Bachendorf's

ACCENT The Magazine of Life’s Celebrations • Fall/Winter 2014/15

HOLIDAY GOES GLAM JEWELRY TRENDS HOT OFF THE RUNWAYS

PERK UP WITH PEARLS! PLUS:

SPECIAL BRIDAL SECTION

CONTENTS

Fall/Winter 2014-15 S T O R E L O C AT I O N S : P L A Z A AT P R E S T O N C E N T E R 8400 PRESTON ROAD DALLAS, TX 75225

FEATURES

214-692-8400 GALLERIA LEVEL 1

4 Welcome Letter 6 Events 10 From the Runways

13350 DALLAS PARKWAY

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SUITE 1415 DALLAS, TX 75240 972-392-9900

20 Social Media: Getting to Know You S H O P S AT L E G A C Y– N O R T H

22 Designers: Stephen Webster

7401 LONE STAR DRIVE SUITE B100

24 Pearls: Adding Panache

PLANO, TX 75024

26 Watches: Raymond Weil

972-596-2090

42 Giving Back: Angels Among Us P U B L I S H E D B Y T H E B J I FA S H I O N G R O U P

44 Fashion: It Bags

PUBLISHER

46 Interiors: Roberto Coin

STU NIFOUSSI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

50 Food: Eat Across America

KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN

52 Perfect Gems

C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R

54 End Page: Family Circles

HANS GSCHLIESSER MANAGING EDITOR JILLIAN LAROCHELLE PROJECT MANAGER LISA MONTEMORRA DESIGNERS CYNTHIA LUCERO JEAN-NICOLE VENDITTI PRODUCTION MANAGER PEG EADIE PRESIDENT AND CEO BRITTON JONES

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CHAIRMAN AND COO MAC BRIGHTON Prices are subject to change without notice and may vary depending on size, quality and availability. Copyright 2014 Accent® is published by Business Journals, Inc, P.O. Box 5550, Norwalk, CT 06856, 203-853-6015 • Fax: 203-852-8175;

BRIDAL SECTION 28 The Honeymoon 30 The Big Day

Advertising Office: 1384 Broadway, 11th Floor, NY, NY 10018, 212-

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686-4412 • Fax: 212-686-6821; All Rights Reserved. The publishers accept no responsibilities for advertisers’ claims, unsolicited manuscripts, transparencies or other materials. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission of the

35 The Stories 38 The Jewelry

publishers. Volume 12, Issue 2. Accent® is a trademark of Business Journals, Inc. registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark office. Printed In The U.S.A.

40 The Planning

OYSTER PERPETUAL L ADY-DATEJUST PE ARLMASTER

rolex

oyster perpetual, lady-datejust and pearlmaster are trademarks.

welcome

To Our Valued Customers and Friends,

W

Turn to page 22 to read more about Stephen Webster.

elcome to the annual fall edition of Bachendorf’s Accent magazine. In this issue we feature many of the fabulous jewelry collections you have come to expect at Bachendorf’s, as well as some intriguing new brands that we’ve just begun to offer this season.

Stephen Webster is one new brand that we are particularly excited about. I first met Stephen over 15 years ago and have always been a fan of his innovative jewelry designs. Recently, we ran into each other in the airport after the world’s largest jewelry trade show in Basel, Switzerland, and I asked him if he thought it was a sign. He did, and we became an authorized Stephen Webster dealer a few months later. He makes amazing jewelry, and his collection offers something for every taste and price point.

We have also recently added the line Longines to our Plaza at Preston Center location. This watch brand has reinvented itself with all-new models and designs, and it is also a huge sponsor of many world-class events. This fall Bachendorf's and Longines have teamed up to donate a live auction package to one of our longtime charity favorites: Cattle Baron’s Ball benefiting the American Cancer Society. The package includes two Longines watches and a VIP red carpet trip for two to next year’s Kentucky Derby. Check out our newly redesigned website to find out more about this event and to get the latest news on all of our events and charity partnerships.

Please enjoy your copy of Accent magazine with our compliments, and stop by soon to experience all that we have in store.

Lawrence Bock President

The Galleria Mall - Level 1 13350 Dallas Parkway Dallas, TX 75240 (972) 392-9900

Shops at Legacy – North 7401 Lone Star Drive Plano, TX 75024 (972) 596-2090

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Plaza at Preston Center 8400 Preston Road Dallas, TX 75225 (214) 692-8400

P OIS MOI COLLECTION

EVENTS AT BACHENDORF’S AT BACHENDORF’S JEWELERS, WE CONTINUE OUR LONG-STANDING TRADITION OF HOSTING FUN EVENTS TO ENTERTAIN CLIENTS AND BENEFIT CHARITABLE CAUSES.

LA FIESTA DEBUTANTES AT BACHENDORF’S PLAZA AT PRESTON CENTER

THE GENTLEMAN’S EVENT, A POP-UP MEN’S LOUNGE AT LIBRARY BAR

KATY BOCK AT THE PARK PLACE MASERATI EVENT 6

THE MAVS TRUNK SHOW EVENT

WINGS & WHEELS AT MILLION AIR 7

One of a kind. One at a time. Each by hand.

from the

2

RUNWAYS

1 3

COLOR CONTRAST

Juxtapose brights for a modern take on tonal.

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5

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1. Marco Bicego Murano earrings in 18K yellow gold with mixed semi-precious gemstones, $6,130 2. Phillips House Wildflower ring in yellow gold, diamonds and semi-precious stones, $3,350 3. Doves 18K yellow gold diamond earrings with white topaz over white mother of pearl and white topaz over amazonite, $6,600 4. Marco Bicego Murano necklace in 18K hand-engraved and polished yellow gold necklace with mixed semi-precious gemstones, $8,870 5. Stephen Webster Magnipheasant Feathers bracelet in 18K white gold with black diamonds and marquise-cut gemstones, $35,000 6. Glash端tte Original timepiece featuring stainless steel and 18K red gold case, mother-of-pearl dial and diamonds on a satin strap, $9,100

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from the

RUNWAYS

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1

3

DARK MAGIC

Looks so sultry they’ll put a spell on you.

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1. Lisa Nik black opal earrings in white gold with diamonds, $10,500 2. Stephen Webster Thorn long finger ring in 18K white gold with black and white diamonds, $16,000 3. Longines Elegant timepiece in stainless steel and 18K rose gold with a black lacquer dial and diamond hour symbols, $3,500 4. Penny Preville 18K white gold diamond Deco earrings with black spinel, $6,495 5. Shamballa 10mm Lock bracelet with Colombia emeralds, black diamonds and 18K rhodium-plated white gold, $13,900 6. Breitling Transocean Chronograph 38 with 18K gold case, diamond bezel and black dial on a crocodile strap, $22,075

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RUNWAY IMAGES COURTESY ACCESSORIESDIRECTIONS.COM

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from the

RUNWAYS

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3

1

GRAPHIC ARTS Statement-making patterns are guaranteed to pop.

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1. Doves 18K rose gold diamond earrings with white topaz over hematite and white mother of pearl, $5,268 2. Wellendorf Genuine Delight onyx and diamond ring, $14,500 3. Marco Bicego Lunaria necklace in 18K hand-engraved yellow gold, $6,110 4. Penny Preville emerald-cut diamond ring with split band, $5,395 5. Chimento 18K yellow gold Link Infinity bracelet with diamonds, $48,870 6. Franck Mueller Infinity Safari timepiece, $69,800

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RUNWAY IMAGES COURTESY ACCESSORIESDIRECTIONS.COM

5

EMPIRE COLLECTION Diamonds 路 Prasiolite 路 Tourmaline

from the

RUNWAYS

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2 3

WINTER WHITES Bright as the fresh-fallen snow.

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1. Ivanka Trump Empire Open Frame earrings with diamonds in 18K white gold, $4,900 2. Penny Preville 18K white gold diamond and baguette emerald-shape Deco ring, $4,995 3. Doves 18K yellow gold diamond necklace with white topaz over white mother of pearl, $2,150 4. Chimento large, medium and small Stardust bracelets in 18K white gold and diamonds, $6,900, $4,750 and $3,360 5. Phillips House Mini Love Always bracelet in white gold and diamonds, $1,800 6. Ivanka Trump Metropolis Sol ring with diamonds in 18K yellow gold, $3,950

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RUNWAY IMAGES COURTESY ACCESSORIESDIRECTIONS.COM

5

Fly By Night Collection

social media

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

JEWELRY INSIDERS GO #SOCIAL. ADAM GEBHARDT @ADAMGEB

D

uring a recent trip from London to Tokyo, jewelry designer Stephen Webster wasn’t exactly loving his inflight meal options.

“Sushi at 36,000ft! Think I’ll have the chicken.”

Webster’s personal Twitter account, @NoRegretsat50, is full of this type of off-the-cuff remark, possibly making it one of the more entertaining online profiles in the jewelry industry. By following his status updates, you can accompany Webster in real time as the recent MBE recipient traverses the globe promoting his brand, involving himself in one misadventure after another—or rather, not involving himself. For example, take this June 2014 musing during his time at Couture, an annual trade show in Las Vegas:

A SOCIAL WORLD Above: A Tweet from Stephen Webster that perfectly embodies his droll sense of humor.

Middle: Carelle’s Tomer Regev poses with Carey, a Carelle client who inspired a collection of rings, on his blog.

Below: Anita Ko snapped a pic of her dog, Ozzy, to share on her Instagram profile.

“Getting old really sucks in Vegas. One just one night of misbehaving takes two full days of saintly ness to recover from.”

While Webster is good for laughs, he’s certainly not alone in sharing his inner dialogue with the world. In fact, social media has taken the globe by storm. With Facebook now commanding an audience of over one billion people—or roughly 18 percent of the world’s population— along with the proliferation of other massively popular social networking sites such as Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Tumblr, Vine, LinkedIn and Flickr (just to name a few), it’s extraordinarily easy for individuals to share their voices in a very public way.

Such accessibility grants members of these social communities windows into the lives of others like never before.

Savvier users who have large followings, such as celebrities and musicians—and brand marketers—can leverage social media to build relationships with fans and to strengthen bonds with their existing audience.

Tomer Regev, director of merchandising at Carelle, maintains profiles on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, as well as a blog that he calls The Daily Tomer (thedailytomer.com). Here, Regev’s colorful personality is on display as he discusses everything from the genesis of Carelle’s latest designs to being inspired by the patterns left in his front yard by voles.

Yes, voles.

Meanwhile, Los Angeles-based designer Anita Ko—who has provided jewelry for Rihanna and Charlize Theron—uses her Instagram account, @anitakojewelry, to document her jewelry collections and also takes the opportunity to chronicle the life of her French bulldog, Ozzy.

With social media usage increasing dramatically, there’s no doubt that more jewelry stars will be adding their profiles to an online community near you. The question is, what will they say?

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AN ICON JUST GOT LARGER

THE NEW NAVITIMER 46 mm

designers

Stephen

WEBSTER

Bachendorf’s is now proud to offer the Stephen Webster collection.

Read on to find out more about the acclaimed and eclectic British designer.

1

COURTESY OF PROFESSIONAL JEWELLER

S

tephen Webster, the Londonbased luxury jewelry brand internationally heralded for its exquisite and cutting-edge designs, continues to flourish under its founder and creative director, Stephen Webster.

Taking inspiration from music, fashion, literature and art to produce contemporary, bold and glamorous collections, this unique approach to fine jewelery has been some 40 years in the making.

Built on a foundation of technical excellence that started at the workbench in London's Hatton Garden, where Webster began his apprenticeship at the age of 16, this distinctly British heritage and passion for traditional goldsmithing remains at the heart of the Stephen Webster brand today.

With an inimitable style created by the bold combination of innovative design and uncompromising attention to detail, together with the finest materials, Stephen Webster continues to dazzle by interpreting modern and diverse imagery via traditional, precision craftsmanship.

Inspired by subjects as diverse as William Blake’s illustrations for Albion Rose, the pop culture iconography of David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust album cover, Jules Verne’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea and the plumage of England’s game birds, this is fine jewelry-as-storytelling at its most colorful and imaginative.

Since its inception some 25 years ago, the craftsmanship, innovation and artistry of Stephen Webster fine jewelry has attracted a loyal following.

Coveted by idols and icons from the worlds of movies and music, admirers of the brand include Madonna, Kate Moss, Christina Aguilera, Amber Heard, Johnny Depp, Cameron Diaz, Kate Beckinsale and Charlize Theron.

While working in Santa Barbara, California in the late 1980s, Stephen Webster had his first brush with a bonafide A-list celebrity. Elizabeth Taylor fell for a rose gold ring engraved with flowers and set with a lavender chalcedony, then a bracelet was commissioned by the enamored, sparkleloving superstar. “Soon after, Michael Douglas came by,” says Webster. “And then Goldie Hawn.”

Since then, the Stephen Webster signature of avant-garde design and witty, contemporary references has proven a reliably bold statement on the red carpet, in glossy magazines and on film. A key moment came in 1999, during a Phoenix trade show when Webster was contacted by Trish Summerville, then stylist to Madonna, Christina Aguilera and Pink.

Summerville was styling the burlesque-themed Lady Marmalade music video that starred Aguilera and Pink, and she wanted to feature Stephen Webster’s jewelry. Both singers became dedicated fans, later commissioning Webster to make their respective wedding bands. A five-carat diamond and platinum ring with princess-cut diamonds and hand-filigree detailing for

Aguilera. His and hers platinum bands engraved with the words “Til Death” for Pink and husband Carey Hart.

In 2000 Webster was commissioned to make wedding rings for Madonna’s marriage to film director Guy Ritchie, and in 2008 Christina Aguilera inspired a Stephen Webster diffusion collection, “Muse”, and starred in a series of advertising campaigns for the brand. Kate Beckinsale gifted her husband a Clash-inspired London Calling ring, because, she said, “it is our song!”

"Mine is jewelry that gets noticed,” explains Webster.

“It works well in the celebrity world because particular pieces are larger than life and flamboyant… and so are many film stars and musicians. But I’ve never been obsessed with the glitz and glamour,” he adds. “I’ve been obsessed with being the best craftsman I can be. I apply that to everything I do and I think people understand that.

We are jewelers. We're not celebrities” With over 200 points of sale worldwide and flagship stores in London, Beverly Hills, Moscow, St. Petersburg and Kiev, Stephen Webster has become synonymous with thought-provoking, iconic and infinitely beautiful jewelry.

THE DESIGNS ARE THOUGHT PROVOKING AND UNPREDICTABLE WHILE ALWAYS REMAINING ROOTED IN CRAFTSMANSHIP AND EXQUISITE DETAIL.

In His Own Words How did you break into the jewelry industry?

I took an apprenticeship in Canada when I finished college and was very lucky to work with a man with an incredible passion and knowledge of gems.

I was fascinated by the different stones I was given and at the same time I was allowed a complete freedom to work with them. This was the job where I built my confidence as a designer and maker and learned how to communicate with a client.

What has been your most popular design?

I think I have to say it's my Classic Crystal Haze ring. It has put us on the world's map. It's not just a design but more of a concept as well; people are still fascinated by the play of light and color within Crystal Haze gems, not to mention the varieties of unusual colors we offer.

Three things people don’t know about Stephen Webster are: • I’ve run six marathons with a personal best of 2 hours, 47 minutes.

• I bought a 1959 T-Bird after my first successful show in Las Vegas, restored it and drove from NY to LA doing trunk shows at all my accounts.

• I can dance a complete scene from Riverdance after a few vodkas..

How do you spend your free time? What do you do to relax?

I go to our country house in St. Margaret’s, Kent. We have wonderful sea views and a big back garden that I’ve started to get involved with. (I haven't actually planted anything yet but I'm very good at pulling.) And even though it's only an hour and 45 minutes away from London, the pace changes so drastically that it forces you to relax with it, which is fantastic—unless you are trying to get something done.

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pearls

ADDING PANACHE This season’s wardrobe essential is a take on every season’s wardrobe essential: perfect pearls!

KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN

Next to sound judgment, diamonds and pearls are the rarest things in the world.”

–Jean de la Bruyere

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T

here are few creations of nature as beautiful, versatile, romantic, or transformative as genuine pearls.

Coveted as far back as 51 BCE (the age of Cleopatra), even a simple strand of lustrous, well-matched pearls will add instant panache to everything you wear, from a T- shirt and jeans to a little black dress.

Dressing with pearls does not require complicated how-to charts. Simply clasp on a single strand to enhance the elegance of everything in your wardrobe, or splurge on a longer length to be worn doubled or tripled for maximum impact. Akoya, fresh water, Black, White or Golden South Sea, Conch, Melo, Baroque, Keshi, Mabe, natural or cultured: the choices are vast, the rewards more so. Follow your heart and choose pearls that most closely reflect your spirit; talk to our highly trained associates and we’ll help you make the perfect selection.

For holiday 2014, options include suspended settings that showcase the pearl from every angle, and pearls mixed with colored gemstones (mint tourmalines, star sapphires) or with fancy-cut diamonds.

Another suggestion: once you own that perfect strand of luminous white or ivory pearls, why not test the magic and mystery of Black South Sea cultured pearls? In 1914, exactly a century ago, Mikimoto established its first Black cultured pearl farm on Okinawa Island. In celebration of this milestone anniversary, Mikimoto has launched a limited-edition multi-colored Black South Sea cultured pearl necklace and bracelet set with signature clasps. Consider too Mikimoto’s Black and White South Sea cultured pearl gradient lariat set in 18K white gold with pavé diamond clasp (pictured far left), the Baroque Black South Sea cultured pearl and pavé diamond ring (pictured left), or Black South Sea pearl and diamond Embrace earrings.

Could there be a more meaningful holiday gift? Or as the poets put it: “Love makes everything beautiful, even tears become pearls if they flow in someone’s love.”

©2014 EBEL – Men’s Ref. 1216202 and Women’s Ref. 1216198

The new EBEL Wave, shown in 18K yellow gold & two-toned stainless steel, hers with diamonds.

THE WAVE REIMAGINED. UNDENIABLY EBEL.

watches When did you receive your first watch?

It was a gift from my father. I was probably seven years old and at the time this watch was a big hit. I recently wore the first watch my grandfather bought for me in 1992. It’s a Parsifal which has been in the collection for more than 20 years. We have a family museum and I probably have between one and three pieces of each reference in house. It’s nice to get some inspiration from what my grandfather created.

What is it like to follow in his footsteps, and now to work alongside your father and brother?

My brother Pierre is in charge of our second company, 88 Rue du Rhone, which we launched two years ago. His office is right near mine and we see each other all the time, but it was important for each of us to have our own responsibilities.

My father has not officially retired. He still comes into the office for several hours a day, but he’s a happy man now. He’s enjoying being a grandfather and spending time with my children.

At the same he still oversees our Asian markets and is a fantastic advisor when I need his support. It is a privilege to work with him.

As the youngest CEO of a Geneva-based watch brand, how do you think your fresh perspective can be an advantage?

Being the youngest is great, but being surrounded by a strong team is more important. There will always be people who say “You’re too young.”

But I have big ambition and a vision for the brand, and I’m sure that our customers can feel that passion. Hopefully it will get them excited too.

Being young is also a good thing when it comes to the hectic travel schedule this job requires. It’s important for me to meet all our retail and supply partners to show them how much we appreciate them and how much I need their support.

Showing that we are behind them and we are doing everything we can to support them is the most important part of my job today.

PASSING THE TORCH Third-generation CEO Elie Bernheim continues Raymond Weil’s tradition of excellence. JILLIAN L ROCHELLE A

What legacy do you hope to leave behind?

There is a French proverb that says the first generation builds the company, the second expands the company and the third (most of the time) destroys what the first two generations have built. I’m just hoping everyday that I will not be an example of this, that my team and I will bring Raymond Weil to a higher level. If I put this pressure on myself it is only because I see a huge potential for our brand to grow around the world, particularly in the States. This is my plan for the future.

My children are three and one so it’s too early to tell if they will develop an interest, but I definitely hope to keep Raymond Weil as a family business. It’s tradition.

It’s a privilege for a father to work with his children, and if I could do that I would be so happy.

Did you know from a young age that you wanted to be involved in the family business?

My father always reminds me that I was 10 years old when I came to him after a long trip, and I asked, “Okay, what’s going on with our Swedish distributor? I remember you told me that you had some financial issues...” He was thinking “Oh my, my son is too young for that kind of thing,” but I always knew that one day I would join the company. I took my first position when I was 25, as a salesman in the German market. We had a car and we took our sales rack from store to store for weeks at a time.

Above: Pierre and Elie Bernheim, pictured with their father Olivier (center) continue the traditions their grandfather Raymond Weil began in 1976.

Right: Elie’s new favorite, the Toccata timepiece.

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WEDDINGS

IMAGE LARA FERRONI, COURTESY OF AK CAKE DESIGN

A SPECIAL BRIDAL SECTION FROM ACCENT MAGAZINE

THE HONEYMOON

BY KELLY E. CARTER

LIFETIME ADVENTURES

HORSEBACK RIDE IN BOTSWANA

SURF IN THE MALDIVES Add romance to action with a stay in an over-the-water bungalow at a luxurious resort in this tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean.

Known for its spectacular whitesand beaches and shimmering turquoise waters, the Maldives are also where water-loving lovers can hang 10 together on some of the most perfect waves in the world. Surf breaks are endless but immediate access from resorts is limited. Charter a boat to reach the best breaks and escape the crowds that pack boat shuttles from hotels during the busy months. Surfing in the Maldives is available year round, but June to September are the prime months for honeymooners chasing the best swells. Avoid the masses in the Central Atoll and the more isolated South Atolls, but expect plenty of company in the Malé Atolls. TropicSurf can arrange luxury surfing experiences with five-star boats and resorts, expert guides and tailored trips such as a romantic dinner on a deserted island or a private seaplane to a secluded surf break (which would take a boat several hours to reach). Visit tropicsurf.net.

B R I D A L

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S E C T I O N

Safaris, one of travel’s ultimate thrills, are even more exciting from the saddle.

They don’t get any better than in Botswana, where game is wide-ranging and plentiful. Home to all of the Big Five (lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros), Botswana also boasts Africa’s largest concentration of elephants. Ride through the glittering Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and the expansive horizons of the Okavango Delta, where it’s possible to come across elephants, zebra, hippos and giraffes. Lovebirds who go during green season, the early part of the year and when the dry savannah turns verdant, have to put up with a little rain but benefit from the numerous birds drawn to the lush landscape. In the Kalahari they’ll have the opportunity to ride alongside the zebra, wildebeest and springbok migration, and should be able to enjoy a more personalized experience thanks to fewer crowds.

Those who disdain pre-packaged tours can have Explore Africa design a highly-customized, private experience tailored to their budget, created for beginner to advanced riders, and offering accommodations ranging from luxury lodges to mobile camps, whether it be for one day or two weeks. Special honeymoon arrangements can be made as well as handcrafted, one-of-a-kind adventures.

Visit exploreafrica.net.

IMAGES COURTESY OF UNCHARTED AFRICA

During sundowner, newlyweds can toast while gazing at a spectacular sunset.

BACKROADS

TREK FROM CUSCO TO MACHU PICCHU Think of the fun newlyweds can have rubbing each other’s feet every evening after a lodge-to-lodge journey on foot from Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire, to Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Machu Picchu, rising nearly 8,000 feet above sea level in a tropical mountain forest, may be one of the most famous sites in the world and is visited by countless travelers annually, but there’s still a way for couples to have a distinct experience while visiting this 15th-century Inca creation. With a voyage arranged through Backroads, honeymooners can have porters and mules transport their luggage while they tackle the trail on foot during the day. At night, they’ll sip bubbly in the outdoor hot tub of a luxurious hotel. As a way to control the tourism impact on the area, Machu Picchu mandates that all visitors take its buses to the cultural site. But honeymooners in search of romance can grab one of the early buses to enjoy the first light of the day and slip away to a quiet corner away from the crowds to take it all in. The more adventurous in search of the most impressive view can hike Machu Picchu Mountain, using a special permit from Backroads. As if the trip isn’t mind-blowing enough, the company can help make this an even more extraordinary expedition. For an additional fee, they’ll provide Champagne that guests can sneak in to the ruins and arrange for a private dinner with the chef at Sol y Luna restaurant, room upgrades at lodges, and a private meeting with a shaman to read their cocoa leaves. Visit backroads.com.

KITE SKI THROUGH ANTARCTICA This frosty, remote continent gives thrill-seeking twosomes even more reason to snuggle.

By itself, Antarctica sounds like a journey beyond the imagination of many. Toss in the exhilaration of kite-skiing and the stimulation of ice climbing and newlyweds will relish an adrenaline-pumping honeymoon on the Earth’s southernmost continent, where stunning scenery, dotted by icebergs at every turn, overwhelms.

Whisk across pristine snow while kite-skiing—more like cross-country than downhill skiing—or ascend virgin peaks while ice-climbing untouched mountains. Those who book an adventure with White Desert, which doesn’t require guests to be athletes, only in normal physical condition, follow as professional polar explorers guide them to nirvana. White Desert offers standard programs that include climbing, kite-skiing and a visit to the Emperor Penguin colony to see the real life stars of March of the Penguins, but also designs bespoke excursions to meet clients’ wishes, such as a special kite-skiing trip using 4x4 for support while out in the field.

When a couple wed last December at its camp, which fuses old-world luxury and high-tech performance, the bride wore a white dress—along with a parka. Visit white-desert.com.

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S E C T I O N

T H E B I G D AY

BY KRISTEN FINELLO

new twists on tradition WHEN IT COMES TO TYING THE KNOT, COUPLES AND EVENT DESIGNERS ARE CONSTANTLY LOOKING FOR WAYS TO PUT A UNIQUE SPIN ON TRADITIONAL ELEMENTS. FROM MUSEUM-WORTHY CAKES TO DRAMATIC DRESSES, STEAL THESE IDEAS TO MAKE YOUR BIG DAY A STANDOUT SUCCESS.

SENSATIONAL SEATS Not long ago, draping guest seats with fabric chair covers was a simple and popular way to add interest and elegance at a ceremony or reception. “Over time, though, everyone got tired of seeing so much fabric in a room and chair covers were replaced by the chiavari chair,” says Dallas-based celebrity wedding and event specialist Donnie Brown, author of Donnie Brown Weddings: From the Couture to the Cake. The chiavari, with its classic, elegant style, became the go-to for many couples and event designers. Now the chameleon chair—aptly named because it can be customized to complement virtually any wedding aesthetic—has become the seat of choice. “Chameleon chairs are the coolest chairs in the world,” says Brown, who has used them at many events. Made of steel, the basic chair comes in several styles and leg colors including black, gold and silver. Dress them up with seat cushions, chair covers and jackets (longer swaths of fabric) in dozens of fabric colors, from charcoal and platinum to eggplant and raspberry. For an even more dramatic look, choose chair covers or jackets with tulle, lace, metallic or ruffles. “Now you can completely customize your chairs to your event,” says Brown. “They are fabulous.”

DECADENT DÉCOR “Sparkle and glitz are really big right now,” explains Brown. One creative way to bring some bling to your event is to incorporate jewelry into the décor. Using brooches is especially chic. They can glam up cakes, escort cards, napkins (tie with a pretty ribbon and attach a brooch), menu cards and bridal bouquets. “One of the big things these days is using brooches on the cake,” says Brown. “I also

around each tier instead of piping.” Rhinestones can add a reflective element to guest tables too. “Instead of a fabric runner, arrange a wide band of rhinestones down the center of the table,” suggests Brown. Traditional linens are getting a high-style makeover with the addition of embellishments such as ruffles, stones and beads. Seasonally-hued stones in amber, black and brown are especially trendy for fall.

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S E C T I O N

COURTESY OF EDMONSON PHOTOGRAPHY

did a wedding where we decorated the cake by stringing rhinestone necklaces

ELEGANT AFFAIRS

THE FRESHEST FARE From cocktail hour to dinner, the focus is on fresh, tasty and elegant. “It’s about the quality of the food, not just having an abundance of it,” says Andrea Correale, president and founder of Elegant Affairs Caterers in New York. “People are eating less and looking for healthier items such as local, organic produce.” Farm-to-table is a huge trend and couples are displaying menu cards that list the sources of the food they’re serving. The long-popular antipasto table is out, says Correale. In its place she suggests a chef-manned burrata (creamy mozzarella) bar with a selection of pestos and a hanging bread display. Also popular are vegan sushi and dishes such as free-range organic chicken with kale or quinoa salad. For couples wanting to update the traditional Champagne toast, Correale serves flutes of Champagne Jello topped with a toast point and caviar. And whether it’s a rolling oyster bar, gueridon service (in which some dishes are partially prepared tableside on a food service trolley) or strolling waiters offering organic beet and taro root chips, interaction and old-time elegance are back big-time. In fact, even the venerable Viennese table has been replaced by butler-passed bites such as pie fries, cheesecake lollipops, and warm cookies with a shot of milk.

ONE-OF-A-KIND CONFECTIONS No longer just a sweet treat to finish off the meal, cakes are becoming an important design element at weddings. “Couples want a cake that reflects their individuality and harmonizes with the look and feel of their event,” says Allison Kelleher, owner of AK Cake Design in Portland, Oregon.

“That could mean an elegant white cake with sugar flowers or a bold, brightly colored creation.”

Today’s cakes are impressive works of art that feature elements such as mosaics, metallics and hand-painting. So-called “naked” cakes—tiers of cake and filling without an iced outer layer—are also popular with couples favoring a natural look.

They can be served as one large cake or individual mini cakes. Also hot: unusual cake shapes such as spheres and taller-than-usual tiers. “Cake tiers have typically been four inches high but now we’re

taller,” says Kelleher. “When stacked all together they make for a lovely and graceful cake.”

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S E C T I O N

LARA FERRONI

seeing individual tiers that are five to six inches or

ISABELLE ARMSTRONG

DRESSES THAT IMPRESS Every bride wants a dress that wows, and the latest looks don’t disappoint. White is timeless but dresses in soft tones such as blush and peach are gaining popularity with fashion-forward brides looking for a new twist on tradition, says Tara Nattini, president of bridal design house Isabelle Armstrong. “The silhouette may be classic but the color makes it modern.” For another contemporary take, brides are opting for subtle yet striking ombre designs that gradually transition from white or ivory to a color such as pink or peach. Also on-trend: gowns that highlight the bride’s back. “The back is really the focal point when the bride is walking down the aisle, so we’re accentuating it with crystals and lace, says Nattini. “Plus, jewelers are doing dramatic necklaces that trail down the back and dresses with bare backs really show them off.” Finally, taking a cue from Duchess Katherine, and more recently, Kim Kardashian, brides are opting for sleeves to the elbow or wrist. “Once considered very traditional, sleeves are becoming more modern and trendy,” says Johanna Kraft, designer and production manager at Isabelle Armstrong. Her fall collection includes gowns with detachable sleeves that give brides two looks in one dress: classic long sleeves for the ceremony and a sexy, sleeveless reception style.

WE ARE FAMILY When it comes to choosing attendants, couples are ignoring outdated rules and following their hearts. For one thing, they no longer feel obligated to have an equal number of bridesmaids and groomsmen, so there’s no pressure to fill a spot or leave out someone you’d like to include. “I’m also seeing a lot more male/female role reversals,” says Brown. A bride, for example, might have her brother or a close male friend on “her side” rather than only asking sisters or female friends. Having parents or even grandparents in the bridal party is another new twist. For her March MICHAEL CASWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

2014 wedding, Cali Solorio of Austin, Texas asked her beloved grandmother and great aunt to serve as flower girls. The ladies joyfully tossed petals as they walked down the aisle. “We got so many compliments. People couldn’t stop talking about them,” says Solorio. “I loved having them in my wedding and I’m so glad we decided to do something untraditional that people will remember.”

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S E C T I O N

PEACE OF MIND STARTS WITH PROOF OF QUALITY. Weight Carat 1.53

ColorE Grade Grade Clarity VS1

Grade CutExcellent

Laser Inscription Registry Number GIA 16354621 Natural Diamond Not Synthetic

For over 80 years, GIA has brought clarity and global standards to gem evaluation. A GIA report means expert, independent verification from the creator of the 4Cs and the world’s most widely recognized gem authority.

Look for GIA-graded diamonds and jewelers who offer them. www.4cs.gia.edu CARLSBAD ANTWERP BANGKOK DUBAI GABORONE HONG KONG JOHANNESBURG LONDON MOSCOW MUMBAI NEW YORK OSAKA RAMAT GAN SEOUL TAIPEI TOKYO

WHY DIAMOND KNOWLEDGE STARTS WITH THE 4CS Every diamond is unique—a precious expression of celebration and aspiration around the world.

And yet all diamonds share certain features that allow us to compare and evaluate them. Recognizing the need for one standard to describe a diamond’s quality, GIA created the 4Cs: a universal language that diamond buyers everywhere can understand.

Here are some quick pointers to help you become better educated about each of the 4Cs.

Carat Weight 1.53

Color Grade E

Clarity Grade VS1

Cut Grade Excellent

CARAT WEIGHT

COLOR GRADE

CLARITY GRADE

CUT GRADE

Carat weight is the measurement of how much a diamond weighs. All else being equal, diamond price increases with carat weight, because larger diamonds are more rare and desirable.

Diamonds are valued by how closely they approach colorlessness – the less color, the higher their value. GIA’s D-to-Z Scale begins with D, representing colorless, and continues to Z, for diamonds that appear light yellow or brown.

Diamond clarity refers to the relative absence of inclusions and blemishes.

The GIA Clarity Scale contains 11 grades, with most diamonds falling in the VS (very slightly included) or SI (slightly included) categories.

In evaluating cut for the standard round brilliant diamond, GIA takes into account seven components: brightness, fire, scintillation, weight ratio, girdle thickness, symmetry, and polish. It then assigns a cut grade ranging from Excellent to Poor.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE 4CS AND HOW TO CHOOSE A DIAMOND ON GIA’S OFFICIAL

CHANNEL.

THE STORIES

Monica & Michael

A UNIQUE RING FROM BACHENDORF’S FOR A WOMAN JUST AS SPECIAL.

HOW WE MET

Michael: I first met Monica when I went to my mom’s office to buy an iPad from a lady Monica worked with. (To this day, she does not remember meeting me then.)

After I graduated from paramedic school, I asked our mutual friend, Teri, who works with Monica, to introduce me to the “really beautiful girl” that I had met a few months earlier. Being the broker that she is, Teri talked me up enough to get Monica to agree to go on a blind date with me. As silly as it may sound, November 8, 2012 was a pretty big day for the both of us. All evening long I asked her questions so I could get to know her. I was so excited to be out on a date with her.

Monica: I was impressed and still am every time I look back on that evening, because he was genuinely interested in me, which made me want to get to know him even more. Plus he’s such a nerd and probably the clumsiest firefighter around... The first time he met my sisters, Michael took the stairs all the way down on his behind! It was so cute how embarrassed he was, and let’s be honest: it was hilarious!

BUYING THE RING

Michael: I first went to a “specialty” engagement ring store and after I talked budget with the sales person there, I left feeling discouraged and a little bummed out. I just wanted to get Monica something that would make her proud and something that was unique, just like her. Then my mom suggested I try Bachendorf’s. I met with Kay and instantly knew I was in good hands. I could tell she really knew what she was talking about and she truly wanted to help me. She showed me the perfect platinum three-stone ring, and even better, it was within my price range.

The best part was when I took Monica’s mom to Bachendorf’s to see the ring. She looked at a ring in the center of the case and exclaimed how gorgeous the setting was. Kay said “That’s Monica’s ring!” and her mom got so excited. I knew I had made the right choice.

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THE PROPOSAL

Michael: I am not a very formal person, or a great planner for that matter, but I knew that I wanted to do something she would never forget. I sat her down on our couch and put on music in the background (my attempt at being romantic). I guess the song I played wasn’t the most appropriate, because she asked me if it was about breaking up. I laughed that off and continued talking, the whole time making her keep her eyes closed. I finally got the courage to ask her and she said YES! (Then she followed up by saying “This is so bizarre!” and “I cannot believe this!” But I was just so excited that she said yes!)

Monica: The proposal happened on Wednesday, May 14, 2014. I went to get my hair done after work and it was taking a while. He kept calling to figure out when I was going to be done. When I got home, he had music on and told me to close my eyes.

We just sat there in the living room for what seemed like a few minutes, but was probably only 30 seconds, before he said anything. Then Michael just blurted out, “Do you like this song?” I said, “I don’t know what song it is, let me listen for a second.” So as I listened to the words I began to think the song was about breaking up, so I asked Michael. He nervously replied, “No, no, let me start it over.” So I listened a little longer and although I still think the song was about breaking up, I told him, “It’s pretty good.” Then I finally asked if I could open my eyes yet. He said yes and the first thing I saw was this beautiful diamond ring. Michael just said “Well?” and I replied with “Well what?!” So he finally asked if I would marry him and I said “Of course I will... this is so weird... this is so bizarre!” That reaction is not necessarily normal, so he instantly asked “So are you excited?” I told him I was very excited, but a little surprised, because he didn’t say much leading up to popping the question. That was when I realized he was crying and couldn’t say what he was originally planning to say. To this day I have not heard the speech he had planned!

I did confirm the tears were tears of joy, although he insists it was sand blowing in through the door that got in his eyes…

S E C T I O N

THE STORIES

DEAR SHANNON AND THE BACHENDORF’S TEAM, Like most girls, I had seen the quote “Every love story is beautiful, but ours is my favorite” on wedding websites and signs, and I had always thought it was cheesy and cliché. However, that all ended on June 21, 2014 when my fiancé Diego proposed at Waugh Cellars in Napa Valley.

We met seven years prior at Texas A&M University (WHOOP!) and had since been great friends. Shortly after we began dating, Diego’s job took him to Bakersfield, California while I remained in Houston to finish grad school. Our two years of being in a long-distance relationship were bittersweet. Throughout those two years we got to explore California, but we really missed each other when we were apart.

On our one year(ish) anniversary (as he likes to say), Diego took me to Napa to celebrate. Napa quickly gained a special place in my heart since I like to think of myself as somewhat of a wine connoisseur, plus it’s the place where Diego first met my mother. He promised he’d take me back to Napa before he moved back to Texas.

Not only did he keep his promise, but after an amazing two days, he proposed at the last winery we visited.

Diego had planned the proposal for five months and had been in constant communication with Crystal, the owner of the winery, and Christophe, a local photographer. He even flew to El Paso the weekend before to ask my parents for my hand in marriage. Everything was absolutely perfect! The location was beautiful and the one-hour engagement photo session was even better. But to top it all off was the stunning ring.

This ring was everything I had always dreamed of, and the emerald on the inside of the band was a special added touch. I was surprised and elated to learn he had worked with one of my childhood best friends, Bachendorf’s employee Shannon Saxman, to design the ring.

I’d like to thank you all, especially my dear friend Shannon and Bachendorf’s jeweler Don Hexamer, for designing and making something so beautiful and special. Diego and I are beyond thrilled. I still believe every love story is beautiful, but now ours is by far my favorite. We look forward to working with you all again soon and wish you all the best.

Sincerely, Claudia Michelle Méndez

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S E C T I O N

claudia & Diego

THE JEWELRY

BY LORRAINE D E PASQUE

from this day forward JEWELRY TO CHERISH FOR A LIFETIME.

When pop singer Ashlee Simpson got engaged to Diana Ross’ son last winter, Evan gave his bride-to-be a vintage-look platinum and gold ring of diamonds and rubies. The jeweler who made the ring said Ashlee’s fiancé “was looking for a unique ring that had everything: love, romance, beauty and character. And he didn’t want anything traditional.”

COMMITTING TO THE BAND When buying wedding bands, be sure to ask your jeweler to show you some wraps. The engagement ring and wedding band are designed to be worn together, as the band seamlessly wraps around the engagement ring shank, making the set dazzle like a single piece of jewelry.

“Another way to get that big diamond look is by buying one band with clusters of diamonds,” recommends Gizzi.

You can also get a smaller diamond set in the center of a

ENGAGING CUTS & COLOR

wider band.

If you, like Simpson, are looking for a style less traditional—even just a bit—there are many options. Sometimes the twist is in the styling, other times in the gems. “Diamond cushions, emeralds, radiants and Asschers are the hot cuts

making a big comeback,” says Amanda Gizzi of Jewelers of America.

Consider, too, alternatives to white diamonds.

According to the trend-watch website fashionwindows.com, “Women have been adding birthstones to their bridal rings. Also meaningful colors. Red gems are popular, as red signifies, to many, undying love, passion, energy and power.”

Speaking of color, have you thought about

DOWN THE AISLE, SPARKLING IN STYLE This passion for personalization extends to the jewels you’ll wear on your big day. Hair

yellow gold? As fashion channels the ’70s and

jewelry is back in a big way, so look at combs and tiaras, and also brooches that can clip

’80s this fall/winter, many bridal brands, too, travel

into the hair.

back to those decades, when rings were mainly precious yellow metal.

Gizzi adds, “Men are also opening up to the idea of ‘man-gagement’ rings, thanks to Johnny Depp. Again, there are no rules; any style or metal can be used.”

Be sure to consider ear cuffs and climbers: fashionable alternatives to simple studs or classic chandeliers. As a finishing touch to your perfect manicure—and bridal rings, of course–consider high-impact knuckle rings, delicate midi-rings and hand jewelry, with its slivers of precious metal and stones expanding across the hand.

Yes, today’s bridal jewelry can sometimes be funky. But with the help of your jeweler guiding you, it will always be fashionable. And above all: jewelry you can fall in love with.

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S E C T I O N

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: COURTESY OF TACORI, HARRY KOTLAR (4), TACORI, SUTRA, IVANKA TRUMP, BRUMANI

and, this year, pears and marquises are also

MADRID • BARCELONA • MOSCOW • TOKYO • DUBAI • KUALA LUMPUR

DALLAS’ FINEST DESIGNER JEWELER • GALLERIA LEVEL I • 972-392-9900 • WWW.BACHENDORFS.COM

THE PLANNING

APPILY EVER AFTER First comes love, then comes engagement, then comes hours spent on Pinterest. Once you’re done cataloging unique ways to use mason jars at the reception, look beyond Pinterest to these four other wedding-planning apps—they’ll carry you from pre-planning

BY JULIANNE PEPITONE

FOR COLORCODED INSPIRATION: LOVERLY

FOR THOSE PESKY LOGISTICS: PRO WEDDING PLANNER

FOR THE OFTOVERLOOKED HONEYMOON: POCKET GUIDE

The two-year-old Loverly lets users “search, shop and save your wedding ideas.”

The search part is like Pinterest with a colorful twist: It categorizes its beautiful inspiration images by hues, which get as specific as aqua and marigold.

Users can save their favorite snaps, as well as find wedding vendors and shop for day-of items, all from the site or iOS app.

“We’ve heard stories of couples planning from their phones on their train commute to and from work and planning before bed on their phone,” says Loverly founder and CEO Kellee Khalil.

There are apps for wedding RSVPs. There are apps for reception seating charts. There are apps for wedding budgets. And then there’s Pro Wedding Planner—which bundles all of that and more into a single iOS app.

“Most wedding apps are more targeted towards research or blogs, or just have a simple checklist,” says Janel Leonor, marketing manager for Zysco, the maker of Pro Wedding Planner. “[Our app] has the complete set of modules needed to organize the wedding.”

The $4.99 price point is spendy for an app, but Pro Wedding Planner includes just about everything you need for planning logistics: a module for tracking RSVPs and thank-you notes, a menu-planning section, wedding-day timeline templates, and more.

Coordinating details for the wedding itself is so consuming that it can be tough to carve out time to plan your honeymoon. Who can think of booking a guide for the Roman ruins when the flowers still aren’t finalized?

Luckily, the highly rated Pocket Guide App for iOS and Android vows to turn your phone into a virtual tour guide, in global cities from Abu Dhabi to Zurich. “[You] don’t have to join a live guided tour group,” says Pocket Guide spokesman Istvan Sandor.

The audio content, which is recorded by local experts, provides information about landmarks and offers tips on where to eat and drink, just like a real guide. An added bonus for overseas honeymooners: Once you’ve downloaded your chosen tour, the app can work in offline mode to avoid steep roaming charges. So take your phone and your new spouse, and enjoy the sights stress-free.

inspiration to the big day and beyond.

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S E C T I O N

FOR WRANGLING THE DAY-OF DETAILS—AND PHOTOS: APPY COUPLE No computer-programming experience? No problem.

Appy Couple helps marrieds-to-be build a wedding website and app for iOS or Android—without writing a single line of code. Simply choose from beautiful templates in categories like “vintage” and “Gatsby,” upload need-to-know wedding details, and for $35 Appy Couple does the work for you. Bonus features include an RSVP management system and in-app virtual toasts.

“The product had to work for any tradition, in any country, on any platform and still be beautiful, social and personal,” says Sharmeen Mitha, Appy Couple’s cofounder and CEO. “This is the ‘mantra’ behind anything our company does.”

giving back

Angels Among Us A recent Angel Flight event at Bachendorf’s reminds us of what’s still good in the world. KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN

I’m so proud of my client and good friend Wayne Maynard, who never says no to giving his time, money and effort to help those in need.”

LAWRENCE BOCK

T

his year, Bachendorf’s is proud to partner with the Angel Flight program, a wonderful charity that enlists people with a plane to transport cancer patients to their designated facility for treatment.

These pilots donate not just their time but also all the costs of flying to help those who have no other means to get to their treatment destinations. As Bachendorf’s president Lawrence Bock explains it, “Our organization is Angel Flight South Central, which covers the states of Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. Over the last 12 months, we flew 3,000 missions, raising $400,000 to cover the cost of arranging flights. Our 1,000 pilots absorb the $3.5 million cost for fuel and other operating expenses.”

Wayne Maynard, a longtime Bachendorf’s client and friend, is one of the angel volunteers who recently flew a young cancer patient to her treatment center. “It was a wonderful experience for me to be able to help,”

says Maynard. As is often the case in life, giving can benefit the donor as much as the recipient.

Breitling watches, a major supporter of the Angel Flight program, donated a gorgeous watch for the recent auction. Breitling not only makes magnificent timepieces but also has a long history of aviation tie-ins: in the mid-1930s, Breitling supplied civilian and military planes with its first onboard chonographs; the DC 3 twin-engine planes they supported played a huge role transporting troops in WWII. Sums up Bock, “We are so proud to partner with a great watch company like Breitling, one that believes giving back is a key component of good business and one in which flying is an integral part of their DNA. I’m also proud of my client and good friend Wayne Maynard, who never says no to giving his time, money and effort to help those in need.”

42

fashion

IT BAGS Fall ’14 handbag must-haves.

ELISE DIAMANTINI

Whether you’re looking for boho chic or tongue in cheek, this season’s trends range in style, silhouette and function.

FESTIVAL FRINGE

Music festivals like Coachella have been a big source of fashion inspiration as of late. New York-based forecasting firm The Doneger Group has coined the trend “Frontier,” calling out festival-influenced saddlebags, pouches and anything with fringe. Fashion Snoops’ Laura Miller describes the trend as bohemian mixed with tribal influences. “We saw it on the runways from brands like Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch and Etro,” she adds.

SCHOOL GIRL

Backpacks are… well… back, and you don’t have to be a student to carry one. While silhouettes are smaller than your typical knapsack, it’s also not the mini backpack you remember from the ’90s. Backpacks can be found in various fabrications for wherever you want to carry them: try an active-influenced sling in a nylon fabric for a stylish way to hit the yoga studio, or high-fashion quilted leather for a more upscale look. And if you can’t commit, convertible backpacks (those that can be either worn on the back or converted into a satchel) are trending too.

BUCKET LIST

The drawstring bucket bag is reemerging for fall, making an important impact on the runways. “This is a nod to the ’70s trend, which is in full swing with a cleaned-up ‘mom’ look,” explains Jacqui Ma of trend-forecasting firm WGSN. Size doesn’t matter here either: go for a big “black hole” bucket or a smaller drawstring style.

SHOW US WHAT YA GOT “Transparent materials continue to be strong, as

PATTERN & PRINT

“The trend toward print and pattern on luxury bags has been led by Chanel. Painterly effects and hand-drawn styles add a new artist-casual feel to bags,” says Ma. Fashion Snoops’ Miller echoes this sentiment, noting that “billboard” bags featuring iconic graphics or even Fortune 500 company logos are trending on portfolio bags and totes.

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TOP: DVF COURTESY OF ACCESSORIESDIRECTIONS.COM. LEFT TO RIGHT: STREET STYLE, ANYA HINDMARCH, ANTEPRIMA, ALL COURTESY OF WGSN GROUP

people like to expose the inner contents of their bags,” explains Ma. This style leaves nothing to the imagination, so make sure to put the items you might not want to show the world inside a cosmetic case!

MISBEHAVIOUR

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interiors

Prominently displayed near a stairwell in Coin’s home is a sculpture by French artist Arman.

“I had the precious chance to meet him and immediately loved his philosophy,” the designer explains.

B

BLANK CANVAS

orn in Venice, Roberto Coin began his career in the hotel industry and spent the early part of his adult life studying management in Switzerland. At the age of 32, Coin set out on a new path to become a jewelry designer and felt the change of career called for a change of scenery.

“Vicenza became important when I joined the world of jewelry,” he explains. “I chose this city as it is and was a point of reference for gold manufacturing.”

The 10,000-sq.-ft. home Coin eventually purchased in 2000 was originally built in 1960 and in need of some serious renovations. With help from Venetian architect Enrico Novello, Coin designed much of the space himself and now spends about six months of the year there with his wife, Pilar, and their youngest son, Kevin. The family spends the rest of the time traveling or at their other home in nearby Venice.

Located in the hills just outside Vicenza city center, the neutral

Roberto Coin’s minimalist décor serves as a backdrop for creativity.

JILLIAN LAROCHELLE 46

A custom picture window frames “a natural painting of Vicenza.”

structure is modern yet timeless, much like Coin’s extensive jewelry collection.

The home’s minimalist décor is almost entirely devoid of color, serving as a blank backdrop for inspiring Coin’s creative visions. “I wanted to recreate a kind of luxury hotel lounge, full of light,” he reveals. “We managed to create a unique mix of different styles while keeping the atmosphere light and simple. For example, we mixed modern furniture with pieces from the 7th century and Art Deco style with creations from Pierre Fernandez Arman, known as ‘the violins sculptor.’”

In the home’s sitting room, an expansive window hints at the gorgeous view beyond. “The house is full of important paintings and with that window I wanted to create a natural painting of Vicenza,” says Coin. “It is very relaxing watching outside

from that window… and you can also dream of being anywhere in the world.

Moreover, from there I can see the opposite hill, where my son’s house is.”

Despite the sitting room’s prime view, Coin reveals that his favorite room is in fact “my relax room; it is my own studio where I can smoke, read, watch TV and dream. My favorite item in the home is a special statue made by Wallace Chan, which he explained to me was the perfect statue representing my personality. It has many different heads and the biggest one is a child.”

Like the hidden ruby inside each of his designs (meant to bring luck, health and happiness to the wearer), there is more to Roberto Coin—and his home— than first meets the eye.

More of Coin’s extensive art collection is on display in the formal dining room.

Roberto Coin’s 10,000-sq.-ft. home in Vicenza, Italy.

48

Eat Across America

James Beard-approved events and eateries are now more accessible than ever.

SHIRA LEVINE

W

hen it comes to America’s pioneering chefs, most are familiar with Julia Child. Yet it was another great gastronome that first taught America how to cook on TV and penned cookbooks for aspiring foodies to obsess over. James Beard—the “Dean of American cookery” according to a 1954 New York Times piece—influenced the way Americans eat today, championing local markets and products long before it became de rigeur, opening a culinary school in his home, and nurturing many of our most well known chefs and cookbook authors.

The James Beard Foundation is headquartered in the West Village home where he lived during the last 15 years of his life. But today Beard’s legacy has spread even further, with the foundation’s stamp of approval appearing on eateries and events all across the U.S. Successfully determining a city’s tastiest epicurean experience can be a tricky dish, especially for new visitors. But “you can’t go wrong with a meal from James Beard award winners and nominees,” promises Susan Ungaro, who has served as the foundation’s president since 2006. “These are the best-of-the-best.

“We are the country’s best-kept secret, but we don’t want to be!” says Ungaro. “The James Beard Foundation Awards are the Oscars of the culinary world, but we’re open to the public! People don’t realize all of our events are accessible, and that they don’t only happen New York.”

In fact, the 2015 James Beard Awards will be held in Chicago, America’s “Tastiest City” long celebrated for its contribution to molecular gastronomy.

The move marks the first time in a 24-year run that the annual fete will leave the Big Apple.

Ungaro’s goal is to bring as many James Beard events outside New York City as there are within it. These currently include nationwide Friends of Beard events, where chefs create something special on location at their Beard-approved restaurants, rather than making a pilgrimage to “perform”

at the flagship. There’s also Taste America, the annual celebrity chef tour that visits 10 cities over five weekends from September 12 to October 25. “We showcase the talent of one city with a guest chef from another city,” says Ungaro. “These pairings are one-of-a-kind events for diners who want to try something completely unique. The linked chefs have never cooked together before, so they get try something new too.”

All this is not to detract from the delectable dining experiences dished out at the James Beard House, which essentially operates as a restaurant with different chefs and menus 200 days of the year. Enjoying a meal here is a full sensory experience that will make you feel like an utter insider.

Guests get to walk through the bustling kitchen where “America’s first celebrity chef” once demonstrated how to roast chicken and hand-make pastas with Tom Brokaw and Bryant Gumbel on the Today Show. You can mill around the quaint backyard garden as you nosh on curious canapés, then head upstairs for the guest chef-of-the-night’s much-anticipated multi-course dining experience.

Dinners often sell out and can be priced at up to $250 per person. But if you can’t make it in person, you’re in luck: “We just installed a Livestream kitchen camera so anyone can watch what the chefs are creating in the James Beard kitchen every night.” says Ungaro. “In fact, you can see more of the action than our seated guests!” (Chefs are graciously given the choice between a sound-on or sound-off camera, although so far only one chef has opted to mute.)

Ungaro credits America’s passion for reality food TV (and good fundraising) with much of the success of the foundation’s programming.

“We’ve raised awareness about the joy of cooking and the art of cooking.”

50

JULIA CHILD DESCRIBED COOKING IN THE JAMES BEARD KITCHEN AS “LIKE A SINGER BEING INVITED TO SING AT CARNEGIE HALL.”

IMAGES BY KEN GOODMAN

food

Let us make you feel like a guest at your own event

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PERFECTGEMS

EXPLORE THE LITTLE LUXURIES THE WORLD HAS TO OFFER. DONALD CHARLES RICHARDSON

ESCAPE ARTISTS

There are many opulent hotels on the glamorous island of St. Barths. Then there’s the Taiwana. Set on Flamands Beach, Taiwana is the island’s most private retreat. Within moments of your arrival, the staff knows your name and room number and is quickly learning your preferences in wine and food.

Both are superb at this resort (and if you wake up hungry in the middle of the night, you’ll find someone on duty in the restaurant to supply a snack or ice cream). The rooms are sleek and sumptuously supplied with Frette towels, robes and linens. There’s an excellent Neville hair salon and spa. But it’s the ambiance of an exclusive club that truly sets Taiwana apart and makes it one of St. Barth’s most stylish places to unwind.

RICHARD TERMINE

CAT HITS HIGH NOTE

Celebrated for producing works composed for intimate venues, New York’s Gotham Chamber Opera is now in its 12th season. Performances have included rarities from the Baroque era, such as Mozart’s Il sogno di Scipione and Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, and contemporary operas including I Have No Stories to Tell You by Lembit Beecher and The Raven by Toshio Hosokawa. During the 2014/2015 season, the company will present a revival of a favorite, El gato con botas (Puss in Boots), by Xavier Montsalvatge, at New York’s El Museo del Barrio. The opera tells the children’s story of a miller who inherits a mangy cat with magical talents. The cat woos a princess for the miller and, after defeating an evil ogre through trickery, happily unites the miller and princess. They marry and provide a warm home for the cat (which is probably what the cat had in mind all along).

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GATHERING THE GRAPES At the 56-acre Hestan Vineyards located at the base of Okell Hill on Napa Valley’s eastern slopes, individually farmed blocks are planted with all five Bordeaux varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. The grapes are co-harvested and cofermented to create Stephanie Proprietary Red Wine, a Bordeaux made from a layered blend of 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Petit Verdot, 16% Malbec, 12% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. Limited to 900 cases, Stephanie is a complex wine with an intriguing nose of licorice, clove and sweet spice mingled with cedar, tobacco and black currant. And rich mocha notes unfold on the supple palate, lingering well into the long, elegant finish.

ROCK STAR

PHOTO BY NICOLA GNESI. ARTWORK © KAN YASUDA. COURTESY EYKYN MACLEAN

Sculptor Kan Yasuda’s critically acclaimed work is exhibited and installed at galleries and public spaces all over the world. The Boboli Gardens in Florence displayed the first abstract sculptures in this 500-year-old collection; a solo exhibition featured 18 large works at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park; and a 17-acre sculpture park is dedicated to him in Japan. Working in marble (his studio is in Pietrasanta in northern Italy, near the Carrara quarries), Yasuda’s creations are gentle, tranquil and contemplative, encouraging interaction with the viewer. At his recent American debut show at Eykyn Maclean Gallery, when asked how an individual should chose a sculpture, Yasada replied, “Touch it, and if it touches you back…”

UN CHÂTEAU AVEC DES ANIMAUX EXOTIQUES As you drive into the Château of Thoiry, about 30 miles west of Paris, don’t be surprised if a giraffe strolls past your car. Many animals, such as camels and zebras, roam freely. Others, like tigers, leopards and cheetahs, are kept in the château’s zoo. While touring this 16th-century, 370-acre estate, you’ll also discover a maze, several gardens, a restaurant, and possibly the current Count and Countess of La Panouse, who still live in the château (part of which is shown to the public by costumed guides). Because architect Philibert de l’Orme designed the château to be in perfect harmony with nature, the most spectacular time to visit is during the summer or winter solstice, when the center arch marks the exact position of the sun.

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Family Circles M

y 101-year-old Grandma Estelle and I have long played hand games together—a simple, tender way to enjoy each other’s presence.

My favorite isn’t actually a game, but more a looting of my Bubbeleh’s jewelry—a way to get her rings off her fingers and onto my own. The seven rings she wears fit loosely, yet the hurdle of knotted knuckles, inevitable casualties of arthritis, slow the removal process.

“Uh-uh! Let me do it,” she insists, pulling at a ring, wetting it with her saliva until it slides off. Once all are off, a pile of storied little treasures for me to play with; I curate them across my own fingers.

First is always a sapphire ring accented with diamonds. “My birthstone,” she explains (again).

“September 11th. You know, that day didn’t always mean what it does now.

“Grandpa gave me this one.” A simple white gold band that’s now mine, which I stack daily on my finger.

“One of my wedding bands… the first one. Grandpa proposed many times. I played hard to get.

“I was a goodie-goodie. Always, always did as my mother asked. Not like you. I never did what I wanted.

I had wanted to be a nurse you know: I like to comfort people.”

Although my Grandma talks of this shy, timid girl she claims to still be, this is not the woman I know.

“Ach, I’m just an actress and the world is my stage!” she balks, responding to my adoring compliments. “No one wants to hear what this old biddy has to say.”

Yet ripe with opinion (she’s a voracious reader of both The Washington Post and The Washington Jewish Week), my Bubbeleh never hesitates to dish gems of wisdom, discussing politics and foreign policy with the same fervor she uses to deliver opinions about Bette Midler, Oprah, Judge Judy and her favorite, Dr. Oz. “This-a one was my mother’s… her wedding ring,” she continues, twisting at a large asymmetrical ring. It’s platinum with three large settings for diamonds, yet only two diamonds remain in place. One disappeared long ago and was never replaced.

I learned to appreciate platinum, black diamonds, rose and white gold from my Bubbeleh. But accessorizing with sentiment rather than status is what dazzles her. While she inspired my predilection for the fine and rare, what she treasures more than those seven stacked rings—which I’m certain she sleeps and bathes with—are the memories they inspire.

“This-a one I bought myself,” she says proudly, admiring the thick gold 1940s ring with a clustered setting of tiny diamond chips. “This one here, it’s from your mom and dad. A garnet, I think.”

Her other jewelry SHIRA LEVINE has evolved with her age. Her drawers were once filled with glittery gemstones: extraordinary clip-on earrings, the half-dozen other engagement rings. These now sit in a safe deposit box, replaced by little boxes housing various contemporary pieces I’ve brought her from my travels to Istanbul, Singapore, Cusco and Capetown.

Her idea of what money buys is far from reality. “Please, don’t tell me you spent more than $25 on that!” she says to everything I’ve ever given her. Even Mikimoto and Cartier gifts elicit a practical truth: “Where will I wear it? To the loo?”

Dropping the last ring, of mysterious origin (“Am I supposed to remember everything?”) into my hand, nails newly painted gold (by me), Queen Levine rises from her rocking throne. Sporting a drugstore tiara and bejeweled necklace, she curtsies and announces dramatically that she’s “off to the loo...”

Each ring a treasured tale from my grandmother’s life.”

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© D.YURMAN 2014

BACHENDORF’S ACCENT THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS

FALL/WINTER 2014/15