graham, who founded the Graham Gallery of New York in 1857. The relationship lasted three years. He followed that with a four-year relationship with Jamie Tisch, the exwife of New York Giants chairman Steve Tisch and the BFF of Tory Burch. Now, at age 41, Meister has kept a low romantic profile. His love life has been quiet since August. While his love life remained a constant curio in the eyes of the public, Meister had forged a respectable and profitable business career. After graduating cum laude from Harvard, he worked at Lazard in the boutique bank’s investment banking group for two years. He returned to Cambridge for Harvard Business School, and followed that by becoming a founding member and a general partner of Rhone Capital LLC, a $350 million leveraged buyout firm. In 2001, he helped found Priderock Management; a hedge fund that a person close to the company said had billions of dollars in management, including funds from Leslie Wexner, founder of Limited Brands, and the Fanjul brothers, among other investors. Priderock performed strongly, producing 20 percent returns and “three-year locked-up money.” He now runs Meister & Co., a holding compa-

MEISTER WITH CHARLOTTE FREUND

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...WITH ELISABETH KIESELSTEIN-CORD

...WITH NICKY HILTON

MARCH A. HERMANN, NY DAILY NEWS

TIMELINE OF MEISTER'S MAIN SQUEEZES...

3/29/12 12:44 PM

"MEISTER CATEGORICALLY DENIED THE CLAIMS, ADDING THAT HE NEVER EVEN SHARED A MEAL WITH THE WOMAN." ny that has investments in energy companies, alternative energy companies and venture capital funds, among other industries. The firm also has invested in 40,000 acres of oil and gas properties in Eagle Ford, Texas, and Meister is a board member and a significant shareholder of Texas International Energy Partners. But in the public eye, his business life mattered little. “He can take his Texas energy companies public at a significant valuation, and it still won’t interest anyone as much as Nicky Hilton,” says a person close to Meister. There may be a reason for that. For a marriage that was executed on a whim, only to be annulled six weeks later, Meister’s brief nuptials to Hilton has come to be a defining marker in his life nearly eight years since it took place at the no-frills Las Vegas wedding chapel. The two had known one another since Hilton was 15. Perhaps the more reserved of the two Hilton sisters (Paris has gotten herself involved in more misdemeanors than her younger sibling), Nicky’s marriage to Meister was fodder for magazines, blogs, newspaper gossip columns and supermarket tabloids. Meister, according to friends, underestimated how much of a public bonanza his marriage to Hilton would become. The two eventually annulled the marriage, and they remain friends to this day (Nicky declined comment for this article). But the story has become a veritable tattoo for Meister, one that will forever be associated with his name, regardless of the story. When Keith Meister, his brother and a former senior vice president at Icahn Capital who managed

...WITH ELIZABETH LINDEMANN

Carl Icahn’s $3 billion hedge fund, was featured as one of Fortune’s “40 under 40” in 2010, the magazine made sure to note his “tabloid pedigree”: “Meister’s brother, Todd, was married to socialite Nicky Hilton briefly in 2004.” In 2011, Meister was in need of a new personal assistant for Meister & Co., which has its offices on 57th street. His last assistant left to go to graduate school at Columbia University, and Meister reached out to a woman who worked with Warren Lichtenstein, the CEO of Steel Partners, to see if she knew of anyone who she could recommend, according to a person close to Meister & Co. That woman, whose name was withheld, had a friend she did recommend: Renata Shamrakova. On the strength of this recommendation, and the subsequent interview, Shamrakova was hired as Meister’s personal assistant. The position would pay her $43,000 in 2011, according to a document later recovered in her apartment by the police. It would also give her complete access to Meister’s personal information, from his bank information to the passwords for all his personal and work email accounts. She would also have access to his driver’s license, his social security number, and his mother’s maiden name–almost every facet of his personal life. As far as Shamrakova’s personal life was concerned, little was known about her. She was a Ukrainian-born 27-year-old with piercing blue eyes and entrepreneurial aspirations. She grew up in Long Island and attended Hofstra University. In 2008, she starred in an ultra-low budget movie called Fighting Nirvana, about a

...WITH SAMANTHA BOARDMAN ROSEN

group of youths marooned in a house. In the trailer, Shamrakova appears quite the femme fatale, wearing a low-cut top that is all décolletage, and a shade of red lipstick that is both lustful and dangerous. In one scene, she angrily tells a woman playing her sister “my life isn’t your business, got that?” When she started work at Meister & Co. in March 2011, she made no mention of her brief film career. Shortly after starting work at Meister & Co., Shamrakova had resumed an on-again, offagain relationship with Michael Smaye, a Toronto native whom she met at a bar on Houston Street in 2010. Smaye, who had returned to Canada because of visa issues, agreed to return to New York City, partly to resume a serious relationship with Shamrakova, the other to start a “serious” jewelry website business, says Marc Fernich, Smaye’s attorney. Shamrakova sold her credentials to Smaye by saying she had worked previously at “an online jewelry and clothing company,” says Fernich. She added that she had accrued a substantial amount of savings after working there for a number of years. Her fashion background, along with her feelings for Smaye, were quite serious. “More serious in his mind, anyway,” Fernich adds. Called “Karat & Ice,” the website offered a “curated collection” of jewelry from “acclaimed fashion designers” and “emerging new comers [sic] who are sure to steal the show.” Smaye, who previously worked as a wealth management consultant at UBS Financial Services, would handle the business side of Karat & Ice while she funded the company and would be its “creative brains,” says Ferdich. Meanwhile, Shamrakova’s relative inexperience was beginning to show at Meister & Co. Meister would complain that she was difficult to reach by phone or email whenever she was outside the office. As her job title required that she handle some of CONTINUED ON PAGE 110

...WITH JAMIE TISCH ...WITH FRANCESCA BODINI

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the

Royal

Coming of the Casiraghis

AFP/Getty images

Since the day Hollywood icon Grace Kelly sailed the Mediterranean Sea to wed the Sovereign Prince of Monaco in 1956, the principality that is smaller than Central Park has been known as one of the most desirable and richest places on the planet. The House of Grimaldi has ruled Monaco since 1297, but it has not all been glitz and glamour. In fact, there was a time when the Grimaldis were most known for their wild, scandalous lives—mainly the hijinks of Kelly and Prince Rainier’s children: Caroline (1957), Albert (1958) and Stéphanie (1965). Throughout the 1980s, Princess Stéphanie and Caroline’s romantic relationships and Albert’s lack-there-of seemed to litter the tabloids. But there’s a new brood in town, and they are poised to outshine their parents.

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Jasmine Lombardi and Delphine Barguirdjian introduce you to society’s new power players—the royally cool Casiraghi clan.

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he Grimaldi dynasty is one of the most troubled royal households in Europe—with a blemished reputation fostered by marital woes and adversity. Some may say the lives of Caroline, Albert and Stéphanie have been eclipsed by the tragic death of their mother, Hitchcock favorite Grace Kelly, who is credited for bringing the tiny tax haven on the Mediterranean coast worldwide attention. And for the first time since the dark days after the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, and the tumultuous tabloid fodder surrounding the finances of Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess

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of York, it seems that the curses surrounding royal families can, in fact, be lifted—proven by the significant improvements experienced by the British monarchy in recent years. The time is now for a crusade in Monaco—brought to us by the Casiraghis. In 1983, three years after Caroline’s marriage to Philipe Junot ended, she walked the down aisle with Stefano Casiraghi, an Italian heir, socialite and businessman. The couple had three children: Andrea in 1984, Charlotte in 1986 and Pierre in 1987. On October 3, 1990, Caroline’s husband was killed in a speedboat racing accident. Caroline fled to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence in France, where she and her children were kept out of the media spotlight until rumors surfaced about her relationship with Prince Ernst August of Hanover (a direct descendant of King George III). The rumors were put to rest—at least temporarily— when the Prince and Princess wed in 1999. The family is notorious for keeping mum

and avoiding interviews with the press and until recently, Caroline was successful at shielding her children from the gossip pages. As of late, headlines seem focused on the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton, Pippa Middleton’s fashion fancies and the rowdy party lifestyle of Prince Harry. But now, all eyes are on Princess Caroline’s three, stunningly gorgeous and shockingly private children—and with good reason. Not to say the Casiraghi clan hasn’t been on our radar, but only lately have they been the center of attention. Since their coming of age, they have quickly made up for lost time. They were first introduced at the annual Bal de la Rose, created by Her Serene Highness, Princess Grace and has become the second most famous gala in Monaco (after the Red Cross Ball). Later in 2007, pictures surfaced of them at Valentino’s Haute Couture Fashion Show and his 45th Anniversary Gala Ball with the likes of Alejandro Santo Domingo, Eugenie Niarchos and Anna Wintour’s daughter Bee Shaffer.

THIS PAGE: PATRICK HERTZOG/AFP/GETTY IMAGES. OPPOSITE PAGE: TOP TO BOTTOM; PATRICK MCMULLAN, PASCAL LE SEGRETAIN/GETTY IMAGES, PATRICK MCMULLAN

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: ANDREA CASIRAGHI, PRINCE ALBERT, PRINCE RAINIER, PRINCESS CAROLINE, CHARLOTTE AND PIERRE CASIRAGHI ON THE ROYAL BALCONY IN MONACO DURING THE TRADITIONAL MILITARY CEREMONY ON THE MONAGASQUE NATIONAL DAY, NOVEMBER 1995

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LISTED AS ONE OF THE "'MOST BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE

IN THE WORLD' BY PEOPLE IN 1999, ANDREA TRIES TO HIDE IN PLAIN SIGHT, EVEN SKATEBOARDING AROUND SOHO.

Though they have not yet received official royal titles, their very lineage—and subsequent bewitching genes—makes them hard-pressed to escape the limelight as staples on the international scene and faces of the modern monarchy. However, despite their tabloid-tainted family, the three, for the most part, have kept themselves out of a scandalous spotlight. Unlike their uncle Prince Albert, who kept stateside during his studies at Amherst College in Massachusetts and later popped up in the Manhattan and Hamptons social scene, Andrea and Pierre have yet to be known for their bachelorhood or their wild ways with women. Since 2004, after meeting at boarding school near Paris, Andrea, the eldest son and second in line to the throne after Caroline, has had a long-term romance with Columbian beer heiress, Tatiana Santo Domingo. Andrea has been a presence in Manhattan since 2007 when he was studying for his master’s degree in International Affairs at The New School, but he's somehow remained relatively elusive despite sharing a townhouse in Washington Square Park with his girlfriend, who holds her own as a member of one of the most visible families in New York. Listed as one of the “most beautiful people in the world" by People in 1999, Andrea tries to hide in plain sight, even skateboarding around Soho. Charlotte, the 25-year-old breathtaking beauty was recently named the face of Gucci’s Forever Now campaign, shot by photographer Peter Lindbergh. She captivates audiences not only with her looks, but with her talents as an avid equestrian, amateur show jumper and Olympic hopeful. With her pouty lips, olive skin and hazel eyes, she bares a striking resemblance to Angelina Jolie. And like Jolie (and her own family members), Charlotte has caught the attention of the fashion world. While the Duchess of Cambridge has garnered attention for her traditional and, dare we say, pedestrian fashion choices, it was Charlotte’s undeniable style and striking splendor that landed her the coveted cover in September 2011 of Vogue Paris. Famed photographer and celebrity BFF Mario Testino (who has also photographed William and Kate, as well as Princess Diana) shot Casiraghi. She follows in the fashionable footsteps of her mother Caroline, who also graced the cover

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PIERRE, CHARLOTTE AND ANDREA ARRIVE AT THE ANNUAL ROSE BALL AT THE MONTE-CARLO SPORTING CLUB

ANDREA WITH GIRLFRIEND TATIANA SANTO DOMINGO

ANDREA WITH ANDRÉS AND LAUREN SANTO DOMINGO

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she’s now dating French "comedian, Gad Elmaleh (she

was spotted slipping out of his apartment in January).

of the magazine in 1983 (which was designed by Andy Warhol). Charlotte's fashion résumé also includes Editor-at-Large of the environment and green lifestyle publication Above Magazine and cofounding editor (with pals Elizabeth von Guttman and Alexia Niedzielski) of Ever Manifesto which supports the eco-friendly fashion movement. She appeared on Vanity Fair’s Best Dressed list in 2006 and is one of Karl Lagerfeld’s favorite muses. Expect many more fashion shoots and paparazzi shots of Charlotte’s every stitch of clothing. Charlotte has thus far stayed out of any scandals—despite the fact that many were up in arms over her reported split from longtime boyfriend, British curator Alex Dellal (yes, Chanel model Alice Dellal’s brother—royals gravitate to other boldface names). It is rumored that she’s now dating French comedian, Gad Elmaleh (she was spotted slipping out of his apartment in January). Though Elmaleh is more than 10 years her senior, Charlotte has certainly deviated from the various and rumor-inducing relationships that her mother and aunt once had. Pierre’s relationship, though hardly racy, is also one of interest as he’s been seen gallivanting around Milan, Rome and the Spanish hippie island enclave of Formentera (Kate Moss’ haunt) with Italian Countess and TV personality Beatrice Borromeo. But most recently, the third in line to the throne of Monaco has made headlines due to his involvement in a brawl at the exclusive Meatpacking District boîte, The Double Seven, where the alleged antagonist, businessman and ex-club owner Adam Hock, punched Pierre in the face and was charged with four counts of third-degree assault. It was reported that 24-year-old Pierre was partying with a trendy clique of European expat party boys including shipping heir Stavros Niarchos III (with model girlfriend Jessica Hart), Vladimir Restoin Roitfeld and their friend Diego Marroquin. Imagine a very fancy frat pack, with bottles of Cristal replacing cans of Budweiser. Last summer, in the wake of the British royal wedding—that of Kate and William—was the marriage of the 53-year-old prince and the 33-year-old Olympic swimmer Charlene Wittstock, which ended the longtime bachelorhood of Prince Albert and a three-decade wait for a new princess. The last wedding of a ruling prince in Monaco was that of his mother and father in 1956. While the wedding was stocked with A-list guests and other royals, the most anticipated welcome may have been for the other members of the Grimaldi family, specifically the Casiraghis and the people on their arms. The three garner attention in their own right, but it doesn’t hurt that they can be found front row, partying and jet-setting with equally chic “children of” such as the Santo Domingos, the Niarchos’, Margherita Missoni, Bianca Brandolini d’Adda and the Restoin Roitfeld siblings. Whether stateside or across the pond, these three are inevitably the ones to watch. While the social spotlight can fade with time, royalty is always in fashion.

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top: shot by mario testino for vogue paris, september 2011; bottom: with former boyfriend alex dellal on the cover of hello! mexico in august 2007

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charlotte during 2011 paris fashion week

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TATTLE TALES >

GOOD DAYS BY UNRULY HEIR

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NEXT MONTH socialite Tinsley Mortimer rises from the ashes of her failed reality TV series to publish a roman Ă clef titled Southern Charm. Will Mortimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very close to real life tome reclaim her lost social fame or will she end up like Truman Capote, whose thinly veiled society tell-all Answered Prayers made him an outcast in the jet-set world he cherished? Tatiana Boncompagni, author of Gilded Lily, reads between the lines.

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Lee Radziwill and Truman Capote: friends no more.

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families, become boldfaced “It” girls and then end up in highly publicized break-ups. Mortimer’s literary agent, Mollie Glick of Foundry Literary + Media told The New York Times that her client received a “healthy six figures” advance “in the ballpark of what TV personalities have been getting.” Not too shabby for the star of High Society, Mortimer’s failed 2010 reality TV show, which has the dubious distinction of being the lowest rated series debut on the CW, the network which also broadcasts Gossip Girl. But will Southern Charm bring Mortimer fame and front row seats at Fashion Week (which some insiders say she lost due to the dismal response to High Society) or the scorn of the social world? Let’s not forget that celebrated author Truman Capote went from hosting the Black and White Ball in 1966 at The Plaza Hotel (a raving success) to being blacklisted by society swans like Babe Paley after excerpts of his unfinished novel Answered Prayers appeared in Esquire in 1975. After Capote’s chapter “La Côte Basque 1965” was published and was unmistakably similar to the lives of his good friends CBS founder Wil-

THIS PAGE: RON GALELLA/WIREIMAGE; OPPOSITE PAGE: RICHARD RUTLEDGE

here are a few things you don’t expect to see on the cover of a novel. Socialite Tinsley Mortimer’s name is probably one of them. And yet next month, Mortimer, the “It” girl-turnedhandbag designer-turned-reality star, will publish her first novel, Southern Charm, Charm about a “Southern Belle thrust into the frenzied world of high society in New York City.” In other words, it’s a roman à clef, and not a very veiled one at that. The book’s plot couldn’t any more closely mirror Mortimer’s real life (or that which she is somewhat public about) without having to be marketed as a memoir. Mortimer, who co-wrote Southern Charm with “a friend,” didn’t feel the need to get overly creative with the book’s characters. The heroine is named Minty Randolph Mercer Davenport. Mortimer’s real name? Tinsley Randolph Mercer Mortimer. Minty has a Chihuahua named Belly. Mortimer’s Chihuahua is named Bella. Minty hails from South Carolina. Mortimer was raised in Virginia. Both Davenport and Mortimer move to Manhattan, marry into old-school, blue blood New York

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liam S. Paley and his wife Babe, Mrs. Paley led a brigade to ostracize Capote who went from being the confidant of the ladies who lunched at La Côte Basque to someone very few people in Manhattan wanted to meet for a hot dog on a street corner. Yet, Candace Bushnell’s Sex and the City, based on people she knows in Manhattan, has turned her into a literary star. “Books are the new handbag lines for socialites and celebrities,” quips Alexandra Lebenthal, a financial advisor, black tie party fixture and the author of The Recessionistas, a roman à clef about four women struggling with the economic downturn. “It’s a good thing to have on your résumé.” Take, for example, horse-loving Georgina Bloomberg, the daughter of New York Mayor/mogul Michael Bloomberg, who just released the second book in her series about a young equestrian with a Wall Street billionaire father. Hmm. Then there’s the former Mrs. Billy Joel, Katie Lee, whose novel Groundswell features a young woman who falls in love with a surf instructor after a difficult divorce. (Publicists for both Bloomberg and Lee say their clients’ books are works of fiction, but readers may jump to a different conclusion.) The list hardly ends there. Reality stars Lauren Conrad, Nicole Richie and even Nicole “Snookie” Polizzi have published novels inspired to varying degrees by their lives. And much like the shows that have made these women household names, their books tap into society’s seemingly endless appetite for the pseudo-real. You get an idea of what the truth is, but it’s heavily glamorized and then crammed into stock “storylines.” Readers don’t seem to mind. Lauren Conrad’s L.A. Candy, a bildungsroman set against the blinding lights of reality TV fame, spent a combined 59 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list. Says Farrin Jacobs, Conrad’s editor at HarperCollins, “People like to see behind the scenes and feel like they're getting the real story.” There’s nothing new about that. According to Sean Latham, the author of The Art of Scandal: Modernism, Libel Law, and the Roman à Clef, fictionalized tell-alls became popular in the seventeenth century and often focused on intrigues at court or within the Catholic Church. These romans (that’s French for novel) were often sold with a clef (or key), a separate document that exposed the real-life identities of certain characters. The keys were often published anonymously, and for good reason, as exposing a king or pope’s immoral behavior was considered a criminal offense. “You could be executed,” says Latham, the Walter professor of English at Tulsa University and editor of the James Joyce Quarterly. If some were killed for it, others were celebrated. In her critically acclaimed biography, Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, Amanda Foreman noted that Georgiana, a fashionably flamboyant British aristocrat, wrote about her life in a roman à clef called The Sylph (a bestseller for its time). “She felt trapped by her marriage, and couldn’t believe what was happening to her,” says Foreman, adding that although the tome was published anonymously in 1778, many in Georgiana’s circle knew she wrote it.

“After Capote died of liver

cancer at age 59, author Gore Vidal commented that his death was a good career move. ”

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Flash forward a couple hundred years to the rise of chicklit and books like Bushnell’s Sex and the City (based on her dating column for The New York Observer), The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger (about her stint as one of Anna Wintour’s beleaguered assistants), The Nanny Diaries by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus (two former Upper East Side nannies) and Bergdorf Blondes by Plum Sykes (chronicling the author’s glamorous friends). These literary confections reinvigorated readers’ desire to glimpse into the rarefied worlds of haute fashion and high society. It wasn’t long before readers of Bushnell’s column figured out that the notorious “Mr. Big” boyfriend was actually based on Ron Galotti, the then-publisher of Vogue. A spate of other tomes, all written by Manhattan insiders, followed in their best-selling wake: Karen Quinn’s The Ivy Chronicles (about coaching preschoolers for private school entrance exams); Bridie Clarke’s Because She Can, which was rumored to be about Clarke’s former boss, Judith Regan; and Anisha Lakhani’s Schooled (about a fashion-obsessed teacher/tutor on the Upper East Side). The latest novel that has New York playing the guessing game is The Darlings, Cristina Alger’s tale of Carter Darling, a hedge funder, who gets himself

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The debutante divorcée by plum sykes sex & the city by candace bushnell

and his very social family entrapped in financial scandal. Many have surmised that Carter Darling and his family are based on Walter Noel and his four beautiful and oft-photographed daughters. Noel’s unwanted notoriety stems from the fact that his hedge fund, Fairfield Greenwich, was the largest feeder of money to Ponzi schemer Bernie Madoff. Ouch! There’s no doubt these books are fun to read and try to decipher who’s who in real life. But are they art? “The novel tries to set itself up as everything the roman à clef is not,” says Latham. A novel, unlike a tell-all, is entirely invented or imagined by an author; whereas a roman à clef acts almost like a “parasite,” cribbing from the real world. “It suggests that the author isn’t all that talented,” says Latham. “They have to steal and sort of cover up and make their book look like a novel.” That’s one point of view. But others argue that most writers, even highly respected, prize-winning novelists, pull from their lives in some way. “Storytellers from Jane Austen to Jay McInerney base their work on real life,” says Sykes. “For the reader that is half the fun of it, to me it doesn't diminish a work of fiction or make it derivative in a negative way. In fact in a social comedy, if the book is to have any value and make any comment on society, it must seem as real as possible.” But will Mortimer’s Southern Charm be a little too real for social circles? Capote ended up a friendless, drugged up drunk when Answered Prayers turned him from the darling of café society to a social pariah. After Capote died of liver cancer at age 59, author Gore Vidal commented that his death was “a good career move.” Public scorn is one thing Lebenthal doesn’t worry about, despite the fact that she based two villains in The Recessionistas on people she knows. “The bad people in the story would have no trouble knowing who they are,” she says. “The power of the pen is the ultimate ability for revenge.” If some write to get even, others for a fast buck and still others for fame, is it worth it in the end? The answer may depend on what you value most in life—friends or riches? Social clout or tabloid notoriety? Those aspiring to red-carpet royalty might be wise to try other avenues. “I think if anyone wrote a novel to attain celebrity, they would be nuts!” says Sykes. “Most novels languish in deep obscurity.” Which brings us back to Mortimer, already a red-carpet regular, and already familiar with what can happen when you choose the pursuit of celebrity over social mores. With Southern Charm, it may be reasonable to assume Mortimer hopes to regain some of the status she lost after being widely ridiculed for High Society. And as implausible a novel (presumably) written by Tinsley Mortimer may sound; it does make a measure of sense. After all, her life would make for a juicy read and—as I was recently reminded at an Upper East Side cocktail party—she does look every inch the chick-lit heroine. Which gave me an idea… The crowd parted and there stood Tinsley. She was dressed in a floaty black frock, her hair as blonde and glossy as ever. I set down my drink—I’ve never been one for apple-flavored vodka—and gave her an air kiss. “Tell me about the book,” I said. She batted her faux lashes. “It’s not like yours. My character comes from the South.” “So does mine,” I said. “Oh.” A tawny hand flicked to a glitter-dusted breastbone. “Oh. I'm sorry.” The truth is I had never expected her to read my book. She was a busy girl. Photo ops. Designing handbags. And those eyelashes surely didn’t glue themselves on. "That's okay," I said. She flashed an embarrassed grin.“I did host your party!” I nodded, now wishing I had kept my mouth shut. Tinsley was sweet. And nice. I hadn't wanted to put her on the defensive. “Really, it’s fine.” “I would have read your book. But I don’t read. Like, ever.” There was a brief pause. A tiny line appeared between her bright blue eyes. “I mean, I did write my book.” End of chapter.

“The power of the pen is the ultimate ability for revenge. -Alexandra Lebenthal

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THE INDUSTRY'S POWER PLAYERS OPEN UP AND GET PERSONAL PHOTOGRAPHED BY PATRICK MCMULLAN

HAIR BY DHIRAN MISTRY MAKEUP BY SPARROW AND HEATHER NAMIAS,

ALL FOR THE JOHN BARRETT SALON

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What brought you to New York? I was born and raised in New York City and I really never plan on leaving. When did you first realize you were a New Yorker? Hanging out at a Knicks game with my dad when I was 14. We went to almost every home game. We were cheering on Patrick Ewing and they were on their way to the playoffs. Everyone was yelling and I really felt like I belonged. What is your favorite building in New York? The Richard Meier triplets. I’m a longtime Meier fan. If you could live in any apartment in New York, which one would it be? At some point, I’ve dreamed of living in every building we work on, but as of this morning it’s a tie between the penthouse at The Mark and the penthouse at One57. What's your favorite part about living in New York? The people. New Yorkers are much nicer than we get credit for.

PRESIDENT, CORCORAN SUNSHINE MARKETING GROUP

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EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, THE CORCORAN GROUP

TKTKTKTKTKT TKTKTKTKTKT tktktktktktktktktktktk

When did you first realize you were a New Yorker? When I stood at a pay phone next to John F. Kennedy Jr. What is your favorite building in New York? The Cooper Hewitt Museum. What brought you to New York? Where else is there to go? When did you first realize you were a New Yorker? When I went to my first Yankees game. What is your favorite building in New York? One57 and the Hearst Tower.

If you could live in any apartment in New York, which one would it be? The penthouse at One Fifth Avenue. What's your favorite part about living in New York? Being able to walk to the best of everything.

If you could live in any apartment in New York, which one would it be? The penthouse at 1040 Fifth Avenue.

PRESIDENT & CEO, THE CORCORAN GROUP

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SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT/MANAGING DIRECTOR, BROWN HARRIS STEVENS When did you first realize you were a New Yorker? New York is a state of mind. What is your favorite building in New York? I’m very fond of The Frick Museum; it’s tasteful and classic. I wish it was for sale! I have some people who would love to buy it. What's your favorite part about living in New York? That it’s become a 24 hour city and is one of the capitals of the world.

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What brought you to New York? Real estate did! I moved here when Sotheby’s offered me a job in 1980. When did you first realize you were a New Yorker? When I left. I had only been in New York for three months when I moved to Los Angeles and worked there for five years. I came back because I wanted more than three months in New York. It’s the only city for me. What is your favorite building in New York? The Pulizter Mansion. If you could live in any apartment in New York, which one would it be? 1 East 62nd Street is a beautiful pre-war condominium (Joan Rivers lives there). What’s your favorite part about living in New York? The energy you find on every block. I wake up sleepy, but on my way to work, I’ve barely walked a block and already the energy of the city is pumping through me.

PRESIDENT, BROWN HARRIS STEVENS RESIDENTIAL SALES

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PRESIDENT, STRIBLING & ASSOCIATES

What brought you to New York? My parents brought me here from Georgia when I was seven. My mother wanted to see the bright lights of the city. When did you first realize you were a New Yorker? When I graduated from High School and was told that I thought like a New Yorker, but had the manners of a Southerner. What is your favorite building in New York? The Chrysler Building—it’s one of the finest examples of elegant, graceful architecture. If you could live in any apartment in New York, which one would it be? At my current apartment, 1 Brooklyn Bridge Park. It has the best views I’ve ever seen.

When did you first realize you were a New Yorker? When I left! I went to college outside of the city and people were in awe that I grew up here. What is your favorite building in New York? The Woolworth building. If you could live in any apartment in New York, which one would it be? The penthouse at 60 Broadway in Greenpoint. What's your favorite part about living in New York? Anything is possible.

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EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT & DIRECTOR OF SALES, STRIBLING & ASSOCIATES

What’s your favorite part about living in New York? The excitement, the energy and the fact that I can do anything, anytime.

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What brought you to New York? I moved here because I wanted to be a part of the excitement and the energy. Everything is in New York! When did you first realize you were a New Yorker? The third time I came here to visit, I just had this attraction to New York. What is your favorite building in New York? I can’t choose! But I do love The Dakota. If you could live in any apartment in New York, which one would it be? The Plaza, so I can be right next to Bergdorf Goodman!

CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER, PRUDENTIAL DOUGLAS ELLIMAN

What’s your favorite part about living in New York? New York has everything—art, fashion, real estate— and it all blends together organically.

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What brought you to New York? I had a prosperous Long Island company and moved to New York when I bought Douglas Elliman. When did you first realize you were a New Yorker? I’ve always felt like a New Yorker! What is your favorite building in New York? The Plaza. If you could live in any apartment in New York, which one would it be? The Plaza, again! I'd live with Eloise. What’s your favorite part about living in New York? The diversity—there is no place like New York City. It has a magic of its own.

PRESIDENT & CEO, PRUDENTIAL DOUGLAS ELLIMAN

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SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT/ASSOCIATE BROKER, SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

What brought you to New York? Pan Am brought me to New York. When did you first realize you were a New Yorker? When I met my future husband in an elevator. What is your favorite building in New York? One57—the newest, the biggest, the best. If you could live in any apartment in New York, which one would it be? On the 16th floor of the Stanhope. What’s your favorite part about living in New York? Being the mother of New York-born and raised, successful children. My daughters wouldn’t be who they are today if they weren’t raised here.

When did you first realize you were a New Yorker? When I moved into my first, very own, studio apartment. What is your favorite building in New York? 834 Fifth—I'm a fan of its architect, Rosario Candela. If you could live in any apartment in New York, which one would it be? I love my apartment. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. What’s your favorite part about living in New York? The restaurants and the never-ending list of things to do.

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SENIOR MANAGING DIRECTOR, SOTHEBY'S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

What brought you to New York? I grew up here.

3/29/12 1:00 PM

When did you first realize you were a New Yorker? When I realized I had been in New York longer than I had been in college. What is your favorite building in New York? I never get tired of the Met. If you could live in any apartment in New York, which one would it be? I love my apartment—but I would add on a terrace, amazing views and another bedroom.

PRESIDENT & CEO, SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

What’s your favorite part about living in New York? The great friends I've made and the career I built. After 29 years— every day and every year, life gets better.

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SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND BROKERAGE MANAGER, SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

What brought you to New York? I came here as soon as I graduated college. I always knew I wanted to live here.

What brought you to New York? My husband’s job and family. When did you realize you were a New Yorker? I'm not a New Yorker! What is your favorite building in New York? The Frick Museum, it brings you back in time, to the gilded age society. If you could live in any apartment in New York, which one would you choose? Both my husband and I love living in our townhouse. What is your favorite part about living in New York? Central Park—I was never the outdoor type, until I came to New York. I guess I always took nature for granted.

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What brought you to New York? I took an art class in high school and we had to come in to the city and search the galleries to pick out our favorite sculpture. What is your favorite building in New York? Grand Central Station. If you could live in any apartment in New York, which one would it be? Any apartment by Gramercy Park. What's your favorite part about living in New York? The energy and vibrancy. No matter how Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m feeling, I feel like I fit in.

PRESIDENT, THE VILLANI GROUP

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GUMLEY HAFT KLEIER MICHELE KLEIER, PRESIDENT What brought you to New York? My parents brought me in and we saw six Broadway shows in seven days and went out for three meals a day. What is your favorite building in New York? Any building that my family is in. If you could live in any apartment in New York, which one would it be? My own, because of the memories. What's your favorite part about living in New York? Every day is different! You can walk anywhere and see something fabulous and exciting. Each neighborhood can feel like you are in a different city.

SAMANTHA KLEIER FORBES, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT When did you first realize you were a New Yorker? I have always been a New Yorker! New York is another member of our family. What is your favorite building in New York? The Chrysler Building. If you could live in any apartment in New York, which one would it be? At my parent’s apartment. I love when we are all together in their townhouse.

SABRINA KLEIER MORGENSTERN, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT When did you first realize you were a New Yorker? When my godparents came from California and we did all the touristy things: rode the horse and buggy, had tea at The Plaza. What is your favorite building in New York? The one I grew up in. What's your favorite part about living in New York? There are endless possibilities—it’s so not monotonous! I love walking around and admiring the buildings, the fact that it’s a walking city and that I get to raise my son just blocks from Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum.

IAN KLEIER, CO-PRESIDENT What brought you to New York? I came in to see my first Marilyn Monroe movie at a big, old movie palace. What is your favorite building in New York? The Empire State Building. If you could live in any apartment in New York, which one would it be? The one I live in now. Not only the building, but the very same apartment. What's your favorite part about living in New York? It's 24-hour city. You can go anywhere and participate at any time.

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3/29/12 1:02 PM

FOUNDER & CEO, TOWN RESIDENTIAL

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING, TOWN RESIDENTIAL What brought you to New York? University.

When did you first realize you were a New Yorker? After law school I came back and moved to Remsen Street in Brooklyn Heights—soon after I moved to 34th Street. What is your favorite building in New York? Freedom Tower, hands down. If you could live in any apartment in New York, which one would it be? A two floor apartment on Fifth Avenue, overlooking Central Park. What's your favorite part about living in New York? The live/work lifestyle.

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When did you first realize you were a New Yorker? When I found room for 200 pairs of shoes in a 700-square-foot, one bedroom apartment—and when Patrick McMullan took my photo and it didn’t say “who is this?” What is your favorite building in New York? The New York Public Library. If you could live in any apartment in New York, which one would it be? In a 5,000 square-foot apartment with 14-foot ceilings in the heart of Soho. What's your favorite part about living in New York? This is a very difficult question for anyone who truly loves New York. But if I had to choose? The energy.

3/29/12 1:02 PM

UES 14 Room Townhouse Extraordinaire

5th Ave Home with Central Park Views

Sunfilled Mint Classic 6 in East 79th Co-op

Loft-like 3BR with River Views on EEA

Impeccably-designed, renov elevator TH on the most desirable block. 5BRs, 5.5 bths, 3 fplcs, hi ceils. $19.5M. Web #1297691. Dennis DiLorenzo 646-942-7327

7 into 6 rms in fine Carnigie Hill co-op. Elegant gallery, LR w WBFP, FDR, MBR, library, possible 3rd BR, lovely arch details.$4.2M.Web#1288722.C.Eland212-452-4384

LRwopencityvus,WBFP,hibeamedceils.DR/libr,2BRs w bths, state-of-art kit, maid’s w bth. FS w gym, low mt. $2.85M. Web #1295943. J.Schneider 646-269-7809

LR w E & S views, wndwd EIK, 3BR, 3 bth w hi ceils, lndry rm.Prwrdrmnbldgwfitcntr.$1.995M.Web#1297300. M.Grau 212-452-4361/M.Goldin 212-452-4393

7 Gracie Sq. Sunny! Triple Mint 6 Rms

205 East 85th: The Brompton

Architect Renovated Gem on West 58th

Sunny Charming Prewar 5 in Carnegie Hill

Hi flr 2BR, 2bth, steps from Carl Schurz Park & E.River. Maid’swbth,eat-inkit.WBFP,CAC,W/D,gyminbldg. $2.47M. Web #1296310. J.Garrett 212-452-4379

2BR,2bthUEScondodesignedbyRobertAMStern.FS bldgwgym,playrm,entertainmntlounge&outdrspace. $1.625M. Web #1296413. J.Boulan 212-585-4576

Don’tmissthismint,light2BR,2bthcornerco-op.W/D, 9'ceils,openviews&pvtgarden.WalktoLincolnCenter. $1.325M. Web #1296679. R.Arons 212-452-4360

Steps from Park Ave. Beamed ceils. FDR, LR. 2 MBRs, 1.5 bths. Drmn. Stor bin incl. $875K. Web #1296514. E.Crawford 212-585-4524/A.Collins 212-452-4374

Historic Thread Building Beauty

Chelsea Condo Parlor 2 Bedroom

Prime Rare Top Flr Co-op Loft in Chelsea

Chelsea Condo Gem w 435 sf Terrace

Tribeca doorman condo loft w stainless-steel kitchen, 2 renovated bths, live-in super, roofdeck, gym, storage. $1.975M.Web#1296887.SeanTurner646-613-2619

All day sun, 11 ft ceilings, WBFP, central AC, W/D. Pets ok. Double stoop 1873 façade. Tree-lined street. $1.45M. Web #1294332. P.Browne 646-613-2718

Prewar 3BR, 2 bth w 2 skylights, 11 ft ceils. MBR suite w skylit spa-bth. 2BRs. CAC, W/D, key-lock elev, pvt stor. $2.95M.Web#1274420.M.Cashman646-613-2616

Sundrenched1BR/1.5bth,terrwoutdrkit,openkitwtop applis.MBRsuitewWIC&luxbth.W/D.NewFSbldg. $1.494M. Web #1294864. S.Wires 646-613-2653

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3/27/12 3:49 PM 3/27/12 5:36:43 PM

Real Estate By Hall F. Willkie Each month, we check in with Real Estate expert Hall Willkie This month, he gives us an update on economic growth Over the past few months we have seen continued improvement in economic conditions throughout the United States. Hiring has picked up, with 2011 seeing the most jobs added in the U.S. in five years, while the unemployment rate reached its lowest level in three years. Stock prices are up sharply this year, and retail sales have been strong. Locally, New York Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s job growth continues to be impressive, and Wall Street bonuses were just under $20 billion for 2011. All of this, combined with exceptionally low mortgage rates, has kept housing demand strong in New York. Manhattan has seen continued strength in its luxury market, as both the average and median prices for apartments there have risen over the past year. With economic growth expected to remain strong, the outlook for the local housing market remains very positive. hwillkie@bhsusa.com

President Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales Hall F. Willkie

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3/29/12 9:59 AM

12 Great reasons to JOIN THE CLUB.

In 2012, New York Times Film Club members can enjoy 12 preview screenings of new films in New York City.

The New York Times reserves the right to change, cancel or modify The New York Times Film Club at any time.

Members also enjoy: TwO rEd-CarpET sCrEENINgs of digitally restored classic films. Coming June 23: “An American in Paris” LIvE dIsCUssIONs with film talent, film experts and Times journalists. ExCLUsIvE aCCEss to unreleased independent films, documentaries and film festival favorites. MEMBErs-ONLY savINgs on nytstore.com merchandise and other special offers. aNNUaL MEMBErsHIps Individual membership: $100 annually Dual membership (good for two film lovers): $175 annually

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JOIN TOdaY! NYTFILMCLUB.COM

PreseNTINg sPoNsors

3/28/12 10:41 AM 3/28/12 3:15:14 PM

Ghislaine Absy

Patricia Cannon

Jane Dawson

STANFORD WHITE MANSION ON 5TH

MAGNIFICENT GRANDEUR

BARONIAL 17 ROOM FULL FLOOR

East 70s/Fifth Avenue. Brilliant scale and unparalleled details within 15,225 +/-SF limestone mansion. Direct Central Park views from every room. Exceptional and rare. $49M. WEB# 1264274. Paula Del Nunzio 212-906-9207

Fifth Ave. Palatial 15 rm dplx in best Candela Co-op. Grand gallery leads to 31’ LR, library & FDR. 2 wbfp, 3MBR with baths en suite. EIK & multiple staff rooms. $25M. WEB# 1535061. Mary Rutherfurd 212-906-9211 Ann Jeffery 212-906-9232

East 60s/Park Avenue. 1914 Carpenter masterpiece. LR, FDR, library, reception all face Park off massive gallery. 6BR en suite, 4 wbfp, exceptional S,E light. Exquisite renovation. CAC. $23.5M. WEB# 1219629. Kathy Sloane 212-906-9258

Ea int So To Sa Mi

ELEGANCE ON THE PARK

OVERSIZED PREWAR 9 ROOMS

FIVE ROOM PREWAR – PARK VIEWS

CPS. Sweeping views of the park from the living, dining room & master suite. 2 additional large BR. 3.5 marble baths. Chef’s kit, amazing services & amenities. $6.75M. WEB# 1535372. Felise Gross 212-588-5681 Diane Abrams 212-588-5605

Carnegie Hill. Most desirable 4BR, 4 bath FS Co-op, grand rooms thru-out, FDR, LR with wbfp, EIK, and 2 maid’s converted to office and media rooms. SW exposures, fitness room, pets OK. $6.25M. WEB# 1557541. Elayne Roskin 212-906-9336

UWS. 2BR, 3 bath, restored and re-designed crafted masterpiece, full Central Park views, state-of-the-art kitchen, in a world-class Art Deco building. $4.995M. WEB# 1567401. Elaine Clayman 212-906-9353

Ea spl in he am Ma

ITALIANATE BEAUTY

PARK AVENUE SPACE AND LIGHT

PREWAR NEW DEV 2BR DUPLEX

Park Slope. Grand 5 story townhouse, 22x 45 on 100’ lot. 2 Units used as 3. Can be grand one family or condo development. Details, fireplaces, 2 terraces. $3M. WEB# 447483. Patricia Panella 212-588-5626

East Side. This handsome 1916 six room apartment has had all new windows, floors, wiring and is designer ready. Open Park and 75th Street views from all rooms, wonderful light. $2.75M. WEB# 1547162. Mike Lubin 212-317-3672

West Village. Triple-mint approximately 1,465SF 2BR, 2.5 bath with wbfp. Restored 18th century building ideally located on corner of Bedford & Barrow. Charming roof deck. $2,124,250. WEB# 1280158. Young Randolph Young 212-452-6249

Ea 3m the po Sil Ra

Annette Elvey

Ginnie Gardiner

Vicki Gershwin

Caroline E.Y. Guthrie

Riley Jason

Carolyn Joy

Nicole Von Klencke

new york city

the hamptons

pa l m b e a c h

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.

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d s, rt

Tommieka Texiera

Patricia M. Parker

STUNNING, RARE AND GRACIOUS

HIGH FLOOR PREWAR DUPLEX

BEAUX ARTS BEAUTY OFF CPW

East 72nd Street. Large light flooded mint 11 into 10 on corner. 3BR, library, FDR, 5.5 baths, South & East, 2 wbfp, 2 maids rooms & storage. Top prewar Co-op. $17M. WEB# 1537113. Samuel Thomas Milbank 212-906-9248 Michael Kovner 212-906-9225

UES. Sunny 12 rm dplx in PW Co-op, 4BR, 5.5 baths, LR, FDR w/wbfp and wet bar, EIK w/breakfast rm, libr, gym, billiards rm w/kit, 2 md’s rms, md’s bath. $9.495M. WEB# 1563802. Cathy Franklin 212-906-9236 Alexis Bodenheimer 212-906-9230

West 86th St. Classic 25’ wide, 6 story elevator bldg circa 1905. 14 units, high ceils, wbfp, orig details. 9,200+SF. Can be delivered vacant. Rarely available. $8.495M. WEB# 1530340. Gerald Crown 212-906-9319 Burt Savitsky 212-906-9337

Jon Phillips

Lori Press

Carol A. Raskin

TOWNHOUSE IN THE SKY

UNIQUE CANDELA MAISONETTE

4BR CARNEGIE CLASSIC

East 70s. Unique opportunity to own a splendid, sun-filled 3BR, 3.5 bath triplex in the FS Morgan Studios. Soaring ceiling heights, windowed eat-in kitchen, 2 wbfp amd W/D. $4.35M. WEB# 1567736. Marjorie Hewett 212-906-9313

Fifth Avenue. 960 Fifth. An enchanting ‘big small’ maisonette with perfectly scaled high ceilinged rooms in the most prestigious Candela prewar Co-op. Food service. 4 rooms. $3.5M. WEB# 1559532. Caroline E. Y. Guthrie, ELC Div. 212-396-5858

East 90s. Sunny city views and mint condition make this FS home an exceptional value. 4BR, 3.5 baths, CAC, 10’ ceilings, eatin kitchen, laundry room and more. $3.195M. WEB# 1551795. Marie Bingham 212-588-5654

Julie Siff

Ogden P. Starr

Fran Strauss

BREATHTAKING RIVER VIEWS

FABULOUS FLEXIBLE 4-ROOMS

2BR PREWAR ELEVATOR CONDO

East 86th St. High floor with 1,600+SF, 3BR, 3 marble baths + dining room & balc all facing the river. All in 5 star FS condo with swimming pool & gym. Dogs ok. $1.875M. WEB# 1541606. Silvana Mander 212-317-7706 Randi Greene 212-317-7799

UWS. Mint 4 room condo at The Ariel with luxury master suite, library, top-of-the line kitchen, DR/LR, 2 baths, 1,551SF. Chic and fabulous. La Palestra gym, pool, playroom, and much more. $1.575M. WEB# 1568027. Lynn Sullivan 212-588-5604

UWS. Mint 2BR on top floor of boutique elevator prewar condo. High ceilings, huge windows, light and open views. Renovated kitchen, 5 large closets and wall of builtins in master bedroom. $895K. WEB# 1549904. Dede Minor 212-396-5825

new york city

the hamptons

Ellen Sussman

Maarten Vandersman

pa l m b e a c h

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staNFord white MaNsioN oN FiFth aVeNUe East 70s/Fifth. Brilliant scale and unparalleled details within approximately 15,225 square foot limestone mansion. Direct Central Park views from every room. Exceptional and rare. $49M. Web#1264274

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aN artistic iNVestMeNt Fifth Avenue/80s. Extraordinary full-floor corner cooperative on Fifth and 88th, overlooking Guggenheim, Central Park, Reservoir. Over four bedrooms, 11-foot ceilings, requires full renovation. $10M. Web#1546061

new york city

deLaNo aNd aLdrich MasterPiece East 70s/Park. Replete with light and original details, renovated, approximately 10,300 square foot townhouse with windows on three sides. Seven bedrooms, eight full baths, two half baths, nine fireplaces. Otis elevator, garden, roof terrace. $26M. Web#1531511

the hamptons

pa l m b e a c h

All information is from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, prior sale or withdrawal without notice. All rights to content, photographs and graphics reserved to Broker. Equal Housing Opportunity Broker.

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PaULa deL NUNZio Senior Vice President, Managing Director Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker 212-906-9207 pdelnunzio@bhsusa.com 445 Park Avenue New York, NY 10022

No other New York broker has this track record. the dUPLex at 998 FiFth aVeNUe Fifth Avenue/80s. Extraordinary scale in only Stanford White co-op on Fifth. Massive living room and formal dining room, huge kitchen with two pantries. Washer/dryer. Four bedrooms plus library. Three wood burning fireplaces. Exquisite living. $20M. Web#1735509

• No one else has sold 49 townhouses since 2006, for a total value of over $741 million. • Paula has closed 19 townhouses measuring 25 feet or wider. • Paula holds the record for the highest price paid for a 25-foot wide home with the $37.5 million dollar closing of 18 East 80th Street.

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• Paula represented the seller in the $53 million dollar sale of 4 East 75th Street, The Harkness Mansion, which still remains the record for the highest price paid for a residence in New York.

ageLess desigN, eNdUriNg VaLUe East 70s/Lexington. Skillful renovation of approximately 5,960 townhouse on prime East 71 block. Four outdoor spaces, elevator, five wood burning fireplaces, six bedrooms, six full baths, two half. Elegant and grand. $12.2M. Web#1225490

the cLareNce trUe resideNce West 70s. Approximately 9,400 square feet perched on a high point of Riverside Drive, 32’ x 53’ townhouse on corner of West 76. Hudson River views. Sun-flooded and superb. $17M. Web#1197484

• In her 20 years as a townhouse specialist, Paula Del Nunzio has sold 88 townhouses.

the art oF gracioUs LiViNg East 60s/Lexington. Expertly sourced renovation of a 20 foot wide townhouse. Elevator, staff suite, stunning roof garden, two-story atrium, modern systems. Superb. $29.95M. Web#1275251

new york city

the hamptons

pa l m b e a c h

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BLOOM AD.indd 1

3/24/12 12:43:01 PM

SCENE_APR12_SIR_Erickson 3/15/12 12:39 PM Page 1

EXCEPTIONAL O F F E R I N G S

ROGER ERICKSON

THE SHERRY NETHERLAND HOTEL: Own an entire floor in the Sherry and enjoy spectacular views, daily maid service & Cipriani room service. Life at its best! $9,000,000. WEB: S0017952

THE PLAZA HOTEL: One of the most sought after 2 bedroom apartments in the Plaza because every window faces Central Park. 11’ ceilings, custom renovation. $10,000,000. WEB: S0017984

FIFTH AVENUE DUPLEX WITH TERRACE: Glamorous prewar duplex in mint condition with a sun drenched terrace. Opulent master suite with two baths and two dressing rooms. $3,450,000. WEB: S0017516

RIVERFRONT MAISONETTE WITH HUGE TERRACE: Features typically found in a $20+ mil

TRUMP INT'L HOTEL & TOWER: Best view & price! Highly

apartment, this prewar ±5,200 sq ft 5 bedroom duplex is grand and gracious. $10,750,000.WEB: S0017605

coveted 2 bedrooms with Park views. $5,750,000. WEB: S0017992

ROGER ERICKSON SENIOR MANAGING DIRECTOR

212.606.7612 | www.roger-erickson.com

EAST SIDE MANHATTAN BROKERAGE | sothebyshomes.com/nyc 38 EAST 61ST STREET NEW YORK, NY 10065 T 212.606.7660 F 212.606.7661 Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. is owned and operated by NRT LLC. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark.

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SCENE_APR12_SIR_Beit 3/19/12 9:49 AM Page 1

LOUISE BEIT

116 EAST 70TH ST R E E T

116 E 70TH STREET: Extraordinarily beautiful townhouse in triple mint condition located on the most celebrated block on the Upper East Side. Glorious living room with 12’ ceiling, elegant library, dining room with south terrace, 5 bedrooms, chef’s kitchen, elevator, and garden. Offered at $22,500,000. WEB: S0017310

Louise Beit, 212.606.7703 | Senior Vice President, Associate Broker EAST SIDE MANHATTAN BROKERAGE | sothebyshomes.com/nyc 38 EAST 61ST STREET NEW YORK, NY 10065 Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. is owned and operated by NRT LLC. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark.

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Downtown Soaring THE DOWNTOWN LUXURY MARKET IS IN HIGH DEMAND AND IT’S NOW GARNERING HIGHER PRICES THAN IN THE BOOM YEARS. THREE LEADING CORCORAN SUNSHINE SALES DIRECTORS WEIGH IN. SCENE: We’ve heard that there’s very little inventory. How is this affecting buyers? Shelley O’Keefe, Sales Director, Soho Mews: Buyers are making swifter decisions because their options for a new home Downtown are limited. With pricing on the upswing, we’re seeing less negotiation than we have in years. Angeli Dahiya, Sales Manager, 1 Rector Park: It’s really noticeable in larger residences. Battery Park City tends to attract buyers looking to upgrade in space, so the three bedroom category has been especially active.

350 WEST BROADWAY IS ACHIEVING SOME OF THE HIGHEST PRICES IN TOWN

SCENE: Some of the priciest deals of the year have been at 350 West Broadway. What’s happening with sales? Puzio: We just closed three deals at prices ranging from over $7 million to more than $9 million. We are now negotiating on the fabulous $26 million penthouse.

CONDÉ NAST IS BRINGING NEW CACHET TO BATTERY PARK CITY, HOME TO 1 RECTOR PARK

SCENE: Condé Nast’s move to 1 World Trade Center is a major coup for the area. Dahiya: Absolutely. Condé Nast had a positive impact on Bryant Park, but the World Trade Center redevelopment is a transformative moment for all of Downtown and New York City. Danny Meyer has already made a huge investment in the neighborhood with three new restaurants [North End Grill, Blue Smoke and Shake Shack], but that’s just the tip of the iceberg with what’s to come in luxury dining and retail. SCENE: Speaking of food, where do you entertain during lunch? O’Keefe: I’m working on a new condominium project on 23rd Street called Citizen so I’ve been taking customers to Eataly. The variety is amazing and the food is fantastic. Puzio: Cipriani Downtown. It’s a Soho institution and it’s very 350 West Broadway.

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SOHO MEWS, HOME TO JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE AND VIKRAM CHATWAL

PHOTOGRAPHS (TOP) JESSE DAVID HARRIS; (MIDDLE) EVAN JOSEPH

SCENE: Boldface figures like Vikram Chatwal and Justin Timberlake have made headlines buying at Soho Mews. Who’s looking in the neighborhood now? O’Keefe: Many of our appointments are with international buyers. They love the shopping, entertaining and landmark charm of Soho. The New York market is a safe investment. Donna Puzio, Sales Director, 350 West Broadway: The neighborhood also offers a sense of space you can’t find elsewhere in Manhattan. 350 West Broadway marries Soho’s famous open loft feel with Park Avenue-inspired layouts. The world’s most discerning buyers appreciate this rarity.

3/28/12 6:16 PM

Great Outdoor Space in the City

ARTiST’S RENDERiNG

GAZEBO GARDEN WITH HOME TO MATCH

PENTHOUSE DUPLEX

AMAZING APT WITH INCREDIBLE TERRACES

Brooklyn/Hawthorn St. A 3-story townhouse in Prospect - Lefferts Gardens. Totally renovated. 3 BRs, 2.5 baths, double parlour, period details, CAC, country kitchen, and garden. $1.15M WEB# 2299846

Irving Place. Near Gramercy Park. 10 rooms. 4,836 SF+/- duplex penthouse with large terrace, 5 BRs, 5.5 baths, floor-to-ceiling glass, open planned lay out and atrium. $18M WEB# 1372629

W 60th St. The Hudson. 3 bedrooms, 3 baths and a magnificent living room dining room combination with one of the largest south facing terraces in Manhattan. $2.895M WEB# 2287475

J. Crow 718.923.8061, S. Wolfe 718.923.8037

Marie-Claire Gladstone 212.508 7167

Marisa Dichne 917.653.5939

AMAZING CONTEMPORARY HOME

WEST VILLAGE TOWNHOUSE OASIS

DESIGNER WATERFRONT PH WITH TERRACE

Brooklyn/Fort Greene. S Portland Ave. Modern carriage townhouse with garage & bamboo oasis garden. Lux high end everything. 3 BR, 3.5 bath. 4,000 SF+/-. $14,000/mo. WEB# 2301043

Charles St. 10 rms. Owner’s triplex with garden & 5 studios delivered empty. Sunny garden, fish pond. 3 seating areas & dining al fresco. Private & quiet. Provence in the village. $5.999M WEB# 2217170

Brooklyn/Williamsburg. 2 BR, 2.5 bath, 1,270 SF+/Panoramic NYC views, 387 SF+/- wrap terrace. Chef’s Kit, DM, pool, sauna, fitness center, East River Ferry. 25yr 421-A tax abated. $1.25M WEB# 2290425

Peter Gordenstein 212.444.7890

Susan Lamia 917.575.3516

Evan Church 718.422.2506

HUDSON VIEW PENTHOUSE

TOP FLOOR PENTHOUSE – PANORAMIC VIEWS

1840’S GREEK REVIVAL HOUSE

BPC/Rector Pl. Stunning, one-of-a-kind, duplex 3 BR/3 bath penthouse. Four terraces & panoramic views from every room. Experience the ultimate in waterfront living. $5.595M WEB# 2241666

West Chelsea. Chelsea Modern near The Highline. Sunny duplex penthouse with 360° views. 3 BRs, 3 baths, bright, open, state of the art kitchen. $3.995M WEB# 1185907

W 19th St. 8 rooms. Renovated 20’ 4-story brick house with South facing garden and terrace, 4 fireplaces, chef’s kitchen, finished basement, 2,500 SF+/- air rights. $6.495M WEB# 2265398

Iva Spitzer 212.634.6505

Marie-Claire Gladstone 212.508.7167

D. Albert 212.444.7940, B. Rice 212.323.4444

Search by WEB# on Equal Housing Opportunity. The Corcoran Group is a licensed real estate broker. Owned and operated by NRT LLC.

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3/27/12 4:02:45 PM

Mansion in the Sky Located in one of Tribeca's most important landmark buildings, 140 Franklin Street is a majestic apartment like no other that affords unrivaled space, privacy and luxury. In this singular residence, you'll find an unbelievable 6,226-squarefeet of space all on one floor and a sprawling layout that feels at once luxurious and intimate. A gracious entrance gallery sets the tone for this awe-inspiring home and leads into one of Manhattan's most magnificent entertaining spaces, a 100-footwide expanse unlike anything you've seen in the city. In a room defined by light, scale, volume and proportion, you'll find high ceilings, wide-plank Brazilian wood floors, original columns and open views of the surrounding historic district through iconic arched windows. The apartment's endless wall space creates the ideal backdrop for your enviable art collection, while pocket doors open to create a sense of sweeping grandeur or close for a sense of intimacy, giving this massive home the expansiveness of a loft with the elegance of formal rooms, such as a dining room perfect for staging memorable dinner parties. Doors open from the living room and dining room to a state-of-the-art Varenna chef's kitchen with a center-island and featuring a Sub-Zero refrigerator, a 150-bottle temperaturecontrolled wine cave, a 6-burner Wolf stove vented to the outside, Miele and Gaggenau ovens, double sinks, a pullout pantry, a prep area with endless custom cabinetry and a separate pantry room. Adjacent to the kitchen, the comfortable media room is the perfect place to gather around the fireplace before and after meals. At one end of this sprawling home, a large library leads to the sun-drenched master bedroom suiteâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a peaceful sanctuary with large fitted closets and a spa-like Bisazza-tiled bathroom with deep Jacuzzi soaking tub, glass-enclosed steam shower, and double Carrara marble vanity with Dornbracht fittings. At the opposite end of this regal residence, you'll find the private guest wing with 3 bedrooms, a staff room, and 4.5 beautifully appointed baths. Naturally, an extraordinary home of this caliber features amenities including multi-zoned central air-conditioning, a custom AV system with keypads in every room, Lutron lighting on dimmers, a washer/dryer and an enor-

mous private storage unit in the basement. All this, within one of Tribeca's most historic and beautiful buildings, complete with a 24-hour doorman, an on-site superintendent and a specially commissioned lobby mural by Sol Lewitt. Listed for $13.5 million, 140 Franklin presents a rare opportunity to live in one of Manhattan's truly great lofts.

For more information on this exclusive Halstead property

contact Richard Orenstein, Executi v e V ice President, 212.381.4248 or visit halstead.com

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3/28/12 6:17 PM

PeNTHoUSe VieWS oUTdooRS 55th St/West Excl. Great loft-style home, 12’ ceilings, gas fplc, 2BR, 2 baths, separate studio/gym, 2,163SF interior, 1,400SF private N/S terraces. Fab views. No board approval. Condop. $3.5M. Web#1877245 Rosa Murphy 212.381.4251

WHeRe ART meeTS CHiC TriBeCa Excl. Fantastic 2,600SF corner apt. Faces south and east, great light. Large open LR/ DR with big kitchen. 3 spacious BRs with walk-in closets, 2.5 baths plus W/D and a/c. Roof terrace. $3.495M. Web#2258319 Louise Phillips Forbes, EVP 212.381.3329

GReAT SPACe/oPeN VieWS 74th/RSD Excl. 3BR, 3.5 baths. Prewar condo, park/river views. Large living room, dining room, and master bedroom. Renovated chef’s kitchen and baths, a/c, W/D. Many closets. $3.45M. Web#2259449 Chester Gelband, EVP/Francine Port 212.381. 3225/3218

LUX LiViNG AT iTS BeST 90s/West Excl. Grand home with prewar charm and contemporary details. Large LR with wbfp, FDR, renov eat-in kitchen, 3BRs + maid’s rm, 3 full baths. Great closets, W/D. White glove building. $3.15M. Web#1812388 Louise Phillips Forbes, EVP 212.381.3329

TimeS SQUARe PeNTHoUSe Midtown/West Excl. Serene penthouse 2BR, 2.5 bath with private terrace in the center of NYC. Full-service boutique condo, amazing views, great home/investment. $2.9M. Web#2262933 Joe Monteleone, SVP 212.381.2490

ToWNHoUSe GARdeN TRiPLeX 70s/West Excl. Best block 5BR, 4 baths, solarium/dining, eat-in kitchen with high-end appliances, home office, oak floors, 2 wbfps. Maintenance of $2,860. $2,795M. Also for rent $13,750/month. Web#2231617 Eloise Johnson, EVP 212.381.3224

LoFT ANd PRiVATe RooF oASiS Flatiron Excl. Move right into this mint condition, custom built 2BR, 2 bath. Open kit with professional SS applcs. Approx 1,724SF + approx 1,000SF planted roof terrace. CC + tax: $2,700. $2.2M. Web#1110281 Stephanie Dennett, SVP 212.381.6567

SPRAWLiNG UWS PReWAR 3BR 90s/West Excl. Classic PW 7 into 6. 3BR, 2 baths, 9.5’ ceilings, W/D, eat-in kitchen, bright east expos from living and dining rooms. Basement storage. Co-op allows pieds-a-terre and pets. $1.895M. Web#1524448 Nora Ariffin, SVP 212.381.2249

3 BedRoom, 3 BATH CoNdo 93rd/Lex Excl. Mint, sunny, windowed eat-in kitchen with banquet, W/D, custom built-ins add to charm. Rare find Carnegie Hill full-service building with storage, gym and garden. $1.65M. Web#2254427 Barbara Good, EVP 212.381.2237

SUNNY, HiGH FLooR 2 BedRoom, 2 BATH West Chelsea Excl. Sunny, high-floor 2BR in premier full-service luxury condo. Mint condition, split bedroom layout, W/D. Tax abatement. 5-star amenities. Parking. $1.495M. Web#2257437 Nora Ariffin, SVP 212.381.2249

GReAT SPACe ANd LoCATioN 79th/Lex and 3rd Excl. 2BR, 2 bath, 1,419SF. PS 6 district. Oversized living/dining room and mint open, renovated kitchen, a/c, W/D. Near Central Park. $1.449M. Web#2231367 Chester Gelband, EVP/Francine Port 212.381. 3225/3218

GoRGeoUS ANd ALL NeW 80s/West Excl. Absolutely stunning and all new 2BR (conv 3BR) in full service co-op on the UWS. Prewar character meets ultra-chic modern. Chef’s kitchen and new baths. $1.35M. Web#2256493 Jeffrey Tanenbaum 212.381.3308

Halstead Property, LLC Halstead Property Connecticut, LLC We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. We n

encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.

View All Our Luxury Portfolio Listings At halstead.com/luxuryportfolio

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3/29/12 2:59:41 PM

We define our neighborhoods as much as they define us.

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730 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10019 212.242.9900

88 Greenwich Street New York, NY 10006 212.269.8888

239 East 79th Street New York, NY 10075 212.929.1400

110 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10011 212.633.1000

26 Astor Place New York, NY 10003 212.584.6100

45 Horatio Street New York, NY 10014 212.604.0300

3/26/12 10:48:11 AM

263 NINTH AVENUE � PH

481 GREENWICH STREET

4 BR, 4 BATH

121 EAST 35TH STREET � TH

3 BR, 2.5 BATH

420 WEST 25TH STREET

3 BR, 2 BATH

3 BR, 3.5 BATH

5 BR, 4.5 BATH

1 BR, 1 BATH

WEB ID: 630722 $8.95 M

WEB ID: 190032

$5.25 M

WEB ID: 532614 $1.185 M

WEB ID: 983026 $40,000

55 WALL STREET � PH WEB ID: 244937

$14,750

1 GRAMERCY PARK WEST WEB ID: 661126

$12,500

TOWN Residential, LLC is a licensed real estate broker and proud member of REBNY. Town Residential LLC is a partnership with Thor Equities LLC. We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.

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3/26/12 10:48:15 AM

The Broker’s Dance

NEW YORK HAS ITS FAIR SHARE OF BROKERS, BUT FEW HAVE A STORY LIKE PRUDENTIAL DOUGLAS ELLIMAN’S MANAGING DIRECTOR FRANCES KATZEN. RAISED IN THREE DIFFERENT CONTINENTS, THE SOUTH AFRICAN BEAUTY LISTS DANCING THE CHOREOGRAPHY OF THE FAMED GEORGE BALANCHINE AS ONE OF HER MANY ACCOMPLISHMENTS. SCENE SPOKE TO THE BUSY BROKER TO HEAR MORE ABOUT WHAT MAKES A BALLET DANCER DITCH THE LEOTARD FOR A SUIT AND HOW SHE DOES MORE THAN HOLD HER OWN IN ONE OF THE CITY’S MOST COMPETITIVE MARKETS.

What brought on your change of career and your desire to work as a real estate broker? I had always wondered what it would be like to be a businesswoman. The ballet world is a very patriarchal system with one master ballet director who chooses between you and the other dancers for every role. The idea of becoming an independent women with my own business was very exciting to me after being subservient to someone else for so long. I became a broker to put myself in control of my creative path.

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You've earned a reputation as one of the city's top brokers. How has your background contributed to your success as a broker? Drive, focus, passion and straightforwardness with people were all qualities that served me well. I tend to be a perfectionist—as most dancers are—and am totally committed to a task until it is completed. I care a lot about making sure people are taken care of and getting them what they want is a priority for me. I have been accused of caring too much, but I take that as a compliment! Do you have any fun anecdotes on your experience as a broker? Oh boy, where do I begin? Suffice it to say, being a broker is never dull. Who are some of your celebrity clients? I prefer not to discuss the clients that I deal with; but I have met some truly wonderful people from the worlds fashion, business and acting that I would have otherwise never have met. What are some of your favorite listings currently on the market? Part of what I love about my job is finding a way for others to see what is it that makes an apartment special. Whether it be a multimillion dollar townhouse on the Upper East Side or a small studio apartment downtown, I know how to make the best out of the listings I represent.

LESLIE HASSLER

You have a great story. Tell us about what brought you to New York? I was born in Cape Town, South Africa, but due to the apartheid issues there, my family and I moved to Sydney, Australia when I was a child. Growing up in Australia was amazing but when I turned 14 the time came for me to make a decision regarding my career as a ballet dancer. The Australian Ballet offered me a job but I really wanted to dance with Mikael Baryshnikov, the director of the American Ballet Theater at the time, so I asked my mom if I could audition for his school. That was in 1991 and when the ABT school closed, I decided instead to audition for the School of American Ballet under the direction of the late George Balanchine. I was accepted and that’s what brought me to New York!

3/28/12 5:40 PM

THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE NEW YORK SCHOOL OF INTERIOR DESIGN

Benet Co-ai

Mario Buatta, Ellie Cullman, Philip Gorrivan, Amy Lau, Stephanie Odegard, Campion Platt, Barbara Slifka

Honorary ai

Mrs. Thomas N. Armstrong III, Thomas N. Armstrong IV, Whitney B. Armstrong, Eliot Armstrong Foote, Amory Armstrong Spizzirri

Benet Vice-ai

Graham Arader, James Druckman, Jill Dienst, Marina Kellen French, Elliot and Janet Greene, Agnes Gund, Hugh Hardy, Mary Ellen and Richard Oldenburg, Michael I. and Patricia M. Sovern, Henriette Suhr, Robert and Lynn Wankel request the pleasure of your company at a benefit honoring

Sing Benet HONORING

JACK LENOR LARSEN AND THOMAS WOLTZ APRIL 18, 2012

Jack Lenor Larsen Lifetime Achievement Award

Thomas Woltz Thomas N. Armstrong III Award for Landscape Design Wednesday, April 18, 2012 Metropolitan Club One East 60th Street New York, NY 10022 Cocktail reception 6:30-7:30 PM Dinner 7:30-9:30 PM *Jacket and tie required

Tickets to the benefit start at $500 and $1,000 per person. Tables of 10 can be purchased for $5,000 (Supporter), $10,000 (Benefactor), $15,000 (Connoisseur) or $25,000 (Patron). To purchase tickets or for more information contact: Director of Development, Monica Cheslak, 212-472-1500 ext. 430 or email mcheslak@nysid.edu. www.nysid.edu

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3/27/12 2:59:50 PM

Made in Manhattan With sustainability as the cornerstone of its business, CIRCA shows the world it's easy being green

Does CIRCA's mission include educating the public on the importance of sustainability? How is the company going about this? Critical to CIRCA’s business model is environmental sustainability, or “diamond and jewelry recycling.” CIRCA is, in essence, one of the largest recyclers of jewelry in the world. With this comes a responsibility to educate the public on the positive environmental impact of selling jewelry they no longer wear. An important catch phrase we use is; “Every diamond that CIRCA buys is one less that has to be mined.” CIRCA is in the unique position to potentially make a real positive impact in reducing the need for environmentally harmful mining. The ultimate goal is to change public behavior by getting people to think about selling and recycling jewelry they no longer wear in the same way they recycle a plastic bottle or a newspaper. Are you involved in any other causes, outside of CIRCA? Since the beginning of my career, giving back has always been important to me, and I’ve tried to make it an integral part of CIRCA’s culture. I’ve been a supporter of charities like the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and I’m currently a board member of the New Yorker’s for Children and the Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education, both of which benefit children and families. CIRCA also supports charities in every city in which we have an office, some of which include, Geneva Smiling Children’s Event, Families First of Palm Beach, First Descents in DC, Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago, and many others.

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As CIRCA works to redefine the notion of luxury as an industry that is conscious of its environmental impact, are there still people who are reticent about buying second-hand jewelry? We’ve seen quite a trend in the industry of consumers being much more environmentally-conscious than ever before. They are now very particular about the source of their jewelry and other luxury items. For example, we’ve seen the emergence of the “green wedding” where brides are choosing estate jewelry over new to help cut down on mining. As I’ve always said, if you are partial to estate jewelry, you will always get more for your money—not only in terms of quality craftsmanship, but you are also not paying for all of the marketing and other mark-ups that you are paying for when you buy a new piece. Add to that the positive environmental effect of choosing a “green” stone or piece, and it’s a pretty compelling argument. CIRCA seems to be enjoying a rapid growth. Are there any other exciting projects on the horizon? We now have our European headquarters established in Barcelona, and will add Madrid, Geneva and Milan to our European offices by the summer. We’re also opening a major west coast presence in Los Angeles and Las Vegas during 2012. For the past three seasons, we’ve partnered with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) to establish the CIRCA Accessories Salon at New York Fashion Week. The Salon is a platform to support emerging jewelry designers by giving them a showcase in front of the fashion industry and international press.

CIRCA's founder and CEO, Chris Del Gatto

Diamond and sapphire platinum necklace from the 1950s

diamond and sapphire 18k cuff from the 1940s

We are also excited to launch the CIRCA buying platform on our website in 2012. This will attempt to replicate the CIRCA buying experience online—giving people the same commitment to service and luxury, and the ability to easily and conveniently sell their unwanted items.

cabochon rubellite and diamond platinum ring by carvin french

courtesy of circa

The words “sustainability” and “luxury” weren't used to being in the same sentence—that is, until New York-based company CIRCA made its mark on the fine jewelry industry. Established in 2001, CIRCA is the leading global buyer of fine jewelry from the public and by placing previously owned jewelry back onto the market, the company is gaining recognition for the environmentally conscious practices upon which the business is based. SCENE caught up with CIRCA’s founder and CEO, Chris Del Gatto to get the low-down on the company’s initiatives, their upcoming projects and how even pink diamonds can be green.

3/29/12 3:46 PM

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3/26/12 11:45:48 AM

On the Market sotheby's international realty

Roger Erickson roger.erickson@sothebyshomes.com 917.558.4477

Price: $10,750,000 Square feet: 5,300 Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 5.5 History: Built in 1929, John D. Rockefeller used this residence as a retreat for his friends and family. Amenities: Full time doorman, attended elevators, a parking garage, swimming pool, basketball court, squash court and fitness center. Apartment perks: Three fireplaces, hardwood flooring, home theatre, library, security system, hot tub, wine cellar and a guest suite. Neighborhood perks: A historic location on the east side of Manhattan, Beekman Place is a quiet street tucked away between First Avenue and the East River and described by many as a true example of old-world charm.

BROWN HARRIS STEVENS

Selling NY

Sophie Ravet

Brown Harris Stevens Vice President, Director 212.452.4470 sravet@bhsusa.com

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1 beekman place

Nancy Candib ncandib@bhsusa.com 212.906.9302

Dominic R. Paolillo dpaolillo@bhsusa.com 212.906.9307

120 eleventh avenue, the penthouse atop the lifesaver lofts

Years of experience: 8 Greatest accomplishment: I speak multiple languages including English, French, Italian and Spanish. My greatest career accomplishment is when I was named the Brown Harris Stevens broker of the year in Tribeca, but my true claim to fame is my ability to listen to my clients and never make them waste their time. Specialty: As a Tribeca resident for over a decade, I specialize in the Downtown market covering various real estate products including residential sales, commercial and investment properties. Best advice: In real estate, you can never not go wrong if you follow your instinct and work with a broker who will not be afraid to roll up their sleeves and do the necessary hard work. Motto: Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take no for an answer.

courtesy of sotheby's international realty and brown harris stevens

Price: $6,995,000 Square feet: 2,923 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3.5 History: Built in 1910 Views: Corner south and west views overlooking the river. Amenities: Full time doorman, central air-conditioning Apartment perks: A private entrance off the keyed elevator, a large living room with dramatic double height ceilings framed by floor-toceiling glass windows and doors, an expansive grass and decked terrace overlooking the Hudson River, a private terrace off the master bedroom. Neighborhood Perks: This downtown loft is located at the crossroads of the Chelsea galleries, the High Line and Meatpacking District and close to countless restaurants and Chelsea Market. Fun fact: The Lifesaver Lofts evolved from the complete restoration of the handsome industrial building where the Mint Products Company manufactured Life Savers from 1913 to 1916.

3/29/12 9:58 AM

7.125 x 9.75 4C MAG

This exhibition is made possible by the Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation with additional support provided by Lisa and Dick Cashin. Rachel Kneebone (British, born 1973). When I doubt I exist again (detail), 2009. Porcelain, 20 3/4 x 12 x 18 3/4 in. (52.7 x 30.5 x 47.6 cm). Collection of the artist and White Cube, London. © The artist. Photo: Todd-White Art Photography, Courtesy White Cube.

ALSO ON VIEW Newspaper Fiction The New York Journalism of Djuna Barnes, 1913-1919

718-638-5000 www.brooklynmuseum.org Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday 11am - 6pm; Thursday 11am - 10pm Subway: 2 3 to Eastern Parkway/Brooklyn Museum • On-Site Parking

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Instertion Date: March 05 2012

On view through August 12

Publication: Scene Magazine

Porcelain masterpieces alongside iconic Rodin bronzes

LaPlacaCohen 212-675-4106

Rachel Kneebone Regarding Rodin

2/16/12 3:00 PM

2/17/12 11:59:19 AM

UPTOWN. DOWNTOWN.

WHAT’S YOUR SCENE?

WHEN EXPERIENCE REALLY COUNTS Go With A Real Estate Team That is Recognized For Success

ELAINE TROSS

ARLENE WEIdbERg

Executive Vice President Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker 212.381.3322 etross@halstead.com 2011 Platinum Club Member Top 5% Company Producer at Halstead Property

Executive Vice President Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker 212.381.3321 aweidberg@halstead.com 2011 Diamond Club Member Recognized by The Real Deal Magazine as the Halstead Top Luxury Broker, 2011 for SoHo/NoHo/Nolita

halstead.com

New York Hamptons Connecticut New Jersey

Your Concierge Broker for New York’s Finest Properties STEPHEN P. WALD • 212-750-WALD (9253)

Offering New York’s Best Central Park South Penthouse Deal!

SImPLY THE BEST - Have it all, the most scenic, longitudinal views of Central Park and Times Square from this 35th story Central Park South penthouse. It’s all about Star Quality in this superbly renovated gem featuring six glorious rooms with sweeping Central Park and City Views. Included is an oversized Living Room & Library with powder room, an elegant Formal Dining Room, a true Chef’s kitchen with top appliances including two dishwashers and a washer/ dryer, a grand Master Suite with beautiful builtins and a bath with its own Japanese soaking tub and steam shower and a second bedroom and bath. Reduced to Sell! $5,350,000. Also for rent for $20,000. Separate 950 SF renovated 1BR guest apartment available. $950,000.

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Luxury Living at The Lombardy Hotel, NY’s Best Kept Investment Secret!

111 EAST 56TH STREET / PARK AvE - Oversized Hotel Suites from Studios to Four Bedroom apartments are available in this Pre-war, Full Service Hotel once owned by William Randolph Hearst. The Lombardy’s unrestricted Rental Program lets you be part of a Manhattan landmark. Benefit from a savvy investment property, earn top rental income, and live in grand style whenever you are in town. The Lombardy World Class Plaza District location is close to all of NY’s best shopping, restaurants, theatre, Carnegie Hall & MOMA. Full hotel services include twice daily maid service, utilities and more. Prices from $500’s. On-site Broker

WaldRealEstate.com

Exclusively Yours at The Landmark Historic Osborne

205 WEST 57TH STREET - A dramatic, newly renovated duplex featuring a grand living room, and 3 oversized bedrooms with 3 full baths, replete with original Osborne details including an elegant marble and wrought iron staircase and the most beautiful hardwood flooring. Live among the legends of Leonard Bernstein, Lynn Redgrave, Andre Watts, Fran Lebowitz, Robert Osborne and others who have called The Osborne their home. An incredible opportunity! Motivated Seller! Bring Offers. $1,965,000. Others Available.

Hiring Experienced Agents

3/28/12 9:22:28 AM 3/28/12 10:25:44 AM

WHEN OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS......... OPEN 3 DOORS FOR THE DEAL OF A LIFETIME!

Offering New York’s Best Town and Country Deal Town: Have it all, the most scenic, longitudinal views of Central Park from this 35th story Central Park South penthouse. It’s all about Star Quality in this superbly renovated gem featuring six glorious rooms with sweeping Central Park and City Views. Included is a oversized Living Room & Library, an elegant Formal Dining Room, a true Chef’s kitchen, a grand Master Suite and a second bedroom and bath. Asking $5,350,000. Also for rent for $20,000. Also available is a separate, newly renovated one bedroom, one bath apartment for your guests which doubles as the quintessential executive office suite. This Full Service Luxury Cooperative features Doormen, Concierge, Elevator Operators and on site parking. Asking $950,000 Country: The ultimate Hampton’s Bayfront retreat featuring breathtaking views of Sag Harbor and Shelter Island Sound from your own private beach. This totally refined four bedroom, 4 bath home is nestled on one lush, landscaped acre with multiple bayfront decks, a bayfront greenhouse and a free standing two car garage. The views are unsurpassed and the dreams are endless. Asking $4,295,000

This is like winning the Trifecta: $10,595,000

WaldRealEstate.com Exclusive by Appointment:

Stephen P. Wald • 212-750-WALD(9253) Hiring Experienced Agents

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3/28/12 10:13:38 AM

From the author oF the bestselling memoir Shutterbabe HOW DO YOU BECOME AN INTERIOR DESIGNER?

the irresistible new novel of four women, twenty years, and one life-altering harvard reunion.

Step one: Take the Introduction to Interior Design course at NYSID

What does it take to become an interior designer? Find out by taking a non-credit introductory course, once a week for 6 weeks, which will give you a thorough understanding of the profession, and the education requirements needed for your success. Among the topics discussed in-depth are: basic design elements, the use and application of color, space planning, selection of furniture, ﬁnishes, textiles, and design resources. After completion, you’ll have new and useful insights as to whether an interior design career — residential or commercial — is right for you.

“the big Chill for the Facebook generation.” —adam gopnik, author of Paris to the Moon

“Destined to be a classic.” —Vanity Fair

“Compulsive reading.” —meg Wolitzer, author of the uncoupling

Registration for this course does not require a portfolio or previous design courses. To search for this or additional available courses without prerequisites, or what it takes to earn a degree at NYSID, visit us online at www.nysid.edu. 170 East 70th Street New York, NY 10021 tel. 212.452.4162 or 1.800.33.NYSID

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CliCk here to begin reading now! Now available wherever books are sold www.hyperionbooks.com • Also available as a Hyperion eBook

3/29/12 1:15:14 PM

AN EVENING WITH FLEISHER & KALISH Friday, April 20, 7:30 pm

SCHUBERT Fantasie in F minor for Piano, Four Hands, D. 940, Op. 103 HARBISON Piano Quintet BACH Schafe Können Sicher Weiden (Sheep May Safely Graze) for Piano, BWV 208 KORNGOLD Suite for Piano Left Hand, Two Violins, and Cello, Op. 23

MUSIC THAT’S NOT JUST HEARD.

Leon Fleisher, Gilbert Kalish, piano; Ani Kavafian, Yura Lee, violin; Mark Holloway, viola; Nicolas Altstaedt, cello

BEETHOVEN/ HARBISON/BRAHMS

It’s felt.

Tuesday, April 24, 7:30 pm

BEETHOVEN Piano Trio in E-flat major, Op. 1, No. 1 HARBISON Sonata No. 1 for Violin and Piano (World Premiere, CMS Co-Commission) BRAHMS Piano Quartet No. 3 in C minor, Op. 60 Jon Kimura Parker, piano; Cho-Liang Lin, violin; Richard O’Neill, viola; Gary Hoffman, cello

INSPIRED BY THE KALICHSTEIN-LAREDOROBINSON TRIO Sunday, May 6, 5:00 pm

MOZART Piano Quartet in G minor, K. 478 PREVIN Piano Trio No. 2 (World Premiere, CMS Co-Commission) SCHOENBERG Verklärte Nacht (Transfigured Night) for String Sextet, Op. 4

IT’S AN INTIMATE CONCERT EXPERIENCE with a genuine connection between performers and listeners. The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center invites you to be a part of it.

All concerts take place in Alice Tully Hall

WWW.CHAMBERMUSICSOCIETY.ORG 212-875-5788

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PHOTO: TRISTAN COOK

Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio; Bella Hristova, violin; Beth Guterman, Paul Neubauer, viola; Gary Hoffman, cello

LA GRANDE FINALE Friday, May 18, 7:30 pm Sunday, May 20, 5:00 pm

SAINT-SAËNS Piano Trio No. 1 in F major, Op. 18 SAINT-SAËNS Sonata No. 1 in D minor for Violin and Piano, Op. 75 CHAUSSON Concerto in D major for Violin, Piano, and String Quartet, Op. 21 Inon Barnatan, Juho Pohjonen, piano; Jessica Lee, Kristin Lee, Elmar Oliveira, violin; Beth Guterman, viola; Andreas Brantelid, cello

3/19/12 10:59 AM 3/26/12 11:22:06 AM

“If heaven is the way we saw it tonight, count me in!” —Nathaniel Kahn, Emmy- and Academy Award-nominated filmmaker

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Mr Meister and the misfit Meister’s personal expenses, a duty she did not handle with ease, the firm hired an accountant to oversee some of her activities, says a person close to the company. It was also around that time that she started “a pattern of stealing” from a company credit card she was given when she started working for Meister, making small charges to the card to see if it would be noticed by her higher-ups. Then, using Meister’s credit, she allegedly created an American Express platinum card in her own name. Using that card, she started booking trips to Aruba, Canada and Europe. The purpose of those trips, other than for the sake of a glamorous international jaunt, was to purchase jewelry for Karat & Ice, prosecutors said. Smaye had joined Shamrakova on her European trip, along with a trip to Aruba, said Fernich. She also went to India and Miami, staying in five-star hotels. Shamrakova would transfer money from Meister’s JP Morgan account to cover the escalating charges she had made on the credit card, prosecutors allege. If JP Morgan tried to report unusual spending on Meister’s account, Shamrakova would have been the point person to initially receive those reports, insiders say. “Karatandice.com” started to take shape. The company advertised its spring 2012 launch on its Facebook page. Shamrakova and Smaye promoted the company on Twitter and on Facebook, using professionalquality studio shots of the two, both of them appearing young and fashionable and spunky, to enhance the company’s image. Smaye, his attorney contends, was kept in the fog about the true source of Shamrakova’s finances, even as his girlfriend amassed a collection of nearly 5,000 pieces of jewelry, new furniture and other goods for the business. Meister, too, was kept in the dark. Shamrakova would present him with statements from her company

credit card, masking the charges she was secretly making (which would eventually total $150,000). Those charges included trips to India, taxis rides and grooming for her dog, prosecutors allege. By December, Meister received a call from his bank saying that a check of his had bounced. Shamrakova apparently overheard the conversation and told Meister that the bank appeared to be mistaken. Although concerned, Meister decided to put in cash that was two times the amount that was suggested to him by his bank. Meister also had a personal assistant who worked for his family in Palm Beach fly up to New York to help him get his affairs in order and doublecheck each credit card and bank account tied to his name and to his company, insiders say. He then noticed that more money was eventually being withdrawn from his account without his consent. This January, he notified the police, and Shamrakova was arrested for grand larceny and identity theft. Police searching Shamrakova’s apartment on West 21st Street found a pink Filofax that contained Meister’s Florida driver’s license and his United Healthcare card, which some suspect she had official copies made for her own purposes (Meister reportedly still had his license at the time of this discovery). Police also recovered a letter of resignation, dated January 23, from Shamrakova to Meister. Shortly after she was arrested, Meister had the all the systems in his office shut down and he hired T&M Protection to investigate other possible breaches of his personal files. In March, Shamrakova was arraigned in a Manhattan court on charges of grand larceny, identity theft and obstruction, among other charges, and was arraigned on a whopping 44-count indictment. All told, she was accused of swindling over $900,000 from Meister through bogus credit card charges. A cache of jewelry purchased on Meister’s card was seized by cops from two connecting apartments at 321 West 21st Street and a Manhattan Mini Storage on West 23rd Street. The reserve was impressive: 2,393 earrings, 1,164 necklaces, 658 bracelets, 359 rings and 5 watches. The police recovered several sealed TD Bank envelopes containing thousands of dollars in cash, some as high as $8,000. Investigators also recovered two pairs of Maison Martin Margiela high-tops—one blue, the other gold—at the Manhattan Mini Storage. Despite the bail being set at $450,000, Shamrakova managed to get out of prison. She still faces possible jail time and deportation if convicted. Shamrakova’s attorney, Marc Agnifilo, claims that his client had Meister’s approval to spend his money, citing a romantic affair between the two. Meister categorically denied the claims, adding that he never even shared a meal with the woman. Smaye was charged with tampering with physical evidence and obstruction, a charge his attorney says he committed unwittingly after Shamrakova asked him to help remove files and electronic devices before investigators showed up to their West 21st Street apartment (and its adjoining office). At his March arraignment, Smaye learned a heartbreaking lesson:

"the reserve was impressive: 2,393 earrings, 1,164 necklaces, 658 bracelets, 359 rings and 5 watches. the police also recovered several sealed td bank envelopes containing thousands of dollars in cash, some as high as $8,000." sc.04.12.PersonalAssistantScams.indd 6

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he was not Shamrokova’s lone suitor. After arriving at court, he met a Frenchman named Matthieu who claimed to be her lover, according to an insider. It was also revealed in court that she was still legally married to a man in Queens (investigators also recovered a passport that listed her as “Renata Fertig,” and shared federal and New York state 2007 tax forms for Renata and Daniel Fertig). “She traveled from apartment to apartment in order to avoid one boyfriend running into the other,” said assistant district attorney Cory Jacobs in a March 6 court appearance. “Mike was one of many victims used and duped by his cunning and deceitful codefendant,” said Fernich in court. “He’s just a patsy. This story is as old as Adam and Eve,” he added. Agnifilo tells SCENE that Meister had turned Shamrakova over to the police because he was a jilted lover. “She had been given this card by him,” he says. “She had expenses on the card every month. The card statements, he would review them, and this went on for eight or nine months,” adds

Agnifilo. “At some point, she gets disenchanted with the job there. I think their romantic relationship hits the rocks, and he goes to the DA’s office.” Smaye’s case is still pending. Through his attorney, Meister denied the allegations of a romantic liaison between the two. “This was a woman who was given an opportunity to work for a good firm and create a better future for herself,” said Meister in a statement. “Instead she chose to deceive her employers, steal [Meister’s] identity, spend vast amounts of money recklessly, and choose to come up with a cheap excuse by fabricating a relationship that does not exist.” Shamrakova and Smaye are both due back in court in April. They are no longer dating, Fernich says. Daniel Edward Rosen

meister in 2004

patrick mcmullan

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SCHOOL DAZE

CAMPBELL'S CINEMA THE SECOND INSTALLMENT IN A SERIES OF CHARLIE CAMPBELL'S ADVENTURES AT THE BARCLAY PRIVATE SCHOOL When my successful numbers racket was busted and disbanded in fifth grade at Barclay school, I needed another way to feed my addiction to video games, gummy bears and smoke bombs. After my cool 500 clams a day (fixed lottery drawings and my spinning toy roulette wheel) dried up, I felt like my quaint Upper East Side ‘hood had become my own personal skid row. I turned my parents' library, lined with my mother’s books on decorating and my father’s leather-bound tomes on subjects like (snooze) the Russian Revolution and novels written in French, into my own X-rated movie theater. On weekends, my parents went to Southampton and I was left with Lourdes, our cook, who thought I was the golden child. I invited a select group of ten classmates to watch The Robin Byrd Show, a cable program where a stonedlooking Robin Byrd interviewed strippers and porn stars before making them dance naked to her theme song. To add even more cash to my porn empire (I used the dining room chairs lined up movie theater style in front of the TV), I sold candy bars and soda (at double mark-up) that I charged to my parents' house account at Zitomer Pharmacy. Lourdes only came in once, proudly holding a tray of her famous chocolate chip cookies. “For your friends, Charlie,” she offered sweetly as I tried to politely nudge her out of the room. I

grabbed the tray and announced to my “customers” that each cookie was $1, which was a much better price than Kathleen’s Cookies. The kids gobbled them up and my wallet got fatter. Soon, weekly showings of The Robin Byrd Show grew and grew until kids were sitting cross-legged and crammed in the library. This went on for months. Then one Sunday around 11 a.m., my mother woke me up having decided to leave the country early. With rage in her blue eyes, she dragged my sleepy head into the library and pointed to the channel and said sternly, “I know exactly what you and your friends were watching last night and your aunt Bitsy told me how to lock that horrific channel.” I immediately responded with, “You’re crazy. I don’t know what you are talking about.” “Lourdes,” my mother called, “please come in the library. Charlie wants to apologize.” My shoulders slumped. I loved Lourdes and didn’t want her to get in any trouble, ever. “I’m sorry Lourdes,” I said flashing her a smile and my most innocent-looking eyes. “I don’t know anything Mrs. Campbell,” Lourdes told my mother, looking down at her white shoes. “Charlie just watches TV with nice boys.” “Charlie and his friends are no longer watching TV, Lourdes,” my mother proclaimed. “Charlie will be coming to the country with us every weekend from now on and you can have the weekend to visit your sister in New Jersey,” my mother declared, as if addressing the nation. Lourdes nodded her head and scuttled back to the kitchen. My mother ordered me to go back to my room and “study.” I skulked down the hallway as if marching to the electric chair... With my porno theater shuttered for good (my mother miraculously did figure out how to lock “that dirty, disgusting channel”), was my reign as the Hugh Hefner of Barclay school kaput? No. And my addiction to sugar and gadgets was getting worse, so overnight I devised a new XXX enterprise to score candy and toys without ever spending a single penny. [end scene] PETER DAVIS ILLUSTRATION CAMILLE SHIMSHAK

Soon, weekly showings of The Robin Byrd Show grew and grew until kids were sitting cross-legged and crammed in the library. this went on for months.

NEXT MONTH: CHARLIE CAMPBELL GETS CREATIVE WITH HIS XXX BUSINESS. 112

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