Artful Living Magazine | Autumn 2025 by Artful Living Magazine

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THE STYLE ISSUE

126 FASHION’S FRONT LINE

From the fresh crop of creative directors dreaming up runway-ready looks to the stylists dolling up our favorite celebrities, here are the people who are shaping fashion now. IN EVERY ISSUE 246

CULTURE

64 AT AUCTION

Inside a Sotheby’s collection inspired by the golden age of glamour.

68 JEWELRY

Irene Neuwirth infuses her creations with her signature whimsy.

73 STYLE

Fashion-forward dandies let their clothes do the talking.

STYLE

79 FASHION

An expert’s guide to dressing the French way.

84 COTTAGE

LiLu Interiors designs a restful retreat that nods to the coast.

90 WARDROBE

David Coggins praises eccentricity in style.

95 GUIDE

Layer up with trending textiles this fall.

COMPASS

105 DINE

Grab a seat at the most stylish restaurants in America.

113 TOUR

The Artful Living city guide to Copenhagen.

120 WELLNESS

Why bathhouses are the latest social hubs for health.

HOME

140 PROPERTY GALLERY

Coldwell Banker Realty presents the finest homes for sale.

176 LAKE RETREAT

Inside an idyllic DGI Design x Build abode in upstate New York.

184 DESIGN

An O’Hara Interiors home combines traditional and contemporary design.

190 BUILD

Homes by Tradition constructs a sophisticated retreat for a young family.

198 RENOVATION

TEA2 Architects designs a modern house with retro flair.

ADVENTURE

207 TREND

Solo women travelers are embracing adventure.

212 ARCHITECTURE

A Charles Stinson home proves architecture doesn’t age — it adapts.

220 NICE RIDE

A new icon arrives with the all-electric Jaguar Type 00.

INTEL

226 EQUINE

Why equestrian style is eternally chic.

232 ESTATE

John Kraemer & Sons and Historic Studio craft a Mediterranean home.

240 NORTH NOTABLES

The region’s best and brightest.

EDITOR'S LETTER

September marks a season of new beginnings, like stepping onto the bus on the first day of school — or in my case, penning my first Editor’s Letter as Artful Living’s Executive Editor And what’s a new beginning without a little zhuzhing of one’s personal style? Created especially for savvy readers like you, our autumn style issue is jam-packed with stories to inspire not only how we dress, but how we experience life, both in the home and on the go.

In our social media–dominant world, it can be challenging to quiet the noise and identify a true sense of style. After an Instagram scroll teeming with OOTD videos, impeccably curated photo dumps and paparazzi-captured celebrity streetstyle shots, I’m often left with a slew of questions (How am I supposed to feel about barrel jeans? What actually goes into a capsule wardrobe? Thrifting sounds cool, but where do I start?) and an add-to-cart list of influencer-endorsed threads that I’ve convinced myself I can pull off. Sound familiar? Luckily, the glossy pages between your hands are meant to be a guiding force amidst it all.

Our feature, “Fashion’s Front Line” by Laura Antonia Jordan, delves into the five archetypes defining what we wear today. (page 126) In “Salute to Black Style,” Robyne Robinson dives into the fashionable world of dandyism, a movement pillared by expressive dressing as a form of individuality and social activism, which claimed attention at this year’s Met Gala — perhaps you recall Coleman Domingo’s custom Valentino robe that he donned at the annual bash. (page 73) In “Haute Cuisine,” Jeff Gordinier shows how food, design and travel are all intertwined, taking us on a tour of the five most stylish restaurants in the country. (page 105) In “There She Goes,” Alexandra Owens articulates why solo women travel is on the rise (If an “If not now, when?” mentality isn’t stylish, then I don’t know what is!). (page 207) And in “Horse Play,” our resident equine expert, Editor-at-Large Kate Nelson, explains how horse girl style is always relevant. (page 226)

We hope that the stories in this issue propel you forward in your style journey and serve as inspiration in a season of change. So here’s to an autumn grounded by unwavering confidence in your personal style — from the clothes you’re hanging in your closet to the dinner reservations you’re booking to the hotels you’re checking into and everything in between.

Executive Editor

Kate Nelson Editor-at-Large

Emma Cutler Velez Publisher

Hayley Saunders Associate Publisher

Lexi Sunberg Executive Editor

Margaret Cooper Senior Art Director

Anna Hall

Contributing Art Designer

Rosie Kelly Digital Editor

AJ Longabaugh

Contributing Digital Editor

Genevieve Cossette Coleman Vice President of Sales

Meg Lehman Marketing + Events Manager

Mitchell Lambert Director of Operations

Tyra Ericson Project Manager

Lizzie Kristal Intern

Pete Burgeson President

Editorial Advisory Board

Heidi Libera, Chris Plantan, Dana Swindler

Contributors

Writers: Merritt Bamrick, David Coggins, Katie Dohman, Garance Doré, Christina Fortier, Amber Gibson, Jeff Gordinier, Laura Antonia Jordan, Laurie Junker, Wendy Lubovich, Melinda Nelson, Alexandra Owens, Marisa Petrarca, Robyne Robinson

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Illustrators: Hilbrand Bos, Labyrinth of Collages, Meagan Morrison

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Contact Emma Cutler Velez at 612-803-1910 or evelez@artfulliving.com.

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ON THE COVER

Our Cover Shot

Spanish photographer Txema Yeste captured the striking equine image gracing the cover of our autumn issue. The shot was originally created for Carolina Herrera’s Stallion Leather Suede fragrance ad campaign, which launched earlier this year. Inspired by the fashion mogul’s purebred Arabian horse, Balaclava, the scent captures the essence of equestrian elegance, blending suede, smoky leather and warm spices. The photo struck us as the perfect representation of our annual style issue, where aesthetics rooted in timeless appeal take center stage. With stories exploring the allure of equestrian fashion and the layers of influence shaping our sartorial decisions, we selected a cover image that impeccably embodies the issue’s defining themes: refinement, craftsmanship and individualism.

About Us

Artful Living, the Magazine of the North, is one of the top independent boutique lifestyle magazines across the United States with international reach. Founded in 2008, this award-winning magazine features engaging original content and beautiful design, bringing the best of the North and beyond to an affluent audience with impeccable taste. This elegant, intelligent publication aims to inspire and entertain, highlighting culture, home, style, travel, food, profiles and more. The Artful Living lifestyle brand is headquartered in Minneapolis.

The real seat of power.

CULTURE

JACKSON STROM

ERIC BERG CONSTRUCTION / AGL LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS / BELLE KITCHEN / SPACECRAFTING

belle of

Sotheby’s sells a coveted collection inspired by the golden age of glamour.

BY WENDY LUBOVICH

the ball

CULTURE AT AUCTION

Imagine opening your closet to some of the most dazzling dresses ever made, designed by the world’s top couturiers. That’s just a typical day for esteemed fashion collector Alixandra Fitzwilliam-Tate Baker, Baroness of Gray, who has devoted her life to seeking out the most swoon-worthy vintage haute couture, worn by some of the 20th century’s most stylish women.

“There are few fashion collections in the world that can make you gasp in sheer astonishment at the beauty before your eyes — and the Baroness’ collection does exactly that,” explains Lucy Bishop, former handbags and fashion specialist at Sotheby’s in New York City. “Stepping into her purpose-built ‘wardrobe vault’ is akin to stepping into a dream: Your eyes are met with rails of rustling taffetas, glistening jewel-toned silks and twinkling embellished tulles, with museum-worthy haute couture nestled amongst ready-to-wear masterpieces.”

To celebrate all that splendor, Sotheby’s put 100 garments from the collection up for sale this summer, giving the public a first peek into this extraordinary assortment. Fashionistas toured the New York City auction showrooms for a glimpse at these creations up close, including designs by couture visionaries like Christian Dior, Cristóbal Balenciaga and Yves Saint Laurent.

The coveted garments of the aptly titled Art of Glamour auction were sold exclusively online during a two-week span. With style enthusiasts logging in from around the world, the assortment took in $289,000, and more than half the lots sold above their high estimate. All the presale pizazz online brought in a younger-than-expected crowd, with a third of the bidders under the age of 40. And many participants were first-time fashion bidders for the auction house, with more than 40% of the buyers new to Sotheby’s style-themed sales.

“The Baroness is a lifelong lover of fashion and first developed an interest in the art of dressmaking as a child, and as time passed, that interest developed into a passion,” says Bishop. “She recalls watching Audrey Hepburn on the silver screen and being mesmerized by her and the breathtakingly glamorous couture gowns that she wore.”

That passion led to one of the most prized pieces in the auction, a pink dress made for Hepburn by Hubert de Givenchy. The actress wore a version of the gown in a 1966 Vogue fashion spread, where the dress is described as “a loose, languorous Givenchy spiral of pale pink crêpe falling to an uneven hemline from a strapless top, tied on one side.”

In what might be considered a Hollywood ending, the gown did not sell. As it sometimes happens in the fastpaced, high-profile auction world, the right buyer simply didn’t come along. So, for now, Hepburn fans will have to be patient to see if this glorious gown will get a sequel.

So what were style lovers clamoring for? The standout seller was an iconic Christian Dior haute couture brocaded lamé coat from the autumn/winter 1970-1971 collection. With a wraparound style, the garment is trimmed in dramatic black fox fur. Amid brisk bidding, it sold for $27,900 — more than doubling its high estimate.

And for the most enviable party ensemble in the collection, an Yves Saint Laurent haute couture lesage embroidered ball gown, from autumn/ winter 1974-1975 also topped the sale. With its apple-green moiré skirt and astonishing bodice filled with chenille flowers, the dress sold for $12,700, smashing early estimates.

“This is such a unique sale that truly celebrates the art of glamour,” Bishop says. “There is something for everyone, ranging from fun and affordable knockout gowns to museum-worthy haute couture. When I think of all the fabulous parties these pieces attended decades ago, it brings me great joy to share them with the public and to imagine all of the happy memories that will be created with their lucky new owners.”

IRENE SHINE NEUWIRTH

Jewelry designer Irene Neuwirth brings her painterly eye and signature whimsy to the Loupe.

BY MARISA PETRARCA

BRIGHT

ith her jewelry gracing the red carpets of Hollywood and the pristine shelves of the Loupe in Minneapolis, Irene Neuwirth’s universe is anything but neutral. Since launching her eponymous brand in 2003, the fine jewelry designer has developed a devoted following for her saturated hues, unexpected stones and a certain offbeat elegance. Her pieces are often playful and at times cheeky, each one composed with the instinct — and inheritance — of a painter.

That comparison is hardly an exaggeration. Neuwirth’s love of art and color was sparked early, shaped by a bohemian painter mother and tempered by her business-minded father’s entrepreneurial drive. After college, she began stringing glass beads and blending precious and semiprecious stones with little more than instinct. Soon, requests for her exceptional pieces began pouring in from fashionistas, including celebrities.

Long before her designs adorned the Taylor Swifts and Oprah Winfreys of the world, Neuwirth had her sights set on the luxury jewelry space. “I’ve loved jewelry for as long as I can remember,” she says. “My mom would take me to Barneys, and I would get lost on the jewelry floor.” That early infatuation still pulses through her work today, most notably in her embrace of mixing unique stones together without pretense or plan. For Neuwirth, perfection isn’t the point. Presence is. And her pieces have it in spades. That sentiment hasn’t wavered. “One of my first pieces was a peridot beaded necklace with vintage beads hanging from the strand,” she recalls. “I couldn’t believe it when I saw it in the cases at Barneys. It was such a full-circle moment.” Though the now-shuttered department store has faded into memory, it’s given rise to new spaces that champion independent designers, like the Loupe, a North Loop darling known for its expertly curated fine jewelry collections.

It’s here that Neuwirth’s recently launched Heroic Collection shines, including a pair of one-of-a-kind hoops that feature vibrant drops of tourmaline (one in glowing pink, the other in sunlit yellow) hung from the collection’s signature gold triple hoops.

This collection builds on Neuwirth’s enduring love of vibrant gemstones, but this time, the focus shifts to the gold itself. “With this collection, I wanted to focus on the gold settings, too,” she says. “I started by stacking my gold bands together, creating a look that felt bold and feminine.” That vision takes shape in sculptural silhouettes that verge on architectural: chunky rings, sweeping cuffs and earrings meant to be worn in joyful layers.

There’s no shortage of pieces to admire. The collection has turned the Loupe into a veritable candy store for the jewelry- and color-obsessed. The rings are an undeniable focal point. Each one features a dramatic gemstone variation — from pink tourmaline and aquamarine to rainbow moonstone and diamond pavé — set atop stackable bands that strike a balance between strength and sophistication. And once you’ve chosen your favorite, chances are the perfect matching necklace, earring or cuff is waiting nearby, ready to complete the look.

No matter the selection — or where one chooses to wear it, be it a lakeside garden party in Wayzata or a gala in Manhattan — Neuwirth’s hope is the same: that her designs leave their wearer feeling “beautiful, feminine, bold and empowered.”

That may sound easy for someone whose work graces star-studded events and private collections, but the effect is anything but. Neuwirth travels the globe in search of rare and radiant gemstones, then returns to her Los Angeles studio to dream up the designs for each collection.

No detail is overlooked; even the packaging feels collectible. Neuwirth’s pieces are housed in custom-dyed suede and silk, in saturated shades pulled straight from her signature palette. The colors are vibrant, the textures lush. Inside, pouches and boxes are lined with ethereal prints by contemporary painter Aaron Morse — an unexpected touch and intentional nod to Neuwirth’s love of art that echoes the dreaminess of the jewelry itself.

So what’s next — beyond her expanded trunk show arriving at the Loupe this December? She’s keeping us on the edge of our seats. “I’m always inspired and working on new things,” she offers. “You’ll just have to wait and see.” Like any artist who knows better than to reveal her process, Neuwirth keeps the future delightfully vague. But if history is any indication, it will sparkle — with color, character and plenty of charm.

From the steps of the Met to the streets of Minneapolis, fashion-forward dandies are letting their clothes do the talking.

BY ROBYNE ROBINSON

SALUTE TO BLACK STYLE

“When you dress well, you feel good about yourself. No one can take that away from you.”

PHOTOGRAPHY

DANIELE TAMAGNI AND JAMIE MCCARTHY

The stairs leading to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on the first Monday of May are easily the most stylish steps one can climb. With celebrities clad in over-the-top couture looks and dazzling jewels aplenty, the Met Gala becomes grander every year thanks to provocative themes. Fashion enthusiasts will recall, for instance, 2018’s “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination,” in which Rihanna donned a bejeweled Pope’s miter and cape by John Galliano. Is it too much? No way. Gala chair and former Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour blew everyone’s mind once again this year, selecting Pharrell Williams, multi-talented music producer and Louis Vuitton Men’s creative director, as co-chair of the bash. His pixelated Damoflage collection for the luxury brand was such a hit in 2024 that Wintour almost gave him the reins over the Met show altogether. His theme selection? “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” focusing on dandies and their evolution of elegance, excellence and identity.

Stars understood the assignment. They showed up in bold color-blocked suits and lambskin Burberry coats, with elegant tributes to the likes of Josephine Baker and a nod to iconic Black Hollywood films such as Mahogany and its leading lady, Diana Ross. Some even took a page from street culture and refined it with designer do-rags, luxurious pimp capes and canes.

This was more than a fashion moment — critics called the annual soiree a blueprint for the history of activism in style. It created a public platform for attendees to pay homage to the heritage and power of self-expression and identity. But Black dandyism is nothing new. “In the United States, it began within the past century, during the Great Migration from the South,” says Twin Cities–based men’s stylist Keith Dorsett. “Friday through Sunday was a time to celebrate — to look professional and sharp. People made a collective effort to emphasize where they were from.”

According to Dorsett and historians, the quintessential style of Black dandies harks back to Julius Soubise, a former slave whose exquisite taste in clothing was his ticket into London’s upper class in the late 1700s. A few years later, Beau

Brummell’s meticulous tailoring made his name synonymous with the word “dandy,” defined as a man who places extreme importance on the way he looks and carries himself, not only in how he dresses but in the attitude he exudes. Brummell’s garb became the fashion standard if you were a free man of means and privilege.

As style became synonymous with class, the wealthy would dress servants in worn suits and waistcoats to show their affluence, especially in places like the Democratic Republic of Congo. Congolese men often donned Belgian styles but added their own twists — think bright pink slacks, polka-dot bow ties, corduroys mixed with silks and double-breasted jackets. These vibrant men, referred to as sapeurs or la sape (followers of the fashion subculture originating in the Congo), were known in their communities as cultural revolutionaries, thumbing their noses at colonialism, civil war, poverty and oppression.

Once dandyism reached African Americans in the 1920s, it took on new meaning. Style wasn’t simply a sartorial statement, but a repudiation of Jim Crow and discrimination. Looking welltailored meant choosing one’s identity in a segregated world. Style created new opportunities that were once denied to people of color.

Now, after a century, dandies are getting their due — whether at the Met Gala, Minneapolis’ iconic Avant Garden event at Walker Art Center or in London’s Gran Flaneur Walk in the city’s fashionable West End.

Decades ago, Dorsett had hopes of seeing more well-dressed Black men out in the Twin Cities. He put his ideas on style into a book while working at Dayton’s in 2004, which caught the attention of Minneapolis-based fashion promoter Richard Moody. Together, they launched the Twin Cities Dandies Project in 2014, starting a local fashion movement — no small feat in the land of 10,000 Vikings jerseys. Now, the small but mighty group of style-setters has expanded into new subcategories of dandies: hellenic, country club, even consignment.

“In Minneapolis’ North Loop neighborhood, we see a lot of dandies,” says MartinPatrick 3 Store Manager and Stylist Hoss Al-Gassid. So much so that the luxury retailer hosts an annual Black Attire party, drawing roughly 300 men and women from across the metro, all dressed to the nines. “Dandyism is more than an attitude — it’s a lifestyle. If you embrace it, you’ll always be a dandy.”

“The word ‘dandy’ deserves respect,” says Grant Whittaker, a Minneapolis-based creative director and style expert. “Back in the day, people had to dress to impress for many reasons — one being that they were oppressed.” But today? “We’ve become such a social media–centered world that people don’t know how to dress,” he adds. “You can’t just dress for Instagram.”

Indeed, the Twin Cities has its share of dandies, like Jeff Springer, a North Loop men’s stylist known online as the Real Suit Guy. “Even when he goes out for coffee he looks good,” laughs Al-Gassid. And Houston White, the Camden neighborhood designer, whose line of relaxed houndstooth suits and floral shirts is a must for men whose tastes reflect a casual, retro elegance.

Then, of course, there are dandy legends, like Prince, whose handmade boots, custom suits and signature Love Symbol jewelry created a purple parade of fans imitating his recognizable style, from Paisley Park to Paris. “That’s a no-brainer,” says Al-Gassid. “The colors, the vibe — always put together. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a photo of him with a five o’clock shadow.”

Despite its current hype, the dandies crowd isn’t huge. After all, it takes work — and money — to look good. With that in mind, Dorsett keeps a cautious eye on the future of style, particularly for young Black men. He explains that with the recent boom in street-style brands, many are looking to solidify their own sense of personal style.

“We’re colorful people,” he says. “We have to celebrate ourselves. And when you dress well, you feel good about yourself. No one can take that away from you.”

Moody says that this year’s Met Gala was a guide to help young men build confidence in their own style — using taste as a shield against barriers and bigotry, but also emphasizing individuality. Style can open doors to places they’ve never dreamed of, he contends. “We want the next generation to know that anything is possible,” Moody encourages. “Be you. Own your look.”

j'adore lestyle

An expert’s guide to dressing the French way.

BY GARANCE DOR É

There’s something about the French woman that makes you stop and stare. Not because she’s showy, but because she isn’t. Her style is subtle, instinctive, slightly mysterious. She doesn’t look like she came out of a fashion magazine — she looks like she edits it.

But what makes French style so unmistakable? And why is it that Parisian women in particular seem to have been born with this quiet confidence and sartorial fluency?

As an unapologetically cosmopolitan French woman and writer chronicling my fashion takes since the early aughts, I can address these questions. Here are the five principles of French style.

Contrast

Parisian women dress in a way that’s full of contradictions. The magic is in the unexpected pairing of a tweed Chanel jacket balanced with a slouchy pair of jeans, a delicate silk slip dress grounded by a men’s oversized trench coat, a pair of ballerina flats worn with tailored pants and an old band tee. The trick is to soften the obviousness of any one piece.

There’s a certain irreverence at work. It’s not about destroying the codes of elegance; it’s about bending them and making them yours. Dressing “pretty” is never the goal. After all, looking like you care too much is the ultimate faux pas. The contrast keeps things cool, a little ironic and always interesting.

Timelessness

Sure, trends come and go, but the French wardrobe doesn’t shift dramatically with the seasons — it evolves slowly. A woman isn’t looking to reinvent herself every few months. She finds the shapes, fabrics and silhouettes that suit her, and then she returns to them over and over again.

Discretion

Style in France is something to be observed quietly, not shouted from the rooftops. You won’t see loud logos, over-the-top styling or jarring color clashes. I’ve found that elegance is not about being noticed — it’s about being remembered.

French women understand the art of suggestion. They want the woman across the room to think, she looks incredible, without quite knowing why. The most respected designers in France are those whose pieces are unlabelled but unmistakable. You either know, or you don’t. There’s a certain pleasure in this insider language of fashion. It’s a bit of a game, and the point is never to show off, but instead to show restraint.

Intention

The contents of a Parisian woman’s closet are minimal. This is partially due to limited space, but for the most part, it’s intentional. Built over time, her wardrobe includes items she has hunted, saved for and worn into her skin: Hermès riding boots, a perfect pair of Levi’s 501 jeans, a crisp white men’s shirt, a navy blue cashmere sweater that works in every season, a trench coat that fits like a glove, a navy blazer that can go from meetings to drinks without blinking. These are her tools, her allies. They age with her and become more hers with time.

Jewelry tells a story, too. Items like signet rings from grandfathers, religious medals from childhood and delicate chains layered without effort create intentional interest. You’re unlikely to see a French woman in costume jewelry unless it’s a deliberate wink.

French style isn’t really about fashion. It’s a way of being. It’s knowing who you are and dressing accordingly — with grace, restraint and just a hint of rebellion.

Crucially, nothing should look too new. The lived-in patina of a jacket passed down from a parent, the softened leather of a vintage bag, the faded black of a perfectly worn-in knit can establish that timeless appeal. These details signal history, intention and restraint. A bag that’s too shiny, shoes that are too polished or a dress that’s clearly “of the moment” are likely to get a subtle side-eye.

The most French sentence you’ll hear? “Oh, this? It used to be my mother’s.” Or even better: “I found it at a tiny vintage store in my neighborhood.”

Allure

Handbags and lipstick are important, but above all, allure is what counts most. That mix of posture, presence and self-possession is what makes her style feel complete.

Part of this is due to lifestyle. In Paris, you walk — a lot. So your shoes must be comfortable. Ballet flats, loafers and kitten heels can take you miles and look good while doing so. And yet, you’ll rarely see someone in leggings or sweatpants. There are no disheveled just-popping-outfor-coffee outfits. You never know who you’ll run into — be it your ex, your editor or your neighbor’s judgy mother-in-law.

Looking composed is a form of self-respect. But don’t confuse that with perfection. Hair can be undone, makeup minimal. I truly think it’s exactly this sense of balance that gives French style its unmistakable aura. Ultimately, French style isn’t really about fashion. It’s a way of being. It’s knowing who you are and dressing accordingly — with grace, restraint and just a hint of rebellion. It’s understanding that true style isn’t something you buy; it’s something you reveal, quietly, with time.

And, no, you don’t need to live in Paris to dress like a French woman. All you need to do is slow down, trust your instincts and care just enough to make it look like you don’t care at all. Start with a detail, revisit last season’s favorites, wear your mother’s jewelry, steal your husband’s jacket, create your own rules. In the end, it’s all about being yourself.

For more fashion and lifestyle musings from Garance Doré, check out her book, Love Style Life.

true blue

LiLu Interiors designs a restful retreat.

BY WENDY LUBOVICH

Life can be a bit chaotic. So why not create a home that’s centered on a sense of calm? That was the mission for this peaceful, comfort-filled abode in Edina, where the color blue is the grounding note throughout. From cornflower to indigo, steely blue to sky blue — this pleasing hue carries the day and happily knits all of the spaces together.

“Beyond being a family-favorite color, blue has soothing qualities that remind people of the sky and water, creating a serene mood,” says Lisa Peck, owner and principal designer of LiLu Interiors in Minneapolis. “The blues in this home mix with sandy colors to evoke a look of nature, reminding me of the shores of Nantucket.”

Indeed, that open, easy sense of living is threaded throughout this sunny 2023-built, fivebedroom residence, which is brimming with restful rooms. “One key question we were asked is how we wanted to feel in the home, and after some deliberation, we determined that we wanted to feel peace and serenity inside and outside,” homeowner Nicolle Harty explains. “The house functions beautifully for everyday needs but also converts to be able to host 50+ people for Thanksgiving — and that’s not an exaggeration.”

Which explains why this 7,400-square-foot residence has not one but two kitchens. The main kitchen has a pair of ovens, cabinets galore and plenty of counter space. But the real hero is the second, smaller kitchen nearby.

“There are so many things I love about the scullery kitchen,” says Harty. “There is a dedicated fridge for fruit, vegetables and herbs. It makes meal and smoothie prep a dream. I also love the pullout storage for baking, pantry essentials and snacks. It’s the perfect party command center with room for trays and dish clean-up as well as sliding doors to hide the mess.”

That same ease extends to the laundry, with three separate zones. On the main level, a full-size washer and dryer handle the kitchen and pool needs, while on the lower level, a stackable unit is available for guests. Then, near the bedrooms, a third laundry area is used for the bedding and clothing, with special drying racks for sweaters. “The goal is always to design stress out of your life,”

Project Partners

Interior designer: LiLu Interiors

Builder: Streeter Custom Builder

Architect: PKA Architecture

notes Peck. “And not having to carry laundry from one floor to another is definitely a way to reduce day-to-day stress.”

But it’s not just the daily demands that are part of the design — so are future needs, like caring for aging family members. “There is an elevator, curbless showers and a ‘flex room’ that could be a future main-floor bedroom if needed,” Peck says, pointing out the seamless adaptability of the home. “The exercise room, sport court and pool all help the family stay fit, plus the home is packed with convenient storage.”

Creative problem solving is a key focus at LiLu Interiors, where the team champions a mindful approach to interior design. The firm offers personalized design and construction oversight, focusing on the client’s passions and interests. The result is a home centered on what the clients love — and how they want to live.

The family wanted to reside in a friendly, walkable neighborhood. And that connection to the outside extends to the inside as well, with sunlight flooding into every room. “The clients asked for a home that had a ‘coastal cottage’ vibe, so we tried to create that with the material selections and window sizing and placement,” explains PKA Architecture Project Manager Tammy Angaran, who led the project’s architectural design. “The white

windows and trim, along with the lightly stained cedar-shingle siding and roof, help achieve the look.”

Storage is another idea that took creative flight, with carefully planned bookshelves and bins, closets and cupboards. “There’s an abundance of cabinetry in the home,” says Senior Project Manager Julie Lindemann of Streeter Custom Builder in Wayzata. “LiLu worked with the clients early in the design process to guarantee that everything was accounted for, ensuring each space was designed to be highly functional and organized.”

On the lower level is a beloved family hangout complete with three television screens, perfectly poised for serious teenage gaming. And because the space has its own bar and kitchenette, entertaining is a dream.

But in the end, it’s the graceful mélange of blues that casts its quiet spell, alongside the utter calming effect of cozy tweeds, gentle stripes and crisp florals. “I am surrounded by beauty in every room,” the homeowner sums up. “Whether it’s a wallpaper choice, the fabric of a window treatment, a perfect chair, the backsplash tile in the kitchen, or a piece of distressed wood that is now the fireplace mantel, the details really do matter. All of these aspects make the house perfect for our family.”

www.bellekitchen.com

timeless beautiful luxurious

Four Seasons Private Residences | Photography by Taylor Hall O’Brien

It’s good to have a sense of who you are. This familiarity can reveal itself in welcome sartorial expression. When others cross paths with a confident man, they admire his conviction. This gentleman sets a daring standard, wearing a seersucker suit to a summer wedding or tartan trousers to a New Year’s Eve soirée. He shows what’s possible and gives us the courage to chart our own way.

I remember standing in St. James’ Square in London and noticing a man in a well-tailored gray flannel suit with the shoes of a cultivated character. His back was to me, and when he turned around, he was wearing a pale green knit tie. This plot twist was a surprise but a most welcome one — everything he wore was so correct that this foray into optical dynamism showed a strong individual within. That, my friends, depicts the power of clothes.

Of course, it takes a little work to appear so natural. Here’s some encouragement to perform daring sartorial deeds while remaining true to who you are.

Embrace small statements with a large impact

Not everything has to scream for attention. In fact, it probably shouldn’t. Instead, you can take a subdued approach — a subtle suit, say, or a dark overcoat — and contrast that with pastel-colored socks or a pale silk scarf. If you wear glasses, maybe they could have bolder frames whose outsized effect says, “I have a compelling secret or two.”

Establish a time for discovery

not one of those small-brimmed fedoras that make you look like the retired singer of a boy band. An old one, like a tweed hunting cap or beaten-up long-billed fisherman’s hat, is perfectly welcome. I used to buy a Panama hat on an island vacation every year. I would soak it, take off the black band so that the crown appeared taller (which I find more flattering) and then wear it until it fell apart. That’s the spirit.

Master the art of the accessory

The easiest way to assert yourself is with an accessory. A cashmere scarf in any hue can and should be your winter companion. Wear it every day; let people associate you with orange gelato or welcoming violet. Do you have a bright canvas band for your military watch? Now’s the time to try it (or find one on eBay for the price of a martini). What about a pocket square? It can be formal silk with small polka dots or a ripped-up bandana in a chore jacket. When it reflects you, it will work.

Repeat and conquer

The first time you wear anything daring, people may comment. They may ask, “What’s with the white linen jacket?” To which you can reply that you’ve been spending time in Tuscany deeply researching the work of Piero della Francesca. The next time you’re seen in white linen the novelty will have worn off. And the third time it will be your thing. Now you have a uniform — the most valuable sartorial achievement around.

In praise of style eccentricity.

BY DAVID COGGINS

ILLUSTRATION BY HILBRAND BOS

Let’s say something dynamic speaks to you, but you’re not quite ready to jump into the deep end. Let these beauties age in your wardrobe like a fine wine until you’re ready to share them with your adoring public. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with wearing a velvet jacket in your apartment until you reach a level of comfort. Years ago, I bought a pair of white suede Alden bucks, and they felt blindingly bright. Once I wore them in and they developed a few battle scars, I didn’t want to take them off. I loved them so much that a pair appears on the cover of my book Men and Style.

Warily consider the hat

Don’t get me wrong — I love hats and wear them often. But to wear one requires commitment. If you acquire a hat on vacation, then alarm bells should start ringing. The beret that made sense on the streets of Paris or the cowboy style enthusiastically acquired in Wyoming may not translate well in your local zip code. A hat should be big enough to fit properly and

Come to terms with contradiction

The great clothing icon Luciano Barbera said he could be friends with anybody who wore a sport coat playing tennis. Now this may be a step too far for your exercise regimen, but the principle of elegance and activity remains. I remember my father carrying a canvas carpenter’s bag to the tennis court with his racquet in it. He was a committed serve-and-volley man who looked stately in a V-necked Polo cricket sweater; the bag was a brilliant contrast. Similarly, wearing an old army jacket over a suit or a trench coat over a tuxedo is perfectly within reason.

In the end, eccentricity works best when it reflects the specificity of your personality. When you have the confidence of your convictions — like the Frenchman who unapologetically puts ice in his glass of rosé — you can blaze a trail at peace with yourself.

A Minnesotan turned New Yorker, David Coggins is the author of the New York Times bestseller Men and Style and writes a style column for Artful Living.

THE GUIDE

Layer up with trending textiles this fall.

PRODUCED BY CHRISTINA FORTIER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BO CARLOCK/SPACECRAFTING

•

PREVIOUS Theory Tie-Waist

•

Blazer in Navy, H.O.B.O, $475

Theory Pant in Navy, H.O.B.O, $245

THIS SPREAD Chan

Luu Scarf in Blue, H.O.B.O, $198

Mulberry Bayswater Bag in Brighton Blue, Pumpz, $1,395

Chico’s Sleeveless Denim Vest in Biscayne Indigo, $149.50

Madewell Camren Mini Bag in Ocean, $128

MZ Wallace Small Metro Sling in Dawn, Melly, $265

Elleme Madeline Handbag in Marine, Pumpz, $475

Mulberry Bayswater Tote in Brighton Blue, Pumpz, $1,195

LEFT Suitsupply Cashmere Scarf in Black, $179 • RIGHT Eileen Fisher Light Cotton Nylon Classic Collar Coat in Rye, $298

Kinross Rib Sleeve Coat in Taupe, Melly, $1,200 • Vince Vest in Camel, H.O.B.O., $295 • Suitsupply Tailored Fit Havana Suit Jacket in Sand, $719 • We The Free Cute In This Cardi in Brownies, Free People, $168 • Stetson Wolf Canyon Hat, Filson, $399

Shop featured Galleria stores: Chico’s • Eileen Fisher • Filson • Free People • H.O.B.O • Madewell • Melly • Pumpz • Suitsupply | Visit galleriaedina.com to view the full collection of stores and learn more.

COMPASS

AT THE INTERSECTION OF

DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE

ARCHITECTURE & INTERIOR DESIGN

HAUTE CUISINE

Grab a seat at America’s most stylish restaurants bursting with flavor and

flair.

TBY JEFF GORDINIER

he first thing you notice when you walk into a restaurant is its style — even if you think you aren’t paying attention, even if your main concern is sitting down to alleviate your hunger. As you walk to your table you take in the sights and sounds. There’s the music playing, the gleam of glassware, the attire of both the servers and guests, the convergence of light and color and sound — with every gesture, the place conveys a message. The most stylish eateries, like the most stylish people, come across as cool and collected, but they do so in a way that feels natural. Whether quirky or classic, shabby-chic or industrial, a well-styled eatery immediately communicates that you’ve come to the right place. Here are five of our favorites across the country.

STELLAR JAY

DENVER

Stellar Jay sits atop Populus, a new Denver hotel celebrated for both its eye-catching wavy design and environmental mindfulness, so it makes sense that this rooftop hotspot would overflow with flourishes that pay homage to nature. The green cork walls, for instance, dovetail with earthy furniture tones of brown and gold to give you the subconscious impression that you’re perched in a tree house — a sensation that’s enhanced by the Canopy, a light installation by fabrication studio Raw Creative. Its steel disks bounce the glow around like the dappling of sunlight through leaves. Amble back to the bar and you’ll find an entire wall of charred treetrunk cross-sections created by artist and activist Katherine Homes, inspired by the Japanese practice of yakisugi. And then, of course, there’s the Colorado clincher: a sweeping view of the Rocky Mountains in the distance.

LEU LEU LEUCADIA, CALIFORNIA

Just as anyone can sing in the shower, anyone can decorate. But enjoying a meal at a truly stylish restaurant is like listening to a song sung by a voice so distinct that you’ll never hear it the same way again. That’s Leu Leu. It’s situated on the Pacific Coast Highway in a stubbornly Bohemian enclave of San Diego County, and its exterior looks like a motel because, well, that’s what it used to be. Chef Claudette Zepeda — who grew up on both sides of the border between California and Mexico — has converted that space into an indoor/outdoor bungalow and boudoir that celebrates music, wine, romance, family and personal reinvention. In the corner of the dining room is a shrine abounding with vinyl albums and wine bottles, but taking a look at the more minuscule details throughout the restaurant unveils the scope of Zepeda’s vision — from the vintage goblets into which she heaps her madcap sundaes to the way the bill appears inside a cookie tin along with a poem and spool of thread. “I’ve always said that restaurants are living organisms and are incredibly sensitive to changes of energy within them,” she says. “I have felt the need to fly my freak flag as high as possible here, without holding back.”

OLIVER'S CHICAGO

This Windy City eatery boasts “classic flavors and retro charm,” but this isn’t another restaurant predictably mining Mad Men nostalgia. Created to conjure the spirit of a supper club in 1930s Los Angeles with Persian rugs, velvet booths, portraits of pioneering jazz musicians and a martini that comes accompanied by a relish tray, Oliver’s pairs the ritziness of another era with the knowingness of now. As Creative Director and General Manager Alexandria Duarte puts it, “we’ve tried to make it relevant to today.” So there’s a roast chicken and slabs of sourdough bread fried in beef fat — thanks to chef Alex Carnovale, who grew up in Los Angeles — but there are also tiger prawns with garam masala and diver scallops with calamansi vinegar. The South Loop by way of Old Hollywood with a layover in Southeast Asia? What’s more stylish than dreaming about what might’ve been?

CREVETTE

NEW

YORK CITY

Entering Crevette is like taking the subway to Provence, France. It pulses with colors — sky blue and sunshine yellow and birthday-party pink — and it glows with a light that seems positively oceanic. “We wanted the restaurant to feel like it could open onto the Mediterranean Sea,” says co-owner Patricia Howard. “Like you’re on vacation, like you’re not in New York City.” She and chef/co-owner Ed Szymanski shipped in antique wood chairs from France, selected curtains and lampshades from the stripe maestros at Colours of Arley in London and commissioned Los Angeles artist Michael McGregor to paint a 10-foot-long painting of “a dinner table in bright beachy colors.” But they didn’t stop there — because the ideal vacation never ends. “The bathrooms are painted in bold color combinations inspired by the beach umbrellas of Capri,” Howard adds. “The exterior’s awning is yellow with cream stripes. The host stand is pink. Even the steak knives have brightly colored handles — pink, orange, blue, yellow.” Indeed, the vibrant hues of Crevette can transport you to sun-soaked days, no matter the season.

The menu here is always in flux, but if you’re lucky, you’ll encounter a signature dish that looks like something Mom or Dad might have served as an afterschool snack if they happened to have spent a semester at Le Cordon Bleu: a plate of cold roast beef slices meant to be wrapped around French fries, radishes and sprigs of watercress to be dipped in aioli. Such a seemingly effortless (and absurdly delicious) dish reflects the homey aesthetic of My Loup. Many restaurants have a little pile of cookbooks for sale; this one has an entire wall of bookshelves.

This curated clutter reflects the bountiful-but-nofrills spirit that chef Alex Kemp and his partner, Amanda Shulman, bring to everything they build. “It’s important to us that My Loup feels personal and intimate,” he says. “The bookshelves give us a chance to add trinkets and personal belongings — photos, sports memorabilia, cookbooks — to make the guests feel like they’re eating at their best friend’s house.”

Choosing an architect is like choosing a mate. It should be about more than looks.

But...oh hi there Gorgeous!

Like you, we love houses that are head turners. But the less apparent distinction of a TEA2 home is the way its beauty continues to unfold, season after season, decade after decade.

That requires careful consideration of every view, every path of the sun, all year long. It means ﬁnding the ideal balance between openness and intimacy. Complementing the landscape perfectly. Attending to details many would overlook.

You’ll be surprised how incredibly thoughtful, thorough and collaborative we are. It’s not about a speciﬁc style; we design modern and traditional homes, stately and modest, with equal enthusiasm. Our unique approach works—as demonstrated by the clients who’ve asked us to create second and third houses.

Want a home that inspires delight, well after it’s no longer the fresh face on the block? Then you’ve come to the right architect. Visit TEA2architects.com to learn more.

General contractor: L. Cramer Builders

Always in style!

TOUR

The Artful Living city guide to Copenhagen.

BY AMBER GIBSON

Consistently ranked one of the happiest cities in the world, Copenhagen, Denmark, is equal parts stylish and sustainable with warm Englishspeaking locals and bike-friendly routes aplenty. Sail or pedal along the city’s canals and pass by a cheerful kaleidoscope of townhouses in Nyhavn Harbor en route to see The Little Mermaid statue, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytale. Scandinavia’s culinary capital is home to some of the world’s best restaurants as well as plenty of delectable pastries like poppy seed–studded tebirkes and smørrebrød open-faced sandwiches. The Copenhagen Card, with its handy smartphone app, includes unlimited public transportation in Greater Copenhagen and entrance to 80+ attractions.

HOTEL D'ANGLETERRE

STAY

Scandinavia’s most glamorous hotel was born from an 18th century love story, and romance still imbues the grande dame’s elegant design, blending modern comfort and a feminine touch. This historic landmark is centrally located, overlooking the prominent Kongens Nytorv cobblestone square. The family-owned hotel boasts 92 rooms and suites, an underground marble swimming pool, an in-house florist, a Champagne bar and the cheerful pink patisserie Maison d’Angleterre. A recent renovation gives guest rooms a cozy residential feel, with soft gray carpeting and colorful pops of Danish abstract art adding playful accents to the stately architecture.

Newly appointed Head Chef Alexander Baert brings fresh creativity to Michelin-starred Marchal, serving multicolored carrot flowers with smoked yogurt–filled petals, alongside classics like canard à la presse. The breakfast buffet is a veritable feast, with free-flowing Champagne and a cornucopia of Danish breads, cheese, charcuterie and fruits. At Hotel D’Angleterre, world-class service means that by the second day, everyone knows your name.

DINE

KOAN

After many years cooking Nordic food in Copenhagen’s most renowned kitchens, chef Kristian Baumann has unleashed his full culinary prowess at Koan, sharing a seemingly effortless creativity born from his Korean heritage and Danish upbringing.

The 23-seat waterfront restaurant feels warm and calm, with backlit ash wood screens and clear views of the open kitchen from every table. The perfect encapsulation of Baumann’s talent in a single bite?

The impossibly intricate and harmonious acorn flour tartlet, featuring layers of acorn starch jelly, gooseberry paste, doenjang (Korean soybean paste), fermented green strawberries, green chili and plump sweet peas.

Here, each course seems like a revelation. Seaweed ice cream topped with caviar and hazelnut oil became a signature dish at Baumann’s previous restaurant, 108. At Koan, it’s served alongside a cloud-like oolong tea-flavored soufflé. Beverage pairings range from wine and non-alcoholic sips to Champagne and sool options, like traditional Korean rice–based alcohol from Copenhagen’s Yunguna Brewery.

STINE GOYA

Scandinavian design has traditionally been associated with minimalist style and muted palettes, but Stine Goya was determined to change the stereotype when she launched her eponymous label in 2006, featuring bold, joyful colors and hand-painted prints that inspire wearers to embrace their individuality.

Goya is deeply influenced by creative communities in art, music and dance, and embodies an ethos of sustainability, using 90% recycled and sustainable materials in her designs. She even incorporates old garments from past collections into new designs to illustrate the importance of recycling.

The designer’s Apollo sneaker is a fun new foray into footwear, easily recognizable on fashionable Danes with its futuristic metallic leather colorblocking and durable, thick rubber soles. It’s named for both the Greek god and Copenhagen’s favorite local hangout — Apollo Bar, the museum cafe and bar at Kunsthal Charlottenborg. Goya’s clothes and accessories can be found at both of its Copenhagen locations, beside Rosenborg Castle Gardens and in Østerbro.

DINE

THE SAMUEL

Elegant with a modern edge, the Samuel is located in a historic red-brick villa just north of central Copenhagen. A beautifully restored plaster and gold-leaf ceiling above a circular marble bar overlooking the gleaming open kitchen makes a glamorous first impression.

Chef and sommelier Jonathan K. Berntsen and maître d’hôtel Rasmus Knude are partners and good friends who generously share their passion for food and wine with guests. Berntsen’s food is opulent, showcasing impeccable French technique and an affinity for shellfish. Lobster cappuccino with a hint of raw cacao wakes up the palate, and Danish langoustine quenelles with beluga caviar are served on Royal Copenhagen vintage china.

The wine pairing options are excellent, but a list of wellpriced bottles is also available. The Samuel’s impressive collection focuses on Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne, with rare bottles from World War II and the deepest collection of Dom Pérignon north of Paris.

ROTATE BIRGER CHRISTENSEN

Jeanette Madsen and Thora Valdimars met as fashion editors before partnering with Danish heritage fashion house Birger Christensen to found B Corp–certified womenswear label Rotate in 2018. The duo’s modern take on Scandinavian style is classic and comfortable, with strong sculpted silhouettes and unexpected design details that feel empowering for the bold, modern woman. To wit: They recently designed new kits for the Danish women’s national football team. “We start with a statement piece, then add our bold twist,” Valdimars says. “It’s our way of creating styles you can return to that feel fresh and relevant.”

While Rotate is stocked globally at Revolve, Shopbop, Bloomingdale’s and Harvey Nichols, Madsen and Valdimars opened their first standalone flagship store last year in their hometown. The immersive space is a glamorous, dramatic reflection of the brand, juxtaposing soft, feminine elements with raw wood finishes, electric strobe lighting and rich burgundy–lacquered walls.

SHOP

DESIGNMUSEUM DENMARK

Including everything from sculptural furniture to a mesmerizing wunderkammer (German for a room of wonder) cabinet of curiosities, this museum exemplifies how design can manifest in our daily lives. Exhibitions flow from one to the next, beginning with a celebration of textile prints, including floor-to-ceiling stretches of cotton, linen and silk in an array of vibrant patterns, which are then fashioned into stylish dresses.

The new, permanent exhibition Danish Modern conveys the ideas of practicality and comfort behind Danish design in the 20th century. The movement began in the 1920s, emerging on an international stage after World War II. Pieces by iconic designers like Kaare Klint, Arne Jacobsen and Hans J. Wegner are not to be missed, and a Hollywood Squares–esque floor-to-ceiling chair tunnel with 125 different chairs on display would make Goldilocks jealous. The gift shop offers books, ceramics and objets d’art by Danish designers as retail therapy and the museum garden is the ideal spot a cup of coffee or glass of wine.

Photo by Chris Emeott

The Bathhouse Boom

Dip your toe into the latest social hubs for wellness, from exhilarating plunge pools to therapeutic hot springs.

BY AMBER GIBSON

Perhaps you’ve visited a Korean spa for a stern scrubbing by a petite grandmother whose stature belies her strength or can recall Viggo Mortensen’s epic Russian bathhouse sauna fight scene from Eastern Promises. These are just a couple examples of the communal bathhouse experience that is so common across Asia and Europe but has yet to truly take hold here in the United States. That’s all quickly changing thanks to a new wave of bathhouses offering a contemporary take on these ancient traditions.

The reimagined sauna and bathhouse experience is a top wellness trend for 2025, as noted at the Global Wellness Summit, with the sauna market projected to grow by more than $150 million over the next few years, per market research firm Technavio. Indeed, urban bathhouses — which double as social hubs — have been popping up all over the country, including Othership in New York City, Alchemy Springs and Onsen in San Francisco, and Watershed in Minneapolis. Think less rigid rules and more co-ed socializing compared to the traditional experiences of yore.

Underground thermal springs spa Cascada in Portland, Oregon, offers an immersive wellness experience and equally tranquil hotel accommodations. Marc Coluccio, who debuted the concept earlier this year, points to macro-demographic wellness trends — like younger generations drinking less and experiencing social media fatigue — as

contributing factors as to why bathhouses are having a major moment.

At Cascada, you can choose your own adventure, freely moving between silent and social spaces while enjoying a thermal cycle of dry and wet saunas, pools of varying temperatures, cold plunges, red light therapy and a snow room with ice fountain exfoliation to invigorate and tighten skin. All those immersive offerings pose plenty of benefits: Hot and cold contrast therapy has been shown to improve circulation, reduce muscle soreness, support cardiovascular health and even boost your mood.

Spanish brand Aire Ancient Baths was a bathhouse pioneer here in the United States, opening its first location in New York City in 2012, followed by Chicago in 2017 and a second Big Apple location earlier this year. “More than a decade later, we’re proud to see how the country’s wellness landscape has evolved,” says Global Marketing Director Andrea Trillo. “There’s a deeper appreciation for slowing down, disconnecting and prioritizing mental and physical well-being.”

Although bathhouses are having a resurgence in the United States, the concept has a deep history with Indigenous peoples across the Americas, who have long used natural mineral springs for bathing, drinking and irrigating, as well as in sacred ceremonies. Today, the Agua Caliente people share their ancient healing waters with guests of the Spa at Séc-he in downtown Palm Springs, California, and nearby at the historic Murrieta

Hot Springs Resort in Temecula, California, which reopened last year after an 18-month restoration. The resort offers dozens of geothermal mineral springs, cold plunges and water features across its 46-acre landscape. Complimentary guided vitality plunges alternating between cold and hot pools are included for resort guests, along with sauna aromatherapy, gratitude ceremonies, aquatic sound baths and geothermal mud application.

Aquatic yoga — a favorite of the gratis daily classes at Murrieta Hot Springs — involves stretches and lunges in the Roman Spa pool and is a delightful way to ease into the morning. It’s a little easier to balance on one leg in Warrior Three pose when your torso is skimming the surface of the water, and the contrast between the warm water and refreshing cool air helps get the blood flowing. After yoga, a couple of quick dips back and forth between the hot and cold plunge pools will perk you up faster than a triple shot of espresso, and the feeling of vigor carries through the rest of the day.

We’re calling it: The modern bathhouse is officially the latest wellness mecca for prioritizing both physical and mental well-being, whether you’re a thrill-chasing cold plunge pro or a leisure seeker ready to kick up your feet. It’s no wonder Americans are embracing these gathering spaces as an antidote to our fast-paced yet often lonely world. These curative waters offer an approachable, holistic form of social self-care that boasts both therapeutic benefits and true community connections.

FASHION’S FRONT LINE

From

the fresh crop of creative directors dreaming up runwayready looks to the stylists dolling up our favorite celebrities, here are the people who are shaping fashion now.

BY LAURA ANTONIA JORDAN ILLUSTRATION BY LABYRINTH OF COLLAGES

obody enters the fashion industry in search of stability. The very nature of the industry is change — what’s new and next is what keeps it moving. And yet, it feels particularly turbulent right now, which is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it can be invigorating. But it does require navigational smarts. In 2025, we find ourselves amid tectonic shifts in influence that have been building for some time.

With new creative directors having taken the reins at some of the world’s biggest design houses or poised to do so (this show season’s flurry of debuts includes Matthieu Blazy at Chanel and Jonathan Anderson's first Dior womenswear collection), established brands going bust (from iconic mall brand Forever 21 to e-commerce platform MatchesFashion) while new ones spring up, an ever-evolving digital landscape that can make heroes (or villains) of people in minutes, and other myriad factors at play — this is an industry in flux. The surest sign that we are on the cusp of an era grounded by new authorities, culture shapers and clout bestowers? The announcement this summer that Anna Wintour was hanging up her hat as Vogue editor-in-chief after 37 years.

When I started working in fashion magazines in London almost 20 years ago, I was told it was a dying industry even then. And sure, the days of personal drivers, $1,000 power lunches and bottomless expense accounts were over, but fashion editors still had the luxury of influence at their disposal, acting as conduits of communication between those in high fashion and the general public.

Now, the lines have blurred. Magazines are far from dead, but their purpose has metamorphosed. TV makes for a compelling runway. Influencers are now insiders. And local brick-and-mortar boutiques defy the world-reaching scope of the Internet. But who really holds the reins on fashion today? Here are the five types of tastemakers shaping what we’re wearing now.

THE

CREATIVE DIRECTORS N

In a world of fast fashion, of AI-generated mood boards, of celebrity-helmed brands, a question lingers: Do creative directors still matter?

The short answer: Yes. In fact, now more than ever. Anyone with an idea and enough resources can produce a collection of stuff. But what the creative director sitting atop a fashion house provides is a clear vision. And fashion at its best has never been just about stuff

“The runway is where we see our customers having the greatest inspiration,” says NET-A-PORTER Fashion Director Kay Barron. She adds that the “continued musical chairs” of creative directors gives shoppers a chance to take stock of what and who they already love while also “letting them dream and speculate about collections to come.”

For designer Rae Temily, whose eponymous debut collection sold out three times on Moda Operandi, it’s about evoking emotion — something that cannot be achieved with a design-by-committee approach (or, whisper it, AI). “There’s a hunger for what’s real,” she says. “What’s truly human, in all of its flawed, messy glory. Trends come and go, but what pulls fashion forward into a future worth being excited about are clothes that evoke an emotional response. That’s where the magic is.”

A creative director’s role is not just to design. These are world builders, culture cultivators, talent spotters, and, in some cases, financial controllers. It’s not always sexy, but it’s the truth for a high-risk, high-reward job.

In the past year, this coveted job has been put in sharp focus with a sea change at the top of some of the most influential fashion houses. To recap it all would require a whiteboard sketch, but here’s the CliffsNotes of the key moves: Jonathan Anderson to Dior, Matthieu Blazy to Chanel, Demna to Gucci, with Pierpaolo Piccioli taking the reins at Balenciaga and Glenn Martens succeeding John Galliano at Margiela.

When the cerebral Anderson showed his brilliant debut Dior menswear collection in Paris this June, it ushered in a new era not just for the LVMH-owned maison but for the industry.

Anderson is a champion of un-siloed fashion, masterfully merging the high and low, obtuse and mass, art and commerce. His spring/summer 2026 collection referenced influences as diverse as 18th-century menswear, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Jean Siméon Chardin and Dior’s own house codes.

To a skeptic, this might sound highfalutin, but come spring, even the stubbornly disinterested might find themselves wearing Pepto-Bismol pink cable knits, apple green jeans, or shirts and ties with double denim. It calls to mind the oft-quoted “cerulean sweater” monologue from Devil Wears Prada. The creative director might feel far away in the ateliers of Paris, Milan and London, but their vision filters down to even the most ordinary of outfits. Don’t lace yourself into a corset every morning? Thank Coco Chanel — and while you’re at it, take a moment to appreciate your little black dress, too. Like your suit with a relaxed slouch? Grazie, Mr. Armani. Prefer to don a polo? Kudos to Ralph Lauren.

Although men currently hold the majority of creative director jobs at big houses, it’s female designers who hold powerful sway over what really wear. It’s thanks to the likes of Chloé’s Chemena Kamali and New York City designer Ulla Johnson that we find boho swishing back into the fashion fold after spending some time in the wilderness. Miuccia Prada’s Miu Miu is a dominant cultural force wrapped up in an impish, playful package — she may be seen in a nightie and knee socks, but the Miu Miu girl is indeed setting the tone for the season ahead. And both customers and fellow designers continue to be influenced by what the electrically talented Phoebe Philo proposed at Celine (a gig she left in 2017), now longing for the confident touch of quirkiness or jolt of sex appeal that makes her work so singularly special.

It is at Celine that Michael Rider, in his first headline role, also debuted this year. An alum of Philo’s Celine, Nicolas Ghesquière’s Balenciaga and Ralph Lauren (where he led the Polo offering), he makes a compelling case for hiring the designer who has worked hard behind the scenes.

Although we will no doubt see the influence of Rider’s Celine in the inevitable resurgence of pops of Yves Klein blue, bourgeois silk scarves and the Phantom bag, it will also be writ in the spirit. His proposition of pieces is made to last as well as capture the mood of the moment.

The real strength of the creative director is to develop something that resonates with our personal “inquiry into the unattainable and undefinable style,” as per Anderson’s Dior show notes. “Style as a way to hold oneself, a manner in creating appearances, bringing together decisions that are quick and spontaneous, allowing us the chance to dress up and become a character.” And that is exactly what the best creative directors give us guidance — and permission — to do.

THE

POWER INFLUENCERS

When Hailey Bieber sold her 3-year-old brand Rhode to e.l.f. Beauty for $1 billion earlier this year, it showed an influencer operating at the peak of her powers. Because make no mistake, what people are buying is not solely the Peptide Lip Tint or the Glazing Milk, but proximity to Bieber. She is a top-tier influencer whose brand — by which I mean her — is fueled by the mimetic desire of fans and followers. (The ubiquity of the jumbo blazer is very much thanks to her; during my time at women’s magazines, Bieber was digital gold dust.)

In the mid to late 2000s, when bloggers (those first-generation digital influencers) slowly began attending fashion shows, it irked much of traditional media. But their days of being perceived as fashion outsiders are long gone. It now seems naïve, even laughable, that anyone would be surprised by the presence of an Instagrammer or TikTok star in the front row of a FOMO-inducing fashion show. These former interlopers are now the establishment.

The boundaries between celebrity and influencer are more porous than ever. In her post-royal Netflix-and-preserve era, domestic Duchess Meghan Markle plays the part, launching a ShopMy page featuring “a handpicked and curated collection of the things I love — I hope you enjoy them! Please note, some products may contain commissionable links.” Meanwhile, Addison Rae’s pivot from TikTok queen to pop princess has opened her up to a whole new audience. And where to even begin with the one-family industry that is the Kardashians — that perfect paradigm of the celebrity/influencer, outsider/insider intersection? Their ability to sell product cannot be overstated.

What they have so astutely done is channel their clout into selling not just other brands’ products, but their own. Simply put, they are both the salespeople and the product. SKIMS, Kylie Cosmetics, Good American, Poosh, 818 Tequila, Khy, Khloud and the like have helped catapult their collective net worth into the billions.

They’re not the only ones parlaying social capital into actual capital. Today, the design collaboration is a rite of passage for online’s biggest names (Style Not Com for Zara, Leandra Medine Cohen for Aflalo, Camille Charrière for Stripe & Stare), as is the influencer-founded and -built brand (We Wore What, Frankies Bikinis, Rouje). But if the influencing game is more lucrative than ever, it’s also harder to conquer than ever. In the market of digital influencing (which passed its saturation point long ago), how do tastemakers cut through the noise? And when they do, what does it mean for fashion?

Earlier this year, a TikToker slammed New York City influencers as “boring as fuck and all carbon copies of one another.” Was user @MartiniFeeny being too harsh? Perhaps, but you can’t deny the beigification of the algorithm. There was even the “sad beige lawsuit,” in which influencer Sydney Nicole Gifford sued Alyssa Sheil in Texas federal court for systematic copying (she later dropped the case).

But there is change afoot. In rejection of the algorithmic flattening of style, there is a hunger for personality. Authenticity and relatability are the most valued attributes for followers, with “68% of respondents being unhappy about the high volume of sponsored content on social media,” according to the 2024 Business of Fashion/McKinsey State of Fashion Consumer Survey.

Bored of choreographed perfection (and admit it, a bit bored of beige, too), there is room for humor (see Gstaad Guy, whose parodies of the 1% have earned him some 1.4 million followers and lucrative brand deals), opinion, even mess. We want our influencers to say something, to

have a personality as much as a look (like Charrière, whose forthcoming memoir, Ashamed, tackles topics like mental health and infertility). And being polarizing is preferable to being blah (at least people are talking about you). Just look at Nara Smith, who has turned a distinct niche known as “tradwife” into 12 million TikTok followers and a high return for brands that partner with her, like Marc Jacobs and Revolve.

The specificity of Smith’s aesthetic talks to a hunger for personal style. Which is one of the reasons why the fashion Substack ecosystem is thriving (see Becky Malinsky’s “5 Things You Should Buy” or Medine Cohen’s “Cereal Aisle”). With their personable tone and the freedom to wander down whatever style rabbit hole they might fancy, these hark back to the early days of blogging. This time around, however, nobody will be calling them outsiders.

THE

CELEBRITY STYLISTS

Law Roach, Zendaya’s stylist, prefers to be known as an “image architect.” Some might scoff, but really, isn’t he spot on? Today’s stylist, particularly the celebrity stylist, is indeed an architect. They compose, plan and build a look from the ground up. They might not design the clothes themselves (although they sometimes do that, too), but they design an aesthetic. To do this well takes precision and exactitude as much as it does vision and flair. And sometimes, like the creative powers behind the world’s most impressive buildings, the superstar stylist becomes a household name, their signature recognized by a quick glance.

Today, everyone from Kamala Harris (working with Leslie Fremar) to the NFL (which appointed Kyle Smith as its first-ever fashion editor in 2024) knows the power of a stylist. Of course, their work is most obvious on the red carpet. There is no pretense that they don’t exist; those gowns and tuxes cast no illusion that they were plucked out of the back of a closet at the last minute. The inference of a glam squad is all part of the dream.

On press tours and during award season, the stylist can make both the client and the project headline news. The foremost example of this is Andrew Mukamal, who worked with Margot Robbie on her Barbie duties, making “method dressing” mainstream. His undiluted and immersive vision in pink ushered in a new age of joy and levity. And isn’t this what fashion is supposed to be all about?

Sometimes the work is quieter but the impact just as great. Recently, Danielle Goldberg — whose stylings are seen on Ayo Edebiri, Solange Knowles and Greta Lee — has become the cool girl’s go-to. Her art-inflected aesthetic is a pitch-perfect indieluxury mix, and her work signals a fashion-literate gusto in her clients. Entering new eras of their careers, both Jodie Comer and Saoirse Ronan have recently called on Goldberg’s services — a strategic move, making people (crucially: directors, casting agents, brand CEOs) see them in a different light.

It’s not just “talent” that stylists can catapult to new levels. They can also work wonders for emerging brands. To cite a handful of examples, look at Jamie Mizrahi putting Oscar winner Mikey Madison in breaking designer Colleen Allen, Chris Horan calling on buzzy brand All-In for Charli XCX’s “Party 4 U” video, Jamaica-born Jawara Alleyne’s designs seen on Rihanna (under the masterful eye of Jahleel Weaver, who also works

with Kim Kardashian) or Harry Lambert putting Harry Styles in a duck cardigan by British designer S.S. Daley, thus propelling him to a new level of industry recognition (the singer has since gone on to invest in the brand).

Lambert has also helped reframe how we think about clothes, challenging the traditional gender binary. Rather than framing Styles as a cut-and-paste heartthrob, he has festooned him in flamboyant get-ups that range from pearls to feather boas to “officially” womenswear. (The boy band stars of yesteryear would never!) It’s an attitude that clearly has resonance beyond celebrity circles. A testament to Lambert’s mass appeal, he has created two capsule collections for Zara.

To coincide with his role as a biker gang leader with a taste for BDSM in queer romance Pillion, Alexander Skarsgård recently enlisted Lambert. The result? A kinky-daddy vibe via short shorts and thigh-high Saint Laurent boots. It’s an example of how an adroit stylist can harness the power of clothes to reframe a star’s image. Brad Pitt recently tapped Taylor McNeill, who styles Timothée Chalamet and put Kendrick Lamar in Celine flares for his Super Bowl performance. Pitt’s eclectic crushed velvet Willy Chavarria and lilac silk shirts signaled the arrival of a new era more than any talk show appearance ever could. See, too, the Internet’s boyfriend, Pedro Pascal, who has entered his leading man moment with the help of Jamie Mizrahi. She has proposed a more dapper, elegant look — think Tom Ford and The Row — that chimes with the actor’s next-level status.

The work a celebrity stylist does for red carpets and press tours is obvious, but often they are stealthily choreographing casual looks, too, be it a handbag, sunglasses or gym ensemble. In a digitally astute age, the seemingly impromptu, off-duty looks — captured arriving at the airport, departing a hotel, heading out for dinner — have a covetable authenticity, and for brands, it directly translates to sales.

Although celebrities garbed in stylist-curated ensembles might reach the most eyes, their work in fashion can really appeal to the masses. Note, for instance, the critical and commercial clout that Lotta Volkova has. She and Miuccia Prada have collaborated on Miu Miu collections since 2020 and are one of the most powerful designer/stylist duos today (retail sales were up 93% last year). The viral itty-bitty micro mini of spring/ summer 2022 was one of the most talked-about collections of the decade, while other Miu Miu items (bag charms, ballet pumps) have edged into the mainstream. And like all the best architects, no matter the style, you see the work before you see the person.

COSTUME DESIGNERS THE

This summer, when prolific showrunner Ryan Murphy teased a first look at the forthcoming Love Story, chronicling the relationship between John F. Kennedy, Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, he probably swiftly wished he hadn’t bothered. The online backlash was brisk and brutal, most of it focused on Sarah Pidgeon’s Bessette — specifically, her look. Her Hermès Birkin is deflated! Her hair too icy in tone! Her camel coat all wrong!

If that furor proved one thing, it’s that fashion and television have never been so closely intertwined. And if a poorly dressed character can spark copious clapback, a stylish one can ignite trends and fuel sales. In the wardrobe trailers of HBO, Hulu and Netflix, television’s costume designers are quietly establishing themselves as fashion’s power players. These masterminds may be behind the scenes, but their work certainly shines on the characters starring in your latest binge-watch. And that work is having an impact on how we all dress.

But let’s rewind a moment. Of course there has always been stylish television, and it has always had influence. Carrie Bradshaw’s Sex and the City closet is the stuff of fashion legends, and her trajectory is the origin story for many a woman’s obsession with Manolo Blahnik heels and Fendi Baguette bags.

What marks the difference between the stylish TV of then and now is our ability to get a hold of what our favorite characters are wearing — be that SJP’s disco Terry de Havilland shoes, the Merz b. Schwanen T-shirt worn by Jeremy Allen White in The Bear or the old-school camera phone case brandished by Lily Collins as the plucky lead in Emily in Paris

But the show that has most dominated the fashion mainstream in recent years is Succession. Costume designer Michelle Matland’s deft touch with the Waystar Royco empire ushered in a new type of power dressing and crafted a whole new aesthetic vocabulary with no-nonsense neutrals, luxe knits and a $600 Loro Piana baseball cap — all key parts of the language. Dubbed “quiet luxury” or “stealth wealth,” this understated affluence sent the industry scrambling to catch up, and fast fashion churned out dupes by the dozen (which, yes, rather misses the point).

And now? Although the term “quiet luxury” has been overused to the point of extreme tedium, more than two years after the final Succession episode aired, we are still seeing the show’s effects, with a continued interest in “corpcore” (a riff on traditional officewear). Think ties, pinstripes and tailoring, on the runways and in real life. Could there be a dash of Severance in there, too? I can see it.

It’s far from the only show dominating our closets. Consider the sway of Heidi Bivens, and her glittering Gen-Z-takes-on-Y2K vision for Euphoria take Bridgerton season one costume designer Ellen Mirojnick, who launched a “regencycore” craze with her puckish, candy-colored take on the past, giving the audience just enough modernity to transport the look to today. Or see how in knowing exactly what to be faithful to and what to interpret, The Crown season four costume whizz Amy Roberts introduced a whole new generation to the charms of a young Princess Di.

During my time at women’s magazines, we would regularly see interest in TV show wardrobe pieces — be that a Love Island bikini or Sienna Miller’s Max Mara Manuela coat on Anatomy of a Scandal — outstrip demand for even a buzzy catwalk collection. Brands took notice, too. The results are tangible and immediate, as Emily Campbell, owner/creative director of If Only If, noticed when Megan Stalter donned one of the brand’s nighties on the poster and in episode one of Lena Dunham’s new Netflix show, Too Much. “The first weekend after the launch of the show, we sold out of all sizes,” Campbell recalls. (Luckily, they already had more stock on order.) “We had a hunch it might happen — just not quite at the speed it did!”

No wonder fashion labels want in. Take season three of White Lotus. Designer Simon Porte Jacquemus created a custom look (seen on professional party girl Chloe), while H&M buddied up with the HBO show for a resortwear collection. So what makes TV such an effective runway? It’s not necessarily because it shows the clothes at their best, but rather because it shows them really There is a sartorial intimacy to the long-form medium of a series. We see the clothes in the context of life rather than the up-and-down confines of a runway show. It also reminds us that the best fashion is made to really move, live and express something about ourselves to the world. Clothing amplifies the character that we want to show the world.

THE

BOUTIQUE OWNERS

Beyond the flagship stores of Los Angeles’ Melrose Place or New York City’s SoHo, far from Harrods or Galeries Lafayette, the independent boutique is shaping the looks you see in a neighborhood near you. What these brick-andmortar stores — think Charleston, South Carolina’s Hampden or Minneapolis’ MartinPatrick 3 — do is more than sell clothes. They connect clients with curated fashion that exists beyond an algorithm.

It’s the curatorial eye that gives the boutique its power. The buyers have the freedom to act like the editors of yesteryear, shaping narratives while remaining commercially savvy. And interactions with clients create meaningful opportunities for intentional trend forecasting and product sourcing.

Belma Gaudio, founder of KOIBIRD in London, took the surprising step of shuttering the online side of her business this year. “What sets small boutique owners apart is their ability to truly know their customer and be there for them through their evolving needs and tastes,” she says. isn’t something you can automate or guess from behind a screen. It’s about being there, on the floor, speaking with clients, observing what catches their eye, listening to what they want before they even know it. That kind of insight only comes from being immersed in the experience.”

A local boutique’s influence can extend far beyond its ZIP code. Take Maryam Nassir Zadeh, an eclectic store that defined the look of an achingly cool pocket of Manhattan’s artsy Lower East Side. But through her established brand, the namesake proprietor’s “look” has gone further. See too how the likes of The Webster (founded in Miami by Laure Hériard Dubreuil) and Austin, Texas’ ByGeorge (“where a curation of the world’s best collections meets the uniquely Texan approach to getting dressed,” as its website articulates) have grown not just in number but also in reputation, like mini brands in their own right.

But the local boutique must tread a fine line when it comes to size. The best can combine intimacy and expansion and find its power in the small but mighty stature. As Kiley Colombo, vice president of retail and strategy at Minneapolis jewelry boutique the Loupe explains, “In a retail landscape dominated by overwhelming choice, we provide clarity, focus and a point of view. Our store is intentionally small, and that’s part of our strength.”

It’s that strength that’s one of the more uplifting shifts in fashion today. The conglomerates and multi-million-follower names might domineer the headlines, but read between the lines and you’ll see that they’re not the sole gatekeepers of power, access and taste anymore. And that, surely, is worth celebrating. The ebbs and flows are substantial right now — but that’s all part of the fun of fashion.

Visit ArtfulLiving.com for our top five unexpected fashion trends.

Photo Credit: Chelsie Lopez Productions

by coldwell banker Realty

The Autumn PROPERTY GALLERY 36463 BUTTERNUT POINT ROAD | PEQUOT

LAKES | $9,995,000

Cover Represented by DREW HUELER

Photo Courtesy of SPACECRAFTING

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

As we transition into the beauty and reflection of the autumn season, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude to our clients and partners for making this year so impactful. Fall is a time for focus, change, and setting the stage for a strong finish—both in life and in real estate. It’s a season to re-align goals, embrace new opportunities, and prepare for what’s next.

As we transition into the beauty and reflection of the autumn season, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude to our cl ients and partners for making this year so impactful. Fall is a time for f ocus, change, and setting the stage for a strong finish—both in life and in real estate. It’s a season to re-align goals, embrace new opportunities, and prepare for w hat’s next.

At Coldwell Banker Realty, our commitment to excellence and unwavering dedication to our clients continue to be the foundation of everything we do. We’re proud to share that Coldwell Banker Realty has been named the #1 real estate company in the state of Minnesota for luxury home sales, as well as #1 across all sale prices in the 13-county Twin Cities metro area. This recognition is a testament to the passion, professionalism, and collaborative spirit of our team.

At Coldwell Banker Realty, our commitment to excell ence and unwavering dedication to our clients continue to be the founda tion of everything we do. We’re proud to share that Coldwell Banker Realty ha s been named the #1 real estate company in the state of Minnesota for luxury home sales, as well as #1 across all sale prices in the 13-county Twin Cities metro area. This recognition is a testament to the passion, professionalism, and collaborative spirit of our team.

As we move into the final months of the year, our team remains focused on providing exceptional service and helping you achieve your real estate goals. Whether you're planning to buy or sell, we're here to support you every step of the way.

Here’s to a productive and rewarding fall season for all.

As we move into the final months of the year, our t eam remains focused on providing exceptional service and helping you achie ve your real estate goals. Whether you're planning to buy or sell, we're here to support you every step of the way.

Here’s to a productive and rewarding fall season fo r all. Real Estate Brand in Luxury Home Sales in the entire state of Minnesota

1 in 4 luxury homes sold in the 13-County Twin Cities Metro are represented by a Coldwell Banker Realty agent.

20670 LINWOOD ROAD | DEEPHAVEN

5 BR 9 BA | PRICE UPON REQUEST

Unprecedented Lake Minnetonka estate with an exquisite level of finish. Enjoy panoramic water views overlooking 345’+ of level lakeshore with waterside boat house. Designed by Charles Stinson + built by Streeter, this home was executed to perfection!

4889 E. LAKE HARRIET PARKWAY | MINNEAPOLIS

5 BR 6 BA | $4,899,000

Stunning Lake Harriet masterpiece designed by Chris Light and executed to perfection!

Enjoy breathtaking water views, beautiful architecture and high-end details at every turn. Heated 6-car garage. Space for a pickleball court!

1560 HUNTER DRIVE | WAYZATA

6 BR 8 BA | $4,675,000

Private 4+ acre gated estate in Orono schools! This thoughtfully designed home offers timeless architecture + modern amenities. Resort-like backyard with pool, hot tub & pond views! Heated 6-car garage. 5 minutes to all downtown Wayzata offers!

20100 LAKEVIEW AVENUE | DEEPHAVEN

5 BR 7 BA | $12,500,000

Welcome to the Hamptons on Lake Minnetonka! Landmark Cottagewood residence offering unparalleled finishes + details and 175’ of lakeshore. Indoor sport court; exercise room & incredible outdoor entertaining area with pool, cabana + built-in firepit!

1595 LOCUST HILLS CIRCLE | WAYZATA

4 BR 5 BA | $4,750,000 Turn-key home in Wayzata’s premier Locust Hills neighborhood! Enjoy main-level living, wine cellar & 3-car heated garage. Landscaped to maximize privacy. HOA maintains lawncare, snow removal, boat slip & clubhouse with pool! Maintenance-free living!

415 HIGHCROFT ROAD | WAYZATA

6 BR 5 BA | $4,295,000 | PENDING

Stunning East Coast influenced home in highly sought-after Highcroft! Main-level primary suite; spacious lower-level that opens to the gorgeous pool + hot tub area. Screened-in porch; 4-car garage. Just blocks to all the amenities downtown Wayzata has to offer!

4 BR 6 BA | $3,995,000

4 BR 5 BA | $3,895,000

Beautifully remodeled home offering sunset views over Lake of the Isles! Gourmet kitchen with doors that open the terrace, the perfect blend of indoor + outdoor living. 4 BR + office on the upper-level. Attached 2-car garage with private driveway.

Landschute-built home offering panoramic views overlooking 170’ of Christmas Lake shoreline with private beach! Enjoy the flowing floorplan & main-level primary suite showcasing west-facing water views and breathtaking sunsets. Minnetonka schools. 4603

6 BR 7 BA | $3,870,000

Complete

2172 SHADYWOOD ROAD | ORONO

4 BR 4 BA | $2,995,000 | PENDING

Turn-key Lake Minnetonka home offering expansive views looking out over Crystal Bay!

4 BR + loft on the upper-level; primary suite with private lakeside deck and 3-car heated garage. Level rip-rap shoreline, "A" grade water quality.

4 BR 8 BA | $3,495,000

Gated

8800 SUNSET TRAIL | CHANHASSEN

6 BR 6 BA | $1,799,000

Private retreat sited on 2.7 acres at the end of the quiet cul-de-sac! Beautifully built featuring vaulted ceilings, unmatched woodwork details, in-law suite and expansive nature views. Attached pool house with kitchen, game area, family room and bath. 5-car garage.

1491 SHORELINE DRIVE | ORONO

5 BR 5 BA | $4,225,000

An extraordinary opportunity on beautiful Browns Bay featuring 192 feet of shoreline with panoramic, east-facing views. Set on a private, beautifully wooded lot, this home offers exceptional privacy and all that Lake Minnetonka has to offer.

28160 BOULDER BRIDGE DRIVE | SHOREWOOD

5 BR 5 BA | $3,495,000

Stately home in prestigious Boulder Bridge. Recently remodeled by MartinPatrick3 and J&Built. This home features a resort-esque backyard, dual primary suites, and a 4+ stall heated garage.

2819

4 BR 3 BA | $1,895,000

Charming lakeshore living! A rare opportunity to own 43 feet of premium sandy lakeshore on coveted Wayzata Bay. This one-of-a-kind lakeshore property blends charm, location, and lifestyle—don’t miss your chance to make it yours!

314 BUSHAWAY ROAD | WAYZATA

5 BR 5 BA | $3,725,000

Seated on a premium lot in Stonecrest, this stunning home lives like brand new construction. Designed by James McNeal and built by Charles Cudd, this home exudes quality and elegance.

3625 TUXEDO ROAD | MINNETRISTA

5 BR 4 BA | $1,895,000 | SOLD Enjoy Lake Minnetonka at its finest. This property features over 96 feet of beautiful SWfacing shoreline. Private, 0.91 acre lot with mature trees and perennials. Incredible water views and level backyard.

5705 RIDGE ROAD | SHOREWOOD

5 BR 5 BA | $1,225,000 | SOLD

This stunning, one-level living home sits on a private lot in prime Shorewood. Home features beautiful, open living spaces with vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors and large windows. Incredible location minutes to shopping, dining and highways.

547 HARRINGTON ROAD | WAYZATA

5 BR 5 BA | $10,500,000

Steeped in Wayzata history, the Harrington estates have long been admired. Originally built in 1902 and rebuilt in 1956, this classic Lake Minnetonka home offers 337 feet of shoreline on a gently curving point with spectacular views. Set on 2.22 acres with historic trees, lush gardens, and a charming stone boathouse. 1020 TONKAWA ROAD | ORONO

5 BR 7 BA | $8,500,000 | SOLD

Tucked at the end of a private drive on Maxwell Bay, this contemporary estate offers rare tranquility and stunning lake views. Designed by Eskuche and Martha Dayton, and built by Stonewood, it blends modern design with natural elegance. Expansive glass, reclaimed beams, and oak floors create warmth and style. A glass elevator connects all levels. With 100+ ft of shoreline, a saltwater pool, and carriage house, this is lakeside living where timeless design meets everyday luxury.

3 BR 4 BA | PRICE UPON REQUEST

Located in the heart of downtown Wayzata, this rare home offers year-round, uninterrupted Lake Minnetonka views. Inside, hand-laid tile, custom woodwork, and full-slab backlit onyx create unmatched luxury. A solid brass staircase anchors the open main level, while a rooftop deck provides sweeping views. The kitchen and baths are clad in illuminated onyx, and the primary suite features a spa bath, fireplace, and dual closets. Includes a 3-story elevator, radiant floors, and walkable access to lakefront dining.

5117

6 BR 8 BA | $5,250,000

| EDINA

Magical once-in-a-generation offering of original Schaefer estate includes updated 4BR primary residence plus stunning guest home/former stable set on 2.360 acres of rolling lawns with water feature, woods & adjoining pond. A truly unique property.

2774 W. LAKE OF THE ISLES PARKWAY | MINNEAPOLIS

5 BR 6 BA | $3,550,000

Iconic Geogian three-story set on a large, sun-filled lot at the SW corner of the Lake. Fabulous additi8on with a open kitchen and family room that compliments the home's classic elements. Large yard with patio and stunning gardens.

4649 E. LAKE HARRIET PARKWAY | MINNEAPOLIS

5 BR 6 BA | $5,200,000

Landmark Lake Harriet home with incredible detail including onyx, marble, terrazzo & hardwood floors, wainscoted & beamed public rooms, barrel vaulted mezzanine family room/library. Sumptuous primary suite with rotunda foyer, bath, dressing & bedroom.

6 BR 5 BA | $2,675,000

Built in 2008, set on a half-acre ot, extensively updated,2-story kitchen open to family and breakfast rooms. Four bedrooms up plusa bonus gathering area. Exceptional pool and terrace. Walkout level includes theater and generous family room.

1.23

4 BR 5 BA | $1,999,000

Admired

512 JANALYN CIRCLE | GOLDEN VALLEY

4 BR 4 BA | $1,695,000

Storybook charm meets modern luxury in this Tyrol Hills gem. Renovated kitchen, dreamy vaulted porch, sunlit bedrooms, flexible lower level, and a magical 2-story backyard fort. A home full of surprises, character, and soul. Live boldly—make it yours.

525 N. 3RD STREET, #502 | MINNEAPOLIS

2 BR 2 BA | $950,000

A rare penthouse in Bookman Lofts with private rooftop terrace and panoramic skyline views. Exposed brick, soaring ceilings, modern finishes, and sun-filled space in the heart of the North Loop—steps from dining, shops, galleries, and the river.

750 S. 2ND STREET, #604 | MINNEAPOLIS

2 BR 2 BA | SOLD

Represented Seller in the sale of this exquisitely renovated Humboldt Lofts condo. Designed by Partners 4 Design, it features a chef’s kitchen, soaring glass windows, skyline views, private terrace, luxe baths, EV parking, and top-tier amenities.

510 GROVELAND AVENUE, #304 | MINNEAPOLIS

2 BR 3 BA | $1,495,000

A rare double-corner gem at 510 Groveland. Apartment 304 blends 1920s charm with modern luxury: chef’s kitchen, marble-clad baths, primary suite fireplace, skyline views, and curated interiors—all in one of Minneapolis’s most iconic addresses.

600 S. 2ND STREET, #S104 | MINNEAPOLIS

2 BR 3 BA | SOLD

Stylish Stone Arch Lofts condo with luxe finishes and private patio. Represented Seller & Buyer in this 2BR + den, 2.5BA home featuring a modern kitchen, rich hardwoods, gas fireplace, luxe owner’s suite, smart home updates, and private terrace in the Mill District.

45 UNIVERSITY AVENUE SE, #608 & #807 | MINNEAPOLIS

3 BR 2 BA | SOLD

Represented Sellers in two record-setting sales at Cobalt Condos. Stunning skyline views, designer renovations, multiple terraces, rooftop cabanas, EV parking & more. Contact me for pre-market opportunities in this sought-after community.

glarsen@cbburnet.com gregglarsenhomes.com

2670 WOOLSEY LANE | WOODLAND

5 BR 7 BA | $8,499,000

Hamptons-style estate on Lake Minnetonka! Set on 2.3 acres with 400+ ft on Wayzata Bay, this iconic shingle-style home features a private harbor, sandy beach, guest house, and timeless colonial charm—just minutes from Wayzata and Excelsior.

1300 WILDHURST TRAIL | ORONO

4 BR 6 BA | $3,995,000

Lake Minnetonka lakeshore! 1.4 private acres with 200'+ of frontage and panoramic bay views. Modern design, luxe finishes, lakeside porch, bar, gym, and vaulted spaces. 4 ensuite beds. Premier Orono location just minutes to downtown Wayzata.

4434 WEST ARM ROAD | SPRING PARK

3 BR 4 BA | $1,999,000

Lake Minnetonka beach house with level lakeshore, panoramic views, and a quiet setting! Fully remodeled with lakeside great room, spacious kitchen, and upper-level primary suite. Additional heated 3-car garage with unfinished bonus space, and steps to the Dakota Trail.

3758 WOODLAND COVE PARKWAY | MINNETRISTA

5 BR 7 BA | $4,295,000

Stunning Lake Minnetonka home in The Cove with 156’ of shoreline, 3 dock slips & resortstyle pool. Luxe finishes, indoor sport court, lakeside porch, outdoor kitchen & panoramic views. Enjoy trails, clubhouse, tennis & more in a quiet, upscale setting.

1510 GREEN TREES ROAD | ORONO

4 BR 6 BA | $3,295,000

Exceptional Green Trees estate on over 2 acres with sandy beach, A-rated water, and panoramic Lake Minnetonka views. Grand 4BR/6BA home with two-story great room, walkout lower level bar/lounge, and ideal Orono location just 3 minutes to Wayzata.

5425 POLARIS LANE N. | PLYMOUTH

5 BR 5 BA | $1,099,000

Exceptional former Parade Model in Hampton Hills with high-end finishes and details. Incredible vaulted 3-season screen house with fireplace, lush gardens, patios, and firepit. Quiet cul-de-sac near parks and trails. Perfect for entertaining!

GEORGE W. STICKNEY

952-476-3694

gstickney@cbrealty.com

DAVID STICKNEY

952-250-0122

djstickney@cbrealty.com

535 & 555 BUSHAWAY ROAD | WAYZATA

LOT/LAND | $8,295,000 & $6,995,000

Two of the finest estate sites on Lake Minnetonka. 535 Bushaway Road with 3.62 acres and 300 feet of prime west facing lakeshore. 555 Bushaway Road with 2.72 acres and 240 feet of level lakeshore on Wayzata Bay. Sunset views and ideal location.

1910 SHORELINE DRIVE | ORONO

7 BR 6 BA | $4,995,000

Impressive Lake Minnetonka estate, set on a premier 1.75-acre lot with level shoreline and panoramic lake views. Located in Orono Schools, just minutes from downtown Wayzata, with easy access to Minneapolis and nearby biking and walking trails.

WOODHAVEN | MINNETONKA NEW CONSTRUCTION | $2,000,000+

An exclusive 5-lot residential development by custom builder Norton Homes. Nestled in the heart of Minnetonka on a quiet cul-de-sac, these wooded homesites offer a rare opportunity to build a one-of-a-kind residence. Packages starting at $2M+.

952-250-2015

kwstickney@cbrealty.com

JACOB STICKNEY

952-250-1267

jmstickney@cbrealty.com KEVIN STICKNEY

370 FERNDALE ROAD W. | WAYZATA

4 BR 5 BA | $4,995,000

This prairie style home is the epitome of upscale living. Designed by SKD Architects and exquisitely set along Wayzata’s Gold Coast in the coveted Highcroft neighborhood. Recently remodeled main level boasts a gourmet kitchen and owner’s suite.

849 BROWN ROAD N. | ORONO

5 BR 8 BA | $3,195,000

Stunning estate privately set on 5.45 picturesque acres with over 300 feet of west-facing shoreline on Dickeys Lake. This exceptional home offers luxury living with scenic lake views in a premier location. Orono Schools.

17607 64TH PLACE N. | MAPLE GROVE

5 BR 5 BA | $1,275,000

Incredibly maintained two-story walkout in highly desirable Prominence Creek. Spacious living spaces are flooded with natural light. Enjoy private neighborhood pool, clubhouse, park and playground area. Wayzata Schools & Sport Court!

952-210-2626

jmartineau@cbburnet.com

jeffmartineau.com

BUILD

At Gonyea Custom Homes, we believe everyone deserves a home that reflects their unique vision, built through a process that is seamless. For over 30 years, we’ve guided hundreds of clients in creating homes where families thrive and lasting memories are made. Our proven design-build approach ensures your experience is smooth and enjoyable. We begin by collaborating closely with you to understand your dream. Our dedicated team takes the time to listen, ensuring that your voice is heard as we transform ideas into reality. From the initial planning stages to the exhilarating moment you step into your new home, we’re committed to making the entire process seamless and rewarding, so you can immerse yourself in the joy of creation. Don’t wait any longer—contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation and take the first step toward a home that is truly yours.

PRIVATE URBAN OASIS ON LAKE OF THE ISLES

A rare opportunity to own one of Minneapolis’ most iconic modern residences, perfectly positioned on the most coveted homesite on Lake of the Isles. This architectural masterpiece pairs timeless elegance with contemporary design, offering sweeping lake views, soaring glass walls, and abundant natural light throughout. A thoughtfully designed multi-pavilion layout delivers effortless singlelevel living, with seamless flow between formal entertaining spaces, relaxed family areas, and private bedroom suites. Outdoor living reaches new heights with an elevated lakeside terrace and a secluded courtyard featuring a fireplace, fountains, dining area with phantom screens, and full grilling station—ideal for year-round entertaining. This home was built with sustainability in mind, including a solar array and Tesla Powerwalls that significantly reduce environmental impact. Additional amenities include a sport court, exercise room, and a spacious attached, heated three car garage. Set behind the gated and manicured entrance off Lake Place, this expansive lakeside property offers unmatched privacy in one of the city’s most prestigious settings.

357 SALEM CHURCH ROAD | SUNFISH LAKE

6 BR 8 BA | $4,695,000 Rare opportunity to obtain an award-winning lakefront home on privately-owned Sunfish Lake. This home underwent a massive whole house makeover retaining its original flare with a large addition. Enjoy complete privacy on a premier lot with 250+ feet of prime lake frontage. This estate-like offering includes an in-ground pool, tennis court, accessory garage structure and easy access to the lake. Located within minutes of the MSP Airport and the Viking's Practice Arena.

11068 BELL OAKS ESTATE ROAD | EDEN PRAIRIE

6 BR 8 BA | $4,100,000 Nestled in the exclusive gated community of Bell Oaks Estate, this home redefines luxury and lifestyle living. Sprawling over 3.16 acres, the property offers picturesque views of the rolling hills of the Minnesota River Valley. Featuring a chef’s kitchen equipped with top-of-the-line appliances, including Wolf and Subzero. The property's resort-like amenities satiate all of your lifestyle needs without leaving home. Enjoy, a resort-sized swimming pool with a 100-foot water slide, beautiful custom stone work, a tennis court, in-ground trampoline, an outdoor sport court, and easy access to a full indoor basketball center with a viewing deck.

6219 WESTRIDGE BOULEVARD | EDINA

9320

ERIC & SHARLA STAFFORD

952-221-7751

info@staffordfamilyrealtors.com staffordfamilyrealtors.com

4900 MEADVILLE STREET | EXCELSIOR

LOT/LAND | $5,450,000

A premier Lake Minnetonka build site with 199’ of A-rated, flat, rip-rapped, Lake Minnetonka lakeshore. This stunning .63 acre property offers panoramic views, a manicured lawn and a site prepped and ready for your lake home. Open to all builders, this is a rare opportunity for luxurious living on Lake Minnetonka. Located in a charming neighborhood, just minutes to the Village of Excelsior, with a community park, walking trail and steps to the LRT trail.

9328 RHOY AVENUE | CHASKA

3 BR 3 BA | $2,650,000 | SOLD

Masterfully built by Lecy Bros, this exquisite Colorado-inspired rambler radiates exceptional quality and enduring craftsmanship in every fit and finish. Hand-hewn timber beams and hickory hardwood floors blend seamlessly with the highest quality amenities to create a stunning lakeside retreat. Thoughtfully designed, the open floor plan provides the finest in main level living with well-appointed spaces and commanding views from every room. Sited on 200’ of pristine, fully recreational Lake Bavaria shoreline.

3921 WHITE OAK LANE | CHANHASSEN

5 BR 5 BA | PRICE UPON REQUEST

Sited on 129’ of fully recreational Lake Minnewashta shoreline and located in the Minnetonka School District, this is your opportunity to build a custom home tailored to your lifestyle. Enjoy a pristine setting with commanding views and the highest-quality amenities. In partnership with Wooddale Builders—renowned for over 50 years of exceptional craftsmanship—you'll enjoy a seamless, personalized design process and top-tier construction. This exclusive new development offers just five premium homesites, blending natural beauty with elevated, lakeside living.

Krista Wolter 612-247-5106 krista@kristawolter.com kristawolter.com

CAPAUL WOODS COURT | NORTH OAKS

4 BR 4 BA | $2,250,000

Enjoy contemporary living in this Charles Stinson-designed, Streeter custom-built dream home in North Oaks. Gourmet kitchen with high-end appliances and 2-sided fireplace between the family room and sunroom. This home also features incredible scenic views from every window, along with paver patio, paver driveway, & outdoor water feature.

926 N. KOHLMAN LANE | MAPLEWOOD

4 BR 3 BA | $1,200,000

Welcome home to this meticulously maintained lakeshore property with architectural details and interest throughout. A one-of-a-kind find in this convenient location offers a newer built home with main-floor living, featuring an open floor plan and stunning lake views, along with high ceilings, hardwood flooring, floor to ceiling windows, and built in cabinetry through out.

209 QUAIL STREET | MAHTOMEDI

4 BR 4 BA | $1,249,500

Welcome home to a unique opportunity in the heart of Mahtomedi. Award-Winning Hagstrom Builder is offering custom built villas, each secluded on nearly half an acre with private views. Experience main floor living at its best with the option of 2 bedrooms on the main floor, a finished lower level and 3 car garage. Within minutes of White Bear Lake and miles of bike trails.

355 LAUREL AVENUE | ST. PAUL

4 BR 3 BA | $850,000

Welcome home to the walkable neighborhood of Summit Hill! Conveniently located near restaurants, coffee shops, the University Club, and easy access to downtown St. Paul and 35E. You'll love the curb appeal as you enter the spacious floor plan. This meticulously maintained property includes many updates both inside and out.

BETSY LUCAS 612-327-5905 betsy@cbrealty.com betsylucashomes.com

2727 E. LAKE OF THE ISLES PARKWAY | MINNEAPOLIS

5 BR 6 BA | $2,845,000 | SOLD

Lake of the Isles masterpiece overlooking serene Lake of the Isles. Masterful renovations blend with pristine 1915-original features. Exceptional craftsmanship and grand entertaining spaces. Sublime primary suite. 3rd floor bedroom, bath, and rec room. Custom lower level pub. An unmatched living experience on a double lot. City lakes lifestyle.

1700 DUPONT AVENUE S. | MINNEAPOLIS

5 BR 5 BA | $1,595,000 | PENDING

Stately Mount Curve property on a double corner lot. Renovated primary suite, kitchen, and baths. 3 en-suite bedrooms. Third floor bedrooms, bath, and rec room. 3-car garage with carriage house option above. Expansion space in lower level. Private yard. City Lakes lifestyle. Walk to Lake of the Isles, the Walker Art Center, dining, and more!

4232 FREMONT AVENUE S. | MINNEAPOLIS

5 BR 7 BA | $2,750,000

A timeless classic meets modern luxury in this exquisitely maintained and enhanced home on sought-after Fremont Avenue. Artisan craftsmanship and designer finishes. Primary and secondary en suite bedrooms. Set on a spectacular double lot near Lake Harriet and the Rose Gardens. Attached, heated garage. Move-in ready. City Lakes lifestyle.

4626 DUPONT AVENUE S. | MINNEAPOLIS

4 BR 2 BA | $984,900 | PENDING

East Harriet gem on a double lot located just steps to Lake Harriet. 1913-era architecture paired with modern improvements throughout. Serene and calm interior design. Large, flat, fenced-in yard. Spacious 2-car garage with two 8' x 10' doors. Private driveway. City Lakes lifestyle. Walkable to Linden Hills, parks, dining, and more.

MATTHEW S. BAKER

612-860-4222

mbaker@cbrealty.com

matthewsbaker.com

3408 ZENITH AVENUE S. | MINNEAPOLIS

6 BR 9 BA | $5,250,000

First-time offering-perfection! Nestled next to the Minikahada Club & Bde Maka Ska, this remarkable residence offers stunning lake and skyline views. Experience unparalleled elegance & every imaginable feature. 2008 better than new construction!

2225 E. LAKE OF THE ISLES PARKWAY | MINNEAPOLIS

4 BR 4 BA | $2,875,000

A remarkable, award winning renovation and addition celebrating classic architecture, walls of glass presenting inspired gardens and sunsets over Isles. Ultimately an art-form, elegantly functioning and mechanically-structurally perfect!

11886 TAPESTRY LANE | MINNETONKA

4 BR 4 BA | $1,600,000

An oasis! Inspired architecture, soaring ceilings, open and inviting entertaining spaces on a setting that will delight! Yes-your private pickle ball court, pool & tennis court!! A lifestyle residence, private, elegant and ideally located!

ELLYN WOLFENSON

612-644-3033

ejwolfenson@cbrealty.com ellynwolfenson.com

2388 W. LAKE OF THE ISLES PARKWAY | MINNEAPOLIS

4 BR 5 BA | $4,599,000

Iconic Lake of the Isles Cotswold Cottage home. Complete 2020 renovation. Redefined sophistication & panoramic views. This home represents the highest level of design, a work of art on a premiere, elevated setting! Own a piece of history!

25 WOODLAND ROAD | EDINA

4 BR 4 BA | $1,795,000

An enchanting, story-book setting showcases this classic, Carl Hansen built two-story. Formal dining, a main floor primary, 3 car garage & unlimited potential on one of the most exceptional lots on one of Edina’s finest boulevards. A rare find!

1875 TROY LANE N. | PLYMOUTH

4 BR 3 BA | $1,369,000

A mid-century masterpiece located on a magnificent, two-acre lot with 180 feet of prime Mooney Lake shoreline. Stunning views, a wall of glass to enjoy a true story-book setting. A private oasis just minutes from downtown Wayzata. Spectacular!

11943 ORCHARD AVENUE W. | MINNETONKA

5 BR 4 BA | $1,150,000

Amazing home on private cul-de-sac. Pond and wooded views. Stunning & impeccably maintained-every imaginable feature!

Matthew S. Baker 612-860-4222

Ellyn Wolfenson 612-644-3033

6425 VIRGINIA DRIVE | EXCELSIOR

4 BR 6 BA | $5,500,000

EXTRAORDINARY LAKESHORE OPPORTUNITY. Spectacular lake setting opportunity to own a true lake estate with guest house!

Ellen DeHaven 612-817-5555

Jennifer Peterson 312-282-2221

13936 OAKLAND PLACE | MINNETONKA

3 BR 3 BA | $995,000

Exceptional one-story residence, nestled in a lush, wooded setting just minutes from Wayzata, Ridgedale and Minneapolis. Ruth Whitney Bowe 612-805-7412 ruth.whitneybowe@cbrealty.com

6705 APACHE ROAD | EDINA

4 BR 4 BA | $949,000

An Indian Hills classic! Stately tudor on amazing lot in premier location. Remarkable spaces and incredible potential.

Matthew S. Baker 612-860-4222

Ellyn Wolfenson 612-644-3033

28235 BOULDER CIRCLE | EXCELSIOR

4 BR 5 BA | $4,495,000

PERFECT LAKESHORE. West-facing lake views, level, sandy and a beautifully built home on an extraordinarly large site. Ellen DeHaven 612-817-5555

Jennifer Peterson 312-282-2221

956 MISSISSIPPI RIVER BOULEVARD S. | ST. PAUL 4 BR 5 BA | $2,850,000

Stunning Modern Tudor in Highland Bridge just completed in June 2025! Built by Detail Homes and designed by David Charlez Designs. Jim Seabold, Mya Honeywell & Kathryn Kennedy 651-321-3118 jim@boldmarketing.com

18070

Mike Boege 651-325-7419

Abby Dean 651-226-6035 120

Mike Boege 651-325-7419

Abby Dean 651-226-6035

Elizabeth Williamson 651-890-7386

Luxury Leaders

Beth

Josie

BEYOND BRILLIANCE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANK FRANCIS STUDIO, STYLING BY REBECCA BARTOSHESKY

A jewelry entrepreneur collaborates with DGI Design x Build to create a peaceful lake home in upstate New York.

BY LAURIE JUNKER

The goal for this new lake home was serenity, and it began with a spare palette rooted at the palest end of the color spectrum, challenging the notion that all-white interiors are chilly and soulless. Quite the opposite: When combined with organic forms, texture and soft northern light, white can be sensuous, atmospheric and inviting.

The homeowner is Nicole Wegman, an entrepreneur whose clear vision and engaging customer approach have fueled the growth of her business, Ring Concierge, from a small engagement ring consulting firm to a jewelry company with five stores and more than $100 million in revenue. Her approach to this house was no less focused.

Most of the year, Wegman, her husband and their two young children live in Manhattan, where Ring Concierge is based. But in 2020, they decided to purchase a property five hours north of the city, at the spot where Nicole spent summers growing up.

“This lake has always been a place that grounds me,” she explains. “Building a summer home here felt like coming full circle. It was a way to create something lasting for my family in a spot that already holds so much meaning.”

In addition to a project team that included Design Works Architecture and Bayer Landscape, Wegman also brought in her sisterin-law, designer Devon Wegman of DGI Design x Build in Chicago — someone who knows her style well. “Nicole has a strong monochromatic and minimal aesthetic that she wanted to come through in the design,” explains Devon.

The contemporary architecture of the 7,500-square-foot retreat’s exterior is softened by black-stained siding that lets the wood grain show through, harmonizing rather than competing with its natural setting. A Tesla solar tile roof also responds to the setting by harnessing the sun, generating enough renewable energy to power the home and contribute to the grid.

Inside, the space feels more theatrical — soaring volume bathed in Benjamin Moore’s Oxford White, with luxurious stacks of white linen drapes framing floor-to-ceiling lake and wooded vistas. If a white room brings to mind an art gallery, then here, the views are the artworks.

The precision of a jeweler’s eye is evident throughout the house. Take the dining room chandelier: 32 porcelain Bocci pendants resembling lilies, each of which seem to disappear into the ceiling one by one.

“Nicole didn’t want to see a ceiling plate,” Devon explains. “We had our electrician on a cherry picker for two full days getting them placed correctly. It was a lot of work to figure out, but the results are spectacular.”

Around the sculptural dining table are eight oak Gubi C-chairs, a surprisingly classic touch, which, like the whitewashed, wide-plank oak floors, add warmth and a bit of hominess to

HOME LAKE RETREAT

the interior. Similarly, the way the adjacent kitchen is tucked under the second-floor library creates a sense of enclosure within the vaulted space, which helps the scale feel more human — but aesthetic rigor is not abandoned.

The cabinet fronts feature unbroken, flat panels with concealed finger pulls and the kitchen appliances are arranged in a neat square between a paneled refrigerator and freezer. It’s a streamlined, efficient space that blends in with the rest of the main floor. The island is an exception.

This Devon refers to as the jewel of the house, wrapped fittingly in glittering iceberg quartzite. “We wanted to find a stone that represented the look of a diamond,” she says. “In the daytime, you can kind of see through it, and it reads like ice. Then in the evening, with the integrated LED lights on, the stone becomes a moment and people gravitate to it.” Within the monochromatic space, it’s easier for the stone to shine so that its colors, patterns and facets can be fully appreciated.

The airy library upstairs serves as a multipurpose refuge for relaxation, work and hosting the occasional off-site retreat for Nicole’s team. Instead of a desk, there’s a large custom conference table at one end of the room, with outlets and laptop storage concealed behind a center panel.

“I can attest to the brilliance of this idea,” Devon says. “When we’re all at the house for a family gathering, we adults often head up there with our coffee and laptops in the morning, work for a few hours and then enjoy the rest of the day with the kids.” On the other end of the room, a white modular Pixel sofa, arranged like a pinwheel on a nubby wool rug, offers an irresistible spot for reading, cuddling and enjoying the lake views.

Addressing the (white) elephant in the room — “how to manage keeping the sofa clean with small children,” Nicole says with a laugh — she points to performance fabrics on most of the white furniture. “We’re clear with the kids: Food stays in the kitchen, and the point of having a huge yard is to make a mess outside,” she adds. “I’m a big believer that you don’t have to completely change your surroundings just because you have children.”

But this home is more than just white. There’s cream and hints of gray and blush, all sharing the same hushed saturation level, which makes the interior feel restful. Touches of natural oak and loads of tonal pattern and texture — tufted upholstery, fluted legs, terrazzo, limewash and plaster add dimensionality and warmth.

Reflecting on the intersection between jewelry design, curation of a home and entrepreneurship, Nicole explains, “With jewelry, you’re working at a micro scale — obsessing over millimeters and light reflection. Design is similar, just expanded. And like starting a business, crafting a new space is about vision, risks and a thousand tiny decisions that add up to something meaningful. It’s all about creating beauty that lasts.”

Project Partners

Builder: Aristo

Architect: Design Works Architecture

Interior designer: DGI Design x Build

Landscape architect: Bayer Landscape

best of

both worlds

O’Hara Interiors and Christopher Strom Architects combine traditional and contemporary design to beautiful effect.

BY LAURIE JUNKER

As it turns out, you can have your cake and eat it, too, at least from a design perspective. This newly constructed abode in Stillwater’s White Oaks Savanna is clear proof of this.

The owners were city dwellers drawn to the natural beauty of the development, a community of 30 sprawling homesites set among 320 acres of rolling prairie and woodland. Their new home journey began with a cordial difference of opinion. One wanted traditional, the other contemporary. They ended up with a blend of both. On the exterior, classic Tudor details, such as sweeping asymmetrical gables, timbers and stucco, create a familiar form, while the interior is open, airy and light-filled — adjectives rarely associated with Tudor architecture.

A logical solution? Maybe, but very tough to pull off without looking like a discordant mashup of two very different styles. But the experienced team from O’Hara Interiors, Christopher Strom Architects and Redstone Builders were able to meld the homeowners’ tastes to yield a refined 7,000-square-foot, five-bedroom, four-and-a-half bath residence with a strong connection to the landscape, plus lots of utility.

“This home has pretty architecture throughout, but in the background, there’s a ton of function,” says O’Hara Interiors Senior Designer Emily Anderson. “That’s a credit to everyone from Chris and Eric [of Strom Architects] to the cabinetmakers.”

She and fellow Senior Designer Krystal Kellermann came on early in the process to help wade through the mundane yet crucial tasks: Which finishes will best complement the design of the home? How will both large and small furniture pieces fit seamlessly within each room? Which walls will beds and nightstands go on? How will traffic flow between seating areas? Where will the homeowner keep extra bedding?

“Collaboration at this stage is invaluable,” Kellermann explains. “Not only when selecting furniture, but also in ensuring that all cabinetry is tailored with the design and utility that makes daily life easier for the homeowners.”

Anderson and Kellermann also sought ways to accentuate the architecture and add softness to the straight lines and sharp angles, whether through a variable-length pendant cascading at the center of the triple-height staircase or a curvy bench and

oblong sconces in the entry hall.

On the exterior, classic Tudor details, such as sweeping asymmetrical gables, timbers and stucco, create a familiar form, while the interior is open, airy and light-filled.

The homeowners wanted elegance, but they also weren’t afraid of pattern or color. They opted for rich jewel tones that help bridge the traditional and contemporary aesthetics. For instance, the dining room (an alcove off the kitchen and living room) has a saturated teal ceiling and walls that both bounce and absorb light, as well as vibrant chartreuse and burlwood chairs. The effect is like a cozy and inviting shadow box.

In the soaring great room, Anderson and Kellermann selected timeless neutrals for the larger furnishings and reserved brighter hues for the smaller accents. “When it comes to bigger investment pieces like a sectional, neutrals are the way to go,” Anderson says. The duo also filled the great room with fibrous textiles, such as a custom hair-on-hide rug to absorb sound and prevent the 16-foot-high room from becoming reverberant.

To reduce visual chaos in the kitchen, the team incorporated ample concealed storage in the island and along a pantry wall, which helps bring order to everyday meal preparation and entertaining. “This is especially important when you have one large open space,” Kellermann says. Extensive space for cooking takes center stage, with wide counters for food preparation on either side of the range and shelves elegantly hidden behind sliding porcelain panels. Meanwhile, a linear pendant and crisp, pleated counter stools add polish and stylistically connect the space to the living room beyond.

Anderson and Kellermann didn’t miss the opportunity to bring a bit of drama to the second-floor primary suite by lining a wide hallway with herringbone hardwood floors and painting the large closets a rich purple (Benjamin Moore’s Bordeaux Red). A watercolor-inspired floral wallpaper on the ceiling is another surprising touch that enhances the grandeur of the space, an area of the abode that could easily have been overlooked. “We wanted to dress it up, and the homeowners were open to unique elements,” Kellermann says. “We always present ideas we know our clients will love, but we also push them out of their comfort zone a tiny bit.”

The designers also spread their creative wings in the main-floor powder room, a fun little pocket with timeless wallpaper depicting white herons taking flight, a slightly quirky, off-center wall-mounted sink and a minimalist Kelly Wearstler pendant. A little Old World, a little here and now, a lot of fresh elegance — icing on the cake.

Head to ArtfulLiving.com for an extended look at this timeless abode.

Project Partners

Interior designers: O’Hara Interiors, Christopher Strom Architects

Architect: Christopher Strom Architects

Builder: Redstone Builders

Community developer: White Oaks Savanna

Window supplier: Andersen Windows

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Homes by Tradition builds a sophisticated retreat with traditional detail for a couple with young children.

BY LAURIE JUNKER

You could say Ryan and Shannon McCormick’s new home was a family affair. Family was at the forefront of their decision to relocate from Edina to a five-acre wooded property in Rosemount. “We have three young kids and a couple of dogs, and we wanted room for all of them to run,” says Shannon. Their choice of builder was also influenced by family. They selected Homes by Tradition based on Ryan’s parents’ positive experience with the company, as well as their own observations. “We saw firsthand the quality construction and design,” Ryan explains.

There was a small home on the property that the McCormicks needed to tear down before starting, so they found a local nonprofit, Better Futures Minnesota, to deconstruct the house while salvaging as much material as possible to donate. “We didn’t want to waste anything that someone might be able to use,” Shannon says.

Then the design process began. To start, Ryan and Shannon walked the property with Homes by Tradition President Dean Nelson and Matt Architects’ Matt Hoefler to determine the best location for the home. The

goal? To preserve as many trees as possible and maximize curb appeal from the street. They chose a spot that took advantage of the property’s natural grade and could accommodate a side-entry garage.

That was the easy part. Settling on the house design proved to be trickier. While the couple agreed on the nuts and bolts — five bedrooms, five bathrooms, a big open kitchen, a mudroom, a spot for the dogs and lots of connection to the outdoors — they diverged when it came to aesthetics. That is, how their new 6,436-square-foot home would look and feel. Shannon wanted clean and modern, while Ryan had something more Old World in mind. “A medieval castle was kind of my vibe,” he recalls with a smile.

This wasn’t Nelson and Director of Interior Design Danielle Srock’s first rodeo. “They had some differences of opinion in architectural style and design, but they agreed on fundamentals, like which spaces and features were most important,” Srock explains. “So we knew we could work it out.”

With a bit of give and take, the design evolved into a more contemporary home with enough traditional detail to satisfy Ryan, including a stone fireplace, wood beams on the dining room ceiling and windows with grid

patterns. But what really sealed the deal for him was a secret tower: a two-story octagon-shaped library at one corner of the house, accessible via a door hidden in the sunroom wall paneling. Darker and moodier than the rest of the house, with a bay of tall windows, bookshelves and a five-foot-wide round chandelier, it’s not only Ryan’s favorite room, but it has become a special space for the whole family. “I couldn’t let go of the idea of a secret library, and I’m happy everyone is enjoying it,” he says.

Shannon achieved the serenity she sought with a restrained palette of colors and materials as well as large windows that frame views of the wooded landscape. Built-in cabinets throughout handily conceal the clutter that’s part and parcel of a home with three kids under the age of five and eliminate the need for large furnishings, which could disrupt the clean lines of the space.

The McCormicks initially wanted an all-white oak kitchen based on Pinterest inspiration, but when Srock suggested a mix of tall, painted uppers with a white oak base, they trusted her judgment. “White paint on the upper cabinets is crisp and timeless and helps the spaces flow together — it’s a pretty combination,” Srock says. “And with three little kids, natural wood is great for the lowers, because it won’t show fingerprints.”

Ease and durability were top of mind when Srock proposed quartz for the countertops — a solution that resembles soapstone and marble but doesn’t require any maintenance. Dishwasher and microwave drawers close to the island provide easy access for the busy family, while a trio of black and brass cone pendants define the space and provide task lighting. Shannon’s home office is just around the corner with glass doors to stay connected to the happy hubbub of family life.

showed them how he could seamlessly incorporate the space in the back, they decided to proceed. “We use it almost every day,” Ryan says.

To ease their minds during the construction process, the McCormicks relied on realistic 3D drawings that showed what the property would look like upon completion. “The house changes at each phase of construction, so it’s reassuring to be reminded of how it will look in the end,” Nelson says. Even so, the couple made some modifications along the way — adding a spiral staircase and a landing in the library and an indoor sport court adjacent to a small home gym on the lower level.

“We had debated about how much we’d use the court and whether it was worth the money,” Ryan explains, noting that they were also concerned about how it would affect the abode’s front profile. But once Hoefler

In the end, the house has the flexibility to grow and adapt with the family. While the main floor sunroom serves as a playroom today, in the future, it will become a peaceful spot for morning coffee. A large landing on the second floor can eventually transform into a homework area, and a wet bar and round table in the walkout lower level (which doesn’t get much use now) will undoubtedly come into play as the kids get older and plans for a swimming pool come to fruition.

“It has been a fun and rewarding relationship working with the McCormick family and building them beautiful homes,” reflects Nelson. For the award-winning builder, seeing his projects evolve and deepening relationships within multiple generations of families is the most satisfying part of his work.

Project Partners

Architect: Matt Architects

Builder: Homes by Tradition

Interior designer: Danielle Srock, Homes by Tradition

Thomas Pink, CFP®, AAMS® Managing Director – Financial Advisor

Senior Portfolio Director Group (952) 476-3725 | thomas.pink@rbc.com

Tina Licari, CFP®, CRPC®

Senior Vice President – Financial Advisor

Senior Portfolio Manager – Portfolio Focus (651) 228-6929 | tina.licari@rbc.com

HAUS OF ROWE INTERIORS

AT HAUS OF ROWE, DESIGN IS DEEPLY PERSONAL. WE CREATE LAYERED, STORIED SPACES WITH WARMTH, ARTISTRY AND SUBTLE SOPHISTICATION - INTERIORS THAT INVITE YOU TO LINGER, TO LIVE, TO FEEL. FOR THOSE WHO BELIEVE HOME SHOULD INSPIRE, EVERYDAY WHERE CREATIVITY LIVES.

FEELING GROOVY

TEA2 Architects designs a modern abode with retro flair.

BY WENDY LUBOVICH

For the record, this home was never meant to be about shag carpeting and avocado-hued appliances. Instead, it was a bold idea to turn this lakeside retreat into a space that is unapologetically mod. Not a pared-down midcentury look, but a swinging sixties and seventies vibe.

“We wanted to find something the homeowners could enjoy and have fun with — something that celebrated the era in which it was built,” explains TEA2 Architects Principal Dan Nepp. “That was exciting and liberating for us to design.”

Renovated in 2024 for a family with grown children and grandchildren, the 3,500-square-foot, three-bedroom home serves as a refuge for relaxing and gathering. And because it is exquisitely perched along a private peninsula on Lake Minnetonka, water views are built into every room.

The fun starts in the kitchen, with its retro refinement and expansive lake vistas. Above the sink, a two-sided display shelf is suspended from the ceiling on stainless-steel rods. Lined with a high-gloss white finish, the space-age-looking pod appears to float in midair. Then all around, rift-cut walnut veneer cabinetry with curved corners steals the show.

“Flat front doors with minimal detailing were typical, reflecting the decade’s preference for clean lines and understated, contemporary style,” says TEA2 Architects Senior Project Manager Petra Schwartze. “The kitchen feels fully integrated; it’s not just a room, but part of a fluid connection to the adjacent living and sitting areas.”

These first-floor sitting areas center around a two-sided fireplace, which was reimagined as a sculptural focal point and the heart of the home. Once a solid mass that acted more like a barrier, the original fireplace was retained but transformed into a freestanding element that allows space to flow and frames views, rather than blocking them. The materials were carefully chosen. The striated limestone body above the see-through firebox is cantilevered, while the honed limestone hearth below grounds the seating area, forming an intimate area all its own.

“The use of cohesive stone elements makes it feel sculptural rather than pieced together,” Nepp points out. “The stone wraps all the way around, giving it a 3D effect. It’s an element to be viewed in the round more art piece than obstruction.”

On the lower level, a very rad-looking fireplace creates another eye-catching focal point. Encircled by molded Eames chairs, the conical-looking structure offers the warm embrace of a campfire without having to leave the indoors.

“The round fireplace is a dramatic focal point, but its placement was grounded in practicality,” Schwartze says. “We reused the original fireplace location, which naturally informed the layout of the room.” From there, the space was

Project Partners

Architect: TEA2 Architects

Builder: Streeter Custom Builder

designed to revolve around it, creating a warm, inviting hub.

From cottage to contemporary, each space is designed with a disciplined blend of authenticity, integrity and livability.

It’s this kind of creative thinking that has become a hallmark at Minneapolis-based TEA2 Architects, which has been designing residences since 1979. The focus is on creating custom living areas that enchant the eye but feel right at home. From cottage to contemporary, each space is designed with a disciplined blend of authenticity, integrity and livability. The result? A carefully crafted, one-of-a-kind dwelling that stands the test of time for generations.

With this abode, it was the homeowners who took creative charge of the furnishings, all to some very happening effects. Gentle plaids, soft mustard hues and low-slung coffee tables dot the rooms, lending a mod look. Nearby, pops of pattern and bold light fixtures bring the energy, while throughout the home, geometric artworks — including two sculptural panels by Mark Schoening in the back of the living room — add just the right amount of cool. “The homeowners were determined not to become completely bound to the style,” Nepp explains. “They wanted to include funkier, eclectic touches, like their own pieces of art. These layers added depth and personality.”

Decor aside, the true star is the seductive waterside setting — a rare piece of property with dazzling lake views on three sides. And yet, the 1972 structure didn’t take advantage of these vistas. The original cottage was more inward-looking, with little opportunity to embrace the natural surroundings, so the solution was to keep the structure intact but thoughtfully alter its focus. “You can’t erase the inherent simplicity of the original box,” says Nepp. “So, we embraced that simplicity and aimed for something more elegant with clean lines, which fit the original core of the house more authentically.”

With the help of Streeter Custom Builder, the team reoriented the home by opening it up toward the lake. They incorporated expansive windows, sliding doors and a series of outdoor terraces — all to create visual and physical transparency between the indoors and out. “The family uses these spaces throughout the day: enjoying morning coffee on the east-facing deck, watching sailboats drift by from the west terrace in the evenings or gathering on the lower lawn, while kids play in the open grassy area just beyond the bifold doors,” Schwartze shares.

Finally, there was one last detail to consider: the home’s front door. The existing one wasn’t private enough, and the arch above the portico seemed out of place. So they changed the shape of the door and painted it a happy shade of flower power blue.

“We made everything more straight-lined to suit the architecture, then introduced some playfulness with peekaboo windows and integrated hardware,” Nepp explains, adding that the pattern has a bit of a Mondrian quality. “There’s a lot of fun brought to a project when the homeowner desires to do something different and pursues a unique vision with knowledge and courage. That’s exactly what we had with this house, and we loved it.”

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ADVENTURE

Footwear created by a foot & ankle surgeon with an eye for design.

there she goes

riggling free of my heavy scuba-diving drysuit, I rush out of the mudroom aboard Aurora Expeditions’ Sylvia Earle, a small, purpose-built ship named after one of science’s most legendary oceanographers/explorers. Just moments ago, I was submerged beneath the ice, poking around Antarctic waters in search of alien life forms. It’s an adventure I never dreamed possible. Here, I set out to meet the expedition’s other solo travelers who — appropriately enough — are all women. We might not be marine biologists, but, like Earle, we share a passion for better understanding the planet and seeing it in a meaningful way.

We are far from the only ones; more women than ever are discovering the world on their own terms. Nearly 40% of female travelers have expressed interest in a solo vacation in 2025 (up 8% from the previous year), according to tourism market research firm Future Partners. And solo travel has become one of the industry’s fastest-growing segments, as reported by TripAdvisor.

Why the shift? As females gain greater socioeconomic independence and record-breaking numbers choose to remain single, an increasing amount are opting to travel alone (regardless of marital status). Women — who make 82% of travel decisions and are projected to control 75% of discretionary spending by 2028, according to Skift Research — have traditionally planned the majority of vacations and prioritize experiences over material possessions at nearly twice the rate of men. Like so many of today’s trends, the boom occurred postpandemic, particularly among older travelers. Free from the responsibilities of raising a family, encouraged by social media (which shows how easy it is to jet set safely) and flush with disposable income, they dare to ask: If not now, when?

“Solo travel is a form of self-care,” says Aurora Expeditions’ Kris Endreson, who serves as vice president of sales for North America. “Many of these women are seeking meaningful, transformative experiences that connect them to nature, purpose and like-minded explorers.” The company has seen a 22% year-over-year increase in solo travelers, with a notable portion being females aged 40 and above.

Curious and independent, these individuals who enjoy traveling alone tend to naturally gravitate to adventure-focused trips that push them out of their comfort zone and offer a sense of accomplishment, whether they’re climbing the Matterhorn in the Alps or learning to surf in Fiji. “For many women, these moments are not only exhilarating but deeply empowering,” says Endreson.

Paulette Gramse, a recent retiree who has been planning individual vacations for nearly 30 years, can relate. “When I’m looking for purpose or need to process something, I go on a river-rafting trip by myself,” she says. “These adventures can really push you physically and mentally, and you get to see all of this beauty in the world.”

Women embarking on these adventures may be navigating personal milestones like career changes, retirement or a new chapter and realize, like Gramse, that time on the road helps them clear their minds. This can even lead to life-altering journeys of self-discovery, as Karla Walsh, a former fitness instructor and editor, found during a 2018 vacation to Costa Rica.

“I was in a relationship that was crumbling but had always said that I would wait to pursue a freelance career until I got married because I wanted a safety net,” recalls Walsh. “I remember sitting on the beach the night before I was supposed to fly home, thinking: ‘I traveled internationally by myself, so what would my life look like if I stopped putting an asterisk on my other dreams?’” As soon as she returned to the United States, Walsh cut things off with her boyfriend, spoke to a financial advisor and took the leap to embark on a freelance career. She has never looked back.

Some women initially restrict their solo travel to vacations that friends and significant others won’t sign onto because they’re too niche, expensive or intrepid — think scuba diving, safaris and heliskiing — and later notice that they appreciate the spontaneity and freedom that being alone affords. “When I’m around other people, I like to make sure everyone is taken care of,” says Walsh. “And when I travel alone, it’s nice to be completely self-indulgent and have the time to explore what brings me joy.”

Jetting off by yourself doesn’t mean you can’t socialize on the road. After all, many solo explorers cite connecting with similar people as a top benefit of traveling alone. Case in point: Gramse met her best friend during a rafting expedition 22 years ago. “That trip opened up a part of me and her and led us to discover a very strong commonality, which is supporting each other as women,” she reflects.

Meanwhile, Patty Randall — a retiree who travels by herself to Namibia on trips custom-designed by Go2Africa for at least two months every year — relishes in the connections she makes with locals and camp staff. “Traveling alone is about attitude,” she says. “I have never been lonely. Others seem to gravitate to you because you are on your own.” While people might hesitate to disturb a couple or family, individuals automatically appear more approachable and open to conversation, she notes.

As what was once considered niche becomes mainstream, more companies are recognizing the value of catering to solo women. So much so that Bank of America reports a 230% increase in female-only tours over the past few years.

One of the biggest barriers facing individual travelers (female and otherwise) is the dreaded single supplement, which penalizes those not sharing a room. Research by JourneyWoman shows 78% of women view this cost as a

Solo travel looks and means something different for every woman depending on their personal journey. But ultimately, It’s about seeking connection with new places, different cultures and sometimes with ourselves.

deterrent, and many understandably prefer privacy over being assigned roommates. Now the industry is listening, as top brands such as Delfin Amazon Cruises and Wilderness in Africa either waive the fee entirely or provide discounts, particularly during shoulder and off-seasons. Aurora Expeditions has even included dedicated single cabins on their newest ship, the Douglas Mawson, and will add them to their other vessels in 2026.

Tour operators around the world such as Rabbie’s in Scotland are also designing their programs to be more welcoming toward solo women. “We’re proud to have an increasing number of female driver-guides and leaders across the business,” says CEO Hazel Rickett. “Representation matters, and it helps create a more inclusive, empowering experience.” Similarly, Go2Africa safari expert Monique Lange recommends that these female travelers consider staying at an all-female-run property such as Dunia Camp in Tanzania’s Serengeti and Chobe Game Lodge in Botswana.

For logistically challenging destinations, there’s a growing movement of women-only experiences geared toward solo travelers, including Natural Selection’s Kalahari Desert Woman’s Safari & Expedition, Aurora Expeditions’ trips to Greenland and Antarctica with an all-female expedition team, and G Adventures’ newly launched Solo-ish Adventures. Led by female “chief experience officers,” their tours to off-the-grid locations like Cambodia and Uzbekistan aim to turn strangers into a close-knit group of friends while promising “me” time, private rooms and the immersive activities that independent travelers value.

Solo travel looks and means something different for every woman depending on their personal journey. But ultimately, says Rickett, “It’s about seeking connection — with new places, different cultures and sometimes with ourselves.”

Whenever I talk about my trip to Antarctica, I rave about the teeming penguin colonies, the prehistoric-looking leopard seals and the sea full of sapphire icebergs. But the moment I hold closest is a bit less romantic: It’s when I successfully surfaced from the frigid water after my first dive — numb, physically shaking and with a stupid grin on my face. All I could think was, I did it.

second

Designed by Charles Stinson and renovated decades later with Nor-Son Custom Builders, this home proves that the best architecture doesn’t age it adapts.

BY MERRITT BAMRICK

PHOTOGRAPHY

light

Some homes age. Others evolve.

Set on a beautiful, private, wooded site just west of the St. Croix River, this Charles Stinson–designed residence has long stood as a quiet triumph of modernist Midwestern architecture. With its sweeping hipped roof, angled great room and a pair of “wings” embracing the backyard and pool, the home was a defining moment for the award-winning architect’s career. “This project represented a symbolic shift in our practice,” he shares. That’s a shift into the compositional style for which he’s now known, abounding with vertical and horizontal planes converging in harmony to frame the light. Prairie-style influences remain, but decades after its 1993 debut on the Parade of Homes, the property’s new owners didn’t want to reinvent the home — they wanted to respect it.

“We’ve never seen anyone do it better than Charles Stinson,” gush the homeowners, who have been taken with his architectural style since first seeing his work in the 1980s. Years later, they discovered that this striking abode was for sale. On their very first tour, they recognized the signature Stinson elements that instantly felt like home: impeccable site placement that prioritizes views, a simple material palette that bridges indoors and out, and spaces carved into the 8,200 square feet with intention.

Ten years after moving in, the couple reached out to Stinson directly when they decided to renovate. “Do your thing, Charles,” they told him. He began sketching on the spot, adjusting his original drawings, and collaborated closely with Interior Designer Aysan Vatini, Project Manager Ben Bower, Nor-Son Custom Builders and Modern Design Cabinetry. The house didn’t feel outdated, but it held opportunity for smart updates that support modern, personalized living.

This project unfolded in two careful phases. The first focused on the main level, where the team worked to add natural light, improve flow and dial up the details. Original windows were replaced with striking floor-to-ceiling Pella Reserve Contemporary windows throughout the entire house. “We didn’t add square footage, but it feels like we did,” notes Nor-Son Custom Builders Project Manager Brody Schmid.

The natural light that floods in bounces beautifully off Fond du Lac limestone, which was preserved to maintain warmth and texture. “The clients didn’t want to lose the warmth, and the stone created the perfect backdrop,” says Vatini. So she leaned into the rust and bronze tones, which inspired the rest of the palette: a calming blend of creamy walls, dark-toned woods and textural contrast.

At the center of it all is the great room, its square layout rotated diagonally at 45 degrees, cradling the sun throughout the day and anchored by a two-story, two-sided fireplace that reaches up to the ceiling. “It’s the great organizer,” says Stinson, whose team added a concrete-looking bump-out with a stucco finish to modernize the stone mass. One of the more significant updates involved raising the sunken living room to sit flush with the main level, creating seamless flow. Maple floors were replaced with slate-hued tile and custom rugs designed by the Stinson team in collaboration with Austin, Texas–based rugmaker Kyle Bunting. Rugs now flow room to room, even

amidst their intricate angles. The ceilings, too, received a dose of warmth with tongue-and-groove white oak, complemented by acoustic treatments that add calmness and dampen echo. “It feels like we’re in a sanctuary,” explain the homeowners.

A discreetly integrated new elevator adds both ease and elegance to daily life, connecting both levels and the outdoors, while a curated selection of furniture from Abitare Design Studio rounds out the transformation.

Just beyond the great room, a space lovingly referred to as “the treehouse” got a refresh with new finishes, windows on three sides and greater functionality. “The day-to-day of how the clients use their home is the same,” says Vatini. The owners agree, carrying on their morning coffee ritual in this upgraded version.

The second phase of the renovation gave the lower level a new sense of purpose. While the home technically offers five bedrooms, two were reimagined as personal office spaces: hers, complete with a cozy fireplace, and his, with a more relaxed man cave vibe. Also downstairs is a kitchenette and private entrance, in addition to a new guest suite ideal for hosting long-term visitors. “The renovated guest suite has a very unique feature: a 470-pound quartzite floor-to-ceiling vanity backsplash illuminated by 870 backlights,” says Schmid. “Our onsite superintendent, Travis, played a crucial part in executing the vision — coordinating our client’s wishes with intricate logistics was no small task, but the outcome is captivating.” Acoustic panels, integrated lighting and custom millwork give this level its own identity without losing cohesion with the rest of the home.

Outdoor spaces received a personal touch, too. On the deck, cable railings replaced solid panels to preserve sightlines, while new staircases were added to connect the main-level deck to the backyard. Updated decking from TimberTech lightens the elevated walkways and beautifully ties into the surrounding landscape and pool area. The former hot tub space was transformed into an openair kitchen, perfect for entertaining and just one replaced staircase away from the main kitchen. Even the garage got an upgrade, with frosted glass doors enhancing the home’s modern appeal while bringing in unexpected light.

Throughout the abode, the design team struck a delicate balance of modernizing without erasing. To wit: The original stone remains, as do many of Stinson’s initial gestures, like the low-slung rooflines, the diagonally placed great room and the sense of openness between zones.

“The house always had good bones,” he declares. “We just clarified some of the geometry. Smoothed the transitions. Brought in more light.” Even the smallest details were treated with care. For instance, the homeowners’ treasures from traveling are now on curated display, backlit and on builtins. Meanwhile, new slider doors in the primary bedroom open to a private dog run — a thoughtful feature for the world’s luckiest pup.

Of course, any renovation comes with challenges, but in this case, starting from one of Stinson’s original designs made all the difference and made for a solid foundation. “It felt like a dream,” the homeowners say. “We had Charles. We had Nor-Son Custom Builders, who we trusted. And we had Aysan, who truly has no peer.” And with a team that understood the original vision, the renovation became less about rewriting and more about refining.

Project Partners

Architect: Charles Stinson Architecture + Design

Interior designer: Aysan Vatini, Charles Stinson

Architecture + Design

Builder: Nor-Son Custom Builders

back tothe future

An icon arrives for the Jaguar brand, ushering in a new era of all-electric luxury.

BY MITCHELL LAMBERT

few names in automotive history carry the weight and refinement that Jaguar does. For decades, the British automaker has taken pride in its craftsmanship, thrilling performance and headturning style. Now, nearly a century after its first model rolled off the assembly line, a striking new vehicle has made its debut: the Type 00. Reimagined and electrifying, it doesn’t just continue Jaguar’s legacy — it redefines it.

The story began in 1922, when William Lyons founded the Swallow Sidecar Company, which initially produced motorcycle sidecars. As the demand for those declined and automobiles grew in popularity, the company shifted its focus exclusively to car manufacturing. By 1935, a new name was introduced, along with the first official vehicle for sale: the SS Jaguar. This new brand identity and vehicle were inspired by the traits of the animal itself: sleekness, power, agility and sophistication.

In the decades that followed, Jaguar earned a worldwide reputation for innovation and excellence, captivating audiences with some of the most striking and technologically advanced cars of the era. This period reached a defining moment with the 1961 debut of the E-Type, which stunned the industry with its eye-catching design and groundbreaking engineering. Its debut marked a pivotal turning point in automotive history and firmly established Jaguar as a leading premium automaker.

Today, Jaguar is best known for its current

models like the F-Type sports car and the F-Pace SUV. But, as part of a bold transition toward a fully electric future, the production of these iconic vehicles is coming to a close. The F-Type officially retired in 2024 — signaling the end of Jaguar’s internal combustion era — and the F-Pace will be phased out by the end of this year. Taking their place is the all-electric Type 00 model.

The Type 00 is more than just an attractive machine; it offers a look at what’s next. Powered by advanced electric motors, it promises exhilarating performance with impressive range, all backed by cutting-edge battery technology and fast-charging capabilities. Its design merges Jaguar’s iconic styling with a forward-thinking aesthetic, creating an aerodynamic, elongated body that balances elegance with efficiency. From its sleek silhouette to its carefully crafted interior, every detail signals the next chapter in Jaguar’s evolution.

The exterior design is truly unlike anything else, with a sweeping roofline and futuristic elements that blend classic proportions with a sci-fi edge. Subtle touches like hidden door handles, flush lighting and clean body lines create a sleek look that feels both refined and progressive. Finished in “London blue,” this striking paint color is a modern recreation of the iconic “opalescent silver blue,” used exclusively on the E-Type in the 1960s. But it’s more than just a color — it’s a tribute to Jaguar’s British design heritage, forming a visual bridge between past and present. Every curve and surface of the Type 00 reinforces Jaguar’s legacy of building cars that are as visually stunning as they are forward-thinking.

The interior is intentionally minimal, wrapped in premium materials like sustainable leather alternatives, soft-touch surfaces and brushed metals. Every detail has been carefully considered. The sculpted driver and passenger seats, paired with a floating center console, create a cabin that feels both calm and elevated. A panoramic glass roof opens up the space, allowing natural light to pour in and highlight the interior’s warm tones and refined finishes. Subtle ambient lighting and a retractable widescreen digital dash add to the modern sophistication.

The Jaguar Type 00 is expected to arrive in limited production in 2026. In Minneapolis, the Type 00 will be available exclusively at the city’s only Jaguar retailer. Jaguar Land Rover Minneapolis is committed to delivering a personalized buying experience — from initial inquiry to delivery, every step of the ownership journey will be as refined and unforgettable as the car that’s being taken home.

To learn more or register your interest in purchasing the Type 00, visit Jaguar Land Rover Minneapolis or log onto jaguarlandroverminneapolis.com.

ORHPLSAEY

Why equestrian style is eternally chic.

BY KATE NELSON

lright alright, I know what you’re thinking. A lifelong horse girl like me touting horse girl style? Groundbreaking. I get it; I’m too obsessed to be objective. But I’m not the only one who can’t get enough of the equestrian life. Everyone seems to be jumping on the bandwagon as of late, including fashion designers from Carolina Herrera to Stella McCartney. They’re realizing what my fellow hippophiles of past and present — think Queen Elizabeth II, Jackie Kennedy, Martha Stewart and the Hadid sisters — have always known: Equestrian style is eternally chic.

For those of us who spent our childhood at the stables (colloquially and lovingly known as barn rats), the outside world’s infatuation with our way of life comes with a small dose of irony. After all, the real ones among us have spent long hours doing chores, mucking stalls and throwing hay bales. We also acknowledge that we’re guilty for perpetuating the idealized iteration of ourselves, looking like we walked right out of a Ralph Lauren ad when we actually take the time to dust off and polish up for a horse show. It’s this version of us that’s gone viral, thanks to splashy spectacles like Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg donning dressage shadbellies during the 2024 Paris Olympics. That’s fine by us, because we like that rendition of ourselves, too.

You can probably picture it: a class tweed riding jacket over a crisp white Oxford shirt, figure-hugging breeches complete with an obligatory Hermès H belt and knee-high dress boots that look like they haven’t worked a day in their life. Or for a more casual day, perhaps a playful polo paired with Double RL denim and a pair of Hunter wellies. Have these clothes ever been near a horse? Probably not, but that’s not the point.

Of course, that’s to say nothing of English riding’s counterpart, the Western world. Cowboy (and -girl) culture has gotten a major boost in recent years thanks to pop culture phenomena like Yellowstone and Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album. Our collective fascination with this seemingly simpler way of life has created a buying frenzy for rustic, rural ranches across Montana and Wyoming as well as look-the-part wardrobe requirements such as Stetson hats, Wrangler jeans and Lucchese boots. Lest anyone question Western wear’s place in the fashion world, model/equestrian Bella Hadid confirmed its cool factor when she and boyfriend Adan Banuelos (an accomplished horseman and cutting champion) transformed New York City’s Meatpacking District into a makeshift riding arena last fall to unofficially close out Fashion Week.

Unlike the fleeting fads that come and go based on what the TikTok algorithm serves us up, enthusiasm for the equestrian aesthetic isn’t going anywhere. Why? Because it reflects humans’ enduring infatuation with equines that dates back millennia (talk about staying power). Simply put, we hippophiles entered the chat centuries ago and never left. But the impact of social media isn’t all bad. Coupled with pop culture, it gives everyone access to horses in a way that many haven’t experienced before, inviting people into our equine-obsessed universe. (I, for one, have

WELL GROOMED

A beginner's guide to horse girl style.

Eager to emulate the equestrian set? We don’t blame you, and we welcome you into our horse-loving ranks with open arms. Building out a full wardrobe takes years (trust us), but a carefully curated capsule collection will set you on the right path toward your equestrian dreams. Here are five apparel and accessory recommendations to help you fake it ’til you make it.

A RIDING JACKET

First things first: You simply must have a riding jacket to casually don in the board room as though you just finished up with a fox hunt. The best ones are tweed and probably vintage, but you can also get gorgeous new ones from U.K. establishments like Dubarry, Holland Cooper and Fairfax & Favor.

BONA FIDE BREECHES

Gone are the days of wearing yoga pants to run errands. The biggest athleisure flex of all is sporting some riding leggings for a casual Sunday brunch with the girls. Designed to help riders sit in the saddle, these pants are more comfortable than ever thanks to labels like Yagya and Dada Sport that have modernized this staple with innovative fabrics and fits.

TALL BOOTS

Whether you opt for the real deal (think Ariat, DeNiro or Petrie) or choose something more equestrian-inspired (à la Gucci or Ralph Lauren), tall boots are an investment you won’t regret. They are super durable, get better with age and say “sporty spice” with every step. Word to the wise: Real riding boots can come with a serious break-in period, so it’s best to work with an experienced boot fitter.

COWBOY BOOTS

You didn’t think we’d leave out our Western aficionados, did you? Once reserved for galloping across the Great Plains on a mighty steed, cowboy boots are everywhere these days. As fashionable as they are functional, they come in every type of leather imaginable, from alligator to ostrich to the standard cowhide. Bespoke brands such as Lucchese, Tecovas and Kemo Sabe can outfit you in both classic and creative options.

A HORSE GIRL HANDBAG

Accessories are not to be overlooked — most of all, the handbag. From Dior’s saddle bag to Gucci’s horse bit shoulder bag, every high-end fashion house seems to have its own take on the equestrian purse. It’s a subtle nod to this quietly luxurious way of life that’ll have both fashionistas and hippophiles giving you a knowing nod of approval. Good on you, horse girl.

always argued that the world would be a better place if everyone had horses in their life.)

It’s no surprise, then, that we see equestrian-imbued collections parading down the catwalk every season courtesy of top fashion houses from Gucci to Burberry to O.G. Hermès, which has been crafting custom saddles and other leather tack since the 1800s. Sometimes there are even actual horses parading down the runway, as was the case when princess Charlotte Casiraghi (oh, and did we mention Grace Kelly’s granddaughter?) rode her steed, Kuskus, at Paris’s Grand Palais to kick off Chanel’s haute couture spring/summer 2022 show.

Let me be clear — I’m definitely not complaining that everyone wants in on the horse girl look. In fact, we’re happy to be the talk of the town. It’s just that not everyone who talks the talk can walk the walk. How to spot the real deal? She’ll likely be sporting hay in her hair and donning dust-covered breeches to post-barn brunch, without a care in the world because she just got done with her horse therapy.

Ultimately, the reason why the equestrian aesthetic is always trending is because it embodies a lifestyle that has long been synonymous with luxury. Beyond the envy-inducing apparel, there are the opulent estates in horse country destinations such as Middleburg, Virginia; Lexington, Kentucky; and Wellington, Florida (where well-heeled families like the Bloombergs, Gateses and Springsteens winter). There are the star-studded equine affairs, from the Hampton Classic Horse Show to the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event to the Aspen Snow Polo World Championship. And in every barn across the country, there are the stable staples — the tack room chock full of luxe leather goods, the aforementioned barn rats, the impish kids’ lesson ponies, and the throngs of horse show dogs (Queen Elizabeth II famously bred and kept dozens of beloved corgis throughout her lifetime).

Though alluring, all of that is just window dressing. If you ask us horse girls, the real luxury is spending time in the presence of these majestic creatures that demand that we live in the present moment. It’s hearing that knowing nicker the moment we set foot inside the stable. It’s understanding that, against all odds, equines allow us to partner with them to achieve great things. And it’s experiencing a sense of freedom astride a horse’s back that’s unlike any other feeling in the world.

CALIFORNIA DREAMING

by John

and Historic Studio, a new Mediterranean home brings timeless glamour and pizzazz to an Edina neighborhood.

BY MELINDA NELSON

Crafted

Kraemer & Sons

Every dream house begins with a vision. For one Edina couple, theirs was as refined as their aesthetic: a gracious, California-inspired Mediterranean abode nestled on a quiet street in a wooded neighborhood in Edina. They’d long admired the work of John Kraemer & Sons, the Edina-based custom home builder, and interior designer Robb Whittlef, founder of Wayzata-based Historic Studio, so when it came time to gather a team of trusted experts to create their family’s new home, they knew exactly who to call.

“Planning and building a one-of-a-kind, architect-designed home in an established neighborhood requires seamless collaboration with trusted design partners and meticulous attention to detail,” says John Kraemer, president of the family-owned company, which was founded by his father and grandfather in 1978. “My team and I have worked with many of the clients’ friends to build legacy family estates, so we were honored to be entrusted to lead their project.”

The first step was to manifest a lot that matched the couple’s design goals, including an indoor basketball court, an outdoor oasis with a swimming pool and alfresco entertaining area beneath a loggia, and other luxe amenities. “Long before our clients sign a purchase agreement, we work closely with their realtor to assess site conditions, zoning guidelines and any potential restrictions and determine a lot’s feasibility,”

explains Kraemer. “By the time our clients close on their lot, we’ve done all the groundwork and we’re ready to start design development with the architect, interior designer and landscape architect.”

For a year, the couple looked at dozens of lots with Kraemer and their realtor, but none quite felt like home — until they serendipitously discovered a lot in Edina that checked all the boxes, including optimal buildability and walkability to the restaurants, shops and historic movie theater at 50th & France. Then the real fun began.

“Designing a custom home is about channeling the DNA of our clients, understanding how they want to live and then taking them far beyond what they could ever dream,” says Whittlef. Like many of his clients, he divides his time between Minnesota and Southern California, so he understood the assignment of a glamorous yet comfortable family abode.

“Our clients are incredibly sophisticated and well-traveled,” he continues. “She loves fashion, he collects fine art, and as a family, they love sports, so I instantly envisioned a timeless, 1920s-style house with the graciousness of Hancock Park, the pizzazz of Brentwood and the opulence of Bel Air — but down-to-earth and functional in a uniquely Minnesota way.”

Whittlef is a connoisseur of all things historic, hence the name of the studio (now owned by Susie Wittine, his longtime colleague and design partner). He’s a devotee of Reginald

“Planning and building a one-ofa-kind, architectdesigned home in an established neighborhood requires seamless collaboration with trusted design partners and meticulous attention to detail.”

Davis Johnson, Edwin Wallace Neff, George Washington Smith and other legendary California architects. He’s also a regular at Design Los Angeles on La Cienega, the antique stores of West Hollywood and the Pacific Design Center showrooms. So as he drove around Los Angeles, he sent a steady stream of images to Kraemer and job superintendent Steve Weckwerth to inform and inspire the project. Whittlef gathered stucco colors from iconic homes in Hancock Park and snapped discreet photos of the graceful curving driveways and lush gardens of Bel Air and Beverly Hills. He sent images of the circa-1927 Wilshire Ebell Theatre as reference for the front entry and photos of the wood paneling at the Rosewood Miramar Beach hotel in Montecito to shape the stairwell.

“When Robb and Susie would ask Steve and me if we could craft an authentic, European-style curved stone staircase or another unique design element, our answer was always, ‘Yes, we can do that,’” says Kraemer. “Design is at the heart of everything we do, so we loved collaborating with

Project Partners

them and our other artisan partners to make it happen.”

Kraemer and Weckwerth carefully matched the historic Los Angeles stucco hues to the ever-changing palette of Minnesota, and collaborated with John Richards of Orijin Stone to create a stately, curved stone entry with hand-carved wooden doors. While Mona Hurkadli of Mona Hurkadli Design was curating the custom cabinetry, Whittlef worked with Nick Marsden, president of River Heights Outdoor Solutions, to convey an elegant California landscape in East Edina with arborvitae, boxwoods, hydrangeas and other winter-hardy perennials. Like the clients, Marsden and his wife, Lindsay, love traveling and watching their children play sports, so he knew exactly how to design an elevated yet family-friendly outdoor environment for entertaining, swimming and soaking up the summer rays.

Builder: John Kraemer & Sons

Interior designer: Historic Studio

Landscape architect: River Heights Outdoor Solutions

Cabinet designer: Mona Hurkadli Design

“This was a technically challenging project, but the creative collaboration with Robb, John, Steve and the clients made it both fun and successful,” says Marsden. “Our design for the property

was intentionally simple, and I’m proud of the way the landscaping complements the architecture of the home.”

Whittlef also took his clients on a whirlwind design adventure that swung from Minneapolis to High Point, North Carolina, to Santa Barbara, California. “Minnesota is an amazing place — which is why we all love living here — but if you’re going to create a truly distinctive home, you also have to shop the world,” he says with a laugh. Together, they hunted for antiques at H&B Gallery in Minneapolis to mix with the homeowners’ collection of fine art and treasures from the Paris flea markets. Whittlef met the clients at Rosewood Miramar Beach and gave them a behind-the-hedges tour of his favorite Spanish oceanfront estates in Montecito. On another memorable jaunt, they shopped High Point Market with Whittlef’s longtime friend Carson Kressley, the multi-hyphenate fashion designer, equestrian and star of the early 2000s Bravo hit Queer Eye for the Straight Guy When the house was ready for its close-up, the clients walked through every room, savoring each fabulous detail. From the dazzling dressing room with glass-fronted cabinets to the charming elevator with a wallcovering made from treasured family photos, each space was perfect. Just as Kraemer and Whittlef had promised, their new home was far beyond what they could have ever dreamed.

MR BLACK COFFEE LIQUEU R

KETEL ONE VODKA THE

North

The region’s best and brightest.

BY KATIE DOHMAN

Anne Behrendt and Ryan Johnson DORAN COMPANIES

As CEO of Doran Companies, Anne Behrendt knows a thing or two about building and investing in something important. She joined the real-estate company in 2011 as general counsel, but as the business quickly grew, she saw an opportunity to bring in much-needed structural support for longevity and success. Behrendt dove into even more prominent leadership roles: By 2015, she was named COO, and then in 2019, she stepped into the position of CEO when she and her longtime colleague (then CFO) Ryan Johnson bought the company.

“Entrepreneurs generally sway optimistic, and I think that’s always how I’ll view the world and business,” she says. “It’s an important outlook to have, because it allows us to continue to see possibilities — and through a pretty wide lens.”

The optimism and grit of a small but mighty team of doers and learners powered them through the near-catastrophic effects of the pandemic. That period was an opportunity to test their collective problem-solving mettle and continue to deliver on-time, on-budget projects nationwide.

Diversifying their own holdings would be key to the future of Doran Companies: climate-controlled storage in the southeastern United States, built-for-rent projects in the Carolinas and a homebuilding division have made them a formidable yet approachable company.

Bridgewater Bank has been a fantastic long-term partner, Behrendt says: “Because they have an entrepreneurial foundation, they’re able to view opportunities from an innovative perspective and understand the why behind a project or deal.”

It’s been a wild ride, but one full of satisfaction. “If I had known the path and challenges ahead, I might have taken a minute to consider it all — but it’s also been so amazing," reflects Behrendt. There’s nothing I would change, and it would have been a huge mistake if I hadn’t taken the leap.”

Notables

Silvie Hair Studio Team

Sammi Howell, Ilona Ashe, Delila Martin, Annika Klugherz, Carly Haviland, Laura Sandness and Sylvia Zderchuk

Silvie Hair Studio, Academy and Extensions

“There are so many people dealing with fear and anxiety, but diving into what we’re most afraid of is where growth comes,” says Silvie Hair Academy Director Carly Haviland.

Growth is the name of the game at the Wayzata salon, which opened its doors in 2011. Owner Sylvia Zderchuk says the motivation to launch her own studio came not only from her parents — who immigrated from Moldova when she was just 8 years old — but from her own defining moment after a fortuitous appointment when she sought out extensions for her thinning hair.

“I remember standing in front of the mirror and feeling whole again,” she recalls. “It wasn’t just about beauty. I realized how deeply hair is tied to how we see ourselves; it’s a part of our identity.” That moment lit a fire.

Zderchuk traveled the world, learning everything she could about luxury products and techniques as well as the inner workings that can cause hair loss. She put these learnings into action with her clients, and since then, the hair that has walked out of the studio has garnered a reputation for being the best, even leading to rare referrals from stylists at other salons.

“We weren’t afraid to go against the grain,” says Haviland. “Doing things differently was the very thing that set us apart.”

As demand grew, Zderchuk and Haviland knew their next step wasn’t just scaling the business, it was pouring their expertise into others. In 2021, they launched Silvie Hair Academy to train licensed stylists with the same techniques that made the salon a success. Then, as the industry faced major disruptions during COVID, especially with supply-chain issues, they launched their own line of luxury hair extensions, built to meet the standards that clients deserve.

Their commitment to team- and solution-oriented service for clients has been crucial to their success. But Haviland and Zderchuk are quick to point out that it’s never been about them. “Instead of focusing on ourselves, we focus on others and serving them. That’s the fire,” Zderchuk says.

Take note: The fire’s still burning. There might just be a Silvie Extension Bar pop-up in the Twin Cities someday soon.

Mia After Dark

Enjoy Mia in an entirely different way, after hours in the museum galleries, with food, wine, and spirits drawn from exhibition themes.

Art & Spirits

Halloween!

Tuesday, October 28, 6–8pm; $150/person

Gatsby at 100

Wednesday, November 12, 6–8pm; $150/person

Scandinavia

Tuesday, December 16, 6–8pm; $150/person

Art & Wine

Viennese Woodwork

Tuesday, September 16, 6–8pm; $150/person

José María Velasco: A View of Mexico

Tuesday, December 2, 6–8pm; $150/person

Art & Dining

José María Velasco: A View of Mexico

Wednesday, October 15, 6-9pm; $425/person

Scandinavia

Wednesday, December 10, 6–9pm; $425/person

Khmer Bronzes / Cambodian Art

Wednesday, January 14, 6–9pm; $425/person

We’re a local family-owned business, so we know what it means to have the support of our community. That’s why we take pride in our commitment to helping other local businesses succeed. There are hundreds of products around our stores, in every department, that come from local producers, makers and growers.

PUBLISHER'S TAKE

I’m excited to share a few of my favorite things for fall from wardrobe updates, wish-list items and everyday must-haves. Enjoy!

Designed by Celine alum Amy Zurek and handmade in Italy, Savette’s Symmetry Pochette is the epitome of a perfectly edited architectural bag. Not only is its shape and top handle visually pleasing, but the hardware whispers in a world full of handbags that scream.

Vince has a proven track record for getting fall fashion just right, and this season is no different, featuring refined plaid, tweed, rich suede and creamy leather. Everything is perfectly wearable and easily layered into an existing wardrobe. There’s also a romantic influence with nods to the 1930s and 1940s. Delicate lace and sheer silks lend a refined quality to this collection. From basics to outerwear, it’s my go-to.

The Nike LD-1000 is a traditional running shoe designed in 1977 for longdistance runners. And if it’s good enough for these athletes, it’s good enough for keeping up with a speedy 4-year-old. Plus, the new colorways for this classic do not disappoint.

I discovered Bur Bur Growing Season Hair Oil after a deep dive into resultsdriven product research. Utilizing burdock root, the lightweight blend of fatty acids revives strands from root to end, resulting in glossy hair and longer locks. The brand’s Mermaid Brush with boar bristles designed to distribute natural oils is incredible, and I highly recommend pairing the two for a weekly ritual.

Soft Services serves up inventive high-performance products in the body-care space. The Buffing Bar turns something as simple as bar soap into an exfoliation tool with pumice, kaolin clay and glycerin. The Theraplush Hand Cream — a treatment focused on overnight hand rejuvenation with encapsulated retinol, colloidal oatmeal and shea butter — is unmatched.

The Eadem Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm works remarkably well. The unique formula is packed with AHAs, peptides and African mongongo butter to both exfoliate and plump with a wash of natural color.

Amsterdam-based atelier and design studio Rohé is a new favorite for elevated pieces. The pre-fall collection offers sculptural silhouettes in crisp poplin, hammered silk and organza. The emphasis is on shape and texture, and the palette is neutral but far from boring.

My very best,

Emma Cutler Velez Publisher

LAST CALL

Saddle up for a ride through the timeless allure of equestrian style on page 226.

Artful Living Magazine | Autumn 2025

DESIRE MORE

THE LUXURY OF LAND

THE HENDEL STANDARD

A Higher Standard™

THE STYLE ISSUE

CONTENTS

CULTURE

STYLE

COMPASS

HOME

ADVENTURE

INTEL

EDITOR'S LETTER

ON THE COVER

Our Cover Shot

About Us

The real seat of power.

CULTURE

JACKSON STROM

belle of

the ball

CULTURE AT AUCTION

IRENE SHINE NEUWIRTH

BRIGHT

SALUTE TO BLACK STYLE

j'adore lestyle

Contrast

Timelessness

Discretion

Intention

Allure

true blue

Project Partners

Master the art of the accessory

Repeat and conquer

In praise of style eccentricity.

THE GUIDE

COMPASS

AT THE INTERSECTION OF

DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE

HAUTE CUISINE

STELLAR JAY

DENVER

LEU LEU LEUCADIA, CALIFORNIA

OLIVER'S CHICAGO

CREVETTE

NEW

Always in style!

TOUR

The Artful Living city guide to Copenhagen.

HOTEL D'ANGLETERRE

STAY

DINE

KOAN

STINE GOYA

DINE

THE SAMUEL

ROTATE BIRGER CHRISTENSEN

SHOP

DESIGNMUSEUM DENMARK

The Bathhouse Boom

FASHION’S FRONT LINE

THE

CREATIVE DIRECTORS N

THE

POWER INFLUENCERS

THE

CELEBRITY STYLISTS

COSTUME DESIGNERS THE

THE

BOUTIQUE OWNERS

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

20100 LAKEVIEW AVENUE | DEEPHAVEN

2172 SHADYWOOD ROAD | ORONO

BUILD

PRIVATE URBAN OASIS ON LAKE OF THE ISLES

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