Lux Bond & Green

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WELCOME TO LBG

It’s good to be GREEN in 2013 Can you believe that 2013 is sailing by so quickly, as it is already May and the dark and gloomy winter months are finally behind us? Nemo was quite a historic blizzard and we all have many tales of the snowy weekend. It truly does help us appreciate springtime, as New England begins to glow with the warmth and sunshine that bring our diverse flora and fauna to life. (And let the sneezing begin.) It’s wonderful to hear the birds chirping as we enjoy our longer day days. Collegiate basketball is now over, the baseb baseball season has finally begun, golf courses are b buzzing and gardening is in full

GREEN

is the 2013 Pantone Color of the Year!

We’ve been

GREEN

since 1898

swing. There is a lot happening at Lux Bond & Green, as we have been very busy p planning and renovating our Glastonbury store after 25 years in Somerse Somerset Square. It’s now open; it’s gorgeous and filled with modern technology technology, wonderful new collections and a Rolex watch boutique. The same fab fabulous and friendly staff awaits your visit to the store. Our new website is set to launch soon. We are making every attempt to create an onlin online experience as informative and rewarding as when you visit our sto stores. This has not been an easy task. How do we replicate a friend friendly staff, wonderful services and all the brands we carry on our webs website? We feel that with the addition of several new resources, we’v we’ve been able to create a great experience with our online edu education, wedding and gift registry, updated diamond search, lin links to the brands and our online chat feature. If you are not re receiving our e-mails about what’s happening at our stores — e events, special values, new collections and information about style and fashion — then please share your e-mail address with us. Most importantly, our buying teams have purchased man many new and exciting collections to complement and enhance your lifestyle. This year GREEN is the pantone color of the year, but we’ve been GREEN since 1898 (wink (wink, wink) wink). We invite you to discover our spectacular collections, values and fashion ideas for all your special occasions this season.

Cheers, The Green Family

LBGreen.com

CONTENTS SPRING/SUMMER 2013

WEST HARTFORD 46 LASALLE ROAD, (860) 521-3015 GLASTONBURY SOMERSET SQUARE, (860) 659-8510 GREENWICH 169 GREENWICH AVE., (203) 629-0900 WESTPORT 136 MAIN STREET, (203) 227-1300 BOSTON 416 BOYLSTON STREET, (617) 266-4747 THE SHOPS AT MOHEGAN SUN UNCASVILLE, (860) 862-9900 WELLESLEY, MA 60 CENTRAL STREET, (781) 235-9119

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SOUTH WINDSOR, EVERGREEN WALK, (860) 644-0789 1- 8 0 0 - L B G R E E N ( 1- 8 0 0 - 524 - 7336 ) LBGREEN.COM CHAIRMAN ROBERT E. GREEN PRESIDENT/CEO JOHN A. GREEN VICE CHAIRMAN MARC A. GREEN

FEATURES 1 Welcome Letter

WATCH SECTION 50 Spring Time

4 Core Values Excellence Awards

52 Advisor: Watch Wisdom

8 What’s Happening

56 Profile: Raymond Weil

12 From the Runways

58 Pop Culture: Watches in Film

18 What Makes a House a Home

60 Profile: TAG Heuer

20 LBG Weddings

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DAVID BONNEY ADVERTISING DIRECTOR MICHAIL K. SHAW 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 PUBLISHER STU NIFOUSSI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN CREATIVE DIRECTOR HANS GSCHLIESSER

22 Pride of Bostonian

MANAGING EDITOR JILLIAN LAROCHELLE

26 Anniversary: Mikimoto

PROJECT MANAGER LISA MONTEMORRA

32 Designers: David & Sybil Yurman

DESIGNERS CYNTHIA LUCERO JEAN-NICOLE VENDITTI

34 Trends: Asian Fusion 36 Trends: Strong & Soft

PRODUCTION MANAGER PEG EADIE

40 Spotlight: Faber-Castell

PRESIDENT AND CEO BRITTON JONES

42 Design: Nate Berkus

CHAIRMAN AND COO MAC BRIGHTON

44 Spirits: Fine Tequila 46 Reads: Living a Charmed Life

Prices are subject to change without notice and may vary depending on size, quality and availability. Copyright 2013.

Accent® is published by Business Journals, Inc, P.O. Box 5550, Norwalk, CT 06856, 203-853-6015 • Fax: 203-852-8175; Advertising Office: 1384 Broadway, 11th Floor, NY, NY 10018, 212-686-4412 • 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 publishers. Volume 11, Issue 1. Accent® is a trademark of Business Journals, Inc. registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark office. Printed In The U.S.A.

62 Perfect Gems 64 Delicacies: Much Ado About Oysters 66 Travel: The Golden Triangle 68 First Person: Why I Dance 2

LBG

CORE VALUES EXCELLENCE AWARDS

W

e are very pleased to announce that Tricia Schwartz, assistant manager in our Westport store, is the Grand Prize winner of the Core Values Excellence Award for 2012. We received 55 Core Values Excellence nominations from Lux Bond & Green associates who took the time to write why they felt their co-worker, manager, or staff member truly personifies our Core Values of Customer Service, Teamwork, Communication, Confidentiality, Respect and Integrity.

Reading through 55 nomination forms and trying to narrow down the list of nominees to the top three was not easy! However, the nomination forms we received about Trish clearly demonstrated how well“I admire her sense of respected she is by her peers and how her demeanor humor no matter what and behavior exemplify Lux Bond & Green’s Core Values.

the circumstance.

If she does not know the answer, she will get it… and she never fails to get things accomplished.”

Trish has been with Lux Bond & Green in the Westport store since July 2003, where she started as a keyholder and was promoted to the assistant manager position in March 2011. She is recognized by associates, not only in Westport but also in other parts of the company, as a true team player who does whatever it takes to get the job done while doing so with a sense of humor, professionalism and respect. Some of the quotes from Trish’s nominations exemplify why she is thought of as an exemplary role model of Core Values Excellence:

Karen Rigoli, David Bonney, Trish Sch wartz, Marc Green

“Trish epitomizes all of the qualities of excellent customer service… She is truly a professional.

Her communication skills are excellent. Trish is a consummate team player.”

“When communicating with Trish, she is always pleasant, positive and professional.

She is serious about the job and always wants to do the best she can for the company.”

“I admire her sense of humor no matter what the circumstance. If she does not know the answer, she will get it…and she never fails to get things accomplished.”

“Integrity – she is always willing to learn or share what she has learned to better our knowledge…

She represents LBG well on many occasions.”

“Trish is always on the ball…eager to please every customer that comes in the store or over the phone. She is always willing to figure out a situation whether it is to find an item or to repair an item… She is an excellent example to follow...”

In recognition for being chosen as the winner of the 2012 Core Values Excellence Award, Marc John Green, Beth Ledbetter, Marc Green Green and CFO Dave Bonney traveled to the Westport store to present Trish with a framed certificate of recognition and a $500 American Express gift card. Trish will also be eligible for a day off with pay and will be scheduled for a celebratory lunch or dinner with the Green family.

In addition, we are pleased to announce our two 2012 Core Values Excellence Award finalists: Peter Koshivos from the Boston store and Beth Ledbetter from the Jewelry Buying Office. As finalists, bothh Peter and Beth received a certificate of recognition and a $150 American Express gift check.

Peter has been with Lux Bond & Green for eight years and is described as a model salesman who has the “retail equivalent of bedside manner” with his customers. Every day, he brings a sense of humor, teamwork and a total commitment to satisfying his customers in the Boston store. Beth has over 26 years of service with Lux Bond & Green and is the “go-to” person in our Jewelry Buying Office for any question about watches. She is consistently praised for her excellent communication skills, phenomenal customer service, and genuinely kind and sincere approach with everyone she works with.

We are very proud of not only our winners, Trish, Peter and Beth, but also of our entire team of professionals here at Lux Bond & Green who demonstrate excellence every day at work and who have the best interest of every Lux Bond & Green client at heart.

Jack Win er and Pe ter Koshiv os

LBGreen.com

WHAT’S happening at LBG

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A TOAST TO NEW BEGINNINGS 1. The Glastonbury staff (L-R): Laurie Cariseo, Donna Kaminski, Bruce Skauen, Joanne Gunn, Dawn Mickens, Barbara Miner, Dave Campbell, Chris Stokes and Sheila Fowler give a toast to celebrate the start of the LBG Glastonbury renovation.

ALL FOR A GREAT CAUSE

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2. Tiffany Ortiz’s daughter Alex lit up the evening as her mom tried on a diamond ring at LBG. The Ortiz ladies were at LBG for the Ippolita Fashion Party to benefit Trick or Treat for UNICEF and Fashion Project, an organization that donates money from the sale of slightly used yet stylish clothes to the charity of the donor’s choice.

In Tiffany’s other hand is her husband David Ortiz’s shirt, which she gave to the Fashion Project cause. Shown with the ladies is Jack Winer, Boston store manager.

CONTEST WINNER 3. (L-R) Laurie Gosselin, Patrice Modeen, Marzena Wooten and Shiva Beebakhee from the LBG South Windsor store congratulate Jason Arnold (center), winner of our LBG Savvy Shopper Contest.

THE JOY OF SHARING

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4. LBG has been a proud sponsor of the NBC Channel 30 Joy of Sharing - Toys for Tots campaign for many years. Toy donation boxes were located in all our CT stores during the holiday season. People brought in their new, unwrapped toys for this worthy cause. Our Corporate Office staff is shown with the donated toys. (L-R): Cheryl Tracy Miller, Vreni Breakell-Caudle, Glenn Zinn, Nelson Rolon, Marianne Fontaine, Michail Shaw, Johanna Bond, Elizabeth Bierowka, David Bonney, Beth Ledbetter, Michele Blackwelder, Rhonda Di Giacomo, Erin Pepin, Paula Testo and Beth Roosa.

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LBGreen.com

5 LBG RETIREMENT

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5. (L-R) James Koromanian, Joe Spiro and Art Wesner celebrate at Joe’s retirement party.

We all wish Joe the best and good luck with his golf game!

HEREND ARTIST SIGNING EVENT 6. Hajnalka Szakos, an accomplished artist from Herend, demonstrated her unique painting techniques during the Herend event in Boston.

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BOSTON GLOBE STYLE

7. LBG participated in The Boston Globe’s Fashion Week. A special thanks goes out to Shauna Gallagher (shown) and all the “fashionistas” for their support, energy and tweets on Twitter!

UNICEF 8. Jack Winer, Boston store manager, presents a check to Kristen Mangelinkx, managing director of the New England Region from UNICEF. A portion of the proceeds from our Ippolita event that evening were donated to UNICEF.

PAINT THE TOWN PINK 9. David Glucksman presents a check to Michelle Palazzo from the Bennett Cancer Center at Stamford Hospital. The Paint the Town Pink event featured a Carelle trunk show at LBG to benefit the Stamford Hospital Cancer Center.

10. Committee members and cancer survivors (L-R): Terri Condon, Brenda Buggisch and Linda Chriscoe. From Stamford Hospital: Michelle Palazzo, Liz Manfredo, Kathy Silard, and Greenwich store manager David Glucksman.

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WHAT’S happening at LBG

THE GOVENOR’S RESIDENCE 1. LBG staff (L-R) Patrice Modeen, Sheryl Green, Johanna Bond, Beth Roosa and Lindsey Whitaker spent many hours planning and decorating the Governor’s residence for the holidays.

DOG DAYS & COOL CATS

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2. The LBG West Hartford store sponsored a Dog Days & Cool Cats event to benefit the Humane Society of CT. Pets and owners had their photos taken, and an extensive and unique array of pet merchandise was available for purchase. Madison is pictured with her pet ferrets Buttons and Bows.

CORPORATE COSTUME PARTY

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3. Kristin Troie (winner of the costume contest dresed as Yetta) and Johanna Bond were as bewitching as ever. 4. Bela Tavares and Beth Roosa celebrate the ‘60s with their friend Frank.

SALVATION ARMY FAMILY AND THE LBG CORPORATE COOKIE SWAP 5. The LBG Corporate Office has had a traditon over the past few years of buying presents for a local family selected by the Salvation Army.

6. After all the presents for the family have been wrapped the Corporate Office has their Annual Cookie Swap. (L-R): Beth Roosa, Cathy Berey, Kristin Troie, Johanna Bond, Cheryl Tracy Miller, Vreni Breakell-Caudle, Beth Ledbetter, Rhonda DiGiacomo, Elizabeth Bierowka, Bela Tavares, Marianne Fontaine, Paula Testo, Michail Shaw and Michele Blackwelder.

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LBGreen.com

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from the

LBG RUNWAY

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COLORS OF THE YEAR From the The Pantone Color Report for Spring 2013 This season, designers have overwhelmingly addressed the desire for self-expression, balance and the need to re-energize. The color direction for spring builds upon these compelling needs with a palette that mixes dynamic brights with novel neutrals, creating a harmonious balance.

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1. Precious resin and sterling silver bangles from $195 to $230. 2. Ippolita sterling silver Wonderland teardrop pendant in mint doublet of clear quartz and mother-of-pearl $495. 3. Gemstone and diamond rings, sapphire, aquamarine and blue chalcedony $1,695. Tsavorite, green chalcedony and phrenite $1,750. Moonstone, rose quartz and diamonds $2,115. All in 18K gold. 4. Temple St. Clair moonstone and peridot earrings with diamonds, 18K gold $3,750.

5. Stacking rings in 18K gold, diamond $1,100. Yellow sapphire $475. Pink sapphire $495. Blue sapphire $510. Tsavorite $550.

Black diamond $685. 6. Roberto Coin rings in 18K gold, amethyst and diamond $5,200. Lemon quartz and diamond $8,700.

7. Pear shape earrings in white topaz over turquoise with diamonds, in 18K gold $2,335. 8. Carelle Leaf pendant in carnelian and 18K gold $3,570.

9. Phrenite nugget necklace 24â&#x20AC;? with sterling silver clasp $295.

LBGreen.com

from the

LBG RUNWAY

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GREEN WITH ENVY Color of the Year for 2013

“Lively. Radiant. Lush… Green is the color of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony. Come see our intriguing collection of green emeralds, sapphires, amonzonite, onyx, lorite, agate, citrine, amethyst and spiaggio!

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1. Fluorite nugget necklace, 17.5” long with sterling silver clasp $125. 2. Pamela Froman Scroll Crush earrings in green onyx and 18K gold $2,335.

3. Green agate and white topaz doublet pendant in 18K gold $2,265. 4. David Yurman Bijoux lemon citrine drop earrings in sterling silver $650.

Bijoux triple strand bracelet in lemon citrine and sterling silver $1,350. 5. Green amethyst and diamond ring, 18K gold $825. Amazonite and rutilated quartz diamond ring, 18K gold $2,165. 6. Ippolita Wonderland drop earrings in Spiaggia, sterling silver $995.

LBGreen.com

from the

LBG RUNWAY

8 7 6

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SILVER & GOLD

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Take a shine to silver and gold this season. Jewelry that livens up your look, fits every lifestyle and budget.

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1. Carelle Brooke Leaff earrings withh d diamonds, $5,200. 2. Alex Woo chains, pendants and charms in sterling silver or 14K gold, priced from d 18K gold ld $ $48. 3. Ippolita sterling silver Cascade earrings $350. 4. Roberto Coin Primavera diamond bangles in 18K gold $2,300 each. 5. Sterling silver and 14K gold drop earrings $185. 6. Sterling silver scallop shell bracelet $285. Knobby starfish earrings in 14K gold $995. Sterling silver $100.

7. Sterling silver and 14K gold wrapped hoop earrings $175. 8. Sterling silver flower earrings $160. Matching pendant $130.

LBGreen.com

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from the

LBG RUNWAY

BLACK & WHITE

Black and white color blocking makes a strong statement this spring.

In jewelry, this bodes well for diamonds—America’s perennial favorite—and cool colored stones like colorless rock crystal, black spinel, onyx, white topaz, pearls and more.

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1. Sterling silver and gray rutilated quartz ring with diamonds $1,060. 2. John Hardy sterling silver Bamboo Batu medium kick cuff with black chalcedony ends $795. 3. Ivanka Trump black and white diamond drop earrings in 18K gold $2,500. 4. David Yurman Albion ring in sterling silver and diamonds $4,500. David Yurman Starlight Cable bangle in sterling silver and diamonds $3,900.

5. Roberto Coin Fantasia pendant with black and white diamonds $3,440. 6. South Sea cultured baroque pearls with 18K gold clasps, white starting at $9,000. Tahitian starting at $5,500.

7. John Hardy Bedeg milky quartz drop earrings in sterling silver $995. 8. Petite Eclipse necklace in sterling silver $280.

LBGreen.com

RUNWAY IMAGES COURTESY OF ACCESSORIESDIRECTIONS.COM

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INCANTO

LUX BOND & GREEN WEDDING & GIFT REGISTRY 800.524.7336 LBGREEN.COM

L e s s t h a n o n e p e r c e n t o f t h e w o r l d ’s d i a m o n d s c a n c a r r y t h e F o r eve r m a r k i n s c r i p t i o n — a promise that each is beautiful, rare and responsibly sourced.

THE DIAMOND. THE PROMISE. Forevermark is part of the De Beers group of companies.

® , C E N T E R O F M Y U N I V E R S E ™ A N D S H E I S M Y E V E R Y T H I N G ™ A R E T R A D E M A R K S O F T H E D E B E E R S G R O U P O F C O M PA N I E S .

THE CENTER OF MY UNIVERSE™ FROM FOREVERMARK

© 2 0 1 2 - 2 0 1 3 FO R E V E R M A R K . FO R E V E R M A R K ®,

SHE IS MY EVERY THING

WHAT

makes a house

A HOME Here’s what’s trending from our current wedding registries.

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1. Juliska: Le Panier charger 13.5”d $68. Quotidien dinner plate 11”d $34. Firenze marbleized salad plate in cappuccino 9”d $36. 2. Vietri: Bellezza Celadon charger 13”d $17; dinner plate 11.25”d $40; pasta/soup bowl 9.75”d $38; mug 4.25”h $39.

Holly Stuart Designs placemats in latte and saxon green 15”d $34. Made in the USA.

LBGreen.com

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4 3. Vietri: Lastra white dinner plate 12”d $38; salad plate 8.75”d $32; small handled bowl 5”d x 2.5”h $50. 4. Juliska: Country Estate dinner plate in delft blue 9”d $38; Firenze marbleized charger in delft blue 14”d $68.

Holly Stuart Designs placemats in persimmon and Chinese blue 15”d $34. Made in the USA.

LBGreen.com

LBG WEDDINGS

1 Come visit us as you prepare for your wedding day. Let us show you the many

REWARDING

REASONS

to register at LUX BOND & GREEN.

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A PERSONAL REGISTRY SPECIALIST Trained by the best and ready to help in the selection of all your table and home accent needs, specialists are available in store, by phone, or online.

LUX BOND & GREEN REGISTRY REWARDS When your registry generates $1,500 to $3,500 in purchases, you earn a reward of 5% of the total value. When your registry generates over $3,500 in purchases you earn 10% rewards.

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RING REWARDS Earn 10% rewards from the purchase of your wedding bands, attendants’ gifts and/or stationery.

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TRY BEFORE YOU BUY We want you to be 100% satisfied with your selections. Visit Lux Bond & Green and take a few of your favorites home before making a final decision.

See how beautiful the pieces look in your home and check to make sure they fit in your dishwasher.

ONLINE GIFT MANAGER Your online manager will track your gifts and the givers, making it easier for you to prepare your thank you notes.

COMPLETION SAVINGS Save 10% on any items not purchased from your registry, or any items you would like to add.

Q 1. Stephanie & Andrew Chang - 12.8.2012 Q 2. Emily Walsh & Adam Kinson - 5.26.2012 Q 3. Jackie Barrieau & Drew Iacovazzi - 8.11.2012 Q 4. Kim & Ed Crowley - 8.18.2012 Q 5. Farrel & Darius Gilvydis - 8.27.2011

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Q 6. David Manville & Veronica Gran - 8.31.2012 Q 7. Abbey & Eric Bober - 10.5.2012 Q 8. Katie & Tim Delaney - 9.29.2012 Q 9. Mr. & Mrs. Bryan Plamondon (Carrie Anne Wallace) - 10.20.2012 Q 10. Mr. & Mrs. Gerry Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donoghue (Elizabeth Cenci) 07.06.12 Q 11. Abby & Jason Shepard (Abby Williamson) 9.15.2012

LBGreen.com

Spotlight on

BOSTON

1 BOSTONIAN PRIDE

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From your favorite sports team to the most memorable landmarks, Lux Bond & Green has the best of Boston.

2 Back

3 1. Red Sox enameled cuff links $60; Celtics enameled cuff links $60; Bruins enameled cuff links $60.

2. Boston tray (Exclusive to Lux Bond & Green) 12x12 $245. 3. Red Sox game used bat bottle opener $125 each.

4. Faneuil Hall enameled box 1.5” $130; Little ducklings tray 5.75”x3.5” $45; Back Bay enameled box 2.5” $180.

LBGreen.com

Š2013 Porsche Cars North America, Inc. Porsche recommends seat belt usage and observance of all traffic laws at all times.

Unless it's the road calling, it's going straight to voicemail.

Escape to new realms of performance in the all-new 2013 Boxster. A two-seat tribute to record-setting roadsters of the past. But like nothing you've seen before. With its push-button retractable roof and athletic mid-engine balance, the new Boxster connects you to every subtle nuance of the pavement. And the sheer ecstasy of open roads ahead and open skies above. Porsche. There is no substitute.

Experience the new 2013 Boxster.

Hoffman Porsche 630 Connecticut Blvd.

East Hartford CT 06108 (860) 282-0191 www.hoffmanporsche.com M-TH 8:30am-8pm FRI & SAT 8:30am-6pm

Porsche recommends

ANNIVERSARY

PEARLS

OF WISDOM After 120 years, Mikimoto knows a thing or two about these timeless treasures.

120 pearl anniversary strand of Akoya cultured pearls with 18K white gold clasp.

Kokichi Mikimoto measuring pearls, circa 1951.

Black South Sea cultured pearl necklace with signature ball clasp in 18K white gold.

M

ikimoto, founded by Kokichi Mikimoto in 1893 and known the world over as the leading maker of cultured pearl jewelry, marks its 120th anniversary this year.

Among other impressive achievements during the company’s long history, Kokichi was the first to develop a technique for the cultivation of pearls that is still in use to this day. A determined innovator, he succeeded in creating the world’s first perfectly spherical pearl, an object he regarded as nature’s most precious gift to be shared with women everywhere. The timeless elegance found in Mikimoto pearl jewelry has been celebrated and worn by icons of style in every era, from Coco Chanel and Marilyn Monroe to Elizabeth Taylor and Sarah Jessica Parker.

To commemorate more than a century-long commitment to product design, superior craftsmanship and strict quality control, Mikimoto has proudly revealed plans to release three specially designed 120 pearl strand necklaces that embody the company’s traditions.

The first design is comprised of 120 Akoya cultured pearls and represents the original pearl that Kokichi cultured in 1893 off the waters of Toba, Japan — a feat that brought him one step closer to fulfilling his dream of bringing the unsurpassed beauty of the pearl to all women. This unique Akoya strand will feature an 18K white gold clasp accented with beautiful royal blue enamel lacquer, crafted by skilled artisans in Japan.

The second design, made of multi-colored Black South Sea cultured pearls, celebrates the breathtakingly rare type of pearl that Kokichi first cultured in 1914, using a new technique that helped Mikimoto expand cultivation into the waters off Australia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Tahiti.

The rich, dark colors of the pearls range from slate gray, silver and pistachio to peacock green and midnight black, with overtones of green, rosé or blue.

The third strand consists of 120 multi-colored South Sea and Freshwater pearls and marks Mikimoto’s mid 20th-century expansion into the international market that helped shape the company’s enduring legacy. This necklace is comprised of Golden South Sea, White South Sea, and Pink and Peach Freshwater cultured pearls. Both of these exquisite strands will fasten with a paisley motif version of the iconic Mikimoto clasp, exaggerated in size to accentuate the necklace.

“These 120 pearl strands represent each milestone in our brand’s 120 year history” says Meyer Hoffman, COO of Mikimoto. “Each pearl symbolizes a moment in our past where we’ve taken our founder’s vision to the next level.

With this anniversary, we honor the rich legacy that Kokichi left us while looking forward to the future.”

These rare and breathtaking pieces will be available in early fall 2013.

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T H E O R I G I N ATO R O F C U LT U R E D P E A R L S . S I N C E 1 8 9 3 .

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

Color Grade E

Clarity Grade VS1

Cut Grade Excellent

Laser Inscription Registry Number GIA 16354621

Natural Diamond Not Synthetic

A GIA report is certainty from the source.

As creator of the 4Cs and the International Diamond Grading System™, GIA sets the standards for diamond assessment, worldwide. Unbiased. Scientific.

A report from GIA gives you a clear understanding of your diamond’s quality.

Look for GIA Diamond Grading Reports and the jewelers who offer them. www.4cs.gia.edu

THE UNIVERSAL STANDARD BY WHICH GEMS ARE JUDGED.

GLASTONBURY

Q remodeled Q rejuvenated Q reopened

As we celebrate the reopening of our Glastonbury location we invite you to experience our modern, spacious and comfortable store. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re still at Somerset Square along with our experienced and friendly staff.

Somerset Square 140 Glastonbury Boulevard 860.659.8510 LBGreen.com

LBGreen.com

DESIGNERS Crossing Over “In the new Crossover collection [far left], we combine smooth and cable cords to create contrast, texture and a sense of movement. It’s really a symbol of the way Sybil and I work together: everything we do is intertwined.”

—David Yurman

WORKING

ARTISTS Sybil Yurman remains David’s muse.

And so much more.

‘‘W

e create art for people to wear.” With those words, David and Sybil Yurman articulated an enduring vision for their company, America’s foremost jewelry house for over 30 years. From the very beginning, their belief that art is personal — that the artist’s world is unique and the creative process is an expression of the artist’s aesthetic — made using the word ‘jewelry’ seem insufficient.

‘Jewelry’ doesn’t entirely encompass David Yurman’s vision of what he is creating, nor does it express his passion for the creative process, his love of design and his refusal to be led by conventional wisdom.

His interest in sculpting began early, at just 13 years old. During summers off from high school, David studied art, working as an apprentice to Cuban sculptor Ernesto Gonzales in Provincetown, Massachusetts. In his 20s, he hitchhiked to California, joining other artists in Big Sur, and immersing himself in the culture and lifestyle of the bohemian community. Moving back to his native New York City several years later to pursue his passion for sculpture and form, he served apprenticeships under master sculptors Jacques Lipschitz, Hans Van de Bovenkamp and Theodore Rozack — experiences he describes as life-altering. Then, another call from destiny: the chance meeting of his muse and future wife and partner, Sybil.

His romantic nature inspired, he sculpted a piece of jewelry as a gift for her. She wore it to an art gallery opening and the owner, taken with the design, asked if David had more to sell. He recalls, “I couldn’t imagine recreating something so personal that I had made for Sybil, so I said ‘no.’ But at the very same moment, Sybil said ‘yes’ — and, like that,

we found ourselves in the jewelry business.”

Though he never set out to be a jewelry designer, working closely with Sybil, a painter in her own right, led him to explore different avenues of artistic expression. For the two halves of the famed Yurman design team, their collaboration as artists epitomizes the very essence of yin and yang. “We complement each other,” says Sybil, “and that creates a dynamic unity.

Together, we create something bigger than us, sometimes larger than life itself.” While David sees the world through the lens of a sculptor, with a refined sense of proportion and a threedimensional perspective, his muse sees the world as a kaleidoscope of emotion, color, form and movement.

After years of designing sculptural jewelry that was sold at craft shows and galleries, it was David’s creation of the cable bracelet, a twisted helix of sterling silver wire composed of multiple strands, that put his name on the proverbial map. The piece became an instant icon, a contemporary classic that has served as the thread that runs through all of the collections.

Deemed a phenomenon in the jewelry world, David Yurman’s handcrafted creations — silver paired with gold, and diamonds and semi-precious stones set in silver — were revolutionary. The pieces, with ancient Gothic and Egyptian references, blended classic with contemporary styling. “We bridged the gap between fashion and fine jewelry, and we used art as the bridge,” says David.

For David and Sybil Yurman, beautiful jewelry is not the end result of a simple technique or a single element. Outstanding quality and extraordinary craftsmanship are achieved from a foundation of artistic excellence. Over 30 years later, what began as an artist’s passion for sculpture and a painter’s love for color has turned into a jewelry house that continues in the classic tradition of the guild, but pushes the boundaries of convention with imagination and innovation.

“We use art

to bridge the gap between fashion

and fine jewelry.”

David Yurman

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TRENDS

ASIAN

FUSION

Eastern elements inspire modern American style.

W

hile shopping for your wardrobe this season, have you noticed that many of the most fashion-forward styles contain elements of Eastern cultures? Influences from Japan are particularly prevalent, like pleated origami-inspired organdy cotton, wingshaped shoulders, and wide pants, among others. It’s a trend that will continue into fall and winter, with floral jacquards from Vera Wang, Eastern spiritual styling from Prada, and brushstrokes of color from Lela Rose.

And what jewelry do these Asian-infused fashions beg for? Pieces with a decidedly Eastern edge, of course. “These clothes are the perfect canvases, so to speak, for jewelry,” says David Wolfe, creative director of the Doneger Group in New York City. “Unlike what we saw before this year, the new fashions aren’t heavily embellished.” Wolfe, one of fashion’s leading international forecasters, adds that with these modern Eastern-inspired clothes, “The lines and the shades provide the color, if you will. And with this new sophisticated simplicity of extreme structures and curvilinear cuts, a strong jewelry statement becomes very important.”

GO EAST WITH YOUR JEWELRY Some of the best fine jewelry brands are making accessorizing à la the Asian aesthetic easy to do this year, by incorporating one or several of the following elements: Gems. Certain stones “say” Eastern, especially jade (in all colors), red coral, black onyx, pearls, mother-of-pearl, emerald and ruby.

Materials. Enamel and lacquer, materials used in original Far Eastern jewelry, are significant,

and today “new Eastern” collections sometimes rely on colored resins and ceramics to impart that same bold mien.

Techniques. Filigree and mokume-gane bring Eastern cultures to mind. The openwork of filigree can invoke the idea of Chinese calligraphy, while the ancient Japanese metalworking art of mokume-gane is a process used by specially trained artisans for one-of-a-kind jewelry.

Themes. Art Nouveau-like motifs are characteristic of Eastern jewelry, especially dragonflies and butterflies, plus flowers and plants like cherry blossoms, bamboo, lotus and peonies. Spiritual symbolism abounds: the Om, the Tree of Life and certain mythological creatures, such as dragons. And all 12 animal signs of the Chinese zodiac are definitely key. 2013 is The Year of the Snake on the Chinese calendar, so new jewelry focused on those writhing reptiles is everywhere. The ancient Chinese culture viewed snakes as a positive omen, symbolic of eternal love, wisdom, immortality and so on. Today, contemporary luxury brands are fashioning serpentine-style jewelry whichever way you want it: replete with demonic details like a long tongue and menacing eyes, or in more stylized versions merely hinting at a snake via their super-curvy shapes, often inlaid or prong-set with precious gems. Whether you choose a snake-y style this year, or pieces with a feminine Art Nouveau-like beauty, heading toward the exotic East will surely lead you in the right direction!

WITH FASHION’S NEW SOPHISTICATED SIMPLICITY OF EXTREME STRUCTURES AND CURVILINEAR CUTS, A STRONG JEWELRY STATEMENT BECOMES VERY IMPORTANT. 34

FROM TOP ROBERTO COIN, JOSEPH MURRAY, JUST JULES

LORRAINE DEPASQUE

TRENDS

STRONG & SOFT

F

rom gelato greens to sherbet purples, jewelry’s newest pastel gem palette looks simply delicious! And this spring and summer, the sweetest delicately hued designs are those that spotlight the stone as the star. As the precious metal plays more of a supporting role in many of the new pieces, four interesting stone cuts in particular are adding to the latest statement jewelry’s drama: cabochons, checkerboards, rose cuts and slices.

THE COLOR STORY Although bright Emerald is 2013’s Color of the Year, according to international color authority The Pantone Color Institute, most of the other leading hues of spring and summer are toned down, more muted. In a one-on-one interview, Pantone’s executive director, Leatrice Eiseman (often referred to as the “International Color Guru”) explains: “The first half of this year is more about less-bold shades that help us find harmony in the frantic pace of our everyday lives.

That said, however, today we have a lot of trans-seasonal colors.”

Exactly what colors are at the top of this proliferation of pastels?

For women, there are 10 key shades, but here Eiseman discusses four of those that are especially significant to new luxury jewelry collections this season: Dusk Blue, Grayed Jade, African Violet and Linen. “You need to try a touch of all these on-trend colors in some way. And buying a beautiful piece of colored stone jewelry is a great place to start — because it’s like dipping your toe into new color waters. But just be sure it’s good color, from a quality brand and a respected jeweler that you trust.”

For warm-weather style, giant gems in subtle shades are oh-so-cool!

LORRAINE DEPASQUE

On that note, here are some of the pretty-in-pastel gems that fine jewelry brands are focusing on this season. Because they’re fashion forward, you’ll often find them in pieces that are important to add to your jewelry wardrobe, like multi-strand bracelets and necklaces, power pendants, dramatic drop earrings and epically sized fashion rings.

Dreamy Greens. Prasiolite, opal, chalcedony, moonstone, agate, green amethyst, jade, peridot, tsavorite, chrysoprase, tourmaline, green sapphire, green diamonds. And emerald, of course, because Emerald is the Color of the Year!

Pretty Purples. Quartz, jade, moonstone, amethyst, mother-of-pearl, purple sapphire.

Be-in-Style Blues. Moonstone, blue topaz, labradorite, blue cat’s eye, blue agate, aquamarine, turquoise, chalcedony, blue quartz, iolite, lapis-lazuli, sapphire, tanzanite, zircon, blue diamonds.

The Right Whites. Rutilated quartz, agate, pearls, moonstone, motherof-pearl, white coral, champagne diamonds and linen-like shades of rough-cut diamonds.

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: JANE BOHAN, STEPHEN WEBSTER, ERICA COURTNEY, ROBERTO COIN

SOME PERFECT PASTELS

It’s shopping with a heaping order of

wow

on the side.

After you indulge your good taste at our unique collection of shops, satisfy your taste buds at one of our fine restaurants. It’s a must-have experience you won’t want to miss. Call 1.888.226.7711 or visit mohegansun.com.

Shops: Bare Minerals • Brewster’s Trading Post • Brighton Collectibles • Brookstone • Caché • Cascade Electronics Chico’s • Citizen Watch • Clay Pipe • Coach • Dylan’s Candy Bar • The Essentials • Everything Under The Sun Galina’s • Godiva Chocolatier • Landau • Lush • Lux Bond & Green • Margaritaville’s Smuggler’s Hold The Old Farmer’s Almanac General Store • Once Upon A Time Toys • Oriental Fine Arts & Crafts • Puma Sephora • Spin Street • Sun Shoes • Sunglasses USA • Swarovski • Tiffany & Co. • Tommy Bahama Trading Cove • Trailblazer • Yankee Candle Restaurants: Ballo Italian Restaurant & Social Club • Ben & Jerry’s Bobby Flay’s Bar Americain • Bobby’s Burger Palace • Bow & Arrow Sports Bar • Chief’s Deli • Dunkin’ Donuts Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana • Geno’s Bagels, Sweets & Subs • Geno’s Fast Break • Geno’s Pub Hash House A Go Go • Imus Ranch Coffee • Jasper White’s Summer Shack • Jasper White’s Summer Shack Express Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville • Johnny Rockets • Johnny Rockets Express • Krispy Kreme Doughnuts The Lansdowne Irish Pub & Music House • Michael Jordan’s 23.sportcafe • Michael Jordan’s Steak House The Original SoupMan • Seasons Buffet • SolToro Tequila Grill • Starbucks Coffee • Sunrise Square Food Court Todd English’s Tuscany • Wok-On by Geno’s Fast Break Conveniently located in Mystic Country.

LBG CUSTOM DESIGN CENTER

Reuse Recycle Redesign Bring in your gems and jewelry and we’ll help you turn them into something new and exciting!

Working with Lux Bond & Green’s designers and our computer generated custom design program, everyone has the potential to create the one-of-a-kind piece of their dreams.

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LBGreen.com

SPOTLIGHT

WRITTEN

INTO HISTORY Like its extraordinary writing implements, the Faber-Castell family stands the test of time.

JILLIAN LAROCHELLE

T

his year Faber-Castell celebrates 252 years in business, making it one of the oldest continually operating companies in the world. The leading manufacturer of wood-cased pencils, it also makes a variety of other writing instruments and luxury cosmetic pencils for some of the world’s top makeup brands.

To tell the fascinating story of Faber-Castell one must begin with Kaspar Faber, who lived from 1730 to 1784 in a small village outside Nuremberg, Germany. A cabinet maker by trade, he had a side business producing pencils, which he sold from a basket in the village market. Its success soon made pencil-making the family’s primary business, and Kaspar’s son Anton Wilhelm took it over upon his death. Remarkably, the site Anton Wilhelm acquired on the outskirts of Stein to build his first workshop still remains today as global headquarters of the A.W. Faber-Castell Company.

Each subsequent generation grew the company and its product line (inks, writing slates, slide rules, etc.), and in 1849, Lothar von Faber became the first to expand beyond the borders of Germany. He set up foreign subsidiaries first in New York, and then in Vienna, London, St. Petersburg and Paris. In 1870, A.W. Faber became the fifth entry in the U.S. Trademark Register, and today bears the distinction of being the oldest active registered trademark in existence. Now a roughly €600 million business, Faber-Castell employs 7,000 people in 100 countries around the globe.

As if surviving (and growing) for more than a quarter millennium isn’t enough of an achievement, Faber-Castell is also credited with helping pass the first trademark laws to protect brand name products; inventing the hexagonal pencil shape; founding Germany’s first life insurance

company in 1884, still in existence today; and being the drawing tool of choice for artists including Vincent Van Gogh, Paul Klee and cartoonist Carl Barks.

One thing that hasn’t changed over Faber-Castell’s long and storied history is its serious commitment to making the world’s highestquality writing implements, and its motto of “doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.” The eighth generation is currently at the helm, led by Count Anton Wolfgang von Faber-Castell.

His wife, Countess Mary, serves as managing director of FC Cosmetics, a division for which they both have a special affinity. (The two met when Faber-Castell began making cosmetic pencils for Chanel, where Mary was director of marketing.) The couple’s four children, Count Charles and Countesses Sarah, Katharina and Victoria, are currently studying international business, law and marketing in preparation for their futures within the company.

A notable highlight is the company’s pen of the year, of which only 10 are produced annually; the design for 2012 featured 58 diamonds in 18K yellow gold, along with a $90,000 price tag. Among the more attainable — but still exquisite — offerings is the E-Motion collection of ballpoint pens, like the ivory resin version pictured above. Its body will fit comfortably in your hand, while its laser-etched crocodile pattern will surely make you the envy of other pen connoisseurs. We are proud to offer Faber-Castell products, and to support a family business dedicated to upholding tradtions much like our own.

“THE POINT IS NOT TO CLING TO TRADITION FOR ITS OWN SAKE, BUT TO PRESERVE IT, IN KEEPING WITH THE TIMES, AS A SUCCESSFUL SYSTEM OF VALUES.” –COUNT ANTON WOLFGANG VON FABER-CASTELL

Left: The Faber-Castell Castle in Stein, Germany.

40

Guilloche CiselĂŠ The deep matte surface in anthracite grey combined with the shimmering engraved Herringbone pattern creates a unique and very pleasant feel. The highly polished rhodium-plated cap, end piece and grip contrast beautifully with the engraved barrel.

DESIGN

TELLING

STORIES

Nate Berkus discusses his new book, The Things That Matter. BETHANY RABORN

D

esigner, film producer, author and TV personality Nate Berkus has made a career out of taking interior design beyond paint colors and fabric swatches. His latest book, The Things That Matter (Spiegel & Grau, 2012), gets to the heart of design in a way that has you simultaneously poring over the vibrant pages and setting it down to rearrange your living room. Here, we chat with Berkus about the book, his own home décor, and more.

Your new book focuses on design as a personal statement. Was there a point where you realized design was not just about making things pretty?

I realized that very early on. My mom is an interior designer, so “home” was more about a well-designed room than a home-cooked meal. That was her way of saying she cared about her family. Things were not expensive, but they were beautiful. It was ingrained in me that assembling interiors was not something to be rushed.

You talk about incorporating things from your travels into your décor. How does one avoid a room full of kitschy souvenirs?

I do a lot of research before I travel. I talk to the concierge at the hotel, I talk

to a friend who’s gone there before, to really get the best sources for everything. I have a deep knowledge of furniture creators and modern art, but one thing that is always important to me is the element of the handmade, whether it’s a Navajo basket on a coffee table or a South American belt on a pile of books. I look for the best silversmith in Portugal, the best textiles in Asia or ceramics in Mexico. I look for what’s indigenous, what’s historic and traditional.

When you walk into someone’s home, what stands out as “good” or “bad” design?

What makes me happy is walking in to see different styles all combined.

That may be a Swedish dresser, a French mirror and a Native American rug in one room. I think it makes a room feel layered, like it was assembled over time. I love when someone takes a risk. I may not love what they did, but I am taken in when I see someone is adventurous. Conversely, what bugs me is when everything is of the same quality or out of one catalog. You can tell when someone spent a great fortune, but you don’t know anything about that person except that they’re rich.

In the book, you discuss designing your own home in NYC. How was the process different than designing for other people?

In a designer’s own home, he is answering only to himself, so he can take more risks. I like to let things find me, whereas with clients you don’t have the luxury of buying things haphazardly. For my home, I started to feel like I didn’t have roots; I wanted to assemble everything in one space, under one roof. Over 570 boxes were delivered to that home and as I went through all of them, I started to understand my own connection to things. I had to decide what to keep, where to put it, what it went with. The editing process is the most important part. Even if there is something you love, if there’s no place for you to display it and enjoy it and have it add to the graciousness of your home, then it should be edited out.

What did you learn from writing the book?

I didn’t set out to write an autobiography, rather I wanted the book to be about how I approach design. I hope people recognize that we each have a story, which is why I shared my own in the book. Everyone I’ve known, everywhere I’ve been, everything I’ve done has influenced my style. I hope people will stop, take a beat, and decide for themselves what really serves them in the home and what doesn’t. Only then can someone achieve an interior that truly reflects their personality.

What’s next for Nate Berkus?

My Chicago design firm is constantly undertaking new projects. I am excited about my collaboration with Target, and hope people find a few things from my line to add to their décor. I’m producing a second feature film that I’m really excited about. I love books so much, and after producing The Help, I wanted to find another project where I could make a beloved book into a film. We need more of that.

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SPIRITS

FINE

TEQUILA

Mexico’s national spirit looks toward luxury.

T

he Margarita continues to rank as one of the country’s most popular cocktails, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. (DISCUS), as well as a perennially popular resort option. Fortunately, today’s drinker has an unprecedented range of premium and superpremium tequila options from which to choose, whether sipped, shot or mixed into a drink. Casa Dragones is a super-premium, limited-production blend of blanco (aged two to six months) and extra añejo (aged five years) tequilas, designed for refined, smooth sipping. It’s made in small batches and bottled in individually engraved, signed and numbered crystal decanters. “For us, it’s one bottle at a time,” says co-founder and maestra tequilera Bertha Gonzalez Nieves, “and we never want to change that.” At about $300 a bottle, it’s not for shooting. Instead, it’s for sipping and is part of what could be called a Third Wave of Tequila in the U.S. (Jose Cuervo representing our introduction to the agave-based spirit in the 1960s and ’70s, Patron/Sauza/El Tesoro taking us further along the journey in the ’80s and ’90s, and today’s artisanal and luxury products expanding our horizons yet again).

Most of the flexibility in tequila production involves the fine points of harvesting agave hearts, or piñons, how and how long the piñons are cooked, and specific distillation techniques. Blending differently aged batches, as Casa Dragones does, is a relatively new twist, one which Maestro Dobel

Single Estate tequila ($45) claims to have mastered first. A clear, colorless blend of various aged tequilas, Dobel is unexpectedly earthy on the palate, in part due to the use of Balkan oak. Don Julio, meanwhile, launched its Añejo 70 Claro ($70) in late 2011. Not a blend of aged tequilas, rather a clarified and filtered añejo, the result is a clear, colorless juice like a blanco, with the toasted oak and dusty sugar notes of an aged spirit.

Perhaps the most interesting experimentation happening with tequila involves barrel choices. Most brands employ new oak or used bourbon barrels (the way most Scotch whisky does) during the aging process, but a few are exploring sherry casks, port barrels and more. DeLeon, a Guanajuato-based spirits brand, launched Leona on December 21 last year (the “end of the world” on the Mayan calendar). It was the first in a series of high-end, limited-edition “reserva” releases from the brand. Founder Brent Hocking says, “We were lucky to have purchased extra Sauternes barrels used in finishing our añejo expression. While going through the warehouse, we decided to experiment and see what would happen if we left some to sit.” Taking the tequila to the aging “edge” of the añejo classification (34 months), the resulting liquor is sweet, rich and complex and, quite simply, one of the most intriguing tequilas on the market. At $825, it had better be good of course, but Leona is no vanity project. It’s definitive proof that tequila has potential, as a fine spirit, far beyond body shots at spring break.

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COURTESY DELEON TEQUILA

ROBERT HAYNES-PETERSON

It’s dining with a whole lot of

pizzazz.

After you satisfy your taste buds at one of our fine restaurants, indulge your good taste at our unique collection of shops. It’s a delicious experience you won’t want to miss. Call 1.888.226.7711 or visit mohegansun.com.

Shops: Bare Minerals • Brewster’s Trading Post • Brighton Collectibles • Brookstone • Caché • Cascade Electronics Chico’s • Citizen Watch • Clay Pipe • Coach • Dylan’s Candy Bar • The Essentials • Everything Under The Sun Galina’s • Godiva Chocolatier • Landau • Lush • Lux Bond & Green • Margaritaville’s Smuggler’s Hold The Old Farmer’s Almanac General Store • Once Upon A Time Toys • Oriental Fine Arts & Crafts • Puma Sephora • Spin Street • Sun Shoes • Sunglasses USA • Swarovski • Tiffany & Co. • Tommy Bahama Trading Cove • Trailblazer • Yankee Candle Restaurants: Ballo Italian Restaurant & Social Club • Ben & Jerry’s Bobby Flay’s Bar Americain • Bobby’s Burger Palace • Bow & Arrow Sports Bar • Chief’s Deli • Dunkin’ Donuts Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana • Geno’s Bagels, Sweets & Subs • Geno’s Fast Break • Geno’s Pub Hash House A Go Go • Imus Ranch Coffee • Jasper White’s Summer Shack • Jasper White’s Summer Shack Express Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville • Johnny Rockets • Johnny Rockets Express • Krispy Kreme Doughnuts The Lansdowne Irish Pub & Music House • Michael Jordan’s 23.sportcafe • Michael Jordan’s Steak House The Original SoupMan • Seasons Buffet • SolToro Tequila Grill • Starbucks Coffee • Sunrise Square Food Court Todd English’s Tuscany • Wok-On by Geno’s Fast Break Conveniently located in Mystic Country.

READS

LIVINGA CHARMED LIFE

Stylist, designer, writer and founding fashion director of this magazine, BETH BERNSTEIN talks to Accent about love, life and the profound power of fine jewelry. generations, taking on each of our personalities as it changed • My grandmother’s fantasy gems • A platinum eternity band I bought myself. It was my first self purchase and it meant that I was independent and didn’t need a man to buy me jewelry.

• A locket and baguette stick pin from my mom, pieces that always remind me of her • My dad’s Cartier Tank watch • The plastic bead necklace my niece made for me when she was three • A pendant my dad gave to my mom that I had revamped into a ring; it keeps them alive, and together, forever…

Family is obviously important to you. What’s the best advice you ever got from your loved ones?

From my grandmother: “Always wear a little lipstick. And earrings…”

“Superstitions are just that. Worrying doesn’t make something not happen…” And the zinger: “If he hasn’t married you by now, he’s not going to!”

From my father: “People can only hurt you if you let them.”

From my mother: “You can usually see the train coming from afar; get off the tracks before it hits you.” And (the words I heard most often) “He wasn’t worthy of you anyway…”

What’s your best advice to women about buying and wearing jewelry?

I very much believe in personal style and creating your own look. Buy for who you are, not who your friends are. Try on lots of different things: you’ll learn your style as you get more comfortable trying on. Leave hints for your husband or significant other about your dream gifts. But never feel like you have to stick with something: you can change your style as you grow. The most important rule: there are no rules. Wear what you love. Wear your jewelry; never let it wear you.

I understand you’re a bit superstitious about your jewelry…

Just a bit! I always wear some sort of talisman when I fly. (I truly believe it helps land the plane…) I never wear a ring on my left hand ring finger because some Russian woman told me when I was very young that I’d never get married if I did. I’m still not married, and still longing for that band of gold…

46

“WEAR YOUR JEWELRY; NEVER LET IT WEAR YOU.”

NOLET’S GIN

You’ve been touring the country and the reviews have been sensational. Why did you write this book?

I felt there was something ultimately universal in the way women relate the most significant moments in their lives to jewelry. Open any woman’s jewelry box and there will be at least a few pieces that connect her to her past, that represent her present and that can be handed down in the future. As a writer and jewelry designer, I wanted to explore this theme, kind of what Ilene Beckerman did in Love, Loss, and What I Wore.

What did you learn about yourself from writing it?

More than I wanted to know; it was a painful process of self discovery. I learned that I hold on, am afraid of loss (thus I have every piece of jewelry every guy ever gave to me — even the ones I don’t want to remember). I learned that I have incredible connections that go deeper than I realized with the maternal side of my family. That I continually choose the wrong men and stay too long in bad relationships.

And that my mom and grandmother were the true gems in my life.

What have women told you about themselves upon reading your book?

I’ve had many women write me about their mothers: the shared emotions and shared jewelry boxes. Almost everyone who wrote mentioned the relevance certain pieces have to significant moments in their lives: the exciting time they got their ears pierced or the magical moment they were first given jewelry by a guy — even if it was from a vending machine!

Women have told me about the pain of selling their jewelry after a divorce, the joy of receiving their engagement ring, the bittersweet memories conjured up by their mom’s charm bracelet…

What are your most prized pieces and why?

• My mom’s baroque pearls handed to me in the hospital in a Ziplock bag when she died unexpectedly • My great-grandmother’s brooch, transformed four times for four

The story of life and love; create timeless memories with a charm bracelet.

Thousands of charms in gold and silver.

TRIPLE G RESISTANT Shock absorbing technology designed to withstand these forces:

đ Gravitational Dropping đ Centrifugal Gravitation đ Vibration GWA1000-1A

SOLAR POWERED A SOLAR PANEL COMBINED WITH A LARGE-CAPACITY RECHARGEABLE BATTERY ENABLES THIS IMPRESSIVE SOLAR TIMEPIECE TO RUN SMOOTHLY UNDER ANY LIGHT WITH NO BATTERY REPLACEMENT.

North America

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Japan China

United Kingdom

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ATOMIC TIMEKEEPING MULTI-BAND TECHNOLOGY RECEIVES TIME CALIBRATION SIGNALS AUTOMATICALLY FROM UP TO SIX TRANSMITTERS AROUND THE WORLD (US, UK, GERMANY, JAPAN X 2 AND CHINA). THIS TECHNOLOGY ALSO ADJUSTS FOR LEAP YEAR AND DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME.

©2013 CASIO AMERICA, INC.

ACCENT MAGAZINE SPECIAL SECTION SPRING/SUMMER 2013

GETTY 1

WATCHES

LBG WATCHES

Spring TIME Elegant, playful, chic, edgy, sporty, sophisticated, maritime, military, aviation, racing, diving...

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COM P LEM EN T YO U R LIFEST YLE.

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NIGHT VISION Inspired by the Original Swiss Army Knife, Victorinox Swiss Army timepieces reflect relentless commitment to quality and functionality.

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FOCUS: ADVISOR

WATCH WISDOM

TIME TO ANSWER YOUR PRESSING QUESTIONS.

IS IT NECESSARY TO SERVICE MY WATCH IF I’M NOT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH IT? All watches need maintenance. The extent of the service required depends on the particular timepiece, its movement and its age.

Generally, quartz watches need battery replacements every two to three years. Mechanical watches, much like automobiles, need regular servicing. The inner movements of the mechanical watch are lightly lubricated to reduce friction between the parts and ensure accuracy and reliability. Deterioration of the lubricants occurs over time and results in higher friction, increasing wear and tear and decreasing precision. A mechanical watch should be serviced every three to five years. Watches should always be taken to an authorized retailer to be properly serviced. If the wrong gaskets, batteries or parts are used, it can result in more expensive repairs down the line. Even quartz watches, after a simple battery change, have to be properly sealed and closed to ensure their water resistance.

IS A WATCH A GOOD INVESTMENT? Many people buy a watch because they love the individual statement the piece makes about them. However, in today’s economy, people also want to know that the watch they’re buying will hold its value over time, and maybe even go up in value. Most top-name watches will hold their value and some can even become heirloom pieces over the coming generations. If you’re looking to start building a watch collection, invest in different styles of watches appropriate for different situations, and do your homework regarding the most coveted brands.

Special or limited-edition watches are almost always a good investment in the long term. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; our knowledgeable watch experts are here to give you guidance.

52

maestro collection

FOCUS: ADVISOR

WHAT ARE THE CURRENT WATCH TRENDS? One of the most important trends in the watch market today is definitely the proliferation of dual-, triple-, and multi-time zone watches. For today’s global business person, or any busy traveler, having alternate time zones readily available at the flick of the wrist is almost essential. These timepieces come in a wealth of styles and in an array of price ranges, offering design and technology options for men and women. Chronographs also steal the limelight with their form-meets-function attitude. A chronograph is a watch that times multiple events, and it can be a very useful tool. Another important trend today is the move toward new timepieces for women. These include mechanical and quartz watches that offer sophisticated features and functions, like elegant moonphase indications, chronograph counters and calendars.

I HEAR PEOPLE TALK ABOUT “COMPLICATED” WATCHES; WHAT DOES THIS MEAN (AND ISN’T LIFE COMPLICATED ENOUGH)?

The term complicated refers to timepieces with certain functions or features that are considered top feats of watchmaking. The most coveted complications vary depending on personal taste and watchmaking progress. Among the top categories today are tourbillon watches (expensive, complex mechanical calibers that house an escapement, which compensates for errors in timekeeping due to the effects of gravity), repeater watches that chime the time on demand via a series of gongs and hammers, and perpetual calendar watches that can track the day, date, month, year and leap year (and sometimes moonphases and more) for hundreds of years to come. Some of the world’s finest complicated watches can have waiting lists, but please stop in anyway — we’re happy to show you some fabulous timepieces whether or not you plan to buy.

WHAT NEW MATERIALS ARE BEING USED IN WATCHMAKING? As watchmakers progress in their quests for innovation, they naturally turn to other fields, such as the space and automotive industries, to see what these state-of-the-art worlds are utilizing.

This has led to a wealth of new lightweight, rugged, hypoallergenic materials being incorporated into wristwatch cases, dials and straps. Among the more interesting materials being used: high-tech ceramic, carbon fiber, aluminum, titanium and alloys of various elements. These are great new introductions that are well worth checking out the next time you visit the store.

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©2012 movado group, inc.

KERRY WASHINGTON, ACCLAIMED ACTOR. CERENA™ MODERN CERAMIC DESIGN IN SMOOTH WHITE CERAMIC AND STAINLESS STEEL. WHITE DIAL WITH DIAMONDS.

FOCUS: PROFILE

by Karen Alberg Grossman

THE ART OF TIME

A CONVERSATION WITH OLIVIER BERNHEIM, PRESIDENT & CEO OF RAYMOND WEIL GENÈVE. What was the original goal when the brand was launched back in 1976?

My father-in-law, Mr. Raymond Weil, was a visionary. In 1976, while Swiss watchmakers were struggling with outdated business models, he saw an opportunity. His goal was to democratize, worldwide, Swiss watchmaking, to produce elegant and exquisite watches with the highest quality standards but at more attainable prices. Today, my mission is to continue my father-in-law’s extraordinary adventure.

Remaining true to the brand’s spirit, we’re offering new designs and variations in color, materials, shapes and sizes.

The Maestro collection, for example, features a new chronograph, a phase de lune complication for ladies, and some retro-inspired models.

Freelancer is revisiting its classics with new interpretations of the bestselling chronograph and the open-dial visible balance wheel models.

The new Jasmine collection features a subtle flower motif, which now adorns the heart of its dial, on a guilloché finish.

How would you differentiate your company, and your watches, from the competition?

Raymond Weil is one of the last independent family-owned businesses, with the third generation now in charge. Our brand benefits from the horological knowledge of Mr. Weil, renowned in the watchmaking industry as a living legend.

Our watches are creative and elegant, offering high quality standards at unequaled prices. They benefit from Mr. Weil’s 63 years of experience, from my 30 years, and from the latest technological innovations made by our R & D department.

You’re known for a focus on art and music; how does this relate to watchmaking?

Music is a family passion: my father-in-law is a great lover of classical and lyrical music and was inspired by it from the outset when he named his first collections after famous operas. He transmitted this passion to my wife, who is a professional pianist, and to my sons who are musicians themselves. I’ve carried on developing this unique duo — watchmaking and music. They have much in common: precision, creativity and the emotions they inspire.

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

Staying independent in a highly competitive market. By so doing, we’ve added a human component to our business model.

What kind of person wears a Raymond Weil watch? How many watches do you own and which is your favorite?

A person who wears Raymond Weil is attentive to quality, and appreciates innovative, elegant timepieces. In addition, this person likely favors the traditional values conveyed by a family-run company.

Personally, I have a collection of about 60 Raymond Weil watches and cannot pick a favorite; each is appropriate for a particular moment of life.

That said, I currently love wearing a recent creation: my Maestro Phase de Lune Semainier, a unique timepiece with seven hands, combining harmony, elegance, tradition and innovation.

What can we expect from Raymond Weil this year in terms of technical and aesthetic innovation?

Mr. Raymond Weil invented a fresh approach to luxury. My two sons, Elie and Pierre, and I strive to continue along this route. (They are particularly keen on introducing new technologies in marketing.)

Our timepieces are at once classic and modern, casual and elegant.

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CSX-33 DIAMOND, DIAMOND DIAL CSX-33 DIAMOND GOLD, DIAMOND DIAL

FOCUS: POP CULTURE

by Jillian LaRochelle

WATCHES IN FILM

AND THE NOMINEES FOR TIMEPIECE IN A STARRING ROLE ARE...

SKYFALL Daniel Craig as James Bond, wearing an Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 600M SKYFALL

Jeremy Renner as Aaron Cross, wearing an IWC Pilot’s Watch Double Chronograph Edition TOP GUN

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IMAGES COURTESY OMEGA, IWC, PIAGET, VICTORINOX SWISS ARMY

THE BOURNE LEGACY

THE DARK KNIGHT RISES

M A R V E Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; S THE AVENGERS

Joseph Gordon-Levitt as John Blake, wearing a Victorinox Swiss Army Classic Infantry

Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, wearing a Piaget Polo Chronograph

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FOCUS: PROFILE

by Robert Haynes-Peterson

THE STRONGEST LINK

O

TAG HEUER DOES WELL BY DOING GOOD. Natural Resources Defense Council — was in town filming The Wolf of Wall Street. He bounded on stage to join Diaz and Babin, showering high praise on the brand. "It's incredible to work with a company that cares so much, and gives so much. That kind of dedication to service is important to me, and it's reflected in everything TAG Heuer does."

The Link Lady Trilogy Limited Edition set and Leonardo DiCaprio Link Automatic Chronograph Calibre 16 watch are in stores now.

TAG Heuer fans can also enjoy a technological breakthrough this year: the TAG Heuer Mikrogirder. The innovative regulator, which TAG Heuer claims challenges the 300-year heritage of hairspring/balance wheel mechanical regulation, allows the company to present a highly accurate chronograph, impervious to gravity, with minimal isochronous error.

Winner of the 2012 Aiguille d'Or — the top prize in all categories at the Geneva Watchmaking Gran Prix — the Mikrogirder Chronograph replaces the spiral hairspring and classic balance wheel with a coupling beam and excitatory beam system, paired with a linear oscillator. The technology allows the chronograph accuracy to 5/10,000 of a second, beating 7.2 million times each hour. The design features a anthracite dial and rubber strap, with assymetric case.

nly a couple of weeks after Hurricane Sandy, when much of lower Manhattan, Brooklyn and New Jersey were still plunged in darkness, TAG Heuer went ahead with its plans for the Manhattan launch party of its latest Link collection, the Link Lady Trilogy Limited Edition. Created in conjunction with brand ambassador Cameron Diaz, who attended the event, the Trilogy collection (a limited-edition steel ring, bracelet and watch trio featuring the first automatic watch in the Link Lady line) was already slated to do good: Profits are dedicated to support UN Women, an organization that advocates for women's rights around the world. In the wake of Sandy's destructive force, however, the watch company knew it must do more.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims of Hurricane Sandy," TAG Heuer president and CEO Jean-Christophe Babin told the crowd of 500 or so, many of whom had flown in from Europe for the event. "We decided it was important to help New York Cares with their relief efforts, and we are donating $100 for every guest who is here."

As it happened, actor Leonardo DiCaprio — another TAG Heuer brand ambassador, whose new Signature Link Calibre 16 Chronograph (with blue dial) will raise funds for Green Cross International and the

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PERFECT GEMS EXPLORE THE LITTLE LUXURIES THE WORLD HAS TO OFFER.

A STROLL THROUGH HOTEL LA MAMOUNIA

Marrakech has a fascinating history, exotic markets, exciting nightlife and a delightfully opulent hotel. La Mamounia, a former palace celebrated for its mixture of traditional Moroccan and modern French styles, offers intriguing experiences from great art to ice cream. Take a walk through the reception room, lobby and tearoom, where Moroccan paintings and statues inspire. Stop at the Italian Bar to view the latest photography exhibition while sipping a Le Grand Dame Champagne cocktail made with citrus essence. Next, wander outside into the serene 17-acre garden filled with olive and citrus trees, magnificent roses and an extensive kitchen garden (you might chat with the chef as he gathers vegetables for dinner). At the center of the garden is Le Menzeh, an ice cream pavilion that offers pastries and freshly made ice creams. Finally, to recover from your exertions, complete your tour with a Royal Hammam treatment at the lavish spa.

THE NIGHT SPOT

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no secret that Broadway singers and actors hate when the curtain comes down and they have to leave the stage.

So on Tuesday nights, after the shows are out, performers and the fans who love them gather for Backstage at 54 Below (located in the basement of legendary Studio 54) to keep the music and jokes going over drinks and supper. Led by musical director Brad Simmons and host Susie Mosher, gypsies, Broadway and cabaret stars (and occasionally an audience member) sing or do their routines in this intimate and fashionable 144-seat space created by Tony-winning set designers. The wine list and food are good, the service excellent, the crowd always fun. And you never know who might turn up to perform. End your evening on a high note.

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BOTTOM LEFT MARC BRYAN-BROWN

CHRIS LEE

DONALD CHARLES RICHARDSON

SPIRIT OF THE PAST

ALEX R. KIRZHNER

Built in 1228 by the Anglo-Norman de Burgos family, Ashford Castle is set on 350 acres with a spectacular backdrop of Irish woodlands, lake and mountains. Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness purchased the estate in 1855 as the family’s country residence. Since becoming a hotel in 1939, the castle has welcomed dignitaries and celebrities including Prince Edward, King George V, Ted Kennedy, Sharon Stone, Brad Pitt and Barbra Streisand. The castle offers contemporary comforts and conveniences, but naturally, oldworld traditions still thrive. There’s Ireland’s first school of falconry, a decanter of sherry in each room, and tea served in the drawing room. And in keeping with conventional castle ambiance, there’s also a ghost, reportedly from the 19th century when the Guinnesses were in residence.

Not to worry: guests who’ve seen the young female apparition say she’s friendly.

LIGHT FOOTED

This spring, let your feet shine with bright bejeweled footwear by Ivy Kirzhner, featuring cloisonné metal work and exotic leathers.

The 2013 collection includes the Ark, a dress wedge with crystals and snake leather inlays on an 18K gold-plated heel. The Taj Mahal gladiator sandal features gold silk metallic leather with crystals.

Nefertiti is an ornamental high wedge with 18K gold-plated hardware and hand-enameled cloisonné treatment. Pictured above are the Montezuma Deco-bejeweled slippers in royal blue and hot coral kid suede and gold silk metallic, and the Tresor, a Deco ballet flat in gold silk metallic and opal, both with crystals on an 18K goldplated hardware ornament. Step into a brilliant summer.

CONCERT GRAND

Steinway Lyngdorf is a collaboration between Steinway & Sons, makers of the world’s finest pianos, and audio innovator Peter Lyngdorf. Their speaker systems range from the invisible to the compact to the giant. Currently, the state-of-theart choice is the Model LS Concert. Combined with the SP-1 Stereo Processor or P-1 Surround Sound Processor and Steinway Lyngdorf’s fully digital amplifiers, it’s perfect for luxurious home theaters. The open-baffle design makes the speaker interact with the room much as a musical instrument would, resulting in extremely open and life-like musicality. There’s also a remarkable remote that weighs nearly 2.2 pounds, with a rotating wheel crafted from solid, gold-plated brass and mounted on precision-machined Swiss bearings, providing intuitive and total command of the system.

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DELICACIES

MUCH ADO ABOUT

OYSTERS You won’t get pearls from these babies, just an incredible eating experience!

KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN

T

he legend: Ned was an “old Native American dude” who lived alone on an island in the Long Island Sound. The waters surrounding his island were teeming with Bluepoint oysters (named for Blue Point, Long Island, where they were originally discovered) so he harvested them for sustenance. He wasn’t rich, but he sure was happy!

Following in his footsteps, Ren Brighton has been farming Bluepoints since college, a passion he picked up from his grandfather, who owned some property on the Sound.

His business — Ned’s Island Oysters: Fresh Bluepoints delivered to your door — is just over a year old, comprises two acres of beds in Darien, Conn. and is very labor-intensive. Beginning with local broodstock, the oysters start out in a hatchery. “It’s all about temperature manipulation,” Brighton explains. “Spawning usually takes place only in the hottest part of summer, but if we heat the water to 30 degrees C, the oysters are tricked…” They then grow in cages in the Sound until they meet Ned’s standard of three to four

inches; of course, the waters are carefully monitored by the State Bureau of Aquaculture. From spawning to market size takes 18 months to two years.

Caveat emptor: Since ‘Bluepoint’ is not trademarked, other regions have attempted to market their oysters under this name. Be warned: these imposters don’t even come close! Explains Brighton, “No rivers flow into the area where our beds are located, so the waters here are a little saltier, and rich with algae, plankton and various nutrients.”

In addition to a delicious and nutritious eating experience (Ned’s Island oysters were described by one taste tester as “sweet, perfectly briny, with a lingering tannic green pepper finish almost like a Chinon or other Cabernet Franc…”), oysters are reputed to be an aphrodisiac, and oyster farming (a sustainable activity that uses no pollutants) is known to replenish the seas. In fact, oysters eat by filtering out micronutrients from seawater at a rate of about a gallon an hour, thus keeping marine ecosystems healthy. So eat oysters, save the planet, and enjoy!

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TRAVEL

White Temple

THE GOLDEN

TRIANGLE

An Asian paradise awaits at the crossroads of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. SCOTT HASS

I

n the northeastern corner of Thailand, in what were once nearly inaccessible lands, you will find the tropical Asian destination known as The Golden Triangle. Decades ago, this region, which borders Laos and Myanmar, was filled with opiate traders and insurgents.

Nowadays, it is one of the most unspoiled parts of Southeast Asia with a sophisticated infrastructure of roads, markets, hotels and shops to attract visitors.

Physically, The Golden Triangle has magnificent hills, mountains, swaying bamboo forests, and the majestic Mekong river. Culturally, you’ll find Buddhist temples and first-rate artisans perfecting sculpture, woodwork and pottery. Socially, the famed generosity of spirit that characterizes the Thai people is in abundance; as yet, the region has not become overwhelmed by tourists.

When I came across photographs of a magnificent house, available for rent, on a former coffee plantation near Chiang Rai, a town within The

Golden Triangle, I booked flights immediately. Owned by an Australian interior designer currently based in Hong Kong, pictures of the property made it clear that this was an architectural gem.

It took about 90 minutes to get to Chiang Rai from Bangkok, and from the plane we were in awe of the verdant mountains to the north. We were picked up at the airport by Sakda, our driver and housekeeper for the next 10 days. During the ride from the airport, on a highway as sleek as what you’d find stateside, we passed by pristine villages, remarkable fruit and vegetable markets, and small local Buddhist temples. It was exotic but welcoming, and so clean and lush I felt as if we were in Hawaii rather than a remote Southeast Asian country. The air was redolent with the scents of onions, ginger and frying chilies, and even the colors of the fruits — pink, orange, red and purple — seemed so magical.

Doy Din Dang Pottery Chiang Rai has simple, wonderful, open-air restaurants. The cuisine of this region is based largely

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on Chinese peasant cooking. This means placing fresh herbs in the bottom of a bowl, topping them with noodles, filling the bowl with broth, and putting grilled chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp over the noodles. Or, if you’re in the mood for a lighter snack, head to the markets to buy exotic, colorful fruits like durian, longan, rambutan and pitaya.

When not eating, you should visit the bizarre, fascinating Black House, a huge installation organized by the artist Thawan Duchanee. The vast temple grounds are perfectly landscaped on undulating rises, with fruit trees, narrow stone paths, small horses stationed near the buildings, and views of the hillsides that made me feel as if I was in a movie. The artist had utilized the landscapes as if they existed only to complement his own work: it was that audacious! Each building housed fake skeletons of imaginary creatures, pelts from beasts that had never existed, and an odd, evocative mix of old and new elements. Each building was unique and stunning, and each was an art gallery unto itself, displaying works of art in stone, fabric, clay and oil paint. It looked like something Salvador Dali might have done had he been born in Thailand. he best pottery in the region can be found at Doy Din Dang Pottery, where master potter Somluk Pantiboon produces museum-quality work. While the region has a long history of using clay to make household items, Pantiboon is creating art that is decorative rather than utilitarian. He is an independent thinker, international in outlook and experience in contrast to most who have spent their entire lives here as farmers.

Massages are the high point of a trip to The Golden Triangle. For about $50, you can have a one-hour treatment that will loosen you up, revive your senses and restore focus. The very best place for massages in Chiang Rai is Chivit Thamma Da. Located on a narrow street next to a river, this spa is housed in a wonderfully old-fashioned, two-story wooden building next to a coffee shop run by the same owners. I went there each day during my trip, and after a 90-minute massage, all the stress that remained from my ordinary life was diminished.

Massages are a fundamental part of daily life for many in Thailand: It’s their therapy. As a clinical psychologist it’s hard to admit, but I believe their practice trumps mine.

THE AIR WAS REDOLENT WITH THE SCENTS OF ONIONS, GINGER AND FRYING CHILIES, AND EVEN THE COLORS OF THE FRUITS — PINK, ORANGE, RED AND PURPLE — SEEMED SO MAGICAL.

T

Entrance to the White Temple

RAI RAKANG: Easily the most beautiful home I have ever rented. It had one enormous room, three stories high, modeled on a Buddhist temple, and a luxurious bedroom and attached bath with views of grounds that were once a coffee plantation. Called “Elephant House,” it ran about $275 a night, which included daily breakfast catered on the patio, daily housekeeping, and a driver and car (gasoline extra). Contact the owner, Andrew Bell, directly at rairakang@hotmail.com.

LE MERIDIEN: A brand-new riverside property in Chiang Rai, with beautiful rooms, great food, cooking classes and an incredibly friendly staff.

221 / 2 Moo 20 Kwaewai Road Tambon Robwieng, Amphur Muang Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand Phone: +66 (53) 603 333 Fax: +66 (53) 603 330 Email: lemeridien.chiangrai@lemeridien.com

ANANTARA GOLDEN TRIANGLE: A stone’s throw from Myanmar and Laos, this is one of the top luxury hotels in Thailand. The property boasts a spa and an array of upscale restaurants, and they’ll even help you arrange a trip to an elephant camp, where the majestic creatures are protected from poachers and raised in the serenity and love characteristic of this Buddhist nation.

Golden Triangle, Thailand Phone: +66 (0) 5378 4084 Email: goldentriangle@anantara.com

WHERE TO EAT: Any number of holes in the wall in the dozens of Thai towns and villages that make up The Golden Triangle offer delicious fresh noodles, broth, fried pork and grilled chicken. The country is friendly, safe and clean.

WHAT TO DO: In Chiang Rai, you must go as often as possible to Chivit Thamma Da for massages, followed by cold draft beer or coffee and pastries in the adjoining café. Massages are by appointment. Call +66 (0) 81 984 2925 to schedule.

In addition to visiting temples and shrines, it is also great fun to have a portrait done while you’re there. Visit Bliss Studios, where ace photographer Chalit Chawalitangkun takes travel photos to a new level.

Email: gelatinsilver@hotmail.com.

For pottery, visit Doy Din Dang Pottery.

Website: dddpottery.com.

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TOP RIGHT SIMON NARRAMORE

Black House art installation

WHERE TO STAY:

FIRST PERSON

WHY I

DANCE

How I got my mojo back. LENORE RICH

F

or one hour a week, I am a princess. I am more beautiful than Sofia Vergara, more graceful than a swan. Although my upper back aches slightly, I am gloriously happy. Dormant muscles that I never knew existed are springing to life. And my brain (which can no longer remember what book I’m reading) is sending multiple messages: to my pinky finger to point upward, to my feet to glide back on the ball and forward with the heel, to my head to tilt and my torso to configure a perfect pose. (They tell me “muscle memory” will eventually kick in; I eagerly await the kick...) I silently thank Mom and Dad for those costly ballet lessons decades ago, and wonder why I ever stopped. I love to dance!

“Enough waltz!” insists my young and handsome Brazilian dance instructor. “We will learn the rumba. Forget those ballet arms and look at me with dagger eyes. This is a sensual dance! Run your fingers through your hair, sweep them across your upper body. Focus on the hips…” I look at him defiantly: this middle-aged suburban mom is not about to sway her hips or caress her upper body. He accepts no excuses: I am to practice in the privacy of home.

To prepare, I rummage through my closet and discover a slinky red dress and some gleaming South Sea pearls, perfect for a sensual rumba. Thankful that the back of my lakeside home is totally private (if I discount deer and chipmunks), I don the outfit and lose myself in the hypnotic rhythm blaring on my stereo in full surround sound. Completely immersed in the music and concentrating on my moves, I never heard the leaf blowers in my backyard. Suddenly, I’m returning the stares of several smiling and appreciative gardeners, their faces glued to my back window. Apparently, I’ve unleashed my inner beast and will soon be the talk of the town, at least among groundskeepers…

Undaunted, I count the hours until my next lesson, when I’ll once again transform to princess, or (in my dreams) to temptress. And as I glance at my reflection in the dance studio mirror, I see no wrinkles or extra pounds, but rather an ageless elegant woman with a newly awakened passion for life.

“I rummage through

my closet and discover a slinky red dress and

some gleaming South Sea pearls, perfect for a

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TANGO ILLUSTRATION BY CAROLYN WELTMAN, AVAILABLE AT ETSY.COM/SHOP/NUDESANDSHOES

sensual rumba.”

© D.YURMAN 2013

LUX BOND & GREEN ACCENT THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS

SPRING/SUMMER 2013