Issuu

THE MONOGRAM ICONIC K I TC H E N D E S I G N AWA R D S Introducing the ﬁrst-annual Monogram Iconic Kitchen Design Awards, honoring exceptional residential projects that embody luxury design, craftsmanship and the art of living with Monogram. 5

Submissions open August 1 through November 30 to

interior designers, architects, builders and remodelers. Winners will earn cash prizes, national recognition and editorial coverage in leading design publications.

SCAN QR CODE TO ENTER AND LEARN MORE 6

Publisher’s Note

“

The Design Issue is a celebration of the details and the people bold enough to give them character.”

elcome to The Design Issue. Design is everywhere. It is in the architecture of a home, the cut of a jacket, the setting of a stone, the curve of a car, and the smallest details we may not consciously notice, but somehow always feel.

Fo r o u r D e s i g n I s s u e, w e wa n t e d t o l o o k beyond design as something purely visual and explore the thought, craftsmanship, and individuality behind the things that shape the way we live. Throughout these pages, we celebrate the people who create with intention and the details that transform something beautiful into something memorable. As President of Design & Publication, I had the privilege of curating that vision through our cover stor y featuring Brandyn Farrell, represented by Ford/Robert Black Agency. Our fall-forward fashion editorial, Power Plays of a Gentleman, explores a more intentional approach to menswear, one rooted in confidence, refinement, and quiet authority. Through strong tailoring, thoughtful styling, and timeless accessories, the story captures our vision of the modern Scottsdale gentleman. We also shift our focus to fine jewelry with Cornelis Hollander Jewelry Designs exploring the artistry and individuality behind pieces designed to become tomorrow’s heirlooms. Featuring Leah Mollet, represented by Ford/Robert Black Agency, the editorial celebrates the idea that every carat has its own character. Diamonds become more than something to wear; they become expressions of craftsmanship, personality, and personal style. And because great design extends far beyond fashion, we finish with an automotive editorial at Porsche North Scottsdale featuring Olivia Magby. The story looks at Porsche through a different lens, showcasing how performance and design exist in equal measure. A Porsche is more than a sports car, it is an exercise in proportion, engineering, and unmistakable identity. That same philosophy carries throughout this issue. From architecture and interiors to beauty, art, food, fashion, and craftsmanship, we explore the many ways design influences not only how something looks, but how it makes us feel. Ultimately, The Design Issue is a celebration of those details and the people bold enough to give them character. I hope you enjoy @Scottsdale’s Design Issue as much as we enjoyed bringing it to life.

Khayla Biscoe KHAYLA BISCOE

President of Design and Publication

The Sonora Collection brownjordan.com

CONTENTS STYLE

BEAUTY

TRENDS

ScottsdaleWOMEN WOMEN.com 14

Julie Maris of Quarter Past Dress makes the case for instinctive style, proving the right fit and an unexpected twist, can say more than any label.

Shop The Classics

Face Forward An exploration of the face as design, where color, shadow, and light work together to sculpt, balance, and redefine.

Insurance Is Her Jam For nearly two decades, April Schaffroth has taken a more personal approach to insurance, making protection feel simpler, clearer, and more human.

ScottsdaleMEN MEN.com 40

Suit & Tell

Shop The Classics

Matthew Ziccardi of Richard Kay Clothiers explores the return of custom menswear and the enduring luxury of a perfect fit.

A curated edit of men’s essentials where timeless style, thoughtful design, and impeccable craftsmanship define the modern classics.

Bottle Service An exploration of the notes, layers, and chemistry that shape a man’s signature scent and the impression it leaves behind.

Taking The Wheel

Mane Attraction Hair and makeup artist Danielle Fields breaks down the products, techniques, and finishing touches behind the modern gentleman’s slick-back.

Modern Marvels A curated edit of innovative essentials designed to help the modern man look sharper, feel better, and live smarter.

ScottsdaleMedSpas MedSpas..com 58

Designing A Better Barrier Senior Spa Director Kirk Gregor of Village Health Club and Spas explores the lasting effects of sun exposure and why healthy skin starts with protection.

Beyond The Surface True luxury in medical aesthetics goes deeper than beautiful interiors, beginning with expertise, personalization and trust.

Carat Character Cornelis Hollander Jewelry Designs brings character to every carat through bold design, exceptional craftsmanship and individuality.

Shape Of Beauty Shape, dimension, and definition take center stage in a curated edit of beauty essentials made for the art of the face.

LIFESTYLE

A look at the vision, leadership, and drive behind Porsche North Scottsdale and the man helping steer its next chapter.

Labels Aside

From fashion to objects of desire, a curated collection celebrating the beauty of things exceptionally well designed.

NEWS

The Art Of Image Known for his cinematic style, Neal Mei shares his approach to capturing beauty, fashion, and authentic moments through the lens.

Power Plays Of A Gentlemen A study in modern menswear, where sharp tailoring, rich textures, and considered details define the Scottsdale gentleman.

ScottsdaleRealty RealtyNetwork.com 78

Beyond Curb Appeal Amanda Thomason of Coldwell Banker Global Luxury explores how architecture, craftsmanship, and a sense of place define Scottsdale’s most desirable homes.

Shifting Gears An exploration of the modern garage, where thoughtful design and automotive passion transform a functional space into something deeply personal.

Playing With Scale

A New And Shared Partnership

A newly constructed Paradise Valley estate where expansive proportions, architectural clarity, and indoor-outdoor living take center stage.

Two Scottsdale names come together with a shared vision for the future of luxury, lifestyle, and real estate.

ScottsdaleINTERIORS INTERIORS.com 102

In Good Company

104

A Matter Of Taste

Amy Klosterman of AB Design Elements explores how thoughtful flow creates spaces designed for entertaining, gathering, and connection.

A study in texture, where stone, wood, metal, and textiles bring character, warmth, and a new sense of luxury to Scottsdale interiors.

AtScottsdale.com

ScottsdaleKITCHENS KITCHENS..com 114

Material World Jay Klosterman explores how Monogram appliances are using texture, refined finishes, and thoughtful integration to redefine the modern luxury kitchen.

118

Sweet Expansion

122

Fluid Form

A local favorite enters its next chapter, blending thoughtful growth with the signature sweetness that started it all.

Febal Casa Scottsdale introduces ONDA, where fluid glass, Italian craftsmanship, and sculptural design transform everyday function.

ScottsdaleArtNetwork.com 128

140

142

Van Cleef and Arpels A legendary Parisian Maison brings more than a century of savoir-faire, High Jewelry, and exceptional craftsmanship to Scottsdale.

146

Creative License Inside The Socialight Studio, where Kristina Carden has created a space designed to give bold ideas and the creatives behind them room to take shape.

148

Hot Pursuit Where high fashion meets high performance, Hot Pursuit captures Porsche through a Scottsdale lens of movement, modern luxury, and unmistakable style.

Art & Soul Scottsdale artist Josh Hernandez transforms charcoal into a modern practice defined by scale, texture, and creative freedom.

In Full Volume From country and rock to reggae and iconic tributes, R Entertainment turns the cooler season into one worth hearing live, bringing an eclectic lineup of artists, performances and unforgettable nights to stages both in and out of state.

The City As Canvas Artist Palmer Saylor III explores how Phoenix can shape a lasting creative legacy rooted in the desert, informed by the past and designed for the future.

132

ScottsdaleVisitors.com

158

More Than Skin Deep At the premiere of Does Beauty Matter?, LEAD looks beyond appearances to explore the cultural, educational, and economic power of beauty.

SCOTTSDALE’S ULTIMATE LUXURY & DESTINATION MAGAZINE

Founder & CEO Raymond Rita

President of Design & Publication Khayla Biscoe

Director of Content Development Hal DeKeyser

Fashion Magazine Assistant Raquel Rosario

Editorial Contributors Kirk Gregor Amy Klosterman Jay Klosterman Julie Maris Palmer Saylor III Amanda Thomson Lisa Williams Matthew Ziccardi

Photographers Neal Mei Zee Peralta

Hair & Makeup Shakayla Canaday Danielle Fields

Models

Brandyn Farrell (Represented by Ford/Robert Black Agency) Leah Mollet(Represented by Ford/Robert Black Agency) Olivia Magby

Image Editor Hassan Gull

Video Content George ManyGoats

Select Imagery Adobe Stock Envato Elements iStock

Editorial Office

@SCOTTSDALE, 2026. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ALL MATERIAL IN THIS MAGAZINE MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED IN ANY FORM WITHOUT PERMISSION OF SCOTTSDALE DIGITAL GROUP, LLC. THIS ISSUE WAS PROUDLY PRINTED WITH CESAR GRAPHICS.

FOR ADVERTISING AND EDITORIAL INQUIRIES CONTACT US AT: INFO@SCOTTSDALEMEDIAGROUP.COM RAY@SCOTTSDALEMEDIAGROUP.COM KHAYLA@SCOTTSDALEMEDIAGROUP.COM

Style, Grace & Empowerment

Today’s Women DISCOVER MORE AT:

ScottsdaleWOMEN WOMEN.com

DISCOVER HOW PERSONAL STYLE COMES TO LIFE THROUGH COLOR, FABRIC, BEAUTY, AND THOUGHTFUL DESIGN. FROM AN EVOLVING WARDROBE TO THE FINISHING TOUCHES THAT MAKE A LOOK YOUR OWN, EXPLORE THE CHOICES THAT HELP SCOTTSDALE WOMEN LOOK GREAT AND FEEL EVEN BETTER

For Julie Maris of Quarter Past Dress, personal style isn’t about the label—it’s about knowing what fits, what flatters and when to add something unexpected. BOUTIQUE PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF JULIE MARIS PROFESSIONAL PORTRAIT BY ZEE PERALTA

A closet can be full and still feel as though it has nothing to offer. Julie Maris hears that familiar complaint from women who visit Quarter Past Dress, her Scottsdale boutique. Often, the problem is not a shortage of clothes but that the pieces have been collected over time without much thought about how they work together. For Maris, the answer is to approach a wardrobe much as an interior designer approaches a room: Start with the person who will live in it. Consider proportion and color. Choose useful foundations, then bring in texture and accessories that give the whole thing character. “My ‘room’ is me,” she says. Silhouettes that flatter would come first if she were building her own wardrobe from an empty closet. Next would be a color palette, followed by dependable pieces she could wear in different ways. Shoes, bags, and layers would provide the finishing touches. Above all, the clothes would have to suit her life and feel comfortable. That approach gives women a way to think about fashion beyond the cycle of what is new each season. It also speaks to a change Maris would like to see in Scottsdale: more confidence in an individual look, and less reliance on a designer name to define it. A LOOK OF YOUR OWN

Maris acknowledges the appeal of a favorite brand. She has hers, too. But a label alone does not make a garment exceptional, she says. She sees growing interest in quality, craftsmanship, creativity, and clothes that feel distinctive to the woman wearing them. “Make your own ‘brand’, make yourself recognizable,” she says, “not just by wearing some company’s stamp.” She also sees a more complicated reality in her store. Many Scottsdale shoppers remain drawn to logos, and designer shopping varies considerably by budget. What she hears across those differences, though, is a desire for something they cannot find everywhere else. “Practically every customer” tells her she is looking for something different, Maris says. To her eye, too much of what retailers offer resembles the same uniform from store to store. Quarter Past Dress customers come looking for color, unusual collections, and the pleasure of wearing something that feels special. The challenge can be persuading someone to try it on. Maris has watched women return again and again to versions of clothes they already own, even when a different silhouette or color might suit them beautifully. Her advice is to be willing to experiment before deciding what works.

/From the Expert what is already working in the closet and building on it.

Fit matters just as much as the initial attraction. A piece that looks unremarkable on a hanger can come alive on a person, particularly with the right alterations. At Quarter Past Dress, Maris fits outfits to mannequins because she believes hangers cannot show what the clothes can do. She encourages customers to look past the size on a tag and judge a garment by how it actually fits. That principle applies whether a woman is investing in a lasting piece or buying something simply because she loves it. Maris likes the idea of a capsule wardrobe for younger women building a closet: Begin with a strong piece, perhaps a blazer, that works with several outfits. She sees no reason to rule out a seasonal indulgence, either. Getting dressed should still be fun. CHANGE THE DETAILS, CHANGE THE OUTFIT Versatility is useful in Scottsdale, where one day can include work, lunch, an event, and dinner. Maris does not think each occasion requires an entirely separate wardrobe. The right accessories can change the mood of clothes a woman already owns. A basic dress or separates might look ready for business with a scarf, take on a different character with a jacket, and feel right for an evening out with more expressive jewelry. Shoes can make an equally striking difference. Before shopping for a whole new season, Maris suggests identifying

Fall 2026 offers plenty of ways to do that. Maris is watching rich chocolate and wine tones alongside beige, taupe, toffee, blue, and gray. Fuchsia, olive green, and chartreuse bring sharper notes of color. She expects brocade, velvet, charmeuse, leather, and suede to add depth, while scarves, vintage brooches, embellished shoes, and framed handbags can give familiar outfits a fresh finish. In clothing, she sees more structure: slimmer tailoring, cropped jackets, and dresses that drape around the body. There are echoes of the 1980s, she says, but in a more refined form. Her own wish list includes a chocolate brown suede hobo bag, an accessory she could carry with much of what she already wears. Scottsdale’s climate shapes which ideas will translate. Maris favors cotton, linen, and lightweight wool here, and likes the local ease of resort wear made more polished with a scarf, shoes, or jewelry. Fall may arrive through color and texture long before the weather calls for a coat.

disposable fashion. The first step does not require a purchase. For the woman with a crowded closet and nothing to wear, Maris recommends taking everything out and putting together outfits that work by color, texture, and season. The exercise reveals what fits, what gets worn, and what no longer belongs. From there, a new piece has a clearer job to do. Maris hopes that, five years from now, a stylish Scottsdale woman will feel comfortable dressing with more intention. She imagines quality fabrics, a little tailoring, and choices that reflect her own taste rather than her friends’ handbags or the outfit everyone else is wearing. “The next chapter of Scottsdale fashion is less about COMFORT and more about CONFIDENCE,” Maris says. Her point is not that women should give up feeling at ease in their clothes. It is that they need not disappear inside them. A wardrobe works best when the woman wearing it feels ready to be seen.

That balance of ease and polish is where she sees the possibility of a distinctive Scottsdale look. She points to the clean lines and indoor-outdoor flow of desert contemporary architecture as an inspiration for fashion: simple finishes, thoughtful layers, and a mix of casual and elegant. KEEP WHAT EARNS ITS PLACE Maris believes a better wardrobe can also mean buying with more care. She would like customers to consider quality, natural fibers, and how long they will wear a piece. But she is candid about the distance between expressing concern about waste and changing shopping habits. Clothes made to last generally cost more than

JULIE MARIS OWNER OF QUARTER PAST DRESS 13802 NORTH SCOTTSDALE RD #119 SCOTTSDALE, AZ 85254 480-748-4788 INFO@QUARTERPASTDRESS.COM

A.L.C. Olivia Contrast Lace-Trim Maxi Skirt $495, saksfifthavenue.com Balmain Lace-Trimmed Midi Skirt $1,900, balmain.com

Dior Mid-Length Stright Skirt $3,100, net-a-porter.com

Aritzia Henrietta Satin Skirt $148, aritzia.com

Stella Mccartney Iconic Lace Skirt $990, stellamccartney.com.com

/Shop The Classics Well Designed

*not Sponsored

Bvlgari Bvlgari Bvlgari Necklace $2,280, bulgari.com

Brilliant Earth Sun Lab Emerald Medallion Necklace in 14K Yellow Gold $1,395, brilliantearth.com Roberto Coin Venetian Medallion 18K Yellow Gold, Mother-Of-Pearl & 0.29 TCW Diamond Pendant Necklace $6,720, saksfifthavenue.com

Celine Triomphe Medal Necklace in Brass with Gold Finish $590, celine.com

McQueen Goldtone & Crystal Skull Medallion Necklace $750, saksfifthavenue.com

/Shop The Classics Well Designed *not Sponsored

Ralph Lauren Scenic-Print Silk Twill Square Scarf $395, saksfifthavenue.com

Callas Millano Roma Rome Scarf $290, saksfifthavenue.com

Dior Toile de Jouy Clover 90 Square Scarf $620, dior.com

Fendi Ivory silk foulard with Tiger print $650, fendi.com

Cartier 90’s Scarf Panthère & Tigre $620, cartier.com

Ferragamo Leopard- & Floral-Print Silk Scarf $530, saksfifthavenue.com

Prada Embroidered Chevron Blouson Jacket $11,500, prada.com

Veronica Beard Emeren Embroidered Jacket $600, veronicabeard.com

Dries Van Noten Vonda Floral Emboidered Jacket $2,960, saksfifthavenue.com

Marina Rinaldi Embroidered Cotton-Bend Cardigan $477, us.marinarinaldi.com

Oscar De La Renta Floral Embroidered Knit Jacket $2,490, saksfifthavenue.com

The face becomes a study in design, where the thoughtful placement of color, shadow, and light can sculpt dimension, create balance, and redefine the way natural features are seen. Makeup does not change the architecture of the face, but it can dramatically change the way that architecture is perceived. Much like design, makeup is a study in proportion, placement, and balance. Where color begins and ends, where shadow is created, and where light catches can influence which features appear lifted, sculpted, softened, or brought forward. Sometimes, the smallest adjustment in placement can change the entire composition. For Scottsdale women, that approach feels especially relevant as fall arrives. While the desert may not deliver the dramatic seasonal shift found elsewhere, beauty can signal the transition. Sun-washed summer makeup gives way to richer blush tones, softly sculpted skin, and more defined lips, an easy way to bring the depth and warmth of fall into an everyday look without feeling heavy. The goal is less about adding more makeup and more about becoming intentional with where it goes. Blush, contour, and lip liner are three of the simplest tools for designing the face. Blush placed higher along the

cheekbone draws the eye upward and can create the appearance of lift, while color concentrated toward the apples creates a softer, rounder effect. Contour works through shadow, adding definition beneath the cheekbones and around the natural structure of the face to create dimension. Lip liner brings the same principles to the mouth: subtle changes in placement can emphasize the Cupid’s bow, create greater symmetry, or give the lips the appearance of more fullness and definition. These techniques are not about changing the face or following one universal map of where makeup is “supposed” to go. They are about understanding the individual face its proportions, curves, and natural points of emphasis and using makeup with purpose. The face becomes the starting point, and makeup becomes the design language: blush lifts, contour sculpts, and lip liner defines. This fall, it’s not simply what you wear on your face, but where you place it that makes the difference. The result is a more considered approach to beauty, where every stroke, shade, and line plays a role in shaping how the face is seen.

into the face’s natural architecture. For an especially natural starting point, notice where your cheeks naturally flush after exercise, then adjust the placement higher, lower, or farther outward depending on the effect you want. Neither technique is inherently right or wrong—they simply create different impressions. The goal is not to follow one universal blush map, but to understand how color placement can be used intentionally to lift, soften, balance, and define your individual features. Face Mapping

a Brush with

Blush

Where color lands can change everything. Strategic blush placement can lift, soften, and subtly reshape the way the face is perceived.

EDITOR’S NOTE Tips and techniques featured in this story are provided by the editors of @Scottsdale for editorial and inspirational purposes. Makeup placement is not one-size-fits-all; results may vary depending on individual face shape, features, skin type, and personal preference. Use these techniques as a guide and adapt them to what works best for you.

Blush is more than a finishing touch it’s a tool for shaping the face through color. While it is traditionally used to bring warmth and life back into the complexion, placement can be just as important as the shade itself. Where the pigment begins, how high it sits, and the direction in which it is blended can subtly influence the way the eye reads the proportions of the face. For a more lifted, sculpted effect, place blush along the upper portion of the cheekbone and sweep it slightly outward toward the temples. Keeping the color above the fullest part of the cheek draws the eye upward and can visually raise the center of the face. For a softer, rounder effect, bring the color forward onto the apples of the cheeks and blend gently outward. This concentrates warmth toward the center of the face, creating the impression of fuller, softer cheeks. The intensity and finish matter, too. A concentrated placement creates a stronger focal point, while a sheer, diffused wash allows the color to transition naturally into the skin. Rather than leaving a hard edge, soften the perimeter so the blush feels integrated

Consider the makeup chart below your guide to the art of placement. See how subtle shifts in where blush begins, builds, and blends can create entirely different effects from softly sculpted and lifted to fresh, rounded, and naturally flushed. Use each technique as a starting point, then tailor the placement to the natural architecture of your own face.

Shadow Play

Contour works in the absence of light, using carefully placed shadow to sculpt, define, and bring the architecture of the face into focus.

place a minimal amount of product along the sides, then diffuse thoroughly. The closer contour moves toward the center of the face, the lighter the application should become. For Scottsdale women, subtlety is especially important. With abundant desert sunlight and a lifestyle that often moves from daytime appointments and lunches to evenings out, makeup is frequently seen in strong natural light. Heavy contour can become more noticeable, while softly diffused shading maintains definition without appearing overworked. As fall arrives, warmer taupe, bronze, and neutral-brown tones can also bring seasonal depth to the complexion while still feeling appropriate for Scottsdale’s warmer climate. The Contour Code Use this face map to strategically place and blend contour, creating naturallooking dimension and definition. Follow the natural structure of your face, using shadow to subtly sculpt and balance your features.

Contouring works because the eye naturally interprets darker areas as receding and lighter areas as coming forward. By strategically placing shadow, contour can create the appearance of greater depth, definition, and balance without changing the natural structure of the face. The most modern approach is not about drawing obvious stripes or dramatically reshaping features it is about identifying where shadows naturally fall and quietly enhancing them.

blend upward and outward toward the temple. Keeping the product high is key: contour placed too low can make the cheek appear heavier and visually pull the face downward. Start with a sheer layer and build gradually, allowing the product to disappear into the complexion rather than leaving a visible line.

The same principle can be applied throughout the face. A touch of shadow around the temples and hairline can create balance and dimension, while To emphasize the cheekbones, place a softly blending beneath the jawline can small amount of contour just beneath give the lower face greater definition. the natural hollow of the cheek and For the nose, use a smaller brush to

Draw the Line Lip liner is more than definition—it’s a study in proportion, using carefully placed lines to shape, balance, and bring dimension to the lips. Lip liner has the ability to subtly redesign how the lips are perceived. Placement can create the appearance of fullness, symmetry, or greater definition without dramatically changing their natural shape. For a fuller effect, trace just outside the natural border at the center of the upper and lower lips, gradually returning to the natural lip line as you approach the corners. Defining the Cupid’s bow more precisely creates structure, while softly rounding it can give the lips a fuller, less angular appearance. Technique matters just as much as placement. Rather than drawing one hard continuous line, use short, feathered strokes, then gently diffuse the liner inward before applying lipstick or gloss. Leaving the center slightly lighter—or adding a touch of gloss there—creates contrast and brings that area forward, adding another layer of dimension. Color can become another sculpting tool. A liner one or two shades deeper than the natural lip tone creates subtle depth around the perimeter, while a lighter lipstick through the center visually brings the lips forward. For a softer finish, shade slightly into the corners and blend toward the center, creating a gradual transition rather than an obvious outline. For Scottsdale women, the technique offers polished definition that works particularly well with the season’s richer fall lip tones. Think warm rose, terracotta, cinnamon, berry, and deep nude liners softened into

the lip rather than sharply outlined. The result is defined but effortless: a lip that appears intentionally shaped without looking overly drawn. Trace of Beauty Use this face chart as a guide to shaping the lips through strategic liner placement. Follow the natural border for definition, slightly extend the line around the center of the upper and lower lips for fullness, and refine the Cupid’s bow to create shape and symmetry. Keep the corners close to the natural lip line, then feather the liner inward to soften the perimeter and create seamless dimension.

eyes appear brighter and more open, press a small amount into the inner corners and beneath the brow bone. A subtle touch along the bridge of the nose, Cupid’s bow, or center of the chin can bring those features forward, while a narrow line of brightness through the center of the face can create the impression of greater length. Placement can also change proportion. Highlight swept more horizontally across the tops of the cheekbones emphasizes width and structure, while keeping luminosity concentrated toward the center draws attention inward. Apply in thin layers and blend the edges into the skin so there is no obvious beginning or end. The goal isn’t to highlight everything. Choose the features that deserve to catch the light and let luminosity do the rest. Light Study

High Lights

Use this face map as a guide to placing highlight with intention.Focus luminosity on the high points of the cheekbones, inner corners of the eyes, brow bone, bridge of the nose, Cupid’s bow, and chin to bring selected features forward. Keep the application precise and softly blended.

From cheekbones to inner corners, strategic brightness determines which features command attention. If contour creates depth through shadow, highlight does the opposite. Lightcolored and reflective formulas draw the eye toward an area, making features appear more prominent and giving the face dimension. The modern approach is less about an all-over shimmer and more about strategic illumination—deciding exactly where you want the light, and the eye, to land. For Scottsdale women, highlight works

particularly well because of the city’s abundance of natural light. From bright desert days to golden-hour dinners, luminosity can give the complexion a fresh, polished quality without requiring heavier makeup. The key is choosing a refined sheen rather than chunky sparkle, allowing the skin to catch the light naturally. For a lifted effect, sweep highlight across the highest point of the cheekbone and slightly toward the temple. To make the

INSURANCE IS HER JAM For nearly two decades, April Schaffroth has built her career on making insurance feel less complicated—and a lot more personal. BY HAL DEKEYSER PHOTO COURTESY OF APRIL SCHAFFROTH CONTACT APRIL SCHAFFROTH | FARMERS INSURANCE 602-297-5155 APRIL@SCHAFFROTHAGENCY.COM

Nobody who knew April Schaffroth growing up probably looked at the outgoing Scottsdale native and thought: There goes a future insurance agent.

something someone cares deeply about: their home, their family, the business they’ve spent years building, or the financial future they’re creating.”

She’ll concede that point herself.

A NATURAL EVOLUTION

“Probably not!” she says. Yet nearly two decades after opening her Farmers Insurance agency, Schaffroth doesn’t merely tolerate the business. She loves it.

Before insurance, Schaffroth worked as a mortgage branch manager and broker, already helping people navigate one of life’s biggest financial decisions. Opening an insurance agency in 2008 felt like a natural next step, combining entrepreneurship, relationships and the opportunity to help people protect what they had built.

“Insurance is my jam.” The Arizona State University graduate, mother and entrepreneur has built a career bringing personality to an industry not exactly famous for it. “I get to take a subject that can feel complicated or boring and make it relatable,” she says. “Behind every insurance policy is

Her first insurance client purchased life insurance for himself and his family on her recommendation. More than 18 years later, he remains a client. When they reviewed those original policies last year, Schaffroth saw that they were still doing exactly what

they had been designed to do: providing a financial safety net for his family. The moment reinforced something that has become central to her approach. Insurance, as Schaffroth sees it, isn’t simply about selling a policy. It’s about understanding what someone is trying to protect and making sure the coverage can actually respond when it matters. There is, she says, an important difference between having insurance and being properly insured. TWO WEEKS LATER One client made that lesson unforgettable. A single mother with two young children came to Schaffroth for a quote. While reviewing her auto policy, Schaffroth

/Women in Business noticed she had minimum liability limits and no uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. “This coverage isn’t about protecting the other driver,” she told her. “It’s about protecting you and your kids.” The woman changed her coverage. Less than two weeks later, she was injured in a serious automobile accident. “We were able to help put her back together financially,” Schaffroth says. It’s why she stresses understanding coverage before it is needed. “You can have an insurance card in your glove box and technically be insured, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have enough protection when something life-changing happens.” For Schaffroth, those conversations are where the value of her work becomes clearest. The policy may exist on paper, but its purpose becomes very real when a family suddenly needs it. UMBRELLAS IN JULY Education has also shaped how Schaffroth markets her business. More than 15 years ago, she began making weekly videos answering questions clients were already asking. One early shoot involved her staff standing outside—in Arizona, in July—holding actual umbrellas while explaining umbrella insurance. They were uncomfortable on camera. They did it anyway. “As a small business owner, even if you’re uncomfortable being on camera, you know the bigger goal is there,” she says. People noticed. Clients began mentioning

the videos, while others contacted the agency with questions sparked by something she had explained. Today, Schaffroth says the videos generate more than 30,000 views a week.

experience allows her to approach business insurance not simply from the perspective of an agent, but as someone who understands what it takes to build and sustain a company.

“People don’t necessarily want to be sold to,” she says. “They want to learn something, connect with you first and hopefully trust you.”

And she has experienced the challenges firsthand. Since opening her agency in 2008, Schaffroth has navigated recessions, changing insurance markets, technology disruption and staffing challenges.

DOUBLE VISION

Her takeaway is straightforward: Adapt.

That philosophy extends beyond insurance. Schaffroth’s identical twin sister, Stephanie, also owns a Farmers Insurance agency. Together, they co-founded POST , a social media coaching business inspired partly by their experience using video to grow their agencies.

“You don’t build a successful business by avoiding challenges,” she says. “You build one by becoming better at adapting to them.”

Being identical twins working in some of the same circles occasionally causes confusion. Someone will approach April at an event and enthusiastically begin talking while she thinks, I have never met this person in my life. Eventually comes the realization: “Oh, you know my twin!” Their personalities are easier to distinguish. April describes herself as the “let’s just do it” twin, while Stephanie tends to think things through first. The combination works. BUSINESS IS PERSONAL Today, Schaffroth’s agency ser ves individuals, families and businesses, with education and relationships at its core. She has also developed a substantial commercial insurance practice, where being a business owner herself changes the conversation. She understands payroll, employees, marketing, cash flow, growth and the responsibility that comes when other people depend on your company. That

Still, for all the talk of entrepreneurship, i n s u ra n c e a n d b u s i n e s s s u c c e s s , Schaffroth’s ultimate measure is more personal. She hopes her children remember: “My mom always did what she said she was going to do.” Following through matters. So does giving back. Her children have grown up participating in community efforts with her, from food and water drives to volunteering their time. In their family, helping others isn’t something reserved for when there’s an opening on the calendar. In fact, she received a Congressional award in 2023 for her dedication to the community. “It’s non-negotiable.” It’s a philosophy that fits neatly with the career Schaffroth has built: Show up. Keep your word. Explain what someone doesn’t understand. Make the uncomfortable video. Help protect a family or a business. Give your time when someone needs it. And if you can make insurance interesting along the way, even better. After all, insurance is her jam.

Shape

of Beauty

Elevate your beauty ritual with a curated edit of essentials designed to sculpt, define, and enhance. From precise contours to seamless finishes, each product brings shape and dimension to the face— turning everyday makeup into an exercise in artistry

/Beauty Picks Form & Function 1. Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil This buildable brow pencil creates naturally fuller, defined brows with a precision tip and blending brush. ($38, hourglasscosmetics.com)

3. Traceless Soft Matte Concealer Blurs and conceals imperfections, dark spots, and under-eye circles for a smooth, perfected finish. ($62, tomfordbeauty.com)

5. Make Me Blush Blurring Liquid Blush This creamy, buildable blush melts into skin for a soft-focus, blurred finish that lasts up to 12 hours. ($40, yslbeautyus.com)

2. Just Browsing Clear Sculpting Gel Sets brows in place for a polished, sculpted finish that lasts all day. ($29, clinique.com)

4. Dior Forever Skin Contour Stick This contour stick warms, brightens, and defines the face for a sculpted finish that withstands heat and humidity. ($52, dior.com)

6. Lip Liner Pencil This buildable cream blush blends seamlessly into skin for a soft, blurred finish that lasts up to 12 hours. (350, bobbibrowncosmetics.com) EDITORIAL SELECTION Products featured on this page were independently selected by the Scottsdale Magazine editorial team. Brands did not pay for inclusion unless otherwise disclosed. Prices and availability are subject to change.

03 01 02

OBJECTS OF DESIRE Model Leah Mollet exudes power in Cornelis Hollander Jewelry Designs Flexible Diamond Bangle, Curved Emerald-Cut Diamond Drop Earrings, Emerald-Cut Green Tourmaline & Diamond Necklace, Crossover Diamond Ring, and Emerald-Cut Tourmaline & Diamond Statement Ring.

/Fine Jewelry Shoot

This season, Cornelis Hollander Jewelry Designs takes craftsmanship to another level. Internationally recognized for its signature approach to design, the house redefines fine jewelry through bold custom creations, modern silhouettes, and an unwavering commitment to artistry. From transforming heirloom pieces to shaping raw materials into one-of-a-kind designs, each creation balances timehonored technique with a distinctly modern point of view. Our fine jewelry editorial, Carat Character, looks beyond the diamond to explore the personality behind every piece. Each look is styled to reveal not only the character of the jewelry, but the individuality of the person wearing it— because true luxury should feel as distinctive as its wearer. Complemented by statement pieces from Evans Furs and Leathers, the editorial brings together precious stones, rich textures and considered styling in a study of craftsmanship, character and personal expression. 32

FEAST YOUR EYES Model Leah Mollet gives fine jewelry a sharper edge, wearing Cornelis Hollander Jewelry Designs Emerald-Cut Ruby & Diamond Circle Necklace, Tapered Oval Diamond Hoop Earrings, Emerald-Cut Diamond Cuff Bracelet, and Seven-Stone Emerald-Cut Diamond Ring, where brilliant diamonds and a flash of ruby bring bold character to the look.

NATURAL INSTINCTS Model Leah Mollet radiates brilliance, wearing Cornelis Hollander Jewelry Designs Open Loop Diamond Cuff, Princess-Cut Diamond Stud Earrings, LillyCut Diamond Halo Necklace, Curved Oval Diamond Ring, and Princess-Cut & Baguette Diamond Engagement Ring.

MATCH MADE IN CORNELIS Model Leah Mollet makes a striking statement in Cornelis Hollander Jewelry Designs, wearing Angled Inside-Out Diamond Hoop Earrings, a Two-Diamond Drop Pendant Necklace, an Oval Diamond MultiRow Ring, and a Flexible Diamond Bangle.

REIGN MAKER Model Leah Mollet puts character in every carat, wearing Cornelis Hollander Jewelry Designs Round Diamond Stud Earrings, Two-Tone Pear Diamond Statement Necklace, Two-Tone Pear Diamond Statement Ring, Interlocking Diamond Bangle, and Pear Diamond Halo Wedding Set.

/Behind the Shoot

Behind the Shoot: Carat Character Step behind the scenes as we bring Carat Character to life, where exceptional craftsmanship, distinctive design, and fine jewelry reveal the personality behind every carat. Our fine jewelry editorial, Carat Character, looks beyond the diamond to explore the personality behind every piece’s distinctive design. Creative Director — Khayla Biscoe Led the creative vision and styling for the editorial, pairing fine jewelry with rich textures and sculptural elements to bring the concept of Carat Character to life. Each look was thoughtfully composed to allow the jewelry—and the individuality behind it to take center stage. Photographer — Neal Mei Captured the editorial through a refined fashion lens, highlighting the craftsmanship, stones, and intricate details of each piece while bringing a sense of character and movement to every frame. Hair & Makeup — Danielle Fields Created a polished beauty look that complemented the richness of the jewelry and fall styling. Soft, dimensional makeup and voluminous hair brought a timeless finish without competing with the pieces. Magazine Assistant — Raquel Rosario

From concept to final frame, Carat Character came together through exceptional craftsmanship, distinctive fine jewelry, rich fall textures, and thoughtful styling. A glimpse behind the lens at The Socialight Studio, where carats met character in every detail.

Assisted with on-set production and organization throughout the shoot, helping coordinate jewelry, wardrobe, and transitions between looks while keeping the creative process moving seamlessly.

Special Thanks Special thanks to Evans Furs and Leathers for providing the fur accessories that brought texture, dimension, and a distinctly fall perspective to the editorial. And to Walter Hollander and the entire Cornelis Hollander Jewelry Designs team for their collaboration, expertise, and carefully curated selection of fine jewelry that gave Carat Character its story.

Strength & Confidence

Through Style DISCOVER MORE AT:

ScottsdaleMEN MEN..com

THE WELL-FITTED SUIT, CONSIDERED DOWN TO THE LAST DETAIL EXPLORE HOW BETTER DESIGN IS RESHAPING THE PRODUCTS MEN USE A LOOK AT THE DESIGN, NOTES AND CHARACTER BEHIND A MAN’S SIGNATURE SCENT

Clothier Wardrobe Consultant, Matthew Ziccardi, of Richard Kay Clothiers, on the return of custom menswear and the enduring luxury of clothing made just for you. For a long time, luxur y was about recognition. The right label. The right designer. A name discreetly stitched inside or not so discreetly splashed across the outside that told everyone exactly what you had bought. But there’s another kind of luxury making a comeback, and after 44 years in custom menswear, I happen to think it’s the better one: having something made for you. It sounds almost novel now, but once upon a time, clothing was supposed to fit the person wearing it. Imagine that. BEFORE WE ALL BECAME SIZES Ready-to-wear changed menswear for good reason. It made clothing faster, easier, and more accessible. Today, you can walk into a store and leave 30 minutes later with an entirely new wardrobe. The problem is, many of us did exactly that. Closets became crowded with things bought because they were convenient, on sale, or simply good

“WHEN A GARMENT IS BUILT AROUND YOUR ACTUAL DIMENSIONS, YOU STOP FIGHTING YOUR CLOTHES.” - MATTHEW ZICCARDI

enough: another blue shirt, another pair of trousers, another jacket that almost fits. I’d rather see a man own less and wear more. Look inside your closet and ask yourself how much of it you actually enjoy wearing. How much fits properly? How much makes you look better the second you put it on? And how much just hangs there, waiting for an occasion that never seems to come? That’s where the argument for custom begins. MADE FOR YOU The word bespoke gets thrown around quite a bit these days. Bespoke suits. Bespoke shoes. Bespoke cocktails. At this rate, bespoke cheeseburgers can’t be far behind. In menswear, however, the distinction actually matters. Off-the-rack clothing is produced in standard sizes, while made-to-measure begins with an existing pattern and adjusts it to your measurements and proportions. Traditional bespoke goes further, developing the garment around the individual through a highly personalized pattern and fitting process. I’m less interested in obsessing over terminology than I am in the result. The farther you move toward custom, the less you’re dressing an imaginary average man and the more you’re dressing you. Your shoulders. Your posture. Your proportions. Your preferences. That changes everything.

FIT IS THE DIFFERENCE Two men can wear essentially the same outfit, and somehow only one looks right. Usually, the answer is proportion. A good garment works with the body rather than against it. The jacket doesn’t pull. The trousers fall cleanly. A shorter frame can appear longer, a fuller build cleaner, and a long torso with shorter legs more balanced. When clothing is built around your dimensions, you stop fighting it. Proper fit isn’t simply a matter of taking measurements, either. It takes an experienced eye to understand posture, movement,

/From the Expert proportion, and how fabric behaves on an actual person. The numbers provide the starting point; the person wearing the garment determines everything else. And that’s when many men discover something surprisingly simple: clothing that fits better doesn’t just look better. It feels better. THE DETAILS MAKE THE MAN Then comes the enjoyable part: fabric, lining, buttons, lapels, stitching, pockets, collars and cuffs. This is where a garment stops being merely your size and starts becoming yours. You can make a statement, but you don’t have to. Some of the best details are the ones nobody notices until they’re standing next to you. Maybe it’s the lining revealed when the jacket comes off, an unexpected texture in the cloth, a beautiful button, or a lapel cut in exactly the right proportion. These are small decisions, but together they give a garment character. They also represent a different idea of luxury, one that doesn’t depend on a recognizable logo to prove its value. You don’t need someone else to tell you it’s special. You already know. THE HUMAN ELEMENT Technology will continue changing menswear, but some things still require a human being. A computer can process measurements. It can’t stand across from a client and notice that he keeps tugging at his jacket, or hear the slight hesitation when he looks in the mirror and says, “Yeah, I guess that’s fine.” A good clothier does, because dressing someone well involves understanding more than his chest, waist, and inseam. Sometimes a man wants to look more authoritative. Sometimes younger. Sometimes slimmer. Sometimes he has a wedding coming up and simply doesn’t want to embarrass his daughter in the

photographs. Those aren’t measurements; they’re conversations. Listening to what a client says and sometimes what he doesn’t is as much a part of the process as selecting fabric or adjusting a pattern. That human understanding is part of the craft. LUXURY, RECONSIDERED We’ve spent decades being taught that luxury is something other people recognize. I’m increasingly convinced the better version is far more personal. It’s opening your closet and finding fewer things, but better things. It’s understanding why a garment feels different, appreciating workmanship most people may never notice, and putting on clothing made to fit your body instead of trying to fit your body into someone else’s idea of a size. Most of all, it’s looking in the mirror and thinking, This was made for me. After 44 years, that’s still the part of this business I enjoy most. The right clothing can change the way a man walks into a meeting, a restaurant, or an important

occasion because when you know your clothes fit, you stop thinking about them and start thinking about where you’re going. Get it right, and getting dressed stops feeling like something you have to do. You start looking forward to it. That’s luxury. About Matthew Ziccardi Matthew Ziccardi has been a clothier, wardrobe consultant, and haberdasher since 1983. He is the owner of Richard Kay C l o t h i e rs i n Scottsdale, where he helps clients define their style through custom suiting and timeless menswear. Call 602-448-0089 for a vist.

/Shop The Classics Well Designed *not Sponsored

Christian Louboutin Dandelion Veggie $2,890, christianlouboutin.com

Gucci Men’s Gucci Jordaan Loafer $1,090, gucci.com

Prada Brushed Leather Loafers $1,250, prada.com

Hermes Paris Loafer in Marine $1,450, hermes.com

Balmain Sync Suede Leather Loafers $1,196, balmain.com

Gucci Interlocking G Sterling Silver Bracelet $540, saksfifthavenue.com

Balenciaga BB Icon Thin Gourmette Bracelet $395, saksfifthavenue.com

Givenchy G Line Bracelet in Metal $550, saksfifthavenue.com

Louis Vuitton LV Yours Bracelet $665, louisvuitton.com

Dior CD Icon Thin Chain Link Bracelet $590, dior.com

Prada Denim Blouson Jacket $3,700, prada.com

Bottega Venetta Intrecciato Leather-Trimmed Shell Down Jacket $4,400, mrporter.com

Canada Goose Mira Bomber $1,795, canadagoose.com

Diesel Aviator Jacket in Treaded Lather $2,150, diesel.com

/Shop The Classics Well Designed *not Sponsored

Saint Laurent Sweater in Cashmere and Wool $1,450, ysl.com Dries Von noten Jacquard Wool Sweater $975, driesvannoten.com Prada Shetland Wool Crew-Neck Sweater $2,300, prada.com

Celine Crewneck Sweater in Fine Wool $1,050, celine.com

Bottega Venetta Men’s Wool and Cashmere Stripe Knit Johnny-Collar Sweater $2,200, neimanmarcus.com 46

Inside the notes, layers, and chemistry that give a man’s fragrance its signature, revealing how scent is carefully constructed to evolve, linger, and leave an impression. A good fragrance smells good. A great one has a plot. It arrives one way, changes as you wear it, and leaves behind something entirely different. What hits you in the first few seconds may be gone by dinner, while what remains hours later the part someone notices when they lean in is often where the real character lives. That evolution is the architecture of fragrance: top, heart, and base notes arranged to reveal themselves over time. And while chemistry determines how a fragrance develops, it’s only half the story. When it comes to men’s fragrance, we aren’t simply buying what’s inside the bottle; we’re buying the man it promises we might become. THREE ACTS ON THE SKIN Most traditional fragrances follow a familiar three-part structure. Think of it less like a list of ingredients and more like a very well-dressed introduction. Top notes arrive first. They’re typically lighter, more volatile ingredients the ones that make themselves known immediately and disappear relatively quickly. Bergamot, lemon, and grapefruit are common players, alongside

mint, lavender, and aromatic spices. They can make a fragrance feel crisp, energetic, polished, or freshly showered in a way no actual shower seems capable of achieving. This is the fragrance’s handshake. Then comes the heart. As that initial brightness settles, the fragrance begins to reveal its real personality. Florals, herbs, spices, fruits, and woods move forward. In men’s fragrance, that might mean lavender, geranium, cardamom, iris, sage, or warm spice. The opening gets your attention; the heart tells you who you’re dealing with. And then there’s the base the part built to stay. Woods, amber, musk, vanilla, patchouli, vetiver, and leather give a fragrance its depth, warmth, and staying power. If the top is the introduction and the heart is the personality, the base is the memory. The skill is making all three feel like one idea. A perfumer isn’t simply assembling ingredients that smell good independently. Each material evaporates differently, meaning the fragrance has to work when it first hits the skin, 20 minutes later, three hours later, and, ideally, when only a trace remains. The bottle may be static, but what’s inside it is anything but. SO, WHAT EXACTLY MAKES A FRAGRANCE “MEN’S”? Here’s where things get interesting: there isn’t a molecule for masculinity. What smells “masculine” has been shaped largely by culture, history, and decades of fragrance marketing. Certain materials simply became shorthand for a particular kind of man: woods, leather, tobacco, vetiver, citrus, aromatic herbs, spice, and earth. Put them together in different

proportions and you can suggest everything from freshly showered and sporty to dark, expensive, and slightly dangerous.

character, and the man makes it his own.

Historically, women’s fragrance traveled in another direction florals, fruits, powder, and sweeter compositions. But that dividing line is disappearing. Oud, rose, vanilla, leather, iris, and musk move freely across today’s fragrance counter, while unisex scents have made the idea of smelling strictly “masculine” or “feminine” feel increasingly dated. The difference is becoming less about what’s in the bottle and more about the story wrapped around it.

There is no single note called sexy. Perfumers would have a considerably easier job if there were. Instead, attraction tends to come from combinations: warmth, skin-like musk, spice, woods, and sweetness. A darker composition of leather, amber, and wood can feel intimate and mysterious, but something bright with citrus and aromatics can be just as seductive for the opposite reason it suggests cleanliness, energy, and the kind of confidence that doesn’t need much embellishment.

SELLING THE MAN, NOT JUST THE SCENT Walk through a fragrance department and pay attention to what’s actually being sold. It isn’t bergamot; it’s power, adventure, freedom, seduction, and sophistication. The bottle gets a commanding name, and the campaign supplies the fantasy. There’s a tailored suit, an exotic car, an empty stretch of coastline, or a city glowing after midnight. Somewhere, inevitably, there is a man staring intensely into the middle distance. By the time you smell the fragrance, you’ve already met the person you’re supposed to imagine wearing it. The juice reinforces the character. Bright citrus and assertive woods can read confident and polished. Leather, spice, and dense amber feel darker and more commanding. Musk, vanilla, and warm woods bring intimacy. Fresh aromatics suggest energy, while iris, suede, and sandalwood speak in a quieter, more refined register. Bottle, name, campaign, and scent are all part of the same construction: the perfumer creates the scent, the brand builds the

WHY “SEXY” SMELLS THE WAY IT DOES

Then there’s proximity. Fragrance is one of the few things a man wears that is meant to be discovered rather than seen. You generally experience it when you’re close enough for it to matter. Most people won’t stop to identify the vetiver or wonder whether they’re smelling cedarwood; they register something simpler: he smells good. That may be fragrance’s greatest trick. The chemistry disappears, leaving only the impression. You’re not really buying bergamot, vetiver, and cedarwood; you’re buying the possibility of being remembered. THE SCOTTSDALE FACTOR Where you wear fragrance matters

“The top makes the introduction. The heart reveals the character. The base leaves the memory.”

almost as much as what you wear. Scottsdale has its own scent vocabulary: citrus and herbs, dry woods and leather, mineral earth, smoke, and sun-warmed skin. It also has heat—the kind that can turn an otherwise sophisticated fragrance into too much of a good thing very quickly. During warmer days, lighter constructions make sense. Citrus, aromatic herbs, and dry woods can feel polished without becoming dense. When the sun goes down or fall finally starts behaving like fall the wardrobe gets richer, giving amber, spice, leather, vanilla, and darker woods room to breathe. The same fragrance can also read differently depending on the setting. What works at the office may not be what you reach for before dinner, just as a golf morning calls for something different from cocktails after dark. Like clothing, fragrance has an occasion, and Scottsdale offers plenty of them. THE INVISIBLE WARDROBE The easiest way to understand fragrance may be to stop thinking of it as grooming and start thinking of it as clothing. A suit can signal authority, sneakers can make everything feel more relaxed, and a watch might reveal taste before its owner says a word. Fragrance does the same thing without ever being seen. It occupies the few inches around the body, moves when you move, and can announce you quietly while leaving something behind after you’re gone. The best fragrances don’t enter the room before the man does or overwhelm him once he arrives. They simply make the whole picture feel more complete.

Fall, Bottled

Tom Ford Oud Wood Eau de Parfum Smoky and sophisticated, rare oud, rosewood and cardamom unfold into sandalwood, vetiver and warm amber for a richly layered woody scent. ($300, tomfordbeauty.com)

Editor’s Picks: The men’s fragrances worth wearing this fall.

Givenchy Gentleman Eau de Parfum A rich, sophisticated woody-floral scent blending spicy pepper and lavender with iris, patchouli and black vanilla for a warm, sensual finish. ($155, givenchybeauty.com)

As temperatures cool, fragrance takes on a richer character. From smoky oud to warm woods and smooth iris, these standout scents bring depth and sophistication to the season. Consider them the finishing touch to a welldressed fall wardrobe.

Bleu de Chanel Parfum Aromatic freshness gives way to rich cedar and warm New Caledonian sandalwood for a clean, refined woody scent that transitions effortlessly into fall. ($210, chanel.com) Dior Homme Intense Eau de Parfum Powdery iris meets sensual ambrette and warm cedarwood for a smooth, sophisticated scent with the polish of a perfectly tailored suit. ($174, macys.com)

POWER & PRECISION

Brad Levine photographed with the 2026 Porsche 911 GT3 Touring at Porsche North Scottsdale.

BY: HAL DEKEYSER PHOTOGRPAHY BY NEAL MEI

Like many who trade Midwest winters for Arizona sun, Brad Levine came west for college and found a reason to stay. After finishing at the University of Arizona, the Chicago-area native settled in Phoenix and entered the automotive business almost by accident. Brad’s first stint in the automotive business came through a summer internship for dealer group in Tucson. That experience opened the door to the industry, where Levine spent about nine years with domestic dealerships before joining Penske Automotive Group in 2005 as a sales manager at Lexus of Chandler. Then Porsche called.

The general manager of Porsche North Scottsdale, another Penske operation near Levine’s home, needed a used-car manager. Levine took the opportunity and never left. Nearly two decades later, when the dealership’s former general manager moved into a Penske leadership role in Australia, Levine stepped into the top position at Porsche North Scottsdale. His path from Chevrolet to Lexus to Porsche, and from sales management to leading an entire dealership, has been steady rather than flashy. It is a fitting career arc for a brand built on evolution rather than reinvention.

extensive personalization, choosing everything from interior finishes and stitching to colors through the marque’s Paint to Sample program. The experience becomes less about selecting a car from inventory and more about specifying one.

Bradley Bear. Levine also points to an event with longtime professional golf caddie Jim “Bones” Mackay that raised funds for the AZ Caddie and Leadership Program and an Evans Scholar House initiative at Arizona State University.

For Levine and his team, that changes the role of the dealership. Porsche North Scottsdale isn’t simply where a transaction happens. It is where clients experience the cars, study materials, explore configurations and decide exactly what their Porsche should look and feel like.

Golf is also one of Levine’s own interests. Away from the showroom, however, his life is decidedly family-focused. He and his wife, also a Chicago-area native, have been married for 26 years. Their two children are in college: one studying biology at the University of Wisconsin and the other studying business at Levine’s alma mater, the University of Arizona.

Porsche has spent decades refining a design language that rarely needs an introduction. Nowhere is that more apparent than the 911. More than six decades after its debut, the silhouette remains instantly recognizable, even as nearly everything beneath it has advanced.

The surroundings now match that ambition. Porsche North Scottsdale’s East Princess Drive location encompasses approximately 77,000 square feet and 48 service bays, giving the team room to provide the level of ownership experience expected of the crest on the hood. After all, the Porsche experience doesn’t end when the keys change hands.

What began as a practical career move to a dealership near home has become something considerably larger. Levine now leads Porsche North Scottsdale as the marque continues to balance two things it has long done exceptionally well: protecting what makes a Porsche recognizable while continually developing what it can become.

That balance of heritage and progress is part of what makes selling Porsche different. Performance matters, but so do proportion, materials, engineering and detail. Today’s Porsche customers can take that philosophy further through

For Levine, relationships remain central to the business. The dealership’s presence extends throughout Scottsdale through charitable initiatives and golf events supporting organizations including HopeKids, Els for Autism and Team

Levine’s career has followed a similar trajectory—not dramatic reinvention, but steady progression, refinement and the next gear.

Mane

ATTRACTION

Hair and Makeup artist Danielle Fields breaks down the products, techniques, and finishing touches behind the modern gentleman’s slick-back. BY RAQUEL ROSARIO

There’s a certain allure to the slicked-back hairstyle that transcends trends, a look that pairs old-school sophistication with fresh, modern style. For the cover of our Design Issue, we tapped makeup artist Danielle Fields to transform our Scottsdale man into the epitome of autumn elegance, proving the slickback isn’t just for Hollywood heartthrobs or red carpet regulars. It’s a style move fit for the city’s tastemakers, whether you’re headed to a holiday cocktail hour or a late-night dinner downtown. “A slicked-back look is effortlessly chic and surprisingly easy to achieve,” Danielle shared with us behind the scenes. “It adds the perfect amount of sleek sophistication to holiday attire, making it equally appropriate for a cocktail party, dinner, professional event, or formal celebration. It feels polished and intentional without appearing overdone.” The secret? Start with lightly dampened hair, this makes shaping a breeze and sets you up for that signature movement. Decide which side you want to sweep your hair toward, then use a fine-tooth or styling comb to work in sections. Next, reach for Dandymen Collection Sea Salt Spray. Mist lightly throughout your hair for a touch of texture and control, think “styled” but never stiff. Continue combing and sectioning until you’ve sculpted that

smooth, pushed-back silhouette. The finish should feel intentional, but still approachable and wearable for every Scottsdale occasion. For that all-important hold and a subtle, healthy sheen, Danielle turns to Oribe Superfine Hair Spray in Medium Hold. A quick spritz tames stray hairs, locks in style, and crucially keeps the look touchable, not lacquered. For extra polish, spray a little onto your comb and smooth along the hairline. It’s these details that turn a good hair day into a great one. This fall, take inspiration from our cover shoot and embrace the slickback’s timeless cool. With Danielle Fields’ expert tips, you’ll master a look that’s as polished as the city itself, proof that the modern Scottsdale gentleman knows when to make a statement and when to let style do the talking. Danielle Fields is a professional hair and makeup artist with more than 22 years of experience. Trained at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles, she specializes in editorial, bridal, and special-event beauty, creating polished looks for clients and talent around the world.

Products featured are not sponsored and include Oribe Superfine Hair Spray in Medium Hold ($46, Oribe.com) and DandyMen Sea Salt Spray in Tobacco Vanilla ($15.19, Dandymen.com).

MODERN Marvels

From smarter grooming and better sleep to advanced recovery and everyday performance, these innovative products are designed to help Scottsdale men look sharper, feel better, and get more out of their daily routines. Thoughtful design meets smart technology to make life more efficient, comfortable, and elevated—proving that the products we use every day can do more than simply look good; they can help us live better. 55

Apple AirPods Max 2 Midnight Immersive sound and active noise cancellation meet sleek design for work, travel and everyday listening. ($500, target.com)

Nike Men’s Zoom Fly 6 Running Shoes Built for speed and comfort, with responsive cushioning and lightweight support designed to keep every stride moving forward. ($178, dickssportinggoods.com)

/Men’s living Performance Picks Elemis ProCollagen Marine Cream for Men Hydrates and firms the skin while helping soften the appearance of fine lines for a smoother, refreshed look. ($99, ulta.com)

Oura Ring 4 Sleep, Without the Screen. Oura Ring 4 discreetly tracks sleep, activity, and wellness in a sleek design. ($349, walmart.com)

Braun Series 9 Pro+ Electric Shaver Precision shaving technology delivers a close, comfortable shave with fewer passes for a faster, smarter grooming routine. ($500, braun.com)

EDITORIAL SELECTION

Google Pixel Watch Fitness, health, and everyday essentials come together in a streamlined smartwatch designed to keep up from workout to workday.($500, googlestore.com)

Products featured on this page were independently selected by the Scottsdale Magazine editorial team. Brands did not pay for inclusion unless otherwise disclosed. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Looking Good

& Feeling Great DISCOVER MORE AT:

ScottsdaleMedSpas MedSpas.com

THOUGHTFUL TREATMENTS ENHANCE NATURAL FEATURES RATHER THAN REDEFINE THEM EXPLORE HOW COLOR, TONE AND THOUGHTFUL DESIGN INFLUENCE THE BEAUTY ESSENTIALS HOW SMARTER TECHNOLOGY IS CHANGING THE WAY WE CARE FOR OUR SKIN.

Drawing on more than 35 years in Arizona’s spa industry, Senior Spa Director Kirk Gregor of Village Health Club and Spas examines the lasting effects of sun exposure and why the future of healthy skin begins with protection today. When I first entered Arizona’s spa industry more than 35 years ago, many clients still considered a golden tan a sign of health and vitality. Thankfully, our understanding of sun exposure has changed dramatically. Yet even today, our estheticians regularly treat the visible effects of sun-damaged skin. One of the most important things to understand is that sun damage is cumulative. It begins with your first tan and builds over a lifetime. There is no truly “safe” tan. The bronze color produced by sun exposure is actually part of the skin’s defense response to ultraviolet radiation, meaning that a tan itself is evidence that the skin has responded to UV injury. Repeated,

unprotected exposure also contributes to collagen breakdown, premature aging, fine lines, uneven pigmentation and other visible changes to the skin. Despite greater awareness surrounding UV exposure, misconceptions about sunscreen continue to surface in our treatment rooms.

“Sun exposure is not limited to the hours we spend intentionally outdoors.”

One of the most persistent concerns involves chemical sunscreen filters. The fact that certain sunscreen ingredients can be absorbed into the bloodstream does not, by itself, mean they are toxic or dangerous. For those who prefer an alternative, mineral sunscreens provide another option and work primarily by forming a protective layer at the skin’s surface. Application matters just as much as choosing the right formula. Sunscreen begins providing protection when applied, although putting it on about 15 minutes before going outdoors gives the product time to settle evenly on the skin. Underapplication is also common. Most people use considerably less sunscreen than recommended, which means they may not receive the level of protection indicated on the label. As a general guide, approximately one ounce of sunscreen is needed to adequately cover an adult body, with a generous amount reserved for the face and neck. Sunscreen should be reapplied at least every two hours and after swimming, heavy sweating or toweling off. Water-resistant formulas can offer additional staying power, but no sunscreen is waterproof, making reapplication essential.

/From the Expert We generally recommend a broadspectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. SPF measures protection primarily against UVB rays, which are strongly associated with sunburn. SPF 30 filters approximately 97 percent of UVB radiation when applied correctly, while SPF 50 filters about 98 percent. The difference may sound small, but proper application and regular reapplication are ultimately what make any sunscreen effective. UVA protection matters just as much. UVA rays penetrate more deeply into the skin and contribute significantly to premature aging and long-term skin damage. They can also pass through clouds and window glass. Because SPF alone does not tell the entire story, choosing a product labeled broad spectrum is important for protection against both UVA and UVB radiation. The best sunscreen is ultimately one you will use consistently. For clients with sensitive or compromised skin barriers, or concerns such as hyperpigmentation, we often recommend mineral formulas containing ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Modern mineral sunscreens have improved considerably, with tinted and sheer formulations helping minimize the white cast once associated with them. Chemical formulas can be especially appealing for active lifestyles because many offer lightweight, water-resistant finishes that layer easily beneath makeup. Another growing category combines daily SPF with familiar skincare ingredients, allowing sun protection to function alongside moisturizing or treatment steps. The options have become far more sophisticated, making it easier to find a formula suited to individual skin types and routines. What hasn’t changed is the importance of consistency. Sunscreen should not be reserved for beach days, summer vacations or afternoons spent beside the pool. In Arizona especially, UV exposure is part of

daily life. Driving, walking the dog, dining outdoors or simply sitting near a sunny window can contribute to cumulative exposure over time. When we talk about prevention, we also have to think beyond the face. Some of the areas that receive the most cumulative exposure are the ones people routinely forget: the ears, neck, chest, shoulders, hands and even the scalp. These areas can reveal years of sun exposure through changes in texture, pigmentation and elasticity. A thoughtful sun-protection routine should extend anywhere the skin is regularly exposed, particularly in Arizona, where short periods outdoors can add up quickly over the course of a year.

and maintain routine professional skin examinations with a dermatologist. We cannot undo every hour we spent in the sun years ago, but we can change what we do today. Protecting our skin may not offer the instant gratification of a treatment or product promising immediate transformation. Its value reveals itself more quietly, in the health and quality of the skin we carry with us for years to come.

It is also important to remember that sun protection and professional skincare serve different purposes. Treatments can improve the appearance of pigmentation, texture and other visible signs of photodamage, but they cannot make continued UV exposure irrelevant. In fact, protecting the skin becomes even more important when investing in corrective treatments. There is little benefit in working to improve sun damage while allowing new damage to accumulate. The most effective approach combines thoughtful professional care with consistent daily habits that help preserve those results. For me, that lesson has become personal. Despite spending much of my career educating clients about UV protection, the damage caused by going without sunscreen in my youth eventually caught up with me. In recent years, I have undergone several Mohs surgeries to remove basal cell carcinomas. That experience has only strengthened what I have told clients for decades: sun protection is a lifelong practice, and prevention matters long before damage becomes visible. Examine your skin regularly, pay attention to anything new or changing,

ABOUT KIRK GREGOR Kirk Gregor is a Senior Spa Director with more than 35 years of experience in Arizona’s spa and skincare industry. Throughout his career, he has witnessed the evolution of professional skincare firsthand, bringing decades of experience to conversations surrounding skin health, sun protection and preventative care. His approach emphasizes education, consistency and helping clients make informed decisions that support the long-term health and appearance of their skin.

BEYOND THE SURFACE True luxury in medical aesthetics goes deeper than beautiful interiors, beginning with expertise, personalization and trust.

ou can spend a small fortune building

privacy may matter more. Attentive service is

to expand what can be accomplished without

a med spa and still miss the luxury part.

appreciated; hovering and selling are not.

traditional surgery. But a sophisticated client

The marble reception desk may be

should be less interested in how much a machine

gorgeous, the treatment rooms filled

The best med spas understand that luxury

cost than in who is using it.

with the latest technology and every detail

cannot simply be ordered from an equipment

carefully considered. But if you wait 25 minutes

manufacturer or specified on an interior

Experience matters. Training matters. So does

for an appointment, explain your concerns

designer’s finish schedule. It comes from

the ability to look beyond a client’s initial request

to three different people and leave feeling as

expertise, personalization, privacy, comfort and

and determine whether another treatment or

though you survived a sales presentation, none

thoughtful details. Most importantly, it comes

no treatment is the better choice. A client may

of it feels particularly luxurious.

from trust.

arrive requesting a procedure because a friend

Medical aesthetics occupies an unusual space

EXPERTISE BEFORE AMENITIES

had it or it has become the latest trend. A good between medicine, beauty, wellness and

why something else is more appropriate. The

hospitality. Clients want advanced technology,

Medical aesthetics is not short on impressive

but they also need to know they are in capable

t e c h n o l o g y. L a s e r s , l i g h t t h e r a p i e s ,

hands. A beautiful environment is expected, but

radiofrequency and other devices continue

practitioner may agree. A better one may explain best may occasionally say to leave things alone. That kind of restraint does not appear on a

has been tried, what worked and how the client

Few things can disrupt that experience faster

responded.

than finishing a treatment and immediately being pushed toward another package or procedure.

There is something reassuring about sitting down

Recommendations are part of good care, but

with a practitioner who remembers you. That

sophisticated clients recognize the difference

continuity is difficult to put a price on.

between thoughtful advice and an upsell.

Privacy matters, too, particularly in a community

The most confident practices play a longer game.

where clients may regularly encounter friends, neighbors and business associates. Private

LOOKING LIKE YOURSELF

consultation spaces, discreet checkout procedures and thoughtful scheduling acknowledge that

For many clients, the goal is not transformation.

aesthetic treatments are personal. Sometimes

It is looking rested, having healthier-looking skin

luxury is simply having the choice about who

or softening something that has bothered them

knows you are there.

without changing the character of their face.

DESIGNING THE EXPERIENCE

The desired compliment may not be, “Who does your injections?”

The physical environment matters, but beauty alone is not enough. The most successful

It may simply be, “You look great.”

med spas balance medical competence with hospitality. Too clinical and the space feels like

Achieving that can require more judgment than

a doctor’s office; too relaxed and you may begin

producing dramatic change. Faces are not fashion

wondering whether anyone in the building owns

accessories. Trends come and go, while decisions

a stethoscope.

made to follow them can last considerably longer. A skilled practitioner considers not only what looks

Warm materials can soften clinical elements,

good today, but what will still feel appropriate

good acoustics protect conversations and

tomorrow.

thoughtful lighting can create atmosphere without compromising a practitioner’s ability to

THE ULTIMATE LUXURY

accurately assess the skin. Good design does not call attention to every decision. It simply makes the

Ultimately, marble, beautiful lighting and the latest

experience easier.

technology are amenities.

treatment menu, but it can be one of the clearest

The same philosophy applies to technology. The

Trust is different.

signs of expertise.

newest device is not automatically the best choice

PERSONAL BY DESIGN

for every client. Technology is a tool; the luxury

It is trusting that the practitioner knows what they

comes from having someone who knows which

are doing. That recommendations are right for you

tool to use.

rather than driven by what needs to be sold. That

Skin is different. Faces are different. So are age,

your privacy will be respected and someone will SERVICE WITHOUT THE SALES PITCH

be there if you have a concern.

Luxury service often feels almost invisible.

And occasionally, it is trusting the person across

Someone remembers your preferred appointment

from you to take a careful look and say something

Rather than treating every visit as an isolated

time. Instructions arrive before you need to ask.

you did not expect:

transaction, sophisticated practices look ahead.

Appointments begin on time. A follow-up comes

One treatment may address sun damage while

after a more involved procedure.

“You don’t need anything today.”

make sense now but not at every appointment.

None of these details feels extraordinary

In a business built around treatments, that may be

Over time, the practice should understand what

individually. Together, they do.

the ultimate luxury.

lifestyle, goals, tolerance for downtime and willingness to maintain results. A thoughtful treatment plan should reflect that.

another improves texture. An injectable may

“Photography at its most refined... timeless, elegant, unforgettable.” 63

THE Art OF IMAGE

FORD/Robert Black Agency photographer Neal Mei is known for his cinematic approach to portraiture and editorial storytelling.

For over 25 years, Neal Mei has crafted images with the elegance and precision of fine art. Represented by the FORD/Robert Black Agency, his portfolio spans Los Angeles and Scottsdale, where he has worked with leading brands, acclaimed musicians, and discerning private clients.

Through Neal’s Lens Neal Mei has photographed several @Scottsdale Magazine cover stars, including Faith Howard (Beauty Issue), Jaidyn Hamilton (Debut Issue), and Olivia Magby (Summer Issue), helping shape the publication’s distinctive editorial aesthetic.

Neal transforms moments into timeless visuals— brides captured like fashion icons, portraits reminiscent of a Rembrandt, and product imagery so vivid you can almost touch it. His video

productions carry the polish of a Hollywood studio, delivering cinematic impact to every project. Explore his vision at nealmei.com and experience photography at its most refined.

/Cover Shoot

POWER PLAYS

of a Gentleman.

For the Scottsdale gentleman, fall is an invitation to dress with intention. Jackets return, layers become sharper, and the details take on a defining role. Power Plays of a Gentleman explores the role of thoughtful design in shaping the wardrobe of the modern Scottsdale man, where proportion, texture, and craftsmanship create a quiet sense of authority. Clothing from At-Ease Fine Mens Clothes sets the foundation, while select accessories—including Cartier and the iconic Rolex “Yacht-Master”, prove that the strongest looks are often defined by the details.

IN COMMAND Model Brandyn Farrell commands the frame in a brown suede blazer layered over a beige zip-up from At-Ease Fine Mens Clothes, finished with a Rolex Rolex Yacht Master 40mm Oyster Perpetual Stainless Steel Watch with Pewter Dial and Platinum Bezel, a study in modern power dressing and understated luxury.

AT HIS LEISURE Model Brandyn Farrell masters modern leisure in a crisp white long-sleeve shirt layered beneath a navy blue sleeveless puffer vest from At-Ease Fine Mens Clothes, finished with Cartier Santos aviator-style sunglasses for a sharp, effortless edge.

TIME WELL DRESSED Caught Between Frames, model Brandyn Farrell wears dark navy trousers paired with brown NCCB Men’s lace-up casual dress shoes, grounding the look with a polished yet relaxed finish.

BUILT FOR LAYERS Model Brandyn Farrell sports a rich brown zip-up layered beneath a leather sleeveless vest from At-Ease Fine Mens Clothes, bringing texture and rugged refinement to modern fall dressing.

OFF-DUTY AUTHORITY Model Brandyn Farrell drapes the brown zip-up effortlessly over his shoulder, drawing focus to a brown leather buckled bracelet from At-Ease Fine Mens Clothes—a subtle finishing detail that brings character to the look.

THE GENTLEMAN’S ESSENTIAL Model Brandyn Farrell looks sharp in a light blue longsleeve button-up shirt from At-Ease Fine Mens Clothes, delivering a clean take on timeless menswear.

SHARP TURN Model Brandyn Farrell steps out with confidence in sleek black trousers and Bruno Marc slip-on dress loafers, completing the look with a polished, modern finish.

A BOLD MOVE Model Brandyn Farrell wears a royal blue zip-up from At-Ease Fine Mens Clothes, showcasing confidence in color with a bold take on modern menswear.

CAPTION THIS Model Brandyn Farrell wears light brown trousers while showcasing a black double-wrap buckle bracelet, adding a refined edge to the look.

/Behind the Shoot

Behind The Shoot: Power Plays of a Gentleman Step behind the scenes as we capture a new expression of power dressing, designed for the modern Scottsdale gentleman. Our cover editorial, Power Plays of a Gentleman, captures a new expression of power dressing designed for the modern Scottsdale gentleman. From sharp fall layers and timeless accessories to grooming, posing, and the final frame, every detail was considered.. Bringing that vision to life takes a team, with each creative playing a role in defining the story. Creative Director — Khayla Biscoe Led the overall creative vision for the editorial, styling each look to reflect Scottsdale’s approach to fall fashion through sophisticated layers, timeless menswear, and considered details. From wardrobe and accessories to the mood of each frame, every element was intentionally selected to create a cohesive expression of modern power dressing. Photographer — Neal Mei Represented by Ford/Robert Black Agency, captured the editorial through

a refined fashion lens, bringing together style, composition, and movement to translate the creative direction into each frame. His approach balanced strong portraiture with subtle moments, capturing both the details of each look and the confidence behind them. Hair & Makeup — Danielle Fields Created a fresh, modern grooming look for fall, pairing polished skin with a sleek, combed-back hairstyle that feels both contemporary and timeless. The understated approach complemented the wardrobe while allowing Brandyn’s natural features and masculine presence to remain at the forefront. Magazine Assistant — Raquel Rosario Provided on-set production support throughout the shoot, helping keep details organized and the creative process moving seamlessly from look to look. From wardrobe coordination to behind-the-scenes support, she

helped ensure each element was ready as the editorial unfolded in front of the camera. Model — Brandyn Farrell Represented by Ford/Robert Black Agency, brought the story to life with a masculine, sophisticated presence, using confident posing and understated attitude to embody a new expression of power dressing for the Scottsdale gentleman.

Special Thanks Special thanks to At-Ease Fine Mens Clothes for providing the timeless menswear featured throughout the editorial and Cornelis Hollander Jewelry Designs for providing the two Rolex timepieces that brought a final element of distinction to the looks. And special thanks to Kristina at The Socialight Studio for hosting our team and providing the setting where Power Plays of a Gentleman came to life.

Scottsdale’s New Home

Buying Experience DISCOVER MORE AT:

ScottsdaleRealty RealtyNetwork.com

DISCOVER WHY MODERN DESIGN NEVER GOES OUT OF STYLE SEE HOW THOUGHTFUL ARCHITECTURE BALANCES BEAUTY AND PURPOSE DISCOVER THE DESIGN CHOICES THAT GIVE A HOME LASTING APPEAL

Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Managing Broker Amanda Thomason shares why Scottsdale’s most desirable homes are defined not by trends, but by exceptional architecture, craftsmanship, and a true sense of place. Scottsdale has never been a place that stands still. It evolves thoughtfully and confidently while remaining deeply connected to the desert landscape that defines it. As a real estate professional, I have the privilege of seeing Scottsdale not only through its homes but through the lives people create within them. I see original residences being carefully restored, established neighborhoods welcoming a new generation, and imaginative new homes redefining desert living. The most memorable Scottsdale homes have one thing in common: they belong here. That connection may be expressed through organic materials, low-profile rooflines, expansive glass, or colors drawn from the surrounding landscape. It can be found in a shaded courtyard designed for gathering, a perfectly positioned window that captures the sunset, or an outdoor space meant to be enjoyed throughout the year. This is where architecture becomes more than appearance and becomes part of the experience. MANAGING BROKER AMANDA THOMASON, PHOTOGRAPHED BY ZEE PERALTA.

Scottsdale’s architectural identity has long been influenced by the

Sonoran Desert. Mid-century modern homes, territorial residences, Spanishinspired estates, contemporary desert compounds, and bold modern designs all have a place here. The styles may differ, but the most successful homes respond to their surroundings rather than compete with them. Today’s buyers are increasingly drawn to homes that feel authentic. They notice the quality of the millwork, the weight of the doors, the placement of the lighting, and the way natural materials continue from inside to out. They recognize the difference between a home that was simply updated and one that was thoughtfully reimagined. True craftsmanship is often found in details that aren’t immediately obvious. It can be seen in carefully matched stone, cabinetry designed for the space, precise architectural lines, quality hardware, and seamless transitions between rooms. It is also found behind the walls, in the systems, engineering, and construction that allow a beautiful home to function beautifully. These details influence how a home lives, how it ages, and ultimately, how the market values it. As Scottsdale continues to evolve, we

/From the Expert are also seeing a more personal approach to design. Luxury is shifting away from size alone. Buyers still value impressive spaces, but they are also seeking comfort, privacy, wellness, and ease. They want homes that support the way they genuinely live.

with strong architectural bones, mature landscaping, and a story worth preserving. The best transformations respect that history while introducing the comfort, technology, and functionality expected today.

That may mean a dedicated fitness or recovery space, a private office filled with natural light, a kitchen created for gathering, or a peaceful primary suite that feels like a retreat. Outdoor areas are becoming more intentional as well, with shaded dining spaces, fireplaces, water features, and landscaping designed for the beauty and realities of our desert climate.

The connection between architecture and lifestyle is becoming just as important. Buyers are thinking beyond individual rooms and considering how the entire home moves with them throughout the day. Morning light in the kitchen, a shaded terrace in the afternoon, and a seamless transition outdoors for dinner can shape the experience of a home as much as its finishes. In Scottsdale, where the landscape is part of everyday living, the strongest designs create moments that feel natural to both the setting and the people who live there.

Sustainability is also becoming part of the conversation. Thoughtful orientation, energy-efficient windows, smart-home systems, water-conscious landscaping, and durable materials are no longer viewed solely as practical improvements. When executed well, they become part of the design while making a home more comfortable, efficient, and desirable. As Scottsdale changes, an important question remains: How do we embrace what is new without losing what makes our community distinctive? Not every older home needs to be replaced, and not every renovation should erase its original character. Some of Scottsdale’s greatest opportunities are found in properties

surroundings. Paint colors and countertops can be changed. Exceptional architecture, craftsmanship, and placement are much harder to recreate. Scottsdale real estate is about more than property. It reflects a lifestyle shaped by sunshine, design, community, recreation, and the natural beauty of the desert. Scottsdale will continue to grow and change, bringing new homes and new life to older ones as our understanding of luxury continues to evolve. The properties that endure will be those designed not simply to make an impression but to create a meaningful way of living. That is the true art of Scottsdale real estate. ABOUT AMANDA THOMASON

For homeowners considering a renovation, the goal should not be to follow every trend. Trends move quickly; thoughtful design endures. Begin with the architecture, the setting, and the way you want to live. Invest in quality where it matters most, and make choices that feel connected to the home rather than borrowed from somewhere else.

Amanda Thomason is a Managing Broker with Coldwell Banker Realty, providing leadership and strategic guidance to hundreds of real estate professionals across Arizona. Her expertise in luxury real estate, market strategy, and agent development brings a distinctive perspective to the architecture, lifestyle, and evolution of Scottsdale’s luxury market.

For buyers, look beyond surface finishes. Pay attention to proportion, natural light, construction quality, orientation, and the relationship between the home and its

Amanda Thomason: Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Scottsdale 623-293-1379 Amanda.thomason@azmoves.com

“

The most memorable Scottsdale homes have one thing in common: they belong here.

”

Where thoughtful design meets automotive obsession, the garage is becoming one of the most personal rooms in the house. BY: HAL DEKEYSER

For a long time, the garage was the room nobody bothered to design. Even in an otherwise spectacular house, it was often an afterthought: a concrete floor, fluorescent lights, a few shelves from the hardware store, and enough room to squeeze past the cars on the way into the kitchen. That is changing, especially at the luxury end of the Scottsdale market. The garage is increasingly being treated as an extension of the house, with architecture, lighting, cabinetry, and technology receiving the same attention once reserved for kitchens, wine rooms, and primary suites. For owners of collector, exotic, and performance cars, the space can become something else entirely: part showroom, part workshop, and part private retreat. Sometimes, the cars themselves become the art. In some of the most dramatic examples, glass walls separate the garage from an office, lounge, or living space, putting a Ferrari, Porsche, or restored classic on display inside the home. Architectural lighting replaces basic ceiling fixtures. Spotlights highlight individual vehicles, while linear LEDs and carefully placed wall lighting give the room the polished appearance of a private showroom. The architecture itself can begin with the collection. A serious garage may have wider bays, greater depth,

and higher ceilings to accommodate lifts. Oversized or frameless glass doors bring in daylight and add visual drama. Drive-through layouts eliminate awkward backing and maneuvering, while vehicle turntables can rotate a car within a limited space. At the highest level, car elevators and underground garages allow an entire collection to disappear beneath the house. Most owners won’t go quite that far, but many ideas found in collector garages translate well to a Scottsdale home with two or three cherished cars. One of the first considerations is the floor. Bare concrete has increasingly given way to polished concrete, porcelain tile, modular flooring, and professionally installed epoxy or polyaspartic surfaces. The choice isn’t entirely cosmetic. A Scottsdale garage floor has to withstand hot tires, desert dust, occasional water, and the fluids and grime that inevitably come with automobiles.

cabinets and more like cabinetry found inside the home. For collectors, storage can also become display. Helmets, automotive memorabilia, racing photographs, trophies, model cars, and vintage signs can give a garage personality without overwhelming the room. Motorcycles can be displayed alongside cars rather than tucked into a corner. Even tools can become part of the design when the workspace is carefully considered. Some owners go further by creating a dedicated detailing bay. It might include a floor drain, wall-mounted pressure washer, filtered water, compressed air, a built-in vacuum, and lighting positioned to reveal imperfections in the paint. Workbenches and professional tool storage can be integrated into cabinetry so the garage remains visually clean when the work is finished.

Arizona heat creates another consideration. A garage designed for more than vehicle storage needs to be comfortable enough to use. That means insulation, air conditioning, and proper ventilation. Climate control also matters for cars that remain parked for extended periods, particularly for seasonal residents who leave Arizona during the hottest months.

Lifts add another level of function. A four-post lift can effectively turn one parking space into two, making room for an additional collector car without expanding the footprint of the house. More elaborate installations conceal hydraulic lifts within the floor. Either way, ceiling height, structure, and access need to be considered early. It is much easier to design a garage around a lift than to discover later that the ceiling is six inches too low.

Then there is a less glamorous local reality: dust. A beautifully detailed black car can make that point better than any architect. It is one reason today’s upscale garages emphasize clean surfaces and enclosed storage. Custom cabinetry can conceal tools, cleaning supplies, golf clubs, and the clutter that seems determined to colonize every garage. The best installations look less like shop

Electric vehicles are also changing the planning equation. One charger may be enough today, but a luxury household could easily have two EVs in the future. Electrical capacity, charger placement, and cable management have therefore become part of garage design. Planning for them early can be far easier than upgrading electrical service after construction is complete.

Technology extends well beyond charging. Smart garage doors, cameras, temperature monitoring, automated lighting, and whole-garage audio can now be integrated with the rest of a home’s systems. Security also takes on greater importance when the vehicles behind the door are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars or when an entire collection reaches seven figures. Perhaps the biggest change in the luxury garage, however, has little to do with the cars. People are spending time there. A garage built around an automotive passion might include a television, sound system, bar, refrigerator, espresso machine, and comfortable seating. A cigar humidor wouldn’t feel out of place. What was once simply a place to park becomes the automotive equivalent of a wine room, creating a space to enjoy the collection and share it with friends. In Scottsdale, golf inevitably enters the picture as well. Custom storage can provide dedicated spaces for bags, shoes, and equipment, while conveniently placed outlets can accommodate electric golf carts and e-bikes. Depending on the owner’s interests, the garage may also need room for motorcycles, bicycles, off-road gear, and the assorted toys that come with living in Arizona. Material choices are becoming more sophisticated as well. In a luxury garage, durability still matters, but it no longer has to come at the expense of design. Wood accents, stone, metal, glass, and architectural wall panels can connect the garage to the rest of the home. Even practical elements such as drains, utility sinks, ventilation grilles, and storage can be integrated rather than treated as visual interruptions. The goal is not to make the garage look like a living room, but to give it the same sense of intention. When

IMAGES COURTESY OF COLDWELL BANKER GLOBAL LUXURY, FEATURING A PROPERTY NEAR 124TH STREET AND SHEA BOULEVARD IN SCOTTSDALE.

materials, lighting, and proportions work together, the room feels designed rather than simply finished. The relationship between the garage and the rest of the property matters, too. In Scottsdale, where indoor and outdoor living often overlap, a garage can be positioned to connect naturally with a courtyard, motor court, guest house, or entertaining area. Thoughtful landscaping can soften the approach, while covered arrival areas provide shade and make the transition into the home more comfortable during the hottest months. Even the view from the street deserves consideration. Garage doors occupy a significant portion of many homes, so their scale, materials, and placement can either support the architecture or dominate it. The best designs make the garage feel like an intentional part of the residence from every angle. Even the least glamorous part of the garage is receiving new attention: the door leading into the house. For many

homeowners, the garage entrance is the door they actually use every day. Designers are responding with attractive transition areas that include benches, cabinetry, package storage, charging stations, dog-washing areas, and organized drop zones. It makes little sense to spend millions on a house only to enter it each evening through a pile of shoes, packages, and golf clubs. There is also a real estate consideration. A well-designed, air-conditioned garage with excellent lighting, storage, and generous space can appeal to many luxury buyers, particularly in a carconscious market such as Scottsdale. A highly specialized garage designed around one owner’s particular collection may be another matter. The distinction lies between improving the garage and creating something only one owner could love. A four-car, air-conditioned garage with beautiful floors, cabinetry, EV charging, and enough ceiling height for lifts gives the next owner options. An elaborate

space designed around six particular cars, a motorcycle collection, and a complete detailing operation may be enormously valuable to one buyer and largely irrelevant to another. That doesn’t mean owners shouldn’t create it. Not every improvement to a house needs to be justified by resale value. People spend considerable money on pools, theaters, wine cellars, kitchens, and outdoor entertaining spaces because they enjoy them. A car enthusiast may get far more pleasure from a beautifully designed garage than from another formal room that is rarely used. That may explain why the luxury garage is finally getting its due. For someone who views a car strictly as transportation, a garage may always be a place to park it. For someone who walks away from a car and turns around for one last look, the garage can become one of the best rooms in the house.

DESIGN SCHEME 10420 N 64th Pl, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253, brings design and form into focus, where soaring proportions, bold architectural lines and artful details create a contemporary study in scale.

Photography Courtesy of Coldwell Banker Global Luxury

Expansive proportions, architectural clarity, and a seamless connection to the outdoors define this newly constructed Paradise Valley estate. 10420 N 64th Pl, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253 Set on a sprawling one-acre lot in the heart of Paradise Valley, this custom contemporary residence makes a study of scale. The single-level estate encompasses approximately 6,000 square feet of living space and nearly 9,000 square feet under roof, with five bedrooms, four full bathrooms and two half baths thoughtfully arranged within an open, split floor plan. Inside, soaring 12-foot-plus ceilings give the main living areas a dramatic sense of volume, while two separate living rooms create space for both entertaining and everyday life. At the center of the home, a double-island kitchen makes an architectural statement of its own, complemented by a formal dining area with a striking 240-bottle wine display. Expansive sliding glass doors extend the interiors onto a covered patio and resortstyle pool, creating an effortless transition between inside and out. An outdoor fireplace sets the scene for cooler desert evenings, while a separate built-in barbecue beneath a custom trellis adds another layer to the home’s entertaining spaces. The experience continues above with a private sky deck, where 360-degree views take in the surrounding mountains and cityscape. From its generous proportions to its carefully considered indoor-outdoor flow, the residence offers a distinctly contemporary interpretation of Paradise Valley living— one where every square foot feels intentional. For more information contact Kurt Nishimura Listing Agent Coldwell Banker Realty P: (602) 513-9335 or M: (602) 513-9335

SCOTTSDALE MEDIA GROUP AND COLDWELL BANKER GLOBAL LUXURY MARKETING TEAM, TOP ROW FROM LEFT: DALE PAVLICEK, MIKE TOLL, RAYMOND RITA AND HAL DEKEYSER; BOTTOM ROW FROM LEFT: KHAYLA BISCOE, AMANDA THOMASON, MEREDITH SCHUHANDLER AND ALI OZER.

Luxury buyers and sellers arrive in Scottsdale’s upscale real estate market with more information than ever. They can follow pricing and economic trends, compare properties in detail, and form clear expectations about the homes they want and the service they receive. Personal attention and an understanding of Scottsdale’s lifestyle and culture now matter as much as the reach of a familiar real estate name. That broader story is at the center of a new marketing relationship between Coldwell Banker Scottsdale Global Luxury and Scottsdale Media Group, bringing together luxury real estate expertise with a media network dedicated to the people, places, and experiences shaping Scottsdale. Through its portfolio of print and digital publications, Scottsdale Media Group reaches audiences interested in luxury and lifestyle across the Valley. The relationship expands that platform further into real estate, creating opportunities to showcase exceptional properties, agents, and communities through editorial, print, digital, and social storytelling. At the center of that strategy is ScottsdaleRealtyNetwork. com, SMG’s digital real estate publication.The platform brings together properties, real estate news, agent and broker profiles, and dedicated community coverage, giving readers another way to explore Scottsdale’s residential market. For Scottsdale Media Group, the relationship also creates an opportunity to tell the story of a property beyond square

footage and amenities. A home becomes part of a larger conversation about architecture, design, neighborhood and lifestyle connecting where someone lives with how they want to live. For buyers, that means discovering not only what is available, but where they may want to live and why. For sellers and real estate professionals, it creates new opportunities to place properties and expertise in front of an audience already engaged with Scottsdale luxury and lifestyle. Coldwell Banker Scottsdale Global Luxury also plans to establish its Scottsdale headquarters in the Kierland area, strengthening its presence in North Scottsdale. Together, the new marketing relationship connects exceptional real estate with the communities, culture, and lifestyle that make Scottsdale worth calling home. Image Top: Agents left to right: Ulises Sandoval- Nicole Ryan- Paula Rosentreter-Jean Pomeroy-Kimberly Borges- Karen Bosch- Jayne Houghton- John Wallitschek-Tanaya PeckDavid Furnia-Enza Duda-Bruce Woods- Kerri SchrandMelissa McCormick-Wise- Steve Bauman- Jo Ann BauerAndy Berglund- Heather Hurwitz- Ryann Haenel- Karen Weston- India Ryer- Rebecca Blank-Laura Joyner- Lisa Stine- Christine Sullivan- Shelby Purdy-Rhonda SolomanMichele Baker-Tricia Hill- Susan Dempster- Jill SteckerDebbie Weinrich-Vanessa Roark-Jason Button Front Row- Meredith Schuhandler-Amanda Thomason-Ali Ozer Note: Bolded agents were not photographed but are included as part of the marketing relationship.

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HOW THOUGHTFUL EXPERTISE TURNS BEAUTIFUL INTERIORS INTO PRACTICAL, HOMES EXPLORE HOW GREAT INTERIOR DESIGN BALANCES VISUAL IMPACT WITH THE PRACTICAL REALITIES SEE HOW DESIGNERS ARE COMBINING MATERIALS, FINISHES AND TEXTURES 101

Design

For Life DISCOVER MORE AT:

ScottsdaleInteriors Interiors.com

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IN GOOD COMPANY Amy Klosterman of AB Design Elements shares how thoughtful flow can transform a home into a space made for gathering, entertaining, and connection. There is something about the return of mild temperatures and Arizona’s spectacular sunsets that makes us want to gather again. Dinner parties return to the calendar, impromptu patio happy hours stretch into the evening, and, after months spent escaping the summer heat, our outdoor spaces become part of daily life once more. The best entertaining spaces embrace this rhythm. Rather than treating indoors and outdoors as separate destinations, thoughtful design allows one to flow naturally into the other. Lighting, furnishings, serving areas, and technology work together to create a sense of continuity. A mix of larger gathering spaces and quieter corners also gives guests the freedom to socialize, settle in, or step away for a moment. So, how do we design for that kind of flow? It begins at the entry. Give guests a glimpse of where the evening is headed with a clear sightline through the heart of the home toward an inviting outdoor space. That visual connection immediately creates a sense of openness and encourages movement throughout the house. From there, consistency becomes key. Furnishings inside and out don’t need to match, but their scale, materials, and color palettes should feel connected. Lighting is equally important. A layered plan with a consistent color temperature can continue from the interior to the exterior, while

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candles and small lamps add intimacy and warmth as the sun goes down. Entertaining spaces can work harder when architectural details are designed with flexibility in mind. Kitchen and bar islands, for example, can connect with large countertop windows, allowing one serving area to function for both the interior kitchen and outdoor barbecue space. When those windows fully recess into adjoining walls, the boundary between inside and out can nearly disappear. Carrying interior elements through the plane of doors and windows is at the heart of successful indoor-outdoor living. Performance fabrics make that transition even easier by allowing furniture to move between spaces when extra seating is needed. A chair that usually lives inside can become part of the patio arrangement when the guest list grows for a dinner party, game night, or weekend gathering.

The same flexibility applies to how guests move through a space. Food and drinks should be easy to reach without creating congestion, seating should encourage conversation without blocking pathways, and outdoor areas should feel connected without requiring everyone to gather in one place. When circulation is considered from the beginning, hosting becomes easier for both guests and the people welcoming them. Ultimately, the most memorable entertaining spaces aren’t designed around appearance alone. They are shaped around people: how they move, where they gather, where conversations naturally happen, and how a home makes them feel. When those considerations guide the design, beauty becomes only part of the experience. The real luxury is a home that doesn’t simply look ready to entertain but makes being together feel effortless.

/From the Expert

Amy Klosterman AB Design Elements cell: 602.525.0921 abdesignelements.com IG: abdesignelementsllc

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Stone, wood, metal, and textiles are redefining Scottsdale interiors, proving that the new luxury is less about perfection and more about texture, character, and how a space feels. Color may set the mood of a room, and furniture may define its style, but increasingly, it’s material that gives an interior its character. The cool touch of honed stone, the grain of walnut, the subtle irregularity of hand-applied plaster, the weight of linen or the warmth of leather against metal, these are the details that make a space something to experience, not simply admire. Today’s most sophisticated interiors are moving away from polished perfection in favor of something more tactile. Stone is allowed to look like stone. Wood proudly shows its grain. Metals develop patina. Plaster reveals the hand behind it, while linen, wool, and bouclé invite touch. Natural variation and imperfection are no longer flaws to disguise; they are part of the appeal. It marks a shift from the glossy surfaces, pristine finishes and bright-white interiors that defined luxury for years. Beautiful as they were, those spaces could sometimes feel more like galleries than homes. Now, warmth, depth and character are taking their place.

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There is also something inherently personal about this approach. Materials change with light, age with use, and take on character over time. A leather chair softens. Brass develops a patina. Stone reveals variations that could never be perfectly replicated. Instead of remaining untouched, these surfaces become more interesting as a home is actually lived in. In Scottsdale, that materiality feels particularly at home. Against the desert’s palette of stone, sand, weathered wood, and sun-warmed earth, interiors can draw from their surroundings without becoming overtly Southwestern. The connection is quieter: limestone underfoot, warm walnut overhead, textured plaster catching the afternoon light. The landscape becomes inspiration rather than theme. The result is a quieter, more sensory approach to luxury one defined not only by what catches the eye, but by what can be felt. Because the materials of a room don’t simply determine how it looks. They determine how it lives.

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“Stone brings a natural sense of permanence to an interior. Its veining, texture and subtle variation give every surface its own character, creating spaces that feel grounded, timeless and entirely one of a kind.”

Natural stone remains one of the defining materials of luxury interiors, but its role has expanded far beyond the kitchen counter. Travertine, limestone, marble, and quartzite are appearing across fireplace walls, bathroom vanities, bars, furniture, and large architectural surfaces, turning the material itself into a defining element of the room. Today, stone is moving in two distinctly different directions. One celebrates drama. Highly figured marble and quartzite sometimes book-matched so the veining mirrors itself across adjoining slabs can read almost like an abstract work of art. Used on a large scale, a single dramatic slab can become the visual centerpiece of an entire space. The other direction is considerably quieter.

Limestone and travertine in soft desert tones create a calmer backdrop, particularly when honed rather than highly polished. Their beauty comes from subtle shifts in tone, texture, and natural variation rather than spectacle. In Arizona, stone has another advantage: it feels at home. The landscape surrounding Scottsdale and Paradise Valley is shaped by rock, earth, and weathered terrain. Bringing natural stone indoors creates a natural connection to that landscape without relying on obvious Southwestern motifs. The key is restraint. When the material has this much character, it doesn’t need much competition. A spectacular slab can speak for itself.

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If stone gives a room permanence, wood gives it warmth. That balance has become increasingly important in contemporary interiors, particularly in homes defined by expansive glass, stone surfaces and clean architectural lines. Rather than being reserved for flooring and furniture, wood is moving onto walls, ceilings, cabinetry and built-ins, becoming part of the architecture itself. Used this way, its grain, tone and texture can shape the atmosphere of an entire room. Walnut and oak remain favorites for their warmth and versatility, but today, the finish can be just as important as the species. Highly polished surfaces are giving way to matte, brushed, and natural treatments that allow the grain, knots, and subtle variations of the material to remain visible. Instead of disguising those differences, designers are embracing them. The result feels less manufactured, more tactile and distinctly individual. Scale also matters. A paneled wall can add depth without introducing another color or pattern, while a wood-clad ceiling can make an expansive room feel warmer and more intimate. In kitchens, visible-grain cabinetry offers a softer alternative to perfectly uniform painted finishes. Even smaller details, a floating shelf, sculptural table, or carefully framed doorway can introduce enough natural warmth to change the way a space feels.

There is also a growing appreciation for contrast. Wood becomes particularly compelling when placed beside materials with entirely different qualities: cool stone, smooth plaster, reflective metal or expansive panes of glass. The tension between hard and soft, polished and organic, gives an interior dimension. Rather than every surface competing for attention, each material makes the qualities of the others more apparent.

surrounding landscape. Warm walnut can bring richness to a pale interior, while lighter oak keeps a room airy without sacrificing texture. Wood also has something increasingly valued in luxury interiors: the ability to age gracefully. Sunlight can deepen its tone, use can soften its finish, and small variations become part of its story.Rather than remaining perfectly untouched, the material develops character alongside the home itself.

“Wood brings more than warmth to a room. Its grain, texture and natural variation give a space In Scottsdale, that contrast feels relevant. Contemporary The key is allowing wood to look and depth, character and a especially desert homes often rely on limestone, feel like wood. Grain doesn’t need to sense of permanence that concrete, plaster, and glass to create disappear beneath a flawless finish, architectural forms. Wood nor does every board need to look only becomes richer with strong provides a natural counterpoint, exactly like the next. Its variation is softening those harder surfaces while precisely what gives the material its time.” echoing the earthy palette of the character and the room its warmth.

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Metal works differently. Unlike stone or wood, it rarely needs to dominate a room to make an impact. A narrow bronze reveal around a fireplace, the frame of a glass door, sculptural cabinet hardware or the fittings on a bar can introduce just enough contrast to sharpen a space. Even in small doses, metal has a way of defining an edge, catching the light and giving surrounding materials greater presence.

antiqued finishes tend to feel softer and more architectural. Against natural stone, plaster or richly grained wood, metal provides a counterpoint a harder surface that can make organic materials feel even warmer by comparison.

blackened steel and brushed nickel can comfortably coexist, creating an interior that feels collected over time rather than ordered from a single showroom. The key is repetition and restraint. A bronze detail introduced in the kitchen might quietly reappear on a light fixture, stair railing or fireplace surround elsewhere in the home. Those subtle connections create continuity without making the design feel overly coordinated.

that gradual change can bring warmth, depth and individuality to a space.

“Metal brings contrast without demanding attention. Through subtle sheen, rich Some metals also become more patina and the way compelling with age. Brass, bronze and it ages, even the copper develop patina, allowing their surfaces to subtly evolve rather than smallest detail can add remain frozen in their original condition. depth, character and The old rule that every metal finish in Small variations in tone and finish a home should match has loosened become part of the material’s character. permanence to a space.” considerably. Bronze, aged brass, In a world of factory-perfect surfaces,

Finish matters just as much as the metal itself. Highly polished surfaces can bring a sharper, more glamorous quality, while brushed, burnished and

Perhaps that is what makes metal so effective in contemporary interiors. It can be structural or decorative, polished or imperfect, commanding or nearly invisible. Used thoughtfully, it does not compete with the materials around it; it gives them definition. Metal can also act as a visual bridge between materials that might otherwise feel unrelated. A slim brass edge can soften the transition between stone and cabinetry, while blackened steel can give pale woods or creamy plaster

a stronger sense of structure. These small intersections are often where a room feels most considered. Rather than treating metal as an accessory added at the end, designers are increasingly using it as part of the material language itself one more layer that helps the entire space feel connected. Sometimes, a little metal goes a long way.

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HOW COLOR AND TEXTURE INFLUENCE THE DESIGN OF MODERN APPLIANCES CREATING SWEET TREATS TO MATCH THE COLOR AND DESIGN INTERESTS CREATING THE SENSE OF MOTION THROUGH EFFECT AN UNIQUE DESIGN 113

Bringing The

Family Together DISCOVER MORE AT:

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Jay Klosterman shares how Monogram appliances is using texture, refined finishes and thoughtful integration to reshape the modern luxury kitchen. Today’s luxury kitchens are becoming warmer, more layered and more personal. As homeowners move beyond the uniform, all-white aesthetic, designers are embracing natural stone, richly grained woods, metals and tactile finishes to create spaces with greater depth, character and connection to the rest of the home. At Monogram, we believe the most successful kitchens are considered as a complete environment. Cabinetry, countertops, hardware, lighting and appliances all contribute to how a space looks, feels and functions. When these elements are selected together from the beginning, the result feels intentional rather than assembled. Mixing materials is an important part of that approach. A dramatic quartzite or marble can be balanced by the warmth of natural wood, while metal accents and tactile finishes add contrast and dimension. Increasingly, these choices also reflect a desire to bring the outdoors in, drawing on the colors, textures and organic qualities found in nature. In Arizona, where abundant sunlight and indoor-outdoor living shape the way homes are experienced, natural

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stone, warm woods and earthy finishes can create a meaningful connection between the kitchen, architecture and surrounding landscape. Material selection should also go beyond what looks beautiful today. Choosing materials for their inherent beauty, durability and character rather than simply following a trend can help create a kitchen that feels relevant for years to come.

With Monogram, designers have the flexibility to decide what should seamlessly integrate and what should make a statement. For example, panelready refrigerator and freezer columns can virtually disappear behind custom cabinetry, preserving the continuity of beautiful millwork. In contrast, a Monogram Professional Range can serve as an intentional focal point, bringing substantial materials and refined details into the design.

Appliances are an important part of this larger material conversation.

Monogram’s Statement and Minimalist Collections provide distinct design

Photographs courtesy of Monogram appliances Kitchen design by Richard Anuszkiewicz

/From the Expert

expressions, while the Designer Collection takes materiality even further through unexpected materials like Brass and Titanium and highly crafted details like leather-wrapped handles that transform appliances into design statements. Together, they give designers greater freedom to complement—or intentionally contrast— the surrounding material palette. Beyond aesthetics, the breadth of the Monogram portfolio also allows designers to think differently about where and how appliances are incorporated. Wine columns, refrigeration drawers and undercounter appliances can support dedicated entertaining spaces, bars and other lifestyle-driven areas, while professional cooking appliances create a

high-performance culinary experience at the heart of the kitchen. Ultimately, enduring luxury isn’ t defined by one trend, material or appliance. It comes from thoughtfully layering materials, craftsmanship and performance to create a kitchen that feels cohesive with the home, functions beautifully and is distinctly personal to the people who live there. From professional-grade performance to timeless design, discover how Monogram is redefining luxury living. Explore the complete collection at Monogram.com. Jay Klosterman, Director of Monogram Sales

“CHOOSING MATERIALS FOR THEIR INHERENT BEAUTY, DURABILITY AND CHARACTER CAN CREATE A KITCHEN THAT FEELS RELEVANT FOR YEARS TO COME.” - JAY KLOSTERMAN

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What began in a Paradise Valley kitchen is now landing on shelves across the country. Dupe Loops, the mini donut concept founded by Jordan and Jillian Darling, has officially entered national retail through a partnership with Heavenly Hunks, the Minnesota-based company known for its softbaked oatmeal cookie “hunks.” The launch marks Heavenly Hunks’ first move beyond cookies, bringing Dupe Loops to 212 Target stores across 16 states and online. For the Darlings, however, the story began on a much smaller scale and with a very personal problem to solve. Jordan Darling lives with celiac disease and allergies to dairy, soy, and nuts. Like many people navigating dietary restrictions, finding a donut he could actually eat often meant choosing between limited options or going without altogether. So he began experimenting in his own kitchen, developing a version that he and his family could enjoy together. “I created Dupe Loops for people like me, people who read every label in the aisle and often walk away with nothing,” Darling says. “Walking into a store and seeing a donut I can actually eat is the entire reason I started. Nobody should have to settle for a sad substitute.” FROM FOOD TRUCK TO FULL SCALE In 2023, Jordan and Jillian took the idea beyond their kitchen, launching a dedicated gluten-free food truck in the Scottsdale area serving yeast-raised, fried donuts. The response came quickly. For nearly a year, the truck regularly sold out in less than three hours.

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A NEW KIND OF LOOP The result is a naturally shelf-stable mini donut available in three playfully named varieties. The Babysitter™ pairs a vanilla donut with vanilla glaze and rainbow sprinkles; The Bruce™ finishes vanilla with chocolate frosting; and The Plain Wayne™ keeps things classic with Founders Casey Weber (left) and Jordan Darling (right), who joined forces to bring Dupe Loops to a national audience. vanilla glaze. Each comes Demand proved there was an audience in a 4-ounce package and is made without well beyond the truck window, but reaching gluten, dairy, nuts, soy, or artificial colors. it presented a challenge. A freshly fried donut designed for immediate enjoyment Dupe Loops products are also Certified is one thing; creating a product that could Gluten-Free, Certified Glyphosate-Free, retain its appeal while traveling through and non-GMO—a continuation of the national retail distribution was another. ingredient-conscious philosophy that first inspired the concept. Rather than simply adding more trucks, Darling partnered with Heavenly Hunks For Heavenly Hunks, bringing the brand founder and CEO Casey Webber to into its portfolio represents a significant rethink the concept for the grocery aisle. new chapter. Founded in 2013 from a The collaboration combined Dupe Loops’ family recipe, the company has grown into original mission and local following with a nationally distributed snack business Heavenly Hunks’ experience in recipe carried in approximately 16,000 retail development, manufacturing, and national locations and producing millions of distribution. cookies each day. Dupe Loops gives that infrastructure a new purpose. The relationship itself predates the product. Webber and Darling first met in 2021 “This is an exciting next chapter for through a mutual friend at a motorsports Heavenly Hunks,” Webber says. “Over the club in Arizona. Their friendship eventually past 13 years, we have built a brand that evolved into a business partnership built families trust, a product people genuinely around a shared belief that food made love, and the capabilities required to serve for people with dietary restrictions should customers across the country.” still deliver on the part that matters most: actually tasting good. Webber’s connection to the concept is personal as well. A self-taught recipe “Jordan created something special developer, he spent years adapting because it came from a real need within the Heavenly Hunks family recipe so his own family,” Webber says. “That more people—including members of authenticity is also at the heart of Heavenly his own family with dietary restrictions— Hunks. Our role was to protect what made could enjoy it. That experience helped Dupe Loops meaningful while building establish common ground between the a product and operation capable of two founders: accessibility should never reaching customers on a national scale.” require sacrificing the experience that

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made someone want the food in the first place. SCOTTSDALE, TO GO There is something fitting about a concept born in Paradise Valley, tested through a Scottsdale-area food truck, and now positioned for a national audience. Dupe Loops may look considerably different from its earliest days, but its reason for existing remains largely unchanged. The scale is simply bigger. What was once a donut handed through a food-truck window can now be discovered during an ordinary Target run hundreds of miles away. For consumers accustomed to scrutinizing every ingredient label, that visibility carries significance beyond convenience. It means being included in a category where the answer has too often been no. For Heavenly Hunks, the launch also demonstrates what can happen when a small founder-led idea meets an established operation without losing the story that made the idea compelling in the first place. And for Dupe Loops, the journey from home kitchen to food truck to national retailer offers its own rather sweet reminder: sometimes thinking bigger starts with making something small enough for everyone to enjoy.

Dupe Loops are now available at select Target stores across 16 states and online, with The Babysitter™, The Bruce™ and The Plain Wayne™ offered in 4-ounce packages.

Dupe Loops, made for the sweet life. All imagery courtesy of Heavenly Hunks.

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/Kitchen Innovation

fluid FORM

Febal Casa Scottsdale introduces ONDA, a striking collaboration with Zaha Hadid Architects that brings fluid glass, Italian craftsmanship, and everyday function into the modern home. The kitchen has evolved far beyond a place reserved for cooking. In today’s home, it is often where mornings begin, guests gather, and evenings unfold. As kitchens become increasingly connected to dining and living spaces, the elements within them are being asked to do more than function, they are becoming part of the architecture itself.

Champagne Onda, and Metal Iridio Onda, allowing the effect to shift from understated to dramatic.

At Febal Casa Scottsdale, that evolution takes shape with ONDA, a new collection created in collaboration with Zaha Hadid Architects. Inspired by the gentle movement of the Adriatic Sea, the collection transforms one of the kitchen’s most familiar features— the island—through rippled fused glass, fluid lines, and highly customizable Italian design.

“ONDA is the kind of collection that makes people stop and look twice,” Banica said. “It has this beautiful sense of movement, but it is also designed to be lived with. It is not art sitting in the corner of a room. It is

For Bogdan “Bobby” Banica, owner of Febal Casa Scottsdale, it is the relationship between visual impact and everyday usability that distinguishes the collection.

“What we love about this project is realizing the dream which designers and artists had for a long time: to recreate the subtle beauty of nature,” said Patrik Schumacher, principal at Zaha Hadid Architects. That inspiration is most visible across ONDA’s back-painted fused-glass surfaces. Rather than the flat planes traditionally associated with cabinetry, the glass rises and falls in subtle waves, creating a metallic, dimensional surface that changes as light travels across it. Finish options include Metal Onda, Metal Bronze Onda, Metal

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a functional part of the home that changes the way a space feels.”

and cooking functions expected from a hardworking kitchen.

And it is very much a working kitchen.Available in lengths ranging from approximately 71 to 142 inches, the freestanding island can be configured with a cooktop, integrated hood, sink, drawers, and pull-out storage. An aluminum frame, offered in black or champagne, gives structure to the sculptural glass, while customizable worktops, side panels and base finishes allow the piece to be tailored to its surroundings.

The material also lends itself naturally to light something Scottsdale homes often have in abundance. As sunlight moves through a space, the ridges of the fused glass create changing highlights and shadows across the surface, allowing the island to take on a subtly different character from morning to evening.

A coordinating sideboard extends the same visual language beyond the kitchen. Fusedglass doors are paired with an aluminum frame, clear glass shelving and slender metal supports, creating a lighter interpretation of ONDA that can transition naturally into dining and living spaces. That continuity is increasingly important as the boundaries between rooms become less defined. “People are moving away from the idea that the kitchen has to look like a separate zone,” Banica said. “They want it to connect naturally to the living space, especially when they entertain. ONDA gives designers a way to create that continuity, with something that feels very special without losing the practical side of how a home needs to function.” DESIGNED FOR SCOTTSDALE That philosophy feels particularly suited to Scottsdale, where entertaining and openplan living frequently influence residential design. A kitchen island can be visible from the living room, dining area, and outdoor entertaining spaces, making its appearance almost as important as its utility. ONDA offers an alternative to relying solely on dramatic stone or conventional cabinetry for impact. Its dimensional glass gives the island the presence of a sculptural object while preserving the storage, preparation,

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A NEW WAVE OF KITCHEN DESIGN ONDA reflects a larger direction taking shape in luxury interiors: a growing interest in texture, dimensional surfaces and statement-making functional pieces. Instead of reserving expressive design for artwork and accessories, architectural elements themselves are increasingly becoming the statement. Glass is central to achieving that effect here. According to Emanuel Colombini, president and chief design officer of Colombini Group, skilled craftsmanship and specialized glass-shaping techniques helped translate the ambitious concept into a collection intended for real homes. The combination of customization and continuity also aligns with Febal Casa Scottsdale’s “total living” approach, which considers kitchens, bathrooms, closets and living areas as parts of a connected interior rather than unrelated projects. Materials, storage, lighting, and scale can therefore be considered across the home as a whole. For Scottsdale homeowners planning a new build or renovation, ONDA presents an opportunity to reconsider what the kitchen’s centerpiece can be. Rather than simply selecting another cabinet finish, the collection introduces texture and movement in a way that can establish the character of the surrounding interior. “Collaborations like this show what is possible when design, engineering, and

craftsmanship come together,” Banica said. “ONDA gives clients room to make a bold choice and still make it their own.” In a city where the kitchen is often as much about entertaining as preparing a meal, that balance makes sense. ONDA doesn’t ask homeowners to choose between sculpture and function. It makes the case that the most compelling kitchens can have both. To learn more about ONDA and Febal Casa Scottsdale, visit www.febalcasa.com/en/ onda-zha.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF FEBAL CASA

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SEE HOW AN IDEA TAKES SHAPE THROUGH COMPOSITION, TECHNIQUE, AND THE CHOICE OF MEDIUM. EXPLORE THE DECISIONS BEHIND COMPELLING ARTWORK AND HOW ARTISTS USE FAMILIAR MATERIALS IN UNEXPECTED WAYS TO CREATE DEPTH, EMOTION, AND A PERSONAL CONNECTION. 127

Scottsdale’s Finest;

Galleries & Artists DISCOVER MORE AT:

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Artist Palmer Saylor III reflects on Europe’s centuries of architectural and artistic history and makes the case for Phoenix to create a legacy of its own, one shaped by the desert, informed by its past, and designed with the future in mind. America is relatively new in the grand scheme of things, especially when compared with Europe. I found myself thinking about that contrast more than usual during recent travels through Austria, Germany, Slovenia and Italy. In America, history can sometimes feel like a backdrop, something we preserve, commemorate or visit. In Europe, time feels less linear. History isn’t simply preserved; it is built upon, lived in and incorporated into everyday life. As with many of my travels through Europe, I was fascinated by how visibly that history unfolds from one place to the next. Borders, wars, religion, economics, agriculture, migration and necessity have all left their marks. They appear not only across the landscape but in the character of the cities themselves. Artistic and architectural movements are layered one upon another. Vaults and buttresses, once necessary to hold massive structures upright, became beautiful architectural elements that continue to influence design. Baroque, Gothic and classical influences can appear across a

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single city and, at times, on the same façade. Centuries-old cathedrals still rise above the streets, defying gravity and inspiring the same sense of awe they were designed to create. Architecture also tells stories beyond style. Old geopolitical boundaries remain visible in buildings and streets. Socioeconomic d i v i s i o n s c a n b e t ra c e d t h ro u g h neighborhoods, while centuries of cultural evolution appear in art, music, literature, cuisine and the way people occupy public spaces. I found myself lingering in those spaces, from the grand plazas of Vienna to the piazzas and squares farther south. In Vienna, it is impossible not to notice the pride surrounding the city’s artistic, architectural and musical heritage. And why shouldn’t there be? Vienna can lay claim to artists such as Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt and composers including Mozart and Strauss. Its cultural history isn’t simply placed behind glass or commemorated with street names. It remains part of the city’s identity. Then there is Munich. After the destruction of World War II, much of the city faced

a choice about what would come next. Rather than treating every damaged building as obsolete and replacing it with whatever happened to be fashionable, portions of Munich were reconstructed with careful attention to their historic character. Surviving plans, photographs and records helped restore parts of an architectural identity that war had nearly erased. The result raises an important question about progress. New does not automatically mean better, just as preserving something old does not automatically make it valuable. What matters is understanding what gives a place its character before deciding what should replace it. Phoenix, by comparison, can sometimes feel more economically driven, with homage to the past treated as an afterthought or packaged and sold back to us through nostalgia. This isn’t meant as criticism for criticism’s sake. It is a constructive observation worth considering as the Valley continues to grow at remarkable speed. If we tear down something with character, replace it with something new, call it progress and then spend the next 20 years

/From the Expert Public art, architecture, landscaping and civic spaces can respond to the desert while creating a recognizable visual language. We need more ambitious projects that contribute to the identity of the city, not isolated gestures that disappear after a block or two. There is also value in allowing different eras to coexist. A mid-century building does not need to become a museum to deserve consideration, just as a new development does not need to imitate the past to respect it. Some of the world’s most compelling cities work precisely because generations remain visible beside one another. The contrast becomes part of the story.

Image Captued by Palmer Saylor III

wondering why a place feels anonymous, perhaps we need to reconsider how we define progress. Too often, the question becomes whether redevelopment is profitable rather than whether it is necessary or what might be lost in the process. I’m not suggesting Phoenix should become Vienna, Munich or Florence. We shouldn’t pretend the desert is Europe. Our extraordinary landscape, intense summers and distinct way of life demand an architecture of our own. That is precisely the point. The lesson I brought home wasn’t that Phoenix needs to look or feel more European. It was that Phoenix needs to look more like Phoenix. That requires greater confidence in our identity, greater recognition of what came before us and

a willingness to create places that future generations will feel inspired to preserve. We already have the beginnings of that identity. The Sonoran Desert provides a landscape unlike anywhere else. Midcentury modernism has left an architectural imprint across the Valley. Paolo Soleri challenged conventional ideas about architecture and urban life. Artists such as Ed Mell translated the scale, color and mythology of the West into a visual language of their own. Native and Southwestern traditions reach much further back, while generations of artists, architects, musicians and makers continue to shape the region today. Those influences shouldn’t exist only as references to the past. They can become ingredients for what Phoenix builds next.

Phoenix is still writing that story. In some ways, our relative youth is an advantage. We have an opportunity to decide what kind of city we want to leave behind while much of its identity is still being formed. Growth and preservation do not have to be opposing ideas. The challenge is knowing what deserves to remain and demanding more from what takes its place. What we need is to weave our influences into something distinctly our own: a lasting expression of the desert, its culture and its way of life. The goal shouldn’t be to manufacture history or borrow someone else’s aesthetic. It should be to create architecture, art and public spaces with enough character that decades from now, someone will look at them and immediately know where they are. Perhaps Phoenix’s next great architectural, artistic and cultural chapter begins when we decide this city is worth giving one.

palmerandcompanyart.com

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With charcoal, scale, and a willingness to embrace the mess, Scottsdale artist Josh Hernandez is turning an ancient medium into a distinctly modern practice. INTERVIEWED BY PALMER SAYLOR III PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MAD CHARCOAL

Charcoal is anything but a forgiving material. It smears. It creates dust. A finger dragged across the wrong place can obliterate what took hours to create. Traditionally, charcoal drawings have often been treated as works that need protection behind glass. For Josh Hernandez, those aren’t drawbacks. They’re part of the attraction. “You can create an incredibly delicate face with it and then destroy the entire thing with your hand in one second,” Hernandez says. “There’s something symbolic about that. Creation and destruction existing in the same material.” Hernandez, better known as Mad Charcoal, has made a career out of exploring that contradiction. The 31-year-old Los Angeles native and Arizona State University graduate works primarily in charcoal on raw canvas, creating large, emotionally charged pieces that move among portraiture, Western imagery and biblical subjects. His style mixes realism with abstraction, often allowing faces and figures to emerge from—or disappear into—smears, scratches, erasures, and seemingly uncontrolled marks. Now he has planted that work firmly in Scottsdale.

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/Artist Spotlight

IN HIS ELEMENT Josh Hernandez works directly on the floor, bringing charcoal to life through movement, instinct and a hands-on approach that makes the creative process as compelling as the finished piece.

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INSIDE MAD CHARCOAL Inside the Old Town Scottsdale gallery, Josh Hernandez’s expressive works transform crisp white walls into a study of contrast, scale and the possibilities of charcoal.

His recently opened Mad Charcoal Art Gallery at 7056 E. Main St. in Old Town is a permanent home for his work and an opportunity for an artist who built much of his following digitally to give people something a phone can’t reproduce: scale, texture, and physical presence. “My goal wasn’t to open a traditional gallery where art simply hangs on white walls,” he says. “I wanted to build the physical world of Mad Charcoal.” That means allowing someone who may have followed Hernandez online for years to finally stand a few feet away from a sixfoot charcoal work. “When you get close, you see scratches, fingerprints, dust, erased marks and places

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where the image nearly falls apart,” he says. “That physicality matters to me.” THE KID WHO DREW As he grew up in Los Angeles, he was the kid who was always drawing. He eventually studied graphic design at ASU and worked professionally in design before art gradually reclaimed more of his life. His formal education wasn’t in fine art; much of his artistic development came through making work, studying artists, experimenting, and failing.

expressive it could be and continued working with it while working as a graphic designer. Another problem: Hernandez wanted to work big and on raw canvas, but loose charcoal is notoriously vulnerable to smudging.

Charcoal changed the trajectory.

He spent years experimenting with varnishes and finishes before developing a method of sealing charcoal on canvas, allowing the finished work to be displayed without glass. That opened the door to treating charcoal less like a preparatory drawing and more like a finished contemporary painting.

Hernandez has said he began seriously exploring the medium while taking lifedrawing classes. He was attracted to how

“One of the biggest early obstacles was convincing people that charcoal could be more than sketches or studies,” Hernandez

says. “There is still sometimes an assumption that a charcoal work should be smaller, behind glass and secondary to a painting.” He pushes in precisely the opposite direction. He works large. He throws charcoal. He erases. He smears. He deliberately destroys passages and rebuilds them. The limitations of a monochromatic medium force him to create drama through light, shadow, form, and contrast rather than color. “The thing I’m chasing is not necessarily technical perfection,” he says. “It’s presence.” FAITH, FAMILY AND THE DESERT For all the darkness and existential weight in his work, Hernandez describes his life away from the studio in much simpler terms. “I’m a husband and a dad before anything else.” He and his wife have three young children, and Hernandez says fatherhood changed how he thinks about ambition, time, and success. Family, he says, provides a counterweight to the intensity of the studio. Faith runs even deeper through the work. His biblical pieces explore Christ, sacrifice, suffering, doubt, redemption, death, and resurrection. Hernandez says he wants to bring Christian imagery into contemporary culture in a way that feels relevant rather than merely decorative. Arizona has become another influence. “There’s an emptiness and severity to the desert that I relate to,” he says. “The landscape is beautiful, but it doesn’t feel soft. There’s heat, distance, space, Western history, and this incredible contrast between civilization and nothingness.”

“That fits charcoal really well.”

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That connection helps explain the horses and Western subjects increasingly appearing alongside faces and religious imagery in his work.

Experience the Mad Charcoal Gallery Grand Opening & Live Exhibition on Thursday, November 5, from 6–9 PM. Enjoy live music, complimentary drinks and a firsthand look at the latest works on display. Connect with fellow art lovers, experience Josh Hernandez’s creative process in real time and help celebrate this exciting new chapter for Mad Charcoal Gallery.

And Scottsdale, with its established collector base, tourism, Western heritage, and contemporar y culture, offered Hernandez a place where his digital world could become physical. FROM CAVE WALLS TO PHONE SCREENS Mad Charcoal is a distinctly modern business. Hernandez began posting his art and process online in 2020. Today, his own site reports an audience of more than 9 million followers, while his CV says his work has accumulated billions of views across social platforms. His work has been shown and collected internationally and is represented by galleries in Scottsdale, New York. and Atlanta. Yet Hernandez is wary of confusing popularity with artistic merit. “You can build enormous reach online and still make forgettable art,” he says. “The goal for me is to use the reach without becoming controlled by it.” Perhaps that is the most interesting contradiction surrounding Mad Charcoal. Hernandez is using a material little removed from what humans used to make some of their earliest images, then showing the process instantaneously to millions of people around the world. “The technology has completely changed,” he says. “The impulse to make marks hasn’t.” And in an Old Town gallery filled with charcoal dust, fingerprints, erasures and imperfect marks, that ancient impulse suddenly looks very contemporary.

THE ARTIST’S EYE Josh Hernandez moves through Mad Charcoal Gallery, where his largescale works turn the space into an immersive expression of his distinctive approach to charcoal.

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B o n n e r

D a v i d

Galleries

Scottsdale | New York

QUIM BOVÉ

BON APPÉTIT, MEDITERRANEAN STYLE With a playful bite and effortless charm, model Terra Meyer leans into the indulgence of Mediterranean dining at NOOR — serving summer glamour in the Pink Peony Sundress ($185) paired with Edmar Fine Jewelry, where bold flavor meets polished elegance.

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L E V I TAT I O N S NOV. 5 - DEC. 19, 2026

“Blue Zenith” | pure pigments & resin on canvas | 75” x 67”

7040 East Main Street | art@bonnerdavid.com | bonnerdavid.com | 480.941.8500

E X H I B I T I O N C A L E N DA R 2 0 2 6 - 2 0 2 7 | S C OT T S DA L E

Hunt Slonem

Gary Ernest Smith

Quim Bové

Kevin Box

SEPT. 10 - OCT. 31

OCT. 8 - NOV. 7

NOV. 5 - DEC. 19

DEC. 3 | ARTIST DEBUT

Jane Jones

Max Hammond + John Schieffer

Modern West Round Up 2

Romona Youngquist

DEC. 10 - JAN. 2

JAN. 8 - FEB. 20

JAN. 14 - FEB. 6

FEB. 11 - MAR. 12

Holly Wilson

Michael Carson

Scottsdale Art Week

Ron Hicks

MAR. 4 | NATIVE SPIRIT

MAR. 4 - APR. 3

MAR. 18-21 | AT WESTWORLD

APR. 8 - MAY 1

Francis Livingston

Nathan Fischer

Summer Group Show

APR. 15 - MAY 29

MAY 8 - JUNE 19

JULY 2027

Kevin Box Claudia Hartley Gabriele König Robert LaDuke Francis Livingston Jens Lorenzen Gary Ernest Smith

Scan to visit our website

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EXPERIENCE THE DESIGN AND SPIRIT THAT MAKE SCOTTSDALE UNMISTAKABLE. THROUGH DESERT SETTINGS, INVITING SPACES, ART, FOOD, AND OPPORTUNITIES TO TAKE PART, DISCOVER A DESTINATION WHOSE CHARACTER COMES ALIVE IN WHAT YOU DO AS MUCH AS WHAT YOU SEE

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Scottdale’s Ultimate

Travel & Destination Guide DISCOVER MORE AT:

ScottsdaleVisitors Visitors.com

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From country and rock to reggae and iconic tributes, R Entertainment turns the cooler season into one worth hearing live, bringing an eclectic lineup of artists, performances and unforgettable nights to stages both in and out of state. Cooler weather brings more reasons to get out, and Scottsdale-based R Entertainment has been helping fill the calendar for decades. The company books performers, produces concerts and special events, and manages venues. Its fall lineup offers everything from country favorites and alternative rock to reggae and tribute productions, with opportunities for an evening near Scottsdale or an Arizona getaway built around a show. OCTOBER 2026 October 24 — Ashanti | Soboba The Grammy-winning R&B star brings her signature mix of early-2000s hits, smooth vocals and undeniable nostalgia to Soboba. Soboba Casino Resort October 24 — UB40 | Morongo The legendary British reggae group brings decades of feel-good hits and its unmistakable island-infused sound to Morongo. Ticketmaster US October 30 — UB40 | We-Ko-Pa UB40 brings The Unstoppable Tour 2026 to Arizona for a night of classic reggae favorites and globally recognized hits. WeKoPa Casino Resort NOVEMBER 2026 November 2 — Inner Wave | Orpheum Theater, Flagstaff Indie favorites Inner Wave bring their dreamy, genreblending sound to Flagstaff’s historic Orpheum Theater. Orpheum Flagstaff

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/From the Expert November 7 — Clay Walker | Buffalo Run Country mainstay Clay Walker takes the stage with more than three decades of hits, heartfelt storytelling and honky-tonk energy. Buffalo Run Hotel & Casino November 7 — Collin Raye | Twin Arrows Country hitmaker Collin Raye brings his soulful vocals and catalog of beloved ’90s favorites to Twin Arrows. Bandsintown

distinctive baritone and contemporary take on traditional country to Soboba. Soboba Casino Resort November 21 — Stone Temple Pilots | Morongo Stone Temple Pilots bring the unmistakable sound and hard-edged energy of alternative rock to Morongo. Ticketmaster US DECEMBER 2026

November 7 — Los Rieleros del Norte | BlueWater The Grammy-nominated group brings its signature norteño-sax sound and decades of Regional Mexican favorites to BlueWater. Blue Water Resort & Casino

December 4 — Marlon Wayans | Soboba Actor and comedian Marlon Wayans takes the stage for an evening of sharp, high-energy stand-up comedy. Soboba Casino Resort

November 7 — The Isley Brothers | Morongo The legendary Isley Brothers bring generations of R&B, soul and funk to the stage for a night steeped in musical history. Ticketmaster US

December 11 — Lonestar | We-Ko-Pa Country favorites Lonestar bring a catalog of chart-topping hits and enduring sing-alongs to We-Ko-Pa. WeKoPa Casino Resort

November 7 — Melissa Etheridge | The Banner Ball Private Event Rock icon Melissa Etheridge brings her unmistakable voice and deeply personal songwriting to an exclusive private performance.

December 12 — Donnell Rawlings | Soboba Lounge Comedian and actor Donnell Rawlings brings his unfiltered humor and quickwitted storytelling to an intimate night at Soboba Lounge.

November 20 — Taylor Dayne | Soboba Pop powerhouse Taylor Dayne delivers the soaring vocals, dance-floor energy and nostalgic hits that made her an ’80s and ’90s favorite.

December 12 — Morgan Wallen & Post Malone Tributes | MLS NEXT, Arizona Athletic Grounds A high-energy tribute brings the sounds of two of today’s biggest music stars to MLS NEXT at Arizona Athletic Grounds.

November 21 — Elijah Scott | Jefferson Theatre, Beaumont Country-Americana singer-songwriter Elijah Scott blends heartfelt storytelling with touches of rhythm and soul on his Fall 2026 Tour. Downtown Beaumont

December 16 — Matteo Bocelli | Cullen Theater, Houston Matteo Bocelli brings his contemporary take on classical-pop crossover to Houston’s Cullen Theater for an elegant night of live music. Matteo Bocelli

November 21 — Scotty McCreery | Soboba Country star Scotty McCreery brings his

December 18 — Dolly: The Legacy Tour featuring Rhonda Medina | BlueWater

Rhonda Medina celebrates Dolly Parton with dazzling costumes, powerhouse vocals and the wit and sparkle of the country icon. Blue Water Resort & Casino December 19 — Matteo Bocelli | McAllen Performing Arts Center Matteo Bocelli continues his Texas run with an evening showcasing his distinctive blend of classical influence and contemporary pop. Matteo Bocelli December 19 — Gary Puckett’s Christmas | Twin Arrows Gary Puckett brings his signature voice to a festive performance blending classic favorites with the spirit of the holiday season. December 19 — WAR | Soboba The legendary band behind an enduring fusion of funk, soul, rock and Latin influences brings its unmistakable sound to Soboba. Soboba Casino Resort December 30–31 — Urban Cowboy VIP Event | Twin Arrows Twin Arrows closes out the year with an Urban Cowboy-inspired VIP celebration designed to carry the party into New Year’s Eve. About R Entertainment R Entertainment is an experiential marketing and content development company, producing 300 show dates a year. In its 24th year, the company also celebrates 14 years managing Pepsi Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill Coconino County Park; produces music and culinary events such as the 10-city Martha Stewart Wine & Food Experience; Celebrity Wine & Spirits; Great Life Festivals; PGA WM Phoenix Open; Scottsdale 4th of July Celebration at WestWorld; and others. R Entertainment is talent booker for numerous Native American casinos and provides a range of services for venues. and events. Visit R-Entertainment.com

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The legendary Parisian Maison brings more than a century of jewelry savoir-faire to Scottsdale Fashion Square, unveiling a new boutique where High Jewelry, iconic collections, and exceptional craftsmanship come together.

cottsdale has a new jewel in its crown. Van Cleef & Arpels has officially opened its newest boutique at Scottsdale Fashion Square, bringing the Parisian Maison’s world of High Jewelry, jewelry and watchmaking to the heart of the city. Located at 7014 E. Camelback Road, the 4,251-squarefoot boutique marks a significant addition to Scottsdale’s luxury landscape. More than simply a place to discover jewelry, the space has been conceived as an immersive introduction to the Maison—a world where

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craftsmanship, precious materials, and storytelling have been intertwined since Van Cleef & Arpels was founded at 22 Place Vendôme in Paris in 1906. “Scottsdale’s unique blend of cultured society, creative spirit, and discerning clientele perfectly aligns with the Maison’s values of artistry, enduring beauty, and lyrical craftsmanship,” says Helen King, President & CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels, Americas. “This new boutique is a sanctuary where our clients can immerse themselves in the beauty and heritage that defines Van Cleef & Arpels.”

Van Cleef & Arpels, photographed by Brigitte Niedermair under the art direction of Carine Roitfeld. Courtesy of Van Cleef & Arpels.

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DESIGNED TO ENCHANT That sense of discovery begins before stepping through the door. The boutique’s façade combines three-dimensional ceramic diamonds with a softly graduated beige panel, creating an interplay of texture, dimension and light. Illuminated display windows offer glimpses of the creations within while introducing the sense of poetry that has long defined the Maison. Inside, the experience becomes more intimate. Precious materials, custom furnishings and carefully considered d e c o rat i ve d eta i l s c reate a wa r m environment, while graceful chandeliers illuminate jewelry displays throughout the space. A sequence of private rooms, including the Poetic Salon, allows clients to explore the collections in settings designed to feel both elevated and personal. It is an approach particularly suited to Van Cleef & Arpels, where the environment surrounding a jewel has always been part of its story. ICONS, REIMAGINED Among the collections arriving in Scottsdale

are some of the Maison’s most recognizable signatures, including Alhambra, Perlée and Frivole, alongside High Jewelry and a selection of extraordinary creations. The boutique offers an opportunity to explore how those signatures have evolved across generations. The Perlée collection, introduced in 2008, draws upon the golden beads that have appeared in Van Cleef & Arpels creations since the 1940s. Rendered in yellow, rose and white gold—and paired with diamonds, precious stones and ornamental materials—the rounded forms bring a graphic rhythm to jewelry and watchmaking pieces. The Alhambra universe similarly continues to evolve. Its distinctive motif appears across jewelry and timepieces, balancing recognizable design codes with intricate craftsmanship. In creations such as the Sweet Alhambra watch, guilloché white gold, chalcedony and diamonds meet within the Maison’s signature beaded setting. Diamonds take on a different character in Snowflake, inspired by a flocon motif introduced by the Maison in the 1940s. White gold and diamonds form luminous

compositions that transform the geometry of a snowflake into jewelry designed to capture and reflect light. TIME, TOLD DIFFERENTLY Van Cleef & Arpels’ fascination with storytelling extends beyond jewelry and into watchmaking. Its Poetic Complications creations combine mechanical expertise, precious materials and métiers d’art to turn the dial into a miniature stage. The Lady Arpels Bal des Amoureux Automate watch continues the romantic narrative first explored by the Maison’s Pont des Amoureux collection. This time, two lovers meet beneath festive lanterns at a Parisian guinguette, moving toward one another for a kiss. The technical complexity remains remarkable, but the mechanics serve something more emotional: a story told through movement. Nature and the cosmos provide further inspiration. Zodiac creations, a theme present within the Maison since the 1950s, interpret constellations through sculptural gold medals and richly colored ornamental stones. Flowers, another enduring source of inspiration, appear throughout the Vintage Alhambra Bracelet, Five Motifs. Courtesy of Van Cleef & Arpels.

Vintage Alhambra Bracelet, Five Motifs. Courtesy of Van Cleef & Arpels.

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“

This new boutique is a sanctuary where our clients can immerse themselves in the beauty and heritage that defines Van Cleef & Arpels. - Helen King, President & CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels, Americas

specialized savoir-faire and an enduring willingness to turn technical ingenuity into something seemingly effortless. That sense of effortlessness is, of course, the result of extraordinary precision. Behind every polished surface, articulated element and carefully positioned stone are layers of craftsmanship designed to disappear into the finished piece. The technique may be complex, but the final creation is intended to feel graceful and intuitive—a balance between technical mastery and the lightness, movement and poetry that have long characterized the Maison.

”

THE ART OF THE MAISON

Now, that universe has a new home in Scottsdale.

The Rose de Noël collection, devoted to the Christmas rose since the 1970s, pairs diamonds with materials such as motherof-pearl and carnelian, turning petals into dimensional compositions of color and light.

Behind the beauty lies a century-long devotion to technique. Van Cleef & Arpels was established following the marriage of Alfred Van Cleef and Estelle Arpels, both from families of jewelry merchants. From its beginnings at Place Vendôme, the Maison developed a creative vocabulary shaped by recurring inspirations: love, nature, couture and dance. Those ideas have produced signatures ranging from the Mystery Set technique and the Minaudière to the transformative Zip necklace and instantly recognizable Alhambra motif. Yet the thread connecting them is less about any single design than the philosophy behind it—precious stones selected with exacting standards, highly

Alhambra creations to intricate timepieces and High Jewelry, the evening offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse into a world

It is also what allows Van Cleef & Arpels to continually revisit its own history without becoming defined by it. Motifs conceived decades ago are reinterpreted through new stones, proportions and techniques, while recurring inspirations are given fresh expression from one generation to the next. The result is a design language that remains recognizable while continuing to evolve—rooted in heritage, but never frozen in time.

collections in forms ranging from figurative to abstract.

details that define the Maison. From iconic

shaped by more than a century of Parisian savoir-faire. Step inside with @ATScottsdale as we take you behind the scenes of the opening and discover Van Cleef & Arpels’ new home at Scottsdale Fashion Square. Lady Arpels Pont Des Amoureux Aube Watch. Courtesy of Van Cleef & Arpels.

For a city increasingly defined by the intersection of art, architecture, fashion and luxury, the arrival feels particularly fitting. Behind the boutique’s luminous façade lies more than a collection of extraordinary objects. It is an invitation into a world built around craftsmanship, imagination and the enduring idea that the most memorable jewelry can be as poetic as it is precious. Behind its luminous façade lies more than a collection of extraordinary objects. @Scottsdale was invited inside for the opening of Van Cleef & Arpels’ newest boutique, offering a closer look at the craftsmanship, artistry and extraordinary

Lucky Animals Owl Clip. Courtesy of Van Cleef & Arpels.

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digital experiences and campaigns involving

while offering photographers, brands and

photography, video and storytelling for clients

entrepreneurs a space to do the same. Her

including Google, Starbucks, Hyatt and David

parents helped fund the buildout, and her

Yurman. Depending on the project, she might be

father took on much of the construction himself.

producing, styling, directing or photographing.

Accepting their help was not easy, she says,

Eventually, she noticed her favorite days were

particularly while rebuilding her income and

the ones spent on set.

establishing two businesses. But she had a room she could shape from the ground up—and a

Then she was laid off.

clear vision for what it might become.

Carden had already begun developing The

“I had the space; I had a vision for what it could

Socially Awkward Agency, her own branding and

become; and I had people who believed in it

creative business, but was still finding her footing

enough to help me make it happen,” she says.

as a self-employed mother of three teenagers.

“So I went for it.”

Around the same time, her sister-in-law, Dr. Kristina Carden’s father had never built a

Stephanie Mastores, offered her an unfinished

cyclorama wall. Neither had she. But when

room in the building that houses Mastores’

Carden described the seamless curved

optometry practice.

backdrop she wanted for her photography

A BLANK SLATE Carden wanted Socialight to feel chic: clean, airy and polished, yet practical enough for the

studio, he figured out how to build one—and

Carden immediately knew what she wanted to

movement and mess of a working shoot. She

did it by hand.

do with it.

knew rental studios built around natural light and

The wall now anchors The Socialight Studio,

“I want to own a photography studio,” she told

could sometimes feel intimidating. She imagined

a roughly 690-square-foot creative space in

her sister-in-law.

something between the two—a space with an

neutral interiors, while more traditional studios

Phoenix. For Carden, it is both a working tool

editorial sensibility and professional tools that

and a reminder of how the business began: with

The idea brought together interests that began

an unfinished room, an unexpected opportunity

long before her agency career. Growing up in

and a family willing to help her take a chance.

the Valley, Carden worked on her high school

“There’s a feeling I get walking into a clean,

newspaper and loved arranging its pages. She

open studio that’s hard to describe,” she says.

“There’s something really special about knowing

studied lifestyle magazines just as closely, drawn

“It’s a blank slate where you can create whatever

that one of the biggest features of the studio

to photography, typography, color and product

you want.”

exists because my dad literally built it for me,”

styling. After earning a visual communication

she says.

degree from Northern Arizona University, she

The room’s size made flexibility essential. Carden

worked in digital design and at The Arizona

put wheels on much of the furniture so sets could

Republic before joining Mindspace.

be rearranged quickly. Cabinets hold lighting

Carden spent 20 years at Mindspace, a design agency where she rose from graphic designer to creative director. Her work included

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encouraged experimentation.

equipment, modifiers and accessories, while A studio would give Carden a place to create

photographers can choose from more than 10

BEHIND THE FRAME Kristina Carden’s The Socialight Studio has shaped countless creative visions— including @Scottsdale’s own covers and editorials. Images captured by Lauren Jaqua.

paper backdrop colors, fabric backdrops, drapery,

looks without the expense or logistics of moving

expand its workshops and educational offerings

color gels, acrylic panels and a fog machine. A

between locations. Socialight allows teams to

so photographers can practice techniques,

shift in lighting, backdrop and furniture can turn

change the environment within one visit while

test equipment and make mistakes without the

one room into several entirely different sets.

keeping the work visually connected.

pressure of a client shoot.

Initially, Carden kept the studio nearly empty so

“The goal isn’t just to leave with more content,”

That next chapter is already personal. Carden’s

it could transform for different productions and

Carden says. “It’s to leave with better, more

oldest daughter began photographing friends

events. After the first year, however, she realized

intentional, more unique content.”

in high school and went on to establish her own

that complete emptiness did not always give

business, Quincy W. Photo. Now she is developing

photographers what they needed. She began

That need connects Socialight closely to

her career alongside her mother’s—another

introducing furniture and visual elements that

Scottsdale, even though the studio is in Phoenix.

creative path emerging from the family that

could offer a starting point without dictating the

Carden sees photographers and entrepreneurs

helped build Socialight in the first place.

final image.

working across beauty, wellness, fashion, fitness and hospitality as a natural fit. A salon owner

“There is so much creative talent here in

“I’ve learned that a creative space can still be

or esthetician, for example, may need portraits,

the Valley,” Carden says, “and I would love

flexible without being completely blank,” she says.

service imagery, short-form video and material

for Socialight to become a hub where those

for an ongoing social presence. The studio’s

creators can come together, feed off each other,

Much of what fills Socialight was bought

lighting, backdrops and movable furnishings

experiment, and push one another creatively.”

secondhand, discovered at auction, thrifted

make it possible to create those different looks

or made by hand. Collecting pieces gradually

without mounting a large production.

helped Carden stretch each dollar while giving

Perhaps that is why the cyclorama wall remains such an appropriate centerpiece. Built by

the studio a character that would have been

Carden estimates that at least half of the

her father before either of them knew exactly

difficult to achieve by ordering everything

businesses using Socialight are Scottsdale-

where the studio might lead, its purpose is to

at once. The result feels considered without

based, although she does not formally track the

disappear—to provide a seamless background

becoming precious—an environment meant to

number. Through The Socially Awkward Agency,

while leaving everything in front of it open to

be moved, rearranged and reinvented.

she is also directing a rebrand for a Scottsdale

interpretation.

resort, with work spanning its visual identity, CONTENT, BY DESIGN

signage, uniforms, photography and guest

Each photographer arrives with an idea, moves

experience.

things around, experiments with light and

That adaptability reflects the way brands create content today. Businesses need photography

discovers what the room can help make possible. ROOM TO GROW

and video for websites, social media, email and

For a studio created from an unexpected opportunity, that freedom may be the best design

advertising, often on a continual basis. A single

Carden hopes Socialight will become more than

shoot may need to produce several distinct

a place to make finished images. She wants to

feature of all.

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This Fall season, Porsche moves beyond the idea of the sports car to explore something greater: the intersection of performance, innovation, and design. Shot on location at Porsche North Scottsdale, our automotive editorial transforms the unmistakable lines of Porsche into a high fashion study of movement, form, and modern luxury. From sculpted silhouettes to precision engineering, every detail reflects a philosophy where beauty and performance are designed to exist as one. Hot Pursuit imagines Porsche through the lens of the Scottsdale lifestyle, polished, confident, and always in motion. Fashion-forward looks mirror the curves, finishes, and attitude of the cars, capturing not only what it looks like to drive a Porsche, but how it feels. Because a Porsche is more than a way to arrive; it is an expression of personal style, designed to elevate the everyday and make even the drive part of the experience. Fashion by Rolling Rack Boutique, with jewelry by Edmar Fine Jewelry.

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/Automotive Shoot SITTING PRETTY Model Olivia Magby sits luxuriously atop the 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet, wearing a mustard two-piece set from Rolling Rack Boutique, paired with sleek black Vince Camuto heels—a striking intersection of fashion, sophistication, and automotive luxury.

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COMMANDING THE CARRERA Model Olivia Magby takes center stage alongside the 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet in a mustard two-piece set from Rolling Rack Boutique, finished with black Vince Camuto heels. A study in confident style, bold color, and unmistakable performance.

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SPEED MEETS STYLE Olivia Magby sports a Porsche top from Porsche North Scottsdale as she settles into the driver’s seat of the 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet—where playful style meets pure performance.

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THE ART OF ARRIVAL All smiles in the driver’s seat, Olivia Magby makes a statement in a reflective emerald-green metallic pleated halter dress from Rolling Rack Boutique inside the 2026 Porsche 911 GT3 with Touring—a high-gloss pairing of color, confidence, and performance.

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PORSCHE WITH PRESENCE Olivia Magby commands the room in a reflective emerald-green pleated halter dress from Rolling Rack Boutique, posed alongside the sculpted performance of the 2026 Porsche 911 GT3. A striking collision of color, style, and speed.

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Behind the Shoot: Hot Pursuit

/Behind the Shoot

Step behind the scenes as we bring Hot Pursuit to life, where high fashion meets high performance in a celebration of style, speed, and unmistakable Porsche design. Our automotive fashion editorial, Hot Pursuit, looks beyond the sports car to explore Porsche as an expression of design, performance, and personal style. Shot on location at Porsche North Scottsdale, the editorial brings together the sculpted lines of Porsche with fashion designed for the Scottsdale lifestyle, polished, confident and always in motion. For the shoot, we transformed the dealership into our set, pairing Porsche’s unmistakable automotive design with fall-forward fashion, fine jewelry, and a distinctly editorial point of view. The result captures the woman behind the wheel as much as the machine itself— because sometimes the greatest luxury is the feeling of driving something designed to move you. Creative Director — Khayla Biscoe Led the creative direction and styling for Hot Pursuit, bringing fashion and automotive design together through a

sophisticated, slightly seductive lens. Each frame was composed to create a dialogue between the model and the Porsche from its sculpted exterior and signature details to the experience behind the wheel. Photographer — Neal Mei Captured the editorial with a highfashion approach, using the architecture, reflections, and details of the Porsche to create dynamic compositions. A mix of wider automotive frames and intimate fashion moments highlights both the presence of the car and the personality of the woman driving it.

Special thanks to Brad Levine and the team at Porsche North Scottsdale for welcoming us into their space and helping bring Hot Pursuit to life, to Susie and the team at Rolling Rack Boutique for providing the fashion featured throughout the editorial, and to Edmar Fine Jewelry for the jewelry that completed each look.

Hair & Makeup — Shakayla Canaday Created a polished, fall-forward beauty look with warm sculpting, dimensional skin, and deeper seasonal tones. The beauty direction complemented the wardrobe while maintaining the sleek sophistication of the automotive setting. Model — Olivia Magby Brought Hot Pursuit to life with an effortless mix of confidence, sophistication, and allure, embodying the modern Scottsdale woman both behind the wheel and beside it. Magazine Assistant — Raquel Rosario Assisted with on-set production, wardrobe organization, and transitions throughout the shoot, helping keep each look and setup moving seamlessly.

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Special Thanks

From concept to final frame, Hot Pursuit came together through iconic automotive design, fall-forward fashion, fine jewelry and a distinctly editorial point of view. A glimpse behind the lens at Porsche North Scottsdale, where performance met style and every frame was designed to move.

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The conversation continues onstage with panelists. From left: moderator Kayla Greaves, award-winning journalist; Scott E. Lewis, Northern Arizona University professor of strategic leadership; Hana Hong, fashion editor, Forbes; Julie Sagoskin, editor in chief, Park Magazine; Dr. Krista Fabrik, MCC beauty and wellness director; and Francis Tesmer, LEAD founder and CEO.

Does beauty matter? It sounds like a simple question—until you consider just how much beauty touches. At the Mesa Community College premiere of Does Beauty Matter?, Francis Tesmer, CEO of ROLFS Global and founder of LEAD, challenged the audience to look beyond appearance and reconsider beauty as an industry, an education and a force capable of creating opportunity. What unfolded was far more than a documentary screening; it was a compelling conversation about where beauty has been, what it represents and, most importantly, where it has the power to go next. The evening began with anticipation at the V.I.P. reception, where live acoustic guitar filled the room as guests mingled with panelists and students. Tesmer personally greeted attendees, sharing the vision behind the film

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and the larger movement it represents. The panel reflected the depth of the evening’s conversation: Dr. Krista Fabrick, Beauty and Wellness Director at Mesa Community College; Julie Sagoskin, Editor-in-Chief of PARK magazine; Scott E. Lewis, Professor of Strategic Leadership at Northern Arizona University; Hana Hong, Fashion Editor for Forbes Vetted; and the evening’s moderator, beauty journalist Kayla Greaves. Each brought a distinct perspective, underscoring the breadth, influence and evolving identity of the beauty industry. After the reception, guests moved into the screening room, welcomed by moving live performances from Mesa Community College students. Greaves set the tone with a powerful introduction, calling this a “new era for a powerful industry”—words that would

resonate throughout the night. As the Silver Telly Award-winning documentary unfolded onscreen, its larger purpose quickly came into focus: this was not simply a film about beauty, but a call to elevate an industry fighting to be recognized as the serious, skilled and evolving profession it has become. From @Scottsdale’s perspective, the film prompted a reconsideration of assumptions that can easily surround the beauty industry. Its message was clear: beauty is undergoing a profound evolution. Like nature, beauty is never static; it shifts, responds and reinvents itself. The definition of beauty is not fixed but continually rewritten, particularly in an era where aesthetics, visual harmony and selfpresentation influence nearly every aspect of modern life. Yet amid all that cultural significance, the documentary posed a

/Beyond Scottsdale question that was difficult to ignore: Why don’t we take “beauty” seriously? One segment was particularly striking: New Yorkers were asked whether they saw their beauty professional or their doctor more often. The answers revealed something larger—many people interact with beauty providers more frequently than with healthcare providers. So why is the profession still so easily trivialized? The film suggested that beauty professionals are entrusted with far more than physical appearance; they can become part of how people care for and feel about themselves. There is an intimate trust between client and professional, yet the field still faces stigma and prejudice, too often dismissed as vain or superficial when its work can be deeply connected to confidence, identity and self-care. Panelist Scott E. Lewis shared his optimism for the next generation of beauty leaders, noting students already speaking in terms of “my salon” and “my clients”—language that signals confidence, ownership and ambition. Julie Sagoskin spoke about the sense of empowerment created by the documentary’s vision for the future. Hana Hong raised another important point: beauty artists are still not consistently regarded as equals to other creative professionals, despite their undeniable contributions to art, fashion and culture. Her perspective called for greater recognition of beauty’s role in shaping both the world around us and the way people choose to present themselves within it.

The message of the evening was unmistakable: beauty is not simply vanity; beauty is care. It is part of the human experience and a profession worthy of greater respect, investment and opportunity. Specialized education is critical to unlocking the potential of those who dedicate themselves to the craft. As Tesmer and Dr. Fabrick explained, LEAD’s programs combine curated coursework, hands-on experience, financial support and mentorship, preparing graduates not only to master their skills but to pursue meaningful, financially rewarding careers. As Omar Hajeri, Global President of the Professional Products Division at L’Oréal S.A., remarked in the film, “This program will create leaders.” In the social media age, the conversation around beauty has become more visible and more candid than ever. Treatments and procedures once discussed quietly are now shared openly, while the skill, technique and work behind the finished result are increasingly brought into view. The documentary and panel made clear that beauty’s next chapter is about more than visibility. It is about empowerment, education, leadership and compassion—qualities with an influence that extends well beyond the surface. So, does beauty matter? By the end of the evening, the answer reached far beyond appearance. Beauty is self-expression, connection, care and creativity—a deeply human force that shapes how people see themselves and move through the world.

The evening’s program for the premiere of Does Beauty Matter?, setting the stage for a night of film, conversation and a closer look at the future of beauty.

Guests received curated gift bags filled with an assortment of beauty and lifestyle products, extending the evening’s experience beyond the premiere.

For @Scottsdale, the most compelling takeaway was not simply where the beauty industry stands today, but what education and opportunity could allow it to become tomorrow. Behind every haircut, facial and carefully practiced technique is more than a service. There is skill. There is trust. There is artistry. And there is a profession whose influence deserves not only to be seen, but to be taken seriously.

ABOUT LEAD

Host and beauty journalist Kayla Greaves takes the stage to introduce the evening’s panelists and set the tone for a conversation on beauty’s evolving influence and future.

Lead | ROLFS Global Institute is helping elevate the beauty profession through higher education, mentorship and career development, preparing beauty professionals to become the industry’s next generation of leaders.

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@Scottsdale: The Design Issue