Summer/Fall 2021 The Hamptons

ART, NEWS & THE MOVIES

KOBI KARP TALKS MIAMI AFTER GREAT LOSS

LINJIE DENG

From Local Asian to Global Artist

ART

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by Fred and Farid

New RESERVOIR HYDROSPHERE “The Greg LECOEUR Edition”

The Elegant World of GO DINING WITH STYLE

OCEANPRIME

Nina Christine Perfumes

EDITOR & PUBLISHER

Rebeca Herrero

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Carmen Jiménez

EQUESTRIAN EDITOR Shereen Fuqua

CREATIVE CONTRIBUTOR & PHOTOGRAPHER

Gabriel Barreto, Julio Mendez, Cesar Montano

EDITOR-AT-LARGE Rosanna Perez

NYC CONTRIBUTOR

Norah Lawlor

SOCIETY EDITOR Esther Herrero

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Christian Renait

BEAUTY STYLIST Michelle Lelia

PHOTOGRAPHY New York and South Florida Dutch Doscher, Eglys Koelig, Jim Derks, Pedro Barboza, Malena Vazquez

CONTRIBUTORS

Miguel Sarmiento, Candida Portugues

WEBMASTER

The X Factor

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The Summer/Fall Issue 2021

A letter from the editor

From the feudal inspired ink paintings to the exactitude of the calligraphy excised in China, Linjie Deng is a product of the new art emerging from Shanghai to New York City. As interesting as the painters from China who reflected on the effects of modernization after the war with Japan (1937-1945) and the culmination of the Chinese Civil War in 1949 with the hold of the People’s Re public of China, the Asian country is rich in culture, art, and philosophy, with adaptations of trends inspired in isolation but still fluctuating between internal and outside wars.

The Chinese artist has continuously wanted to escape its own tradition, but inevitably falls back to its roots which may lie in repression, political commentary, and subversiveness. Political realism defines Deng, a young artist who natural inclina tion to create art while influenced by artists like Ai Wei Wei, Jacky Tsai and Zhang Huan, is a young man whose exact compositions in art combine the Western culture with political Chinese art.

It is interesting to mention in this narrative the fact that after events of Tiananmen Square, many artists adopted styles by Western pop art called “political pop”. Artist like Wang Guangyi and Lin Shan’s red square imagery of workers, peasants, and soldiers with capitalist imagery such as the Coca Cola logo come to mind. Throughout history, political art has been present in Western culture.

From the Guerrilla Girls creation of a poster crit icizing the lack of female art at the Whitney Mu

seum to Keith Haring’s use of the pink triangle been reappropriated by the LGBT community after being used in the holocaust to identify gay people, political criticism is Lindjie’s art. Fast forward, the diversity that represents New York City is a perfect scenario for Linjie’s pursuits. Since Deng moved to the Big Apple, his work has expanded onto pieces of art that mix calligraphy with elements of paper, paint, style, and exactitude. Pieces like “Kiss Me, Kill Me” and “Superhero, Super Gay” symbolize this dramatic stance in Deng’s symbolism. One of protest, one of philosophical reflection. This is a great art issue, and our other features including Hazel the Beauty RN, the nurse prac titioner with a long list of celebrities as clients wearing the high end designer Dennis Basso, and the Boys and Girls Club female power house behind the organization is a delight. In Miami, Maria Buccellati also delights wearing Angel Sanchez at Monad Terrace, a project by Jean Nouvel and architect Kobi Karp. Enjoy this great new issue!

Rebeca Herrero

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The White Album of the Hamptons. Photographs by Christophe Von Hohenberg. Here one image of the book that’s available at https://christophevonhohenberg.com/books

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Bobby Van’s owner Joseph Smith. Hand Model wears Nigel O’Reilly. Photography by Danny Michel at Bobby Van’s located at 131 E 54th st, New York, NY 10022.

WOOL & FRIENDS

What are the plans with Revere Securities? Being the president of such an important institution demands more work but I am very satisfied with all the progress we have achieved in the past few months. We work non-stop to satisfy our clientele worldwide.

The point is to advise them strategically, navigate them through the challenging world of business, and bottom line, customer service. You live in a world surrounded by luxury and travels, what are you most passionate about? I do love the world of luxury because dressing the part in a

gentleman’s world requires dedication and that reflects on your image as well. We entertain constantly and my friends and clients appreciate the effort we put into it, we bring them a little bit of leisure and good times in great areas of the country like Palm Beach and Jupiter.

OLD TRAPPER BEEF JERKY

Available in hot and spicy, peppered, teriyaki, old fashioned and zero sugar. www.oldtrapper.com

MARINE NUTRITIONAL support provides beneficial nutrients that protect and repair inside and out. 1000 tablets/ 250 mg each $40

EUPHORIA CABINET HANDLE

VIVID-PIX

VIVID-PIX RESTORATION

The Whodunit Mystery Game is a giveaway that combines family history research with patented photo and document restoration software to learn about genealogy and restore software. www.vivid-pix.com

Laurin Cabralissa COOL THINGS

GARCELLE BEAUVAIS More gems like this

I believe Beauvais is stylish and playful. Just my

DULUX COLOR OF THE YEAR The company announced the color of the year: Brave Ground Paint Swoosh at www.dulux.ca

VELDT

THE HEAD DESIGNER FOR DENNIS BASSO IS ONE STYLISH WOMAN. INDEPENDENT, FIERCELESS AND CONSTANTLY CREATING NEW FASHION ITEMS, SHE ALSO LOVES TO LIVE WITH PASSION. HERE A FEW THINGS SHE LIKES!

THE PHILANTHROPIST TAKES A NEW TURN IN THE FINANCE WORLD BY TAKING THE HELM OF REVERE SECURITIES + HIS INTEREST IN THE NEW VENTURES IN THE HAMPTONS AND PALM BEACH. HIS LOVE FOR NON-PROFITS WHICH AID THE ARTS AND MUSIC PLAYERS FROM THE LANG LANG FOUNDATION IS WITHOUT BOUNDARIES.

Anthony Hayes poses for Art Bodega.

Photography by Dutch Doscher. Handbag by Aranyani www.aranyani.com

Ed Mermelstein is a success story. His profile reads like the who’s who of successful lawyers and business consultants that have trans formed the landscape of wealth management thanks to his company, One & Only Holdings. He advises on business, investment, and real estate dealings, from celebrities to the wealth iest families in the world. “Taking care of your investments has always been at the forefront of our consulting business,” explained Mer melstein during his interview in Manhattan. The multi-faceted businessman hails from the Soviet Union and moved to the United States when he was only an infant.

“We were refugees, lived in Germany when I was only a child. It was a tough time, my mother’s health was poor at the time, we needed to stay away from the heat. It was a difficult journey for my parents,” confessed the Manhattan resident. Now a successful developer, he is also considered one of the top lawyers in the international and domestic real estate fields. “Our office advises these families to keep their investment at a conservative but steady rate. We also teach them how to give back, how to become part of a society that has a specific culture and might not be entwined with the process thought within their own cul tural roots,” admits Mermelstein. His business has expanded in the Middle East, and Asia.

“During the pandemic we saw no international travel, things kind of changed in the industry. We are always focused on our international clients but have a new approach when it comes to US clients that are domestic. We are focusing heavily on South Florida and wish to expand on these cities. We offer our clients a basic concierge service that also finds them the impossible to get.”

Mermelstein is a firm believer on the success stories of this country. With a new roster of ce lebrity clients, he advises hip hop stars and rap celebrities on how to invest their money. “All of a sudden they become instantly successful, which gives us more reason to provide an ex tensive education on investment, focusing on private equity and other subjects they might not understand. Bottom line, we give them a unique and smart approach on how to invest their money.”

Fashion Designer

LAURIN CABRALISSA

Laurin is a Portuguese American artist and fashion designer living and working in New York. She grew up in a small town, far removed from the arts, and went to school for Pre-med. After a successful long career in the pharma ceutical industry in Manhattan, she made the decision to pursue her dreams of being a fash ion designer and went back to school at the age of 32. She quickly became the head designer of the luxury brand, Dennis Basso, where she has designed four womenswear collections a year and manages a team of creatives, seamstresses, and pattern makers. She also works as an artist, selling her paintings through multiple channels to high end clientele.

ED MERMELSTEIN

Laurin wears a Dennis Basso gown designed by her

Photography by Dutch Doscher.

Jeweler BARBARA NOVAK

Barbara is a third-generation diamond dealer who took over her family business and rebranded as Barbara Novak Diamonds. She partnered with diamond manufacturers from Israel which has given her the opportunity to create bespoke jewelry for clients. Barbara Novak Diamonds also provides private labels for major department stores. “We are located in the Diamond District and my grandfather George revolutionized the industry in 1959,” mentioned the jeweler. From beautiful diamond rings to bracelets and necklaces with subtle design, Novak is a leader in the Big Apple when it comes to diamonds.

4 PIECES FORM THE ‘ILLUSION OF REALITY’ CYCLE, 2019

1. Do I belong where I am now? | Sheets of glass, printed on transpar ency film images, pencils, paints, wood frame, Light box 13 x 16,5 x 3,5 inches, 2019

2. Blurring of the bound aries | Sheets of glass, printed on transparency film images, pencils, paints, pieces of plant, wood frame, Light box 13 x 16,5 x 3,5 inches, 2019

3. Diary of memory | Sheets of glass, printed on transparency film images, pencils, paints, thread macramé, wood frame, Light box 13 x 16,5 x 3,5 inches, 2019

Visual Artist

OXANA KOVALCHUK

Collages are an essential element of Ox ana’s art. She describes her own life itself as a complicated collage. The ‘layering’ of several different cultures, time periods, and societal models are integral parts of Oxana's personality. She captures and reflects the reality of different countries and at different times – breaking perceptions into pieces and re-imagining them, re-building them in her own fashion, and transforming them into a new existential paradigm.

4. About New York… | Sheets of glass, printed on transparency film images, pencils, paints, wood frame, Light box 13 x 16,5 x 3,5 inches, 2019

Oxana’s mixed-media collages uses a variety of materials, many of which come from her personal life, which allows her to imbue every artwork with meaning and emotion. She in cludes a combination of her own photographs and paintings, and imagery from magazines and other sources. She also incorporates found objects and organic material. She breaks down all the materials into pieces first, deconstructing them before rebuilding these elements into her collages.

‘The Illusion of Reality’ contains the real and the fictional memory. Here she uses different layers that change consistently, but the fin ished piece is coherent, the story itself can change through the viewer’s perception.

‘The Kingdom of Crooked Mirrors” again in volves distortion and deep reflection. Here she pushes the boundaries and with each change she incorporates in the process of the collage, she feels there is a rebirth of her work.

Novak was photographed at Bice Cucina located in Midtown by photographer Dutch Doscher

“I always feel a little bit like a foreigner, never fully belonging. And, my artistic process is an exploration of my overlapping experiences as a woman, immigrant, mother, and an artist”. –Kovalchuk

Restauranteur

PETER GUIMARAES

His love for food and entertainment makes him a staple in the city of NY

The co-owner of Bice Cucina in mid town and Soho is a power force in the restaurant business in New York City.

Recently he considered running for Mayor of New York and has been a vocal opponent of the strict lockdowns during the Covid-19 pandemic, when other states had the same rate of infection without the same extreme restrictions that hurt the restaurant business to the point of bankruptcy.

He pleaded with Governor Cuomo and united staff, advocates, and business owners to keep the city afloat when it was necessary. His fame also derives from television exposure on the Reality Show, Real Housewives of New York.

He partnered with the television personality Sonja Morgan to create Tipsy Girl, a line of wine and roses which generated tremendous publicity for the businessman.

His future plans include expansion of the restaurants. Guimaraes just opened a beauti ful location, another Bice, in Soho. The presti gious BICE brand was established in 1926 and Guimaraes, “a.k.a.” Peter G, is the face of Bice in the Capital of the World, New York City.

Here Peter G is photographed at Bice Cucina Midtown by Dutch Doscher

The Singer

RAEGAN RAFOOL

She lives between New York City and South Florida, but Raegan (IG is @itssraegan) is finding her way in the creative world of Manhattan. Her demure look and easy, flowy talent are showcased in her work in the music industry. On her website www.raeganmusic. com you can find some of the covers she has performed. Her voice is ethereal and soft, all for a pleasant vibe experience.

Here she wears Dennis Basso and the Aranyani clutch available at www.aranyani.com Photographed at Bice Cucina in Midtown by Dutch Doscher.

THE ITEMS OF STYLE

THE EAST END’S INSPIRATIONAL NEW EXHIBIT A IS FOR ART

By Harry Brads

Southampton is now home to A is for Art. Modern American artist and designer, Walter Sternlieb, has opened the Hampton's hottest new gallery, and it is part of the village’s strong legacy with backing of curat ed collaborations in the community.

Located at 60 Jobs Lane, A is for Art brings to life the prolific vision of Walter, who is known out east as a respected designer, builder, wood worker, and master craftsman. Now his latest title as industrial artist will only further plant his applaudable achievements.

His charismatic work on display was brought forth by ingenuity and creativity.

“I woke up one morning with this idea of a 3-dimensional flag, made a prototype of it, then built it, painted it and hung it,” states Walter.

The specific vision of the then novice artist led to a series that includes his iconic pieces “The Stair case,” and “5 Hearts.” Eventually he established a professional portfolio that was so large it took up all of his wall space in his home where he displayed pieces. The colorful collection impressed visiting friends and fans and eventually led to thoughts of opening up a gallery to showcase his work.

“I knew there was a run-down property on Jobs Lane. I called the landlord and decided to rent it,” he goes on about the inspiration to open his own place.  “The interior

was very run down, and I thought I could have a shabby-chic art gallery, but shabby chic just isn’t me, so we went in and cleaned it up a lit tle bit. We started hanging my work, and work of some of my friends. In a very short period, I was getting a very good response to my work.”

Walter’s expressive 3-dimensional paintings encompass powerful ex pressions full of rich color and bold design. The bright shapes are pops of color that bring bliss to anyone who uses them as part of the design of a home or office space.

The dazzling and virtuosic collec tion comes from a special place in Walter’s personal history that many can relate to and why his artwork stands out as a popular choice to art collectors.

“As a child, my parents dragged me to museums, and historic sites. I didn’t understand the purpose of all of it. I was very fortunate that they took me to all these places. It helped me in what I do today. All the things that I saw, and I have done in the past, have made me what I am today.”

For more information, please call  (516) 356-1191 or visit the gallery in Southampton at 60 Jobs Lane. aisforart.us A is for Art 60 Jobs Lane. Southampton, New York 11968 recounts Hayes from his home in Virginia.

BEST-SELLING AUTHOR LAURIE GELMAN CELEBRATES THE RELEASE OF HER NEW BOOK,YOGA PANT NATION

By Lillian Langtry. Photos courtesy of Patrick McMullan

Best-selling author, Laurie Gelman, celebrated the release of her new book Yoga Pant Nation, at a private residence in Watermill, NY. Hosted by Laurie’s husband producer Mi chael Gelman and Ali Wentworth, family, celebrity friends, and sup porters were in attendance to share in celebration of Laurie Gelman and her third installment of her Class Mom series.

Notable attendees included: Laurie Gelman, Michael Gelman, Ali Went worth, Kelly Ripa, Mark Consuelos, Bethenny Frankel, Finola Hughes, Katie Couric, Tamron Hall, Dylan Young, John Molner, Steve Hanson, Deana Hanson, Darcy Miller, Misha Gelman, Jamie Gelman, Richard Kind, Gregg Bello, Jessica Mulroney, Mireya D'Angelo, Joseph D'Angelo, Isaac Boots, Jeffrey Patrick O'brecht, Noah Tepperberg, Melissa Wood-Tepperberg, Serena Jones, Michael Crocitto, Maria Crocitto, Vicci Rose, Don Rose, and Marian Brown.

About Yoga Pant Nation:The hilarious and irreverent Jen Dixon is class mom—again—in YOGA PANT NATION (Henry Holt and Com pany; 978-1-2507-7757-7; $26.99;

Hardcover) by Laurie Gelman. In the third book of the Class Mom series, Jen’s final year as class mom is a breeze until the PTA president asks her to champion the school's annual fundraiser, a notoriously challenging job which, as we know, is right up Jen's alley.

It's pretty much mayhem as Jen deals with a temperamental fund raising committee, the Hindenburg of bake sales, and countless other natural and unnatural disasters that deter her from reaching her goal of raising $10,000. She is also dealing with her ten-year-old son Max, who may or may not be a fifth-grade bully. But outside of William Taft Elemen tary, Jen’s life is good, even if she and her daughter Vivs don’t see eye-to-eye on the whole parenting thing. She’s a grandma for the first time to two-year-old Maude who is, by Jen’s description, “delightful and delicious.” And she’s taking her love of spinning to the next level by attempting to become an instructor and finding an unlikely ally in her husband Ron's crazy ex-wife Cindy.  For more information, visit: www.lauriegelman.com; www.henryholt.com

NO SHABBY CHIC ART FOR THIS ARTIST! WALTER STERNLIEB DEFINES CHIC ELEMENTS OF AESTHETICS IN THE HAMPTONS

Laurie Gelman, Isaac Boots, Jeffrey Patrick O'brecht pc Patrick McMullan

Kelly Ripa, Bethenny Frankel, Laurie Gelman, Ali Wentworth, Finola Hughes pc Patrick McMullan

Finola Hughes, Dylan Young pc Patrick McMullan

Mark Consuelos, Kelly Ripa pc Patrick McMullan

Kelly Ripa, Ali Wentworth, Laurie Gelman, Katie Couric pc Patrick McMullan

Laurie Gelman pc Patrick McMullan

Mireya D'Angelo, Joseph D'Angelo pc Patrick McMullan

Michael Gelman, Laurie Gelman pc Patrick McMullan

SAMUEL WAXMAN CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION’S 17TH ANNUAL HAMPTONS HAPPENING

By Elizabeth Darwen. Photos courtesy of Patrick McMullan, and Rob Rich Society Allure

The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation’s (SWCRF) was proud to hold the return of the one of the biggest charity events of the summer, The Hamptons Happening!

The 17th annual event was a celebration of health and wellness, and the culmination of The Global Walk to Flatten the Cancer Curve with SWCRF partner, Walk with a Doc. Event committee member Maria Fishel and Kenneth Fishel hosted the ticketed fundraiser on their estate in Bridgehampton. With tickets pur chased and auction item bids, the event raised more than $400,000.

This year’s honorees included HUGO BOSS, Fashion Inc represented by Rodolfo Esparza III; Dr. Kenneth Mark, Skin Cancer & Cos metic Dermatology Expert; Natalie Cohen Gould, Co-founder of Come Back Cycle, Dir. of Wholesale, FP Movement; and Chef and Restaurateur David Burke, David Burke Hospitality Management.The Hamptons Happening was a cocktail chef-tasting event featuring a dozen chefs and spirits from The Hamptons and NYC area providing samples of their favorite dishes, cocktails and mock tails. The event featured appearances by VIPS like Chris Wragge, anchor of CBS 2 Morning News, Hall of Fame linebacker Harry Carson of The NY Giants, Ramona Singer of RHO NY, and a performance by Freestyle Love

Supreme, a Tony Award Winning Broadway Musical Improv Group.

The delicious tastings stations were supplied by: A la Mode, Arlotta Food Studio, Bareburg er, Beauty & the Broth, Bimble, Centro Trat toria, Chef Julian Medina, Chef Scott Kampf of Southampton Social Club and Union Sushi & Steak; Clarkson Avenue Crumb Cake Com pany, David Burke Hospitality Management, Golden Pear, Halo Sport, Herradura Tequila, Kurly Kurtosh, Magnolia Bakery, MarieBelle New York, Milene Jardine, Out East Rose, Pompette, Rust & Gold, Simple Vodka, T-Bar Steak & Lounge, Taub Family Companies, Woodford Reserve.

Sponsors included: Backal Hospitality Group, Guaranteed Rate, HUGO BOSS Fashions Inc., James Lane Post, Mann Publications, Modern Luxury, Newrez, Prime Meridian Moving. And dozens of in-donations provided by Amali, Ani Private Resorts, Arlotta by Chris Arlotta, Arlotta Food Studio, The Baker House 1650, Bisous Web, Calissa, Covergirl, Chase William, Evolve East, Free People Movement, FR TEAM of Brown Harris Stevens, The Hidden Gem Café, HiWave, ISDIN, Kobi Halperin, Lawlor Media Group, Peter Thomas Roth, Regina Kravitz, Swoon.

For more information, visit: www. waxmancancer.org/events/hamptons/

Esparza

Dr. Kenneth

Natalie

Jamie Koff, Mark

Randi Schatz

Jean Shafiroff

Chris Wragge

Harry Carson

CHEF OMAKASE: THE LUXURY OF A PRIVATE CHEF AT AFFORDABLE PRICING

By Elizabeth Elston

The dream of a private chef cooking for you in the privacy of your home is now a reality with the service Chef Omakase. The revolutionary company has redefined the home lunch and dinner party, offering personal chefs preparing meals, of various cuisines, in the intimacy of your own kitchen. This reasonably priced luxury service is the brainchild of Keiko Ono Aoki, the widow of the late Japanese-American restaurateur Rocky Aoki. From the legacy of the Benihana restaurant dynasty comes a new concept in dining that creates the ultimate luxury lifestyle for all. Aoki created a website that pairs you with a private chef simply by choosing the style of cuisine and paying a fixed price per person for the experience. Private chef booking is easier than ever with this new online service that provides New American, Italian, Asian, Mediterranean, French, international plant-based vegetarian, and kosher cuisines. Fresh ingredients are delivered to your door two days before your house party. Bookings

include food prep time for the chef, delivery of grocery supplies, the actual cooking, and minimal kitchen clean up. The website and chef help you select a menu based on food preferences as well as the supplies found in your kitchen. The entire experience from start to finish creates a beautiful memory in your own private setting.

Each cuisine has two different menus, a $90 four-course per person or $140 sixcourse per person option. For example, the four-course Italian dinner includes an appetizer of poached fava beans and herbed tomatoes; a salad of tiny burrata with warm ceci beans, toasted garlic and parsley; a main entrée of pan-seared crispy chicken breast with lemon reduction and baby greens; a dessert of panna cotta with roasted summer fruit. The website makes it easy for you to see exactly what is included for each cuisine and price. Personal chefs are well known, e.g. Danilo Galati, Veronica K. Lindemann, Akiko Thurnauer, Stacy

Seebode, and Craig Linthicum. Each staff member has been hand-picked and proudly joined Chef Omakase — a company that offers a chef stability and well-established hours of work. The company creates a positive work environment, and this is reflected in the progressive and upbeat attitude that is brought into a customer’s home. Chef Omakase makes a great gift for any occasion!

The Chef Omakase team is led by the notable chef Tadashi Ono of such legendary establishments as La Caravelle and the Japanese restaurant Matsuri. Born and raised in Tokyo, he moved to New York City in 1988, where he began a 30-year culinary journey. His reputation resulted in features in the New York Times, Gourmet, Sauveur and Bon Appetit. Ono is also the cookbook author of Japanese Soul Cooking, The Japanese Grill, and Japanese Hot Pot.

For more information and to start your own booking today, please visit chefomakase.com.

Dr. Samuel Waxman, Marion Waxman, Maria Fishel, Kenneth Fishel, Bradley Fishel pc Patrick McMullan

Tassoni Golden Star

Flaked Dome Necklace

$3000 Crystals, gold covered agate, and 18kt gold www.tassonijewelry.com Double D Ranch Velvet

Beaded Robe: Sold at SHADES OF THE WEST in Scottdale, Arizona Tel. 480-945-3289

in her

AT HOME WHIMSICAL WORLD

The Arizona born beauty showcases her unique life surrounded by art, glamorous accessories, and her well known jewelry pieces. Photographed by the great Stephan Schacher at her studio in New York City, a day in the life of Angela Tassoni symbolizes the unique style of this American jewelry designer. Her continuous approach for new things keeps evolving, and one thing is for sure, Tassoni Jewelry is grand in beauty and entails eco friendly consciousness as well. When she designs her necklaces, a unique piece of art is created. For women who know that elegance is how you carry yourself, the new line of Tassoni pieces will be highly appreciated in the coming months in South Florida and the rest of the country.

Photography by Stephan Schacher

I TRAVEL THE WORLD, I GATHER NUANCES OF CULTURES AND  ARCHITECTURE THAT ULTIMATELY INTEGRATE INTO TASSONI JEWELRY DESIGNS.

MAKE JEWELRY TO BRING OUT THE INTRINSIC BEAUTY OF EACH WOMAN, WHETHER IT’S IN HER ELEGANCE,

CHICNESS, OR NATURAL

Polo in Aspen

ARE STATEMENT NECKLACES AND VIBRANT” MENTIONED CAROL WOOLTON, JEWELRY EXPERT AND BRITISH VOGUE

JEWELRY EDITOR

Aspen Valley Polo Club

Grant Ganzi Nic Roldan Nacho figueras and more

OPERA GALLERY

GILLES DYAN

By R. Couri Hay

ART WORLD POWERHOUSE

Gilles Dyan, the founder of Opera Gallery, representing major artists in exhibition spaces across the globe, had an unlikely path to art world prominence. Growing up middle-class in the Paris suburbs, his family maintained an interest in art, frequenting exhibitions, although they didn’t have the means to collect.

“Paris itself is a work of art and offers so many wonderful museums and exhibitions,” says Dyan. “I went to the Louvre so many times as a child with my mother that I think I could find my way around it with my eyes closed.”

OPERA GALLERY:

SINGAPORE & PARIS

Dyan studied medicine, but eventually gave that up to pursue his passion for art. He felt he couldn’t get work in a gallery since he didn’t have the right background, so he began selling prints and original paintings by local artists door-to-door. He loved doing it and found that he had a knack for it. “Somehow, I got invited to participate in an art fair in Singapore,” he recalls. “My booth was such a success that I managed to find the financial backing to be able to open my first Opera Gallery there in 1994.”

He opened another one in Paris almost simultaneously, and that, he says, is how the Opera Gallery adventure began.

13 EXHIBITION SPACES AROUND THE WORLD

Today, Opera Gallery has thirteen exhibition spaces around the world in New York, Aspen, Miami and Miami Bal Harbour, Paris, Monaco, Geneva, London, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singa pore, and Seoul. The openings happened gradually over the course of the past 26 years, as opportunities arose. “I never wanted to

expand too quickly,” says Dyan. “I want to continue being able to show good quality and carefully selected art in each Opera Gallery space, and I don’t believe you can do that if you expand too rapidly.”

ESTABLISHED & EMERGING ARTISTS

His mission is to sell well-established artists alongside emerging ones, to create a dialogue between them. He wanted to create a gallery that would appeal to everyone and wasn’t intimidating. “Art should be for everyone,” he says. “I love to see teenagers walking into my galleries, or just onlookers. We always try to make everyone feel as welcome as possible.” This comfortable, egalitarian vibe, Dyan notes, is a way to develop collectors. “The more art you see, the sharper your eye becomes. New collectors often have no idea of the price range of artists, and they shouldn’t be scared off by art. I think it is important to have good quality artworks suitable for every budget.”

Opera Gallery also handles resales of significant nonliving artists including Pablo Picasso, Alexander Calder, Jean Dubuffet, Fernand Botero, Marc Chagall, and Keith Haring. ”

IN-PERSON ART FAIRS

While digital tools work well, Dyan believes it is time once again for personal interaction with collectors. “I think the collectors are eager to see art works in person,” he says. “Later in the year, if all goes well with Covid, we have a few fairs programmed in Asia and in Europe, and we are participating in Art Miami.”

INTERNET & THE ART MARKET

As the art world has become increasingly global, there are fewer differences between markets, the internet has had a profound effect. “Our collectors travel so their eyes get accustomed to different styles, and if they don’t travel physically, the media and internet often do the job,” says Dyan. While the internet and social media have been useful tools in the art world for years, their importance grew significantly during pandemic as venues adopted virtual solutions. “If you had asked me my opinion on the matter a few years ago, I would have said that I didn’t believe people would buy art without seeing it in person,” Dyan admits. “But during this unprecedented crisis, we have had no choice but to find solutions to survive, and technology has allowed us to continue to show the public beautiful art.”

ONLINE VIEWING ROOMS

Dyan believes that even when we finally see the end of the pandemic galleries, auction houses and other actors in the art market will continue to use these tools, and that’s a positive development. “People are sometimes intimidated to enter galleries or museums. Opera Gallery has gained new collectors since we launched our online viewing rooms, who we would perhaps never have had without these digital solutions.” He notes that some people simply don’t have the time to go to galleries or art fairs, and these new technologies have allowed them to explore what is available from the comfort of their living room.

EXHIBITIONS

HOW TO INVEST IN ART

Dyan believes that the best criteria for investing in artwork is to always buy what you like. If you like a piece of art, the sentimental value will increase, and that’s the important factor. He still has the first piece he bought, a small Hourloupe on paper by Jean Dubuffet, in 1982, long before he established his business. “I still have it and it still makes me smile each time I look at it. Dubuffet was a wonderful artist, full of humor. “That said, it is always agreeable to know that an artwork you bought has increased in value. “There wouldn’t be an art market if art wasn’t a good investment.”

FAMILY BUSINESS

Opera Gallery’s global staff are like a big family. Some literally are family: Dyan’s two daughters, their husbands, and three of his nephews all work with him. “I love what I do, and I think I love it more and more,” says Dyan. “The more art I see and the more artists I meet, the more my passion for art increases.” operagallery.com

BLACK & WHITE GALLERY

PROJECT SPACE

By R. Couri Hay

SHIMON OKSHTEYN’S LEGACY LIVES ON

Beloved Hamptons artist Shimon Okshteyn’s untimely death last year was a great loss to the art world, but his legacy lives on. “The last time I spoke with him he told me he couldn’t wait to get back to his Southampton studio to explore his new ideas,” says his wife, Tatyana, the longtime proprietor of Black & White Gallery / Project Space

BLACK & WHITE GALLERY / PROJECT SPACE

The Southampton space located in Shimon’s converted studio is the latest iteration of Tatyana’s gallery, which she founded in 2002. The gallery followed the trajectory of the New York art world nexus, from Williams burg to Chelsea and later to Bushwick. “It’s like the Latin saying omnia mea mecum porto – all that is mine I carry with me,” says Tatyana. “The goal now is to preserve Shimon’s legacy and introduce the Gallery and its program to the Hamptons community.”

WHITNEY & BROOKLYN MUSEUMS

Throughout Shimon’s successful career, his creative output evolved with each change in his immediate surroundings. As one critic wrote, “He is …a hidden intellectual who observes the

world around him and shows it in his metamorphoses.” In the 80’s he arrived on the American art scene depicting the terrifying beauty of very modern si rens with impeccable precision. This peri od was inspired by his new life in the USA fol lowing his immigration from the former Soviet Union. In the subsequent decades, he became famous for his ambitious multi-media installa tions inspired by his move to NYC from New England. During that period, he had numerous exhibitions like the Whitney Museum, Brooklyn Museum, and State Russian Museum in St. Petersburg.

NATURAL LANDSCAPES OF THE HAMPTONS

Shimon loved the natural beauty of the Hamptons. “It was his dream since the mid-’90s, and when we finally settled here full time three years ago, he began experimenting with abstracted landscapes, says Tatyana, “his last shift from pop culture and nostalgia to poetic interpretations of the natural scenes in the Hamptons surprised me. To preserve Shimon’s legacy, the new gallery space, will be a place of perseverance of creativity infused from nature.” The gallery’s first show, Shimon Okshteyn: Natural Landscape, can also be visited online. Also online is Shimon Okshteyn: Still Lifes, a selection of his signature work.  blackandwhiteartgallery.com

FUSION OF ART & NATURE

En Plein Air Reloaded: Green Fuse  is a group show that opened on July.  Tatyana curated the exhibit with the idea of nature as a muse. The mantra for the show is “To bring a fusion of art into Nature and Nature into art”.  A few of Shimon’s paintings are included and they fit perfectly with the theme. “He was really playing here at the end of his life.”

HAMPTONS FINE ART FAIR

Black & White Gallery / Project Space’s solo presentation at the Hamptons Fine Art Fair in the Southampton Cultural Center will honor the work of Shimon Okshteyn. The fair, which will be held over Labor Day from September 2nd -5th, will bring together his paintings, sculpture and lithographs. The show is a mini retrospective of his 50-year career.

CREATIVE FAMILY

In addition to inspiring Tatyana to become an art world force, the couple’s two children Gregory and Sasha are very successful. Gregory Okshteyn is the founder of the architectural and branding firm StudiosGo specializing in designs for hospitality and entertainment spaces. Sasha is a producer specializing in high-profile performance art productions, and the founder of the annu al Beach Sessions Dance Series in Rockaway Beach, Queens, which returns live on August 29th with a six-hour commissioned work by Moriah Evans. Gregory also created playday, a non-profit to help children in the arts. beachsessionsdanceseries.com & playday.com

LAWN DANCES :

SOUTHAMPTON ARTS CENTER

Also, the Southampton Arts Center invited Sasha to curate and produce a new dance festival Lawn Dances in a similar vein for the East End. She is also a full-time senior producer at Performa, whose performance Biennial will return in October to multiple outdoor venues.

THE GOD COMMITTEE

AUSTIN STARK

By Bennett Marcus

When Austin Stark offered Kelsey Grammer a supporting role in his movie The God Commit tee, in theaters July 2, Grammer turned the tables, requesting instead to play the lead role.

But it wasn’t an ego trip; after reading the script, the Frasier star fell for the lead charac ter. “Kelsey called me and said, this is an amazing script, it resonated with me, but I can play Father Dunbar in my sleep. What I really think would be interesting is if I play Dr. Boxer,” says Stark, who wrote, directed and produced the film about an organ-transplant committee with one hour to decide which of three patients deserves a life-saving heart. Grammer felt the role was different than any he’d done before.

Upon reflection Stark realized it was a great fit.

“I wasn’t thinking about Kelsey for Dr. Boxer in the beginning, but it’s very interesting, because now it’s hard for me to imagine anybody else playing him.”

TRIBECA FILM FESTIVAL

The film, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in June, also stars Julia Stiles, Colman Domingo, Janeane Garofalo and Dan Hedaya.

The action is set both in 2014, and seven years later, in the present day, when the committee members struggle with the consequences of that fateful decision.

A true story about a wealthy man in desperate need of a liver transplant bribing a hospital for the organ captured Stark’s imagination, and a powerful play by Mark St. Germain that offers a comprehensive lens into the organ trans plant system was the inspiration. The fact that there are now biotech companies attempting to solve the worldwide organ shortage provided another dimension.

Though it was shot before the pandemic, the film eerily resonates in the current circum stances. “The film asks the question: is it justifiable to sacrifice one life to save many?

PAPER STREET FILMS

Adrien Brody, Mark Ruffalo & Willem Dafoe. The projects with Richards did not ultimately become movies, and that’s one of the reasons that Stark cofounded his own production company, Paper Street Films, with two lifelong friends, in 2007. “I didn’t want to have to rely on anybody but myself to make films.” His producing credits include Infinitely Polar Bear, for which Mark Ruffalo earned a Golden Globe nomination, Detachment, starring Adrien Brody, Christina Hendricks and James Caan, HAPPYTHANKYOUMOREPLEASE, with Josh Radnor and Malin Akerman, and My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done starring Michael Shannon and Willem Dafoe.

SARAH PAULSON, PETER FONDA & NICOLAS CAGE

That question has always been relevant, but in light of Covid, it may remind us of various situations, from who gets a ventilator, to who gets the vaccine first, hospital beds, etcetera,” says Stark. “The film explores medical utility and that’s certainly something we’ve heard a lot about over the past year.”

THE HAMPTONS FILM FESTIVAL

Stark debuted his very first film, a short called Wrong Number, at the Hamptons Film Festival back in 2004.

A New York native, he studied English with a concentration in film at Georgetown Universi ty. “By my sophomore year in college, I knew I was going to be in film,” he says. He started out working for the late, legendary Chicago producer Marty Richards, who’d seen some of Stark’s short films and hired him to write a couple of scripts. That early gig proved invaluable. “Working with Marty gave me experience that I’ve used throughout my entire career. He was a very intelligent man, and a kind man as well.”

Stark is known for films highlighting social issues; in addition to the organ transplant system he’s taken on bipolar disorder, and a Louisiana oil spill in The Runner (2015), his first feature as writer/director, starring Nicolas Cage, Sarah Paulson and Peter Fonda. He didn’t know Cage very well before the shoot, so he had no idea what to expect. When Cage showed up on set in New Orleans, he had put on some weight purposely for the role, something they had discussed months before. “I think what surprised me most was that he knew every line, had every motivation ingrained, and it was really interesting to see how hard the guy worked,” says Stark. “I was not expecting that from Cage. I mean, he’s an eccentric guy, he’s very cool, but I didn’t realize how prepared he would be, and that kind of blew me away.”

DIRECTING, WRITING & NEW BABY

At this point in his career, Stark is mainly focused on directing, but he prefers to write the films that he directs. “ I believe it gives me deeper insight into the material.” While sprinting to the finish line bringing his new movie to audiences, Stark became a first-time father, his daughter was born just three months ago. “That’s certainly a new experi ence. She’s beautiful and healthy, and it’s quite a trip,” he says. “And certainly, like with this film The God Committee, it has given me a whole different perspective, and made it more meaningful to explore life-and-death decisions..

MOVIES

ART FOR JUSTIN BIEBER: SETS FOR J. LO LINDA COLLETTA

By R. Couri Hay

Bieber posted an Instagram story about the piece, and Colletta’s friends started messaging her with the news. The clincher may have been the work’s title, “Yellow Tinted Glasses and a Pink Gelato,” a lyric from a song by Bieber’s pal, Cautious Clay. Colletta reached out to Bieber’s personal assistant, who confirmed that he was the buyer.

PAUL MCCARTNEY & CHRISTINA AGUILERA

n some ways, that sale shows how Colletta’s career has come full circle. Before becoming a fine artist, she spent 18 years as a TV set designer specializing in pop music for MTV and VH1, painting backdrops for the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera, Dave Matthews, Paul McCartney, Britney Spears and countless others. “The list just goes on and on,” says Colletta. “Destiny’s Child; I was in Beyonce’s trailer with her when she was freaking out before the Billboard Music Awards. I didn’t even know who I was with––they didn’t even know who they were yet, they were all so young. It was crazy fun.”

She started out working for someone in that field and enjoyed it so much she dropped out of art school at Parson’s to pursue it full time. Later, she went out on her own and became highly successful working for many of the big pop stars of the 1990s and creating the sets for the entire VH1 Storytellers series.

CAREER IN ART

In 2007 Colletta had a baby and opted for a calmer existence. “It was an amazing job, but it was also utterly consuming. I had no life except running around with these crazy people.” She moved to Connecticut with no clear plan but put her artistic skills to work doing graphic design, branding and visual merchandising.

FREEING HER ARTISTIC INS TINCTS

Both of Colletta’s parents were artists, and despite being a painter all her life, she felt somehow overshadowed. “My mother did photo realism, and she was just so brilliant at it, and I remember at a very young age deciding that if I couldn’t be as good as her then I was no good.”

Those self-confidence issues kept her from developing her own artistic sensibility for many years, but it was always there, waiting to be released.

A debilitating bout of Lyme disease in 2009 forced her to quit her job, and the only thing she could really do was paint. She began creating small watercolors, and an interior-designer friend provided encouragement, insisting that she could easily sell Colletta’s work to her clients. That led her to try abstraction for the first time as a sort of release from the

strictures of her mother’s realism. “I thought why would I paint a tree when I could just go outside and look at a tree, what the universe made a million times better than I could ever paint it? What’s the point? I just thought that that’s what art had to be. You had to be able to see something.”

PLAYING WITH ABSTRACTION

Colletta’s experimentation with abstraction was a breakthrough in developing her own artistry. “I could create something that doesn’t exist and that would be interesting, a worthwhile exploration.”

Working with interior designers proved to be a challenge when there was pressure to use certain color palettes that felt forced upon her.

In the summer of 2017 Colletta created a body of work that truly represented her sensibility, in fluorescent, neon-bright colors, and staged her own pop-up show in Westport, Connecticut.

She didn’t care if anything sold. She just wanted to express herself. “I painted whatever I wanted, and the show sold out completely.”

People resonated with the work, and that was a big moment for her. “I decided I will never again paint what anyone thinks I should paint. I’m just going to trust my vision.”

FOOD ADDICTION FUELS WORK

A recovering compulsive overeater, Colletta’s artwork is informed by our society’s obsession with food. “It’s not like I’m painting a picture about food addiction. I’m purely painting for the love of painting. I’m like a little mad scientist in my lab playing with paint and stuff.” Colletta is known for pushing paint water from cleaning her brushes while walking on her canvases in her Vans sneakers with a polka-dot texture on the soles, creating a speckle effect on the canvas. You don’t see that when the painting is complete, but it’s a way for her to “activate” the canvas as a start. “I put on music and I dance all around the canvas.” Incorporating acrylic, oil stick, spray paint, ink, graphite, and canvas scraps she includes holes and seams in her paintings that are asymmetrical and random; she keeps mistakes and accidents.

She works on vintage upcycled painters’ drop cloths. “They’re worn out and dirty, and I love that gritty, raw foundation. And then I build on top of that with this happy, poppy, candy-coated world.”

Hamptons Exhibitions

Colletta has a solo show of her largescale works at White Room Gallery at the Market & Design fair in Bridgehampton from August 12-15th. artmarkethamptons.com

Polo is here!

A visual display of the beautiful Carbondale polo fields in Aspen. Melissa and Marc Ganzi, owners of the Aspen Valley Polo Club bring the best players in the world to a global event where the best polo takes place.

With the majestic 12,965-foot summit of Mount Sopris as a backdrop, Aspen Valley Polo Club is one of the busiest and fastest growing US PA-sanctioned clubs in the nation with a membership increase of 75 percent over five seasons.

Since Marc and Melissa Ganzi founded the club in 2014, polo has increased in popularity in Aspen and surrounding cities with the club’s offerings of various weekly grass and arena tournaments, Arena Tuesdays , Kids Polo, The Polo School headed by former 8-goaler Juan Bollini, and Polo On Demand. In addition, the club offers practice sessions for teams competing in the weekend tournaments.

“We want polo to thrive here, and we want Aspen to be the summer polo destination in America,” said Melissa Ganzi.

Aspen Valley Polo Club has had a positive impact in the area hosting kids polo camps, teaching lessons and several charitable events at the club that have benefited local charities.

For more information go to: www.aspenvalleypoloclub.com

GAMES IN JULY Independence Cup Craig Sakin Memorial ChukkerTV Challenge Cup Basalt Handicap Emma Challenge Cup ChukkerTV Arena Tuesdays

GAMES IN AUGUST High Alpine Cup Arena World Cup Rocky Mountain Open Mount Sopris Cup Carbondale Classic

The Triple Crown of Polo

GRAND CHAMPIONS

POLO CLUB IN WELLINGTON RETURNS

JENNIFER GRAZIANO

RememBar was created by Jennifer Graziano, a 4th generation funeral director from the NY area. Jenni fer has had a lifelong passion to help, guide and sup port those who grieve. She implemented aftercare bereavement support programs within communities as well as created a publication, “Coming of Age”, that helps families have important and sensitive dis cussions. She has overseen operations of her family’s funeral homes in both NY & CT for over 25 years. In addition, she is an admitted attorney and has also completed courses of study at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Having recognized a void for timeless, elegantly crafted memorial jewelry items, Jennifer sought the expertise of Ward Kelvin, a renowned de signer in the field. www.remembarcollection.com

Photo by Michael Goldman

Seahorse Hanging Decoration by the Ella James Company

Mid Century Hard ware/Hendrix Door Pull www.pullcast.eu

Juicy Couture Eye Velour Paint www.juicycouturebeauty.com

Top Left, Basso with Lisa Rinna; top right, the supermodel Carol Alt; bottom right, the artist Mary J Blige, and bottom, left, Ashley Longshore.

Ode to

DENNIS BASSO

The ethereal fashion designercontinues captivating the stellar Photography courtesy of Dennis Basso

A vibrantly talented American designer, Dennis Basso has been hailed by both celebrity and private clients for three decades. From fur and evening wear to bridal and accessories – his work is consistently featured in the media and at red carpet gatherings worldwide. Followed by celebrities and media personalities, Mr. Basso changed the way furs were designed and has also brought his distinctive day and evening looks to his sleek new flagship boutique located at 825 Madison Avenue in a landmark building. Here, the prestigious designer, who hails from New York, offers his extensive collections of furs, ready-to-wear, and accessories. For the most amazing shopping opportunity visit www.dennisbasso.com

His heart is in the Hamptons too!

What do you think of the Hamptons?

I simply love the Hamptons.  We’ve had a house here for 25 years and for us it's really like a second home that became a first home. It's pleasurable to be there and we have made so many good friends over the years.  We find it very easy going with lots to do if we choose,  but love the dynamics that we can be extremely visible if in the mood or be very quiet at home enjoying our peaceful surroundings.

What trends do you see for the Fall?

For the fall this year I see a lot of jacket and pant sets, as well and a lot of fabrics that are haberdashery- inspired.  And as you can see from my collection, we utilized plaids and houndstooth to create tailored looks with feminine touch.  I feel that is very important this upcoming season.

Latest fun fact about your upcoming collection

The upcoming spring collection in inspired by the Mediterranean.  I have taken a little bit of inspiration from each country I've visited over the recent years, including all of the fabulous resort towns and exotic hot spots, and created a fabulous collection for spring/ summer 2022.

Favorite celeb right now

At the moment, I have a real attraction to Madonna. I feel like she’s made an unbe lievable comeback and has continuously reinvented herself over the years, this year being no exception.  She’s an amazing artist and performer and I’m always excited to see what she comes up with next.

If you have to pick a hot spot in the Hamptons where and why For me the greatest hotspot in the Hamp tons is my home in Watermill….we just love being in our house. We entertain a lot, whether it be long lunches around the pool or cozy dinners that go late into the night.

For us its the greatest place to be surrounded by fabulous friends and family.

Hazel

The Beauty RN

CELEBRITIES FLOCK TO GET THEIR FACES A BRAND NEW LOOK AT HER UPPER EAST SIDE OFFICE . Photography by Stephan Schacher

Photographed at the Dennis Basso atelier on Madison Avenue .

nlike previous generations, young people today are very much aware of what they want. Thanks to social media, aesthetic procedures are sought after by mi llions of viewers daily, and the perfect face is conside red the new “it” accessory,” explains Hazel Forrester, nurse practitioner and owner of Hazel, The Beau ty RN, located on the Upper East Side. Hazel has an amazing eye for precision balance and symmetry as well as the ability to understand what women want.

After years of honing her skills by working with some the country’s top providers, she decided to venture out on her own. “Women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, have certain advantages previous generations did not have access to, for example, based on scientific research, we now know that the best way to slow down the aging process and to minimize the effects of aging, requi res ascribing to preventative measures such as wearing sunscreen, doing Botox earlier and stimulating collagen with non-invasive modalities. This new generation of women are extremely educated and informed and con fident in what they want. They research providers, they are incredibly knowledgeable on most procedures and treatments that will yield the best individual results.”

The nurse practitioner admits that women are now less enthused by noninvasive treatments and are more likely to ascribe to full face transformation such as her signature procedure the “walking filter” glow up. “My approach is subtle yet impactful; I want women to feel confident and look like the best version of themselves.”

“During every consultation, my first question to every patient is what brings you in today? It’s important for me to not only give my aesthetic expertise, but to un derstand what is the client’s objective; what are they trying to achieve? I listen to what they say, I observe each client’s body language. We tend to have in depth conversations regarding the risk and benefits, then, as a team, we create a treatment plan.”

The sought after New Yorker adds that being a great listener is key in her success. “In addition, working for years in the hospital gave me the ability to seamlessly perform excellently with clients from different back grounds. My approach to beauty is objective, it is not my role to assess or try to dissect what any client can or cannot afford. I give them unfiltered expertise on what it takes to achieve their aesthetic goals.”

“I always say never ‘judge a book by its cover’, beau ty can change someone’s life, add to their self-esteem, and make them confident, which is invaluable,” ad mits the Jamaican born beauty. Hazel is a walking re presentation of beauty, classic features, amazing skin, and a captivating smile. She has a unique sense of style that she flaunts with confidence. She’s a visionary, and a great leader who is admired by her staff. Her loyal social media following, and an impressive roster of clients which includes celebrities and some of New York’s elite, makes her the perfect injector in Man hattan. Due to her undeniable talent, Hazel’s business grew significantly by word of mouth and online. Her website, www.Hazelthebeautyrn.com and Instagram @hazelthebeautyrn Is filled with impeccable post from grateful clients.

Her office, luxuriously decorated with a midcentury modern theme, mixes Milo Baughman mohair couch, with a modern silk rug from Joseph Carini , mixed metals and textured wall paper. The environment it brings to life for her patients, spells perfections.

The beginning of Hazel’s career consisted of nursing school. “From 2014 to 2019, I was working at diffe rent offices. I was injecting botox, performing lasers, taking care of the recovery of patients. I was very well rounded in my experience to start my own practice. I enjoyed the freedom that it entailed and found my ca lling. I believe that I possess an artistry that is unique and beneficial for my patients,” confessed the Broo klyn resident. “My mother, who is Jamaican, was the epitome of perfection, she had incredible taste. I lear ned to admire fashion, peruse Vogue magazines and even considered a career in fashion, I almost applied to FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology).”

Indeed, Forrester worked as a sales associate, but it was the influence of her mother to attend nursing school. “She pushed me to the limits and encouraged becoming a nurse. She wanted for me a strong and secured career and financial stability. The combina tion of my mother’s strength and my admiration of her style kind of made me who I am today as an adult,” confessed the nurse who opened her private practice a

“THE NEW ADVANTAGES OF WOMEN IN THE 20’S, 30’S, AND 40’S IS A RESULT OF BEING EXTREMELY EDUCATED, INFORMED AND CONFIDENT OF WHAT THEY WANT”

couple of years ago. Since then, she’s been booked solid and has a waiting list.

The fast-paced life of Hazel The Beauty RN requires her own beauty routine. She stays active, takes care of each patient while having to commute between Brooklyn and Manhattan. During the pandemic, when they had to close the office, she worked and helped at the hospital. “It was a devastating expe rience, but you knew you had to be strong. There was a lot of fear for the unknown. Once we reope ned the Beauty RN with the safety precautions of course, we saw an accelerated pace of women desi ring procedures.”

At the Beauty RN, several procedures are available from injectables to botox. There are four FDA-ap proved neurotoxins available in the country, Botox, Dysport, Xeomin and Jeauveau. It is used in areas of the facial expression such as frown lines, crow’s feet

and between the eyebrows. The question is…what is better? “They all serve a different purpose. For the hyaluronic acid fillers which are gel-like products, you and contour the face as it fills folds and crea ses and replenishes lost volume. Fillers on the other hand will work on different lines. They are known as Restylane, Juvederm, and Belotero. For botox, you can use it to ease the lines while the fillers can work for nose correction, lip lines and the cheeks,” admits Hazel.

For more information on Hazel Forrester, owner of Hazel, The Beauy RN, visit her at www.hazelthebeautyrn.com Tel. 212-772-3411

Location: 60 E 66th St NY NY 10065

Instagram: @hazelthebeautyrn

“I SEE MORE YOUNG WOMEN THAN EVER BEFORE. I DO ADMIT THAT IT’S A NEW GENERATION OF FEMALES WHO ADMIT TO DOING INJECTABLES AND OTHER PROCESSES, WITH THE GREAT RESULT OF LOOKING THEIR BEST.”

by R Couri Hay

Photographed by Luis Guillen

Linjie Deng has been painting since he was six, but his big break was the 239 art lovers who co llected his Chinese seal and Calligraphy artworks for a total of $80K within 7 days in 2015 in China. With that $80K, Linjie made an investment in his MFA degree from School of Visual Arts in NYC. Since then, Linjie has been working and living in USA for the past six years as an artist. Recently, viewers saw Linjie create two pivotal exhibitions. One was the “Asian Art SPA” solo show at Carl ton Fine Arts Gallery on Madison Avenue, which was about Linjie using his artwork as a weapon to stop Asian hate, and also a group exhibition “Queer Art 1950’s-2021” in Manhattan, which in cluded LGBTQ+ artists Andy Warhol, Keith Ha ring and Heather Fazzino.

Linjie Deng is a full circle artist. His work is about freedom of expression, provocation without offense. It is not radical in the sense of Ai Wei Wei’s work, but definitely non-conformist. Our magazine editor Rebeca sat down with Linjie to talk about his painting origins, the story be hind both of his exhibitions “Asian Art SPA” and “Queer Art 1950’s-2021”, Linjie’s definition of Asian identity, and what he is up to next. Linjie Deng is a chameleon, constantly evolving, and we cannot wait to see how his upcoming projects unfold.

Shot at Carlton Fine Art Ltd, 543 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022

LINJIE DENG

From Local Asian to Global Artist.

To be Asian in America during the very beginning of coronavirus is to feel very weird. I am the only one among my American friends in Ja nuary of 2020 trying to obtain masks from Amazon, CVS, Home Depot.

Just like many other Asian families, my family from China told me the same thing: Stay at home now! Wear a mask if you must to go outside. Don’t be selfish. Later, I began to notice a troubling increase of anti-Asian incidents in my newsfeed, in London, Italy, then in Texas. I observed that from a xenophobe’s perspective, the face mask seemed to implicate Asians as agents of disease. They said: “Asians don’t suffer from coronavi rus. Asians are coronavirus”.

After two months back then, the CDC hadn’t yet recommended that everyone wear masks. And lots of controversy about the right to choose. You could see the signs on the street: “My body, my choice.” “No mask, I can’t breathe.”

For me, the most important value in American culture is freedom. The most important value in Chinese culture is hope. And by no choice of my own, I am caught in between the two worlds.

So, I created Contemporary Calligraphy artworks consisting of four sets of mutually opposing and co-existing words: “Free dom and Hope”, ”Proud and Humble”, “You and Me”, “Me and We”. For the Calligraphy characters, I utilized 5 different styles of Chinese Calligraphy fonts from 10 different time pe riods. The debate over masks has focused on the divide bet ween the West and East. So, I placed the two different kinds of “reactions” in each Yin-Yang symbol. I hope my art can be a real part of the healing process. And help to bring people and cultures together.

2. Stop Asian Hate, Start American Love

On March 16, 2021, I was waiting for the #6 tra in at 86th St subway station on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. The train pulled in, and the door opened. A guy suddenly ran towards me and yelled in my face: “Get the f*** out of my way, ya f*** yellow!” At the same time, he pus hed me and hit me with his backpack, and I fell on the ground.

Then he ran away. No one around said an ything. I was shocked but I’m more relieved now that it wasn’t worse. I’m so glad that he didn’t use a box cutter to slash my face or push me under the train.

The next day I thought how to protect myself? I ordered 7 blonde wigs on Amazon. Right after that, horribly, 8 people were shot and killed

1.Yin-Yang series: I don’t have coronavirus. I am coronavirus.

Artist Linjie Deng in Chinatown in “Asian Art SPA” T-Shirt

Top left. Artist Linjie Deng at Carlton Fine Arts Gallery during “Asian Art SPA” exhibition

Artist Linjie Deng and Carlton Fine Arts Gallery Owner, Charles Saffati

“Superhero

at the Asian Massage SPA in Georgia. Then I realized that blonde wigs could not be my life saver.

As an Asian, I thought, do I really have to become the kind of person who carries a gun or knife so I can claim that I’m strong, when I just want to ride the subway or buy stuff outside? And, if yes, what kind of society do we live in?

Does this force me to become a bad guy, makes me a “beater” in order to protect my self? Why can’t we have better weapons?

Better solutions?

As an Asian artist, art is my best weapon. My artwork is my solution. So, I used AmericanAsian food culture and visual elements to relay Asian-Americans’ stories through my paintings. Such as Fortune Cookie, Cat, Bu bble Tea.

I painted for seven days and nights. Thus, on March 29th, my solo show “Asian Art SPA” was born at Carlton Fine Arts Gallery on Ma dison Avenue.

This is the first opportunity I have had to stri ke back at those values which make me feel uncomfortable. For my Fortune Cookie pain ting, I wrote: “Stop Asian Hate. Start Ame rican Love.” This is not only about what we want, but also about what we don’t want.

In order to share my art “weapon” with more people, I printed the Fortune Cookies pain ting on T-shirts and delivered them to people for free. I also printed the T-shirt from my other artworks: Just Love Me, Kiss Me; Pan da. So, they could wear the shirt and spread a

message to help people unite and protect the Asian community.

Many people were moved by my use of art as a weapon to fight this Asian hate that was spreading. I received over 900 messages from other Asians after the opening of my “Asian Art SPA” art show. They were telling me their sad stories and experiences of being threate ned or hurt for being Asian.

The good news was that on the art show’s opening day, an American collector brought one of my paintings immediately. And I de cided to do more for the Asian community when I got my check.

May was Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month. I believe that a powerful way to im prove the situation about Asian hate is when Asian Americans talk about it and speak out about it. But some Asians won’t speak out, some elderly Asians cannot speak Eng- lish.

Then I found a Nonprofit organization and donated the $5,000.00 proceeds of that art work to Think!Chinatown to help the local Asian community communicate about this hate. My message: Let’s destroy racism and the virus together. Be like a panda. We are White, Black and Asian.

The exhibition is over, but people are still wearing my T-shirts on the street and they continue to talk about Asian Art SPA. I am pleased that I have been able to show these

artworks through a supportive gallery, and the gallery space they provided has given me the opportunity for cultural communication. Because communication is the first step for understanding and respecting each other.

So, I would like to thank the Carlton Fine Arts Gallery owner Mr. Charles Saffati. Because of you, we started the first step to better cultural communication. I hope other galleries will be inspired and promote more exhibitions with artistic and social values.

I stayed in NYC during the pandemic. The events of the past year — from the 50,000+ deaths from coronavirus in New York alone to the Black Lives Matter movement, leading up to the Stop Asian Hate — could be uniting people for a new reason: Love.

I believe that that the show Queer Art 1950’s2021 was a joyful event for everyone during Pri de Month. Three of my paintings with rainbow colors I created in NYC, I named:

“Superhero Super Gay”, “Falling in Love” and “Love is Flowing.”

Love is strong, the rainbow is colorful. So,

3.Love is dangerous. Love is flowing.

“Love is Flowing” 36 X 60 inches, Acrylic on Canvas

“Falling in Love”  36 x 60 inches, Acrylic on Canvas

“Suck Me, Fuck Me” 36 X 48 inches, Acrylic on Canvas

4. A Few Quick-FireQuestions:

Can you tell us more about your artwork that you will show at the Hampton Fine Arts Fair 2021?

2020 and 2021 have been dark enough for all of us. I’d like to show more relaxed, beautiful and enjoyable artworks for audiences. For me, an artist is a soul massager. I want my viewers’ souls to be touched by my artworks when they see them on display.

What is your goal of this art show? Sell, sell, sell.

Why? Why not? So, I can use the

money to create more artwork. Please buy art from me or other living artists. The dead artists don’t need the money!

How to buy your art?

Come to the Hampton Fine Arts Fair beginning on September 2nd. Or Carlton Fine Arts Gallery on Madison Avenue in Manhattan.

What is the best place for art lovers to follow you on social media?

Instagram: linjie_deng, Twitter: @LinjieDeng. Both are great!

I didn't overthink in formulating these works. I used simple visual elements and bright colors to paint with.

These three paintings are not only for gay viewers. Because I think love is flowing. Love can cover all of us. For example, June 20 was Father’s Day. For many kids, their father is their superhero, providing big love. Just like my painting “Superhero Super Gay”. So, I shared this piece on Instagram and said: “Yesterday was Father’s Day, but I want to say Happy Father’s Day today to the straight fathers who have gay kids and to the gay fathers who also have kids. Because these kinds of fathers deserve double love and happiness. You are Superhero, Super Father, Super Love.”

I was pleased to see that TV Show Star and gay father of twins, Fredrik Eklund commented positively on my post and said that he wanted to collect my “Superhero Super Gay” Artwork. I was so happy that Fredrik would so immediately share his enthusiasm for my artwork.

But I was even happier that he has had the courage to share his life publicly and show his feelings of love so openly. Because from him we know that there is one more SUPER loving family that was born in the world, just like the “Superhero Super Gay”.

Everything has two sides, love also. People say there is no sweet without sweat. Sometimes love is dangerous. So, I also created two paintings called “Kiss Me, Kill Me” and my lollipop painting, “Suck Me, F**k Me.” People live for love. People die for love. People kiss for love. People kill for love. I wanted show both sides of love to my viewers.

Some people were shocked by the lollipop painting. But this is our daily life. For example, is there is a rose without a thorn? The most beautiful things almost always come with danger. The next time you suck on a lollipop, be ready for anything. But, isn’t it worth the risk?

“Kiss Me, Kill Me” 36 X 60 inches, Acrylic on Canvas

KAT FLEISCHMAN

Photo by Meg Pukel

Fleischman is the president of Do Tell PR, a public relations company based in Miami. The stylish influencer has been making the

and all

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www.dotellpublicity.com

THE OPENING OF THE JACKSON WEST, JOSE MILTON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

The opening of the Jackson West Medi cal Center, Jose Milton Memorial Hospi tal, took place in Doral, Miami with the presence of Cecil and Ana Veiga Milton, the South Florida family who generously donated 10 million dollars, surrounded by their family, friends and city officials. The hospital will help deliver Jackson-quality healthcare to the people of the communi ties in West Miami-Dade including Doral, Miami Springs, Sweetwater, and Hialeah. From Left to Right, top to bottom: 1. Cecil and Ana Veiga Milton are sponsors of the Jose Milton Memorial Hospital. 2. Third generation of the Miltons, including Ana Veiga Milton’s children, Alec, Eric and Diana. 3. Carlos Migoya, CEO of Jack son Health System. 4. Cecil Milton, Mia mi Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Ana Veiga Milton. 5. Crowd at the gathering. 6. The 10 million dollar dona tion by the Milton family. 7. Eric, Ana Vei ga, Diana and Alex Milton. 8. Flavia Llizo, President of the Jackson Health Founda tion. 9. Cecil and Ana Veiga Milton with trustees. 10. Ana Veiga Milton, and family.

MAYI DE LA VEGA

Her Heart & Soul In Real Estate

By Rosanna Perez

How long have you been running ONE Sotheby's International Realty and talk about its origin?

ONE Sotheby’s International Realty has been in business for 12 years. We opened in December 2008 in the midst of the financial crisis. Everyone thought I was crazy, but I knew Miami was the city of the future.

What makes it stand out? Our culture and our relentless desire to instill a sense of pride and excellence in our team. Our agents are pheno menal, and it is extremely important for us to stay connected and make sure they feel supported with access to our unmatched global brand and presence.

How many agents work under your company?  We have a team of more than 1,100 of the most experienced and dedicated agents throughout Florida’s East Coast.

How is your routine?  You have been busy making the business grow, what's the secret to your success? My routine is insanely busy. I try to exercise each morning and prepare my mind to stay hyper-focused all day long. The secret to my success is surrounding myself with great people. I follow 10 basic rules and they are Maria Bartiromo’s, “The 10 Laws of Enduring Success”.

What advice do you give young realtors who want to move to Miami to start a career in real estate? Understand the dedication and time you must put into this career in order to succeed. As in dependent agents, we have a lot of freedom but have to be extremely focused, persistent and always remember to never give up!

If you would have done something else, what would it have been? A career in interior design or architecture.

Your apartment is an ode to ART?  What art do you collect and why? I gravitate toward an elegant aesthetic. Form and balance are two words that come to mind. Many of the sculptu res in my collection are kinetic, redefining the space around them as they move. Some of the works are minimal and austere but the collection does not take itself too seriously, there is playfulness as well. The formal tension is balanced with a touch of whimsy and humor. I am always looking for balance and equilibrium. Some pieces connect me with my Cuban roots and the many opportunities this country has offered me.

How do you mix business with pleasure since you have to entertain constantly to stand out as a luxury company in real estate? What is the right balance? My life for the most part is intertwined

with business and pleasure. My agents are my friends, and my clients are my friends as well. Entertaining and reaching out to agents, clients and colleagues who have become fa mily, is a pleasure.

What was it like working with One Thousand Mu seum?  Any other project that you can describe that really fulfilled you through the years?  What were the challenges? Working as the exclusive sales brokerage for One Thousand Museum has been one of the most rewarding expe riences in my career. The Zaha Hadid archi

tects and developers Louis Birdman, Kevin Venger and Gregg Covin make this project so special. The W South Beach Residences really fulfilled me. It was David Edelstein who gave me the opportunity to represent a project of such magnitude and for that I am grateful. I took over the project in the middle of the 2008-2010 crisis so that was a challenge to work through.

What other part of the country do you love, have you been traveling less after the pandemic?

I took the pandemic seriously. I did not travel for about a year and a half. Just recently I started traveling again for business and plea sure. I went to visit Jody Lovel, the owner of Highlands Sotheby’s in North Carolina and Nick Damianos, owner of Damianos Sotheby’s in Nassau, Bahamas. I love to visit Aspen in the summer. I will be there at the end of July with my family. I am also looking forward to visiting Europe, particularly Italy and Paris.

How is the relationship with your son, who is president of the company? How do you both complement each other? We complement each other very well. Our relationship is all about mutual respect and admiration. We inspire one another and we complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses. I am a dreamer and a visionary and he is logical and genuine.

How would you describe yourself as a woman? Resilient, compassionate, fun, loyal and most importantly unstoppable!

Who is your favorite celebrity who lives in Mia mi? Who would you like to have in the city of Miami...any celeb in particular? Gloria Estefan. A lot of celebrities who I admire have a se cond home here, but I would love for Jamie Foxx to live here. He is a talented artist and a great human being!

Any other project you will embark on in the next few months...why are they so interesting or even intriguing.... what is the future of real estate.  We just launched a staging and design component to ONE Sotheby’s International Realty called ELEVATE that no other broke rage offers. In addition, we are involved in the sales at Baha Mar Residences in Nassau, Baha mas. What a spectacular property in paradise!

Can you address what happened after the con do collapse? Our community was heartbroken by the Champlain Tower collapse. Many families and individuals in the community, including families, friends and clients of our own agents were affected by this tragedy and we continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers. We are forever grateful for the strength of the first responders who worked tirelessly on rescue efforts.

How will this affect people’s decision on buying condos in the future? This is a devastating scena rio, one that we have never dealt with before. The collapse will certainly affect building ins pections and construction codes for all condo miniums, not only in Miami but nationwide. We are going to have to address buyers' con cerns and questions head-on and continue to guide them through the due diligence process.

Photography by Meg Pukel at Mayi de la Vega’s Home in Miami Jewelry by Tamara Comolli, available at www.tamaracomolli.com

Talks the Future

By Rebeca Herrero

Miami has suffered a great tragedy after the co llapse of the Champlain Towers in Surfside; devastation has filled the once sunny area Nor th of Miami Beach. An enclave of great tranquility, the huge impact on the loss of dozens of residents…..Miami will never be the same. “Our hearts and prayers go out to the families and the neighbors of Surfside. This sad event is a turning point for a community where govern ment officials, city officials and everyone are coming to gether to create better inspection systems with the latest technology to prevent structural failures like this,” com mented Kobi Karp, one of the most respected architects in the United States.

Karp is an emblem of knowledge on building condomi niums that are modern and attractive for decades. Even though he is an architect, not a structural engineer, he understands the in and outs of the industry. He was seen alongside Anderson Cooper and in many news outlets when tragedy hit Miami Beach. His comments were deep and compassionate, considering this event struck with surprise and shock internationally.

“Once in 1992, after Hurricane Andrew blew away ho mes and killed so many, the building codes were chan ged, structural engineering took another form. Back then we took a liability and made it an asset, to improve the building codes. Post hurricane, the design require ments dramatically changed. Our new buildings main tain the waterproofing, the roofing, and the structural DNA of a building. Currently in the inspection of ol der buildings from the 70’s, 80’s, or 90’s, a new process must be assessed immediately by the Homeowner’s As sociation, assign new engineers, and even used ground penetrating radar, sonar or other high-tech equipment. What happened at Surfside is unimaginable. The wa terproofing was not well maintained, the steel corroded. Imagine the concrete as being the muscle, and the steel bars your bones.”

Love and passion for Design

Karp founded Kobi Karp Architecture and Interior De sign Inc. (KKAID) in 1996. Since then, the firm has built beautiful and famous hotels. Karp is a big part of the renaissance of the Miami Beach’s Art Deco District.

He and his team are big believers of natural resour ces. He is responsible for the beautiful structure, The Surf Club Four Seasons Hotel which was a large historic building to be preserved. The old structure became the prelude and arrival point of the project. They made it into public areas for people to enjoy. Another project, Monad Terrace in collaboration with Jean Nouve, is a grand private condominium with different buildings.

“You don’t get to enjoy it and appreciate the beauty of it until you come inside Monad Terrace. Once you walk in, look at the water pool which visually flows onto the bay. We respect the surroundings of the land, the pro ject in itself. People have become more sophisticated when it comes to buying a property like this. They en joy their privacy and appreciate the design at that level.

Look at how many corners Monad Terrace has. It’s in

credible,” said the graduate from the University of Min nesota Institute of Technology.

“Our firm is well known for our modernist approach and unique designs. We are building in Fort Lauderda le (currently the Four Seasons Hotel is under construc tion), Honduras, Cartagena, so many places globally. We firmly believe that the building is the backdrop of the surrounding area where is built. It blends the cha racteristics that emotionally connect you to the place,” adds Karp.

The Future of Miami

As tragedy unfolded in Miami Beach during the towers collapse, Karp believes there was negligence and that the building had to be demolished. “Unfortunately, it happened due to so many reasons that we are still unco vering. New buildings sit on piles, they are quite safe as the sand friction holds the building. We implemented procedures in buildings that were incredibly old, even from the 1920s. Look at the Versailles, The Cadillac, The Hyatt at 40th street and Collins and even the foun dation of the Fountainebleu Hotel. These are very safe structures built with the latest technologies. It is also imperative to adhere to the new rules and protect our families and residents and prevent at any cost these tra gedies,” mentioned the Miami Beach resident.

“For the future of Miami depends on innovation and re silience of being one of the most wonderful places in the country. This city has the per capita, the culture, great museums, Art Basel, Wynwood, and I believe the next two generations will do great things for the city. Florida is the only sub-tropical state in the country which makes it extremely attractive for people from California, New York City, Chicago or Minneapolis to move here. It has an aura of wellness, our bodies heal better with the warmth of Florida, it will continue to thrive and innova te and embrace changes that preserve the environment and our resources as much as we can.”

Photographed at Monad Terrace in Miami Beach, one of Kobi Karp’s projects. Furnishings by MORADA-Haute Furniture Boutique. Photography by Meg Pukel

“With an open-minded creative approach, we force ourselves to put the greatest talent pool of people, gather opposite visions and sensitivity. Because we combine them harmoniously, we create our own poetry. And the world is like that, opposite energies well combined, which provide the richest experiences. There cannot be one vision, every client is different. Our creative tribe has only one point in common: elegance, even in the most distressed garment.

Earrings by Coubochon in NYC

Buccellati wears Angel Sanchez and Aranyani handbags. Here she wears a jacket from her company Faith Connexion.

Maria BUCCELLATI

Rethinks the Future

THE MODEL AND MIAMI RESIDENT IS CHANGING THE WORLD OF FASHION ONE STEP AT A TIME! Styling by Rebeca Herrero

Photographed at Monad Terrace by Nick Garcia

Maria Buccellati is an icon in the Fashion World. Not only is she a stunning woman with virtually a perfect body, exotic features and a good heart, she really loves the busi ness of fashion and wants to reshape the city that saw her evolved into the global power house she has become today! Here is a Q&A with the famous model and businesswoman.

Photographed at Monad Terrace, a unique project by Jean Nouvel and Kobi Karp, while wearing Angel Sanchez and designers from Faith Conexxion (her fashion company).

Tell us about your beginning?

My first job ever was Vogue America with photographer, Shiela Metzner. I was dis covered by iconic Iran Issa Kahn in Miami who shot a test of me in her studio in Coral Gables for Harper’s Bazaar. Even though it was a test, the photos ended up in 15 pages of the magazine. We met at my arts colle ge, and she saw me in the runway shows my school put together. At this fashion shows, that took place at different malls, I would get credits for college.

What does Miami represent for you?

Miami is everything, it’s my hometown. My memories from growing up here make me love this place, and I feel I can bring all my experience of living in Europe, here.

Describe the early part of your modeling career?

I started my fashion brand literally from my dining room. I dutifully enjoy being an it girl with my favorite friends, Stella Mc Cartney, Margarita Missoni, and all the other women that used to sit in the front row of the best fashion shows, this is before Instagram and the influencers’ boom. I also can tell you that a big highlight of my career as a model was being a muse for Dolce & Gabbana, Lacroix, Lagerfeld and walking the runway with Cindy Crawford, Nao mi Campbell and Linda Evangelista in the 90’s, which was great.

Talk about your work?

My first show was a swimsuit and cashme re collection I called MB Couture. It was a hit that launched all over the world with a kickoff in Miami. We had 1000 guests and a crystal runway show on the newly construc ted Icons on Miami Beach. I also helped and worked closely with my then husband Andrea on the Buccellati jewelry brand.

In 2011, I was approached by the Balmain group to attend shows and met their part ners. At that moment, Faith Connexion began and I hopped on to lead and advise the group to create a new Balmain era with the most talented creatives. We created the

“At our store we hope to make our client realize that in a world getting ready for robotic and AI domination, handmade energy will triumph. That the digital world is a giant vacuum that will create thirst for physical experiences and human energies. Every sad worker from the industrial era, will certainly be replaced by a robot, but every human will become a craftsman, sell products with a soul and human energy.”

A special thanks to Braman Miami for allowing us to use the Bentley Continental GT at Monad Terrace.

new wave of street wear thru Faith Conne xion. It was honestly ahead of its time. We launched a great show, and I acquired the trademark in 2020. We want to bring a new shift of fashion, a tribe of creatives.

What is Faith Connexxion all about?

Faith is a vibrant factory of contemporary tailoring. A real experience, that cannot be replaced by the internet… Quite the oppo site, it will be fostered by the digital era. A place where one can distress their jeans in real time with our distress creator, or ask our local artist to customize their garments, or work with seamstresses to place unique embroideries to a jacket, a jean or a shirt.

At Faith Connexion, ateliers offer the chance to meet with real, and talented crea tive teams.

Who is your customer?

The Soho client, Soho is this amazing loca tion where the new millennials merge with the wealthy traditional from all over the planet. Faith Connexion is sexy, street, and cool, but it is also very elegant and of high quality. Anyone who has a strong persona lity and who is not afraid to claim who she or he is, fits with Faith Connexion. Our cu rrent distribution is limiting our touchpoint with planet savvy customers, this place will allow them to know and experience us.

How do you see the “connexxion” with art, street, and fashion?

Faith the is aggregation of many disruptive entrepreneurial experiences. It is of course the result of many years with Balmain.

We believe it is all about human energy. This new very physical era is a confronta tional response to the digital era. The street is the last space of physical freedom and the greatest territory of inspiration.

“We chose New York over Paris, which is our base, because of its diversity. Plus, no other city than NY embodies better the wealth of “Mixity”. Our styles are an aggregation of visions sometimes opposed but harmoniously married, like a symphony. This is a lesson for the world, this is NY.”

WHO TO KNOW IN SOUTH FLORIDA

The ladies from Boys & Girls Club of Miami are ready for more!

By Rosanna Perez. Photographed by Nick Garcia at Monad Terrace (a project by Jean Nouvel and Kobi Karp)

“The Boys and Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade has been serving youth in the community since 1946,” mentioned Gabriela Rachadell de Delgado, the lawyer and head of the En ergy Law Firm. A Miami resident who hails from Venezuela and has been involved with the organization since 2011; she is also part of the Executive Board. “What was once a single building and recreation field for boys, has grown to five clubs who serve more than 8,000 boys and girls year-round. Our or ganization is unique for its responsibility to our youth, they need to thrive and succeed, and since the inception of our non-profit, we have saved thousands of children in the most vulnerable areas of society,” affirms

the head of the Energy Law Firm Interjuris (an international law firm), and philanthropist.

“These quality, after-school and summer activities engage youth ages 5-18 through cultural arts, and sports, fitness and recreations. Our programs give our community’s children positive experiences which offer a moral compass on their life’s journey,” said Olguita Guillarte, Chair of the Board and largest donor to the program.

“Our after school academic program and homework assis tance, organized league basketball, baseball, football, cheer leading, and tennis programs are offered on a year-round basis to keep the children occupied as long as possible in a healthy,

safe, productive, and enjoyable environ ment. Over 60% of youth crime is commit ted between the hours of 2-6pm. With our programs, we help decrease the number of children in the streets in the after-school hours, as well as during the weekends.”

The Ocean Bank Teen Center resides inside the Alex Rodriguez Educational center lo cated at the Hank Kline Club. Yuni Navarro, EVP and Chief Operating Officer of Ocean Bank, also part of the Board, admits the Teen Program is now available in all of the clubs.

“During the school year, teens abide by the After-School curriculum but also delve into other issues such as financial literacy, job shadowing, and career enrichment. The Teen Program provides homework assistance, career preparedness activities, field trips, and more. Recently the children learned about the US Banking system, at the Federal Reserve Bank in Doral and visited The Olive Garden, to experience how the staff of the restaurant operates in a real time. All this experiences shape the future of our boys and girls.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF MIAMI-DADE 2805 SW 32 Avenue Miami, Florida 33133 United States Phone: 305-446-9910 E-mail: info@bgcmia.org Website: https://www.bgcmia.org

OLGA GUILLARTE

YUNI NAVARRO

GABRIELA RACHADELL DE DELGADO

“To inspire and enable young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.”

Working with Dyslexia

Steven Colucci — painter , dancer and mime — is the producer of the third annual Westhampton Beach Project on July 30 and 31. Colucci has always been captivated by the arts and aspired to become an artist himself, but growing up in the South Bronx and mo ving into arts in NYC proved challenging. At age 12, Co lucci went to the New York University Reading Clinic to help with his dyslexia. Coluc ci said, On his commute from the Bronx to Manhattan to attend school, Colucci always had an extra pair of clothes with him, changing outfits at the 161st stop on the D train to avoid getting bullied. Even so, Colucci enjoyed the NYU clinic because it awoke the artist within him.

At the clinic, Colucci was handed a paintbrush and told to channel himself through art. Studying the virtuosi ty of renowned Hamptons artists such as Jackson Po llock, Willem de Kooning, and John Marin, Coluc ci found a world where he could thrive. After finishing at the clinic and graduating from William Taft High School, Colucci re ceived a scholarship to the New York School of Visual Arts. Colucci said, “My parents did everything necessary to make me become an artist. If I had become a doctor, they would have been disappointed.” With this goal in mind, Colucci moved to Paris after earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in painting. In the City of Love, Colucci found a new fascina tion: by combining his admiration for art and movement he began to study pantomi me and ballet with the legendary Etienne Decroux, a corporeal mime master.

Steven Colucci

Painter , Dancer, Mime, & Producer Westhampton Beach Project .

By R. Couri Hay

in deep thought,” said Coluc ci. “He always used to say, ‘To experience comedy you need trauma.’ Not a lot of people were doing corporeal mime, so, everyone was interested in what we were doing,” remembered Colucci. “Especially in Ameri ca because here we separate the two, dance and mime. But, in Polish mime, they’re one.”

Westhampton Beach Project Colucci is the producer of the Westhampton Beach Project, which provides up-and-coming performers with a place to pu blicize and unveil their talents. The free-to-the-public annual event is a combination of opera, ballet, and modern dance held on the Great Lawn on Main Street in Westhampton. “I knew that it was time to launch The Westhampton Beach Project event, which has been on my mind for several years,” said Colucci. “I wanted to provide all these amazing dancers, ar tists, and singers with a platform to showcase their talents.” The next Westhampton Beach Project takes place on July 30th through the 31st. All proceeds will go to the non-pro fit Musical Mime Company, which is committed to cultivating artists and awareness of art and corporeal movement. The two-day event will featu re the West-African singer and songwriter Eva Sita, a soloist from the American Ballet Theatre, choreography by the Alison Cook Beatty Dance Company, and a tribute to Frank Sinatra by the vocalist Steven Maglio.

MoMA & The National Arts Club

Studying with Marcel Marceau

From Etienne Decroux, Colucci learned the art of corporeal mime, pantomime move ment that places drama within the body. Ele ments of theatricality usually expressed in speech on a stage are instead expressed by a silent body moving in space. But it wasn’t until Colucci studied with Marcel Marceau that he began to find fame. Marceau’s wife,

Ella Jaroszewicz, a mime herself, saw Co lucci perform and personally brought Mar ceau to Colucci’s studio to meet him. Quic kly, he became Marceau's next corporeal mime protégé of the late 1970s. “Marcel was very complicated and everything he did was

Colucci is also a painter. His neo-post-im pressionist work erupts with bursts of emo tion and color. It’s as if Colucci's decades of dance experience have transferred to his artmaking: Vibrant colors dance elegantly like ballerinas on a stage. His artwork has been featured in MoMA, The National Arts Club, Belenky Brothers gallery in SoHo, and the per manent collections of the Mark Hachem Ga llery in NYC and Paris. Colucci refers to his art as “a technical expression of physicality and movement.” whbproject.com stevencolucciarts.com

MENDOZA VENTURES

By Rosanna Perez. Photography by Meg Pukel

Adrian and Senofer Mendoza are a power couple in the venture capitalist world fund. An extremely talented pair fueled by a sense of responsibility and progress. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, the first LatinX- owned venture fund on the East Coast is run by the Mendozas, extremely talented individuals who are fueled by a sense of responsibili ty. The fund was also powered by Adrian’s knowledge on the technology fields he developed while studying college in South California. They built the fund focusing on the early stage and growth of Fintech, AI, and cybersecurity. “We invest in areas where we have deep domain expertise, companies with early revenue, clear value proposition and using a proven due diligence model,” explained Adrian Mendoza, whose

Mexican roots make him a proud Latino Venture Capitalist owner. “We raised money between New York City, and Portland, Oregon. Adrian is a tech guru and sold a couple of technology startups. It took us time to develop this venture fund, it was challenging, navigating a world that is usually reserved to an Ivy League educated elite. Adrian went to Harvard, he is extremely skilled, and I became the COO of the company. We both combined our talents and have expanded into a fund that has several employees now”, said his partner in life and work, Senofer. The mission of Mendoza Ventures is to focus on diversity. “As roughly 75% of our portfolio consists of start-ups led by immigrants, people of color and women.” For more information visit: www.mendoza-ventures.com

The Miami Symphony Orchestra (MISO), now in its historic 32nd season, is Miami's hometown professional symphony; the Headquarters are located in the Miami Design District as the main sponsor of the Symphony. The Music Director & Conductor of MISO is Eduardo Marturet.

The Miami Symphony Orchestra (MISO), now in its historic 31st season, is Miami's hometown professional symphony and a valuable contributor to Miami's cultural fabric. With 80 professional musicians selected from around the world, MISO represents the exceptional talent and diversity that mirrors South Florida's international and multicul tural richness. The music conductor and director of MISO is Eduardo Marturet. Here are a few answers to our questions?

What inspires you? The beauty of people. The most important energy is the emotions that people carry. I really love to make the audience happy; you feel it during a concert. The mood of my audience is what inspires me, and it blends with the music we perform.

You are from Venezuela? Do you go back? I used to go back and forth but in the last few years we prefer to stay in Miami. My wife Athina, who is an actress and model, I care about what she goes through when we visit Venezuela, I don’t like to stress her out. It’s a shame but it’s a reality. We still have a beautiful place in Caracas but prefer not to go as often due to the circumstances.

You’ve been at the helm of MISO for the last 15 years? What are the challenges of fundraising in Miami? It’s very challenging, not impossible, but we adapt to the circumstances. It’s becoming better, it has improved tremendously in the last few years. We think people demand more culture and well, as you know Miami is a very transient town. A lot of residents have a second home here, they do not live permanently here like in other major cities, but we have seen a significant improvement.

You mix from Beethoven to Celia Cruz in your repertoire. Do people love it? Of course they do. I think the blend of cultures in Miami makes it exciting and I try to offer innovative choices for my audience to enjoy the experience. Lately we’ve also done mediation music at the Biltmore. It’s such a great experience, to rewire the brain through music. Any future projects that are interesting? Yes! The Ritz Carlton in Miami Beach have asked us to be come the Resident Orchestra. That’s great because their guests will get tickets for our performances, and we will be able to have our musicians stay in this wonderful property. We will keep showing improve ments in the overall structure of MISO. The best is yet to come.

Eduardo Marturet is the conductor of MISO

By Rosanna Perez. Photography by Meg Pukel