Classiques Modernes Fall/Winter 2017 The Art of Simple Sophistication

A WORLD OF

Letter from the Editor

2016 was a trying year. It tested our collective and individual fortitude and faith. We found events challenging our core principles. It was an arduous journey that wearied those who profoundly care about their fellow, the community and the environment; and buoyed the narcissists, the self-aggrandizing, and the indifferent. There were times when it seemed that all that generations before us has warned us not to be, has won. The incessant judgment and condemnation of others, the casual treatment of abuse, the constant noise and vulgarity, the normalization of greed and corruption appear almost biblical in measure. There had been demoralizing days when it almost seemed easier to lose hope and to give in. But regardless of outcome, we continue to fight because the alternative is unspeakable.

This issue provides few answers. Neither I nor my fellow editors know how to live in the world of Reality TV, especially when we readily see how much more complex, rich and infinitely interesting the real world truly is. What is being marketed to us is a world of pomp without substance, of simplistic versus simple solutions, of narratives without genuine story lines, of personalities without character. And for the meantime at least, these are “in.” Nevertheless, we march forward.

There are two concepts that we endeavored to explore in this issue. First, that simplicity is the ultimate expression of sophistication. Everywhere we go, we are barraged by a clutter of half-baked ideas, incomplete thoughts, shallow creativity, and expressions for the sake of expressing. Vulgarity is the new “avant garde.” Inasmuch as it sounds crude, it is also precise to label these as brain farts, perhaps even spirit excrement. The solution to that is to filter and/or to withdraw.

Becky Nathanson’s Addicted to Distraction gives us a snapshot of such a distraction filled world, while Jason Garelick’s Sun Showers offers a brighter take on everyday occurrences.

For the fashion editorial, we focused on both the elegance of minimal lines and fresh, fantastical images. Exemplifying the marriage of the two is the Cover featuring philanthropist Jean Shafiroff in a one-of-a-kind, fiery Victor de Souza creation. It evokes an aura of Audrey-Hepburn-meets-Midsummer-Night’s Dream–gracefully refined, but with a subtle hint of whimsy in the butterfly, twig and floral work. De Souza’s new fantastical collection is also featured.

The Architecture and Design as well as the Arts, and Culinary Arts sections are perfectly Classiques Modernes. The designs of the Penthouses at Cosmopolitan Las Vegas are reminiscent of the Golden Ages of Hollywood and Jazz while equally representing modernity. Del Cambio in Turin, Italy deftly juxtapose the 18th and 21st centuries both in its cuisine, architectural design and function. For his part, featured artist, Dalibor Davidovic, presents a haunting photographic body of work that blur our perspectives and delineations of time and space.

The second challenge was truth. The right to have an opinion has been misunderstood as the compulsion, if not the obligation, to share. The right to do or speak as one pleases has somehow come to mean an excuse to be discourteous, disrespectful and impolite. In this agree-to-disagree world, there is no more wrong way to do or say anything as long as one believes someone else is to blame. David Conrad’s piece on Truth in a Post Truth World quotes Oscar Wilde, “Truth is rare and never simple.” Ken Kern describes a world of “emotionals” and “reasonables” in his essay It Stands to Reason

But the centerpiece is the truth that more needs to be done to make the world better and to help others. One person who best personifies this is Jean Shafiroff who has made Giving her life’s mission. Her book, Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life By What You Give, serves both as encouragement and guide to all of us who are looking to do more.

New sections have also been added to the magazine including the new wedding section, White Lace & Promises, featuring Ashley Cooper & Ernesto Arguello. Of course, no bridal fashion would be complete without our favorite, Laure de Sagazan, who recently opened a showroom in Soho, New York.

The Fall/Winter 2016-2017 issue covers a wide range of topics, articles, designs and ideas. We hope you enjoy them as much as we enjoyed exploring and curating for you.

Wishing you peace, clarity, happiness, good health and prosperity everyday of the New Year.

Aloysius Bernal Carlos Editor in Chief

CLASSIQUES MODERNES

We hold these truths to be self evident.

The Glamorous Magi

Living in a world that often appears filled with bitterness and skepticism, it’s difficult to believe that a woman who has been given so much would be giving just as much. But that’s the paradigm that is Jean Shafiroff. Not so hidden beneath the elegant gowns and vintage Hubert de Givenchy dresses is a giving heart, whose beat echoes a Magi’s tale, perhaps even a fairy tale.

Her passion for fashion is clear. Frequently named on the best-dressed list, she loves mixing haute couture, vintage and affordable pieces. She is very much a fan of Oscar de la Renta but also loves Carolina Herrera, Zang Toi and B. Michael. Other talents whose design she admires include Victor de Souza and Alexander Wang. “Of course, I love Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Prada, Chanel. It’s fun to mix them with items from H&M, Zara and vintage shops.” But despite her fervor for glamorous couture, her true love is philanthropy.

Tonight she is hosting a toy drive for kids on behalf of New York City Mission Society. Watching Jean Shafiroff glide gracefully across her opulent Park Avenue residence is like watching a Disney princess waltz around an animated palatial ballroom. The similarities are striking: her figure is statuesque, perfectly fitting a tantalizing emerald gown. She has an enviable pulchritudinous porcelain complexion that complements a sublime face with a Holly Golightlyesque expression, which is genuinely warm, welcoming and unassuming.

Hands clasped around three sullied champagne flutes, she apologizes quietly while navigating around guests congregating in clusters. “Let me show you around. But first, I’ll just put these away,“ The attentive hostess adds that her guests shouldn’t be in rooms that are in “such disarray.” Of course, the state of the abode was far from it. But for Jean Shafiroff, for whom respect for others is paramount, little things like not tidying up perfectly at a party would be tantamount to disrespecting her guests.

Whereas most people might have simply called aside one of the servers or an assistant to do the work, Jean instinctually pitches in. Her idea of leadership rises from the bottom up. She is quite comfortably a firm believer in the team concept and dwells in working with, and at the same level as, everyone else.

This philanthropist insists on playing a doer not a commander. She communicates the relevance of her thoughts by her deeds. As much as the victories, she shares the disappointments, rejections and frustrations alongside any other volunteer, in any and all of the numerous charitable projects and organizations in which she is involved.

Her humility is instantly disarming. For many, it’s a refreshing and much needed departure from other selfproclaimed philanthropists, some of whom delight in opportunities to control, or in the adulation they receive, or in both. Philanthropy for some is just another way of marketing themselves.

Unlike them, Jean lives the definition of philanthropy, i.e., the love of other human beings. (The opposite of narcissism, which is the love of oneself alone!) She believes this love of humanity was inculcated early on in her youth by her parents, and through her catholic education and upbringing.

Born Jean Lutri and raised in Long Island, New York, her father, Placido Lutri, was a Juilliard graduate, a former music chairman and director of district bands for Levittown schools. Her mother, Rose, was a painter and textile designer. Jean recalls the tremendous love her father had for children they educated. Both her parents exhibited care for others in need. Such acts of compassion served as shining examples for Jean and her brothers.

After graduating from Holy Trinity Diocesan High School in Hicksville, Jean went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy degree from Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons. She had been a physical therapist at St. Luke’s Hospital in New York City before moving on and receiving her MBA from Columbia Business School. Thereafter she worked both in public finance and later in private partnerships on Wall Street, including in the corporate finance department of investment bank L.F. Rothschild, Unterberg, Towbin.

In 1982, she married Martin Shafiroff, an investment advisor, then managing director at Lehman Brothers Kuhn Loeb Inc. Their fairy tale wedding took place at the Grand Ballroom of the legendary Pierre Hotel.

For many years, she devoted her time fully as a wife and as a doting mother to their two daughters, Jacqueline and Elizabeth. But her natural inclination to pitch in and to give never wavered.

“When my daughters were in school, I was a class mother for a number of years. We supervised class trips and were involved in helping organize certain (class) activities,” says Jean. One especially memorable project was an 8th grade annual fund. It was an initiative to get parents to contribute to the school. The success arising from their hard work was evidenced by a surprising increase to one hundred percent parent participation. Previously, the school had had to rely only on a handful of potentially “large gifts.”

But it was truly after her daughters had grown and left for college when Jean found herself with substantially more time to devote to charitable causes. She served as a diplomatic outreach for the American Jewish committee in her early 30s. Then there is the Jewish Board of Family and Children Services–an organization with an annual budget of $250 million, serving 60,000 families–with which she has been involved since 1992.

Since then Jean Shafiroff has served as volunteer, board member, chairwoman, honoree, underwriter and hostess of events for various not-for-profit organizations including the Southampton Hospital whose Annual Summer Gala she chaired in 2010, 2011 and 2013 raising $1.7 million, $2 million and $1.75 million respectively.

Other organizations in which Jean has been involved include The Couture Council, which supports the museum at The Fashion Institute of Technology, The Lighthouse International Advisory Board, The French Heritage Society,, Southampton Bath and Tennis Club Charitable Foundation and Southampton Animal Shelter. She has been a multiple recipient of various awards for her charitable work.

Jean is also proud to be working with the New York Women’s Foundation, an organization that seeks to empower women out of poverty. It is one of the top three women’s funds in the world. Among services the foundation offers are educational and mentoring services for girls, anti-violence campaigns, health and well-being programs for women, and equal-payfor-equal-work campaigns.

A 2013 trip to Cambodia, followed by trips to Colombia, Jordan, China and Haiti further fueled Jean Shafiroff’s passion for philanthropy. In a visit to Angkor Wat, she connected with Cambodian Child’s Dream Organization, which brought her to an orphanage in another part of Siem Reap where she found orphans sleeping “in one huge mattress in a single tented facility”–and that was considered “fairly well funded.”

“They sold crafts made by ‘children,’ some of them are (already) 18 years old. Most of them don’t speak English, not even the teachers speak English that well.” Jean describes, “Children were seated at wooden desk/benches. They wore flip-flops in and outside school. They were wearing the same uniforms day after day.”

She also describes seeing people living in attached homes that were raised high because of flooding. There is a speck of irony here, since women walked far, balancing laundry or containers of water on top of their heads, because clean water wasn’t readily available.

These observations left a powerful impression with Jean. She fully appreciated that basic things like food, clean water and rudimentary healthcare that are easily taken for granted by many living in industrialized countries such as the U.S., are not as easily available to people living in countries ravaged by poverty and war.

$250. That’s the cost to construct a water well that services five families in Cambodia. And it’s still hard to come by.

“When you see such differences in how people live, it makes you question: Why was I lucky enough to be born in the U.S. and not in Cambodia or Africa or even (more poverty stricken place in the U.S. like) Appalachia?” Jean surmises, “With all the God-given gifts that I have, I feel compelled to take action. The meaning of life becomes clear. It really is to do something, to make things better.”

According to Jean, there are several reasons to get involved in philanthropic work. In New York City alone, a bastion of trade and commerce and home to some of the world’s richest, a staggering 30% of children still live in poverty.

In her new book, Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life By What You Give, Shafiroff details the many ways people can become involved in charitable work. Some people get involved because they are looking to honor a memory of a loved one. Some people get involved because of their passions. “For example, art collectors may support art museums. People who are passionate about animals may support animal shelters or organizations that are against cruel treatment of animals. And then there are those (frequently large) donors who may choose to provide funding for institutions that interest them, like a school or a hospital; while others join organizations simply because their friends are there. And all that’s fine.”

Jean believes that there is a much greater potential for future philanthropists. “Sometimes people are just not approached or they just don’t know how to begin. We have to show them how giving to others is fulfilling themselves, that giving is getting.” She gives the example of empty nesters and baby boomers who use volunteer work initially to fill their time, but who eventually find that doing so adds meaning to their lives. To illustrate, she speaks of a friend (whom she couldn’t identify by name for privacy purposes), a 50-something successful senior partner in a law firm, who found philanthropy so fulfilling that he gave up his day job and made philanthropy his full time preoccupation!

But Jean cautions that not all not-for-profits are created equal. Before joining a cause, she advises doing thorough due diligence. Understand what the organization is about, find out about who makes up the organization, how it is run and where the money goes. While it is extremely rare she explains, “Sometimes monies are raised. Then it is misappropriated and it goes abroad. When I hear about these things, it’s very disappointing. Those who were looking to help become victims, they are discouraged. They become suspicious about other charities and organizations. That’s why we have to be careful.”

She laments, “It’s hard enough to ask people for money. Not everyone is polite. Some people are rude back. And it’s very difficult to understand why anyone would be rude to a volunteer, someone who is helping their fellow! Or why some very wealthy people just don’t want to give!”

As fairy tales often do, Jean urges parents and schools to start teaching kids to be giving and compassionate at a very young age. In their own way, children should learn that everyone must be treated with dignity and respect. They can participate in small and age-appropriate projects like bake sales, selling lemonade for a cause, or toy drives, for example. Parents, too, can learn a lot from their own children.

Jean shares her passion for animals with her daughters who are also involved in animal rescue. Her work with Southampton Animal Shelter has raised millions for the “no kill” shelter. Its annual “Unconditional Love Gala” enables the adoption of dogs and cats. Throughout the years, the family has fostered many dogs and even adopted two pit bulls, a breed that’s often rejected due to stereotype. They spread their love of animals globally to friends, too. Sting’s (yes, that Sting!) daughter, Mickey, even adopted a dog that was rescued by the family during a trip in Panama.

“This year I traveled to Central America four times for animal rescue. We go and meet the people. We go into very poor neighborhoods and then meet with animal rescue groups and fund them. We bring back dogs to the U.S.. I am now helping my daughter with the start of her nonprofit - Global Strays.”

Whatever charitable mission you choose to support–whether it’s fighting homelessness, helping children, assisting in providing healthcare, working towards equality or pay parity for women, or animal rescue–Jean’s advise is simple: Educate yourself and just do it.

“Never underestimate your value, what you can offer and the changes you can make in this world. So many people are hesitant to take the first step. They think philanthropy is about donating large sums of money. But everyone’s value matters and you can actually make a difference in helping others. Start small. Remember that you count. Believe in yourself, and you will be able to help others.”

Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life By What You Give is a practical guide to modern giving that redefines philanthropy for today’s era. Far beyond making monetary donations, philanthropy today encompasses giving time and knowledge, resources that can be just as valuable as financial contributions. Successful Philanthropy offers the practical guidance and inspiring perspective that empowers all of us to take part in building a better world. Learn to identify your passions and interests and discover how they can guide your philanthropic work. Find the best ways to choose a charity that will offer personal fulfillment while also making the best use of your contribution to the cause of your choice. Successful Philanthropy features a special introduction by Georgina Bloomberg who discusses how she paired her background as an equestrian and as a philanthropist to launch her charitable venture, The Riders Closet. Available at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble bookstores.

Angkor Wat, c 1150 - The largest religious monument in the world. View from the first (lowest) level of the temple looking at the base and gallery of the second level.

THE WORLD OF ARCHITECTURE : CAMBODIA

by Walter David Brown, Architect

Angkor Wat, c1150 - View from the second (intermediate level) looking up at the base and five towers of the upper level.

Angkor Wat - View of exterior of lower gallery which surrounds the sanctuary area. This whole complex is sited within an exterior wall which is a square and about one mile long on each side. Surrounding the perimeter wall is a 600 foot wide moat.

Angkor Wat - The entire perimeter of the lower gallery has its walls covered with sculptural reliefs. This sections is about concluding battle as described in the Mahabharata.

Angkor Wat - Vishnu, God of Angkor Wat

Constructed by the guru to the king Jayavarman V, Brahman Yajnavaraha in 967, this temple in one of the most beautifully carved works of the Angkor period. It is also one of the best preserved as it was carved out of hard sandstone from the nearby mountains.

Banteay Srei - 967, Library - Hevajra, a Tantric Bhuddhist deity, dancing to subdue evil (the 4 Mara), and aid in the meditation and ritual practices that lead to enlightenment. Hevajra is surrounded by Maras. The upper figures are the five Jinas or supreme Buddhas. The center row may be avatar of Vishnu - Vajimukha, Hunamon, Ganesha, Garuda.

THE COUNTRY GENTLEMAN

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IT STANDS TO REASON

by Kenneth Kern

It’s possible to consider humanity as just two great tribesthose driven by reason, and those driven by emotion. Most sub-groups of humans combine members of each of the two great tribes. Upon occasion, one of these sub-groups, the Americans, come together to choose a common president who in theory is expected to govern the whole circus as if it were one, homogenous group.

The Creator, (or for those of the atheist persuasion, Fate) in his/her/ its infinite genius has created both the reasonable people and the emotional people because a healthy, well-balanced society needs both. The reasonables are meant mostly to solve problems through analysis, imagination, and of course, reason. The emotionals are meant to do the things which analysis, imagination, and reason might impel one to abandon such as fighting to the death for a hopeless cause, or crucifying innocent people for their religious beliefs. The reasonables derive intellectual satisfaction from applying reason to an intellectual challenge, and the emotionals derive emotional satisfaction from the flawless execution of someone else’s plan. Everyone is content.

Back in the old days, when reasonable people all knew that Donald Trump would never be president, a certain fear quietly circulated among those who assume that the emotionals are ungoverned by accepted behavioral norms. The question was, “how will they act when they lose?” Would they rampage through the streets shouting “the election was rigged,” and committing acts of mayhem? Would they demonstrate that when disappointed, their emotions overwhelm their reason? We’ll never know.

What we do know is, the emotionals won.

It appears to the amateur observer that America has come to a historic moment in which the emotionals have wrested power from the reasonables. They’ve won elections before, but their candidates have always been chosen from among the “reasonable emotionals”. It was the reasonable emotionals who controlled the emotionals’ party. No more.

Thanks to a series of still-not-clearly-understood events, the emotionals nominated a presidential candidate who was rejected by nearly the entire class of professionals who thought they controlled the party. Then, thanks to the illusory democratic process, the emotional candidate lost the election, but became president because the electoral college chose him.

There are signs that the emotionals, not satisfied with winning, are engaging in the behavior some thought would be triggered by the frustration of defeat. Even worse, some reasonables seem to be adopting the same technique of acting out emotion.

It’s one thing to recognize what Donald Trump is and whom he represents, and that a country under their direction is in a dangerous place. It is quite another thing to hate him and them. It is yet another, worse thing to be driven to action by that hatred.

Bumpy though the ride may be, a nation of reasonables and emotionals can march arm-in-arm to a bright future even when the two groups have vastly different dreams. If the emotionals all somehow turned reasonable, things might actually improve as long as there was no need for massive, thoughtless, obedience. However, if all the reasonables become emotional, if no one is reasonable, society is doomed to bad decisions and subsequent catastrophe.

The accession of Donald Trump and the emotionals threatens to redirect this country, and in fact, the world. That threat is not the repeal of progressive laws, the denial of climate change, or a conservative supreme court. It isn’t the normalizing of xenophobia, homophobia, and misogyny. The threat of Donald Trump is that when he lights the path to hatred, the reasonables will close their eyes and follow.

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The LOOK LOFTof

photo courtesy of N. Gertner

BY DAVID CONRAD

THE TRUTH A POST-TRUTH WORLD

When I think of what’s simple I think of certainty.

An artist who does too little to try and say too much.

That certain look in a man’s eyes, walking straight for you. No doubt there he’s supposed to punch you. Or tell you, you failed.

The stare an opponent has who knows, and you know, he’s gonna beat you.

Which I suppose is another way of saying Truth has always scared me. Scared us all at one time or another.

Oscar Wilde said, “The truth is rarely pure and never simple.” But….

Still water you have to cross. A blank page you have to fill. An empty stage you have to bring to life.

Your job. Your lover. Your children. You owe them simply your life’s blood.

Comfortable, no?

But coming to that realization is a clearing, a brushing away of clutter and noise.

Quite simply what scares you often brings you pleasure. In the end, Truth thru pain to peace.

The lake I swam across one morning near a New Hampshire town I’d never seen, couldn’t see 4 feet in front of me, my hand disappearing into the murk, no idea how deep, not a soul around. Water still as a mirror, till I touched it.

The first notebook I ever carried, 9th grade, one summer night staying up by the kitchen table grinding down the pencil point to fill page after empty page.

Working weekends in Drama school as a janitor, simply more hours spent not recovering from the schedule, but spending my lunch break instead of eating or crashing, spending it on the empty main stage practicing whatever words came into my head.

Simple steps into the unknown.

Which of course brings us to the Season.

Not the holiday season. The awful election season just past. The ugliest campaign this Country’s seen since the Civil War.

Quite simply too many Americans have stopped walking toward their fears. Walking toward what makes them uncomfortable to find within that the compromise that brings them and their neighbors peace. What’s a nation with even the tiniest modicum of gun control? What’s a nation open to the immigration it constantly chants is what made it great? What’s a nation as committed to equality as it is to unfettered liberty? What’s a nation dedicated to the proposition that all men ( “all people”, forgive the 19th century parlance) are created equal?

That’s us. These United States.

That nation would be, should be now.

It will be.

Because the simple truth is, the Right, the Conservative party, the Tea party–whatever names they call themselves–will soon no longer have the numbers. And every four years they will have less.

I am simply tired. Tired of the equivalency arguments, that all politicians are bad, that the Left is as bad as the Right, that Democrats are as bad as Republicans. Because it simply isn’t true any more.

Our two party system has failed because the lunatic core of the GOP dragged it down. They don’t want to govern. They’re not a party of any “people”. They’re American Bolsheviks who will do anything, anything to the Country, make it pay any price, in order simply, to rule. And now that they have the wheel, they are willing to drive us all off a cliff.

Do the simple math. They have. Which is why they’re simply furious and desperate. Passing lies and packaging them as relative truths. “It isn’t true, but it feels true.” Reality show versus reality. And that’s how they won.

But it’s simple: wait.

An historian once asked a Lakota leader what will your people do now that the Country’s been settled.

“Wait,” he said, and nodded at the hard landscape, “This is our land. Been here a long time. How long do you think you can last?”

Gay rights used to be an almost taboo subject even among the Left. 15 years ago it was too risky to say your support out loud. It was too early to fight for equality, too early to make it a national issue. Now, even the Right knows opposition is a loser. A low vote prejudice. But they have to play to the fringe. It’s what you do when assembling junkyard scrap.

What’s strange is they have met no Waterloo yet. They haven’t been beaten dramatically at some electoral Gettysburg. But they will be.

They’ve simply not yet met what Richard Nixon called the silent majority. (There’s ironic justice for ya.) The complacent people who did not vote this year. They who were told politicians are the same will soon find out that they are not. And they will be awakened.

And that soon to be newly awakened American majority wants decency. It will hasten its walk away from the Right and toward the truth. It should have happened in this election. It didn’t. Sometimes for real change to happen, consequences have to be met first.

Because Truth is scary, rarely pure, and never simple. Truth thru pain to peace, remember? And so we wait.

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ON THE POST-ELECTION HATE CRIME SPIKE

by William Jackson

Ever since Donald Trump was chosen by voters to be the next President of the United States, it seems that racists have been emboldened by his stunning victory.

And in recent weeks, they have come out of the woodwork to make themselves known. Whether it is spraying messages of hate on walls, or individuals attacking others based on appearance and alleged stereotypes, it is clear, at least to me, that these individuals want to make America uncomfortable for those who are not White Christians.

As a black man now living in Trump’s America, I am extremely alarmed by the recent spike in hate crimes. But I am not surprised because of the raucous tone of the president elect. That said, I worry that I, or more importantly, my family, will be on the receiving end of these attacks, some of which have included one on a Muslim New York City police officer, and thugs breaking into a NFL player’s house and spraying racial epithets.

Those committing these crimes long for an America that doesn’t exist, and should not exist. They want a land where only whites rule, and people of color are not welcome.

These individuals have a right to hate whoever they please; it’s guaranteed by the Constitution. It does not mean that they can start attacking individuals based on fear of “the other.”

I hope that every person that commits a hate crime is punished to the fullest extent of the law. Now, more than ever, we have to make examples of these hateful individuals, because they think they have more power to cause harm since the election. All of us must ensure that everyone is treated with dignity and fairness because anything else would be unAmerican.

Sun Showers

by Jason Garelick

The everyday routine is an easy one to fall into. The warm comfort of familiarity is both inviting and well mannered. Breaking away from the assembly line lifestyle is a favored and noble endeavor that is more often romanticized than actively sought after.

Deep in the morning drudgery when we’re all “feeling it,” the consequences of our weekend, they all come rushing back to us at once. All the worries that we put on hold the week before are right there waiting where we left them.

Ask an aging man what his biggest regret in life is and he’ll say exactly that–regret.

It’s a hard pill to swallow when you’re in the thick of it... always thinking within the grid of calendars and appointments, constantly moving from one distraction to the next.

It may seem like we’re all just bodies going through the motions looking for something to prove. Despite all of us playing supporting roles in each other’s lives, we feel exponentially alone in a sea of overpopulation.

Where we choose to place our worries, never ceases to amaze.

But if you’re looking for answers, they won’t be easily found. Life is a self-fulfilling prophecy. It’s on you to fill in the blanks and connect the dots yourself. It is written in between the hustle bustle of our lives. It is between cracks of the mundane where beauty can be found, revealing more than any collection of words ever could. Words would only just get in the way.

There’s a calm to every storm and a sun to follow every shower. A yin will always have its yang.

Trying to make sense of it all at once and completely is a fool’s errand, assuming that making sense is even possible. Because it is when a series of seemingly insignificant events fall into place, when vision occurs. Only in hindsight do we see the true nature of things. It is always easy to forget that one simple event cascades and transcends mere happenstance; to remember that to be is what you were searching for all along.

DON’T BOTHER THEY’RE HERE.

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By Robert James

to ADDICTED

D I S T R A C T I O N

It’s 11:54 pm on a Sunday night. I’ve been swimming upstream for almost nine hours. At 3 o’clock, the text arrives, ”You’re coming to the Tucker Gala. I just got you a ticket. Wear something formal.”

by Becky Nathanson

This is the most star-studded, fancy formal event of the season in the opera world. At 4 o’clock, after texting everyone I know in Washington Heights with my measurements and coming up empty, I am steaming silk garments retrieved in desperation from the to-bedry-cleaned pile. At 5 o’clock, I am desperately drying my hair, peering out the window as a thunderstorm rolls in; fifteen minutes later, I wave my arm in vain at every cab on Broadway—my other arm is clutching the long legs of my teal, waist-high gaucho pants, desperately attempting to keep the silk from sloshing about in the pouring rain.

In stilettos, I barrel towards the subway stop. The train conductor eyes me through the turnstile and closes the door to the last train before the onslaught of delays and cancellations. The concert is being streamed live; I switch it on my phone, searching for patches of phone service, attempting to catch snippets in between subway stops. I arrive, finally, and am twenty minutes late.

The show is enrapturing. Each featured performer is a star in his or her own right. These are the prima donnas and the masters, and I happily direct my attention for the hours-long intermission-less program. Afterwards is a whirlwind of hobnobbing. Is there a point? There is a lot of smiling, adjusting, ingratiating thank-youing, worshiping. Going, going, going. Moving on like bees pollinating.

And then the stars and their cohorts are whisked away to celebrate their achievements while the rest of us buzz away in the nighttime rain. I and another uncelebrated one are starving; we walk into the nearest restaurant and buy the soonest drink and pay the most outrageous price for being served with such immediacy. I’ve been putting off my needs for hours and the drink slows me down enough to remind me: Hello. You are starving and you didn’t bring a jacket. You had a plan for your day and you willingly upended it. I eat and drink greedily, hoping the distraction will last a few moments more.

Why do we distract ourselves? We’re out to dinner with our friends but buried in our smartphones. We step inside a taxi, trusting a complete stranger to carry us to safety at high speeds, and watch a city-approved tv show in the back seat. We disappear down the black hole exploring the photos of people we’ve met, and their friends’ photos, and then other strangers.’ It’s easier to do so today than ever before. A stroll down Times Square or the Las Vegas strip reduces us to our basest pleasures— flashing, scrolling lights reminding us we are alive.

Historically, humanity has always searched for diversions. The search for diversion brought us Galileo, Shakespeare, Picasso. One could argue that diversion is merely riding the coattails of curiosity, that it’s the dependent step-child looking for a free ride in a bright place. But the line between the two has come into focus in the last decade with the use of omnipresent digital technology. By 2015, two-thirds of Americans owned a smartphone—that’s over 200 million people with constant access to an infinite amount of immediate information, flashing bright, congratulating us merely for existing. A 2015 study in the Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication demonstrated a clear pattern of developing separation anxiety inhibiting the spectrum of cognitive abilities. In other words, we are becoming addicted to our distraction, and the addiction is shutting us down. But we continue to choose it.

Without that investment, the reward should be theoretically impossible. Queue smartphones and unlimited streaming television: the veritable all-youcan-eat buffet of diversion. No expertise necessary. Now anyone can spend hours investing in the pleasure of diversion and forgo the tedium of effort and idea.

The 17th century philosopher Blaise Pascal wrote, “The only thing which consoles us for our miseries is diversion, and yet this is the greatest of our miseries.” Pascal was primarily a mathematician who was best known for inventing the calculator and defending the scientific method. His father was a tax collector; he himself was a pious Catholic whose own brush with death deepened his reverence. In a time without even electricity, distractions were still abundant—humans will find a way to look another direction if it means unplugging from responsibility for a time. But what is the consequence? Pascal hypothesized a possible mental backlash; he foresaw a circumstance without room for thought.

For it is distraction, which principally hinders us from reflecting upon ourselves and which makes us insensibly ruin ourselves. Without this we should be in a state of weariness, and this weariness would spur us to seek a more solid means of escaping from it. But diversion amuses us, and leads us unconsciously to death.

Arguably, distraction and curiosity part ways when creativity loses a seat at the table. Before the 1930s, which was the Golden Age of radio entertainment, gatherings turned to music-making as the main source of after-dinner entertainment. This practice was centuries old; the history of casual salons in the home for commonplace diversion begins in the 17th century, when the middle class was created. They were inspired by court entertainment, by chamber ensembles, troubadours, and court jesters. And the courts, in turn, were inspired by the ancient narratives about storytellers and poets who documented the majesty of wars and wonders in ancient cultures. For years, our entertainment was predicated on a certain amount of developed attention. Stories take time to weave; the piano takes patience to learn. The derived pleasure was always tempered by the double investment of effort and idea.

That unconscious march to death—is that what we subconsciously desire? The absence of reflection surely grows not only more accessible but more definite with every passing moment. Society will continue to trend towards the most immediate delivery of pleasure as long as humans exist. We are animals, after all. But the question is worth sitting with, even if only momentarily: is distraction the slow death? For now, it’s enough to start with that single reflection; it’s a foot in the door to breaking the pattern.

Located in a very bright, comfy 2000 sq. ft. cocoon on the fourth floor of a typical 1900’s SoHo building, the New York showroom offers a similar client experience to the Parisian atelier’s.

1. The future bride gets a personal appointment to select a few designs that really correspond to their personality. The store holds about 50 designs on-site, including separates that can be mixed and matched. The brand’s lookbook is also available for those who do not find the precise dress they fell in love with on the website.

2. If the bride cannot make up her mind, she can come back and narrow her choice down to THE dress. Each time slot in the showroom’s schedule is only granted to one bride, to provide a more intimate experience, and each personal appointment is made with the same advisor to ensure the best understanding of the bride.

3. Once the dress is selected, the bride is encouraged to suggest modifications in order to have the dress fit her needs or morphology perfectly. The dress will then be made in the Parisian atelier, with all the requested modifications. As soon as it is completed, the dress is shipped to New York.

4. Two to three more fittings are required in the New York showroom for on-site alterations, made by a seamstress dedicated for the bride. While in the showroom, the bride is also invited to explore the accessories collection to complement her look. Flower crowns, hair bands, jewelry... the selection ranges from the brand’s designs to vintage pieces of jewelry handpicked by Laure, who still visits flea markets on a weekly basis.

For Laure de Sagazan, it is important that the bride is accompanied by a unique duo, formed by a proven seamstress & an experienced advisor who fully understand the atmosphere of her wedding and make sure every detail is taken into account.

preview photos by Laurent Nivalle

A beauty industry veteran, Angelo David Pisacreta, owner and Creative Director of Angelo David Salon, is a world-renowned stylist, colorist, makeover specialist, and a leading hair expert for thinning hair and hair loss. He is also the originator of Couture Hair Extensions, Fillers, Hairpieces, Additions and Wigs, and developer of The Angelo David Hair Care collection. By pairing his impeccable designing skills with artistic cutting, coloring and styling abilities, Angelo has transformed even the most challenging hair into lust-worthy locks.

Located on Madison Avenue, the Angelo David Salon boasts a team of highly trained staff members, who are dedicated to making each and every client feel welcome and appreciated. Pisacreta and his team of exceptional beauty specialists are known for “The Consultation”, a highly customized treatment plan that takes into account the specific desires and lifestyle of each client. Following an in-depth talk and look at your locks in the salon’s private Consultation Room, Angelo David Couture Extensions & AdditionsTM are designed on-site to match your hair texture, type and color. The type of extensions and application process used are specifically selected to match your day-to-day routine— as the ultimate accessory, your tresses should blend seamlessly into your lifestyle for an always beautiful, natural look. Following the application, the hair is cut and styled for flawless blending.

Angelo has worked with many celebrities, including Christie Brinkley, LuAnn de Lesseps, Aviva Drescher, Carrie Preston, Tamara Tunie, Alexa Ray Joel, Coco Rocha, Kelly Rutherford and many others.

Angelo’s passions are his clients, his talented team and his family, who continually inspire him to create new hair care products and hair pieces that help women look and feel their very best. Also an avid philanthropist, Angelo David partnered up with New York radio station 95.5 PLJ for the second annual Blow Out Breast Cancer event in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month this past October 2016. Proceeds of the event go directly to the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF), an international research organization dedicated to curing and preventing cancer.

Angelo David Hair Care and Angelo David Couture Brush Collection are available online at www.angelodavid.com.

Happy 2017 New Year

Dress courtesy of NYC Glamour Couture

When it comes to buying gifts, it is important to find the perfect present that is not only unique but also one that truly connects with the recipient. From the foodie, to the philanthropist, the beauty addict and more –here is a list of the top gifts, for those we love, to love.

FOR THE LOVE OF FOOD

Hamptons Salt Company is the preeminent source of all-natural sea salt. With Hamptons Salt, merchants scour the world to offer gourmands the best selection of raw, flavor infused or smoked salts. Available in a multiple varieties, from the decadent black truffle flavor infused salt to the luxurious Fleur de Sel sourced from France, each salt is packaged in unique black gift box ready for delivery.

www.hamptonssalt.com

The Olive Tree of Huntington Village is a family owned business that offers a variety of flavored balsamic vinegars and olive oils from around the world. All of their oils and vinegars are imported to the store and bottled on site. Whether you’re a cooking novice or an experienced culinary chef, come get inspired by the wealth and variety of over 60 gourmet flavors from blood orange to chocolate to fig to white truffle and more. You can even taste everything at the store. Just drizzle a little of their suggested pairings of flavored vinegars and oil in tiny plastic cups, and dip a piece of bread stored in jars all along the counters. Or create your own pairings and take home a set or three. Available in bottles of 60 ml $4.99, 200 ml $13.99, and 375 ml $17.99.

www.olivetreelongisland.com

FOR THE LOVE OF COCKTAIL

Manhattan Moonshine is a highly acclaimed silver Whiskey, which recently received an impressive 89 rating from Whiskey Advocate Magazine, making it the highest rated silver whiskey in the world. Inspired by the cocktail renaissance that occurred during American Prohibition and the glamorous yet subversive nightlife that accompanied it, Manhattan Moonshine is the world’s first luxury silver whiskey and has been developed to be the perfect whiskey for cocktails. With its smooth, grainforward flavor and lack of heavy barrel flavors that make aged whiskeys harder to mix, Manhattan Moonshine makes an almost endless variety of cocktails, using flavors and ingredients that no aged whiskey can mix with. Manhattan Moonshine is available online to purchase for $44.99.

www.manhattan-moonshine.com

FOR THE LOVE OF STYLE

“The beauty of Brace Humanity not only exists in the intricate details and classic design, but that 10 percent of all purchases are donated to nonprofit organizations. That is the fundamental belief Brace Humanity will forever stand by.”

All Brace Humanity designs are handcrafted using ethical labor practices in New York City, sourced of fine exotic leathers, pure metals, and custom hardware.

www.bracehumanity.con

FOR THE LOVE OF BEAUTY

Located in the heart of New York City, Angelo David Salon fuses a sense of couture with beauty. To make it happen, celebrity hair stylist and owner Angelo David leads a team of hair specialists, who craft highly customized beauty transformations for all of their clients. At Angelo David Salon, you can expect Couture Hair™ Extensions, Wigs, Hair Pieces, Ponytails & Additions made from human hair and designed on-site to match each client’s hair texture, type and color, as well as lifestyle. The salon boasts seven private VIP Hair Suites, offers a full range of services and retails Angelo David Hair Care, Couture Hair and the Angelo David Couture Brush Collection.

www.angelodavid.com

FOR THE LOVE OF SKIN

L’Occitane’s Divine Immortelle has advanced formulas that combine the organic Immortelle essential oil rich in active molecules that deliver unique anti-aging beauty results with a complex of plant derived active ingredients. This powerful combination helps to fight visible signs of aging, giving skin the youthful, radiant glow you’ve always wanted.

www.loccitane.com

The global experts in eye cream, Hormeta eye cream fights visible signs of aging for men and women. The eye contour is smoother, hydrated and firmer. Wrinkles and crow’s feet fine lines are smoothed. The eye contour is nourished, firmer and toned. The soft, non-sticky cream texture makes the skin more comfortable. For U.S., best to message them on Facebook at Hormeta US. For outside U.S. visit their website.

www.hormeta.com

FOR THE LOVE OF SPARKLE

FOR THE LOVE OF FEET

Celebrity jewelry designer Margo Manhattan, whose clientele includes Beyonce, Selena Gomez and Amber Heard, is world-renowned for her bold, rock-n-roll chic aesthetic. Do not miss The Vault, a stunning collection of unique one-of-a-kind pieces, featuring diamonds, emeralds and sapphires, all set in white and yellow gold. Her ICONIC designs are available exclusively on her website.

www.margomanhattan.com

Interior Designer Gambrell Renard, has an array of custom design accessories made from leather, wool, fur and other organic materials. The Millie Women’s Alpaca House Slippers will surely keep those cold feet warm and toasty. Sheepskin wool lines the inside, suede soles and alpaca outer layer make these stylish slippers warm, comfy and cozy. And as they are made from natural products, variations in color makes each set one of a kind.

www.gambrellrenard.com

FOR THE LOVE OF GIVING

Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life By What You Give, by prominent philanthropist Jean Shafiroff, is a practical guide to modern giving that redefines philanthropy for today’s era. Successful Philanthropy offers practical guidance and inspiring perspective. Learn to identify your passions and interests and discover how they can direct your philanthropic work. Find the best ways to choose a charity that will offer personal fulfillment. Successful Philanthropy features a special introduction by Georgina Bloomberg who discusses how she paired her background as an equestrian and as a philanthropist to launch her charitable venture, The Riders Closet. www.Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble Bookstores.

FOR THE LOVE OF CIVILITY

Etiquette is one of the most valuable assets a person can have: knowing how best to present yourself, and how to deal with others in a direct, effective manner, is paramount in all personal, professional, and social relationships. Manners That Matter Most – the Easy Guide to Etiquette at Home and in the World – published by Hatherleigh Press, researched and written by June Eding, with a special foreword by Norah Lawlor – covers topics from introductions, greetings and thank you’s, to the etiquette of modern technology. This book is a valuable resource and much needed guide for the fast-paced digital world. www.Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble Bookstores.

FOR THE LOVE OF FILMS

Classic films have had an immeasurable impact on our popular culture. Sean K. Smith’s Reel Wisdom captures these pivotal moments with 125 inspirational quotes from film history. There is a relevant movie reference for any conversation. Curated by screenwriter and director Sean K. Smith, Reel Wisdom is full of memories. Keep Reel Wisdom on hand to test your clique of cinephiles or to reminisce about awe-inspiring moments from your beloved films. Reel Wisdom has catalogued quotes into overarching themes that serve as chapters, and are easy to apply to real life. Chapters include; Perseverance, Seize the Day, Ordinary People, Dealing with Conflict, The Wisdom of Clint Eastwood plus 13 more. www.Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble Bookstores.

FOR THE LOVE OF FASHION

In 2016, Vogue celebrated 100 years as the undisputed fashion bible in Britain.

Now, a landmark publication, VOICE OF A CENTURY, compiles over 400 Vogue photographs and illustrations, correspondence and covers, plus 32,000 words of new interviews with 100 Vogue contributors.

VOICE OF A CENTURY is strictly limited to only 1,916 craftsman-bound copies, and each 504-page volume is individually signed by at least eight major contributors. It includes previously unseen material, including letters from Helmut Newton and Cecil Beaton, as well as candid exchanges between Vogue editor Audrey Withers and Lee Miller.

Editors and photographers talk about their special collaborations: Jerry Hall recalls those now iconic shoots with Grace Coddington and Norman Parkinson; Jean Shrimpton recollects her famous partnership with David Bailey; Kate Moss relives a shoot riding on elephants with Christy Turlington in Nepal; Bianca Jagger talks about her Vogue moment for a cover shoot in the Seventies in Paris; and Juergen Teller remembers his first rather surreal meeting with fashion editor Isabella Blow.

These exclusive contributions, combined with over 400 images selected from the magazine’s archives, show how Vogue has become Britain’s cultural barometer, placing fashion in the context of the wider world we live in –how we dress, entertain, what we eat, listen to, watch; who leads us, excites us and inspires us.

Vogue Editor-in-Chief, Alexandra Shulman on VOICE OF A CENTURY: “During the lifetime of British Vogue, there have been many Vogue books published. But never a book such as this. Vogue –Voice of A Century is the ultimate anthology of the magazine, a celebration of 100 years of the many talents that have created the thousands of pages of magical images and interesting and inspiring journalism.” From its beginnings to today, three central principles have set Vogue apart: a commitment to visual genius, an investment in storytelling, and a selective, optimistic editorial eye.

British Vogue, February 1992, Christy Turlington by Patrick Demarchelier

Polo Ralph Lauren - Wool Cashmere - $398

Polo Ralph Lauren Combat Jacket - $1,495

Tod’s Suede Belt - $495

Baume et Mercier Classima - $2,950

Salvatore Ferragamo Boots - $950

SKY BLUE FARM ESTATE

Etched into a spectacular rural countryside and set against a backdrop of striking vistas, Sky Blue Farm is a gateway to an illustrious

lifestyle, unrivaled in its breadth of luxury and amenities. The main residence, a grand Georgian colonial, is complemented by a two-story 3,200 sq. ft. guest house, a charming carriage barn with staff quarters, a caretaker’s cottage, two workshops/garages and additional outbuildings. In its entirety, this remarkable estate offers 13 bedrooms, 19 baths, 10 wood burning fireplaces and abounding entertaining areas for both formal and casual gatherings. Imagine this and more, all in an arboretum-like setting dotted with majestic maples, towering pines, age-old linden trees, a sprawling multi-tiered stone garden and mature landscape… a beautifully tended manor unique in its scope of possibilities. Artfully planned for the socially and recreationally active family, the sprawling estate unfolds to accommodate every desire, offering world-class recreation and elegant surroundings in the ultimate private setting.

A truly magnificent, oneof-a-kind 145-acre estate nestled in the hills of Millbrook’s prized Hunt Country

The centerpiece of the estate is a stately and welcoming Georgian colonial, delighting with its perfect blend of classical style and modern comforts. Scaled for grand living and featuring a divine flow for entertaining, the home offers 9,100 sq. ft.. of living space on two main levels and an additional 4,000+ sq. ft. on the lower level. Evoking the warmth and elegance of a period home, the residence is rendered with exceptional design, intricate architectural detail and supreme craftsmanship throughout. Exquisite moldings, fine woodwork including furniture-quality paneling and built-ins and statuesque fireplaces framed by intricately carved mantels are just a sampling of the artistry that distinguishes the light-filled interiors. A grand entry hall with a commanding floating staircase, stunning living and dining rooms and a mahogany paneled library count among the many highlights. Elegant formal rooms, resplendent with ornate detailing, mix easily with comfortable family spaces including an enormous heart-of-the-house country kitchen. A wide wraparound porch captures stunning valley views of the rolling landscape that take the breath away. The entire estate benefits from a private high-speed wireless network as well as numerous custom technologies. Six bedrooms including an expansive main level master suite, five full baths, two powder rooms and five fireplaces are showcased within this magnificent residence, exemplifying the best of country living in a truly sublime setting.

Recreational Amenities

Pleasures for every interest and recreation abound at Sky Blue Farm. Outdoors, a terraced, heated pool and Jacuzzi with vanishing edge waterfall are served by a cabana with full bath and an outdoor kitchen equipped with a built-in BBQ, ice-maker and refrigerator. A brick-walled lighted tennis court with pavilion and viewing terrace are perfect for both competitive matches and casual rallies. Spectacular horseback trails – both on and off the property – provide for idyllic country riding. For the shooting enthusiast, a fully-remote skeet and sporting clay target range comes complete with high tower and spectator stand. A lighted ice skating rink with warming house and fireplace is equipped with a Zamboni for resurfacing the ice, with its own garage for easy drive-on access. A professionally designed motocross track with biking trails wind throughout the property. Indoors, the luxuries unfold with a tranquil resort-style spa with steam room and Jacuzzi, a state-of-the-art home theater with concession bar and balcony seating, a full-press mirrored gym with wood floors and an indoor basketball court with an automatic scoreboard.

Living Spaces and Outbuildings

The main residence is complemented by expanded living areas and outbuildings all thoughtfully planned and built on the estate to accommodate guests, staff and recreation.

Equestrian Facilities

Revel in the sporting life with champion equestrian facilities including an impressive 8,800 sq. ft. 18-stall barn. Handsomely designed, the barn offers the space and amenities of a professional-caliber facility. Featured are an office, two tack rooms, a kitchenette, a feed room, wash stall, powder room, laundry and motorized walker. A 20,000 sq. ft. indoor riding ring showcases a viewing stand, retractable side doors and sprinkler system. Outdoor sand and grass rings, multiple well-maintained paddocks with run-in sheds and automatic watering are also part of the equestrian complex, conveniently reached via its own service road and all with direct access to miles of breathtaking Millbrook Hunt riding trails.

Carriage Barn

The main level hosts a large gym, spa with a full bath and kitchenette, powder room and home theater with stadium seating and a wet bar. Two one-bedroom/one-bath apartments occupy the second level, ideal for staff quarters.

Caretaker’s Cottage

Convenient to the main barn, this cozy home features a living room, kitchen, two bedrooms, two baths and a laundry room, on two-levels.

Studio

Nearly 600 square feet and convenient to the main house, this one-room cottage with running water is ideal for an office, workshop, craft barn or studio.

Equipment Barns

The large 4-bay barn features an office, full bath, workshop and indoor basketball court. Additional garaging and storage are provided by a smaller barn, as well as the heated 3-bay garage attached to the main residence.

Elegant Guest House

• 3200 sq. ft.. with three bedrooms and three and one-half baths

• Twin parlors, one with fireplace

• Main-level bedroom with en-suite handicapped-accessible bath

• Powder room

• Living room with dual-sided fireplace that also serves outdoors

• Kitchen with beamed ceiling and fireplace

• Second floor boasts a bedroom and full bath, along with a loftsized bedroom and full bath with steam shower

• Inviting country porch

• Outdoor fireplace and entertaining area

• The centerpiece of the estate is a grand Georgian colonial, rendered with exquisite details and showcasing supreme craftsmanship throughout. This is understated elegance at its finest.

• Custom built to the highest standards and completed in 1988

• Handsome clapboard exterior accented with a copper roof

• Stately entrance framed with a porte cochere and columns

• Beautifully scaled, classically detailed interiors with fine moldings, intricately carved fireplace mantels, vintage wood floors and lustrous paneling

• Approximately 9,100 sq. ft.. of living space on two main levels

• Free-flowing floor plan creates light, airy ambiance throughout and is accompanied by dramatic ceiling heights, six wood burning fireplaces and abundant French doors

• Six bedrooms, four full bathrooms and two powder rooms

• Lavish main-level master suite with hand-painted mural entry, luxurious bath with outdoor shower, two spacious walk-in closets – one with windows –comfortable study

• Wraparound veranda with brick flooring, retractable awnings and custom weather-proof panels

• Second floor porch overlooking pool area and grounds

• Adjacent craft house ideal for potting and gift wrapping, or can be converted into an extra garage

• 3-bay attached heated garage including wash bay with drainage

• Private gas pumps on the property (reg. unleaded and diesel); substantial generator

• A Remarkable Country Setting

• A meandering maple-lined drive unveils a supremely private country estate

• Set on 144.9 majestic acres with a magnificent array of age-old trees, including stately linden trees, mature maples and towering pines

• Breathtaking vistas that stretch across the Hudson Valley

• Expansive rolling lawns lined with graceful stone walls and paddock fencing

• A sparkling stream, formal terraced gardens, espaliered apple trees and a fruit orchard grace the property

• Raised vegetable garden is lighted and automatically irrigated

• Extensive landscape lighting

• Irrigation system

• Private wireless high speed Internet throughout the estate

• Supreme privacy bolstered by conserved land located across the road

Information and photos courtesy of Alfa Romeo

D&Decoration esign

Decoration & Design Building 979 Third Avenue New York, NY 10022

Located in midtown Manhattan’s Design District, the Decoration & Design Building (DDB) is an invaluable resource to industry professionals who seek to design and decorate residential and commercial installations of distinctive quality. It is owned and developed by Charles S. Cohen, who is known for his brilliant repositioning of commercial real estate. Cohen’s umbrella company, Cohen Design Centers owns and manages the DDB; the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, California; Design Center of the Americas in Dania Beach, Florida; and the Decorative Center Houston in Texas.

by Lillian Langtry

The DDB is open exclusively to the trade and welcomes design industry professionals from all over the world, who can find inspiration in anything from the bespoke furnishings, ornamental wall coverings and luxurious fabrics to the unique decorative accessories and dramatic lighting, featuring styles ranging from the richly ornate to the sleek and modern. Celebrating 50+ years, the DDB is known nationally and internationally as the world’s most prestigious home to over 130 showrooms, and represents over 3,000 leading manufacturers dedicated to the very best in residential and business interior furnishings, and resource information.

Aside from the plethora of inspirational showrooms, the DDB also offers a number of additional services, including its Design Professionals Program and the Designer Referral Program; a complimentary service that helps individuals locate an interior designer who best suits their taste, project scope, and budget.

Two major Market events are hosted at the DDB each year; one in the spring and one in the fall. The Markets, which are often held in partnership with the world’s top editorial voices and tastemakers, explore all aspects of design and the decorative arts seeking to educate, enlighten and excite audiences. These Market events are exclusive to over 2,000 trade professionals and industry leaders, with over 150 in attendance at each f the DDB keynote presentations.

This past October, the Decoration & Design Building hosted its annual two-day Fall Market, featuring international interior design experts covering pertinent topics, new introductions, showroom presentations, book signings and open house events. CEO/Owner of Cohen Design Centers, Charles S. Cohen, provided the inspirational opening remarks at the initial keynote events on both days.

The building also incorporates Upper Story, situated on the 14th floor, which is the building’s scenic events venue, conference center, and restaurant, with cuisine by celebrity chef and culinary icon, Charlie Palmer.

HearthCabinet™ Ventless Fireplaces is a world-class ventless fireplace brand that designs and manufactures the only ventless fireplaces that use the finest, safe, clean-burning, gel fuel cartridge system.

All of our models are designed by an architect-led design team and evolved from a solution for a client who wanted a safe and beautiful fireplace for a luxury highrise apartment.

HearthCabinet™ Ventless Fireplaces have been used in high-end residential, hospitality, and commercial spaces across North America by top trade professionals.

HearthCabinet™ Ventless Fireplaces are the ONLY ventless fireplaces approved for use in New York City because of their unique safety features.

HearthCabinet™ Ventless Fireplaces are designed and handcrafted in New York City by NY craftsmen, ensuring high quality, bespoke products with short lead times.

HearthCabinet™ has been the leader in custom, luxury, ventless fireplaces since 2005.

by Daun

ROUNDUPMARKET

by Eric Uchida Henderson, CFA

November 2016 review:

UPHEAVAL & UPMARKETS

November underscored that the consensus can be wrong, very wrong. A month ago, there were two widely accepted opinions: One, Hillary Clinton would win the US presidential election… Wrong! And two, if Donald Trump were to win the election, stock markets would decline or fall dramatically… Right for a few hours, but then another big Wrong! Throughout November, US stocks pushed upwards on expectations of lower taxes, increased spending, less regulation and higher economic growth. For the month, the S&P500 advanced a solid +3.7% and the Dow Jones surged even higher, +5.9%, as both indices achieved new record highs. Upheaval underlined the advances in US indices. The biggest winners were the Financials sector and small cap stocks, both up over +12%. In contrast, the biggest losers were defensive stocks including the Consumer Staples and Utilities sectors, both retreating more than - 4%.

November 2016: divided results.

Winners: copper, financials & small cap Losers: EM, utilities, gold & LatAm

Beyond US equities, massive upheaval across investment asset classes. When consensus views shift rapidly and radically about a new political world order with economic impacts (fiscal and monetary), there are bound to be further disruptions across different financial markets:

• US Dollar surged to its highest levels since 2003 on prospects of higher economic growth, higher interest rates and uncertainties overseas. With an unusually strong gain of 3%, USD appreciated against the Euro, Japanese Yen and most Emerging Markets currencies.

• International equities suffered from the strong Dollar and fears of a protectionist Trump administration. The MSCI international equity index retreated -2.3% with Emerging Markets declining -4.4%. The worst region was Latin America, down -9% in November, but year-to-date remains above +30%.

• As interest rates jumped, bond prices fell. The yield on 10-year US bonds pushed from 1.8% to 2.4%, a move reminiscent of the May 2013 “taper tantrum”. The result was major sell-off in bonds, a big monthly decline with the most negative impact on long-duration bonds, especially with maturities beyond 10 years.

• Oil rose on OPEC agreement. At the end of the month, members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries agreed to their first production cut in eight years. This is significant as it required the alliance of rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran with intervention by Russia. Oil prices reached nearly $50/barrel, a surge from its lows of $26 in February.

• Metals gone wild. Copper surged +20% with expectations of increased US infrastructure spending and stable demand in China. In contrast, gold prices fell more than -9% during November to 10-month lows.

Eric Uchida Henderson, CFA ehenderson@easthorizoninvestments.com 617.401.2704

REGIME CHANGES BEYOND U.S. ELECTION

November’s turmoil fits with the narrative of massive political shifts this year. Both the UK Brexit referendum in June and the US presidential election exemplify rising populist and nationalist movements mixed with anti-immigration and antiglobalization campaigns. But major changes have not been limited to English speaking democracies. In mid-October, the world’s longest reigning monarch (for over 70 years), Thailand’s much beloved King Bhumibol Adulyadej passed away. Another recent death was the controversial Cuban leader Fidel Castro who made a strong imprint on the 20th Century for his decades-long defiance of the US. As we write this note, Italy’s centrist Prime Minister lost a referendum vote for political reform and South Korea’s leader is on the verge of impeachment due to a widening political scandal, capping a very uncertain and unexpected year for some of the world’s larger economies.

OUTLOOK

Looking to the US Dollar and interest rates In the short/ near-term, it is very reasonable that recent trends from the election may continue, supported by seasonality and limited news flow into year-end. Moreover, the anticipation of higher US economic growth does not face reality until late-January when the incoming administration and Congress begin their terms. Aside from political expectations, two metrics we are closely watching are the US Dollar and US interest rates. Both are mere headwinds at present, but if extended too far or too fast, these intertwined factors could have broader and serious implications across the global financial system.

US Dollar strength is a threat to Emerging Markets where several countries have raised interest rates ahead of the US Fed to protect their currencies. Moreover, the level of Dollardenominated borrowing has grown in Emerging Markets to over $3trn and debt-servicing costs could become straining. Back in the US, the stronger Dollar will again pressure S&P500 earnings as companies report lower overseas profits, as seen in late-2014/early-2015.

Higher interest rates are a double-edged sword. While rising rates are usually the sign of a healthy economy, the sudden rise since the election has been jarring. The upward movement in rates is welcomed by banks and savers, but sparked a sharp selloff in bonds. Inevitably, higher rates soften economic growth, whether on credit cards or real estate, one of the strongest recent areas of the economy. For home mortgages, 30-year rates have already spiked above 4%, their highest rate in nearly two years. Looking to December 14, we expect the US Federal Reserve will raise its Fed Funds rate, but the bigger question is the pace of further interest rates moves in 2017 and beyond.

OUR INVESTMENT STRATEGIES

In our Intelligent Investing for Intelligent People approach, we manage investments across:

1. Broad Portfolio Allocations, and

2. Two distinct Proprietary International Equity Strategies, appropriate for select clients Broad Portfolio Allocations:

For most of our clients, a diversified portfolio is generally most appropriate for their investments. Together, we will determine investment objectives and risk tolerances and then construct portfolios incorporating an optimal asset allocation and security selection.

• Equities: US equities remain the cornerstone of our investment approach for broad portfolio allocations, a positive for most clients’ diversified portfolios. New changes sparked from the US election generally favor US over international equities. We still believe there is a reasonable place for international stocks, but note while Developed Markets such as Europe and Japan can benefit from a weaker currency there could be more challenges for Emerging Markets.

• Income: As highlighted above, the new regime of fiscal spending and potential monetary policy has implications for income-generating investments. While some may argue the ultra-low interest rate environment is over, we still find enough international fragility to believe that interest rates should remain low. We will maintain positions in bonds for diversification, but can still find sources of income generation in areas including REITs, preferred shares and dividend-paying equities with sustainable growth.

Proprietary International Equity Strategies:

Our Country Selection strategy was slightly ahead of the international equities index in November. Clearly, exposure to Emerging Markets weighed down the performance of the strategy – including positions in Brazil, Mexico and Turkey, where country funds were down between -11% and -15% in November. Nevertheless, the strategy was helped by currency-hedged positions in Japan and Europe and in countries where the currency impact was muted, such as Canada, China and Australia.

Legal Matters

KEEPING THE FAMILY BUSINESS IN BUSINESS

Family business owners face a challenge when it comes to the continued operation of the business when they attempt to pass the ownership and operation of the business to the next generation because 70% of businesses fail in the second generation.

There are a great number of cases where the family does want to keep running the business, but is unable to do so.

When that happens it is often the result of inadequate planning as Bloomberg points out in “Keeping It in the Family. (April 21, 2016)”

A key problem is that succession planning for a family owned business is more difficult than it is for other businesses as there are more stakeholders involved. If the business represents a large portion of an estate, the founder must also plan for how relatives not involved in the business will receive an equitable inheritance.

One of the common mistakes people make is to give ownership control to family members who are not going to be involved in the actual running of the business. That creates tension and fighting with family members who are running the business.

Just because succession planning is more difficult for family owned businesses does not mean that it is impossible. With proper succession and estate planning the business can thrive long after the founder has passed away.

For that to happen it is important to not delay the planning, but instead to start as soon as possible. An estate planning attorney can give you guidance to increases your chances of success when passing ownership from one generation to the next.

RETIREMENT & ESTATE PLANNING

Most estate planning attorneys suggest people review their estate plans every couple of years to make sure the plans continue to meet the needs of the person's current situation and goals. At a minimum, attorneys advise that any significant life changing event should trigger an estate plan review and possible update.

Retirement is a significant life changing event and a good time to review your estate plan as retirees have special considerations that need to be reviewed in their plans.

Recently, Wealth Management discussed this in “Estate Planning for an Aging Population. (July 5, 2016)”

Things to consider include:

Gifting Provisions – Many estate plans include provisions to allow ongoing gifting should that be necessary to avoid the estate tax. Retirees who know their estates will fall under the estate tax exemption might want to remove those provisions as they could be a tool unscrupulous people use in elder financial abuse schemes.

Where to Live – The state you live in during retirement and where you create your estate plan can be very important as income taxes, state estate taxes and estate planning laws are different in different states.

Retirement Trusts – These are interesting vehicles for people with IRAs who are planning on leaving money in the accounts for the benefit of their children. The trust allows the children to disclaim a portion of the IRA for the benefit of their own children. Thus, if the child does not need the full amount because he or she has plenty of other assets, the IRA funds can continue to grow and be available when needed by your grandchildren.

ANDREW L. JALOZA ASSOCIATES Phone: 718-303-0156 Email: info@aljlaw.com

MIAMI THE BEST OF

On the last five acres of Aventura waterfront lies Echo, an intimate luxury retreat redefining the city’s lifestyle. Echo Aventura’s sophisticated and remarkable conceptual design by Carlos Ott, as well as stunning interiors by Yabu Pushelberg, set an imaginative destination for the most cutting-edge living experience. Echo Aventura residences are delivered fullyfinished and offer unparalleled home technology, amenities and services available to residents 24 hours a day.

MUSE

MUSE is one of the newest luxury oceanfront condominiums in Sunny Isles Beach. The 49-story, full-service condo will soar 649 feet above the beach, and offers just 68 luxury residences, including two full-floor penthouse homes. Designed by worldrenowned architect Carlos Ott, this svelte twisting tower is slated for completion by mid-2017 BR/3 BATHS | 3635 ft2 | 338 m2 Ocean Views from $6.85 mil

Echo Brickell is a boutique, state-of-the-art residential high-rise in the epicenter of Miami’s fastest-growing metropolitan neighborhood, located on the coveted East side of Brickell Avenue.

Designed by Carlos Ott, Echo Brickell’s 180 residences will feature summer kitchens, top-of-the-line appliances, expansive terraces and marble flooring throughout, and is slated for completion in early 2017.

In the universe of Brace Humanity, compassion for human struggle and creativity are one...

KEEPING IT SIMPLE

by Herbert Koehler

For some reason, regardless of what area of business I’m writing about, I always seem to have some useful Warren Buffet quote that sums it up perfectly. It makes sense when you think about it. He’s mastered almost every area of business and investing, not to mention he shares a great many life lessons in his talks.

This quote is probably one of my top three from Warren. Speaking as an investor, and a marketer, I can’t tell you how many times I see newbies making their lives way more complicated than is necessary. If you were to tune in to any of the financial news stations, they showcase endless discussions about economic indicators, new policies, industry news, chart action, and of course the talk on the street. It’s the talk of speculators, not investors. It’s less about the objective facts, and more about the multitude of subjective opinions derived from those facts.

That’s why nobody can agree, and almost nobody can call predictions with any level of accuracy. All of that research just boils down to information overload that leaves the investor as clueless as when they started. It also does a disservice to new investors who become overwhelmed by the preconception that all this nonsense is even what investing is about.

What does Warren Buffet base his decisions on? JUST THE FACTS. One of my coaches once said that people do their research in the wrong order. Most people go into their research hoping to reach a certain conclusion, or perhaps scared to find out they were wrong. It filters their perception, and their process of finding the truth. They find the information that matches their preconceptions, rather than information that most accurately portrays reality.

The strategic investigator approaches their research as they would a detective working a case. Gather evidence FIRST. Then draw conclusions. That’s how Warren Buffet investigates potential investments. That’s how my marketing coach researches what and how to sell to his customers.

And the reason this simplifies the process is because it tunes out so much of the noise. Now that you’re only looking at the objective facts, you no longer consider the speculative, contradicting opinions of so many so called experts. Your decisions to buy, hold, or sell become much more based on criteria rather than intuition. And as a result, you begin to bypass a lot of the headaches that the mainstream continues to deal with.

So here’s my own subjective opinion on the matter. Stop focusing on the preconception that knowledge is power. Start focusing on the idea the discernment is power. Instead of playing the more better, start figuring out what can be ignored, disregarded, or cut out of your approach. In doing so, you simplify your own pursuits, gain a competitive advantage, and create new solutions that previously seemed overwhelming.

“There seems to be some perverse human characteristic that likes to make easy things difficult.”

- Warren Buffet

Grassini Vineyards

Iwas convinced we were never going to find this vineyard. “Turn down Happy Canyon Road,” said Tom Bryant, architect, caretaker and newly-anointed wine aficionado, due to his most current job working with Grassini Family Vineyards in Santa Barbara, California, a position he happened upon through the forces of the universe.

My friend and I were lost. Two ladies carrying notepads and cameras were frantically looking for this private family-owned and operated vineyard. We couldn’t manage to find it and I was due to meet Tom and visit the property to get a true sense of the terroir of the land and how the family produces their high quality wines. As the current vernacular says, “Epic fail”.

After a few more attempts to find it, we persevered making our way to the gated vineyard where we were greeted by Tom, a warm and friendly man who was just as excited to see us as we were to have found him.

Our first look inside the vineyard began with what we believed to be the family’s home, used for entertaining and tastings. As we toured around inside the home, seeing the bedrooms and living space, Tom suddenly hit one small button and a door opened to reveal the actual wine caves, something quite similar to what I believe the fictitious Batcave looks like, if Batman was a secret winemaker.

I stepped through the door into a small, but highly efficient wine operation created in part to pay homage to the ancient Romans who stored their wine in catacombs. The two-floored space not only had tasting rooms for smaller events and gatherings, but also an entire bottle making operation where they bottle all of their own wine on the premises.

Larry Grassini, the patriarch of the family, whose own family routes stem back to Pisa, Italy, is somewhat of a visionary, explained Tom. While he had owned the property for some time before converting it into a winery, he wanted to give back to the women in his life, including his wife and four daughters, and build a family business that would engage them and also be part of their own legacy and story for years to come.

Keeping it in the Family

While the caves look aesthetically pleasing, they also serve a purpose far greater than that. They are constructed in such a way that the caves ensure temperature control for the wine, allowing for the fluctuation in humidity and only using a fraction of electrical energy resources. The family is committed to sustainability with the overall operations at the vineyard. The property runs on solar power and all of the water used for irrigation comes from the property’s beautiful lake that is kept well stocked with bass. “Terroir is beyond the soil,” said Bryant, “but where you are located in the world.”

Bryant, while not a Grassini by blood, has been taken in as if he were family and certainly has developed a predilection for winemaking undoubtedly expressed in the way he talks about the terroir and different varietals that the vineyard produces. He’s worked diligently constructing the home and wine caves that are on the property today, but has also become a bona fide wine expert and conservationist. The love of his craft and the connection he has with the family led him to find extraordinary reclaimed antique fir that was milled from timbers that hail from the Columbia River. After finding such wood, he channeled his inspiration into beautiful wood work found throughout the house on the property in Santa Ynez, as well as the long wooden bar in the tasting room in downtown in El Paseo in Santa Barbara.

Katie Grassini, one of Larry’s four daughters, is at the helm of the operations of the family business and can often be found behind that handcrafted bar, speaking with clients and wine lovers about her family history, the wines they’re producing and how they are continually evolving and keeping up with sustainable winemaking practices. One thing Grassini stressed was the importance of working with the right people like Bryant and those who they’ve chosen to work the vineyard. In turn, the family looks for ways to give back to their loyal staff. Take for instance, their Equipo wine. This is no ordinary varietal; rather it stems from a block of the vines that are given to the crew each year.

The dedicated crew, led by vineyard foreman Manuel Cardoza, even choose the word “Equipo” which in Spanish means “team” as the wine’s moniker. The staff manages and makes any top-level decisions including irrigation, fertilization, pest control, pruning and the like and any decisions on how to produce their wine. “We told our staff ‘we trust you’. We know they’ll make the best wine that they possibly can,” said Grassini, who added that the family gives a portion back to the workers for annual yearend bonuses.

“This all came about after a manager told my mother that one of their children had a birth defect and needed to have a costly surgery. We started this originally almost as an emergency fund where we could buy our staff gift cards to the supermarket or local grocery store. Now, as the project has grown, we think of it more as a scholarship fund.”

Equipo is only one of the many Bordeaux varietals that Cardoza and his team produce, after planting every vine on the vineyard itself. Others include the likes of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot varietals along with Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. Several unique Cabernet clones, tended by hand, enhance the exceptional wines produced on the estate, Grassini added.

One such diamond in the rough steeped in deep family traditions is the family’s 2013 Articondo. The name of the wine is in honor of Grassini’s great grandfather who was the first in the family to leave Pisa in search for greener pastures in the United States. Her father Larry has very fond memories of his artisan grandfather. While he was a man who worked on the railroads his whole life, in his spare time he loved to garden and cook. Grassini explained that the Articondo wine is meant to be approachable, a red wine that you can drink with just about any type of food, something Articondo himself would’ve only dreamt about doing.

While the vineyard is strictly private and doesn’t allow visitors, the Grassini’s believe the work they and their team are doing on Happy Canyon Road is transformational—not only for themselves but for those who drink their wine. Theirs is not only a story of an entrepreneurial enterprise or an outstanding vineyard, for that matter. It’s a story of a people who not only love one another but also believe in what they do with their quality product that brings joy to others. I can say with certainty, after seeing the property and meeting Bryant and Grassini that I, too, hope to be a Grassini someday when I grow up.

photo by Kobby Dagan

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is partnering with three world-class interior designers to create 21 exclusive Boulevard Penthouses in the Boulevard Tower of the resort.

In collaboration with the resort, members from Tihany Design, Daun Curry and Richmond International have drawn inspiration from places both near and far to create unique and luxurious penthouses on the top floors of the Boulevard Tower of the resort.

The Boulevard Penthouses will be designed to maintain the sweeping views of the Las Vegas skyline, a paramount attribute. Spanning a total of approx. 63,000 square feet, the individual penthouses will range in size from 2,000 square feet to 5,000 square feet. The 21 penthouses—with seven unique designs from each team—will cater to Las Vegas’ most discerning travelers, who frequent the city for not only gaming and entertainment, but also to experience ultimate luxury. A Private Gaming Salon will also be created exclusively for these penthouses’ guests, which will feel like 007 meets The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas with the unrivaled backdrop of the Las Vegas Strip.

“These one-of-a-kind designer Boulevard Penthouses and Private Gaming Salon are the final project to solidify The Cosmopolitan’s position atop the list of full-service luxury properties in Las Vegas,” said Bill McBeath, president and chief executive officer of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. “Our idea in partnering with these three outstanding designers was not to have 21 penthouses painted with the same brush, but to find creative partners who would bring the touches of residential high-design to the hospitality space—the results will be unparalleled.”

The 21 Boulevard Penthouses are slated for completion at the close of 2016 and in early 2017 and will redefine the level of luxury accommodation in Las Vegas. The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas continues to evolve its offerings and maintain its decidedly different perspective in every aspect of the resort.

AS EGAS

“The penthouses are designed to feel uniquely personal,” said Tihany. “Every detail works to create the ultimate luxury residential experience in true Las Vegas form.”

TIHANY DESIGN

Adam D. Tihany brings with him a wealth of Las Vegas design experience, having first made his mark on The Strip with Wolfgang Puck’s Spago in 1993. Many restaurant and hotel projects later, the famed hospitality designer returns to the city to join The Cosmopolitan for this exciting project and stepped in to work as a design consultant to the architect. In order to capture the exclusivity and bespoke nature of the new space, Tihany has imagined two distinct guest personas in the design for the penthouses. Inspired by the characters’ imagined native cites of Beverly Hills and New York, the luxury residential interiors embody both east and west coasts while catering to the grandeur and excitement of Las Vegas. The Beverly Hills penthouses will feature curved shapes, limestone accents and airy touches, while the New York inspired spaces will showcase straight lines, dark wood and abstract structures.

“The penthouses are designed to feel uniquely personal,” said Tihany. “Every detail works to create the ultimate luxury residential experience in true Las Vegas form.”

In addition to designing the Boulevard Penthouses, The Cosmopolitan has commissioned Tihany to design the ultra-exclusive Private Gaming Salon and penthouse level corridors. The 2,300-square-foot intimate Private Gaming Salon is designed to feel like a distinguished Art Deco style men’s club with natural sunlight flooding the room from two discreetly placed doors that lead out to a private terrace and will illuminate the original pieces of modern artwork that will adorn the walls. Bold, bright colored furniture and accessories stand out against the textured wood wall panels, adding a playful charm to the venue. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming with unmatched service. Conversely, the penthouse level corridors will feature a sleek, modern look anchored by custom carpeting evocative of a mosaic design that guides guests to the elevator lobbies, which are decorated

DAUN CURRY

Curry’s collaboration with The Cosmopolitan serves as her exciting debut into the world of hospitality design. Daun is inspired by the playfully seductive persona of the resort and the glamour and opulence of Las Vegas, which will be incorporated into the aesthetic of the Boulevard Penthouses. Her sense of design will remain refined as she and her team will aim to develop open-concept spaces to highlight the Boulevard Tower’s impressive views, which helped to influence the color palette. Ochre, coriander and blush tones will be found throughout, which will feature eclectic interiors inspired by international locales. Contrasting textures are set to challenge guests to examine their surroundings while ensconced in the warmth and beauty of the space. Curry will commission several contributing artisans to create custom details specifically for this project including a New York-based fabricator to produce bespoke furniture. Highlights of her design will include luxe pony hair walls, hand-cut Italian glass mosaic murals and grottos where soaking tubs morph out of hand-cut marble.

"Working with The Cosmopolitan has been an exploration of how a space can engage all of your senses at once— excitement, curiosity, sensuality and luxury all encompassed by a singular, breathtaking resort experience,” remarked Curry. “As a designer, I am always pushing myself to create unique experiences for my clients, and for the guests staying at The Cosmopolitan, my mission is to inspire them with fantasy and spontaneity, to help them see the resort differently and, in both a literal and nonliteral sense, to see Las Vegas in an entirely new way."

“Working with The Cosmopolitan has been an exploration of how a space can engage all of your senses at once—excitement, curiosity, sensuality and luxury all encompassed by a singular, breathtaking resort experience...”

RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL

Working on a Las Vegas-based project will also be a first for Richmond International. Drawing inspiration from the vibrancy of the location and the dynamic and exciting spaces at The Cosmopolitan, the Boulevard Penthouses offer incomparable views of the city and its energetic enthusiasm. The stunning vistas available are echoed throughout the penthouses, instantly captivating guests upon entry. Provocative artwork and whimsical sculptural installations inspired by both the digital art installations in the lobby and the significant pieces throughout the resort will be a key feature of the design.

Contemporary design and detailing using tailored finishes such as 24-karat gold handcrafted resin and verre eglomise panels afford a level of luxury unique to Las Vegas. Contemporary pieces of furniture from key designers sit alongside the many pieces designed by Richmond International to work with the overall design aesthetic of the penthouses. Two different color palettes, one anchored in teal and jewel tones and the other a vibrant cobalt blue give the penthouses a distinct identity.

“Working with the team at The Cosmopolitan has given us the opportunity to create some truly extraordinary penthouses,” said Richmond International designer, Fiona Thompson.

“Beautifully bespoke and working with many artists and artisans allowed us the freedom and interaction with other specialists to develop a design that responds to the city of Las Vegas offering true luxury in a uniquely designed setting to guests.”

ABOUT THE COSMOPOLITAN OF LAS VEGAS

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is a luxury casino and resort offering a decidedly different perspective from its commitment to integrating art into every experience to the world renowned Restaurant Collection and distinct entertainment venues. Located at the heart of The Strip, its unique vertical multitower design offers spectacular views of the vibrant city. The 3,005-room resort features oversized residential-style living spaces with expansive, one-of-a-kind private terraces. Luxurious amenities include a 100,000-square-foot-casino with the newlyadded Race & Sports Book Powered by CG Technology and expanded high stakes gaming area, The Talon Club; Sahra Spa & Hammam and Violet Hour | Hair | Nails | Beauty; three unique pool experiences; Marquee Nightclub & Dayclub, a multi-level integrated indoor and outdoor nightclub; an intriguing mix of bars and lounges including The Chandelier, an iconic multi-level bar experience; 150,000 square feet of state-of-the-art convention and meeting space; 40,000-square-foot performance and event venue The Chelsea; and a modern supper club with live music and entertainment at Rose. Rabbit. Lie.

An eclectic line-up of retailers include: AllSaints, CRSVR Sneaker Boutique, DNA2050, Jason of Beverly Hills, Kidrobot, Molly Brown's Swimwear, Rent the Runway, Retrospecs & Co, Skins 62 Cosmetics and STITCHED. Signature restaurants include: Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill by restaurateurs Bruce and Eric Bromberg; Estiatorio Milos, by international restaurateur Costas Spiliadis; Holsteins from Block 16 Hospitality; Jaleo and China Poblano restaurants by acclaimed Chef José Andrés; Scarpetta and D.O.C.G. by award-winning Chef Scott Conant; popular steakhouse STK from The ONE Group; Beauty & Essex from Chef Chris Santos and TAO Group; acclaimed Los Angeles eatery Eggslut by Chef Alvin Cailan; cold-pressed local juicery The Juice Standard; bustling culinary food hall Wicked Spoon; all-day dining concept The Henry; and Starbucks, which includes a one-of-a-kind art installation.

photo by Kobby Dagan

DEL CAMBIO

Del Cambio, Piazza Carignano 2, Torino.

This address with a legendary past has undergone a renaissance. Today it presents a dynamic, contemporary and versatile experience–advancing and satisfying expectations of an exacting, multifaceted, international audience by exercising a delicate balance of daring and finesse, and of respect for historical tradition while revolutionizing the future of Italian culinary arts.

Three different ways to enjoy the Del Cambio experience:

Baronetto’s uncontested realm is the Gastronomic Restaurant, where the XIX century furnishing and decoration are now engaged in an intriguing interplay with the artworks of Martino Gamper, Michelangelo Pistoletto and Izhar Patkin. Awarded its first Michelin star, the restaurant offers an à la carte menu, which ranges from the highly traditional to the most innovative courses. A “Light Lunch” accommodates the more dynamic urban request for a quick but refined midday break.

Bar Cavour is the evocative cocktail and American dining bar. Open till late evening, it is the ideal destination for an elegant and cheerful crew of bon vivants. The cozy and fascinating space is made intimate by especially commissioned site-specific artworks by Arturo Herrera and Pablo Bronstein.

Farmacia Del Cambio is a boutique that enables patrons to taste and purchase creations by both chefs, Matteo Baronetto and Fabrizio Galla.

SINCE 1757

The Caffè Del Cambio made its first appearance under the name in 1757. The date coincides with the construction of the building with two flanking structures that encloses the square, adjacent to the pre-existing theatre, later known as Teatro Carignano.

History (and legend) offers various explanations as to where the naming “Cambio” was derived. The word means exchange or change, and the exchange in question could have been that of the post horses used in the area by travelers to and from Paris. Or might it have been the money exchange, provided that the square was a meeting venue for merchants and business people. Or, according to some authorities, the Caffè was headquarters of “la borsa dei negozianti,” the “shopkeepers’ exchange.”

Dina Rebaudengo, chronicler of Turin’s history maintains that the name was inspired by the “Consolato de’ Cambi, Negozi ed Artiin Torino,” to which the guild of confectioners and brandy distillers belonged.

One thing is for sure: Del Cambio is not just a common restaurant. A host of princes and princesses, artists and tycoons, liberals and conservatives, literati and musicians have signed its picture guest book.

The Sala Risorgimento is extraordinarily evocative. It’s where Count Camillo Benso di Cavour, principal architect of the Unification of Italy, used to lunch. It is still easy to imagine the notables who graced the tables over decades and centuries: from Giacomo Casanova, the famous seducer, to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, from the playwright Carlo Goldoni to the novelist Honoré de Balzac, to Friedrich Nietzsche. One 20th-century habitué was Mario Soldati, the respected writer and director who gave endless life to Del Cambio in an episode of his memorable series “Viaggio in the Valle of the Po” (Travel in the Po Valley), filmed for RAI in the 1950s. Illustrious seductresses were there too, such as Paolina Borghese (née Bonaparte) and the alluring Contessa di Castiglione, mistress of Napoleon III, up to such 20th-century divas and icons as Eleonora Duse, Maria Callas, and Audrey Hepburn. Lest we forget, there are the statesmen who brought the Unification of Italy to fruition, as well as the pioneers of Italian industry starting with the automobile’s, embodied by the Fiat Agnelli’ dynasty. Art, genius, and history abound. Del Cambio has and will always be where Europe and the world feel right at home.

DEL CAMBIO TODAY

Memory, style, innovation: the essence of Del Cambio. This concept, in practice, is translated and made evident through historically authentic spaces such as the Sala Risorgimento.

It is a challenge, a mix of elegance and charm: a dialogue woven with preciousness, a tribute to Turin's spirit in all its deep refinement. The world of Del Cambio is a journey that goes beyond the boundaries of time and history, leading to a philological sense of contemporaneity. The Sala Risorgimento is the most outstanding, ancient and iconic hall of Del Cambio. While respecting the integrity of the place, each element has been cleaned up and restored: frescoes, antique furniture, mirrors, wood paneling and chandeliers allow the experience of stepping into bygone days. Its frescoes dating back to 1875 are seen deftly combined with impressive contemporary site-specific works of art.

Parallel to the Sala Risorgimento, lays the Sala Pistoletto, named after the artist who gives soul to its space, welcoming us in with the extraordinary work of art, “Evento”. Using eight mirror plates, “Evento” portrays ordinary people engrossed in watching a spectacle that is not perceived in the composition. The room is furnished with chairs and tables expressly designed by Martino Gamper.

The sophisticated mise-en-place is today enriched by the “Ruins of Del Cambio”, a series of china plates whose production is the result of the cooperation between the Israeli artist Izhar Patkin and the outstanding french Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres. A unique project: some 200 plates were originally rejected when deemed not up to the highest level and condition. All have been hand-customized by the artist with a reference to the restaurant’s name and history. All the remaining table decorations, from fabrics to porcelain, from crystal to silverware, are made out of original pieces or items inspired by the restaurant’s classical taste and history.

THE CHEF

Matteo Baronetto, 39, is originally from Giaveno, in the neighborhood of Torino. He started his culinary career at La Betulla of San Bernardino di Trana and later at Marchesi’s, the Albereta of Erbusco, where he met Carlo Cracco. He then followed Cracco first at the restaurant Le Clivie of Piobesi d’Alba, and later to Milan, at the Cracco-Peck, (today Restaurant Cracco) where for the past few years he had conceived all the menus that have earned two Michelin stars. He came back to Torino in April 2014 as chef at the Del Cambio’s reopening. His return is made even sweeter as Bronetto was a previous intern at Del Cambio early on in his career. The kitchen area though is not the same anymore: Chef Baronetto together with the french company Matinox have brought to life an avant-garde working space. Entirely customized and hand-made, the kitchen places the strength of the materials and the care of the details in deference to contemporary cooking, vis-a-vis a space that boasts both amazing visual impact and extreme efficiency.

He describes his cuisine as “a reasoned improvisation,” one that requires during its execution a constant exercise of balance between intuition and consideration, inspiration and talent. At Del Cambio his cuisine expresses a respect for the region, of the history and of the tastes of the customers of today and yesterday. His background, solidly inspired by the piedmontese tradition whose influence has never been forgotten, leads him to the production of courses that can hardly be labeled. His vision for such a place charged with rich history is to create, in and out of the kitchen, “something that will stand the test of time.”

THE GASTRONOMIC À-LA-CARTE MENU

The outstanding traditional courses alternate with the contemporary creations in an irresistible contest of seduction of the palate. Some classics, always in the menu of Del Cambio are: the vitello tonnato, the agnolotti Piemontese style, the Cavour rice, the Del Cambio Finanziera. Acclaimed signature offerings include salmon and rabbit, veal kidney and urchins, carpione, rice with nutmeg and anchovies, steamed sea bass and ox tail.

Finanziera del Cambio

A election of exotic meats including veal sweetbreads and calf brains are cut in large pieces, served with mushrooms and grains and set on the dish so as to enjoy visually each ingredient.

Carpione

Different from the traditional recipe of the carpione, the chef chooses to present the meat, the fish and the vegetables separately from the dip. The classic dipping mix (wine, vinegar, aromatic herbs) is served in a cup instead. Only the organic matters find place in the serving dish, each keeping its taste and consistency, due to the different cookings. Some are fried, others are steamed. Some others are offered raw such as the shrimp. This way makes it possible to taste the course more intimately, while soaking - like crudités in an oil dip - at your ease and in your preferred sequence.

Cavour Rice

A tribute to the legendary statesman: the steamed egg, the Count’s true love, acts as principal, accompanied by tomato confit and some black rice grains to give a touch of crunchy texture to the softness of boiled rice.

Milano-Torino

The pig nose, a tradition of Milano, is married with the green sauce from Torino, while the veal tongue typical of Torino meets the saffron traditionally from Milano.

Salmone e coniglio

This recipe came to life on the occasion of the Creative Combustion Workshop, promoted by Dom Pérignon in May 2014. A contrast of ingredients are represented by salmon and rabbit, both served raw. To finish the dish, a sprinkle of hazelnuts and dribbles of savory butter are added.

THE CELLAR

The cellars of Del Cambio are even older than their premises. They date back to the seventeenth century, and not only do they represent the material, but somehow the “spiritual” foundations of the restaurant. This special vault provides the perfect temperature and humidity condition for a treasure of more than 16,000 precious bottles of more than 1,700 labels representing the most renowned winemakers. Special attention is paid to niche producers, which are highly regarded by connoisseurs. From Champagne to the very exclusive Burgundy wines, from the reds of Tuscany to the historical Marsala: all the great families are represented. Still, the region of Piemonte obviously keeps the starring role. Scrolling down the list, it looks almost like a Book of Hours for wine enthusiasts.

Fresh and refined the Champagnes, with 160 labels to experience, are the pleasure seeker’s mark. Among the reds, there is an outstanding selection of Barolo and Barbaresco, that include rare labels from Giuseppe Mascarello, Conterno and Bruno Giacosa. Alongside the noble varieties of northern Piedmont - Lessona, Ghemme and Gattinara –we find wines that preserve an authentic charm. Other great Italian wine selections include the best Brunello di Montalcino – Biondi - Santi, Gianfranco Soldera, Poggio di Sotto – the most representative Supertuscan, Sassicaia, Ornellaia, Masseto and the generous Amarone – Quintarelli e Dal Forno – the sapid and long-lasting whites from the Terlano cellars.

In the premium wines vault, lie the immortal Riesling of the Rhine and the prestigious French wines, for what can be considered the true nobility in the enology world, such as Romanée-Conti, Domaine Leroy, Prieuré-Roch, Comtes Lafon, Dugat-Py. Burgundy is represented by the Lafite Rothschild, Mouton Rothschild, Haut Brion, Margaux, not to forget the reds from the Rhein with the Hermitage. The collection of Chateau d’Yquem wines is impressive, amounting to thirty years’ production. To honor the glorious past of the restaurant, the ancient aristocracy of wine should not be missed–the great dessert wines that date back to the eighteenth century: Port, Madeira, Sherry, Marsala.

THE CHEF TABLE

It is not merely a special restaurant’s table because you can watch the cooks at work, but it is an exclusive corner managed personally by the Chef, who personally decides whom to invite. Matteo Baronetto assumes the role of interpreter of tastes and background of his guests. There is no menu pre-prepared at the chef’s table. The tasting itinerary, which rangers from 8 to 12 courses, is derived from the conversations between Matteo Baronetto and his guests, before and throughout the meal. In other words, the conversation serves as inspiration to the meal. The chef’s table is an emotional experience; a journey through flavors, consistencies, ingredients and pairings.

FARMACIA DEL CAMBIO

The Farmacia Del Cambio is housed in the former “Farmacia Bestente”, historic apothecary workshop founded in 1833.

In a precious and cozy space are gathered many products, both sweet and savory. The Farmacia Del Cambio is a boutique/ workshop of the taste where it is possible to try and buy delicate pastry exclusively by Fabrizio Galla, and Del Cambio products that have been reinterpreted by Matteo Baronetto. All ingredients are of the highest quality, the products are strictly seasonal and the preparations are meant not only for a quick and practical experience but tasty at the same time, always balanced and never predictable. In the back room a counter is nestled, where you can seat and follow from a privileged position the working kitchen crew. The elegant year-round terrace is the ideal stage for a relaxed and informal lunch or to simply imbibe.

Breakfast is perhaps one of the most intimate moments of the day. At the Farmacia Del Cambio it is defined as a perfect combination of coffee, freshly baked products–all exclusive creations by Chef Fabrizio Galla–fruit juices and centrifuged juices.

Farmacia Del Cambio offers a lunch set that is well suited to the needs of today’s life. The menu is festooned with seasonal offerings: from soups in wintertime to the club sandwich and the vitello tonnato, from the curry-chicken with black rice to tortillas.

In the evening, Farmacia Del Cambio, a wonderful taste workshop, opens up at the most convivial time of the day, turning into the perfect place, in the centre of Turin, to enjoy cocktails or a good glass of wine, a good chat..all while enjoying miniature signature gourmet creations by Chef Baronetto. Cocktails are served bottled; sensible and dynamic they are a wink to the fresh future of polibibita.

BAR CAVOUR

A portal, a doorbell and a number to keep in mind: 1757. The address, piazza Carignano 2, is synonymous with excellence already. Concealed on the first floor is Bar Cavour, an american bar with kitchen: an intimate, elegant space with a relaxed but sophisticated atmosphere. The colors are dim: the woodpanelling are painted in black, the walls are greenish dark blue. The couches are velvet, the seats brown leather. Darkened mirrors reflect the vault’s graphics done in gold leaf by the artist, Arturo Herrera.

The friendly staff and talented bartenders suggest drinks and delicious eats to guests sitting at the elegant counter. The music selection is elegant and surprising. Playlists streamed from New York most evenings. Some evenings the music is produced live by disc jockeys: Tuesday is bossa, Friday deep house.

#Ringthebell is the monthly must for people who are looking for adventure. Music on vinyl played by deejays and outstanding guest bartenders often make for an inimitable event. The last amazing attraction is “The Green Room,” part boudoir, alcove, curiosity cabinet, a sulking chamber and, why not smoke a cigarette?! It serves as an ideal, albeit intriguing, place when waiting for your table. The Sala Bronstein, named by the ink on paper work of ambitious size by the artist, envelopes the customer with a soothing atmosphere through the fireplace and a library dedicated to arts.

The Bar Cavour boasts an incredible variety of spirits of the highest quality. For the lovers of Gin the rare “Crown Jewel”, il “Monkey 47”, “Blue Coat”, “Brooklyn American dry Gin”, “209”, “Aviation”....and more…

Black woods 40° 60°,”Sipsmith”, “Mombasa Club” and the omnipresent “London Dry Gin”. For those who cannot do without Vodka, Bar Cavour offers some of the most outstanding labels worldwide, from the russian Beluga Gold and Beluga Export to the Belvedere unfiltered, up to the polish Zubrowska and Wyborowa. Other choices include exclusive labels Bas Armagnac ‘64 – ’76, whiskeys from important collections such as “Caol lila ‘95”, “Bowmore,” the smokey Bourbon and Rye, and the selection of labels of the rum agricolés millesimés: “Caroni 15 y.o.”, “Port Mourant ‘93”, “Zacapa 23 y.o.”.

Its menu is significantly inspired by the tradition of the french bistro–oysters, snails bourguignon-style, foie gras escalope, filet mignon, onion soup, raw fish, marinated salmon and spit-roasted cockerel. The unavoidable and perfect club sandwich, the international Baikal caviar, the tempting spanish Jamon Joselito are also recommended.

THE GREEN ROOM

Rich silk velvet, crispy taffeta, shimmering damask, japanese and XIX century’s silks, luxuriant trimmings and antique mirrors, deep colors and wrapping glares, all these are the ingredients of the decorative magic conceived and fulfilled by Alvise Orsini for the Green Room at Bar Cavour. The rich, warm and refined space that suggest a sense of the traditional british smoking-room or a french boudoir. Its a cozy 40 square meters with a maximum seating capacity of 22.

THE PASTRY CHEF

Fabrizio Galla was born in Chivasso in 1973. He studied at the Institute “Arte Bianca” in Torino and started working at the age of 16 in Cogne, Valle d’Aosta. He worked in Torino for the renowned bakery Falchero, in Chivasso for Bonfante, for the restaurant La Smarrita in Torino and Castello di Pavone in Ivrea. He spent various seasons working in holiday resorts, ten years in the family restaurant “Tre Colombe”. Afterwards he opened a pastry workshop where he created the “San Sebastianesi” sweets made of hazelnuts and chocolate that became the highlight of the sweet specialties of his native town San Sebastiano Po. He also spent two years in San Francisco. In January 2007 at the Coupe du Monde de la Patisserie, the wordlwide championship for the excellence in the art of bakery, he was awarded the bronze medal. His creation, the Jessica cake, won the gold medal as the best cake in the world.

Del Cambio www.delcambio.it Del Cambio Instagram @delcambiotorino.it (@DelCambioTorino)

Bar Cavour www.barcavour.com Barcavour @barcavourtorino

Piazza Carignano, 2 – 10123 hello@barcavour.com

Audio Doctor offers a unique personalized listening experience of high-performance entertainment systems!

We have four private showrooms located throughout a restored 1880 Victorian home; comfortable real world environments in authentic living spaces, designed to recreate how your equipment would perform in your own home. Audio Doctor has one of the largest and most diverse collections of home entertainment equipment in the North East available for your enjoyment. Audio Doctor offers the best in High End Audio Review, and State of the Art Custom Design.

AudioDoctor offers a cool concept marrying style and audio-video technology. An example of this would be disguising loudspeakers as custom art work, like the one they planned and installed at Waterfall Mansion on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

The Artcoustic speakers can either appear like custom artwork, a framed photograph or mirror. Speakers can be inset completely into a wall in order to truly look like a framed piece of art. Alternatively, the faux objet d’art may simply be hung on a wall. No longer will you have to decide whether to have a fantastic sound system or a nice looking one that matches your decor. Now you can entertain and enjoy amazing sound without your guests ever noticing the source!

Can you spot the stunning glass loudspeakers from France, Audio Elora on walls which look like a wall sconce, a custom six foot TV Mirror?

The highly anticipated Accessible Art Fair New York presented by MvVO Art opened at the iconic National Arts Club in Gramercy Park this past November 2016 and saw attendees such as actor Alan Cumming, Belgian Consul General Marc Calcoen, and film producer David W. Schooner Jr. The New York edition, which debuted after ten successful years in Brussels, breaks down the conventional barriers between artists, art collectors, art market professionals, and art lovers, by making the artists accessible, and providing a setting that inspires dialog. A jury of contemporary art experts selected more than 50 top emerging artists for the Fair, from New York and around the world. A portion of ticket sale proceeds were donated to Friends of Materials for the Arts (MFTA.org), New York’s premier creative reuse center.

by Peter Elston ART FAIR NEW YORK THE ACCESSIBLE

The more than 200 artworks on display were all available for purchase over the course of the fair. Art fair visitors also had the unique opportunity to meet with the artists, whose artworks include sculptures, photography and paintings, spread out over two floors of the renowned National Arts Club. Art fair attendees also had the chance to attend scheduled panels on a variety of art-world topics, such as: Practical Perspectives on Buying Art, Emerging Trends, and Art & Technology. Said Maria van Vlodrop, Founder of MvVO and Co-Founder and Director of the Accessible Art Fair New York; “This fair is focused on artists. We hope that the format will jumpstart careers and stimulate adventurous collectors.”

To ensure the quality of the work presented, the panel of experts made selections from over 400 artist applications, which the Accessible Art Fair New York received during their Call To Artists in March & April 2016. For the 2016 edition of the Fair, the panel welcomed experts from Sotheby’s, Gagosian Gallery, artnet, Christie’s Collectrium, and Sutton. Curating the 2016 Fair in New York were Stephanie Manasseh (Founder & Chief Curator, Accessible Art Fair), along with Guest Curator, Isaac Aden (Ethan Cohen, WhiteBox). Acclaimed ArtistLed Art Fair Made a Spectacular Debut in New York at the National Arts Club

Alessandra Exposito, The Bicentennial Sunburn

“We had such a wonderful response to our call for artists and I think our jury did a great job and made a fantastic selection of artists, which we are planning to show. I am very excited to be working with my guest curator Isaac Aden. Isaac has extensive experience in New York. With our combined experience, I think we make a great team”. —Stephanie Manasseh, Founder, Brussels’ Accessible Art Fair.

The Accessible Art Fair New York welcomed a range of visitors including collectors, art enthusiasts, art advisors, gallerists and the art-buying public. Van Vlodrop said also, “The Accessible Art Fair New York is a departure from conventional art fairs. The objective is to bring talented emerging and mid-career artists — unknown and often unrepresented — in direct contact with art collectors, art world professionals, and the general public. It’s an opportunity for everyone to discover new talent and break down barriers between artists and collectors, all within a high-end and friendly environment”.

2016 sponsors and partners included: Stoli Elit Ultra Luxury Vodka, Brussels Airlines (official airline), Neuhaus Belgian Chocolates, artnet (primary media partner), Tumblr, One Art Nation, The Clarion List, BelCham, Christie’s Collectrium, The Lowell Hotel, Racine Berkow Associates, The Art Conference and Lawlor Media Group.

Main Website: http://www.mvvoart.com Event: http://www.accessibleartfairnewyork.com

Grant Collier, Day One

Maria van Vlodrop, Alan Cumming, Stephanie Manasseh, Isaac Aden © Teresa Pyskaty

DALIBOR DAVIDOVIC

FEATURED ARTIST

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Dalibor Davidovic is a Serbian artist residing and working in the United States. For Dalibor, the creation of art begins with awareness. Snapshots of time, people and places become actors in the stage of his imagination, which interprets the unraveling scenes, evoking intimate feelings as they collide and collude to create stories that are experientially unique.

Mr. Davidovic frequently combines images, skillfully manipulating colors and textures, shapes and dimensions of varying and seemingly unrelated parts in order to compose a formidable whole. In doing so he is able to produce imageries that are reminiscent of visions that occur at the crossing of slumber and awakening. Soft edges imply a slowing of time. Hence in discerning his work, one might find oneself pondering whether each is a manifestation of a connection between past, present and future, or even perhaps the simultaneity of universal existence. Varied though our individual intellectual conclusions might be, one thing remains clear. Emotion lingers, a haunting likely perpetrated by one’s own inner self.

Facebook: dalibor.davidovic.1

CLASSIQUES SOUND

ANIMAL YEARS

When I came to the back of Rough Trade NYC, Animal Years had just started playing, and the room was warm, and it was loud, and it was crowded. There were cries of “Anthony take off your shirt!,” laughter and good vibes, people bouncing up and down in time with the music and more people singing along, knowing every word, than I’ve ever seen for an opening act. People cheered at the opening notes of their favorite songs, people kept asking Anthony to take off his shirt; everyone—the band included—was enjoying themselves immensely.

The music moved through a number of styles—sometimes straight indie rock, sometimes rootsy, sometimes ska-tinged.

“The Wire” combined McFadden’s preacherlike delivery—rhythmic and relentless— over short quick chords before the song bursts into an arena-rock sing-along chorus. The high-energy and drawn-out notes of Sun Will Rise cut “Let Go Of Your Head” almost sounded like the Ontario-based Born Ruffians. And the show closer was a quick rendition of folk standard “Man of Constant Sorrow,” followed by the aforementioned ska-tinged guitar rock. But it all hung on the fixed point of frontman/songwriter Mike McFadden’s twangy baritone.

“Mostly I listen to singer-songwriters,” he told me afterwards. “Will Hoge, Josh Ritter, Ray Lamontagne, Jackie Green, Mark Sexton. Guys who have a little twang in their step.” But McFadden comes by his twang honestly though. “I’m from Baltimore originally. I can’t ditch the accent even if I try.”

McFadden first started playing shows (“dumb college gigs, we mostly played covers”) with bassist Anthony Saladino down in North Carolina. McFadden wrote and recorded AY’s first album, Sun Will Rise, with a handful of session musicians, and sent it to Saladino. “Anthony was like ‘come on up to New York, let’s put a band behind it and get it going,’” McFadden recounted. And that’s just what they did.

by Jeremy Burke

In spite of the move north, AY has kept their rootsiness intact. They recently released “Give It Up,” the first single from their forthcoming EP. It’s full of all the jangly, finger-picked guitars, vocal harmonies, and gently driving drumming that one could ask for; there’s even a banjo break towards the end. There’s almost no music in Brooklyn that sounds as downhome as this. “We don’t have a typical ‘New York’ sound,” said McFadden. “If there’s any difference with the new stuff, it’s that it’s a little poppier, I think. Cause I just love writing hooks.”

McFadden is the sole songwriter of the group, but every member of the band brings their own influences to how it’s arranged, how it comes together as a band. For their upcoming EP, McFadden wrote 25 or 30 songs before the band collectively retreated to a cabin upstate. In the mornings, McFadden would work on ironing out the kinks before the band came together, at night, and arrange them. “We did that for 2 weeks, got everything down, 15 songs, went and recorded in Woodstock,” he said. “So we still have a lot of songs that aren’t being released. We picked the best six— well, the appropriate six” he corrected himself. “Some of the songs we aren’t releasing yet are f—ing gigantic.”

In spite of seeming, perhaps, out of place in New York, Animal Years has managed to accrue a dedicated fan base and find a scene of their own. When asked about this, McFadden just gestured to the stage, where co-openers Jesus on the Main Line were playing; they sounded nothing like AY. “It’s not about finding the same genre. It’s the fans, the people in the other bands. They’re all friends.” New York’s been serving Animal Years well, but they’re not about to slow down. When asked what’s next for the band, McFadden said, “We just want to do everything we can to put this out, because we love this music. We’re spreading the word . . . What’s next is everything.”

It’s not about finding the same genre. It’s the fans, the people in other bands. They’re all friends.

“How would it be possible, if salvation were ready to our hand, and could without great labour be found, that it should be by almost all men neglected? But all things excellent are as difficult as they are rare.” - Baruch Spinoza, Ethics, Part V, Prop. XLII, Scholium

When you’re in your 20s, and maybe even later in life, it’s almost impossible not to self-mythologize, at least occasionally. Living in New York, working a dead end job, it’s a lot easier to see your life as a story, as a progression towards some idealized future, a movie of which you are the hero. Tarantino was a video store clerk, Patti Smith worked at the Strand, David Foster Wallace was a towel boy even after he’d had two books published . . . narrativizing our lives makes them more endurable in the moment, although it leaves us empty when, years down the line, despite our hard work, we still haven’t made Reservoir Dogs/Horses/Infinite Jest. It’s even more true in our relationships, which can be so complex and confusing on a daily basis that when one reaches an end, we tell ourselves a story to explain over-simply how and why we are where we are.

And this is, in part, what Moniker’s new album, the excellent, the rare All Things Excellent, is dealing with. Inspired by a breakup, 17th century philosopher Baruch Spinoza, and an ongoing sense of detachment, songwriter and musician Jordan Scott (who wrote and recorded the album in his New York bedroom) has created an album that grapples with idealization of the future, the pain of the past, and coming to terms with the fact that life is neither as glamorous as we hope it will be, nor as simple as we tell ourselves it is. It is a narrative about the insufficiencies of narratives, a meditation on meditations, a search for how best to live our pasts and futures.

I’ve known Jordan for a long time, played music with him often, and talked with him about the album a good deal during its creation. But he and I finally sat down to discuss ATE in earnest, including the album’s arc, Spinoza, God, hope, and the false dichotomy of intellectualism v. emotion.

MONIKER

First question is to get a sense of the genesis of the album, like I know you were thinking about a Spinoza album and you had “Be” on the EP but

The album didn’t really take shape until September. I wanted to write an album like dealing with Spinoza, just because I like the Ethics a lot, but I knew and still know that if I wrote an album just straightforwardly based on the Ethics that would probably be pretty bad.

The first two sections of the Ethics are more concerned with metaphysical matters like God and nature, but it was especially the third section “Of the Affects,” that sparked it, that planted the seed for the album; it was the realization as I was reading it that Spinoza’s personal life was coming up through the woodwork, it seemed like some of the things he was talking about were guided by his own personal experiences, especially like jealousy and his relationships with people. It seemed like he was drawing more on personal experience than the purported mathematical logic and foundation he says he builds the book on, so it seemed like he was betraying himself in a way. There was like a productive tension in Spinoza’s striving to be completely rational but obviously running up against the obstacle of his own humanity. His emotions sort of betrayed him anyway, and that resonated a lot with me. In a broad sense the album is about conflicts between intellect and emotion.

But especially the striving to be purely intellectual is connected to the other half of the album, the breakup side. Because in that relationship, for both she and I (sic), there was this sense of a “purely intellectual relationship.” It was idealized in my mind that it wouldn’t be driven by lust or passion, that the passion would come from just being into philosophy.

Trying to be Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir?

[laughing] Yeah. And that’s funny because when I read about them there’s historical whitewashing to make it seem like they had it all together, and maybe not, but it seems like, of course there was jealousy and pettiness in their many relationships and interrelationships.

You mention “Of the Affects,” one of the five sections of the Ethics. Could you talk some about those?

So the five sections are Of God, Of the Mind, Of the Affects, Of Human Bondage and Of Human Freedom. The ostensible purpose is “how to best live your life,” and the conclusion that he comes to is to live a life purely guided by reason, accepting everything, accepting the fate that’s laid out for you. He kind of denies freewill. It’s tied to his concept of God, because God is everything, and if God is everything then everything goes a certain way, so happiness comes from a dissociation. It’s kind of a stoic philosophy.

But in Part 3 there’s a kind of turning point where he goes from laying out the groundwork and into a long list of Affects. He goes into what an Affect is—a passion, basically—and how it affects people. The Ethics become much more earthbound. The writing seemed to turn more human, and frail, and less grounded in the logic he purports to hold.

While we’re talking about the sections of the Ethics, you have each of the songs broken down into sections that correlate in the Ethics, and so you were talking about how the first two sections are less grounded. Did that help shape the music that was paired with them or does that comes out more lyrically? What was the guiding principle of using the Ethics as the framework for these songs?

Principally lyrically, but it’s also in the music. The best example is “Oh God,” which kind of came from the idea in “Of God” that God is everything, infinite, that nothing can exist outside of God, so the universe is going to go a certain way and can’t go any other. So in the story of the relationship, it’s looking back to the start.

The lyrics are present-tense but it’s looking back, like “Oh of course it all had to be this way.” And the question of whether it did have to.

And musically it’s the most directly referential. I used music I really liked like Fela Kuti and the Talking Heads as a starting point, the idea of a one-chord song. And it fit this idea of a one-ness, something that can’t be made different, can’t be changed or broken up. So that’s why there’s a hi-hat going the entire time and it’s all one chord; there’s a “constantness” to it. I also tried to make that constant feeling a little creepy in a way, because I feel like that aspect of God can be creepy and terrifying so using a minor chord fit that sense. The idea of God is many things, and among them is this cosmological horror. Not like Cthulhu [laughing], but something you can’t encounter directly, that’s so terrifying that you can’t quite deal with it head on. That’s probably the best example.

“Watching Love” wasn’t originally going to be on the album, there’s a part in “Of the Mind” about how others affect us, that we know another by their effect on us, and that fit “Watching Love” really well. That’s where the idea of the blank face (on the cover) comes from.

The album’s really one part Spinoza’s ethics, one part this breakup, and one part a sort of light depression that I suffer from, feeling very disconnected even in a moment, feeling like you’re not really there, which I saw as the dark twin of intellectual idealization, sort of the dark side of that, not being in the moment for anything.

And so “Real Life” is the other side of that in a way.

“Real Life” is the Fun Intellectualism or it’s the other side of the Dark Intellectualism?

It’s still the Dark Side, but it’s more like a chronicle of an effort to overcome it. In the context of the story it’s like me thinking that I overcame this detachment by finally finding love or something, so the chorus and conflicting voices are like this thinking you found a way out of the hole and this shocking uncertainty that comes with that.

I want to ask about the voices which I guess are most present on “Real Life” but also definitely the start of “Benedick,” the “no negatives, only positives” something . . .

“No negatives/only excluding positives.” That’s straight from the Ethics. Spinoza defines negative in some places as two positives canceling each other out, sort of.

And it’s drowned out by this much louder vocal.

It’s kind of nonsense, but purposeful nonsense. Schopenhauer thought that music was the way to transcend pain and I think that’s because to him it wasn’t intellectual, just pure feeling. Which I embodied by making it sound like a Beirut song, because they’re such a meaningful band to me. The eternal value of, like, a song is the point.

Do you see a tension in your music between the ideas of emotion and being very intellect? Because this is a very thoughtout, thoughtful album but it’s also very emotional. And in Spinoza you have sections that are more intellectual and ones that are more emotional . . . I dunno if you see there being a tension there or if that’s just sort of how it goes.

Yeah I definitely think there’s that tension. On a general note, one difference between me and Spinoza is I think Spinoza feels like there’s a stricter divide, but I feel like that’s maybe a bit of a false dichotomy, like they’re not opposites. I guess the voices are what happens when you try to overpower everything with intellect, you kind of overthink and become unsure. That’s definitely what’s happening in “Real Life,” the feeling of not being sure and having all these voices in your head.

Because they do often seem at odds with each other. And there are some lyrics on Bandcamp that are like commentary rather than lyrics . . .

Most of them were on purpose for the effects I described. But it wasn’t intentional to put so many references to voices in your head. I hope I don’t come across as unstable . . .

It reminds me of what it feels like to overthink things, the experience of that. So for example in “Someone to Have Coffee With” you have “(who knew!?)” inserted in the liner notes, or . . .

The commentary just kinda fit to me. Like the pre-chorus is going and another voice comes in to say “Stop putting a narrative on it!” which was one of the most important lines to me, because there’s a tendency to retroactively shape things and make them more understandable to you at the expense of reality.

And I liked the idea that there’s more incentive to look at Bandcamp if there’s stuff that wouldn’t just be on the album.

This is kind of a weird question, but do you feel like there’s something in particular about Spinoza that is specifically fitting for your relationship or any relationship to fit around? You’ve talked some about the retroactive feeling of predetermination and intellectualism and emotion but . . . personally if someone was like “I’m gonna make an album about this Jewish philosopher and my relationship” I would be like “I don’t understand but go for it.”

I guess there was that. Some of it was fortuitous timing because I was reading that around the time I had the idea for most things, or a little before, so the ideas were floating around. I wanted to make a work that dealt really directly with a work of philosophy so once the idea came and made sense I was like “ok, I can do this.” The hardest part was fitting a narrative to it.

I could be totally wrong, but in terms of the narrative of the album, am I right in thinking that the breakup itself is kind of absent from the album [laughing] Like Chekhov.

Yeah it happens offstage.

I would say it happens between “Real Life” and “Benedick.” Besides dramatic music like operas and musicals I think when music is used to tell a story in a very literal way, it doesn’t work so well. It reminds me of the difference between natural history and sacred history, like the first one is the history of facts, what happened, and the second one is harder to define—

so I won’t try to—but the idea that there was basically something that tells a concurrent story in a totally different way.

For example, in Ziggy Stardust certain events stick out—the planet will end in 5 years, there’s a Starman who will do . . . something, and in the end he dies. But the POV switches a lot so that story’s not the most important part of the album. Like what is “Moonage Daydream” about in the context of that? Sex? But not in a clear way.

While we were talking about this in the past you talked some about the recurring themes and lyrics throughout the album, so there’s like the phrase “Oh god,” there’s perceptions/connections, movies/mp3s . . . But I was wondering if you could talk about all or any of those and the reason they were important enough . . . I mean God may be too big to talk about but.

Those are kinda tied to the last answer. Like with an album, to tell a story in a nonnarrative way, I think it’s very important to have recurring motifs. Wagner did it, Les Mis does it, and it gives it cohesion and gives it a full structure. It’s a way to bring back an idea. So sometimes they’re with a specific purpose, sometimes it’s just a way to remind you of something from earlier.

“Oh God” became a really helpful shorthand for fear of God, and also being unsure of yourself. Especially because it’s a phrase that people say so casually, and I like that, but I wanted to make it a little more dramatic if I could. Like, could I make it sound not just kind of silly, but also give dramatic purpose to a commonplace phrase.

Once you get certain phrases, I think it makes writing easier. It makes sense to bring back phrases, because they’re part of you and part of the album, so when they fit it makes sense to draw those connections.

CHANGING DRONES THE VISUAL LANDSCAPE

Remember when the first cellphone cameras hit the market? It changed the way we communicate, and altered the way we view the world. Now camera come standard in almost every cellphone and quality is only getting better. It seems that whenever technology gives us something new, we can’t help but consider the potential it has to improve our lives. The same thing has happened with drones.

by Chris Gramuglia

The drone industry has grown exponentially in the last ten years and is showing no signs of slowing down. The capabilities of these devices have also gotten steadily more impressive, versatile and sophisticated. For around a thousand dollars, anyone can purchase a top-of-the-line camera drone and be flying it the same day. Capturing high-resolution videos of the top of your house is certainly a fun way to kill some time on the weekend, but there are greater implications in this emerging field of gadgetry. These airborne multi-copters have turned things like filmmaking, photography and commerce into more streamlined, efficient processes. While these fields seem to make the best use of drones, the applications are endless.

For example a recent release from DJI—the industry leader in civilian drone manufacturing and aerial photography—is called the Phantom 4 and has a variety of features. The Phantom 4 weighs about three pounds, has a built in GPS, 4K camera, and object avoidance system that prevents it from colliding into obstacles.

It can return to its take-off point with the push of a button, and is made for just about anyone to fly.

What would have once taken an entire film crew to pull off by way of a crane, helicopter or glide-cam, can now be done with, at most, two drone operators. Anyone can now get incredible, picturesque footage with a piece of equipment that can be stored in the backseat of a car. The programs are still in development, but companies like Amazon have said they will have drones delivering packages to customers sometime in the next few years. Drone racing is also becoming a fast-paced spectator sport with its very own league. Last year alone, this industry generated over 8 billion dollars in sales.

But what exactly is a drone? The word sometimes garners negative connotations because of the military use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV’s), but this is only one small part of a much larger picture. The FAA defines a drone as “a powered aerial vehicle that does not carry a human operator, uses aerodynamic forces to provide lift, can fly autonomously or be piloted remotely, can be expendable or recoverable, and can carry a lethal or nonlethal payload.” This definition covers a wide range of aircraft and is not limited to unmanned military aircraft.

The company boasts that it is the safest, most user-friendly drone to hit the market. Currently it sells for a little over a thousand dollars. GoPro has also recently released a more portable drone called the Karma. At just two pounds, the Karma has similar capabilities to the Phantom 4, minus being able to avoid obstacles on its own. It is also worth noting that the Karma was temporarily recalled due to reports of it malfunctioning and falling out of the sky. Other tech companies like Walkera, 3DR and Yuneec have all released similar products that anyone can purchase.

There are dozens of aircraft that meet the FAA’s criteria, but there’s a bit more to owning a drone than simply firing up the motors and soaring into the heavens. Operating a drone requires that one follow a number of rules. Flying at night, for example is prohibited, as is flying at altitudes above fourhundred feet. Pilots must also maintain visual contact with their aircraft at all times. These rules are mainly put in place to make flying safe, and in most cases don’t interfere with the needs of filmmakers or hobbyists.

There are still more strict regulations in place for those wishing to use their drones for commercial purposes. To put it simply, if you want to get paid for using your drone, the FAA wants to know about it. Real-estate photography, wedding video production and land surveying are just some ways users have begun to make returns on their investment, but providing these services requires that the pilot pass an exam and be vetted by the TSA. Receiving payment for providing these services without these credentials is illegal and can result in fines. All drones must also be registered, with the registration number printed somewhere on the aircraft.

From a creative standpoint, the biggest selling point of a drone is the power it gives to the average artist with a big idea and a small budget. Independently produced art forms have always had a foothold in society, and the ability to develop content with the look of something made by a large production studio is a tremendous advantage. Drones give users the freedom to efficiently develop their ideas into realizable finished products that they can share with the world. Whether an owner is shooting an event, commercial or a film, the drone industry is making things easier and less costly all around—an attractive combination.

However, like any piece of great technology, safety is of the utmost importance. Drones should be used responsibly if we are to realize their full list of benefits. While the interest in drones is substantial, they are still not well understood by everyone. They are occasionally seen as a breach of privacy, potentially dangerous and even unnecessary in certain circumstances. If someone isn’t ready for a drone to go whizzing past them, it could be a bit unsettling. It may take some time, but it seems like the remaining skeptics will soon see that the benefits of drones far outweigh the costs.

TRUST

Each and every one of our Zeel Massage Therapists is vetted by the Zeel team. They are top professionals with extensive training and experience at great massage schools, spas, and salons. They are fully licensed and background-checked. We meet all our therapists in person, check their credentials, and continuously train them to meet the highest standards of Zeel customer service. You can count on Zeel to deliver an expert massage in a safe environment.

CONVENIENCE

Getting a massage should be easy. With Zeel Massage On Demand, it is. No more booking ahead, no more calling around. Enjoy your Zeel Massage delivery to your home, hotel, or workplace, in as little as an hour, or up to a month in advance. Your choice.

JOY

We know your me-time is valuable, and we’re here to make sure you have a wonderful Zeel Massage experience. If you ever have any questions, special needs, or comments, don’t hesitate to contact us.

FAIRNESS

Massage therapists work hard to ease your pain and stress. That’s why, at Zeel, we take care of our Zeel Massage Therapists. We pay them more than comparable spas and salons, allow them to set their own schedules, and provide other benefits. A happy massage therapist means a better massage for you.

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CLASSIQUES CUISINE

KITCHEN ABC

by Loy Bernal Carlos

Every Thanksgiving Eve, I normally text my sister to see if there is anything in particular that she would like me to bring to her annual dinner. By unanimous request, my sister always prepares a very traditional meal of succulent turkey, the most butterlicious creamy mashed potatoes, both meat and bread stuffing, and several other mouthwatering dressings. So through the years, it has become customary for me to bring only a homemade dessert or four, which add a bit of surprise to the end of the meal.

But as I get busier and busier with the brand, work has taken my time away from the kitchen. And since I also have an unwritten rule to not bring the same dessert within a five-year period (unless especially requested), and because I insist that at least one should be a new original recipe, this isn’t always easy to do.

Knowing my time constraints, my sister was insistent this year that I keep it simple. So I agreed to limit my contribution to one appetizer and one dessert. But which? I checked the refrigerator and surveyed my pantry for ingredients I can easily put together, my usual unglamorous method to force new recipes. If it bombs, I start over. When successful, I share.

So here they are. I found these two to be easy, quick and–based on the reactions of a family of foodies–simply delicious.

MARISCOS MIXTOS

1 lb. shrimp 1/2 lb. calamari (or octopus) 1/2 lb. sea scallops

Chorizo 1 head of garlic, minced. 1 tbsp. capers

Lemon rind, peeled and minced 1 tbsp. paprika

1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes 1/2 tsp. saffron 1/4 tsp. cumin 1/4 tsp. ginger 1/4 cup dry white wine

Olive oil

Salt & pepper

Prepare the ingredients. Remove heads and devein the shrimp. Clean the calamari/octopus well and slice into strips. Slice the chorizo into round strips. Peel and mince a full head of garlic. Using a peeler or paring knife, peel the rind off lemon and mince.

In a shallow pan over medium heat add spices: paprika, red pepper flakes, saffron, cumin and ginger. Toast for a minute. Pour tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chorizo until the fat renders. Add garlic, then shrimp, calamari or octopus and scallops and lemon rind. Add wine and stir. Add capers. Salt and pepper to taste. WARNING: DO NOT OVERCOOK! Just saute until shrimp turns color, and scallops and calamari are more opaque and firmer but not rubbery. If desired, add some chopped parsley to garnish. You can drizzle a little olive oil over the top, too. And if you want an extra kick of flavor, use an infused one –like blood orange or Persian lime– from The Olive Tree of Long Island. Or used aromatic salt from Hamptons Salt!

This is good served with grilled, sliced baguette that your guests can dunk in the sauce. But no double dipping, please!

(You may notice that I only used the lemon rind. That’s because for this recipe, I only wanted the fragrant brightness of the lemon without its tartness overpowering the earthy-nutty flavor of the spices. But that’s me. You can squeeze a tablespoon of lemon in there, and that would be just as wonderful.)

WHITE CHOCOLATE MOCHA CAKE WITH BERRIES

1 cup plain flour

1/2 cup sugar

4 eggs

1 tbsp strong black coffee

4 oz. white chocolate

1/2 ts. vanilla extract

FILLING

9 oz white chocolate

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

2 tbsp kirsch

Graham cracker crumbs 2 cups heavy cream 1 tbsp sugar

1 pint blackberry, halved 1 pint raspberry

Preheat the oven to 350 ˚F. Grease two 7 1/2 inch round cake pans. Line bottom with parchment paper. In a small mixing bowl, sift flour and set aside.

In a heat-proof mixing bowl combine eggs, sugar, and coffee. Place in a deep pot over simmering water, making sure water does not touch bottom of pan. Whisk until the mixture is pale yellow and thick. Mixture should hold shape when whisk is lifted. Turn off heat. Add vanilla extract and mix well.

Incorporate half the sifted flour, folding gently until even. Add white chocolate and mix until melted and smooth. Add the rest of the flour. Divide the mixture between the two pans, smoothing the top and leveling. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and toothpick comes out clean when inserted at the center. Cool for 15 minutes.

Turn out on wire racks and leave to cool completely.

When cooled, prepare the filling. In a heatproof bowl over simmering water, melt white chocolate with heavy cream until smooth, making a ganache.

In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream and add sugar until soft peaks are formed. Add kirsch and mix until distributed. Don’t over whip.

Assemble the cake. Slowly run a long knife crosswise splitting each cakes into two layers. (If your cake didn’t rise enough, don’t worry. This cake can afford to be dense. Just make two layers, placing one cake on top of the other).

Over first layer, spread white chocolate ganache evenly. Then spread whipped topping over the ganache. Place berries on top making sure that the height of the berries are more or less even. Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs then place next layer over it. Repeat steps until all layers are complete. After the top layer is positioned, spread the balance of the whipped cream, evenly covering the top and sides of the cake. Decorate with berries.

by Chris Gramuglia

Eat less. Exercise more. Simple, right? All you have to do is add an extra day or two at the gym, crank up the intensity and start squeezing any unneeded calories out of your diet and before you know it you’ll have a flat stomach and those chiseled suprailiac lines on your pelvis (“v-cut” for the layman). It seems, at first, like being able to do basic math and showing up to your workouts is all it takes to have a body worthy of a magazine cover.

Yet it seems like the religious gym-goers, Soul Cycle addicts and weekly fat loss boot-camp attendees are less fit than ever. But why? How is it possible that living at the gym, eating nothing but broccoli, chicken and egg whites and burning out the motors on their favorite pieces of cardio equipment has left exercise addicts scratching their heads as to why their pudge won’t budge? It’s because of a simple, yet not widely-accepted fact about the human body: eating too little and overexercising is actually the fast track to fat.

Is this blasphemy? No. It is the truth about a number of complex systems in our bodies that make up our metabolism. With respect to fat-loss and exercise, metabolism simply denotes the rate and efficiency at which the human body burns through calories. This collection of processes is a fragile operation that can easily be thrown off for any number of reasons. Everyone knows the one guy or girl at the office who is constantly eating, yet walks around lean, healthy and defined. They just have a freak metabolism, you think while miserably eating your #hashtag meal-prepped lunch of chicken, asparagus and brown rice, still stiff from your morning cardio. Is it your co-worker’s God-given genetics, or is it the fact that they are not actively depriving themselves of food on a daily basis that causes them to look that damn good?

It’s both, actually. But even for the average endomorph who naturally carries more adipose tissue on their frame, a highly demanding exercise regimen coupled with extremely low calorie eating, will only take them further away from their weight-loss goals. The human body is sensitive. It doesn’t like being forced to do things and when it feels threatened (through caloriedeprivation, for example) it reacts unfavorably. It’s like taking a child’s favorite toy away without warning; the kid is going to whine and cry and make the parent’s life a living hell until they give the toy back! This is exactly what the body does when you ask it to do too much physically without giving it enough fuel to carry out the task. The metabolism actually slows down with too much exercise, performance decreases and fat, as a result of the cumulative stress, begins to accumulate.

Exercise, when executed properly, should be done in such a way that it elicits a particular response from the body. The scientific name for this is the SAID principle, which stands for “specific adaptations to imposed demands.” Every workout someone does places a demand on the body, and as a result the body must react or get better at meeting that demand over time. This requires rest and more importantly, food. Recovering from a high-intensity strength training workout takes, on average, twenty-four to fortyeight hours. During that time, cells are regenerating as the body prepares itself for the next workout. Simply because a person is not aware of these internal events, does not mean that they are not happening. A well-planned strength training workout, for example, will boost your metabolism, but only if you give your metabolism something to burn up during the recovery phase. Additionally, not providing ample time for this recovery period to occur will also hamper the entire process.

Listen, in a perfect word, we could all sleep ten hours a day, work out as much as we wanted and probably all look as shredded as if we walked right out of an ancient Greek myth. But in reality, we have other obligations—work, family, school—that need to be taken into consideration when undergoing an exercise routine. A person working eighty hour weeks, for example, is going to be under a significant amount of stress outside of the gym, and may have to cut back on their training as a result, whereas a high school student with fewer obligations may be able to get away with more physical activity. Stress in general, poor sleep and processed foods can all slow down our metabolisms and we need to take these things into account when we start exercising.

The point here is that “more” doesn’t always equal “better” when it comes to working out. Frequency isn’t nearly as important as quality when it comes to exercise. We live in a society that endorses pushing oneself to their absolute limit, but there is a fine line between discipline and overwork. Waking up four days a week, lifting weights and eating a well-rounded diet is plenty to get most people the results they want. It requires consistency and some planning, but won’t take the average gym-goer into the realm of overdoing it.

So, if you’re reading this article as you count out your almonds and pack your gym bag for workout number two of the day, maybe put down the shaker of pre-workout and give yourself a break. Watch a movie, read a book, eat your favorite snack—do something to give your body a break. Exercise should be a part of everyone’s life in some way, but like many things, sometimes you need time away to remember why it made you feel so good in the first place. Treat it like an experiment. Cut your weekly workouts in half and just see what happens. The results might just be enough to make you a believer in the value of a little rest and relaxation.

NEWYEAR’S

REZOLUTION: FITNESS

by Cody Rzeznik

Strength Train

While it has its place in a training program, cardio is very inefficient. Strength training, or resistance training, accomplishes many things. It increases functional strength, burns calories, builds muscle, can correct poor posture, improves movement efficiency, and much more. The most optimal training program includes three to four days of strength training with a few cardio sessions thrown into the mix as well as time spent working on flexibility, mobility, myofascial release, etc. One can lose weight by only doing cardio, but one cannot build the body they want without resistance training.

Consistency is King

Get a gym membership… or don’t.

You can run the gamut with gym memberships these days. You have the high-end memberships with premium services like Equinox. Then you have the $10 Planet Fitness membership that offers pizza parties once a month. Whatever your preference, I recommend signing up for a gym membership of some sort. And base it off your budget, location, goals, etc. If you just want a place to do your cardio in the winter and maybe lift a few weights here and there, look at Blink, Planet Fitness, or one of the other cheap options. If you have more freedom with your budget and want a little luxury with your gym membership like eucalyptus towels and racy advertisements, check out Equinox. If you are looking for a middle of the pack option, see about Crunch.

As much as I recommend getting a gym membership of some kind, it is still possible to get fit without one. Our own bodies are one of the best tools we have but it is a lot easier to make excuses not to workout when we are attempting to do an at-home program. Push ups, squats, planks, and many other bodyweight exercises create great workouts. Purchase just a few dumbbells and you can do even more.

We can talk all day about what type of exercise one should be doing and how much. But when it comes down to it, the best exercise program is the one that allows you to be the most consistent. Not even the greatest training plan ever written will do anything for you if you are not consistently putting in the work. And always remember, doing ANY workout is better than doing no workout at all.

Don’t Just Eat Less

The first thing people want to do when trying to get healthier or lose weight is to eat less. While this may sometimes create quick “results,” it can be incredibly detrimental. It promotes muscle loss, not just fat loss. And it creates an internal environment where it is all but impossible to maintain the rapid weight loss. Especially if you are also starting an exercise regimen, it is important to be properly fueled. Focus instead on increasing the quality of your food. This in itself will cause you to eat less. After you begin eating higher quality food, then you can really crack down on portion sizes if results have stalled. A quality “diet” consists mainly of protein, healthy fats, vegetables, and water. Carbs are not the enemy but they should be eaten in moderation, fruit included. And supplements are just that: supplemental.

It’s Not Just Exercise and Nutrition

They aren’t just optional instructions when we tell people that they really need to get better sleep and manage their stress if they want to see results. Sleep is incredibly important for recovery, and stress can wreak havoc on your hormones and entire body if not mitigated. A lot of us are constantly in a stressful state even when it’s not obvious. While meditation and other specific anti-stress activities are great, they aren’t the only way to manage stress. Instead of doing more activities that aim to reduce stress, try to do less activities that are causing the stress in the first place. Be aware throughout the day and perform some belly breathing techniques.

Invest in Professionals

Personal Training can be expensive. But a “good” personal trainer is an investment in yourself, not an expense. If you just can’t afford a personal trainer, though, there are other options. This could be finding classes that you enjoy taking each week. There isn’t much personalization but at least you have someone taking the guess work out of it for you, as well as the camaraderie of the rest of the group. Or seek out an online coach who will still hold you accountable and create a personalized program for a lot cheaper. What you don’t want to do is go it alone because fitness isn’t your expertise or your job. If I tried to handle my own finances by myself, I would be broke. If I had to be my own “tech guy” and fix problems with my technology, I’d be living back in the stone age. And if we all tried to diagnose our own sickness and health without a doctor’s opinion, we might not be here today.

I hope some of these small tips will help you in your pursuit of your goals and resolutions.

For more fitness and nutrition information “Like” the Facebook page Rezolution Fitness and check out rezolutionfitness.com.

The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF) is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to curing and preventing cancer. The Foundation is a pioneer in cancer research and its mission is to eradicate cancer by funding cutting-edge research that identifies and corrects abnormal gene function that causes cancer. This research is the basis for developing minimally toxic treatments for patients. Through the Foundation’s collaborative group of worldclass scientists, the Institute Without Walls, investigators share information and tools to speed the pace of cancer research. Since its inception in 1976, the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation has awarded approximately $90 million to support the work of more than 200 researchers across the globe.

During its 19th Annual Collaborating for a Cure Benefit Dinner & Auction, SWCRF posthumously honored footwear industry icon Vince Camuto and featured a musical performance by the legendary Roger Daltrey of The Who at Cipriani Wall Street. The event marked the 40th anniversary of the founding of SWCRF by noted oncologist Samuel Waxman, M.D. and introduced the SWCRF Vince Camuto Memorial Cancer Research Program in honor of Mr. Camuto, founder of Camuto Group, who passed away of prostate cancer in 2015. The SWCRF Vince Camuto Memorial Cancer Research Program will support the work of SWCRF grantees with $300,000 over three years. Louise Camuto, Chief Creative Officer of Camuto Group, accepted the honor in memory of her late husband. The evening was hosted by Chris Wragge, co-anchor of CBS 2 News This Morning, as master of ceremonies, and raised approximately $2.5 million for SWCRF cancer research programs.

The money raised will support the Foundation’s research efforts to produce a cure for cancer by reprogramming cancer cells and to deliver tailored, minimally toxic treatments to patients. The scientists funded by the SWCRF have made significant breakthroughs in cancer research, including identifying pathways to deliver novel therapies to treat cancer.

Care ure

The Foundation’s new SWCRF Aging and Cancer Research Initiative will investigate the genetic and environmental factors that drive increased incidence of mortality among cancer patients over the age of 50.

Known affectionately by New Yorkers as “The Waxman,” this yearly fête is considered to be among the top fundraising events in New York City, attended by more than 750 corporate executives, board members, and their guests. In recent years, “The Waxman” has raised millions of dollars to support the Foundation’s research efforts to produce a cure for cancer. Past celebrity performers have included Ziggy Marley, Train, Peter Frampton, Gregg Allman, Kid Rock, Steely Dan, Glenn Frey, Joe Walsh, Sheryl Crow, John Fogerty, and Counting Crows.

For more information, visit: www.waxmancancer.org. Like SWCRF on Facebook and follow on Twitter and Instagram: @WaxmanCancer.

The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation: Battling Cancer Through Research for 40 Years

Dr. Samuel Waxman has mentored many scientists during his 45-year tenure at Mount Sinai Medical Center. He is pictured here at center with members of his laboratory team in the 1980s.

Lawrence Scott Events offers guests a chance to enter a magical environment that allows them to escape and connect in a magnificent space unlike any other. With limitless themes, Larry has produced one of a kind events for many of life’s celebrations and milestones including weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, as well as corporate events, charity galas, and more. No challenge is too big for this top notch event planner and his team.

Scott is as respected for his philanthropy as he is for his legendary events. Causes close to his heart include: Make–A–Wish, The Feinstein Institute, Live Out loud, Forward Face, City Of Hope, and MS. Larry supports over 30 charities annually.

Customized events are offered all over the tri-state area and the East End. Some examples of past events Larry has produced and clients/causes he continues to support are Make-A-Wish’s annual Night of Wishes gala, the annual Hamptons Magazine summer kick off party, and the UJA-Federation’s Summerfest cocktail party. Aside from these, of course, are a glittering array of private soirées.

Larry Scott has a long undisclosed list of loyal A-list celebrity clients that keep rehiring him for bespoke events, thanks in large part to his discreet and personable approach. Some of his high profile clients include Michael Bolton, Judge Judy, Howard Stern, Vera Wang, and John Varvatos.

by Elizabeth Darwen

Another charity close to Larry’s heart is the Southampton Hospital. He has produced the hospital’s annual summer gala. Larry was also brought in to add the “WOW” factor to the Global Lyme Alliance’s second NYC gala this past October. The event honored Bella Hadid, Heather Glass, Arthur J. Mirante II and Karen Peetz. Larry designed, donated decor and supported last year’s event, which honored Yolanda Foster, Ally Hilfiger and Thalia, and featured David Foster and various artists.

Larry Scott has always believed that “more is more” and nowhere is this approach better showcased than in his awe-inspiring displays and gourmet food offerings. He offers as many varieties to delicious dishes and drinks to be served as there are event themes – all in order to add to the event’s overall visual impact and playful possibilities.

Part of what sets Scott’s style apart is his innate understanding of his guests. One of his primary goals is to make everyone feel included. To him it is all about the mix that comes together to make a truly standout celebration. Described as invasions, it is perfect timing coupled with exacting choreography. This has become Larry Scott’s signature. An adrenaline pop at just the right moment, the invasion gives the party life, smiles and unforgettable memories!

photo by Gruber Photographers

photo by Terri Diamond Photography

photo by Felix Feygin at Fred Marcus Studio

photo by Oscar Castro

White Lace & Promises

Ashley Cooper & Ernesto Argüello

Founder and CEO of Education Model Towns, Ernesto Argüello, married fellow philanthropist Ashley Taylor Cooper at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York this past October 2016. The ceremony was followed by a 400 people celebration at the iconic Plaza Hotel in New York, which started with a Champagne Reception in the Palm Court, followed by Cocktails in the Terrace Room, and the Wedding Dinner & Reception took place in the lavish Grand Ballroom. The evening’s entertainment included the celebrated Carlos Estrella Band, as well as Aerialists, Gogo dancers, Mariachi, Samba dancers, Beat boxers, Cocktail coquettes and a musical performance by 10 year old Instagram star Vivian Hicks.

Attendees coming from all over the world (France, Brazil, Spain, Colombia, Nicaragua, Peru, Honduras, Ecuador, Italy, Israel and England) included magazine moguls, business owners, music artists, government officials and fellow philanthropists. The majority of the wedding guests also attended the festive rehearsal dinner (brunch) which was a buyout of fine French bistro Bagatelle, where the focus was on getting all of the couple’s friends and family from all over the world to meet each other and break the ice leading up to the wedding. Said Ashley, “We wanted everyone to know most of the people at their tables and to feel comfortable and dance all night together!”

Everything down to the flowers had been designed by the couple to reflect their personal taste. Beyoncé’s sought-after florist, Dieter van Beneden for Vert-de-Gris had custom made the decorations which adorned the Plaza Hotel, and the cake was provided by no other than celebrity cake-maker Sylvia Weinstock. Even the wedding invite was very unique: every guest received a briefcase with a video message personally inviting them to the couple’s Big Day. The video invite, which was filmed in Colombia, can be viewed at the couple’s website: romanceandthecity.com.

photo by Fabian Alvarez

After the wedding festivities, the couple took off on a worldwide honeymoon with stops in Iceland, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Belgium, France and the Netherlands. The couple continued their European “honeymonth” with a 2 week California “buddymoon” to ski and enjoy Napa Valley with friends, for a total of a 6 week honeymoon.

This couple really live to give back; their wedding registry was strictly cash donations which will be used to build a new educational center for underprivileged children. Said Ashley, “We feel the best gift was finding each other! So, we decided to express our gratitude to God by asking our guests to not give us gifts but to make donations to build an educational training center for underprivileged children.” Donations are still accepted via Crowdrise. Ernesto’s Education Model Towns builds entire communities and education centers from the ground up in the most impoverished areas in Latin America, offering the locals a home and a safe community.

Ernesto and his life-changing organization also donates schools, security, after school programs and sports development programs, nutritional programs and clean water, as well as promoting by entrepreneurship opportunities to the locals. Ashley and Ernesto, cofounders of Snap2Live, have also partnered with the United Nations as spokespeople for road safety, in order to help address the number one killer of youth in the world.

photos by Oscar Castro

SPOTLIGHT

Jean Shafiroff Star Jones

The National Association of Professional Women (NAPW), led by lawyer and journalist Star Jones, hosted an exclusive NAPW Power Networking Event at Midtown Loft and Terrace in New York City featuring keynote speaker Jean Shafiroff. Philanthropist and author, Jean Shafiroff, engaged the audience in a discussion of philanthropy and her debut book– Successful Philanthropy: How to Make A Life By What You Give – A Guide to Modern Philanthropy. © Patrick McMullan

Clo Cohen & Charles S. Cohen

Sophie Donelson,Thom Felicia and Celerie Kemble

Charles S. Cohen and wife, Clo, hosted the 120th anniversary party of House Beautiful magazine to kick off Fall Market Week at Upper Story located in the Decoration & Design Building, NYC © Editor at Large

Angelo David Pisacreta & Aviva Drescher Carrie Preston

Angelo David Salon and 95.5 PLJ hosted 2nd Annual BLOW OUT BREAST CANCER in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. All proceeds were donated to the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation. Sponsors included Hawke & Co., Elchim Milano, Tabooze, Sufi Wine and Baked In Color. NYC © James Edstrom

Tricia Donegan

Carlos Leon

Healthy Guru hosted The Fitness, Fashion & Wellness Event of Fall 2016 Featuring Lady Gaga’s trainer Tricia Donegan, Victoria’s Secret model trainer Justin Gelband, internationally-renowned trainer Carlos Leon, and NY Jets nutritionist Glen Tobias. NYC © Cassidy Maldonado

Larry Scott

Yolanda Hadid, Bella Hadid, Mohamed Hadid

Global Lyme Alliance hosted 2nd Annual New York Gala honoring Bella Hadid, Heather Glass, Arthur J. Mirante II & Karen Peetz. The event was produced by event planner extraordinaire, Lawrence Scott Events. NYC © Getty Images

Sophie Donelson & Charles S. Cohen

Spencer Rudin & Kate KellySmith

The Decoration & Design Building held its two-day Fall Market to celebrate the best in the design industry. CEO/ Owner of Cohen Design Centers, Charles S. Cohen, provided the opening remarks at the morning keynote programs including House Beautiful’s opening keynote presentation. NYC © PatrickMcMullan.com

Must Visit Destination Cities for 2017

By Norah Bradford

Whilst the holiday season is upon us and we are busy juggling plans for visiting family and traveling to see in the New Year it will be soon time to start considering ideas for where to go in 2017. Here are a few destinations – both above and below the radar you should have on your list – after all, if not now, then when?

The Rosewood Mayakoba Residences is a luxury retreat situated along a mile of white-sand beach on the Riviera Maya in Mexico just north of Playa del Carmen surrounded by a mangrove jungle at the heart of an ecological enclave. An unparalleled Mexico spa vacation destination, the indulgent spa situated on a private island and the beach offers Caribbean blue water and borders the second largest coral reef in the world. Guests have access to all features of the Mayakoba enclave, including a championship Greg Norman designed golf course. Even better are the new residencies offering a home amidst this unique combination of luxury and natural beauty.

www.rosewoodresidencesmkb.com

bon voyage

Marrakech, Morocco

The City names instantly transport you to an exotic locale – Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Meknes and Fez. Aside from the culture, souks and sights the mysterious Sahara Desert is always within sight. Why not participate in the Rallye Aicha des Gazelles du Maroc– from March 17th until April 1st – a women only two-week race across the desert and a once-in-a-lifetime experience? Stay at Richard Branson’s boutique hotel Kasbah Tamadot.

www.rallyeaichadesgazelles.com www.virginlimitededition.com

Southampton, New York

One of New York state’s oldest settlements, located on the Eastern End of Long Island is the Town of Southampton. Home to a summer social whirl and escape for the denizens of Manhattan, the summer period bookended by the weekend holidays of Memorial Day and Labor Day makes this yearround destination the place to be. Southampton is the entryway to the modern ‘Hamptons’ – Bridge-, East- as well as Montauk and Sag Harbor. Why not stay at the iconic homeaway-from-home Southampton Inn and try the flavored coffee at The Golden Pear while taking in the people watching and the Ralph Lauren catalog as real life? Alternatively dine at yeararound Mexican hotspot Union Cantina

Southampton Inn