Fisher Island Magazine Spring 2015 by Executive South Florida Magazine

FRESH CATCH ISLAND DINING WITH CHEF STEPHANE CAPORAL

THE MUSIC MAN MICHAEL TILSON THOMAS AND THE NEW WORLD SYMPHONY

PLUS: TOP MUSEUM HAPPENINGS AROUND THE WORLD THE VISION BEHIND PALAZZO DEL SOL

Fisher Island with its backdrop of Downtown Miami, South Beach and the Atlantic Ocean.

A WORLD APART. B E A C H I M A R I N A I T E N N I S I G O L F I R E S TA U R A N T S & B E A C H C L U B I S PA & F I T N E S S C E N T E R B O U T I Q U E H O T E L I D AY S C H O O L I C O U N T R Y M A R K E T I F E R R Y S E R V I C E T O & F R O M T H E M A I N L A N D

ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE DEVELOPER. FOR CORRECT REPRESENTATIONS, MAKE REFERENCE TO THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED BY SECTION 718.503, FLORIDA STATUTES, TO BE FURNISHED BY A DEVELOPER TO A BUYER OR LESSEE. All artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s or architectural renderings, sketches, graphic materials and photos depicted or otherwise described herein are proposed and conceptual only, and are based upon preliminary development plans, which are subject to change. This is not an offering in any state in which registration is required but in which registration requirements have not yet been met. This advertisement is not an offering. It is a solicitation of interest in the advertised property. No offering of the advertised units can be made and no deposits can be accepted, or reservations, binding or non-binding, can be made in New York until an offering plan is filed with the New York State Department of Law.

Introducing Palazzo del Sol. 47 new waterfront condominium residences on celebrated Fisher Island. A haven of privacy and exclusivity, minutes from South Beach and the cultural attractions of Miami, with superbly curated building amenities and 6-star white-glove services.

Priced from $6.5 million to $35 million. Now under construction. One Fisher Island Drive, Fisher Island, FL 33109 Designed by Kobi Karp with indoor spaces by Antrobus + Ramirez and outdoor spaces by Enzo Enea. On-site Sales Pavilion: 305 535 6071 info@palazzodelsol.com palazzodelsol.com

SHOWROOM 900 Park Centre Boulevard, Suite 476 Miami FL 33169 305.623.8282 californiaclosets.com

CORAL GABLES SHOWROOM 2331 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Coral Gables, Florida 800.645.7250 CHICAGO SHOWROOM 301 West Superior Chicago. Illinois 800.494.4358 LUMINAIRE LAB 3901 NE 2nd Avenue Miami, Florida 866.579.1941 www.luminaire.com WAVE designed by Francesco Rota

[ CEO’S NOTE ]

Fisher Island has always been a place of intrigue, mystery and grandeur, where the most fascinating people in the world have come together since the early 1900s to enjoy life.This year marks the 100th anniversary of Miami Beach, and much of its history is intrinsically linked to Fisher Island and the visionaries who made it their home. In celebration of the centennial, it is Fisher Island’s grand past, luminous future, and everyday allure that serve as the inspiration for the Spring 2015 issue of Fisher Island Magazine. In this issue, you’ll discover the rich history of Miami Beach and how Carl Fisher, one of the first owners of Fisher Island, made his mark on this now-famous destination city. In another allusion to the past, Fisher Island Club introduces our new custom fragrance—1936—named after the year William K. Vanderbilt II, arguably Fisher Island’s most famous former resident, built his baronial Mediterranean-style mansion that today serves as the center of Club life. As we delve into Fisher Island’s future, take a culinary journey with the Club’s renowned Executive Chef, Stephane Caporal, and discover his passion for bringing world flavors to your table. With the perfect combination of culinary prowess and artistic flair, his new seasonal cuisine is certain to satisfy your eyes as much as your palate. For the best in luxury living, European fashion blogger and Club Member Natacha Steven unveils current fashion and lifestyle trends, while developer Heinrich Von Hanau reveals the vision behind Palazzo del Sol, the latest residential tower on the island. In the arts, we explore the extraordinary life of Michael Tilson Thomas, the world-renowned co-founder and artistic director of Miami’s beloved New World Symphony. And learn about one of Hollywood’s filmmakers-to-watch, British director Amma Asante, who tells stories that change the way we view our societal roles. Fisher Island Club is thriving, and it has been my pleasure to serve you as we continue to create the most exclusive private island lifestyle in the footsteps of Fisher Island’s past luminaries. I look forward to seeing you at the Club. Warm regards,

Bernard Lackner CEO, Fisher Island Club

FISHER ISLAND MAGAZINE

The only thing we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make more of is Time.

S P O R T F I S H & M O T O R YA C H T S A L E S | S U P E R YA C H T S A L E S | C H A R T E R & B R O K E R A G E S ou t h Be ac h: 3 0 5 . 8 5 6 . 8 4 8 6 | w w w.H MY. c om

[CONTENTS ]

26 26 OF INTEREST Discover Miami’s not-to-be-missed cultural events of the season, from a boat aficionado’s paradise to a week of runways showcasing fabulous swimwear. Mark your calendars!

30 42

30 A-LIST Extravagant treasures by Van Cleef & Arpels, a beachside oasis in Uruguay, and more news from the world of luxury.

38 WONDER YEARS On March 26, 2015,The City of Miami Beach celebrated its 100th anniversary, but Fisher Island remains a conduit to the past, a more graceful and glamorous era on Miami Beach. By Tom Austin

42 MOVING PIECES From Amsterdam to Moscow, the museum happenings of 2015 are an international affair. By Reed V. Horth

46 DIGITAL PROPHET Years into his illustrious career, the world is beginning to see artist Laurence Gartel’s prophecy come to fruition. By Reed V. Horth

48 EYE-CATCHING INTERIOR DESIGN Award-winning designer Bea Pila shares both style and a love for vintage acrylic with her equally talented daughter, Gabriela Noelle. By Kat Armas

52 THE MUSIC MAN Michael Tilson Thomas tells us about the past, present, and future that shaped him and the city’s beloved New World Symphony. By Tom Austin

56 ISLAND LIVING From Fisher Island resident to Fisher Island developer, Heinrich Von Hanau discusses the journey behind the latest luxury residential project to hit the island. By Jeff Zbar

60 LONDON’S CALLING Armed with world-shifting stories, British director Amma Asante finds herself on Hollywood’s “filmmakers-towatch” list. By Nikki Novo

FISHER ISLAND MAGAZINE

[CONTENTS ]

62 FRESH CATCH Juggling menus, impressing Members with his culinary masterpieces and collaborating with the upper crust of the culinary elite is all in a day’s work for Fisher Island Club’s illustrious Executive Chef, Stephane Caporal. By Nikki Novo

78 74

66 TAKING NOTE Sommelier Esteban Arce’s passion for all things wine-related brings new meaning to the phrase, “wining and dining.” By Virginia Gil

68 BOY WONDER At the young age of 25, chef Alex Chang’s star keeps rising, inspiring his menu of delicacies at Vagabond Restaurant in Miami’s ultra-hot MiMo district. By Virginia Gil

70 PARADISE OF THE CARIBBEAN Small in size, but big in charm, Harbour Island is the secret playground of choice for celebrities, moguls, and royals.

74 ALL ABOARD

70 45

VanDutch’s image is young, fast, and beautiful, but that’s not the only reason the brand has become the boating darling of Biscayne Bay. By Richard Westlund

78 TRUTH TYCOON European fashion blogger Natacha Steven built a business on being authentic. By Nikki Novo

80 LUXURY LOWDOWN Miami’s retail scene is booming with new openings, renovations, and star power.

84 MEN AT WORK Not just for the ladies, Pilates classes offer men a better golf swing and muscle tone.

FISHER ISLAND MAGAZINE

“THE MARKET MAKER” HIGHEST SALES AND PRICE PER SQUARE FOOT ON FISHER ISLAND IN 2014. Voted Florida’s BEST “REALTOR OF THE YEAR” by the Miami Herald. Voted Florida’s BEST brochures and print ADs by the Miami Herald. A 25-year resident specialist on Fisher Island, Ms. Portell’s entire focus is the luxury residences and distinguished Island homes of this 216-acre private island. As a Wharton School Graduate, Ms. Portell specialized in International Marketing and Real Estate. She has repositioned Fortune 500 companies like Revlon, Elizabeth Arden, Heinz 57, and Carnival Cruise Lines in profit maximization. This powerful marketing background allows Ms. Portell to expertly position the multi-million dollar properties on Fisher Island and assist her clients in making the proper purchase decision and asset acquisition. Ms. Portell has assisted many high-profile resident clients such as Oprah Winfrey.

Let Ms. Portell assist you whether you are buying or selling today!

BEST DEALS ON THE OCEAN 7764 Fisher Island Dr., Fisher Island, FL 5 Bed / 5.5 Bath | 6,820 SqFt

7432 Fisher Island Dr., Fisher Island, FL 3 Bed / 3.5 Bath | 3,200 SqFt

$9,950,000

$3,900,000 FOR SALE 7764 Fisher Island Drive

MARY ANN PORTELL

Portell International Realty, Inc.

(305) 710-5188 mportell@bellsouth.net

portellinternational.com SOLD:

5162 Fisher Island Dr., Fisher Island, FL 5 Bed / 6 Bath | 6,557 SqFt

TOWER SUITE $11,000,000

SOLD:

7612 Fisher Island Dr., Fisher Island, FL 7 Bed / 7.5 Bath 7,200+ Interior SqFt & 1,400+ Terrace

LUXURIOUS BEACHFRONT HOME $12,850,000

FISHER ISLAND & MIAMI LUXURY PORTFOLIO

7842 FISHER ISLAND DR | 5 OCEANFRONT BALCONIES $9.9M | 3BR+STUDY/3+1BA | 4,590 SF | OCEAN/BEACH VIEWS

572 N ISLAND DR | GOLDEN BEACH | INTRACOASTAL VIEWS $7.995M | 6BR/6+1BA | 7,261 SF | LOT: 12,375 | WF: 75’

THE #1 REAL ESTATE TEAM IN AMERICA AS RANKED BY THE WALL STREET JOURNAL 2012 & 2013

THE JILLS

FISHER ISLAND RESIDENT SPECIALISTS

JILL HERTZBERG | 305.788.5455 JILLH@THEJILLS.COM JILL EBER | 305.915.2556 JILLE@THEJILLS.COM

COLDWELL BANKER RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE

THE JILLS

THE POWER OF TWO

THE JILLS

THE POWER OF TWO

THE JILLS THE JILLS THE JILLS

THE POWER OF TWO

7442 FISHER ISLAND DR | 3BR/3.5BA | WRAP-AROUND BALCONY $4.495M | 3,134 SF | OCEAN/BEACH/GOV’T CUT VIEWS CUT VIEWS

5335 FISHER ISLAND DR | BAYSIDE CONDO | 3BR/3+1BA $2.85M | 2,740 SF | WIDE BAY & DOWNTOWN VIEWS

THEJILLS.COM

SPRING 2015 PUBLISHER

Ron Mann ron@fisherislandmag.com

EDITOR

Jenny Santamaria editor@fisherislandmag.com

ART DIRECTOR Lourdes Guerra

ARTS EDITOR Reed V. Horth

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kat Armas Tom Austin Virginia Gil Nikki Novo Nicole Valdes Richard Westlund Jeff Zbar

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Rhonda Jenkins

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Isaac Zapata

COVER PHOTO Stephen Boxall Fisher Island Magazine is published exclusively by South Florida Executive LLC. 800 Brickell Avenue, Penthouse One, Miami, Florida 33131. All rights reserved. The content of Fisher Island Magazine may not be reproduced without the express written consent of Fisher Island Club. South Florida Executive LLC accepts no responsibility for the return of unsolicited manuscripts and/or photographs and assumes no liability for products and services advertised herein. To advertise in Fisher Island Magazine call 305.712.7978 or contact info@fisherislandmag.com.

FISHER ISLAND MAGAZINE

O N E S OT H E B Y ’ S I N T E R N AT I O N A L R E A LT Y W E L C O M E S

ELENA BLUNTZER

As a visionary business professional, Elena Bluntzer is a long standing member of the Master Brokers Forum and a founding member of the Condo Experts Group. Prior to joining ONE Sotheby’s International Realty, Bluntzer served as founder and president of The Bluntzer Group for 29 years, where she built a distinguished brokerage with more than $1 billion in sales, including record-breaking transactions on Fisher Island and in Gables Estates. Bluntzer frequently travels the world and speaks English, Spanish and French. A life-long Miami resident, she splits her time between homes in South Miami and Fisher Island.

F E AT U R E D P R O P E R T Y BEACHFRONT PENTHOUSE 7463 Fisher Island Drive, Fisher Island 5 bedrooms / 6.5 bathrooms 7,610 sf + wraparound terrace Offered at $25,000,000

Direct ocean views Completely renovated Contemporary

FOR EXPERT GUIDANCE ON THE REAL ESTATE MARKET, CONTACT ELENA. 305.992.7987 | ELENA@BLUNTZERGROUP.COM | BLUNTZERGROUP.COM

ONESOTHEBYSREALTY.COM ©MMXIV ONE Sotheby’s International Realty, licensed real estate broker. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a licensed trademark to Sotheby’s International Realty Afﬁliates LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity.

SPRING 2015 FISHER ISLAND CLUB Bernard Lackner CEO

Mabel Padr贸n

Director of Membership

Kay Fisher

Director of Membership Sales

Julie Dull

Communications Manager

BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Marc Peperzak President

Roger Ward

Vice President

Larry Fletcher Treasurer

Albert Petichenskiy Secretary

PUBLIC RELATIONS AND MARKETING Kreps DeMaria Public Relations & Marketing Fisher Island Magazine is the official magazine of Fisher Island Club, Inc. Fisher Island is home to nearly 650 families from more than 42 countries. The 216-acre tropical island paradise just off the tip of Miami Beach is a favorite destination for celebrities and business royalty. Accessible only by a seven-minute ferry ride or private motor yacht, Fisher Island Club boasts its own palmlined private beach with powder-soft sand imported from the Bahamas, a beach club, a P.B. Dye 9-hole championship golf course, 18 world-class tennis courts, two deep-water marinas, seven dining options, a full-service spa, salon and fitness center, a private day school accepting preschoolers through fifth graders, an observatory for stargazing and an aviary with dozens of exotic birds. For more information on Fisher Island Magazine call 305.535.6076 or email FIMagazine@fisherislandclub.com. For more information on Fisher Island Club, visit www.fisherislandclub.com.

FISHER ISLAND MAGAZINE

Key to Your Lifestyle

7124 Fisher Island Dr. - For Sale/Rent 3,690sq.ft. ■ 4BR + Den + 4.5BA

7716 Fisher Island Dr. - For Sale 5,800sq.ft. ■ 4BR + 3BA + 2HB

7121 Fisher Island Dr. - For Sale 3,690sq.ft. ■ 4BR + Den + 4.5BA

5226 Fisher Island Dr. - For Sale 2,740sq.ft. ■ 3BR + 3.5BA

5373 Fisher Island Dr. - For Sale 5,790sq.ft. ■ 4BR + 4.5BA

19233 Fisher Island Dr. - For Sale 1,875sq.ft. ■ 2BR + 2BA

19143 Fisher Island Dr. - For Rent 1,838sq.ft. ■ 3BR + 2BA

19121 Fisher Island Dr. - For Rent 1,429sq.ft. ■ 2BR + 2BA

7454 Fisher Island Dr. - For Rent 2,942sq.ft. ■ 3BR + 3.5BA

KARLA ABAUNZA & TEAM Your Fisher Island Resident Specialists

Luxury Living Realty 1111 Lincoln Road Suite 400 Miami Beach, FL 33139 T 786.276.2451 info@luxurylivingrealty.com FisherCondos.com

[ CONTRIBUTORS ]

VIRGINIA GIL Lifestyle journalist Virginia Gil has an insatiable appetite for food and fashion blogs, and was pleasantly surprised to discover the former is also true of Esteban Arce, whom she interviewed for the Spring 2015 issue of Fisher Island Magazine. “I’ve lost countless hours of productivity to websites like Jezebel and theCut,” she happily admits. When she’s not catching up on the latest trends and topics, Virginia is the senior editor of a cruise publication, which inspires her full-time wanderlust. She’s the former Miami editor of DailyCandy, and her writing has appeared in publications and websites such as MIAMI Magazine, Time Out, Food Republic, Miami Herald, and US Weekly.

REED V. HORTH Arts Editor Reed V. Horth, the author of both “Frame” section stories, is a private art dealer and curator with more than 19 years of experience in the art world. Horth has assisted with art sales in excess of $100M and international placement of acclaimed artwork into museums, private collections, investment funds, and other collections, including works from Picasso, Dali, Monet, Warhol, Rauschenberg, Lichtenstein, Miro, and others, as well as contemporary artists like Banksy, Mr. Brainwash, and Dale Chihuly.

JEFF ZBAR In all his 50 years in South Florida, Jeff Zbar’s recent ferry ride and visit to Fisher Island for his interview with developer Heinrich Von Hanau was the Broward native’s first to the historic island. As a career journalist and corporate copywriter for media outlets and businesses (including work as a correspondent for South Florida Business Journal), he now can cross spending time on the luxurious island off of his bucket list of Sunshine State “to-dos.” Considered an expert in small and home office businesses (SOHO), Zbar was named 2001 Small Business Journalist of the Year by the National Small Business Administration, and is the author of the book Teleworking & Telecommuting, a pioneering guide for successful management and development of companies with remote and virtual offices.

FISHER ISLAND MAGAZINE

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[ OF INTEREST ] SOUTH FLORIDA BOAT SHOW Boat aficionados are welcome to get their fix at the 22nd annual South Florida Boat Show. Get an intimate look at the 37 boat lines, showcasing more than100 boats including center consoles, walk-arounds, flats, cruisers, bow riders, cuddy cabins, plus hundreds of accessories. May 29-31, Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Dr., southflaboatshow.com.

MERCEDES-BENZ SWIM WEEK 2016 The fashion community knows that the most prestigious of the dozens of international fashion weeks are the ones sponsored by Mercedes-Benz. In New York, the iconic tents at Lincoln Center go up twice a year, and here in Miami, once a year during late July the white tents are up for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim at The Raleigh Hotel. Against the backdrop of a historic art deco hotel and those classic white tents, models saunter down a runway with sand on both sides and show off swimsuit styles for the upcoming year. July 16-20, The Raleigh Hotel, 1775 Collins Avenue, mbfashionweek.com

LOOKINGGLASS ALICE Beginning July 18, experience this modern retelling of Alice in Wonderland when your favorite Wonderland characters defy gravity in this circus-infused marvel for all ages! Journey down the rabbit hole in a performance that has been described as “astounding” by the New York Times, and immerse yourself in Alice’s magical world as the Ziff Ballet Opera House stage is transformed into an intimate 450-seat theater space.You will feel like you are in Wonderland with Alice, the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts herself—from every seat! arshtcenter.org

FISHER ISLAND MAGAZINE

LUXURY WORLDWIDE CHAUFFEURED GROUND TRANSPORTATION

redefined 877.809.5466

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[ OF INTEREST ]

CREATIVE

ENDEAVORS

Design aficionados, rejoice! The internationally-acclaimed Maison&Objet brings its chic aesthetic to Miami. For the first time, the major players in design and decoration will bring together a unique and exclusive platform for North, South and Central America, collectively. From May 12 to the 15, the celebrated Maison&Objet, considered the most prestigious design fair in the world, crosses the Atlantic from its home base in Paris to set up shop in the United States. Miami, known for its electric energy and eclectic tastes, will be playing host to the extravaganza, which hopes to emulate the success of that other European juggernaut, Art Basel Miami Beach. Miami offers a business platform in the heart of the Americas and their 954 million inhabitants. Maison&Objet Americas brings together a selection of 300 brands representing the upscale spirit that was behind the success of Maison&Objet Paris. For those looking to enjoy these treasures of design in and outside of the official exhibition, in addition to the 20 scheduled talks for the fair’s summit and other onsite events, there will also be a profusion of additional activities in various locations in and around Miami Beach and the Design District. The combined presentation of the Designer of the Year and the Rising Talents awards will take place at an event at Frank Gehry’s breathtaking New World Center on May 13 before an audience of design, media and real estate elite, among others. Many of Miami’s museums and galleries will also be involved, creating pop-up displays to celebrate, and fairgoers will receive free admission to their institutions of choice, including Pérez Art Museum Miami,The Wolfsonian-FIU, MOCA, Lowe Art Museum, and the Bass Museum of Art. In a collaboration with The Design District, many of the showrooms in the area will be hosting their own special events, assuring that the streets of the district will be bustling as everyone enjoys the multitude of first class design offerings. Bienvenue à Miami, Maison&Objet!

FISHER ISLAND MAGAZINE

YOUR DREAM HOME DESERVES A DREAM MORTGAGE WITH ADJUSTABLE RATES AS LOW AS 2.63% (2.93% APR).* 305-424-4997 | www.sabadellbank.com HOME MORTGAGE | VACATION HOME MORTGAGE | REFINANCING YOUR MORTGAGE *Interest rate and annual percentage rate (APR) valid on 02/15/2015 09:00AM EST. The advertised loan is a 3/1 adjustable rate mortgage (ARM). Interest rate and APR are based on current market rates, are for informational purposes only and are subject to change without notice and may be subject to pricing add-ons related to property type, loan amount, loan-to-value, credit score and other variables - call for details. The rate and APR are variable and subject to increase or decrease after closing. After the initial period of 3 years, the variable interest rate and payment will be adjusted every year and equal the total of the one year libor plus our margin. Your rate cannot increase more than 5% over the initial interest rate over the term of the loan. Your rate cannot decrease below the initial interest rate over the term of the loan. Rates assume a borrower with excellent credit. (over 760) and a personal depository relationship with Sabadell in excess of $250,000 and is subject to change without notice. Subject to underwriting approval. Application required: not all applicants will be approved. This is not a credit decision or a commitment to lend. Additional loan programs may be available for non qualified customers. SabadellSM is a service mark of Banco de Sabadell, S.A. used by Sabadell United Bank, N.A. ÂŠ 2015 Sabadell United Bank, N.A., a subsidiary of Banco de Sabadell, S.A. all rights reserved.

[A-LIST ]

SCENTIMENTAL

GIFT

1936 was an exceptional year for Fisher Island. William K. Vanderbilt II began construction on his “Alva Base” island mansion retreat, and the rest is history. It was a significant year in Fisher Island’s timeline and now the date will live on as the name of Fisher Island Club’s own exclusive scent. Soular Therapy, a company that produces hotel, home, and body fragrances began creating signature scents for brands in 2001. Since then, the use of “brand scents” has become a commonplace practice in order to help guests associate brands with their senses. Meaning, no matter where in the world our Members may find themselves, they’re just one spray away from home.

Rosamund Warburton Vanderbilt and William K Vanderbilt II

FISHER ISLAND MAGAZINE

For Sale at Palazzo del Mare Fisher Island Living at its Absolute Pinnacle

View from the unitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s terrace

7191 Fisher Island Dr., #7191 Miami Beach, FL 33109 5 Bedrooms | 5.5 Bathrooms | 5,630 SF Delivered completely raw

This top two-story PH boasts a gracious 5,600+ SF of living space to be tailored to your needs. Great to create a masterpiece in one of Miamiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most desirable destinations. Unit brings 3,000 SF of terraces and potential private rooftop jacuzzi, all overlooking the Atlantic and SoBe skyline.

Call today for a private showing. Lourdes Poucel 214.906.6521 Lourdes.Poucel@gmail.com

Mitzi Mitchell Burns 305.804.4446 Mitzi@Cervera.com It is not our intention to solicit the listings of other brokers. Information is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed.

[A-LIST ]

SILVER

GARDEN

Renowned designer Marcel Wanders merges his take on modern baroque with the timeless traditions of Christofle to create the silver brand’s collection Jardin D’ Edin. Composed of everything you need to set an international fete—from rose gold chopsticks to a three-tier pastry stand—the line gets its name from the intricately designed leaves, flowers, and vegetation embossed throughout each piece. Earlier this year, Wanders unveiled two limited-edition additions: a mirrored-glass and silver-plated centerpiece, the result of 30 hours of hand-crafting, and a 13-light candelabra, boasting an impressive 40 hours of work to create and signed by the designer himself. Talk about a conversation starter! christofle.com

FISHER ISLAND MAGAZINE

NATURAL RETREAT

Bahia Vik hotel, Uruguay

Fornasetti Suite at Vina Vik, Uruguay

andwiched between Argentina and Brazil, Uruguay can sometimes be the forgotten middle child—which actually makes it an ideal place to vacation. Where to go? Introducing the newly opened Bahia Vik, a whimsical retreat boasting breathtaking sunsets surrounded by 10 acres of expansive sand dunes, flowing spaces with cutting-edge architecture, and local artistic tapestry that is natural, yet chic. The latest addition to the internationally recognized Vik Retreats, this beachfront hotel is located in the heart of one of Latin America’s chicest villages—José Ignacio. The once quiet fishing village turned socialite hotspot has become a jetsetter favorite. Featuring 11 exclusive bungalows and 37 rooms (starting at $800 a night), the hotel is a perfect mix of bohemian and luxurious, also evident in the curious local and international artwork. Supreme relaxation is enjoyed in the Mansa beach dunes, in the open-air, sun-filled courtyard, at one of four reflecting pools, or at the state-ofthe-art spa. For the family, there’s an extensive game room, a boutique, a library, and programs for college-bound students looking for guidance and inspiration for their university admission letters. Smart, fun, and beautiful. Everything you’d want from South America’s little known gem. bahiavik.com The Winery at Vik hotel, Uruguay

[A-LIST ]

ABOVE IT ALL

Van Cleef & Arpels takes luxury jewelry to new heights. Impeccable interpreters of lightness and movement, Van Cleef & Arpels pays homage to the beauty of colorful kites fluttering in the breeze. Symbols of protection in Asian culture, they offer their vitality to the luxury jewelry house’s brand-new collection: Cerfs-Volants. The virtuoso jewelry techniques implemented by VC&A’s talented designers embellish a lively, bold and poetic aesthetic on each visually-stunning piece in the impressive collection, including exquisite details in pink gold, pink and mauve sapphires, white gold, white and grey mother-of-pearl and, of course, diamonds. vancleefarpels.com

A GOLDEN

DREAM As one of the most revered whisky houses in Scotland, Craigellachie, a brand that was considered traditional by blending standards even in 1891 when it was founded by Peter Mackie in the heart of Speyside, still sticks to what it does best: creating smooth single malts with classic style. In December of 2014, the beloved label, now part of the Dewar’s portfolio, launched 13: a blend that offers lively notes of citrus, vanilla, pungent honeysuckle and melon. Sweet and loaded with flavor, the trick to drinking whisky is making sure it is always the “star” ingredient, even within a cocktail. To honor the region in which it was founded, Craigellachie presents this recipe, sure to satisfy scotch enthusiasts with the loftiest of tastes. craigellachie.com

Spey Awhile 1½ ounces Craigellachie 13-year-old Scotch ¾ ounces Cocchi Vermouth di Torino ½ ounce Benedictine 2 dashes Angostura bitters Stir all ingredients in a cocktail mixing glass with ice. Strain into a rocks glass over a large piece of fresh ice. Garnish with a twist of lemon peel.

FISHER ISLAND MAGAZINE

TED’S AT

YOUNGARTS

ith an art scene that’s growing faster than the paint can dry, Miami has always known the next big thing. Art can be seen, heard, felt, touched—and, of course, tasted.Ted’s at YoungArts on Biscayne Boulevard is one way Miami is changing its creative scene, down to the last morsel. The cultural lounge and eatery, named after YoungArts founder Ted Arison, fuses cuisine with innovative visual and live entertainment. In a setting with tapas as delectable as its talent, Starr Restaurants Catering Group has crafted an eclectic menu with a full bar. With stunning panoramic views and a minimalist vibe that Miami has become famous for, is it any surprise that Ted’s was designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry? youngarts.org/teds

SPRING 2015

[A-LIST ]

FASHION

Fashion and art collide in this experimental space where the culture surrounding design is explored

SHOWS

Strolling through Bal Harbour Shops is always a cultural experience. This April, the highly touted shopping destination made its artistic credentials more official with the opening of Fashion Project, an experimental space created to explore fashion and its surrounding fields through a multidisciplinary lens. Heading up the space’s programming is London-based curator and exhibition-maker Judith Clark, whose vision includes a blend of exhibitions, programs, and activities examining the boundaries between fashion, design, art, consumer culture, and costume culture. Its premier exhibition takes a look at the role of experimentation in fashion by showcasing curious pieces like a 1913 costume from Paris’ Ballets Russes and a 1999 futuristic, remote-control dress by Hussein Chalayan. (Exhibition hours, Mon.-Sat., 12p.m.-8p.m., Sun., 12p.m.-6p.m.) fashionprojectbhs.com

FISHER ISLAND MAGAZINE

SECURITY

CHECKS Stuffing your favorite cashmere throw into your bag at the last minute can be acceptable when jet-setting, but that should never be the case when it comes to your personal information. With identity theft resulting in more than $25 billion in financial losses and more than 300,000 missing passports annually, keeping your identity safe requires more planning than a last-minute carry-on. The makers of iWallet have made arrangements for us by creating sleek carbon fiber and aluminum cases meant to carry a passport, credit cards, I.D., and cash, which can only be opened by the owner’s personal fingerprint. Adding extra security is the electronic Bluetooth SMART “leash” for the iPhone, iPad, and Android, incorporated to prevent scanning of credit cards equipped with RFID chips. Plus, the Bluetooth’s tethering feature will sound an alarm when your smart phone and iWallet case are no longer in close proximity to each other—making it the kind of travel companion that doesn’t want to leave you.

strategic thinking about wealth Great wealth creates both opportunity and complexity. Individuals, families and foundations are often charting a course that will influence many generations. Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management has been helping ultra high net worth families plan for and grow their wealth for decades. Understanding the specialized nature of this work, we take on only a limited number of clients so we can stay focused on your unique situation. We look forward to helping you think strategically about your wealth. Adam E. Carlin

Managing Director Senior Portfolio Management Director Private Wealth Advisor 220 Alhambra Circle, 10th FL Coral Gables, FL 33134 305-476-3302 www.morganstanleyfa.com/carlin adam.e.carlin@morganstanleypwm.com

ÂŠ 2015 Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management, a division of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, LLC. Member SIPC. 2011-PS-3345 01/12 8212822 PWM001 04/15

[ THE INSIDER ]

WONDER YEARS Miami Beach celebrates its 100th anniversary and the history that made it the cultural center it is today.

Photos courtesy of Fisher Island

hen Miami Beach turned 50 years old in 1965, Hank Meyer, the publicity guru who is credited with bringing TV showman Jackie Gleason to the city, was asked to forecast what the shoreline metropolis would look like in its 100th year. “Miami Beach will be discovered and rediscovered as not only the vacation capital of the world but a community with great depth, purpose and meaning!” Meyer declared in a newspaper column. Rockets, he predicted, would ferry tourists from New York to Miami Beach in ten minutes. “They will be landing at a rate of one a minute, which should bring in enough tourists to keep the city fully occupied every day of the year.” “New hotels will be shining glass towers reaching skyward … where guests could get a tan before getting out of bed,” he went on. “Buildings will soar thirty or forty stories high, because technology and science have enabled man to conquer hurricanes and substitute constant cool breezes from the Caribbean.” If some of his predictions outstripped the realities of a half-century later, Meyer was not alone among those who believed that present-day dreams could become realities in the distant future. Since its inception in 1915, Miami Beach has morphed from a winter refuge for the privileged few to a premiere international tourist destination, a laboratory for artists and architects, a playground for entertainers and a land of bountiful profits for real estate developers. In the early 1900s, pioneers Carl Fisher and John Collins saw the barrier island as a place that was opportune for profit and personal accomplishment. Collins, a New Jersey native, saw it as a lab opportune for agricultural experiments. Fisher, a Midwesterner, envisioned unbridled real estate development. He became the seminal figurehead of Fisher Island, which he bought in 1919 after it was cut off by the formation of the Port of Miami. Throughout the 1920s, he was a hustler, parading one of his sales gimmicks, Rosie the Elephant, down Lincoln Road to hawk all the raw land he owned on Miami Beach. As much of his life proved, this was not a man who dabbled in subtlety. This was a man with a plan, and he approached his new passion with all the assertive ambition of someone who knew his investment would reap rewards.

The original Vanderbilt mansion pool

Carl Fisher

Fisher, a self-made millionaire courtesy of his Prest-O-Lite automobile headlights, ran with a social circle that included industrialists from Detroit, high-roller tycoons like Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone. According to historians, he was a man in a hurry. “If you look at Fisher’s entire life, it’s a marathon. It’s a race,” said Howard Kleinberg, historian and former editor of the Miami News. “It was a race to achieve the top of whatever field he was in at the time. Everything he did he went into it with his heart, his soul, and his money, and he would not stop until he reached the end.” One afternoon in the 1920s, the guest list for an excursion on Firestone’s yacht, the Marybelle, included Fisher, Gar Wood (an inventor who would later own Fisher Island in the 1940s and 1950s) and Irving Collins, a son of John Collins and the pioneer namesake of Collins Avenue. While the Marybelle cruised by the then-undeveloped beachfront along 90th and Collins, the group, in a matter of seconds, decided to open a social club. They called it The Surf Club. William Kissam Vanderbilt II was part of the club’s crowd, as well as the social group, “Committee of One Hundred of Miami Beach”, which held outings at places like Fisher Island. Fisher owned plenty of property in Miami Beach, but, unlike his friend Firestone, lacked a royal yacht that suited his egomaniacal nature. In the 1920s, Fisher traded seven acres of Fisher Island for a 250-foot yacht owned by Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt’s set included John Jacob Astor VI, and an array of Armours, Goulds and Rockefellers. It was an era when aristocrats and movie stars like Douglas Fairbanks Jr. played polo and raced speedboats, and when Miami Beach led the charge of the Jazz Age, undeterred by Prohibition.

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[ THE INSIDER ]

Rosamund and William K. Vanderbilt II

Ocean Drive in 1959

The boom ended violently in 1926 when what is known as the “Great Miami Hurricane” blasted Miami Beach and the rest of South Florida with a ferocity that took hundreds of lives, flattened homes and businesses alike, and plunged the region into an economic abyss that preceded the Great Depression. Despite the savaging by Mother Nature, Miami Beach managed to maintain its draw with tourists in the 1930s, with many travelers staying in the quaint, small hotels that formed the foundation for the present-day “Art Deco” district. The advent of World War II jump-started the economy in the 1940s as thousands of military personnel flocked south to train for combat. After the war, many soldiers remained, while more immigrants arrived from the north, contributing to a population surge that added tens of thousands to the region in the ensuing decades. Tourism jumped in the 1950s, in large part fueled by huge resort hotels that drew high-income visitors and entertainers. During that time, architect Morris Lapidus designed the iconic, highly distinctive beachfront Fontainebleau Hotel for entrepreneur Ben Novack, as well as the Eden Roc next door, giving birth to one of the most-recognized fixtures along the Miami Beach shores. The city was more popular than ever, but within a matter of years, that would change. The 1960s stifled the momentum of the previous decade. Commercial airliners gave vacationers more choices, and tourists tested rival vacation spots in Florida and the Caribbean. Fidel Castro’s revolution in Cuba generated waves of refugees who made the Miami area their home. Few had money for visits to iconic hotels. The ensuing dip in business lasted into 1970s and early 1980s. But the latter period was an opportune moment for investors who saw upside possibilities.They plied the city with fresh capital and refurbished the old hotels. South Beach, once in the grip of urban blight, exploded onto the national scene with the help of the TV crime show Miami Vice. As the 1990s unfolded, Ocean Drive drew innovators and jet-setters such as Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace, whose Mediterranean-style mansion, Casa Casuarina, is still considered a landmark, due to Versace’s much-publicized murder on the steps of the home in the summer of 1997. But prior to the tragic turn of events,Versace’s mere presence lured top modeling agencies to the city, serving as a catalyst for a burgeoning night club scene, which enhanced the city’s cultural and commercial evolution.

Modern-day Fisher Island

To the north, Lincoln Road, once a dilapidated stretch of empty retail stores, grew into a center for upscale shopping, dining, recreation and galleries featuring the works of artists such as Romero Britto, creating a very different landscape than the one Rosie the Elephant strolled on years earlier. In the 21st Century, there are still no rockets ferrying out-of-town visitors to Miami Beach hotels. But the city is much more than fun in the sun. The new millennium ushered in an era of cultural institutions and events that draw thousands of visitors a year. Art Basel Miami Beach, one

of the largest art fairs in the world, was launched in the early 2000s. The city is also the venue for the critically-acclaimed Miami City Ballet, the Miami Beach Festival of the Arts, and the well-respected New World Symphony. Miami Beach may be 100 years old, but the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s youthful and of-the-moment energy remain intact. These qualities make this exuberant city the blossoming metropolis it has become. With its chic shops, glamorous hotels and exclusive spots for luxury-loving locals and visitors alike, one thing is for sure, Mr. Fisher would certainly be proud. Here is to the next 100! FI

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PĂŠrez Art Museum Miami

MOVING

PIECES From Amsterdam to Moscow, the museum happenings of 2015 are an international affair. By Reed V. Horth

FISHER ISLAND MAGAZINE

or locals, the 2013-2014 art season kicked off with the recent unveiling of the Herzog & de Meuron-designed Pérez Art Museum Miami, reenergizing a core of die-hard ar t aficionados in South Florida and attracting scores of the uninitiated to travel from far and wide to explore contemporary art. While the collection consists of few names those outside the art cognoscenti may be familiar with, the curation, along with the impact of certain works and even the architecture of the museum itself, provide more evidence that Miami is finally discovering its identity within the worldwide art scene. pamm.org Miami isn’t the only city that was able to indulge in an expanding cultural evolution. Other museum openings created a busy 2015 season for the museum-traveler, including the recently re-opened Rijksmuseum’s (Amsterdam) retrospective on the late work of Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669) in conjunction with London’s The National Gallery. The works, highlighting his period between 1652 until his death in 1669, are both his most celebrated and most dramatic, following the death of his son and first wife, and his 1656 bankruptcy. rijksmuseum.nl In deep contrast to the moodiness of Rembrandt, the Whitney Museum of American Art (New York City) re-opens in its new 200,000 square-foot Renzo Piano-designed space with a resoundingly upbeat exhibition of Jeff Koons (b. 1955) pieces in May of 2015. It will also have all 21,000 works in their permanent collection on display, celebrating the prestigious museum’s re-emergence as an international art destination. whitney.org Abu Dhabi’s sudden emergence as an art destination is due in large part to a loan of more than 300 works from the major French institutions Musée du Louvre, Musée du quai Branly, Centre Pompidou, and others, which will be on display throughout 2015 at Louvre Abu Dhabi (UAE). These loans include Leonardo DaVinci’s “Portrait of an Unknown Woman” (c. 1495), Edouard Manet’s “Fife Player” (1866), and Claude Monet’s “Saint-Lazare Station” (1877).The collective effect is certain to resonate throughout the region, as this is the first time many of these scholarly works have traveled to the Middle East. louvreabudhabi.ae The Mauritshuis (The Hague, Netherlands), in conjunction with New York’s Frick Collection, will display the largest exhibition Frick has ever loaned out, featuring 36 masterpieces of 13th-19th century paintings, drawings, and decorative arts, including works from Cimabue, Van Eyck, Memling, and others. mauritshuis.nl No museum travel would be complete without attending the Venice Biennale 56th International Art Exhibition (Venice), curated by Nigerian-born Okwui Enwezor. Enwezor seeks to observe the new relationship between art and artists in the exhibit, titled “All the World’s Futures”. labiennale.org Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich’s wife Dasha Zhukova –a fixture in the international social scene, sitting front-row at countless runway shows– has ventured from fashion and publishing into the realm of cutting edge art with the founding of the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art (Moscow). The new Rem Koolhaasdesigned space, named for the original location atop the site of a former bus garage, will be a non-collecting museum, allowing for greater flexibility in loan agreements and temporary exhibitions similar to the Museo Jumex in Mexico City and the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York. The recent exhibition in conjunction with the Moderna Galerija in Ljubljana (Slovenia) featured Marina Abramović, Yuri Albert, Nika Autor, and many other prominent Russian, Slavic, and regional artists. archive.garageccc.com

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

ABOVE: Rembrandt, A Woman Bathing in a Stream, 1654. The National Gallery, London.

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The Mauritshuis, The Hague, Netherlands

Whitney Museum of American Art, New York City

Louvre Abu Dhabi, UAE

Venice Biennale, Venice

Perhaps the most visually impressive edifice, which begs attendance simply due to Frank Gehry’s masterfully exquisite design, is the Fondation Louis Vuitton Museum (Paris). Its upcoming “Keys To A Passion” exhibition features masterpieces from Munch, Dix, Giacometti, Matisse, Rothko, Mondrian, Picabia, and several other formative 20th century icons familiar to even the most casual art observers. However, it is the impressive architecture that is the true “showstopper,” as the quintessentially-Gehry, undulating sails are certain to inspire architects and dilettantes alike. fondationlouisvuitton.fr FI

Garage Museum of Contemporary Art, Moscow

Fondation Louis Vuitton Museum, Paris

[ FRAME ]

A colorful look at RENNtech Mercedes SL 65 V-12

DIGITAL

PROPHET

Years later, the world is beginning to see artist Laurence Gartel’s prophecy come to fruition. By Reed V. Horth

In 1982, the price of an Atari console was $125 (equivalent to $300 in today’s currency). Graphics resembled stacked blocks of primary color with which simple tasks were performed to droning music and mediocre success-rates. Personal computers were exceedingly rare and not useful for the general public. While intervening years have interwoven computers into virtually every facet of modern life, in the early ‘80s it would take tremendous vision to think that computers could yield anything beyond the block-like graphics, which bleeped and blooped across your television screen. Further, given that printers were only one hole-punched step up from clattering typewriters, only a true visionary could think that they could produce art suitable for framing, hanging in the home, collecting, and placing into museums. 46

FISHER ISLAND MAGAZINE

Laurence Gartel

BELOW: Official artwork created by Lawrence Gartel for the 57th Annual Grammy Awards

Graff Diamonds, partnering sponsor

orn in New York City in 1956, Laurence Gartel was in his 20s when the computer age dawned in the late 1970s and early 1980s. New York was seething with ar tistic vigor at the time, and ar tists like Andy Warhol and Keith Haring were experimenting with new media in an effort to expand the footprint of what art could be. “Every movement is defining,” wrote Gartel. “When someone buys a piece of art nowadays, they are purchasing [an] entire history.” Gartel’s unique knowledge of digital media, from his years at Media Study (University of Buffalo), made him stand out in an otherwise bustling scene. “They were doing some very freaky and experimental imaging with analog system computers [at Media Study]. It was like a gymnasium filled with all sorts of weird apparatus and millions of wires. There was no way of saving an image at that time [so] the image was illusive and fleeting. [They] thought I was crazy for taking photos of the screen. My early thoughts were that electronic imagery could replace a painting on a wall.” His proximity and relations with staples of New York’s punk rock scene, including Joey Ramone, Sid Vicious, Wendy O. Williams, Stiv Bators and others, placed him amongst the creative outsider establishment. “Art is created as a backlash to society’s rules and regulations. If we sit back in our

rocking chairs and become complacent, culture will never move forward,” said Gartel. Fittingly, he began to create and sell digital art as a replacement for traditional media at a fertile time in the medium’s history. After a chance meeting at Studio 54, Andy Warhol approached Gartel about learning digital media. After a few lessons, Warhol used an Amiga computer to produce Debbie Harry’s “Blondie” album cover in 1985, solidifying Gartel’s reputation as the go-to “Father of Digital Art.” Everyone remembers Warhol’s role in the artistic work’s history, but only the true students and enthusiasts of the form know the man behind the vision. Devotees may even tell you that it was a 1989 Forbes magazine cover and a 1991 advert for Absolut Vodka that catapulted Gartel and digital art into the mainstream despite continued resistance to the movement. Today, Gartel’s unique position as the forerunner in his industry is still evident in the value in which museums place in his art through annually increasing insurance on their holdings. Yet he’s not one to rest on his laurels. Gartel created the official artwork for the 57th Annual Grammy Awards and most recently unveiled his latest “Art Car,” a RENNtech Mercedes-Benz Super Car, at Fisher Island Club during Art Basel Miami Beach 2014. Beyond predicting the success of his own career, Gartel’s 1985 prophecy is evident in our everyday lives, yet far from complete. FI

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EYE-CATCHING

INTERIOR DESIGN By Kat Armas

Award-winning designer Bea Pila shares both style and a love for vintage acrylic with her equally talented daughter, Gabriela Noelle. This mother-daughter duo has turned interior design on its head with its latest creation, the Hide & Seek furniture and accessory collection. The line is anything but ordinary, with its hair-on-hide, polished metals, and exotic woods that take on a life of their own when combined with vintage acrylic.

FORTUNA DREAMCATCHER An interpretation of the symbolic Native American culture is celebrated with repurposed materials anchored to an acrylic ring.

he duo didn’t stop there. “I’m not quite done with my beloved acrylic just yet,” admits Pila. Their latest series is revamped to include a “modern baroque” mood by including gemstones, metallics, and touches of art and glamour to their already-intricate pieces. The original, oversized and highly stylized namesake furniture and accessories are now being upgraded with new pieces, including a whimsical dreamcatcher series accented in gold, silver, and crystal. Available at B. Pila Design’s Coconut Grove headquar ters, Hide & Seek is an eye-catching dream. bpiladesign.com

FULL BLOOM PLANT WALL STAND

SPINAL ETAGERE

Pure acrylic leaning wall panel with 12 circular cutouts that fit standard terra cotta pots. Available in clear or colored acrylic and can be used indoors and outdoors.

Acrylic tiers joined together by notches that allow sliding adjustability. Tiers are cantilevered to an oak panel, making this hanging shelf perfect for multi-purpose use. SPRING 2015

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KING OF SPADES CHAIR Hair-on-hide, linen, and stonewashed leathers give this throne-like lounge chair a royal effect. Finished with acrylic side panels.

EPILOGUE BOOKENDS Bisected geodes in glassy, smoky hues with bases of acrylic that provide a light, but substantial base to support heavy books or extensive collections.

LEVITAS CONSOLE Sliding acrylic stands balance a sleek oak panel, creating a modern and sophisticated piece.

FISHER ISLAND MAGAZINE

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THE

MUSIC MAN The past, present, and future that shaped Michael Tilson Thomas and the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beloved New World Symphony. By Tom Austin | Photo by Vahan Stepanyan

Photo of New World Center by Rui Dias-Aido

n a perfectly splendid winter afternoon in Miami, Michael Tilson Thomas, co-founder and artistic director of the New World Symphony (NWS) on Miami Beach, is on a roll, contemplating the future. “It’s impossible for us to completely envision all the directions we’re going, but we know that in addition to reaffirming the great traditions of the past, we want to really explore what the possibilities of the future may be. I have ideas of what we can do, but I also accept fully that the people who are now teenagers and in their 20s will really be the ones who will understand what to do with what we’ve created. They’ll drive the New World Symphony into the future, finding new ways to connect people and communities to classical music.” It has been a long haul for both the NWS and Tilson Thomas. In 1989, the NWS made its Carnegie Hall debut and had a grand opening concert at the Lincoln Theatre on Lincoln Road, its former home. Today, the NWS is situated in a high-tech, Frank Gehry-designed campus, the New World Center, just off Lincoln Road. This April, the NWS will return to Carnegie Hall, presenting a concert with pieces by Schubert and Debussy, working alongside the violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter. Apart from being one of the great treasures of the city, the organization is known as “America’s Orchestral Academy.” The NWS molds postconservancy musicians, usually in their early 20s and hailing from all over the world, over the course of a three-year residency fellowship program. Many of its fellows go on to orchestra positions in cities like Cleveland and Los Angeles. To Tilson Thomas, now 70, the success of the program began by addressing a pressing need in the classical music community, the future of young musicians. “The mission of the New World Symphony,” said Tilson Thomas, “started in a very personal way, when I was working at Tanglewood and other summer programs appreciating the amazing contributions of some of the outstanding young artists. Very often, they were cast into rather uncertain career situations, with no idea of what they’d be doing in the future: many thought they’d just go to grad school or break into the freelance pool. I thought it would be fantastic to have a place where they could be in touch with many musicians representing different types of musical traditions, from Baroque to contemporary music, a place that would serve as a launching pad for their careers.” I first met Tilson Thomas with the late Ted Arison and his wife, Lin Arison: the couple brought Tilson Thomas to Miami and co-founded the NWS, purchasing the Lincoln Theatre on Lincoln Road in 1988 for the symphony’s offices and concert venue. In that period,Ted Arison would have his birthday parties at the Lincoln Theatre, with tables set outside on Lincoln Road. It was impossible to speak with Tilson Thomas at the parties and not be dazzled by his extraordinary intelligence about music and pretty much everything else.

ABOVE: New World Symphony’s world premiere of Polaris at New World Center

RIGHT: Michael Tilson Thomas and Frank Gehry

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Michael Tilson Thomas conducting at the New World Center

FISHER ISLAND MAGAZINE

Ted and Lin Arison shared Tilson Thomas’ vision of an American orchestral academy, a safe harbor for developing young talent. “They were very much involved in developing that idea, and had already started an organization now called YoungArts, a national program that supports the artistic development of young artists: Lin is continuing that work, along with the New World Symphony.Ted and Lin were interested in bringing classical music to a wide range of people, sharing the music with them in a way that bordered on social engineering, as well as artistic ambition.” Tilson Thomas is a genius and an intellectual, but he’s not afraid to enter the fray of popularizing the music he loves. “We’ve developed a variety of different programs that seek to accomplish what I first talked about with Ted and Lin all those years ago. The New World Symphony regularly commissions video artists, filmmakers, and animators to create visuals to accompany the music we perform, so existing and new audiences can access the music differently. Pulse: Late Night at the New World Symphony presents DJs alongside classical music. Our half-hour mini-concer ts combine activities, such as a yoga class with a concert. Our Encounters concerts describe the context of the music through an onstage host and projected video. And of course, our Wallcast concerts, with indoor concerts projected outside for audiences in the park, have become very popular.” In the end, even classical music is a form of show business, and Tilson Thomas comes from a solid background of showmanship. Tilson Thomas’ grandfather was Boris Thomashefsky, a Yiddish theater star who was trapped into playing typecast swashbuckling roles on stage: George Gershwin immortalized Thomashefsky in one of his lyrics, and the contemporary musical, “The Producers,” also refers to Thomashefsky, who died bankrupt. Thomashefsky’s son, Ted, shortened the family name to Thomas: Gershwin taught young Ted to play piano, and he went on to do theater in New York, working with icons like Orson Welles. Eventually, Ted Thomas—Michael Tilson Thomas’ father—moved to Los Angeles and became a scriptwriter, working on Roy Rogers’ movies and such. Typically, Tilson Thomas put his family history to good use, composing an orchestral piece entitled “The Thomashefsky Project.” Growing up in Los Angeles, Tilson Thomas was a prodigy surrounded by his parents’ cultivated friends: on one or two occasions, Frank Gehry, a family friend, actually babysat the young Michael, who went on to be one of the star players on the Knowledge Bowl team at North Hollywood High. (In that era, Tilson Thomas met Joshua Robison, a gymnast at North Hollywood High: last year, they were married in San Francisco, a celebration of a 38-year union.) Tilson Thomas played piano at three, and at 19, made his conducting debut with the Young Musicians Foundation Debut Orchestra in Los Angeles. At the University of Southern California, he accompanied such legends as Jascha Heifetz; while still in his early 20s, Tilson Thomas worked with Igor Stravinsky on a recording of “Le Sacre du Printemps.” At the Tanglewood music festival, the then 24-year-old Tilson Thomas met Leonard Bernstein. The following year, Tilson Thomas was hired as an

Photos courtesy of New World Symphony

assistant conductor for the Boston Symphony: shortly thereafter, when conductor William Steinberg became sick and couldn’t go on stage, Tilson Thomas stepped in as conductor and did a series of concerts, a star on the rise. In 1971, Bernstein gave Tilson Thomas the acclaim of the televised Young People’s Concerts, who came to be called “the next Leonard Bernstein.” In the 1970s and 1980s, Tilson Thomas was everywhere. He first conducted the San Francisco Symphony in 1974, chewing off a big slice of classical music with Mahler’s Ninth Symphony. Some years later, Tilson Thomas became the music director of the San Francisco Symphony: to celebrate his 20-year anniversary as the symphony’s director, the San Francisco Symphony mounted an anniversary tour of the United States, a tour that ended with a concert in Miami last November. Once again, Tilson Thomas remained focused on great music, with a program that featured violin soloist Gil Shaham and incorporated pieces by Liszt and Ravel. Between 1988 and 1995, Tilson Thomas was the principal conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra: he’s now the principal guest conductor, and will be doing a concert at Avery Fisher Hall with the London Symphony Orchestra in March. In between all those conducting stints, he has recorded with Sarah Vaughan and played organ on stage with James Brown in his “Sex Machine” period. More recently, Tilson Thomas has served as host of the PBS series on music, “Keeping Score,” a show that his old mentor Leonard Bernstein, who believed in bringing classical music to a wide audience, would have loved: his shows have included examinations of Beethoven and the like, but James Brown has also been on his program. All that background and talent was brought to bear on the New World Symphony. By the mid-1990s, Tilson Thomas hit his stride with the NWS. I used to see him at The Foundlings Club, a now-gone women’s club on Lincoln Road founded by Micky Wolfson of The Wolfsonian, with the actress Debra Winger: the friends went on to do a national tour of “From the Diary of Anne Frank,” a piece that Tilson Thomas composed. In 2001, I first visited the Miami Beach house Tilson Thomas shares with Robison; the couple also share a home in San Francisco. In that era, the Miami Beach house had a placard from the New York City Opera production of “The Cunning Little Vixen,” a decorative touch that was unusual for Miami Beach. Over the years, I would occasionally attend after-concert NWS gatherings, parties that would come to chart the history of the organization. In 2003, Frank Gehry was hired to design the new high-tech campus, though the NWS had already begun to experiment with live Internet transmissions of its concerts, such as the world premiere of Tilson Thomas’s piece “Island Music.” In 2008, for the official groundbreaking of the New World Center, Tilson Thomas mock-conducted bulldozers as classical music played over the sound-system. In 2011, the New World Center finally opened, and the NWS had a home that was equal to its ambitions. Looking back over his career with the NWS, Tilson Thomas sees a few constants. “One of our roles is to put in motion certain relationships, between musicians and other artists, between musicians and audiences, between Miami’s music community and music communities around the world. It’s exciting and reaffirming that so many people today are making meaningful connections and contributions to classical music, from those continuing the tradition of maverick American composers to young musicians emerging from America’s orchestral academies, ready to engage with audiences and serve their communities.” Despite what happens in his life and career,Tilson Thomas remains focused on classical music, a “500-year-old tradition that remains vibrant today,” as he points out. “Countless people are discovering for the first time that classical music is for them, that it’s about their lives and the world they inhabit, their enthusiasm about the discovery of what it means to be alive.” FI

FRANK GEHRY’S NEW WORLD CENTER With its technological moxie and flagrant transparency, the New World Center is an architectural equation for the age of Facebook, an era when quaint notions of privacy are being ripped down with the revolutionary fervor that once inspired the fall of the Berlin Wall. The six-story tall glass curtain wall looks into a sky lit lobby, with cockeyed Cabinet-of-Dr.-Caligari windows in interior rehearsal rooms allowing onlookers outside to watch practice sessions. In sync with the age of distraction—where real life, social network life, and television happen simultaneously—strollers outside can also watch concert broadcasts, video murals, and seven stories of mingling symphony patrons, the building functioning as one big visual bonbon. His trademark geological formations are contained in the lobby and lit up like a spooky canyon at night, characters in a quiet assault of pure theater. Lighting is used to lure and seduce, a giant firefly whisking onlookers into the arcane realm of classical music and breaking down any remaining elitist clichés. Above the main entrance, a sculptural element shaped like a kiss by Dali—along with an illuminated roof garden and a 650-square-foot Jenny Holzer-esque LED light field banner—creates a come-hither wink: at night, the glass bar with a titanium canopy is lit from beneath, an otherworldly cocktail dreamscape. Miami’s natural world is abstracted in the adjacent 3-acre park, Soundscape, designed by the renowned Dutch firm West 8, of New York’s Governor’s Island Park and Public Space Project. Mounds of bouginavillea flowers, set amid veitchia palms and royal poinciana trees, spill out of Champagne-glass-shaped metal pergolas, echoing cumulus clouds along the ocean. Light poles along undulating pathways, mirroring the conceal-and-reveal experience of Japanese design, resemble the beatific glow of moonlight: as with the Gehry’s New World Center, lighting is part of the design allure. FI

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ISLAND

LIVING From Fisher Island resident to Fisher Island developer, Heinrich Von Hanau’s journey to becoming one of the influences behind the latest—and one of the last—luxury residential projects on the exclusive island enclave tells the tale of a man continuing to change the market. By Jeff Zbar | Photos Of Heinrich Von Hanau by Isaac Zapata

FISHER ISLAND MAGAZINE

North lobby exterior facing the ocean

Photo courtesy of Fisher Island

einrich Von Hanau walked around the sales center at Palazzo Del Sol like a child surrounded by his favorite gadgets. Wearing leather loafers—he’d changed out of his muddied work boots after visiting the construction site next door—Von Hanau watched as salesman Lars Ekdahl deftly maneuvered the “magic table.” Ekdahl laid his finger atop an icon image of the new 47-unit condominium, and then with a flick of his finger across the table’s glass top, the image appeared on one of the four surrounding walls. Nearby, Von Hanau then watched with a grin as a highly detailed, scale model of the 10-story building lit up floor by floor, giving prospective residents an illuminated view of their residence. But Von Hanau reserved his greatest mirth for the model kitchen and master bathroom. He spoke of its Boffi kitchen, Gaggenau appliances, Sub-Zero refrigerator and wine cooler, and even Dornbracht and Duravit plumbing and Starfire glass and mirrors with LED back lighting. The model featured the work of “starchitects” and designers Antrobus + Ramirez, Augusto Busnelli, and Pepe Calderin, grounds by landscape architect Enzo Enea, and the building itself by architect Kobi Karp.Von Hanau seemed pleased to drop the names, for whom he said he had but one mandate: bring your best. “We have to take this to a new level. It’s an affluent crowd here,” said Von Hanau, CEO of Palazzo Del Sol’s developer, PDS Development LLC. “It’s their second, third, fourth, fifth home. They expect more.”

More is exactly what Von Hanau is hoping to deliver at Palazzo Del Sol. He expects his project will reignite interest on the 216-acre island, which hasn’t seen new construction beyond its some 700 residences since 2007. Palazzo Del Sol, which could see closings near year’s end, will provide owners with what some call “six-star” concierge service. The price: from $5 million to $35 million for the penthouses, with summer kitchens and private, rooftop lap pools. Von Hanau is no newcomer to Fisher Island or Miami. He lived on the island for 13 years. He raised his children in Miami.Today, he’s on the board of directors of the Fisher Island Community Association and the Fisher Island Club, which recently underwent its own $60 million renovation. He was a hotelier in Aspen and Los Angeles. He consulted on such projects as South Pointe Tower in the then-resurgent “South of Fifth,” or SoFi neighborhood, and the nearby Continuum—the high-rise towers he now calls home. He was CEO of Portofino Group, the privately-owned real estate investment firm whose prime waterfront property on the southern tip of Miami Beach later became Portofino Tower. Von Hanau knows his buyers. He knows that, for any price, they want all the amenities an ultra-luxury destination can bring. They’ll want a “whiteglove doorman” and 24-hour concierge, fur storage, aperitivo bar and charging stations for electric cars. They want the private movie theater, a fitness center and spa, and for families, a Kidville-designed children’s playroom or, for full-time residents, the Fisher Island Day School.

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Of course, they’ll get Fisher Island’s other Equity Membership amenities—the 1,000 feet of private beach and the Club’s oceanfront Beach Club, the Spa Internazionale, seven restaurants, the P.B. Dyedesigned nine-hole golf course, the 18 tennis courts, and the two private deep-water marinas. When one local writer commented that Von Hanau’s vision was “a gamble,” speculating that few would buy residences at such lofty prices, Von Hanau scoffed. With the resurgent luxury market in South Florida and around the world, Von Hanau trusted his intuition, hired a sales team that speaks seven languages, and steamed ahead. His intuition was right. Almost half the units—including a penthouse that sold at a recordbreaking $3,602 per square foot—were under contract by the new year. “That clearly gave us a message the market is moving to a higher level of amenities and quality of construction,” said Von Hanau. “This was the right call to make.” It was the right call from a Miami real estate insider, said Dora Puig, the local luxury real estate broker who met Von Hanau years ago in Los Angeles and who reconnected with him in Miami in the 1990s. Today, she heads the development’s sales team. “There’s no better perspective than a homeowner who put his money where his mouth is,” she said.” Heinrich sees it from the inside out and sees it from the time he lived here.The evolution of SoFi was partly in his hands, with record pricing, posting record sales, and building three important high rises. He brings a lot of insight to Fisher Island.” While towers around Miami boast a cosmopolitan appeal, Von Hanau respects the island’s existing feel, said Karp.

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Designed with deference to the Mediterranean character of some of the island’s prevailing style, Palazzo Del Sol blends the timeless and the contemporary, international features and “traditional tropical Floridian” styles, said Karp. “His vision was to create a more contemporary, elegant and architecturally eloquent hybrid of the original Fisher Island architecture, which was handed down from Vanderbilt,” said Karp, who studied architecture and lived in Von Hanau’s native Austria. “He’s a visionary in that he comes from a very cultured and elegant and sophisticated background. Heinrich’s guidance is what allowed me to create these buildings.” This execution of Von Hanau’s vision comes from that of a one-time resident, a world traveler, a developer who’s witnessed and driven Miami’s own transformation. He’s not looking to transform Fisher Island—just elevate it. FI Massage Room

Photos courtesy of Fisher Island

South Lobby

Palazzo del Sol from above

“As a developer, I wanted to bring qualified professionals to the table, go the extra step, spend the extra hour, bring the extra idea to create a unique space that people will enjoy.”

—Heinrich Von Hanau

Allison Theater

A rendering of a unit model designed by architect Augusto Busnelli

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LONDON’S CALLING Armed with world-shifting stories, British director Amma Asante finds herself on Hollywood’s filmmakers-to-watch list. By Nikki Novo | Photos by Hazel Thompson

mma Asante intentionally sits in one of the few chairs not protected by The Standard Spa’s large umbrellas, allowing the sun to give her a warm welcome. Wearing oversized sunglasses and a chic black dress fit for a sophisticated European woman, Asante’s third visit to Miami has a slight relaxed feeling to it—as if it’s not all work, but perhaps some play, as well. The British director’s first jaunt to the Magic City was in 2005 when her debut film, “A Way of Life,” was awarded the Grand Jury Prize for Best Dramatic Feature at the Miami International Film Festival. This year, she was invited back as a judge. MIFF wasn’t the only organization impressed by the new director. Asante was named Breakthrough Artist of the Year by the British daily paper The Times, and her first movie won a BAFTA. Yet, this wasn’t the first time Asante had been recognized by the industry. As a child actress, she was a regular on the British school drama Grange Hill and later appeared in the “Just Say No” campaign, which eventually brought her to the Reagan White House. Throughout the 10 years since her directorial debut, Asante continued to tell stories. “When I put my stories together, what I want to do is ask questions. More specifically, I like to ask the audience, ‘Who are you, and who would you be in this situation?’ through my characters,” she said. At one point, Asante found herself with several development deals with notable production companies, yet most collapsed during the global financial crisis. It wasn’t until 2013 that she found herself exactly where she always felt a woman in film should be: telling a story that changes the way we view our roles within society. That year, Asante’s British period drama “Belle” debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival and was later distributed by Fox Searchlight Pictures in 2014. The film was inspired by the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, the illegitimate mixed race daughter of a Royal Navy captain and a slave, who is raised by her aristocratic great uncle. While Belle is exposed to certain privileges due to her family’s position, the color of her skin maintains her as an outsider. Belle eventually falls in love with a change advocate, and together the two shape the opinion of the Lord Chief Justice to end slavery in England.

Asante remembers when her mother saw the movie for the first time, she looked at her daughter and said, “Of course, Belle is just like you!” Just like her remarkable character, Asante is beautiful, smart, and a visionary. But perhaps the most captivating part of the director’s personality is the way she yearns for change, along with her unwavering dedication to telling the kind of narratives that can, well, heal the world —without being too pushy. “A period piece is a good way to take the pressure off audiences so that they can see more clearly the situations we’re dealing with today without feeling blamed,” Asante explains. “What you want to do is bring the audience with you to understand what the protagonist feels like when she’s oppressed, rather than always pointing the finger.” Asante is candid about the lack of women roles and the small number of respected black directors in the film industry. In fact, “Belle”, a femaledriven story set in the 1700s, explores many of the issues of sexism and racism we still see today. But rather than be frustrated by the ongoing toxic themes seen in society, Asante invites her audience to unite as a worldwide community to create change. “We all have to come together. We can’t do it on our own. No single element of society can change it,” admits Asante. She references a personal hero of hers, Nelson Mandela, and his triumph of encouraging others to stand with him. “He knew they had to come together. You can’t pull people apart,” she urges.“ And in a way, that’s what I want to do with my films—remind people that we’re in this together.” Life since “Belle” has been very different. Asante admits having to get used to a new normal. The film was very well-received critically, as well as with the public, winning several awards since its release. That same year, her father passed, leaving the filmmaker faced with the question of what her father’s legacy would be, which she quickly realized fell to her and the stories she tells. “In many ways, 2014 was the year I became a woman.” Currently, Asante is in production on a thriller with Warner Bros. Pictures. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Kerry Washington and Kate Hudson are in early talks to star in the double-female lead film. When asked if she could ever direct a film without a female lead, Asante remains open, “I have to be able to believe the screenplay,” she admits. “If I’m handed a story where a woman doesn’t speak, doesn’t have an opinion, and doesn’t have a story, I just can’t believe it, and therefore I can’t get you to believe it.” FI

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FRESH

CATCH Juggling menus, impressing Members with his culinary masterpieces and collaborating with the upper crust of the culinary elite is all in a day’s work for Fisher Island Club’s illustrious Executive Chef Stephane Caporal.

By Virginia Gil

f there’s one thing Fisher Island Club’s Executive Chef Stephane Caporal excels at, it’s multi-tasking. For the past 11 years, the French born and trained chef has overseen the Club’s eight dining properties and catering operations. His work has brought him acclaim on and off the island, and Caporal has had the honor of cooking with celebrity chefs such as Daniel Boulud, Tyler Florence, Eric Frechon and Philippe Chow. He recently participated in the South Beach Wine and Food Festival’s exclusive “Best of the Best” event, together with 60 of the nation’s top chefs. “It was an honor to have been chosen to participate in this event,” said Caporal. Infusing his traditional French style and innovative cooking techniques, Caporal also joined award-winning celebrity chef and TV Host Michael Chiarello in hosting an intimate Napa-inspired dinner at Fisher Island Club as part of the festival. Exclusive to Club Members, the event took place in the historic Vanderbilt Mansion and featured a customized menu. Although he has been fortunate to spend time with some of the industry’s leading chefs, his focus continues to be on the Club’s Members and guests. They have come to expect the best and Caporal aims to please. “Our ‘customers’ live on Fisher Island, so whatever they accept elsewhere will not be accepted here,” says Caporal, who sometimes sees Members as much as five times a week for lunch or dinner. He gets to know their likes and dislikes, their favorite dishes or wines. “If someone is not happy or complains, we accommodate them immediately because they are Members and they’ll always come back.” Some chefs might buckle under similar pressure, but Caporal is no stranger to high demands. Fresh out of the prestigious Lycée Rene Auffray culinary school in Paris, Caporal was hired as a private chef for several well-known European families. They traveled frequently to cities such as Moscow and London, and the Chef was able learn about exotic ingredients, flavors and customs. When asked about the challenges of cooking all over the world, Caporal cites the experience of long hours and getting adjusted in different kitchens. “It really prepared me for the move from Paris to Miami,” says Caporal. “I made the decision almost instantly.” Within two weeks of being offered the job as Chef de Cuisine for the Beach Club, Caporal bid adieu to his friends and family and moved to Miami Beach. “I loved the challenge. If it’s easy, I get bored. The high demands, long hours and hot kitchens are all in a day’s work.”

A Napa-inspired dinner during SOBEWFF 2015

Award-winning celebrity chef and TV Host Michael Chiarello

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“Our ‘customers’ live on Fisher Island, so whatever they accept elsewhere will not be accepted here.” —Chef Stephane Caporal

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It’s been 29 years since Caporal set foot in culinary school in Paris, yet he still relishes experimenting with new ingredients (his goal for 2015 is to use predominantly locally sourced products) and learning new dishes. For his efforts, Caporal has amassed a collection of more than 160 cookbooks, many of which are kept close to him in his office, where he spends much of his time devising new menus. “I get special requests every week—I never stop—which is good because it keeps me in the creative process all the time,” he says. However, Caporal’s most imaginative work, he admits, happens at home, where you’ll find him cooking for his two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Jade—his most treasured creation. “I cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner for my daughter… that’s my favorite time,” Caporal says of his most celebrated customer. “She’s my inspiration.” Though Caporal’s passion for culinary pursuits (developed as a child in the family kitchen) has inspired a career that has taken him all over the world, he feels most at home on Fisher Island. When asked about shuttling around from restaurant to restaurant all day, Caporal answers with a laugh and like a true native says, “That’s what I have a golf cart for.” FI OPPOSITE PAGE TOP LEFT: Kampachi Crudo, TOP RIGHT: Chilled Maine Lobster Salad, MIDDLE LEFT: Asparagus Salad, MIDDLE RIGHT: Prime Beef Tartar, LEFT BOTTOM: Japanese Style Short Ribs, RIGHT BOTTOM: Hamachi Crudo

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TAKING

NOTE

Sommelier Esteban Arce’s passion for all things wine-related brings new meaning to the phrase, “wining and dining.” By Virginia Gil

“I’ve always been interested in the culinary field; I like to taste everything and smell everything.” —Esteban Arce

f you ask Esteban Arce, sommelier for Fisher Island Club’s eight dining properties, about the types of people there are in the world, he’ll plainly tell you there are two: the eaters and the drinkers. “You’re either the person who eats with what you drink, or you’re the person who drinks with what you eat.” It’s an observation the Chilean-born wine steward (he’s certified through the Court of Master Sommeliers, recognized worldwide) has confirmed throughout his 12-year career, working his way up from busboy at Emeril’s [Lagasse] Delmonico in New Orleans at 19 to head server and assistant to the sommelier at such Miami Beach restaurants as Scarpetta and The Forge. “I’ve always been interested in the culinary field; I like to taste everything and smell everything,” says Arce, who admits to sampling practically every dish across the Club’s eight properties, and every bottle of wine served. “When I started working in restaurants, I had no idea what a chardonnay was; I couldn’t even balance a glass of water on a tray,” says Arce, whose schooling involved picking up extra shifts to cover for the restaurant’s sommelier and helping with nightly wine inventory. “The most important thing for me has been reading what’s out there.” From history books to websites to the wine blogs Arce visits daily—if it’s out there, the voracious reader has likely come across it. Arce’s devotion to

FISHER ISLAND MAGAZINE

the industry is, in part, sheer work ethic, but the 30-year-old oenophile confesses he’d likely be this steadfast regardless. Though tireless in his pairing pursuits (“wine should always echo the cuisine”), Arce believes in more than matching flavor notes and internalizing ratings; it’s about storytelling. “My position is to tell diners who the winemaker is, the style of fermentation and anything else your smartphone can’t tell you,” he says. PH levels, sugar content and acidity, that’s the “geeky info” Arce thrives on. Still, he’s happy to sit down with customers and discuss his work with new vineyards and the latest beverage trends. Like the research he conducted this past summer on wine preservation systems, which led to the implementation of both the Coravin and Perlage systems for wine and champagne, respectively, that allow him to sell rare vintages and higher-priced varieties by the glass. “It’s a fantastic experience,” he says cheerfully. After all, drinking wine is an event all of its own, one that he often approaches intuitively. “Wine has an emotional aspect to it,” he says. “If you’re celebrating, it’s about popping a bottle of champagne or opening a nice bottle of wine.” On an ordinary day, his drink of choice may range from an IPA to a gin and tonic. But when sitting down to a meal, Arce is much more resolute about his choices; the “flexible eater” is staunch in his position on the debate of drinkers versus eaters. “I prefer to eat with what I drink,” he says. “Dinner is about wine, and food just happens to follow it.” FI

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ABOVE: Pan-seared Beef Heart TOP RIGHT: Bibo Fizz BELOW: Vagabond Cheeseburger BOTTOM RIGHT: Bissap Mule

How is the Vagabond Restaurant changing the city’s culinary landscape? The best restaurants pay respect to place and time, and our aim is to reach high and low—a place where people can come for a special occasion or a place where they can stop in for a burger and a beer.

BOY

WONDER By Virginia Gil | Photo by Reinaldo Fernandez

At just 25, Alex Chang has worked in kitchens from Tokyo to Mexico and was even the subject of a TriBeCa Film Festival documentary, Paladar, chronicling his underground supper club of the same name. Now, Chang, voted one of the “30 under 30” by Zagat, is heading up Vagabond Restaurant in MiMo and telling us all about his vision for the popular new eatery at one of Miami’s landmark locations. 68

FISHER ISLAND MAGAZINE

Who’s the Vagabond guest? I wanted to apply the meaning of the word vagabond [to the menu], in the most literal sense. The food strays all over the world in terms of the ingredients and influences; it’s fit for the contemporary vagabond. You have a VIP coming to dinner. What are you making to wow them? I fall in and out of love with dishes, but right now it would probably be the pan-seared beef heart, warm egg yolk, shiitake mushroom and shungiku. Chefs generally keep odd hours.What’s your usual dinnertime and what are you eating? The last few weeks I’ve barely found the time to eat. But if I do, it will usually be at 5PM for a staff meal, which is often tonkatsu (Japanese burgers). How do you find the time for a daily sit-down like the staff meal? The family meal is a really important ritual at the restaurant. We place a really high value on it because it is our chance to nourish each other and enjoy a meal together. Furthermore, it’s a chance for our cooks to grow and learn how to cook. I try to cook it myself once or twice a week. What’s your go-to ingredient? Shiro Dashi (an all-purpose seasoning with soup stock and soy sauce). It gives a great complexity to sauces and vinaigrettes. Any form of acid, whether it is different types of vinegar or citrus, is what gives dishes an addictive quality. What dish has that habit-forming potential for you? Japanese steamed rice. FI

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PARADISE OF THE

CARIBBEAN Small in size, but big in charm, Harbour Island is the secret playground of choice for celebrities, moguls, and royals.

FISHER ISLAND MAGAZINE

he Members of Fisher Island Club are lucky enough to conduct their daily lives on an island, removed from the mad fray of mainland Miami; accordingly, it makes sense to extend that notion of everyday pleasure on holidays away from Fisher Island. Harbour Island in the Bahamas is the perfect complement to Fisher Island Club. As with Fisher Island, golf carts—which can be rented in the capitol of Dunmore Town—are the preferred mode of transport on Harbour Island. Founded in the 17th century, Dunmore Town—named after the fourth Earl of Dunmore—is akin to the Nantucket of the Caribbean, adorned with pastel-colored Colonial-era clapboard houses with white picket fences. Most visitors to the tiny Harbour Island, which is only three and a half miles long by one and a half miles wide, fly to the larger Eleuthera and then take a boat over to Dunmore Town; a fast ferry boat from Nassau to Dunmore Town is another option. The harbor of Dunmore Town is anchored by the royal touch of India Hicks’ boutique, The Sugar Mill Trading Co., full of the casual-yet-carefully-crafted resort wear the well-heeled favor on Harbour Island. Hicks is the daughter of the society decorator David Hicks and granddaughter of Lord Mountbatten, a great-grandson of Queen Victoria. Hicks also served as a bridesmaid at the wedding of Diana, Princess of Wales. In 1999, Hicks and her boyfriend, David Flint Wood, designed the Landing Hotel, complete with all four-poster beds and pure charm. Since then, Hicks has evolved into a design world celebrity and author; much of her coffee table book, “Island Living,” is based on her life in Harbour Island.

Idyllic property in Dunmore Town Poolside Dining at the Rock House Hotel

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[ PASSPORT ] Apart from Hicks, a walk around Dunmore Town usually yields sightings of royals, moguls, and celebrities. Diane von Furstenberg has had a Harbor Island house since the 1980s. Tyra Banks is an honored patron of Daddy D’s, a funky nightclub on the island. And movie stars on the order of Uma Thurman and Harrison Ford can be spotted on the streets. Harbor Island has a few choice restaurants—Elle Macpherson has hosted parties at Sip Sip, for instance—but the nocturnal life of the island revolves around the boutique hotels. J. Allen Malcolm opened the first chic resort, Pink Sands, in the early 1950s. In the 1990s, Chris Blackwell—music mogul and hotelier—bought Pink Sands and hired Barbara Hulanicki to redo the property, which consists of 23 private cottages and two rental homes. Hulanicki is the cofounder of the iconic swinging 1960s London boutique Biba—known for such clients as Mick Jagger and Twiggy—and an interior and fashion design firm based on South Beach. Since the 1990s, Hulanicki has redone Pink Sands several times for different owners. PS Limited now owns the hotel, which includes a restaurant by the James Beard-nominated Dean Max, with dishes like Conch Schnitzel with potato puree and guava jam and Pan Roasted Local Snapper with pigeon pea curry. Hulanicki has also done a 12-room renovation of the nearby Coral Sands Hotel. The property entails custom-designed furniture and a gift shop stocked with Hulanicki’s Iconclub line of jersey fashion tees and silk scarves. The restaurant is a favorite outpost of the Harbour Island culinary scene, with the renowned Coral Sands Bouillabaisse—rich with mussels, lobster, and clams—being a standout dish. Another nearby hotel, Rock House, a blend of teak and rattan, is made to look as if guests are staying at a private home: Robert De Niro and Colin Farrell, among others, have frequented the hotel, dining on roasted Pink Sands Resort

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LEFT & BELOW: Pink Sands Estate Homes

Bahamian lobster tails and the like. The Dunmore hotel has a restaurant featuring the cuisine of Cindy Hutson, who also owns Ortanique on the Mile in Coral Gables: the food, billed as “cuisine of the sun,” encompasses dishes like Jerk Chicken Penne Pasta and Crispy Red Snapper. For those looking for a quiet reprieve where yachting and sport-fishing is as wild as it gets, look no further than the warm and welcoming ambiance of the Valentine’s Residences Resort & Marina. This luxury property boasts everything from the finest marina in North Eleuthera to miles of worldfamous pink sand beach upon which to gaze at the sunrise or spend a leisurely day sunbathing. The choices of ways to pass the time are endless. Ultimately, islands, like life itself, are a collection of small moments that produce snapshots of joy, and there’s nothing quite like slowing down and letting the day unfold on Harbour Island. Start the morning with a pineapple muffin at Arthur’s Bakery.Take in the circa-1797 Loyalist Cottage, and spend a languid afternoon on the island’s justly-celebrated Pink Sand Beach. At sunset, contemplate the pure whimsy of Harbour Island at “Uncle Ralph’s Aura Corner,” a collection of hand-painted signs established by local house painter “Uncle Ralph” Sawyer, whose pieces include such ruminations as “You are the puzzle piece that fell behind the sofa that completes the sky.” In the evening, have dinner alongside fellow diners that might include such Harbour Island regulars as Nicole Kidman, who, like you, is in search of the perfect island escape. FI Valentine’s Residences Resort & Marina

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ABOARD It’s young, fast, and beautiful, but that’s not the only reason VanDutch has become the yachting darling of Biscayne Bay. By Richard Westlund

FISHER ISLAND MAGAZINE

isher Island Club Member R Lee Krelstein, Jr. is sold on the VanDutch boating lifestyle. “It ticked all the right boxes for what we were looking for in a family vessel,” says Krelstein, who owns a VanDutch 40 and is moving up to a larger VanDutch 55. “We use it as our personal ferry to Fisher Island, allowing us to take in the Miami sights. It is the perfect day boat.” On almost any sunny weekend, a dozen or more 30-, 40- and 55-foot VanDutch boats can be seen cruising comfortably on the blue waters of Biscayne Bay, according to Nick Cardoza, vice president of sales for VanDutch USA. “When our clients see another VanDutch on the water, they wave to each other and strike up a conversation,” he says. “We’re becoming a growing part of the Fisher Island nautical lifestyle.”

The rapid acceptance of the VanDutch line among South Florida boaters is due to its stylish look, spacious open-air design, ease of maneuverability and low-maintenance operation, says Anko Mast, CEO, VanDutch USA, which is based in a waterfront office on Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. With more than 160 sales worldwide to date, VanDutch has enjoyed remarkable success since its 2008 launch in The Netherlands. Priced from $395,000 to $2.895 million and available in custom colors,VanDutch boats have become “must-haves” for business leaders and celebrities such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Ryan Phillippe and David Beckham. “Our owners can enjoy a VanDutch boat without taking an extensive captain’s course to learn how to operate all the features,” Cardoza says. “They don’t need to hire a captain to run the boat, unless they want one.

VanDutch 40

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Instead, they can have a great time out on the water with family and friends. One of our owners had 17 people on his boat, and there was plenty of room for more.” Mast says another key reason for the VanDutch appeal is that all models share a retro look reminiscent of the classic Chris-Craft wooden powerboats of the 1920s and ‘30s, combined with advanced technology and modern composite materials. In December, VanDutch was awarded World Yacht Trophies’ “Best Design up to 24 Meters” for its elegant models. “Seven years ago, every other European manufacturer was making boats with a flybridge, rather than an open cabin design,” says Mast. “That created a niche for a boat that would be both stylish and simple to use. Since the boat factories in America were working below capacity during the recession, we were able to build them right here in America.” Now, VanDutch USA boats are manufactured by Marquis Yachts and include American electrical systems and appliances for easy servicing, along with generators and additional air conditioning for the South Florida and Caribbean climate. VanDutch boats have a cruising speed of 40 knots (about 46 mph) and a range of 300 to 400 miles, making it possible to take round trips to the Bahamas on a full tank of fuel. Other features of the VanDutch include a stable, flat-bottom hull with a shallow draft. “The sharp bow produces very little spray, so passengers hardly ever get wet,” Cardoza adds. “Our engines also have a very low noise level, so you can have a nice conversation even when running at full throttle.” Capitalizing on the popularity of its brand,VanDutch recently introduced its own line of wine,VanDutch Rosé, as well as the electric VanDutch E GoCycle Bike, for easy transportation around a marina or port. In March, VanDutch will launch a new VanDutch 30, par t of the VanDutch E Series, with electric engines and other environmentally friendly technology. “Our customers know the world is changing, and they are sensitive to issues like climate change,” says Mast. Later this spring, the company will introduce its largest boat yet, the VanDutch 75. “Our boats don’t change from size to size,” says Cardoza. “It’s just a matter of individual taste.” And for Fisher Island Club Members, VanDutch is definitely a newly acquired taste. As Krelstein says, “We have owned several boats over the years, and VanDutch is the best boat we have ever owned.” FI

FISHER ISLAND MAGAZINE

VanDutch 55

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[ STYLE ]

TYCOON

TRUTH

European fashion blogger Natacha Steven built a business on being authentic. By Nikki Novo

ike most laymen, Natacha Steven had no idea blogging could be a full-time job when she first launched her online blog NatachaSteven.com in 2012. What started off as a hobby and a means to share her love for beauty quickly became one of the most-read European lifestyle hubs online. Today, the recently crowned Fisher Island Club Member’s typical work day is spent creating top-notch and authentic content for her site—anything from documenting the feather-embellished skirt she wore to Paris Fashion Week to trend spotting during Art Basel Miami Beach—and representing brands like Gianvito Rossi and Olymous as a brand ambassador. A fun business? Sure. But Steven admits, “There are no days to rest when you’re a blogger. If you don’t keep your standards up, readers are really savvy, and they’ll decide to go elsewhere.” With this industry truth in mind, Steven made the choice to build her business strategy on being herself. “I always stay true to who I am, and that seems to be working.”

We caught up with the young entrepreneur, who filled us in on a few things she’s currently coveting—and soon, you will be, too. 1. Gianvito Rossi “After being brand ambassador for more than one year in 2013, I wore my share of GR pumps. They’re not only the sexiest, but the most comfortable! I especially love the lace sandals. See-through lace is everything!” 2. Diptyque Candles “I could live only with scented candles! They’re better than having flowers at home. My favorite scents are Pomander, Ambre, and Mimosa.” 3. M2Malletier Clutch “Love the minimalist and elegant shape. Definitely a trend setting and edgy design.” 4. Rosie Assoulin Spring 2015 Yellow Top “The New York-based designer’s pieces have a real stand. I love the volume of each piece and the game between long and short.” 5. Tbilisi, Georgia “I discovered Tbilisi last October while at Tbilisi Fashion Week. The town is both a mix of modern and old, with its old-style balconies, ancient churches, winding, narrow streets, and charming shops. From churches to mosques and synagogues, every religion lives in peace here, one next to the other. Plus, the food is amazing!” FI

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LUXURY

LOWDOWN Miami’s retail scene is booming with new openings, renovations, and star power. By Nicole Valdes

With the constant buzz surrounding Art Basel, the endless tourist population, and the acclaim given to its nightlife scene, it is no wonder Miami’s bourgeoning luxury shopping industry has flourished at an astonishing speed. With a spotlight on two of the biggest “style star” areas in Miami, the Design District and Bal Harbour, this is your “in” to the top luxury shopping spots—because we know you’re not the type to be left out.

FISHER ISLAND MAGAZINE

MIAMI

DESIGN DISTRICT

iami’s Design District neighborhood continues to grow, with store openings becoming almost daily affairs. As of January 9 of this year, British retailer Burberry opened its doors to a two-floor space. Cartier is another new arrival to the area, as are other high-end jewelry juggernauts like Tiffany & Co., and, by the end of next season, Harry Winston. So special is Miami’s all-important market of local clients and international visitors that several brands with storefronts in the area are even creating collections celebrating the “City of Sun.” With its newest location in the District,Vacheron Constantin is offering a limited edition timepiece inspired by the waters surrounding Miami’s urban landscape, along with rare pieces that can be viewed on display. Vhernier, a name synonymous with fine Italian jewelry, has added their handcrafted pieces, inspired by contemporary art and design, to the neighborhood in a luxurious space. One of the most talked about moments came during early Spring 2015, which brought the long-awaited official opening of Louis Vuitton’s newest store, strengthening the iconic brand’s deeply rooted presence in South Florida. “As pioneers in Miami’s Design District, we are thrilled to announce the opening of our newest store in a vibrant center of culture and creativity,” said Anthony Ledru, President and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas. “This new store, in the heart of the city, will offer a truly exceptional experience for Miami’s sophisticated clientele. We are proud to present Miami with this architectural gem, extending our relationship with the city which has already existed for more than 30 years.” Along with other recognizable names in fashion like Givenchy and Prada that already have their doors open to the public, the shopping mecca will soon welcome Miami’s second Miu Miu store and the first-ever Tom Ford boutique exclusive, to say the least.

ABOVE: Givenchy LEFT: Harry Winston BELOW: Tiffany & Co.

SPRING 2015

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BAL HARBOUR

SHOPS

his shopping mecca is, as usual, all business this year. Kicking off 2015 was the unveiling of a fully renovated Intermix boutique, spanning 3,100 square feet and featuring custommade marble mannequins.Two other stores that underwent a transformation are the two-story La Perla and the Giorgio Armani boutique, both boasting brand new design concepts. Valentino and Chopard were next, showcasing sleek and gleaming storefronts by the end of summer and early fall, respectively. The often-touted “chic-boutique” The Webster Miami is now calling the Shops “home” with the opening of its firstever men’s store, The Webster Men, complete with masculine interior design and brands sush as Saint Laurent, Dior Homme, and Balmain in stock. DSquared2 opened in February, making it one of only two located in the US. Later this year, Bottega Veneta designer Tomas Meier will set up shop in Bal Harbour, along with the newestbrand-on-the-block watch designer Richard Mille, and top-tier luxury goods giant Goyard. FI

ABOVE: Bulgari Bal Harbour Boutique RIGHT: Bal Harbour Shops

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Chopard

Goyard

Valentino

Bulgari Bal Harbour Boutique

SPRING 2015

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MEN

AT WORK Pilates Classes Offer Men A Better Golf Swing And Muscle Tone.

ure, mat exercises have been widely regarded as a woman’s game, but that doesn’t mean the ladies get to have all the fun.There are plenty of reasons why men should take up Pilates classes, and according to Fisher Island Club Instructor Jason Mastrian, many in-the-know fitness enthusiasts already do.“We have men come in to take classes in order to improve their golf and tennis game, plus athletes who come in for physical therapy,” said Mastrian. Being a solitary exercise, in the same way yoga is, Pilates is all about going at your own pace on your own time, producing proven benefits not typically achievable with male-centric workouts. “Pilates targets smaller, neglected muscle groups in the abdominal region,” said Mastrian. These smaller muscles in turn support larger areas in the abdomen, resulting in improved posture and muscle definition along with enhanced performances in sports like golfing, tennis, swimming, and running.

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THE LEG CIRCLES: Helps stretch out the hamstring muscles and helps with hip flexibility.

Still not convinced? Mastrian claims that aside from improving coordination, body awareness, and control, doing Pilates is also a way to help strengthen the mind. “Learning new movements in Pilates is good for the mind just like learning new dance moves is good for creating new pathways in the brain,” says Mastrian. Better swing, stroke, and stride? Plus improved muscle tone, body control, and mental capacities? Gentlemen should waste no time looking for the sign-up sheet. But be warned: Pilates is a one-man sport, claims Mastrian. “You should approach it in a noncompetitive way.” Meaning, no need to call up your buddies to see who can do a better Corkscrew. This mind-body system is designed as a unique experience for every different body and can be practiced at any age. Wondering what position you might be getting yourself into? Mastrian clues us in on the top moves for men and their benefits. FI

THE FOOTWORK Helps warm up the larger muscles in the body and helps connect the core muscles in the abdominal.

THE FROG

Helps stretch out muscles in the hips and lower back, which tend to be tighter for men.

THE HUNDRED

Builds strength through the whole body and builds up coordination and body awareness.

SPRING 2015

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HAVANA NIGHT On a beautiful Fisher Island evening, Members and guests delighted in a celebration of Miamiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cuban culture with the rhythms, flavors, and colors of bygone Havana. Traditional dishes of lechon asado con mojo, vaca frita, moros, maduros, and tostones were served, while famed musical duo Hansel y Raul had everyone dancing under the stars to the tantalizing beats of salsa.

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SPRING 2015

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A LEGENDARY NEW YEAR’S EVE More than 400 guests gathered for the Island’s biggest yearly event: New Year’s Eve. The legendary-themed party, honoring pop-culture’s best— including Elvis, Michael Jackson, and the Beatles— boasted a live band, signature plated dinners, and an open bar, which began with an hour-long reception overlooking the breathtaking city skyline. The only thing better than the champagne drinks served by ladies in table skirts and appetizers served on blocks of ice, was the Island’s very own fireworks display— making the beginning of 2015 a night to remember.

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SPRING 2015

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GOLF GRILL PARTEE After months of renovations, the Golf Grill re-opened its doors to Members. The restaurant’s new contemporary, yet traditional decor debuted with a color scheme of green and plaid accents, true to the elegance that the Club is known for. The “ParTee” served to welcome back Club Members at the beginning of the season, and they enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and cocktails while catching up with friends.

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SPRING 2015

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MUSICAL JOURNEY World-renowned solo violinist and conductor Julian Rachlin, fresh from his international winter tour, returned to grace our stage, giving a resounding performance of Brahms, Saint-Saens, and Kreisler, among others. Guests in the packed ballroom were mesmerized by Mr. Rachlinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s graceful and articulate mastery of his exceptional Stradivarius.

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PERFECTLY NAPA As part of the elite Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine and Food Festival, celebrity chef Michael Chiarello joined Fisher Islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Executive Chef Stephane Caporal and created a rustic Napa Valley-style dinner.The night was filled with the light notes of bossa nova and delectable courses such as grilled shortrib polpette; gulf prawns alla plancha with ricotta, Santa Barbara sea urchin pasta and shellfish brodo; cabernet-cane grilled rack of lamb, and a Meyer lemon tart, all paired with Far Niente wines.

SPRING 2015

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BETTING ON FUN Members and guests rolled the dice and tried their luck at the tables during a fun “Casino Night.” Complete with showgirls, poker & craps tables, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and even a photo booth with props, our high rollers experienced the magic of Las Vegas right here on Fisher Island.

FISHER ISLAND MAGAZINE

40 YEARS

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