LOS ANGELES JAN_FEB_2017_Brett Radner ISSUE

LOS ANGELES

J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 7

JUSTIN HARTLEY THE THIS IS US STAR IS OUR MAN OF STYLE

LAURA DERN WHY HER NEW FILM, THE FOUNDER, IS HITTING DANGEROUSLY CLOSE TO HOME

LEE DANIELS IS BRINGING SERIOUS ‘STAR’ POWER TO THE SMALL SCREEN

$20.00

BRETT RATNER

PLAYS THE PERFECT HOST WITH HIS NEW AWARD-WINNING WHISKEY, THE HILHAVEN LODGE

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BOUTIQUES BEVERLY HILLS • LAS VEGAS SAN FRANCISCO Tel: 1 800 536 0636

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Haute Living MAGAZINE CHAIRMAN Hon. Robert Farmer chairman@hauteliving.com PUBLISHERS Kamal Hotchandani kamal@hauteliving.com Seth Semilof ssemilof@hauteliving.com NATIONAL SALES DIRECTORS Miami April Donelson april@hauteliving.com Gina Fusco, Director of Timepieces & Jewelry REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR New York Kevin D. Thomas kevin@hauteresidence.com Miami Matt Stettner matt@hauteliving.com DIRECTOR OF EVENTS Violet Camacho violet@hauteliving.com EVENTS COORDINATOR & EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR Paige Mastrandrea paige@hauteliving.com EXECUTIVE EDITOR, HAUTE MEDIA GROUP & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, LOS ANGELES Laura Schreffler laura@hauteliving.com MIAMI EDITOR Hadley Henriette hadley@hauteliving.com NEW YORK EDITOR IN CHIEF Catherine Sabino catherine@hauteliving.com SAN FRANCISCO EDITOR Katie Sweeney katiehsweeney@gmail.com ART DIRECTOR Greg Concha greg@hauteliving.com FASHION DIRECTOR Bruno Lima br.bruno.lima@gmail.com HAUTE BEAUTY DIRECTOR Melissa Zartman MelissaZ@hauteliving.com DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL CONTENT Jeremy Bauman Jeremy@hauteliving.com HAUTE RESIDENCE EDITOR Haley Willard haley@hauteliving.com HAUTE RESIDENCE NETWORK East Coast Kevin D. Thomas kevin@hauteresidence West Coast Suzanne Schweizer suzanne@hauteresidence.com

US Editor-Roberta Naas

CONNECT Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. We’re your guide to all things Haute in top cities around the world.

HAUTE TIME EDITOR rnaas@verizon.net I Dubai-Victoria Townsend victoria@hautetime.com Singapore-Pooja Agarwal pooja@hautetime.com ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR Humberto Palomeque humberto@hautetime.com DIRECTOR OF WEB DEVELOPMENT Saira Hotchandani saira@hauteliving.com CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Fine Autos Editor Tim Lappen COPY EDITOR HAUTE LIVING LOS ANGELES Robyn Naster SUBSCRIPTION AND DISTRIBUTION INQUIRIES subscriptions@hauteliving.com

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To keep up with our haute news and events, be sure to follow us on Instagram @hauteliving, @kamalhaute and @sethsemilof.

T

he holidays might be the most wonderful time of the year but, in Hollywood, no time is more important than awards season—a time when the crème de la crème of actors, directors, producers, writers and musicians are fêted for producing their best work.

This year, we’re featuring a man who has literally done it all. Financier, producer, director, documentarian, writer and photographer Brett Ratner can add another epithet to the list as a liquor magnate, now that he’s crafted his own whiskey with global alcohol giant Diageo. We sat down with Ratner, who produced last year’s Oscar-nominated film, The Revenant, to chat about the brand named after

his Beverly Hills home, The Hilhaven Lodge.

We also focused on Oscar nominee Laura Dern, an award-winning actress who can break your heart onscreen without so much as a word. This power

woman chats about her new projects, The Founder, HBO’s Big Little Lies and the dramedy, Wilson.

Last but not least is Lee Daniels, the tour-de-force creator of Empire and Oscar-nominated director of 2010’s Precious, who dishes on his plethora of projects—including his highly anticipated new FOX show, Star.

Are these three powerhouses ready for their close-ups? Frankly, we don’t even need to ask.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF TOM CLAISSE @ ALMAKARINA AGENCY

Publisher’s LETTER

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TABLE of CONTENTS

FEELING BLUE (Above) Having the blues can be a good thing when it comes to this Bentley Bentayga

Brett Ratner at his home, The Hilhaven Lodge

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

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WHAT’S ON THE WEB

All the great features and content on HauteLiving.com and the Haute Living app

TREND REPORTS

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Women: The new tropical style Men: Back in black Accessories: Star-studded and velvet pieces

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Greg Simonian highlights the most winning watches of awards season

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HAUTE INSIDERS

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HAUTE AUTO

HAUTE DRINKS

Discover how to drink French fluently with St. Germain

Check out some of the hautest new eateries in L.A., including the Drago brothers’ new restaurant at the Petersen Automotive Museum

30 Where—and why—tech execs are snapping up L.A. real estate

HAUTE WATCHES

The Bentley Bentayga is an off-road warrior with on-road elegance

HAUTE DINING

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HAUTE NEIGHBORHOODS

What celebrities are buying, renting, and selling now

HAUTE SHOPPING

Where to shop for the best and brightest red carpet baubles this awards season

HAUTE TRAVEL

Where to ski and, more importantly, where to après-ski this winter ON THE COVER: BRETT RATNER PHOTOGRAPHY: BRIGITTE LACOMBE PHOTOGRAPHED AT THE HILHAVEN LODGE

Shopping on Billionaire’s Row Haute Travel: Ski in style at the posh Amangani resort in Jackson Hole, WY

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRIGITTE LACOMBE, BENTLEY AND AMANGANI

Haute Living Media Group hauteliving.com hautetime.com hauteresidence.com

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TABLE of CONTENTS Take a peek inside Drago Ristorante

COVER STORY

40 Producer, director, writer and photographer Brett Ratner has a new title: whiskey master

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Laura Dern looks lovely in a Georges Chakra dress and a Neil Lane ring

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LAURA DERN

Stresses the importance of girl power while discussing her new HBO series, Big Little Lies

HAUTE JEWELRY

Gorgeous diamond jewelry gives evening a new glam

LEE DANIELS

68 The Empire creator and Oscar-nominated director dishes on his new Fox series, Star

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MAN OF STYLE

This Is Us star Justin Hartley sports industrial style this spring

BENJAMIN MILLEPIED

The former director of the Paris Opera Ballet brings his L.A. Dance Project back to the City of Angels

A-LIST STYLISTS

90 The city’s top cocktail pros discuss luxury libations and what to drink in 2017 98

BUZZ-WORTHY EVENT

A sneak preview of the Palm Springs International Film Festival’s 2017 gala

SCENE

104 Inside the hautest parties and galas 112

This Is Us star Justin Hartley looks achingly cool in Louis Vuitton

AMBASSADOR

Maria Sharapova shares her 2017 New Year’s resolutions

THE LUXURY BEAT 120 Porsche North America CEO and President Klaus Zellmer discusses the new Porsche Experience Center in Carson

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MARK SQUIRES, RYAN JEROME AND DRAGO RISTORANTE

ALL AROUND THE TOWN In this issue, check out This Is Us star Justin Hartley sporting the latest spring styles, learn how to drink French fluently and see how Hollywood’s top stylists are planning on dressing their A-list clients this awards season.

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On theWEB

CONNECT Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. We’re your guide to all things haute in New York, Miami, Los Angeles and San Francisco, as well as Mexico City, London, Dubai and others around the world..

JAGUAR UNVEILS ITS FIRST-EVER ELECTRIC CAR

them to a unique virtual reality to explore the new I-PACE Concept

The luxury car company electrified Los Angeles with a private event that

vehicle. Using HTC Vive Business Edition headsets, powered by Dell

offered first looks at the new I-PACE Concept Car in November, just

Precision workstations, guests sat on the concept’s virtual seats and

ahead of its debut at the L.A. Auto Show. Over 300 attendees took part

experienced a 360-view of Venice Beach as the I-PACE raced towards

in a world-first, live and cross-continent experience that transported

them across a virtual desert.

#BEAUTIFUL The iconic Mariah Carey discusses her recent line for MAC, why beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder, and how and what makes her feel beautiful on a daily basis.

HAILEE STEINFELD Oscar nominee Steinfeld, most recently seen in the coming-ofage drama, The Edge of Seventeen, shares why diamonds aren’t her best friend: this fashion-loving gal is all about Swarovski.

A HAUTE TRAVEL GUIDE TO THE BEST OF DALLAS Experience the excitement of this Texan city, including the top places to stay and play, to the hottest dining destinations, and the only way to watch a Cowboys game in style: from the uberexclusive Founders Club at AT&T Stadium.

LOUIS VUITTON GIVES ITS OBJETS NOMADES AN L.A. STORY Louis Vuitton invited luxury-loving Angelenos and those with wanderlust to check out its gorgeous ‘Objets Nomades’ exhibition at the brand’s Rodeo Drive boutique. The collection of foldable furniture and travel accessories was first introduced in 2012 as a ten-piece set, and has grown in size to 17 unique items—all of which pay homage to Louis Vuitton’s special pieces of the past, such as its iconic bed trunk or wardrobe trunk.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KAN_KHAMPANYA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM, LOUIS VUITTON, MAC, GETTY IMAGES FOR SWAROVSKI AND GETTY IMAGES FOR JAGUAR/LAND ROVER

HAUTE LIVING APP Find out what’s happening in Los Angeles and get the inside scoop on the latest restaurants, shops, and nightspots on the new Haute Living app.

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TREND report

1

BY BRUNO LIMA

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CHANEL Bag, price upon request.

Available at Chanel boutiques

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO Silk scarf, price upon request.

Available at Salvatore Ferragamo boutiques

4 PAUL SMITH Glittered botanical-print silk blend trousers, $750.

Available at select Paul Smith boutiques

5 PAUL SMITH Glittered botanical-print silk blend shirt, $675.

Available at select Paul Smith boutiques

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3

,

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VALENTINO GARAVANI Parrot sandal, $895.

Available at select Valentino stores nationwide OSCAR DE LA RENTA Currant and hot pink patchwork cloque Poppy mule, $790.

Available at select Oscar de la Renta boutiques

GO TROPICAL

For Resort 2017, designers are taking us to the fashion tropics with hot colors, sultry prints, and rich brocades. You’re sure to have your moment in the sun if you wear these must-have pieces on your next fun getaway.

OSCAR DE LA RENTA Mini Impatiens flower drop earrings, $425.

Available at select Oscar de la Renta boutiques

POMELLATO (Clockwise from left) Bahia ring with amethyst and tsavorite, $10,900.

Capri ring in 18k rose gold, turquoise, and amethyst, $2,100.

Capri ring in 18k rose gold, pink ceramic, and rubies, $2,100.

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TREND report

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LOUISVUITTON VUITTON LOUIS BallroomRichelieu Richelieu, Ballroom $900. $900 Availableatatselect select Available Louis Vuitton boutiques Louis Vuitton boutiques

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ALEXANDER ALEXANDER MCQUEEN MCQUEEN Button-down shirt, Button down shirt priceupon uponrequest request.

Price Availableatatselect select Available Alexander Alexander McQueen McQueen boutiques boutiques

GUCCI GUCCI Snakeembossed embossedleather leather Snake softtote tote, soft $2,190. $2,190 AvailableatatGucci Gucci Available boutiquesnationwide nationwide boutiques

2 ALEXANDERMCQUEEN MCQUEEN ALEXANDER Paisley jogging trousers, Jogger pants $825.

Price upon request Availableatatselect select Available AlexanderMcQueen McQueenboutiques boutiques Alexander

BYBRUNO BRUNOLIMA LIMA BY

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5 LOUISVUITTON VUITTON LOUIS Monogramillusion illusionbriefcase briefcase, Monogram priceupon uponrequest request.

Price Availableatatselect select Available LouisVuitton Vuittonboutiques boutiques Louis

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HERMÈS HERMÈS Nubuck Boot inpython nubuckboot, $1,450. python Available at Hermès $1,450 stores nationwide Available at Hermès stores nationwide

Ermenegildo Zegna Couture

by Brioni Ermenegildo Zegna Couture Brioni

BACK IN BLACK

DIORHOMME HOMME DIOR Black brushed calfskinboot boot, Black brushed calfskin $1,600. $1,600 Availableatatselect select Available DiorHomme Hommeboutiques boutiques Dior

Maybe it never went this season, It might soundreally cliché, butaway blackbut, is coming back black strongis noonce longer just thea color de rigueur for color evening —it’s again―not big surprise, for the thatwear­ is never

RALPHLAUREN LAUREN RALPH BlackBoston Bostonalligator alligatorbag bag, Black $25,000. $25,000 Availableatatselect select Available RalphLauren Laurenboutiques boutiques Ralph

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turning in everything shirting to briefcases, with out of up style.

Black has from received smart finishes―patent new textures andprints, embossing that make it, once leather, velvet, embossed and metal.

Weagain, canthe neutral for asophisticated dressing. notdefault survive without good amounturban of black pieces in our wardrobe, but the good news now is that the sexy color is trendier than ever. Get your black on!

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BY BRUNO LIMA

TrendACCESSORIES STAR-STUDDED Elaborate studded accessories are one the season’s hottest looks, with designers adding this edgy touch to everything from classic bags to shoes.

VALENTINO GARAVANI Rockstud Spike bag, $2,795.

Available at Valentino boutiques

Decorative studding gives this season’s accessories a new edge.

SERGIO ROSSI Black suede ankle strap shoe with multicolored glass gems, $795.

Available at Sergio Rossi boutiques

GUCCI Small leather shoulder bag with elaborate studs and tiger head closure, $3,290.

Available at select Gucci stores nationwide HERMÈS Diamond set steel case with smooth alligator strap, $50,975.

Available at select Hermès boutiques

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BY BRUNO LIMA

VELVET TAKEOVER After turning up on ready-to-wear runways in Paris, Milan and New York, velvet is redefining men’s footwear this season, giving a plush new finish to everything from evening slippers to sneakers.

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Embroidered loafer, price upon request.

Available at Alexander McQueen boutiques

Designers are using the luxe fabric in unexpected places this season.

The fabric came back strong this season and has been seen in several collections not only for footwear but also ready-to-wear.

SAINT LAURENT Devon 30 western boot, $995.

Available at Saint Laurent boutiques

CANALI Velvet evening slipper with grosgrain band, price upon request.

Available at select Canali stores ERMENEGILDO ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA ZEGNA COUTURE COUTURE Triple-stitch Triple stitch sneakers, sneakers $595. $595 Available at Available at select Ermenegildo select Ermenegildo Zegna boutiques Zegna boutiques nationwide nationwide

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Av

WATCHTrend AWARDS SEASON WINNERS The watch world’s very own red carpet event takes place in Switzerland each autumn, at

TOURBILLON WATCH PRIZE:

the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. The highly anticipated night sees watchmakers and

Girard-Perregaux, La Esmeralda Tourbillon

their tiny creations recognized for outstanding achievement in their craft. The very best

Girard-Perregaux traces its iconic tourbillon movement

watches of the year—in 15 different categories, determined by a global jury of 27 experts—are

with three gold bridges back to 1860, and the pocket

awarded essentially the “Oscar” of the industry, complete with tiny gold statuette and heart-

watch that housed it in 1889 won the gold medal at

felt acceptance speeches. Westime is proud to be the official retailer of the following seven

the Universal Exhibition in Paris. Appropriately, this

watches that achieved the top prizes at November’s awards ceremony. Discover them at our

year’s pink gold Esmeralda Tourbillon inspired by the

boutiques in Southern California and Miami.

original, also took home top honors in its category. The automatic-winding caliber features three solid gold bridges, a 60-second tourbillon and painstaking handfinishing throughout.

CALENDAR WATCH PRIZE: MB&F, Legacy Machine Perpetual GREG SIMONIAN President of Westime

This category honors mechanical watches comprising at least one calendar or astronomical complication, such as an annual calendar, perpetual calendar, equation of time, or complex moon phase display. Claiming the top prize is the most classically styled timepiece in MB&F’s collection: Legacy Machine Perpetual. MB&F partnered with Irish LADIES’ HIGH-MECH PRIZE: Girard-Perregaux, Cat’s Eye Tourbillon with Gold Bridge The award for a women’s watch that features mechanical creativity and complexity goes to Girard-Perregaux for its ultra-feminine hand-wound tourbillon. Containing 174 parts that are each decorated, adjusted and assembled by hand, the beautifully-finished tourbillon movement is nestled under a gold bridge, viewable at 6 o’clock on the mother-of-pearl dial. Extra credit is deserved for “non-mech” details including the 64 brilliant-cut diamonds on the case, bezel and buckle.

watchmaker Stephen McDonnell to reinvent the perpetual calendar concept, and the result is its 581-component hand-wound caliber capable of displaying time, day of week, power reserve, month, date and leap year without the need to adjust for months with varying numbers of days. The inspired design of this platinum timepiece allows a comprehensive dial-side view.

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TRAVEL TIME WATCH PRIZE:

MECHANICAL EXCEPTION PRIZE:

Fabergè, Fabergè Visionnaire DTZ

Audemars Piguet, Royal Oak Concept Supersonnerie

Among watches that display the time in multiple time zones,

Timepieces featuring a very special mechanism—think innova-

Fabergè won the night with its Visionnaire DTZ, designed in

tive display, an automaton, an acoustsic function, belt-driven

collaboration with watchmaker Jean-Marc Wiederrecht. The

movement or other high horological concept—were contenders

automatic watch presents the hours and minutes of the local time

for the mechanical exception prize. Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak

with its traditional hands. The hour of the second time zone takes

Concept Supersonnerie—nine years in the making—won the prize

center stage in the bullseye of the dial. Adding greater interest is

and redefined the standards of chiming watches. The titanium

the constant motion of the dial-side rotor, a multi-layered dial, and

watch, featuring a hand-wound tourbillon movement with minute

a peacock-shaped component hidden within the movement.

repeater, features a supremely clear, sustained tone thanks to three patented innovations in chiming sound development.

“

Westime is proud to be the official retailer of the following seven watches that achieved the top prizes at November’s awards ceremony. Discover them at our boutiques in Southern California and Miami.

”

PETITE AIGUILLE PRIZE: Tudor, Heritage Black Bay Bronze

REVIVAL WATCH PRIZE:

Watches priced below 8,000 Swiss francs vie for the Petite Aiguille,

TAG Heuer, Heuer Monza Chronograph

or “little hand” trophy. Tudor’s Heritage Black Bay Bronze comes in

The best example of a contemporary re-edition or reinterpretation of

at 3,800 Swiss francs, and its quality and style represent strong val-

an iconic historical model is TAG Heuer’s Heuer Monza Chronograph,

ue in the segment. The 43mm dive watch, housed in an aluminum

based on the 1976 chronograph created by Jack Heuer in celebration

bronze alloy case and featuring golden, beige and chocolate brown

of Formula 1 driver Niki Lauda’s first world championship title with

details, intentionally appears to be a patinated object that could

Ferrari. This 2016 reissue features the original watch’s pulsometer

have accompanied a diver under the waves for many years already.

and tachymeter scale with the original font. Updates include chang-

The automatic chronometer also features a big crown, “snowflake”

ing the case material from steel to coated titanium carbide, and

hands, domed crystal and chamfered lugs reminiscent of historic

increasing the diameter from 39 to 42mm. The automatic watch is

models.

decorated with a vintage Heuer logo and number on the case back.

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HauteAUTO

BY TIM LAPPEN

GRAND ENTRANCE The elegant Bentley Bentayga looks powerful and quick—even at rest.

BENTLEY BENTAYGA “

Driving the Bentayga is to experience that rare combination of elegance and power.

”

On-road elegance, off-road warrior.

Bentley is a little late to the high-end SUV

Big family? Options provide seating for

There’s even an event seat, a padded

party―a lavish event Range Rover has at-

up to seven people.

leather item that folds out, so no one has

tended for years, more recently including

to sit on the bumpe—and you know how

Porsche and, to some extent, Jaguar, Ma-

Off-roader? It can handle lateral and lon-

serati, BMW, Mercedes and Lexus. Today,

gitudinal angles of up to 35 degrees. Most

there are interesting competitors on the ho-

impressive, the anti-roll bars are loaded

Tunes: “Mine” had a Naim sound sys-

rizon from Alfa Romeo, Lamborghini and

and unloaded using 48-watt electric mo-

tem ($4,690, please) that was terrific. As

Rolls-Royce. So how do you make a grand

tors that can adjust in about half a second

a connoisseur of loud music, I found that,

entrance when the festivities are well un-

to lighten a wheel that’s in a rut or straight-

during a 30-minute drive at the upper

derway and the soirée is chock-full of lumi-

en the body and make it lean into a turn

decibel range, I actually lost weight.

naries? Arrive dressed to impress, with a

like a motorcycle.

you hate having to do that!

look that says ‘Bentley’ at first glance, with a capability list a mile long—a 600 HP SUV

Trailer or boat? It can

with a torque-monster 664 pounds of twist

pull over 7,700 pounds.

pumped out by a W-12 twin-turbo motor, which will move the world’s fastest gro-

Wheel bling: Available

cery shopper from 0 to 60 in four seconds

wheels come in 20-, 21-,

to a top speed just shy of 190 mph. How

and even 22-inch styles.

quick is that? I bought milk and two dozen

Dubs for your B-car!

eggs and was back home before I left.

The Bentayga is gorgeous, but it’s not

Luxury: Some of the luxe

just another pretty face. Every perfor-

details

mance and luxury box is ticked:

seatshigh-luster

include

quilted veneers

The all-wheel drive Bentayga is a star at the Bentley Power on Ice event in Northern Finland.

and a Breitling clock.

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When it comes to driving, I’d say it’s a good

feel for all passengers to experience, which

sand, mud, loose dirt, and gravel (not to men-

combination of a practical vehicle (with plenty

stretches well over halfway back on the roof.

tion snow and ice)—with crazy inclines that

of legroom, headroom and visibility) and the

Being an L.A. guy, my foray into off-roading

present no challenge whatsoever. Some have

Millennium Falcon (with the ability to hit warp

in the Bentayga probably was similar to what

questioned Bentley’s need to provide such ter-

speeds so quickly and effortlessly it defies log-

most Southlanders will experience: a couple

rific off-road abilities on a vehicle that will likely

ic). In an SUV weighing just short of three tons,

of potholes here, a few ‘calming humps’ in

never need it, but that’s just how Bentley rolls:

you can blow the doors off most any boulevard

residential neighborhoods there, and an occa-

provide more than the driver could ever utilize

challenger—and then tow it home after you’ve

sional parking spot just off the pavement. I can’t

and maybe, just maybe, it will come in handy

gathered up the pink slip. With what seems like

provide much insight into the desert-stormer

someday. In the meantime, it’s absolutely the

an excellent candidate for the world’s largest

chops of this vehicle, but much has been writ-

perfect transportational choice if you have to

sunroof competition, there’s also a Domeliner

ten about how amazingly capable it can be—in

cross the moors and slog through the bogs on your way to that black-tie event at Dromoland Castle.

Driving the Bentayga is to experience that rare combination of elegance and power. Of course, it feels substantial because it most certainly is. But with the seamless power of a double-turbo 12-cylinder engine and the torque demonstrates that this vehicle can handle anything you throw at it and barely break a sweat. In fact, the word of the day for the Bentayga: ’effortless.’ Any driver and passengers will feel nicely ensconced in sumptuous woods and leathers, with a power plant more capable than anyone likely ever will need, with a sound system to rival a modern concert hall, and a ride that is deceptively supple yet strong. Bentley clearly knew that with its SUV coming in at a base price just under $230,000—adding a touch of this or that and you’re looking at 300 large­—its new baby

The unmistakable look of a Bentley.

CUSTOMIZABLE Wheel choices include 20-, 21-, and even 22-inch options.

better be great!

LIMITLESS The sure-footed and powerful Bentayga knows no limits.

TIMELY Thanks to Bentley’s meticulous attention to detail, there’s even a gorgeous Breitling clock.

A lifelong petrol-holic, mechanic, cars, motorcycles, boats and automotive journalist since penning a column for his high school newspaper, internationally recognized attorney Tim Lappen is a partner at a major Los Angeles–based law firm, where he chairs the firm’s Family Office Group and its Luxury Home Group and is, of course, a member of its Motor Vehicle Group. He can be reached at tlappen@gmail.com.

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BY LAURA CONNOLLY

DRINKSNow

HOW TO MAKE A SURF CITY SPRITZ 1 ounce American gin ¾ ounce St. Germain ½ ounce pineapple rum ½ ounce Cocchi Americano

HOW TO DRINK FRENCH FLUENTLY How to Drink French Fluently is a passionate ‘Santé!’ to everything in life that feels good, from spirited conversation and great food to beauty, art and music.

The first cocktail book from St. Germain, a French liqueur flavored with elderflowers, is accompanied by dozens of original and innovative cocktail recipes from some of the world’s top bartenders.

¼ ounce honey syrup (2 parts honey, 1 part water) 1 ounce coconut water 2 ounces soda water Method Stir the first six ingredients in a wine glass with ice. Top with club soda and garnish with dehydrated pineapple chip or fresh pineapple slice.

THE ENDLESS SUMMER The Endless Summer is more than just an iconic surfing documentary; to Southern Californians, it’s a way of life. Thus, the Surf City Spritz—a new cocktail made primarily with St. Germain from the collaboration, How to Drink French Fluently, between the liqueur’s ambassador Camille Ralph Vidal and PUNCH, is the perfect libation to sip year-round. Though heavy on the hard stuff like gin and pineapple rum, supplementary ingredients of elderflower, quinine and nutmeg—all of which have, at one point, been believed to have medicinal qualities—more than hint at SoCal’s health-conscious culture. So what if the drink is actually named for the site of the Jersey Shore’s first resort, The Mansion of Health? This drink is pure California, baby! Find it at downtown L.A.’s hip haven, The Ace Hotel.

SURF’S UP “The Surf City Spritz is a beautiful daytime libation! Light and refreshing, there is loads of delightful flavor going on there, much like L.A.’s infectious atmosphere.” -- Camille Ralph Vidal

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ST. GERMAIN

It’s always sunny in SoCal—which is why the Surf City Spritz is a perfect year-round cocktail

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Graff.indd 1

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HauteCUISINE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DRAGO RISTORANTE, SABIN ORR, ZINNPHOTO, BENNY CHAN AND THE PETERSEN AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM

LAURA CONNOLLY

THE HAUTEST NEW EATERIES IN L.A. The Drago brothers and Wolfgang Puck are behind some of the best new restaurants in Tinseltown RACING STRIPES Drago Ristorante’s comfortably casual décor is courtesy of Felderman Keatinge & Associates.

A

ngelenos who are ready to be driven wild by a culinary experience should race to Drago Ristorante (6060 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA) at the newly-

redesigned Petersen Automotive Museum on Wilshire Boulevard’s Miracle Mile. Celestino, Calogero,

Tanino

and

Giacomino

Drago

(the band of brothers behind Drago Centro, Celestino, Tanino Ristorante Bar, Il Pastaio and Piccolo Paradiso) have joined forces, expanding their culinary empire to offer auto enthusiasts a taste of their house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, artisanal breads and pastries from Drago Bakery in Culver City, as well as locally-grown produce from Drago Farms in Santa Ynez. That said, expect straight-up Sicilian-style comfort

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food: decadent linguine Bolognese, on-point Bucatini Della Nonna and handmade Garganelli pasta dotted with morel mushrooms and asparagus, prepared simply yet deliciously. Its design somehow perfectly suits both the space and the menu with rugged elements of blackened steel, hammered copper and refined finishes, as conceptualized by Felderman Keatinge & Associates—which makes Drago Ristorante an extension of the museum. Intended to reflect modernism in motion, it offers approachable elegance and an upbeat feel. A custom mural by Stanley Felderman makes a bold and colorful statement, with an urban grid counterbalanced by additional curved fluid lines. The warm space invites you to take some time and take in your surroundings, including the fleet of fantastic cars. “My vision is to create a calming and comforting environment—a place where you’d want to spend time on a date, with friends, or with your family,” says Giacomino Drago. “The world goes so fast nowadays. We need to take the time to slow down and enjoy each other’s company, and enjoy food that makes us feel good.”

“

My brothers and I never forget where we come from: a small hilltop town in Sicily. These roots […] translate into quality of ingredients, simply prepared to respect the flavors of each item, and always with a nod to how our mama taught us to cook with integrity.

— Giacomino Drago

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DRAGO RISTORANTE, SABIN ORR, ZINNPHOTO, BENNY CHAN AND THE PETERSEN AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM

­

”

A TASTE OF SICILIY The Drago brothers (above, from left), Calogero, Celestino, Tanino and Giacomino, are the men behind Drago Ristorante. At their Petersen Automotive Museum eatery, you’ll find lovely libations like the White Christmas Negroni (center) and squid ink potato gnocchi with cured tuna roe and zucchini (bottom).

The Pizza Salmone Affumicato is a Sicilian dish of smoked salmon, arugula, dill and capers

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A CUT ABOVE THE REST The latest restaurant in Wolfgang Puck’s culinary empire features a selection of rare whiskies and dishes like the chicken liver pastrami with black bread and honey mustard (right).

Wolfgang Puck continues his plan for global culinary domination by opening CUT Lounge (9500 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills), a new bar and lounge adjacent to his contemporary steakhouse, CUT by Wolfgang Puck, at the Beverly Wilshire. The Austrian restaurateur and his wife, Gelila Assefa Puck, have reimagined the former Sidebar space as a cozy

The Austrian restaurateur and his wife, Gelila Assefa Puck, have reimagined the former Sidebar space as a cozy den, with a neutral palette of beige, browns and greys that accent the mid-century modern furnishings.

den, with a neutral palette of beige, browns and greys that accent the mid-century modern furnishings. Here, guests can look forward to a new

culinary customization: expect to find dishes such as crispy kataifi

collection of shaken, stirred and straight-up cocktails, plus a selection

wrapped prawns with garlic chili ponzu and shaved bonito, a Santa

of rare whiskies from Scotland, Japan and beyond, as well as a nifty

Barbara uni ‘cocktail’ on avocado toast, and chicken liver ‘pastrami’

tableside Negroni cart. The menu highlights Puck’s particular brand of

with black bread and honey mustard.

The speakeasy stylings of Delilah

Take a step back in time at Delilah (7969 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood), the new effort from The h.wood Group,

décor. The former DBA space has been transformed into a modern-day supper club restaurant, with opulent chandeliers, wood and gold accents, plush leather couches and a tiled fireplace. Expect to find old school comfort food from h.wood Group’s executive chef Rudy Lopez, such as filet mignon, a carrot soufflé and a bone-in New York strip. The libations list—courtesy of Adam Koral and Matt Seigel—is chock-full of classic cocktails like coolers, fixes, sours and flips, playing off the style of drinks people were slugging back in the ’20s and CATCH AND RELEASE If you can score a reservation, make sure to reserve a spot outside, underneath this haute eatery’s 12,000 square foot retractable rooftop.

’30s. Cap your evening with lounge-style bottle service, while being entertained nightly by live performers.

The Pink Pussycat is served in an Arome glass with a teaencapsulated rose

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MANUELA PHOTOS COURTESY OF JOSHUA TARGOWNIK AND LAURA FORD

speakeasy-style vibe, awesome dance floor and art deco

CUT PHOTOS COURTESY OF WOLFGANG PUCK * DELILAH PHOTOS COURTESY OF ELIZABETH DANIELS/ELIZABETH DANIELS PHOTOGRAPHY AND ALIZA SOKOLOW/POPPYSEED AGENCY

which pays homage to the Roaring Twenties with its cool,

Haute CUISINE For those seeking to combine a love of art and

continuation of his early ‘Vavoom’ series for

food, head to Manuela (907 E 3rd Street, Los

the eatery’s private dining room. Larger scale

Angeles), a 5,000 square foot restaurant housed

artworks are interspersed with a display of

within the Hauser Wirth & Schimmel arts complex

sculptures, paintings and works on paper, all

in the Downtown Los Angeles Arts District. In

focusing on food and drink as their subject matter.

keeping with gallery co-presidents Iwan and

The attention to detail continues with a stunning

Manuela Wirth’s dedication to contemporary

brass and marble bar stretching the length of the

art, the restaurant’s design features important

restaurant, vintage furniture, a dining area with

works by internationally-acclaimed artists Paul

a mid-century feel (thanks to rewired, polished

McCarthy, Mark Bradford, Mary Heilmann and

and reinstated light fixtures over the terrace,

Raymond Pettibon—the latter of whom has

salvaged from the surrounding buildings), as well

painted a spectacular large-scale mural in a

as tables hewn from timber belonging to 80-year-

ARTFUL PREPARATION Take a sip of one of the beautifully designed cocktails, such as the Nightshade, (front) made of IXA tequila, tomato, yellow bell pepper and lemon, or the Ole Hickory (back) made of Mezcal, peaches, rose geranium and lemon.

And try the striped bass crudo with jalapeno, radish and cilantro (left), which is lovingly prepared by chef Wes Whitsell.

old industrial fire doors from the neighborhood.

The fare follows suit: chef Wes Whitsell crafted his menu around locally-grown produce, seafood and grass-fed livestock. A kitchen garden, designed by Mia Lehrer & Associates, provides the restaurant with seasonal herbs, fruits and vegetables, and Serafina’s cool and neutral dining room

features a beautifully designed chicken house run for the restaurant’s 12 rare-breed chickens— providing the kitchen with fresh eggs for the breakfast menu. Highlights include striped bass ceviche with jalapeno, radish and cucumber, and grilled peach with country ham and ricotta. All

A stunning brass and marble bar stretches the length of the restaurant, with vintage furniture and tables hewn from timber belonging to old industrial fire doors.

featured cocktails utilize house-made bitters and

MANUELA PHOTOS COURTESY OF JOSHUA TARGOWNIK AND LAURA FORD

CUT PHOTOS COURTESY OF WOLFGANG PUCK * DELILAH PHOTOS COURTESY OF ELIZABETH DANIELS/ELIZABETH DANIELS PHOTOGRAPHY AND ALIZA SOKOLOW/POPPYSEED AGENCY

tonics.

EDIBLE ART Your taste buds will be singing after you try dishes like the fried quail with watermelon, almond and lime (above) at Manuela (left).

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HauteINSIDERS

BY LEAH ZITTER

JOYCE REY The highly regarded real estate agent has spent more than four decades selling America’s most lucrative residences, setting many records along the way.

Recently built with flawless design and high ceilings with dazzling views of the city and ocean, 9274 Sierra Mar is a modern masterpiece nestled on a lush private setting above Sunset Strip.

LINDA MAY She is one of the most prominent and distinguished real estate brokers in Beverly Hills with a strong command of the residential marketplace.

Set behind wrought iron gates in Holmby Hills is the majestic, French Regency style estate at 660 Club View Drive.

Luxury realtors Linda May, Joyce Rey and Rachel Swann discuss why more

These homebuyers tend to choose Gatsby-like neighborhoods like Holm-

tech business owners are moving from Silicon Valley to Silicon Beach and

by Hills and Bel Air for exclusivity and privacy, Hollywood Hills for the

other L.A. neighborhoods.

views, and Trousdale Place for gentility. The Palisades is another favorite,

Startup Genome, a research project that compiles data on startups around

as well as Santa Monica. Linda May of Linda May Properties in Beverly

the world, ranks Los Angeles third (behind Silicon Valley and Tel Aviv)

Hills says, “My clients are willing to take the time and engage a top interior

among the world’s top startup locations. So is it any surprise that real es-

designer, as well as spend significant dollars to create something impor-

tate in the area is booming?

tant and special.”

According to data provided by Westside Estate Agency, the high-chip

And ritzy home requirements keep brokers on their feet. The large ros-

market noted real estate sales almost tripled in the Westside/Silicon Beach

ter of tech executives who have moved from Silicon Valley to L.A. even

area from 2007 to 2016­—with most of the growth happening in the past

includes Elon Musk, whose San Francisco-based Tesla Motors Company

two years.

has a satellite office in the area. Entrepreneur Sean Parker, of Napster and

Real estate data and analytics company, CoreLogic, noted that all 21

Facebook fame, owns a nine-bedroom mansion in Los Angeles called ‘The

buyers who bought in the area from January to mid-October 2016 came

Brody House,’ which he bought from Ellen DeGeneres for $55 million. Eric

from the Bay Area, and that this trend was only growing.

Schmidt, former CEO of Google, owns two mansions in L.A.­—one in Mon-

Rachel Swann, a principal for The Swann Group, says it’s no surprise. “If

tecito, Santa Barbara and a ‘French chateau’ in the Holmby Hills neighbor-

you work for Google, Facebook, YouTube, or one of the plethora of other big

hood. Laurene Powell Jobs, the widow of Steve Jobs and fourth richest

names who have offices in the area and are cash-flush, L.A. is the perfect

woman in the world, also owns an impressive property in Malibu.

place to call home or your second home.” She continues, “Many of my cli-

According to one of Southern California’s top realtors, Joyce Rey, “The

ents who do live in Silicon Valley have historically wanted to live primarily

number one consideration for most clients is location, but [they also fac-

in Los Angeles, or at least have a ‘city house’. They feel [L.A.] is a thriving

tor in] privacy, views, move-in condition, and quality of construction.” She

epicenter of culture and activities, [which] they feel is lacking in Silicon

adds, “Most of my clients are very sophisticated and have extremely good

Valley.”

taste.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JOYCE REY / LINDA MAY PROPERTIES

SILICON VALLEY TECH EXECS INVEST IN L.A. HOMES

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HauteHOODS

BY HALEY WILLARD

Tom Gores’ newly-purchased $100 million-dollar mansion in Holmby Hills

CELEBS ON THE MOVE PHOTOS COURTESY OF EVERETT FENTON GIDLEY / SHUTTERSTOCK

301 North Carolwood Drive

Here’s the latest on the actors, artists, and other high-profile personalities buying or selling homes in Los Angeles.

BILLIONAIRE TOM GORES BUYS $100 MIL-

dian Bob Hope has made history as one of the

dence, built in 1890, is located in Windsor Square

LION HOLMBY HILLS HOME

biggest sales ever in the Coachella Valley area.

in the Hancock Park neighborhood.

The Holmby Hills mansion formerly owned by

The 23,000 square foot Palm Springs house­—with

singer, songwriter, actress, and filmmaker Barbra

six bedrooms, 10 bathrooms and two pools­—was

KATE UPTON, JUSTIN VERLANDER BUY

Streisand now belongs to businessman and

designed like a spaceship by architect John

CELEBRITY-STUDDED ESTATE

investor Tom Gores. Originally listed in April for

Lautner and built from concrete, steel, and glass

Almost-newlyweds, model-actress Kate Upton

$150 million, Gores purchased the estate for $50

in the late ’70s. The property was originally listed

and Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander, have

million less than the asking price. The 30,000

for sale for $50 million in 2013.

purchased their first home as a couple for $5.25

square foot, 10-bedroom, 20-bathroom residence

KATE UPTON AND JUSTIN VERLANDER The stars have purchased their first home as a couple in Beverly Crest for $5.25 million.

million. The residence in Beverly Crest was the

boasts privileged amenities that include a 10-car

L.A. TATTOO ARTIST IS NEW

former home to many different celebrity names,

garage, an elevator, basketball and tennis courts,

OWNER OF FAMED “CHEAPER BY THE

including saxophonist Kenny G, retired tennis

a private theater complex with its own valet

DOZEN” HOUSE

champion Pete Sampras, film producer Jon Pe-

entrance, and a private hiking trail.

For $6.5 million, tattoo artist and cosmetic tycoon,

ters, actress Kate Jackson of Charlie’s Angels and

Kat Von D, has purchased the three-story Victo-

TV producer-director William Asher. Built in 1976,

BOB HOPE’S PALM SPRINGS HOUSE SELLS

rian-style mansion where the beloved Cheaper

the 5,706 square foot, traditional-style house has

FOR $13 MILLION

by the Dozen with Steve Martin was filmed. The

five bedrooms, six bathrooms, a tennis court and

The former abode of beloved actor and come-

12,565 square foot, 11-bedroom, 10-bathroom resi-

an outdoor swimming pool.

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SIMPLY MAGIC (Above) Cartier Magicien necklace, 18k white gold, rubellite, black lacquer and diamonds. Price upon request.

(Far right) Cartier Magicien earrings, platinum, yellow diamonds and white diamonds. Price upon request.

ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD It’s platinum, too! Here is where the stars are scoring the best red carpet bling this awards season

CARTIER 370 N Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, CA, 90210 The Parisian jewelry brand has been crowning royal heads and aristocrats around the world and, come the 2017 awards season, you’ll see its key pieces adorning the wrists, throats, earlobes and fingers of Hollywood royalty—including director Sofia Coppola, Oscar winner Amy Adams, Grammy winner The Weeknd, and other esteemed celebrities like Sienna Miller, Selena Gomez, Chris Pine, Ruth Negga, Chloë Grace Moretz and Rooney Mara. Expect to see items from the High Jewelry collection, ‘Magicien’, such as the 18k white gold necklace with rubellite, black lacquer and diamonds (left), as well as a platinum and yellow diamond necklace and earrings (above).

PHOTOS COURTESY OF VINCENT WULVERYCK © CARTIER AND CHOPARD

SHOPPING

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CHOPARD South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, CA, 92626 Over the course of its more than 150-year history, Chopard has been extremely lucky for its Oscar-winning leading ladies. Since 2014, 11 actresses and four actors have accepted an Oscar while adorned in Chopard, including Charlize Theron, Hilary Swank, Rachel Weisz, Helen Mirren, Marion Cotillard, Kate Winslet, Penelope Cruz, Matthew McConaughey, Colin Firth and Eddie Redmayne.

Stars will stand out in either of the ‘Green Carpet Collection’ or the aptly named ‘Red Carpet Collection’, which consists of unique pieces inspired by the red carpet and the famous steps of the Palais des Festivals. They were designed to adorn the greatest actresses as they ascend the exceptional staircase, with all the sparkle of diamonds, sapphires and other multi-coloured precious

“

Celebrities love our creative designs and they know they can turn to us for exceptional, unique pieces. [...Each year,] we create a new ‘Red Carpet Collection’―especially for these exceptional events [...and] ‘Green Carpet Collection’, created with Fairmined gold, diamonds [...]or even Gemfields emeralds. Some of them really appreciate our ethical approach and [...] choose us for our engagement in sustainable luxury.

Caroline Scheufele

Chopard Co-President

”

stones. The ‘Red Carpet Collection’ also highlights pearls, opals, corals, quartz, moonstones, amethysts and tourmalines in a fabulous range of colors. and materials.

SOUTH COASTING (Above) The Swiss brand is available in Orange County at the South Coast Plaza shopping mecca.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF VINCENT WULVERYCK © CARTIER AND CHOPARD

GREEN WITH ENVY Chopard’s “Green Carpet Collection earrings each feature two cushion-cut emeralds totaling 20 carats and 9.9 carats, respectively, as well as marquise-cut diamonds (6.5 carats) as well as diamonds set in 18k white Fairmined gold.

Price upon request.

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SHOPPING HARRY WINSTON 310 N Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, CA, 90210

As the very first jeweler to loan diamonds to an actress for the 1944 Academy Awards, Harry Winston has, in effect, revolutionized modern-day glamour. He has also played a role in some of Hollywood’s biggest box office hits, with dazzling diamonds on full display in Alfred Hitchcock’s Notorious, Woody Allen’s Everyone Says I Love You, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and more. The brand’s 726-carat rough diamond, the ‘Jonker’, was even the subject of its own short film, pro-

YELLOW FEVER ‘The Incredibles’ collection radiantcut yellow diamond drop earrings (above) and necklace (below) with cluster accent set in 18k yellow gold and platinum. Price upon request.

duced by MGM in 1936.

You may see fans of the

brand—including

Jennifer Lopez, Katy Perry, Lily James,

DIAMOND DAYS Cluster diamond necklace, 122.43 carats. Set in platinum. Price upon request.

Helen Mirren, Charlize Theron, Kerry Washington,

Viola

Davis and Michelle Dockery—in

baubles

featuring the ‘Winston Cluster’, a striking motif featuring pear, marquise and round brilliant diamonds set at varying angles to create sculptural, multidimensional designs

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NEIL LANE, HARRY WINSTON AND TIFFANY & CO.

that capture the light from all directions.

NEIL LANE 708 N La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA, 90069 Neil Lane is more than a jeweler to many Hollywood stars; he’s also a friend. That is why so many leading ladies seek out his advice (as well as his jewelry, of course) to create a distinctive and beautiful look for awards season events. Given that he’s also a collector of art and fine jewels, it’s no wonder that his designs go above and beyond the expected—which is just what stars looking for a leg (or a ring) up are seeking come Oscar time. Fans of the brand, such as Cate Blanchett, Julia Roberts, Anne Hathaway, Kate Hudson, Gwen Stefani, Madonna, Sandra Bullock, Sofia Vergara, Eva Longoria, Lady Gaga, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston, may be wearing his dramatic diamond cuffs, art deco earrings and elegant rings this awards season.

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“

DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER (Left) A gaggle of diamond bracelets and (below) a diamond and platinum princess cuff. Prices upon request.

I work with some of the most beautiful and fashionable women in the world. I am there to accessorize, make them shine without taking away from their beauty. I am there for them—whether it’s for the Oscars or other red carpet award shows, fashion photo shoots or designing their personal wedding jewels or engagement rings.

Neil Lane

JUST TWO DROPS (Above) 20-carat pearshaped diamond suspended from a 10-carat diamond stud; each set totals 30 carats. Set in platinum.

Price upon request.

”

TIFFANY & CO. 210 N Rodeo Dr., Beverly Hills, CA, 90210 The 179-year-old brand’s newly revamped Rodeo Drive boutique is the perfect place to browse for awards season bling (and score that signature Tiffany blue box).

This year, the Tiffany & Co. 2016 ‘Masterpieces’ collection—designed with ‘Ribbon’ and ‘Prism’ themes—will definitely be a haute red carpet trend.

‘Tiffany Prism’ designs are inspired by the past brilliance of Louis Comfort Tiffany, the company’s first

FEELING BLUE (Left) Tiffany & Co.’s newly revamped Rodeo Drive boutique is where you’ll find this stunning sky blue piece (above), which features marquise tanzanite, green tourmalines, aquamarines and marquise and round diamonds, with a cushion-cut aquamarine drop, from Tiffany’s 2016 Blue Book, “The Art of Transformation.” $525,000.00

design director, whose famed plique à jour work was revered for its masterful use of light and color. This influence clearly appears in the exuberant updated display of vibrant gemstones, including tsavorite, spessartite and sapphires in an array of unexpected hues. A stunning 18k rose gold ring features a South Sea golden pearl, offset by two exquisite spheres of meticulouslyPHOTOS COURTESY OF NEIL LANE, HARRY WINSTON AND TIFFANY & CO.

set pink sapphires and diamonds. Equally striking is the matching platinum pendant arranged in a gradient pattern to emphasize the circular dimension of the piece.

Meanwhile, ‘Tiffany Ribbon’ designs are comprised of jewels that drape and cascade with a weightless quality that is, at once, classic and dramatic. One of the pieces— a glamorous necklace set in platinum with seven tiers of round diamonds that rest smoothly against the contours of the body—­­is inspired by the timeless elegance of Audrey Hepburn… and who’s going to argue with Audrey?

Celebrities who like to have breakfast, lunch and dinner at Tiffany’s, which celebrates its 180th anniversary this year, include Jennifer Garner, Reese Witherspoon, Kate Hudson, Camilla Belle, Halle Berry,

“

The ‘Masterpieces’ collections are a creative laboratory where we push the boundaries of design. [Our] intention is to create jewels that are surprising in their newness and breathtakingly beautiful, that are unlike anything anyone has seen before and that, I hope, will leave people wondering if there isn’t a little bit of magic involved.

Francesca Amfitheatrof

Design Director of Tiffany & Co.

”

Ariana Grande and Lupita Nyong’o.

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HauteTRAVEL

BY LAURA SCHREFFLER

Hit the slopes in style at these luxury ski resorts

Every year—without fail—we tout the virtues of Aspen, describing it as a hot (yet incredibly cold) wintertime playground for the rich and famous. That’s still true but, this year, we decided to creep out of our reliably Discover the hautest spots to get some serious powder this winter

comfortable box and explore some new ski terrain… as well as, of course, a few super-luxe hotels. These three ski resorts have style, grace and, most importantly, the exotic taste of the unknown.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF AMANGANI

WINTER WONDERLANDS

LE SERENO Yellowtail carpaccio marinated in soy ginger sauce at Restaurant Le Sereno

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KEVIN KASS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Megayachts in Gustavia Harbor

AMANGANI

and remote-controlled fireplace,

JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING

a window-side daybed, sunken

1535 NE Butte Rd.

bath, slate shower, and double-sink

Jackson, WY, 83001

redwood vanity.

Jackson Hole is home to some

THE SLOPES

of the best skiing in the Rockies,

There are more than 2,470 acres of

offering over 2,471 acres of terrain

slopes available here and, thanks

for experts and beginners alike

to 400 inches of annual snowfall,

(hello, bunny slopes). If you’re not

you’ll be hard-pressed to spend a

a skier, you’re in luck: you can

winter day without some snow

take lessons, or go snowmobiling,

time. In addition to the downhill

snowshoeing or on a sleigh

and cross-country skiing options

ride through the awe-inspiring

available, guests also have the op-

indulgence that is Amangani—a big-

portunity to embark on one of many

sky wilderness resort—perched on

nature treks (the best is a half-day

a butte near Yellowstone National

affair that allows you to see elk and

Park.

bison—otherwise known as wildlife you won’t see in Los Angeles and

THE STAY

guided tours, as well as more

It’s hard not to be impressed by

uncommon options like heli-skiing,

the luxurious, masculine stylings

dog sledding, whitewater rafting

of this all-suite hotel, which—with

and fly-fishing.

decorations of wood, leather and stone—completely embraces the

THE SPA

spirit of the American West. Book

This room offers a serious view—

the 676 square foot Grand Teton

especially if you’re outside enjoying

Suite if you’re feeling indulgent. This

a dip in the heated outdoor pool

stay offers a wraparound balcony

or Jacuzzi, with views of the Teton

overlooking the Teton Range, a

and Snake River Mountain ranges.

living area with a metal, gas-lit

You might feel like a member of the

polar bear club, but it’s worth it for

options available at this stunning

such a breathtaking view. Those

resort. Take Amangani’s BMW for

who prefer to remain indoors can

a spin around Yellowstone National

indulge in a hot stone treatment

Park and then hunker down at the

from the nearby Snake River or a

Grill for a meal of sustainable ranch

Himalayan salt scrub, check out

meats, fresh fish and farm-to-table

the his-and-hers steam rooms, enjoy

fare. Grab a drink at Zinc Bar, a

a private yoga or Pilates session

natural paradise with sandstone

or choose one of many offerings

columns that serves up locally-

from the holistic program menu.

brewed beer and custom cocktails.

You can also opt to sweat inside

Here, guests are also welcome to

the redwood-lined exercise studio,

enjoy the all-new Après-Ski Soirèe

where personal trainers are on hand

culinary experience: after noshing

to bend and shape you.

on light bites, the resort’s resident

“

Take Amangani’s BMW for a spin around Yellowstone National Park.

”

mixologist teaches eager students THE EXTRAS

to create handcrafted cocktails

If you’re not a cold weather enthu-

that showcase the region’s locally-

siast, there are still a plethora of

sourced ingredients and herbs.

ZINC IN (Left) Take in the view of the snowcapped Rockies from Amangani’s lobby lounge or (above) from Zinc Bar, which offers the all-new AprèsSki Soirèe culinary experience this winter.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF AMANGANI

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KEVIN KASS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Snow-capped mountain views from Amangani’s lobby

Amangani’s pool at sunset

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HauteTRAVEL

BY LAURA SCHREFFLER

The Montage’s majestic lobby lounge

ALPINE CHIC The 5,300 square foot Summit View Four Bedroom Penthouse is the best place to stay.

MONTAGE DEER VALLEY

THE SLOPES

PARK CITY, UTAH

You’ll find that the resort’s

9100 Marsac Ave.

employees not only deliver your

Park City, UT, 84060

skis directly to the slopes and help you put on your high-end Atomic

Located on the top floor of the

but also keep your boots warm

resort, the Summit View Four Bed-

for you overnight. While on the

room Penthouse Residence offers

slopes, hit up the exclusive Après

panoramic views of the mountain

Lounge, where you can sit back

trails and alpine valleys from every

in style and sip bubbly from

window. With over 5,300 square feet

Veuve Clicquot. Try one of the

of living space, this private home

new cocktails from its ‘Montage

features four bedrooms, three large

Rich’ menu, which features the

private balconies, a fully outfitted

champagne house’s latest offering,

kitchen, laundry facilities, marble

Veuve Clicquot Rich. The lounge will

bathrooms with heated floors and

also expand this winter to include

gas fireplaces.

an outdoor ski beach and will be

A peek inside the Après Lounge

The 35,000 square foot Spa Montage

renamed The Après Lounge and

THE EXTRAS

Beach Club.

You can take a private flight aboard a Pilatus-12 to one of Utah’s national

THE SPA

parks for the day, rent a Mercedes

At 35,000 square feet with 29 treat-

or even take ski lessons with an

ment rooms, Spa Montage is the

Olympian. Or, for a more low-key

largest in Utah. You’ll relax in style

experience, guests can enjoy on-site

with everything you could possibly

bowling and live acoustic perfor-

dream of having in one place: a

mances from people they’ve seen on

sauna, steam room, deluge shower,

The Voice. Of the multiple eateries

Jacuzzi, heated lap pool, two whirl-

available, we can’t resist the 200+

pools, a Vichy shower, hydrotherapy

whiskey menu at Burgers & Bour-

room and a state-of-the-art fitness

bon. Finally, every special evening

center (for those who think relaxing

at this haute hotel should end in

involves exercise).

front of a fire pit with five different flavors of s’mores and house-made hot chocolate.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF FOUR SEASONS, VAIL

ski equipment in the morning,

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MONTAGE DEER VALLEY

THE STAY

FOUR SEASONS RESORT AND

tain or Vail Pass for a gorgeous

THE STAY

rooms and a year-round heated

RESIDENCES, VAIL

sunrise ski down, culminating in a

Go big or stay home, we say! Book a

saline pool. This winter, there’s also

VAIL, COLORADO

big (well-earned) breakfast back at

six-bedroom, 5743 square foot suite

a new spa experience that helps

1 Vail Rd., Vail, CO, 81657

the Four Seasons. For the ultimate

to feel like you’re living in the lap

guests adjust to high altitude as

Instagram brag shot, a professional

of luxury. It has two deep standing

quickly as possible. It includes a

Vail is, quite simply, an awesome

videographer accompanies each

tubs, a full Italian kitchen, three

therapist consultation to learn accli-

place to ski (thanks to its 193 alpine

group. But that isn’t all: there’s also

stone fireplaces, a giant outdoor

mation tips and secrets, a 50-minute

trails within seven miles of Colorado

a full-service concierge team that,

terrace and balconies, as well as

High Altitude Adjustment Massage,

Rockies terrain). Skiers will also find

upon check-in, can outfit you in

360-degree views of Vail Village and

as well as an Altitude Adjustment

a quietly elegant and completely

boots and skis courtesy of Gorsuch.

the mountains.

Kit. There’s also a vintage men’s

comfortable hotel in the relatively

A nifty little computer system sends

new Four Seasons Resort and

your measurements directly to the

THE SPA

offers men a cut and a cold one,

Residences, a six-year-old locale that

resort’s Ski Concierge building,

Skiers will love the Four Seasons

plus an array of treatments from its

stays true to its mountain roots with

whereupon your boots and skis

spa, which offers a snow-centric

‘Brew and Renew’ menu: services

natural hickory wood accents and

will be placed in a state-of-the-art

treatment menu, whirlpools, steam

that utilize, yes, beer.

limestone that highlights the furni-

locker that air-dries all gear. When

ture, fireplaces, flooring and walls.

you’re ready to hit the slopes, your

Here, you’ll be at home… only better.

pre-fitted boots will be presented

barbershop within the spa, which

warmed and your skis waxed. And THE SLOPES

for the foodies who also love to ski,

Four Seasons Vail’s guests can get

once a month, the resort invites a

up the mountain before the lifts

select few guests to experience its

even start running, with special-

secret, gourmet-style pop-up barbe-

ized alpine touring gear for the

cue on the mountain, as well as an

ultimate ‘fresh tracks’ experience.

afternoon of skiing with the resort’s

Armed with a few gourmet ‘pocket-

best instructors and management

sized meals’ for a little pre-ski fuel,

team.

Paragon Guides can take you on a

SKI RESORT STYLIN’ Men can enjoy a completely dapper day at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail, which starts with a Bourbon-themed treatment at the hip men’s barbershop before hopping into an FS Mercedes for a styling session in town, where they’ll customdesign clothes to be hand-made in Italy. The haute day wraps with a tasting at the 10th Mountain Whiskey & Spirit Company or Vail Brewing Company.

Fix what ails you at Remedy Bar

pre-sunrise ascent up Bald Moun-

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FOUR SEASONS, VAIL

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MONTAGE DEER VALLEY

The Four Seasons Resort and Residences, Vail

CLEAN, CLOSE SHAVE The vintage men’s barbershop at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences, Vail is the perfect place for a guy to unwind, thanks to its ‘Brew and Renew’ menu of services.

Prospect at Hotel Jerome

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HOME NEAT HOME

BRETT RATNER LAUNCHES HIS FIRST WHISKEY AND REFLECTS ON HIS CAREER AND LIFE •

BY: LAURA SCHREFFLER PHOTOGRAHY: BRIGITTE LACOMBE GROOMING: CANDICE BURNS SHOT ON LOCATION AT THE HILHAVEN LODGE

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E 41

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PEOPLE PAY TRIBUTE TO THE THINGS THEY LOVE IN SOMETIMES

Novak; and, up until his death in 1999, it was the home of Grease and La

inexplicable ways. Marc Jacobs secured his dog a book deal. Karl Lagerfeld’s

Cage aux Folles producer Allan Carr, who liked a good party so much that he

cat was, reportedly, the inspiration behind one of his collections for Chanel.

installed a discotheque (complete with its own disco ball) in the basement.

As for Brett Ratner? Well, he paid tribute to his house by giving it its own whiskey.

Such a property would have been nearly impossible for a guy like Ratner, a self-proclaimed party boy, to resist. And he didn’t. “I always wanted an old

And if any home was worthy of its own brand, it would be Ratner’s Hilhaven

Hollywood house with history,” he admits. “So I found a broker and he said,

Lodge, an iconic Hollywood party spot for the rich and famous—a place that

‘Houses like this—historic Hollywood houses—don’t become available until

has seen more action than all of Tom Cruise’s movies combined. The gated,

someone dies; people live in these houses forever.’ And I said, ‘Okay. I’ll wait,

five-bedroom, stone-and-redwood 1927 behemoth was initially built as the

I guess.’”

‘entertainment quarters’ of a monolithic mansion by Hoover Dam architect Gordon B. Kaufmann, and it has steadily upped its reputation ever since.

Six months later on a Sunday, he received a call at the Beverly Hills Hotel, where he had been living temporarily. Ratner remembers the day like it

Hilhaven Lodge was the first home of scandalous Casablanca star Ingrid

was yesterday. “The broker said, ‘Hurry up, get over here… somebody died.’

Bergman, who became pregnant with Roberto Rossellini’s child while still

Literally, they were carrying the body out of the house when I arrived. That’s

married to another man; it was where director Richard Quine romanced Kim

how good of a broker he was.”

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Ratner isn’t going to pretend that he felt anything but an instant arrow

Red Dragon and X-Men: The Last Stand, among others. He was very con-

through the heart the moment he set foot in Hilhaven. His initial reaction

tent. And then, nine years ago, he met the chief marketing officer of Dia-

was, in fact, “‘Oh my God, I have to own this house!’” He loved everything

geo, a global liquor company whose brands include everything from Johnnie

about it, from the English country lodge vibe to Carr’s ostentatious, orange

Walker and Crown Royal to Guinness and Captain Morgan. “He said, ‘Hey,

mirrored disco, copper floors and ball (which remains in the house to this

we should do some business together’ and I said, ‘Yeah, I have an idea. We

day). At the time, he couldn’t afford such a property—he had only directed

should do a brand named after this house, because it deserves its own brand,

two feature films, Money Talks and Rush Hour—but he couldn’t let the

it has such history. Many celebrations took place for decades in this house. It

opportunity pass him by. And, in 2000, Hilhaven Lodge became his.

was built for the sole purpose of entertaining.”

Although Ratner says he loves nothing more than a good party and

Ratner suggested a whiskey, inspired by a beautifully-shaped whiskey

respects Carr’s dedication to a good time, the director in him saw the

decanter from the 1920s that he had found in the house. Diageo had to

property for what it was initially intended and set about to restore it to its

carefully evaluate his pitch of ‘It’s cool because that’s what people were

former glory. Out went the dark stained walls and leopard spot carpeting,

drinking in this house for several decades’ and ‘Frank Sinatra drank whiskey;

while the original wooden flooring was lovingly refurbished―(the reason

everybody cool drinks whiskey’ because, nine years ago, whiskey was not

why, should you ever be invited, Ratner will ask you to remove your shoes).

in high demand. Two years later, when the sale of the Japanese version of

“There were such great bones here. You feel the history. It had a personality

the liquor suddenly skyrocketed and was becoming more popular, the brand

of its own, the character... so I decided to go back to its original design, made

came back to Ratner with a game plan.

some adjustments, changed some things, but it was basically a restoration.”

Diageo sent specialists to Hilhaven, who smelled the garden and sniffed

He replaced the outdated furniture with Danish, French and Japanese

the lodge’s living oaks in order to bottle the very essence of the house—

pieces of leather, linen and wood that he

which, if you’re a whiskey enthusiast,

loved. “My taste is more eclectic. This

smells a lot like candied fruit, cloves,

[pointing to the living room around him]

vanilla, honey and caramel. The bot-

is more me; it’s my personality.” Ratner

tle’s pattern mirrors the beveled glass

continues, “There’s a round table in the

in the sitting room; its top, the wood

dining room that I already owned. I didn’t

of the floor; the burgundy, a nod to the

know I was going to have a house with a

flowers that dot the lodge’s grounds.

round room, so when I saw that room

“Everything in that bottle is like a

I was just like, ‘Oh my god! My dining

living, breathing embodiment of what

table!’” When he catches us giggling at his

the house is,” Ratner notes. The fact

unabashed, over-the-top exuberance, he

that the Hilhaven Lodge whiskey, a

adds, “Remember: I was 30 and had never owned a house… this was my first!”

Hilhaven Lodge, as befitting the home of a movie mogul, has its own screening room

unique affair that is hand-bottled at the historic Stitzel-Weller Distillery in

PEOPLE ALWAYS ASK ME WHY I DO THIS, AND [THE ANSWER] IS BECAUSE I LOVE STORY-TELLING. I GET JUST AS EXCITED TAKING A PHOTOGRAPH AS I DO TELLING A STORY OR MAKING A MOVIE. Playing house was, and still is, exciting for Ratner. He added a digital

Louisville, Kentucky and comprised of three different kinds—aged bourbon,

projector to the existing, 35mm screening room, as well as refurbished

rye and Tennessee—from three different decades, has become an overnight

the disco and added a game room to showcase his movie memorabilia and

success is even more gratifying to the blockbuster filmmaker.

ephemera. He also bought instruments—not because he plays, but because he constantly has famous musician friends over, and they like to jam.

“We just won the Double Gold medal at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, which is literally like winning an Oscar in the spirits

In true form, the self-proclaimed good-time guy decided to continue the

business,” he enthuses. A beat later, Ratner adds, “I’m so happy I waited nine

lodge’s legacy as a place to entertain in a big way. “I had an old-fashioned

years to get it right. [The Hilhaven Lodge] isn’t the usual spirits brand that

photo booth. I had no furniture. I would have tons of people over, and they

has a celebrity endorsing it. I wanted the house to have its own spirit and

would jump in the photo booth,” he recalls with a big, happy grin. “So I felt

Hilhaven is just that.”

like I was kind of carrying on the tradition of the house.” And on went the

No presence is felt as greatly as Ratner’s infectious, almost childlike

stupendous shindigs, the likes of which have been attended by practically

charisma. Everything brings him joy, whether he’s showing off Helmut

every mover and shaker in Hollywood.

Newton portraits casually propped up against the mantle, or making sure

Meanwhile, Ratner’s directorial credits grew to include Rush Hour 2,

DISCO INFERNO (Above) One of Hilhaven Lodge’s feature attractions is a discotheque in the basement, built by producer Alan Carr.

we’ve seen his cheekily-titled Variety article, “Why I Hate the Hotel du Crap,”

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his moniker for the Cannes hotel favored by (mostly) everyone.

But not everything reflects Ratner’s personality quite like his new whiskey. “I feel like Hilhaven is […] so much of me,” he says. “I would say [the overall feeling you get from us both is] happiness. It’s not too harsh, it’s not too masculine. It’s very high quality without being pretentious. [When people] meet me, [they] assume I live in a marble, modern house—probably because I’m a Miami Jew— which can be boisterous and colorful, aesthetically. But when they come into my home, people are surprised. It’s understated, in my opinion. It isn’t flashy; it’s not pretentious. It’s down-to-earth. I have some really nice art, some nice things but, in my opinion, it’s not in-your-face.”

Ratner’s home isn’t a ‘Look, but don’t touch’ ice palace. It’s lived-in, warm and filled with foot traffic,―including his ‘roommate,’ director Peter Bogdanovich, his live-in girlfriend, his dog, his grandmother (who, believe it or not, is always the last person to leave the festivities… and she’s never missed one) and a slew of assistants.

It suits him to a T—and he knows it. After all, he did design it that way. “I never want to leave here. I’m going to live here forever [like Alan Carr did],” he vows, before saying with a smile, “Hopefully I’ll have a family one day, and kids, and they’ll live here with me. They can even have their bar mitzvah parties in the basement, with the disco ball.”

GOOD TASTE PAYS OFF When people ask Brett Ratner how he picks which films to direct or produce, he tells them, “[I] don’t really have a strategy for my own career, so I always go with my gut instincts.”

As a director, he first ran to big-budget action flicks like the Rush Hour series, and movies similar to the ones he grew up watching, such as Beverly Hills Cop and Midnight Run. But then, he decided to branch out and try something new, resulting in the romantic comedy The Family Man, starring Nicolas Cage; the Silence of the Lambs prequel, Red Dragon; and comic book fodder with X-Men: The Last Stand. The fact that he chose these particular scripts—while turning other, surefire hits down—was no accident. “I was always challenging myself,” he says. “I was always excited to try different genres of movies.”

He turned down Ocean’s Eleven after he developed it to do Rush Hour 2.

Crazy? Maybe, but he has his reasons. “If a movie had a great script and great story, but I couldn’t bring anything to it or make it my own, I would pass,” he admits, continuing, “The great filmmakers are the ones where you can watch their films without having seen the credits and know [for example] that it’s a Martin Scorsese movie. Same thing with Roman Polanski and the Coen brothers.

These directors have their own style, points of view and perspective.”

He also references Spike Lee’s signature shot, where one character appears to be floating towards the camera, or Michael Bay’s stylistic slow motion movement.

But what makes a Brett Ratner movie unique? “All my movies have humanity in them,” he says. “They’re focused on the characters. Even if you don’t remember one scene in Rush Hour, you’ll remember the relationship between the two guys [played by Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker]. There’s also an element of fun: not [necessarily] humor per se, but that they’re enjoying themselves. [My films] are happy, positive and energetic, because I’m [like] that.”

And we can tell. Although he’s currently 47, Ratner has a boyish quality that makes him seem at least 15 years younger. Sitting there in his pajamas and socks,

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legs tucked underneath him and a big smile on his face, it’s hard to believe

From negotiating with the banks to understanding credit facilities and

that he’s not just barely out of college.

film financing... it’s a whole other world, you know? My partner entrusted

That said, he is in his 40s and, as such, has taken a short break from

me with a lot of money. When he believes in somebody, he really backs

directing—in part because he and billionaire business partner James

them up 100 percent. He’s the best partner ever. It’s been an incredibly

Packer have struck a massive, $450 million, 75-movie financing deal with

rewarding and great experience.”

Warner Bros. that, needless to say, keeps him pretty busy.

He’s aware that the RatPac/Warner Bros. deal has changed his rank

When we suggest his current mogul status has been the reason for his

on the hierarchy of the Hollywood ladder, and it isn’t always a welcome

directorial decline, he’s quick to correct us. “As you get older, it takes a

change. “I came from being the talent to being a buyer. I’ve always had

lot out of you to direct a mov-

great relationships with directors,

ie,” he confesses. “I was doing

other filmmakers and actors because

one movie a year, back-to-back.

they still see me as a director but,

Now, I’ve taken a few years off

instead of just being someone who is

to produce movies and build my

trying to sell the studio an idea, we’re

business; 2017 will be the year

also investing in that idea.”

that I direct [again].”

Those expecting to see him

for a guy who was used to calling

at the helm of The Libertine

the shots on his own films. “You

with Johnny Depp—who plays

have to understand each decision

a powerful French politician

that you make and how it’s going to

under house arrest in luxury

affect your time. It’s managing the

Manhattan—well, you’ll have to

filmmaking process [and] being

wait a little longer. Ratner says

fiscally responsible about budgets

I THINK, WITH PASSION AND PERSEVERANCE, NOT HAVING FEAR OF FAILURE ALLOWS YOU TO SUCCEED. that, while it will still happen, it isn’t his next project. He is, however,

and story-telling, all in one. It was a challenge for me, and one that I never

developing a script about Russian oligarchs—wealthy businessmen of the

thought that I would have, but I love it. I can’t believe I get to do what I

former Soviet republics that became rich, seemingly overnight, during the

do. It’s really a dream come true.”

era of privatization after the dissolution of the Soviet Union—as well as a film about the German R&B duo Milli Vanilli’s lip-syncing scandal.

DRINKING IT ALL IN

Given that Ratner was the executive producer of Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s

It’s no secret that Brett Ratner loves being surrounded by people. Chalk it

2015 multiple Oscar-winning film, The Revenant, it’s hard not to trust his

up to the fact that he grew up in a boisterous middle-class Jewish family

judgement. “Ultimately, it’s about good taste and instincts—not just with

in Miami Beach, the son of Marsha Ratner (née Pressman), a Cuban-

movies, but with people and relationships. We have great relationships

born socialite, and Ronald Ratner; his surrogate dad is businessman,

with talent. People want to work with [business partner James Packer and

philanthropist and attorney Al Malnik, the man behind Miami’s famous

I]. They want to bring us their movies to produce. And it’s not easy; it’s a

Forge restaurant.

competitive world out there. There are a lot of places to go for filmmakers to get their movies made.”

He’s the guy who, at 16, talked his way into studying film at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and convinced the great Steven

Hollywood, as a whole, was surprised when Ratner and Packer an-

Spielberg to fund his senior project. He’s the guy who moved to Hollywood

nounced their RatPac Entertainment deal with Warner Bros. in 2013,―a

and made a name for himself with his jovial nature, determination and

joint venture with Dune Capital Partners that covers 75 films (a.k.a. most)

blind ambition.

of the studio’s four-year slate.

“When I was at NYU, almost every kid was connected to someone in

It was also the first time in history that a director had agreed to a

the business, the daughter of a famous film director, or son of a studio

financial undertaking of this magnitude—and surprising because this

head. There was always somebody who had the connections and talent

wasn’t something Ratner knew much about. But he’s a scrappy guy, and

as well. A lot of the times, it made me want to quit. But, because I didn’t

he learned the ropes pretty quickly, especially with Packer as a guide.

quit—because it was my only dream, I stuck it out—I became one of the

“I would say [that starting RatPac was] the most educational thing

most successful unknowns to go to NYU because I had nothing to lose,”

I’ve ever done. I got to learn something I had no clue about, literally.

he says. “I knew my mom would still love me if I didn’t become a director.

ADDITIONAL PHOTO COURTESY OF DIAGEO

THE HILHAVEN LODGE (Above) The Hilhaven Lodge is crafted from aged bourbon, rye and Tennessee whiskey, with a rich profile of spice, sweet oak, candied fruit, dark brown caramel, clove and vanilla.

(Right) An inside look at Ratner’s Hilhaven Lodge

It’s also an entirely new skill set

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ADDITIONAL PHOTO COURTESY OF DIAGEO

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS Hilhaven Lodge is truly home to Ratner, who has made the mansion into a stylish, yet cozy and very liveable place.

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I knew my grandparents were still going to take care of me. I became fearless.”

In addition to his family’s love and support, he succeeded to spite those who assumed he would fail. “All my life, people said, ‘You can’t be a film director— you’re from Miami Beach!’ and ‘You don’t know anyone in the business.’

Everyone was shaking their heads like, ‘How can you become a big director?

That’s not going to happen.’ But I would tell people, ‘I’m going to be a movie director no matter what... positive reinforcement [to myself ] because everyone said I couldn’t do it. But I think, with passion and perseverance, not having fear of failure allows you to succeed.”

However, unlike some of his peers, he does not consider himself to be a disruptor. “I think that, in order to be a disruptor, you have to not care, or not hear the noise of people distracting you or disregarding your passion. I’ve

THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS The bevelled glass of Hilhaven Lodge’s windows inspired the design of its whiskey counterpart’s bottle.

always surrounded myself with people that were much, much, much more successful than me; [they] never gave a shit about what people thought, and I learned from them.”

Whatever he’s doing, it’s working. He’s making the films he wants to make (including his beloved genre of documentaries—of which he’s produced several about filmmakers that inspire him, like Peter Bogdanovich or Sidney Lumet), has published books and music, and takes professional photographs for the fun of it. He’s edited magazines and written op-eds on topics that also inspire him.

It all boils down to the same thing for Ratner: story-telling.

“My focus has always been on a great story. I read something and, if it speaks to me and I feel it, I do it. People always ask me why I do this, and [the answer] is because I love story-telling. I get just as excited taking a photograph as I do telling a story or making a movie.”

Even if he didn’t start out seeking retribution or rewards, he’s getting them: this year, Ratner will receive his own star on the storied Hollywood Walk of Fame. And yes, damn it, that’s validation.

“I had this desire to just make movies, to tell stories. When I was a kid sitting around the table with my whole family, we all took turns telling each other about our days. My grandfather told us stories about growing up in Cuba and the Dominican Republic. Everybody was sharing. That’s how we communicated, through stories. I think it [is] part of Jewish culture, really.”

He pauses a moment and, with the guileless grin of a man who’s perfectly and utterly content, says, “I can’t imagine doing something else. I can’t imagine any other job I would have.”

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Dress: MARCHESA Ring: NEIL LANE

LA_LAURA DERN_12.30.indd 50

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WHO RUNS

THE WORLD?

LAURA DERN DRAWS POLITICAL PARALLELS TO HER NEW FILM, THE FOUNDER, AND EXPOUNDS ON THE VIRTUES OF POWER WOMEN ·

·

BY: LAURA SCHREFFLER PHOTOGRAPHY: MARK SQUIRES ST YLING: CRISTINA EHRLICH HAIR: CREIGHTON BOWMAN MAKEUP: SIMONE ALMEKIAS-SIEGL SHOT ON LOCATION AT PLAZA LA REINA

·

IT’S OFTEN SAID THAT LIFE IMITATES ART. LAURA DERN HAS FOUND

President-elect Donald Trump and Ray Kroc, the man responsible for making

that, unfortunately, a vicious cycle has come full circle: Art has imitated life and

McDonald’s into one of the most powerful franchises in history—as well as the

life, in turn, has imitated art.

subject of her latest project, The Founder, which opens on January 20. Though the

“I’ll tell you a little story, and you can tell me if it sounds familiar. An American

similarities are uncanny, they were completely unintentional: Director John Lee

white male, a narcissist with a chip on his shoulder, decides that he needs to be the

Hancock’s drama was initially shot in 2015, before Trump announced he would

most important man there is, and he will do whatever it takes to become the top

be running that June.

dog.” She folds her hands, pauses a beat, and continues. “He will take the country down with him.”

It doesn’t take a genius to recognize the correlation that Dern is drawing between

As written by Robert Siegel, the Weinstein Company film focuses on Kroc, played by Michael Keaton as a down-on-his-luck milkshake-dispenser salesman.

He has had a constant string of big ideas that never seem to pay off until his

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discovery of McDonald’s, a progressive,

processed food and fillers.”

family-owned burger joint located in

Dern is unsurprised, however, to find that

Southern California. He convinces

there were many viewers who, after seeing The

the eatery’s true founders, brothers

Founder, were on Team Kroc. “It’s interesting,

Mac and Dick McDonald, to hire him

because [some] people have admiration for

as a franchising agent. Seven years

him, [but it] makes sense to me that there

and $2.7 million later, McDonald’s

is also that component, which is why we are

belongs to Kroc and the brothers have

where we are right now in America. We like the

no claim to the restaurant that bears

idea of the guy that makes it big, and we really

their name.

buy into a story that’s invented because even

The film highlights Kroc’s meteoric

rich boys who are born with a silver spoon can

rise to the top and paints the man

tell the story of how they struggled, and ‘Look

included in Time magazine’s “Most

how much they made of their lives.’ But that’s

as a villain whose calculated path of

Michael Keaton (left) with Dern in The Founder

destruction destroys everyone in its orbit, at no cost to Kroc, who shows nary a glimmer of guilt.

not the real story.”

She drives her point home with the film, observing, “It’s the same with Ray Kroc. It was

like, ‘Look what I did, I made an empire!’ but, well, two other guys were here

Dern plays the role of his stoic first wife, Ethel Fleming, a woman who stood

before you, and it was their idea. Obviously, [Kroc] was a brilliant businessman

faithfully by his side for almost 40 years through sickness and health, rich and

and he was a big dreamer and he did change the way America eats—he brought

poor, sorrow and joy… until he trades her in ruthlessly for a younger model.

obesity to the world. To me, the larger theme here is like, ‘Wow, somebody sold

Keaton was spot-on as he told us, “When you watch Laura Dern work, her

us a bag of goods and we bought it because we are scared, we are bored, or we

transitions from one emotion [to another] are so seamless and graceful. She

are poor, or we’re hungry and we want dreams, too,’” she says, before noting, “But

makes turns—little, subtle moves—that I see very few actresses make. She could

dream makers aren’t necessarily the people selling dreams.”

play a monster and somehow you would feel for her. She just drips with empathy.”

So yes, while he might have been responsible for creating the world’s most

In fact, it is Ethel that audiences will feel for by the movie’s end, mostly due to

successful fast food franchises, Kroc is also responsible for feeding one percent of

Dern’s exquisite portrayal. She speaks infrequently, but she doesn’t need to: her

the world’s current population high-calorie processed food on a daily basis and,

eyes and mannerisms express her pain and suffering perfectly. It’s no wonder the

to boot, was a jerk at home―who screwed over his wife just as he made it rich.

actress is already receiving early Oscar buzz for the role.

“The tale we’ve told is a heartbreaking story of how he never considers the

Hancock was insistent that Dern play the part of Ethel, who took it on largely

woman who stood by him in the years of suffering and challenge, or the men

because she was interested in figuring out the couple’s dynamic. She explains,

who did in fact have a good idea, who did want to serve families a good but af-

“She’s starry-eyed and believes his salesman pitch about how [Kroc is] going to

fordable meal. It’s a Greek tragedy,” she says.

make it big and sell this great idea. She buys into [it] and stays and is his cham-

Though, perhaps calling it an American tragedy would be more accurate,

pion and his champion and his champion… until the wind is out of her sails and

given that this particular catastrophe is playing out before our very eyes. And, in

she is ultimately the greatest victim of his glory. She’s the deeply personal part

Dern’s opinion, the timing couldn’t have been better.

about this story.”

It’s a testament to her talent that Dern, in actuality, is the complete antithesis of Ethel. She is well-spoken and warm, yet someone who demands to be heard—

“We had no idea how similar [the film’s context] would be to what everybody’s focus is right now. I do think that we, as Americans, have been hoodwinked over and over again… and, now, I don’t think anyone knows where we are.”

without force—ironically, making her a force to be reckoned with. And while she is disdainful of Trump, she sees the film’s parallels to the current American

POWER WOMEN NEED POWER PROJECTS

climate as an opportunity to share her voice. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to be

Laura Dern might be one of the busiest women in Hollywood, but you’d never

part of [this] movie at this moment, culturally, than ever because it really is an

know it from her demeanor. She’s so relaxed, so easygoing, so normal that she

interesting thing to consider―how easily all of us innocents buy [into] someone

seems more yogi than actor. In addition to The Founder, the 49-year-old actress,

with a great, new idea. Someone who says, ‘I’m going to give you something

two-time Oscar nominee, and three-time Golden Globe winner, has a plethora

you’ve never been sold before.’ Great salesmen are refreshing, so we go, ‘Wow, they

of projects in the pipeline—including a hush-hush role in the highly anticipated

want to give us something new! They’re thinking about us; they’re considering

Star Wars: Episode VIII, David Lynch’s Twin Peaks reboot, Fox Searchlight’s

us.’ And [some of us] bought into it.”

dark comedy Wilson, and HBO’s Big Little Lies, among others.

She makes the point that Kroc, known as a philanthropist and one of the

She’s been sworn to secrecy about Star Wars (her character’s name has yet

most influential men in the world, did as much harm as he did good: “In this

to be revealed), although fan reports claim she’ll play a pink-haired character

case, someone who—with his second wife—ultimately gave an immense amount

akin to The Hunger Games’ Effie Trinket that will have a beef with Oscar Isaac’s

to charity and, in a lot of people’s minds, did a lot of good, also gave America

Poe Dameron. Producer Kathleen Kennedy and director Rian Johnson simply

PHOTO COURTESY OF DANIEL MCFADDEN FOR THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY

Important People of the Century”

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PHOTO COURTESY OF DANIEL MCFADDEN FOR THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY

Dress: VINTAGE OSCAR DE LA RENTA Belt: VINTAGE CHRISTIAN DIOR Ring: VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Earrings: NEIL LANE

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PHOTO COURTESY OF WILSON WEBB/FOX SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES

Dress: ZAID AFFAS Ring: NEIL LANE Earrings: YVEL

THE TALE WE’VE TOLD IS A HEARTBREAKING STORY OF HOW [THE MAN] NEVER CONSIDERS THE WOMAN WHO STOOD BY HIM IN THE YEARS OF SUFFERING AND CHALLENGE…

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decided Dern should be cast―and she was all for it. “As a childhood and

the cake. “She is thoughtful, funny and amazing—and I mean amazing!”

lifelong fan [of George Lucas’ films], as well as a parent, it’s like the

She also reconnected with Shailene Woodley, who played her onscreen

greatest thing that you could ever dream of.”

daughter in the 2014 weeper, The Fault in Our Stars. “Shailene and I are

Which makes the super secretive vibe of the series even more exciting,

literally family. She’s lived in my house. At the time, she was moving and

in her opinion. Although her part has been shot, she can’t say either way if

so she would just come and stay with me. She fell in love with my kids;

the movie has wrapped; the cast is kept in the dark. “It’s all so mysterious!

they’re very close.”

Not only can I not talk about it, but I don’t even know myself. We only know what we do,” she admits.

Of her onscreen female comrades, Kravitz was the only one she hadn’t met before, though in her typical fashion, Dern happily notes that

Fans eager for any scrap of information may have to dismiss what

everyone—and she means everyone (no catfighting here)—“fell in love

they’re reading in the blogosphere, too. “I don’t know where some of the

with each other.” During the numerous night shoots, the ladies would sit

stuff online comes from. I think everyone is so eager and curious that

around telling stories and sharing the intimate details of their lives. “We

they’re making things up. The same is true of Twin Peaks.”

would say, ‘I think they’ve kept us separate for this long by telling the story

Both projects, for the record, lived up to her own expectations— especially the latter, given that the Los Angeles-born Dern previously

of how tricky it will be to get a group of women together.’ Honestly, it was the easiest time we’ve ever had.”

worked with director David Lynch, starring in three of his films through the years: Blue Velvet (1986), Wild at Heart (1990) and Inland Empire

GROWING UP IN THE BUBBLE + WHY 50 IS THE NEW 30

(2006).

Dern grew up in one of Hollywood’s most storied film families, up

But, overall, she says the upcoming comedy Wilson was one of the best experiences of her life. The March

Redgraves. Her father is Bruce Dern,

24 release—based on the graphic

who was nominated most recently

novel by Daniel Clowes—revolves

for a Best Actor Oscar for his work

around a neurotic, lonely and baldly

in Alexander Payne’s Nebraska.

honest middle-aged man (Woody

Mom is actress Diane Ladd; her

Harrelson) who reunites with his

godmother was Shelley Winters.

estranged wife, played by Dern, and

She is the great-granddaughter of

meets his teenage daughter for the

former Utah governor and Secretary

first time.

of War, George Dern, and the great-

It also

reunited

the costars,

grandniece of poet, writer and

who both appeared in the 2005

Librarian of Congress, Archibald

biographical flick The Prize Winner

MacLeish.

of Defiance, Ohio. And Dern says this was definitely part of the pleasure:

Woody Harrelson (left) with Dern in Wilson

Given that she made her film debut at the age of six in her mother’s

“We have the greatest time together. It was like a dream movie. We fell

1973 film, White Lightning, and became the youngest-ever to garner the

in love with Minneapolis; we fell in love with the crew. We spent our

Miss Golden Globe job at the age of 15 in 1982, Dern’s Hollywood path

weekends on the lake, all of us together. It was literally like summer camp.”

was almost predestined (though she―only briefly―harbored the idea of

And yet, although she loved hanging with Woody in Wilson, there’s

becoming a psychologist or doing charity work full-time). But the lure of

almost no movie that can compare to the lifelong friendships she made or

PHOTO COURTESY OF WILSON WEBB/FOX SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES

there with the Barrymores, Bridges, Fondas, Coppolas, Hustons, and

acting, of following in her parents’ footsteps, was too strong.

honed on the set of Big Little Lies, an HBO dramedy created by hit master

“I’m thrilled to play at work and discover. It’s my deepest interest as an

David E. Kelley (based on the book of the same name by Liane Moriarty)

actor: I love discovering how human beings work, how their flaws reveal

with director Jean-Marc Vallée. The seven-part series, which premieres

themselves—how to learn and grow from that—and how characters teach

on February 19, explores the unraveling lives of a group of mothers―and

me things as a woman and as a parent. I’m excited by, and usually inspired

stars some of the biggest names in Tinseltown, including Nicole Kidman,

by, [acting] versus depleted by it,” she says.

Alexander Skarsgård, Shailene Woodley, Adam Scott, Zoe Kravitz, and

She’s felt this way since the very first moment she set foot on a film

Dern’s close pal and Wild costar, Reese Witherspoon. Dern plays the role

set with her mom and dad, from whom she learned that acting could

of Renata Klein, a power woman and anti-bullying crusader.

be more than just a cool job. “Just being around them—the magic of the

“Reese and I discovered our best friendship a couple of years ago when

set, watching amazing directors and seeing my parents work on really

we made Wild. Even more than just making the film, we spent months

extraordinary films at the time—was probably what made the difference

doing press for [it] and became family.” And since Bruna Papandrea

for me. They cared deeply [about what they did]; it really held a deep

and cinematographer Yves Bélanger also worked on Wild, it was like a

value and was more than just a fun profession that they loved.”

reunion. Adding Kidman to the mix this time around, who stars in and

Dern, who is close to both her mother and father, despite an early

executive produced Big Little Lies with Witherspoon, was just icing on

emancipation from them as an independent 13-year-old, vows that they

It’s my “deepest

interest as an actor: I love discovering how human beings work, how their flaws reveal themselves— how to learn and grow from that— and how characters teach me things as a woman and as a parent.

”

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L.A. WOMAN Dern shooting her upcoming HBO series, Big Little Lies

are the ones responsible for her versatile career and greatest life lessons.

each of the women that I’ve mentioned when I’m working alongside them

“My dad taught me to never be pigeonholed, to really allow yourself to

or having dinner with them because I’m like, ‘God, you’ve never looked more

reinvent characters as they reinvent you; to be bold and to be willing to play

beautiful.’ ”

seemingly unlikeable people.” Meanwhile, she learned something entirely

Dern, who arrived at our shoot make-up free and proud, references a

different from Ladd and her mother’s female friends: “I grew up with a

recent hike she took with Moore; both women more than happy to eschew

tribe of amazing women, but certainly my mother and my godmother really

cosmetics and damn the paparazzi that might have been lurking around.

modeled women as actors. There was no pretense involved. They weren’t

“We were fired up!” she says. “We were really owning who we are. I find

playing the role of a girl; they were right there with any male actor. It was

that so sexy. So, I’m kind of learning from [my girlfriends] to let me be

beautiful to watch.”

myself. I’m gaining courage in working with filmmakers who continually

In turn, Dern is passing on valuable knowledge to Jaya, 12, and Ellery,

beg me to be myself—to not change my face or alter myself—because they

15, her children with ex-husband Ben Harper, but her expertise is in a

love working with a human being and watching characters change on my

slightly different area. “I think the only lesson I’ve taught them… is how

face as my face changes with them.”

to love themselves. I mean, you hope that they have a real depth of faith

She adds, “I’m excited by being comfortable in my own skin, but it’s a

in themselves—love themselves so that they will use their voice, come up

daily effort because the outside world doesn’t tell you that story. I mean,

against any bully, respect themselves and, therefore, expect respect in any

these are the women reminding me to be myself and love myself as I am.

relationship or workplace, and feel that they could make a difference so that

It’s not always the easiest task.” She circles back to Big Little Lies and the

they’ll make bold choices in their art, work, service, or parenting.”

friendships she’s made on set, stating, “I think that’s why it’s exciting to be

She admits she doesn’t always know the right thing to say, though;

in a project with four other women. We’re always [pumping each other up].

Dern found it sincerely challenging, for example, to try explaining “to my

The first texts I get in the morning are ‘You are a genius,’ ‘You are so beautiful,’

mix[ed]-race daughter why a man she perceives as a sexist bully gets picked

‘Girl, your body looks amazing!’ You can’t dream up a better support system.

[to become president].” And, like any good mom, she wants to protect her

“It’s so funny because I think women have been categorized as people

kids from anything that could hurt or harm them. “I’m trying my best with

who don’t support each other—and we do! As mothers, in our work, we are

as much as I know how to right now,” she adds. “I think I’m getting better.

holding each other up. So we definitely need to do it as we grow, age, and

It’s why, now that my kids are not babies and I’m getting older, I’m learning

redefine what beauty is and what sexuality is and what wisdom is and what

how to really speak deeply with them. This is definitely a campaign for not

being a wife is... what being a mother is. It’s up to us to say what it is because

having children in your 20s, which I didn’t. I was 30: you definitely need to

we’ve heard what others say about it and we don’t agree with them—so we

know how to have compassion for yourself and have some self-love before

might as well give our own version.”

you [can] even attempt to raise another human being.”

How’s that for girl power?

If it sounds like aging is something Dern has embraced, you’d be right.

She’ll turn the big 5-0 on February 10, an age that would have most Hollywood stars questioning their shelf life and running for the nearest plastic surgeon. But, as we’ve mentioned, Dern is not your typical actress.

Her 40s were awesome. So 50? Seriously, no big deal.

“I love being in my 40s,” she maintains. “I’m old enough that I’m not growing up basing myself, my worth, or my credibility on—truly—what everybody else thinks. [Right now,] I’m my most powerful, my most vulnerable and my most curious. I could have never imagined that those things would go together.”

When she says that she’s lucky she’s not growing up as a young woman young enough that they are learning about becoming a woman today in the world [where] they’re taking selfies to define themselves. It seems really disconcerting. I’m also really liking being in a position as an actress in my 40s, and now having entered my late 40s, [where I think,] ‘What is beauty and what is being comfortable with your beauty as you age?’”

She references her squad—Witherspoon, Kidman, Julianne Moore, Naomi Watts, and Diane Lane—and what they’ve discussed about aging gracefully and being a woman of worth: “I’m with a tribe of women, my girlfriends that are my age, and these women are powerful and beautiful and raw. I look at them, and I’m watching them grow with wisdom into what I think is just the sexiest and most beautiful time of their lives. I’m stunned by

PHOTO COURTESY OF HILARY BRONWYN GAYLE/HBO

today, we wholeheartedly agree with her. “I have empathy for anybody

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PHOTO COURTESY OF HILARY BRONWYN GAYLE/HBO

Dress: GEORGES CHAKRA Earrings: HEARTS ON FIRE Ring: NEIL LANE Shoes: ROGER VIVIER

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CHAUMET Hortensia Voie LactĂŠe brooch in plated rhodium and white gold, diamonds, white chalcedony and sapphires.

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CHAUMET Toi & Moi Joséphine Ronde de Nuit ring in white gold and diamonds.

Night Blooms THESE SPARKLING DIAMONDS WILL LIGHT UP ANY EVENING. PHOTOGRAPHY: TOM CLAISSE @ ALMAKARINA AGENCY ART DIRECTION: KARINA RIKUN @ ALMAKARINA AGENCY

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CARTIER Bracelet in platinum, white gold, pearl pieces, brilliant diamonds, onyx and pear-shaped emerald eye.

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CHANEL FINE JEWELRY Soleil brooch in white gold with white and yellow diamonds.

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DE GRISOGONO Earrings from the Ventaglio collection in white gold with blue and pastel blue sapphires.

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PIAGET Extremely Piaget collection necklace in white gold with diamonds and blue sapphire.

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MESSIKA Cassiopée cuff from the Diamants Célestes collection in white gold and diamonds.

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CHANEL FINE JEWELRY Comète ring in white gold and diamonds.

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VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Mer Chatoyante necklace and detachable clip in white gold, diamonds, tanzanite, aquamarine and sapphires.

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CHOPARD Bracelet in fair-mined white gold and diamonds from the Green Carpet collection.

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Giving, the

LEE WAY LEE DANIELS ON GIVING BACK, STAR POWER AND HOW HE’S BUILDING AN EMPIRE BY: LAURA SCHREFFLER

CREATIVE DIRECTION: KELCEY NEWMAN

•

•

PHOTOGRAPHY: ANDREAS BRANCH

STYLING: MIRIAM STERNOFF AND MICAELA BECKWITH

SHOT ON LOCATION AT THE SLS BEVERLY HILLS

•

GROOMING: HEE SOO KWON

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,

Overcoat: SANDRO Turtleneck: TOM FORD Jeans: J BRAND Boots: SAINT LAURENT

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W

ITHIN FIVE MINUTES

Daniels would agree that he’s living the dream—he’s matter-of-fact

of meeting Lee Daniels,

about his success and doesn’t pussyfoot with humble platitudes—but,

you realize that the guy is

because of it, he also feels a strong sense of purpose to create similar

a giver. Yes, we do mean in

opportunities for those who remind him of who he used to be: a kid with

the philanthropic sense,

hustle from the streets of Philadelphia.

but his generosity is more

Then again, it seemed almost predestined that he would work with

than mere largesse. When

Ghetto Film School (GFS), an award-winning non-profit known for

he

anything—be

its unique approach to film-making. The organization plucks up-and-

gives

it his time, attention or

coming filmmakers from diverse backgrounds and gives them the tools to

advice—he gives it fully. He is completely present, wholly engaged and

accomplish their goals through a pre-professional narrative filmmaking

always, without a doubt, one hundred percent himself. That said, Lee

program, as well as an early career support network for those already

Daniels will also—if the situation calls for it—give you hell.

working in creative industries.

He refers to himself as “intuitive and kind to a fault” but also, when he’s

He originally stumbled upon GFS by accident in 2001. While

hurt, “ruthless to get back

looking for interns, founder Joe Hall told him he could help. “We just

on track.” He realizes that

started kicking it and he started introducing me to these kids and I felt

his self-descriptions clash,

this overwhelming need to participate, to help, to be a part of it.” For

but that’s pure Lee Daniels

Daniels, the decision to become involved was highly personal. “These

for you.

kids reminded me of myself,” he notes. “They [needed a break] and they

“That’s

completely

Call it what you like: fate, destiny or even God’s will. Lee does. “I kept

says with a laugh, before

thinking for the longest time that this gift is not mine. It belongs to

going into further detail.

God; it belongs to the universe. Whatever gifts I have, they won’t last if

“I

insulting

I don’t pass them on. I don’t know what it is exactly; I don’t know if it’s

anybody. I am kind to

don’t

like

karmic, but it’s something that is spiritual in me that I understand. It is

a fault, even if it means

my obligation to pass it on to people that are far more talented than I

hurting myself. But when I

am, that have the possibilities to do what it is that I have yet to achieve.”

find my art compromised, I’m

DANIELS with his Ghetto Film School students.

ruthless,

“

”

Daniels isn’t all talk and no action where his students are concerned:

because

he’s a hands-on mentor who puts his money where his mouth is. Not only

when I feel like I’m being

does he lend his expertise by teaching classes on both coasts, but the Lee

taken advantage of, or that

Daniels Entertainment company he established was the first ever to host

people take my kindness as weakness, I become the guy from the streets

interns and hire alumni as employees back in 2003, and continues to do

[where I grew up], which has gotten me where I’m at today.”

so to this day.

Let’s recap Lee’s successes: he is a two-time Academy Award-winning

He fondly recalls his early days working with the organization when

director who also produced Monster’s Ball, a film that made history for

he was an up-and-coming filmmaker himself. “I had an office in Harlem,

making its star, Halle Berry, the first African-American to win a Best

a brownstone where I lived, and I would have 20 kids over. [I’d say]

Actress Oscar. He later became the co-creator, executive producer, writer

‘Okay, have you read the scripts? Give me something good! What is my

and a director of Empire, one of the hottest shows on television. Even

next movie?’ Then, we would dissect scripts and we would understand

more impressively, Daniels reached Hollywood all on the strength of

characters.”

sheer will.

Giving back, really, was part of my evolution as a filmmaker.

wanted to do cinema.”

contradictory, right?” he

He wouldn’t call what he did with Ghetto Film School in its infancy

Seriously, his story could have been scripted. He grew up in Philadelphia

‘work.’ Instead, he says, “It was family to me. A lot of them were gay and

before moving to St. Charles, Missouri to attend college at Lindenwood

were coming out [Daniels himself is openly gay] and were going through

University. Then, when he couldn’t afford film school after graduating,

the same struggles that I was going through. Giving back, really, was part

Daniels moved to California and began working as a receptionist in a

of my evolution as a filmmaker.”

nursing agency. If you’re a fan of the musical Annie Get Your Gun, you’ll

He will always be loyal to the non-profit because of the kindness Joe

remember the lyrics, “Anything you can do, I can do better / I can do

Hall showed him. Although he has less time to teach now, Daniels says

anything better than you.” Well, that’s Lee Daniels to a T. He soon realized

he enjoyed it so much because, prior to starting his career, “there [had

he could start his own agency and, by the tender age of 21, had a company

been] no one there for me. I had to learn firsthand on a set.” He adds,

with over 5,000 affiliated nurses. He then segued from nurses to actors

“[Teaching] was the same high I got from filmmaking.”

and became both a casting director and manager. Monster’s Ball was,

Now, with so many projects on his plate, from Empire to his hotly

unbelievably, his first production effort and the rest, as they say, is history.

anticipated new series, Star, to a Richard Pryor biopic starring Omar

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Epps and Oprah Winfrey (who also starred in his 2013 film, The Butler), his role within the organization has changed, but he still remains active in a different capacity: on the GFS Board of Directors, along with 21st Century Fox CEO James Murdoch and close pal and fellow filmmaker David O. Russell.

“I’m no longer an independent filmmaker struggling very hard from film to film. Now I’m sort of a different animal... a beast—that’s the word!” he declares with his notoriously infectious laugh.

Nowadays, Daniels’ lessons—to his students and to his own two children—remain the same, and happen to be the same lessons he himself learned through almost 57 years of trial and error. “I try to teach kids [that] you have to have a vision. You have to have what it is that you want to paint—the portrait, the theme and the story that you want to tell. You have to know that you don’t have the answers, that this has to be a collaboration. You must surround yourself with people that know more than you in their craft because that’s when true genius happens. That genius comes through the humility of knowing that you don’t know it all, and that you have to rely on people.”

This, he applies to his own life and the people that have surrounded him on multiple film sets and, in particular, on Empire. “I’ve seen directors take credit for things they shouldn’t be taking credit for. I can’t take credit [for my students’] fire. Yes, it is my story. Yes, I directed it, but I had a partner [Danny Strong] that helped facilitate that. I have another showrunner who ran with my ideas. I have incredible writers. I have FOX, who I fight with often about my vision, but sadly—and they would love to hear me say this—they are right about a lot of things. They saved me from myself a lot of times.”

To forget those that work with you, that better you, is career suicide, in Daniels’ opinion. “Ego is death,” he notes. “You have to have a healthy ego, but you also have to give credit where credit is due—and that’s what I try to tell my kids.”

STAR POWER + TRUSTING HIS INTUITION

It’s Friday afternoon and Lee Daniels is in a jovial mood.

He’s on Santa Monica Boulevard in Los Angeles, furniture shopping for his Manhattan loft. He will soon be jetting to Atlanta, where he’ll begin production on his latest show, Star. But first: retail therapy. “Let me tell you something. I am about to upset my business manager because I am going shopping, and I am in front of a store where I’m about to do some damage!” he says with a laugh, but also with such

Green overcoat: THE KOOPLES Turtleneck: TOM FORD

conviction that we can almost hear his business manager sigh in despair.

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But why shouldn’t he treat himself ? He’s a notoriously hard worker, and has achieved a ridiculous amount of fame and fortune over the past 15 years. However, he also hasn’t achieved this level of success by being a dummy. Sure, he can turn on that mega-watt grin and easy charm for anyone—we were slammed with the full force of it during our photo shoot at the SLS hotel and are still a little dazed— but you should also know you’ll have to jump through hoops to gain his trust.

Once bitten, twice shy, as they say. “Getting my trust is a motherfucker because you really have to prove to me that you know your shit, because I know I know my shit,” he declares, before adding, “But once I trust you, then everything is ‘Kool & the Gang’—then we run wild.”

Again, he’s going to be honest: Daniels knows almost immediately if he’s going to grant that trust. He might not tell you right away but, then, he’s a businessman.

He’s strategic. “I’m very intuitive,” he notes. “I know immediately whether somebody is a good egg or a bad egg.”

That intuition has helped him not only in his career, but in life as a whole. “I think it has kept me from being shot and from catching HIV. My intuition is ultimately my greatest gift, and I [choose whether or not to] trust pretty quickly because I see the light or the dark coming in.”

He hasn’t always listened to that intuition, but that’s an entirely different matter.

I try to teach “kids [that]

you have to have a vision.

You have to have what it is that you want to paint—the portrait, the theme and the story you want to tell.

”

“I’ve been wrong,” he admits. “And I’ve been wrong and wrong and wrong. I have not listened to my spirit.”

Such was the case with Star, a musical drama set in Atlanta that revolves around three young singers navigating the often-bumpy road to success in the music business. The series hit a snag in September when its former show runner, Charles Murray, left; he has since been replaced by Charles Pratt Jr. Daniels doesn’t shy away from the topic: instead, he frankly admits that he should have gone with his gut. “I met with someone that, instinctively, I felt didn’t have the vision. I was told, ‘Well, there is nobody else out there and we’re not going to make our deadlines.’ So I said, ‘He’s terrific and I love him and he’s very, very talented, but [I should have added] I don’t know that he has the right voice.’

“That’s why so many artists fail—they don’t listen to their spirit, and I’ve never not listened to my spirit. When I [don’t], it leads me astray; it’s bad.”

That said, Star’s production is now coming along swimmingly. No harm, no foul. Daniels is currently filming the show in Atlanta with stars Queen Latifah and Benjamin Bratt, as well as newcomers Jude Demorest, Ryan Destiny and Brittany O’Grady. Thanks to original music and musical fantasy sequences, the series is projected to be as big of a hit as Daniels’ other television sensation, Empire—and he owes it all to Denzel Washington.

While “kicking it” with the Oscar winner one day after FOX requested another project, Washington asked Daniels a poignant, pointed question. “He asked me: ’What got you into the business in the first place?’ and I was like, ‘I remember being 16 and stealing my mother’s Eldorado and driving from Philadelphia to New York to see the Broadway production of Dream Girls, how it changed my life and how it made me want to do what it is that I do.”

He also knew that the show had to be the ‘anti-Empire.’ But he thinks it will still resonate with viewers because “we see a lot of ourselves in them. We love them, we feel their pain. It’s a much darker show than Empire,” he says of the series, which is based on Jacqueline Susann’s iconic 1960s novel, Valley of the Dolls. Daniels adds, “Where Empire is poppier and really about success, this is about talent and the underbelly of the music industry in a way that we haven’t seen before, all through

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Suit and turtleneck: TOM FORD

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Green overcoat: THE KOOPLES Turtleneck: TOM FORD Sunglasses: SAINT LAURENT

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music.”

He continues, “We slowly but surely see [this girl group] tear themselves down as they become sort of successful. How do they accept

protagonist, antihero and the founder of Empire Entertainment, and his ex-wife and fellow CEO Cookie [Taraji P. Henson] during their younger years.

fame and the price that they have to pay for it? Through it, we do go

“We ended up casting a young Lucious and a young Cookie, and they

into world political issues that are hitting home today: The Black Lives

were so incredible,” Daniels explains. “My sister [Leah Daniels] is a

Matter issue, the atrocities that happen in foster care homes. We see our

casting director, and she discovered both of them. I didn’t really want

lead, Star, who is white, thrown into a black world, and we see what it’s

to do an Empire spin-off at all, but they were so good that, when [the

like to be white in a black world. We see racism in a way that we haven’t

studio] talked about it, I said,

seen it before. Everybody is too afraid to say that black people can be

‘Okay, I’ll think about it.’ There

racists too, and so we never see what the other side is like. I’m real excited

are only talks at the moment.”

about showing that other side.”

That said, he wouldn’t be Lee

While it seems that his own ‘star’ is prepared to rise, Daniels refuses to

Daniels if he didn’t already have

count his chickens before they’ve hatched, as much as he’d like to—and

a story in mind. He’s always

as much as the series seems groomed for it, given that it’s taking Empire’s

plotting, thinking, creating. In

hot spot of Wednesdays at 9 pm when the former goes on hiatus. “I’m

addition to his two shows, he’s

always prepared for failure,” he admits. “I learned early on not to expect

working on two projects with

success. I’m still very wary and very skeptical and still prepared for failure

Empire executive producer Brian

so that I don’t get my hopes up too high.”

Grazer. The first is a single-

He issued the same warning to his three ingénues, as well. “I said,

camera half-hour comedy series

‘Listen: they’re coming for us. With success, they’ve got to build you up

starring standup comedian Ms.

and tear you down. That’s part of Hollywood—don’t take it personal.’”

Pat. The second is a remake of

That doesn’t mean he isn’t championing the show’s success anyway—

the 1983 Best Picture Academy

or the success of its stars. “These girls are just breathtaking. They’re

Award winning-film Terms of Endearment. For those unfamiliar with

provocative, and they’re today’s girls with today’s women’s point of

James L. Brooks’ tearjerker, Emma, played by Debra Winger, splits from

views. It’s very exciting to see,” he notes, before comparing these ladies

her philandering husband, Flap (Jeff Daniels), and returns home to live

to another set of famous females. “I remember how Sex and the City hit

with her mother, Aurora (Shirley MacLaine), before discovering that she

when it first came out and I thought, ‘Whoa... these girls have a point of

has terminal cancer.

view.’ [Star] has a little bit of that, but with me all over it.”

BUILDING AN EMPIRE

Daniels can’t reveal much about the movie, other than the fact that it’s not what anyone will expect—the story has been flipped and will be “a black version set in the ‘90s.” In his depiction, Flap contracts HIV,

What’s the easiest way to get mega-star Mariah Carey on Empire? That

which he passes on to his wife unknowingly. “I tell stories that I know,

would be to not offer Mariah Carey a role on Empire.

and so many of my friends passed away from AIDS,” Daniels says. “[In

“She stopped calling me,” Daniels says of the five-time Grammy winner, who also starred in his 2009 drama, Precious. “She’s one of my

my film,] instead of dying of cancer, Emma dies of AIDS. Aurora has to come to terms with forgiving him because he killed her daughter.”

very best friends and someone I speak to regularly, but she stopped

Heavy stuff, but Daniels isn’t one to shy away from controversial

calling me. I hadn’t heard from her in like a month, which was weird.

topics. “Everybody that I’ve ever written, that I’ve ever directed, is based

You get busy and stuff, but not that busy. So I called her and I was

on a situation of either myself, or a family member, or a best friend,”

like, ‘What’s up? Where are you?’ and she goes, ‘You’ve had everyone on

he confides. It’s a true skill to tell stories the way Lee does, taking real-

Empire but me.’ And I was like, ‘Uh oh! Let me put you on. Okay? Don’t

life, personal events and spinning them into palatable bites of celluloid

worry about it.’”

fodder, keeping viewers not only constantly engaged, but on the edge of

And there you have it. Carey made her grand appearance on the series’

DOUBLE DIRECTION Daniels and Silver Linings Playbook director David O. Russell [center] giving feedback to student filmmakers at the Ghetto Film School table read last May.

their seats to see what’s next.

third season this year as Kitty, a character who serves as the catalyst for

This love of storytelling is the legacy he wants to pass on through

Jamal Lyon’s [Jussie Smollett] temporary return. Her character’s name,

Ghetto Film School and, one day, through his own education center. “In

as it happens, is an inside joke between the two longtime pals. “She calls

my next life—no, in this life—I probably will open a film school myself,”

me Cotton and I call her Kitten. Our names are based on an early John

he says. “I might teach; not at a university or anything, but for people

Waters movie that we both love. That’s why her name on the show is

who come from where I’m from. There’s no greater high than passing it

Kitty.”

on, for me, other than creating art.”

Fans might even get to see that ‘empire’ expand, as Daniels can

He pauses for nearly a beat before adding with his signature laugh,

confirm that a spin-off is being discussed—and that, should it happen,

“You can quote me, honey. You can quote and quote and quote.” Consider

it will revolve around Lucious Lyon [Terrence Howard], the show’s

it done.

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“MAN Of Style”

HAUTE LIVING IS BRINGING IN THE NEW YEAR IN GREAT STYLE: THIS IS US STAR, ACTOR JUSTIN HARTLEY, SPORTS THE COOLEST NEW PIECES FROM THE LOUIS VUITTON DENIM COLLECTION­—A CASUAL EDGE PERFECT FOR THE SEASON. PHOTOGRAPHY:RYAN JEROME FASHION:BRUNO LIMA FOR CELESTINE AGENCY GROOMING:SACHA QUARLES FOR EXCLUSIVE ARTISTS MANAGEMENT SET DESIGN:ERICK STRYKER

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Coat: LOUIS VUITTON

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Head-to-toe look by LOUIS VUITTON

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HOME Coming

Choreographer Benjamin Millepied has finally brought his L.A. Dance Project back to Los Angeles

BY LAURA SCHREFFLER

•

PHOTOGRAPHY: MORGAN LUGO

BENJAMIN MILLEPIED IS IN LOVE WITH LOS ANGELES AND, YES, HE CAN ABSOLUTELY COUNT the ways (but you’ll have to keep reading to hear them). In our opinion, however, nothing says ‘I love you’ more than the fact that the French choreographer, a former New York City Ballet principal dancer and director of the Paris Opera Ballet, founded his dance company in homage to the City of Angels. The mission of the L.A. Dance Project—which he founded in 2012 with composer Nico Muhly, art consultant Matthieu Humery, producer Charles Fabius and composer Nicholas Britell—is to promote new, collaborative work by emerging and established artists, and to revisit influential multidisciplinary dance collaborations from the past. In December, for the first time since its debut, the collective came home to The Theatre at Ace Hotel for the U.S. premieres of “II Acts for the Blind,” and “On The Other Side,” the world premiere of “Homecoming” with music composed and performed by Rufus Wainwright (Millepied choreographed the latter two and dances in “Homecoming”) and the pas de deux “After the Rain.” Explains Millepied, “I chose Los Angeles as a home base for the company in 2012 simply because the city is inspiring to me. L.A.’s rich cultural heritage, from the silent film era to classical music to visual arts, has been the inspiration and home of many important artists—a place where each felt great freedom and creativity in the pursuit of their art.” Here, Millepied (who is also the subject of Reset, a documentary about his time at the Paris Opera Ballet that opens in Los Angeles and New York theaters on January 13) discusses his love for the City of Angels and the local spots he and wife Natalie Portman like to visit.

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How does it feel to be bringing the L.A. Dance Project home?

think the company will take off in more of a significant way once we

Very good, very good. It was a conscious choice to [come] back to

actually spend more time here, and that’s going to happen in 2017.

L.A. and focus on the company here. I’ve been hard at work for a few months and I feel like I’m in the right place, both in terms of leading

How does L.A. specifically inspire you?

the company and as a place to live­—as a place for the company to exist,

There [are] a lot of things that inspire me. How international the

for the community, and what L.A. is right now in terms of the cultural

city is and diverse—that is something that [I am] truly confronted

momentum going on, I think.

with daily, whether I’m going downtown or driving through Koreatown or to the flower market. I think, in terms of performing arts,

You’re showcasing four pieces. Can you tell us about them and

they’re done well. It’s interesting for me because there is such a young

how they reflect the location?

audience, a culture here for music, here for movies, here for technol-

It really feels like [L.A.] has a clear, strong identity [that comple-

ogy in a city that is not too saturated with organizations. There is an

ments] what the company is and what it’s grown to be. We have a

interesting opportunity. It’s the right home to develop the project.

piece called “II Acts for the

We’re not just looking to stay in

Blind” by choreographer Roy

one place and do shows; I want

Assaf, who came to L.A. and

to do things across the city and in

was inspired and intrigued by

different areas, with different col-

the city. It’s more of a theatre

laborators. We’re still writing the

piece, which has speaking in it.

history of dance in Los Angeles,

It’s a reflection on thoughts and

we’re writing the story. It’s an in-

impressions from a foreigner’s

teresting challenge to me.

perspective. [They are also performing the Millepied-choreo-

What specifically inspired the

graphed “On the Other Side.”]

move?

Then, there are two more pieces, [one of which] I will dance with

Millepied watches Rachelle Rafailedes and Julia Eichten dance

This is my home. I moved here in 2011 and then obviously lived in

I CHOSE LOS ANGELES AS A HOME BASE FOR THE COMPANY IN 2012 SIMPLY BECAUSE THE CITY IS INSPIRING TO ME. IT’S ACES The Theatre at the Ace Hotel in downtown Los Angeles is the official home of the L.A. Dance Project.

Janie Taylor [called] “Homecoming” that I choreographed to music

Paris for a year and a half. This is just the place I want to live, period,

by Rufus Wainwright and, finally, a duet called “After the Rain” with

for my reasons. I like a little bit of having more time to think and work,

Carla Körbes, which will be the first time we’ll present a Christopher

a little bit more laidback of an environment, and because the company

Wheeldon piece. The idea was to come up with something really spe-

is here and I think the company should be here.

cial to celebrate this new stage for the dance project. To me, to some extent, this is the most special project we’ve presented here.

What do you think the city is doing really well right now, culturally?

I think, visually, arts are thriving! There is more room for artists. All

Can you speak about the dance project’s mission and how it has

the musicians are here now—they’re not really as much in New York.

grown or changed since it started?

It’s really the place to be; they can hop from studio to studio and col-

I think the key now for us is to spend more time in L.A. and to grow

laborate. And it’s the media capital of the country and now there is

our audience as a whole with a physical space that we can develop.

more technology here as well. So [there are] a lot of interesting, posi-

That’s really what I’m focusing on for next year and committing to a

tive aspects to Los Angeles.

place where the company will come more often. We’ll still be doing international touring, but there will also be developments on the digital

What are a few of your favorite spots in the city?

side of the project, which I can’t talk about now. It’s very important

That’s the thing with L.A.: there is always something to discover and

that we share the community. I don’t want the company to be just a

there’s always a lot to explore. I mean, right now, there are so many

name. I want things to be realistic [and] more present here in L.A. I

[restaurants] that I want to go to. I haven’t been to Crossroads yet,

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which is a restaurant I’m dying to go to. I love the Arts District

Which is your favorite date spot and why?

and the new Hauser Wirth [& Schimmel] gallery. I go to places

I originally went to the restaurant Hal’s, which is pretty great…

like Factory Kitchen and Bestia, but I also go to small restaurants

but my list is constantly changing. The whole point is to discover

in strip malls that aren’t exactly amazing. I love Griffith Park, and

[new] places so that you don’t go back to the same ones.

I don’t get enough to the beach but I love going. There are so many. I love the Huntington Library in Pasadena, the pool there,

How would you describe Los Angeles in three words?

the flea market once a month. Some of the places like Window,

To me, I would say ‘bright’ (the light and brightness [are] some-

which has this incredible eye—[it’s] a modern-antique place on

thing that I love), ‘diverse’ (Manhattan feels like a strip mall to me

Melrose—I mean, there [are] so many.

now compared to Los Angeles), and ‘progressive’.

Millepied dances with Rachelle Rafailedes

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Best SIMPLY THE

Fashion is “ important

[... because it] allows women to express themselves. It is so much more than just putting clothes on your body; [it’s] more of a statement of how you feel and who you are. It is actually quite powerful when you think about it.

”

These style gurus are the secret weapons behind some of the most fashionable celebrities—and the hottest red carpet looks around.

CRISTINA EHRLICH

Clients include: Anna Kendrick, Brie Larson, Tina Fey, Penelope Cruz, Mindy Kaling, Priyanka Chopra, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Allison Williams, Lena Dunham In the know: This New York-born stylist didn’t begin her fashion career until later in life, dancing professionally until the age of 27 until she retired to pursue her other love.

Her first styling memory: “My first taste of what it felt like to create a real moment with a client was when

more than just putting a dress on a pretty face.”

The item she can’t live without: “My Pierre Hardy black leather motorcycle boots are my essentials.”

Her fashion rule of thumb: “I’m not a stylist or a style-maker who believes in trends. It is more about creating moments that are timeless, cool, and feel appropriate for the client I am working with. What I do with a client one year, style-wise, can be completely different the next year. It has to do with the feeling and the vibe of that particular moment and PRETTY IN PINK Ehrlich’s proudest styling moment was this blush Atelier Versace gown that Penelope Cruz wore to the 2007 Academy Awards.

translating it through their look on the red carpet. It is also crucial that the woman shines through the clothing she is wearing and she is the dominant factor.”

Her essential items for awards season 2017: “Every one of my clients is approached uniquely and differently. I consider what they are promoting, what their age is, the designers they have relationships with or what they feel most confident wearing. It is important to me to find looks that invigorate them and get them excited to go on the carpet.”

The red carpet look she’s proudest of: “I will eternally be proud of the blush Atelier Versace gown Penelope [Cruz] wore

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to the 2007 Oscars. It was her Audrey Hepburn moment.”

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a real ‘Wow!’ where everything came together and I realized that it was so much

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I was styling Mandy Moore, back in the day, for the 2002 MTV Awards. It was

TARA SWENNEN Clients include: Kristen Stewart, Aja Naomi King, Odette Annable In the know: This Cornell graduate began her career at Barneys New York prior to assisting two of the industry’s biggest names, Andrea Lieberman and Rachel Zoe. Honing her skills on costume design and red carpet work, Swennen was inducted into the Costume Designers Guild after collaborating on NBC’s primetime show, Cane.

Her first styling memory: “One of my first styling memories was drawing croquis at [the] very tender age of six or seven and styling them out with various outfits and accessories. I then turned those sketches in as part of my college application to Cornell University for their textiles and apparel program. I like to think they helped with my acceptance!”

The item she can’t live without: “I can’t live without five things: black pumps, blue jeans, crisp white shirts, a black trench and Jack Purcells.”

Her fashion motto: “Always be true to yourself and shine! If you got it, Her insider tip: “All the tricks of the trade! Amazing undergarments, double-stick tape, shoe aids and my amazing tailor!”

IN THE TRENCHES Swennen loves a good classic trench, such as the Burberry Sandringham Long Heritage available at Saks Fifth Avenue.

The red carpet look she’s proudest of: PHOTOS COURTESY OF TARA SWENNEN, BURBERRY AND ASSOULINE

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own it—no matter what your age, shape or color!”

“I could never narrow it down to just one, but I did recently love Kristen Stewart’s white one-sleeve Rodarte look at The New York Film Festival. It was unique and fun with a twist; it had a romantic yet rock and roll vibe!”

Fashion plays an important role “in defining our personalities, moods,

beliefs and identities in this world. It is also an amazing creative art form for most of us!

”

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LESLIE FREMAR

BACK IN BLACK Fremar favors chic black blazers, like the Spencer jacket from Saint Laurent.

Clients include:

Her essential fashion item:

Charlize Theron, Julianne Moore,

“A black blazer.”

Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Connelly

Her fashion motto:

In the know:

“You have to feel good to look good.”

This New York City-based stylist began

Her essential items for awards

her fashion career at Vogue prior to be-

season 2017:

coming the in-house director of celeb-

“I think we will see a lot velvet.”

rity relations at Prada and ultimately

The red carpet look she’s

deciding to become a full-time stylist.

proudest of:

Her first styling memory:

“I’m proud of every look because

“When I interned in high school at

so much work goes into creating

Flare magazine in Canada, I remem-

[them]. I could never just choose

ber going on my very first shoot like it

one.”

was yesterday.”

is so important because it’s a tool that “ Fashion allows people to express themselves. ”

JILL LINCOLN & JORDAN JOHNSON Clients include: Jennifer Lawrence, Sofia Vergara, Kiernan Shipka, Jennifer Garner, Isla Fisher, Julianna Margulies In the know: Jordan and Jill oversaw the styling studio for Rachel Zoe together, before branching out on their own.

The items they can’t live without: item.”

Their essential items for awards season 2017: “Nipple covers (we can talk about this for days), a tailor on hand for the day of events (because we’ve experienced every wardrobe mishap imaginable) and a plan for cocktails when the client gets out the door.”

RED HAUTE Jennifer Lawrence wears Dior to the 2016 Golden Globe Awards.

The red carpet look they’re proudest of: Jill: “Does Sofia Vergara’s wedding dress count? The stories that dress could tell... We joked that we ‘birthed’

“

Fashion can be a light in a chaotic world. The excitement of finding the perfect black dress, the anticipation of the Oscars’ red carpet, the joy of giving or receiving this season’s ‘It’ bag. Though these moments are fleeting, few are immune to the joy one feels in the presence of a coveted fashion item.

”

that dress. I had a baby a month ago and still equate that experience to giving birth with all the same emotions.”

Jordan: “Jennifer Lawrence’s red gown at last year’s Golden Globe Awards was very special... when we added a necklace to that dress, the whole look became a moment!”

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Jill: “My Saint Laurent tux jacket.. it’s my unicorn fashion

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Fashion “inspires

ELIZABETH STEWART PHOTOS COURTESY OF ELIZABETH STEWART AND PROENZA SCHOULER

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LESLIE FREMAR, SAINT LAURENT AND JILL LINCOLN & JORDAN JOHNSON

FALLING FLOWERS Stewart favors dresses like Proenza Schouler’s Falling Flowers Crepe Wrap Dress.

Clients include: Cate Blanchett, Sandra Bullock, Julia Roberts, Viola Davis, Amanda Seyfried, January Jones, Jessica Chastain In the know: After 12 years in the style department of the New York Times and W magazines, and another two in the latter’s Paris office, Elizabeth Stewart began styling the crème de la crème of Hollywood stars, fashion campaigns, television commercials and everything in between. She moved to Los Angeles for love after marrying a Hollywood producer, and currently resides in Santa Monica with her husband and two children.

Her first styling memory: “I started as a writer for Women’s Wear Daily and, eventually, they

passion—it’s a way to communicate, it’s art, or it can be as simple as something that makes you feel beautiful.

”

sent me to Paris. The day I landed, they were shooting Amber Valetta for the W magazine cover. I literally went from the plane to this shoot, helped out, and got the styling bug!”

The fashion item she can’t live without: “I can’t live without my Proenza Schouler day dresses.”

Her fashion motto: “Just try it!”

Her essential items for awards season 2017: “Finding something that inspires the person wearing it.”

The red carpet look she’s proudest of: “Lately, I have loved supporting young designers, like [putting] Cate Blanchett in Yacine Aoudi and Esteban Cortazar.”

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the photos come to life in the pages of a magazine, and getting to witness what it took to create that moment, was unlike anything I had experienced. I knew this line of work was my calling.”

Her fashion motto: “‘Confidence is key’ and ‘Always, always, always dress for the occasion’. Also, I often tell my new clients that knowing what you don’t like is sometimes more important than knowing what you do like.”

Her essential items for awards season 2017: “I do have to say that I love seeing the sequin trend on the runways this season, so that is certainly something to look out for!”

The red carpet look she’s proudest of: “Lupita Nyong’o in the red cape Ralph Lauren gown at the Golden Globes.”

makes you feel alive “andFashion is one of the truest forms of

self-expression. At the same time, fashion on the red carpet today is also much more than just a pretty dress. The power of fashion can quite literally shape an actress’ public persona and affect the trajectory of her career. Simply put: fashion is transformative.

MICAELA ERLANGER Clients include: Lupita Nyong’o, Meryl Streep, Hilary Swank, Jennifer Hudson, Naomie Harris, Common, Jared Leto, Michelle Dockery In the know: This self-described glamour girl cites modern art and classic Hollywood films as her inspirations.

Her first styling memory: “My first styling memory was probably that of being an intern. I was on a shoot, and the excitement of being on set was such an adrenaline rush. Getting to see

Lupita Nyong’o wears Ralph Lauren to the 2016 Golden Globe Awards

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MICAELA ERLANGER AND FEATUREFLASH PHOTO AGENCY/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

”

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ILARIA URBINATI

cess in design collaboration—teaming with Albert Hammond Jr. of

Clients include: Rami Malek, Ben Affleck, Nina Dobrev

presentations, and working with Gucci and Ferragamo on custom

In the know: Good taste was always in Ilaria Urbinati’s blood: not only was she born in Rome and raised in Paris, but her first job was working for her aunt, designer Laura Urbinati, in whose West Hollywood boutique she became a buyer and manager. In the fall of 2008, Ilaria opened her own store, Confederacy, where she served as COO, co-owner and buyer. Along with her retail experience, Ilaria has achieved great suc-

The Strokes to create a limited edition line of suits, co-designing Rebecca Minkoff ’s women’s line for two seasons and styling her runway designs for Bradley Cooper, Armie Hammer and Chris Evans. Her additional cool credits include the head costume designer for the first season of The L Word and tour wardrobe designer for clients Plain White T’s, Alanis Morissette and Lady Antebellum.

Her first styling memory: “I used to style all the girls at my boarding school. My aunt (fashion designer Laura Urbinati) would send me a box of clothes from her store of sale stuff that didn’t sell from designers like [Maison] Margiela, Comme Des Garçons, and even Balenciaga, and everyone would take turns borrowing my stuff. I kept a log on my dorm room wall of which items were out on loan with whom.”

The fashion item she can’t live without: “My Gucci chain bag (a recent gift from the brand), my Axel Arigato sneakers and my Vince suede booties.”

Her fashion rule of thumb: “My styling rule of thumb is ‘May the best dress win.’ We play a major game of politics trying to get our clients into the right brands, the right trends, the most current runway looks―but, at the end of the day, the dress that looks the best on you always wins—no matter who makes it. Also,

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MICAELA ERLANGER AND FEATUREFLASH PHOTO AGENCY/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

‘The right dress (or suit) on the wrong person is the wrong dress’. That’s a biggie. And lastly, my rule in fittings is ‘You don’t have to wear it, but you do have to try it’. If it’s a look I really believe in, just try it. I promise, if you hate it, I won’t make you wear it. Clients make a lot of discoveries that way. It takes the pressure off.”

Her essential items for awards season 2017: “We have a lot of male Oscar frontrunners this

COLOR BLOCKING Urbinati is proudest of the black and white gown that Lizzy Caplan wore to the 2016 Emmy Awards.

year, so I would say lots of cufflinks and shirt studs, lots of watches, lots of bow ties and lots of patent leather tux shoes. With men, it’s all in the details.”

What trends she’ll be dressing her clients in: “I’m having a velvet moment.”

The red carpet look she’s proudest of: “Lizzy Caplan at the Emmys in the black and white Donna Karan Atelier gown. I love a red carpet ‘moment’ that alters a client’s trajectory in the style world.”

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JEANNE YANG Clients include: Robert Downey Jr., Vin Diesel, Matt Bomer, George Clooney, Jamie Dornan, Christian Bale, Scott Eastwood In the know: This super stylist currently works with a super (hero) crew: four Batmen, two Supermen, two Spidermen and Ironman.

Her first styling memory:

Susan and Robert Downey Jr. at the 82nd Academy Awards

“My first big one was styling a music video for Blink 182 and being [filmed] for MTV’s ‘Making the Video’. I had to get nude dance pants for the boys at a male stripper store to make [them] appear naked. I just kept thinking, ‘My first big video and the guys are not wearing any clothing!’”

The fashion item she can’t live without: “A white shirt.”

Her essential items for awards season 2017: “Tuxedos with color and pattern, bow ties with personality. A handkerchief is also a must.”

The red carpet look she’s proudest of: “I loved getting Robert Downey Jr. into a navy Lanvin tuxedo and sneakers by Alber Elbaz to the Oscars and Susan Downey in a coordinating gown.”

look can have a huge impact on how you feel. The confidence “youHowget you from looking good can make you feel more comfortable—especially if you are in front of the camera. Since cameras are everywhere, it makes sense that you want to look great. It’s the first impression people get from you before a word comes out of your mouth.

”

KATE YOUNG Clients include: Selena Gomez, Sienna Miller, Michelle Williams, Natalie Portman, Margot Robbie, Rachel Weisz In the know: Kate Young is definitely an ‘It’ girl among stylists. Not only does she style runway shows, she consults for labels, ury lingerie for Triumph Japan, and has also collaborated with Tura on a line of sunglasses. This former Vogue staffer now lives in Brooklyn with her husband and their two young sons.

Her first styling memory: “I used to copy the outfits in Vogue to wear to middle school.”

“

Fashion is important because it’s fun and fantasy— we all need a little more of that.

”

The fashion item she can’t live without: “My 15-year-old navy blue sweatshirt. It’s my favorite thing.”

Her essential items for awards season 2017: “I can’t tell you—that would ruin it!”

The red carpet look she’s proudest of: “Always the last one I did...”

Image of Achille Salvagni by Serena Laudisa; interior image by Paolo Petrignani

DARK DRESSING Young published the book Dressing for the Dark via Assouline in 2014.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JEANNE YANG, FEATUREFLASH PHOTO AGENCY/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM, KATE YOUNG AND ASSOULINE

has designed vegan shoes with Natalie Portman and lux-

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nue. Their expertise has been tapped for a wide range of design projects, from high-end fashion houses (including Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana and Jeremy Scott) to Kanye West’s first runway fashion collection.

Their first styling memory: Rob: “Growing up with a twin brother and going to a private school with uniforms, the opportunities to dress and stand out as an individual were rare. Anytime I had a chance to wear something that would make me different, I went for it. Our family also grew up with a very mid-west preppy-style lifestyle. My first connection with styling was really styling myself, but also [making] it my own.”

is self-expression at its best.

“NotFashion only can you decide how you want

to present yourself from one day to the next, but it is also a worldwide industry and business that will always sustain.

No matter where you live, you can find a career in fashion.

”

The fashion item they can’t live without:

Rob: “I own about 16 pairs of Saint Laurent jeans.

(I always go through phases with jeans. I’ll find a pair I absolutely love and then buy as many pairs as I can.) [The] same goes for James Perse T-shirts, Calvin Klein underwear, J.Crew sweatshirts and Acne sweaters.”

Mariel: “A black blazer and boyfriend jeans. Lots of

NOT-SO-MELLOW YELLOW This styling duo is proudest of the marigold-colored caped Giambattista Valli gown that Jennifer Lopez wore to the 2016 Golden Globe Awards.

rings.”

Their fashion rule of thumb: Rob: “For every day, having a capsule wardrobe is incredibly convenient, especially if you’re always on the go. Find something that really works for your personal style, lifestyle and comfort level, and roll with PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROB ZANGARDI & MARIEL HAENN AND FEATUREFLASH PHOTO AGENCY/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JEANNE YANG, FEATUREFLASH PHOTO AGENCY/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM, KATE YOUNG AND ASSOULINE

Image of Achille Salvagni by Serena Laudisa; interior image by Paolo Petrignani

names Gillette, Coty Fragrances and Saks Fifth Ave-

it. Then, for special occasions, bust out the big guns.”

ROB ZANGARDI & MARIEL HAENN

Rob: “Look for new ways to dress up: lady tuxes, caped rompers,

Clients include:

ers that bring a new fresh look to the red carpet!”

Jennifer Lopez, Ciara, Gwen Stefani, Hailee Steinfeld, Cara Delevingne, Rachel McAdams, Lily Collins, Emily Ratajkowksi In the know: This style duo is constantly on the move. When they aren’t coordinating the looks of their A-list clients, they’re acting as the creative directors of Jennifer Lopez’s collaboration with Kohl’s or stepping into the role of brand ambassadors for household product

Essential items for awards season 2017: jumpsuits, interesting separates, monochromatic looks.”

Mariel: “[We are] looking for emerging, up-and-coming designThe red carpet look their proudest of: Rob: “Jennifer Lopez wearing the marigold caped Giambattista Valli gown to the 2016 Golden Globes. We usually dress Jen in a lot of blushes and neutrals, so going for a big color in such a big way was not only exciting for us, but for everyone involved, as well, with hair and makeup. She looked like Hollywood royalty. It’s a look that made everyone’s heads turn and will remain timeless!”

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The BUZZ

Cate Blanchett dances onstage at the 2016 Palm Springs International Film Festival

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Desert ELEGANCE IN THE

THE PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL FILM AWARDS GALA OFFICIALLY KICKS OFF AWARDS SEASON 2017

I

BY LAURA CONNOLLY

t’s a Hollywood rule that, just two days into the New Year, holiday revelry is over and a serious bid for Oscar glory begins at the first event of awards season: The Palm Springs International Film Festival Film Awards Gala.

The black-tie affair—to be held on January 2—celebrates

the year’s best achievements in cinema in front of, and behind,

the camera. Stars who have been honored in recent history include Ben Affleck, Javier Bardem, Cate Blanchett, Sandra Bullock, George Clooney,

PHOTOS COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES FOR PSIFF

Leonardo DiCaprio, Clint Eastwood, Tom Hanks, David O. Russell and Meryl Streep. Honorees will be presented with either the John Kennedy ‘The Entertainer’ statue or a Chihuly glass sculpture. In the past four years, 40 of the 44 honorees have been nominated for the Academy Awards.

But not only is the event attended by the biggest and brightest talents in Hollywood, it also kicks off one of the largest film festivals in North America. In 2016, it welcomed 135,000 attendees for its lineup of new and celebrated international features and documentaries, and this year’s fest— which runs from January 2 to 16 and—is expected to top that.

DESERT DRIVING Mercedes-Benz is the official vehicle of this chic film festival, which brings the biggest stars in Hollywood to the Palm Desert. Swiss jewelry and watch brand Chopard is also a presenting sponsor.

Here, we share a look at what to expect at the glamorous 2017 gala.

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The BUZZ THE HONOREES

✶ CASEY AFFLECK will receive the Desert Palm Achievement Award, Actor for his performance in Manchester by the Sea. Past recipients include Jeff Bridges, Bradley Cooper, Johnny Depp, Daniel Day-Lewis, Colin Firth, Matthew McConaughey, Sean Penn, Brad Pitt and Eddie Redmayne. ✶ LA LA LAND will receive the Vanguard Award, which is presented to a film’s cast and director. Cast members Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone and director/writer Damien Chazelle are expected to attend. ✶ NICOLE KIDMAN will receive the International Star Award for her performance in Lion. Past honorees include Javier Bardem, Helen Mirren and Saoirse Ronan. The Australian actress previously received the Chairman’s Award in 2005. ✶ NATALIE PORTMAN will receive the Desert Palm Achievement Award, Actress for her performance in Jackie. She previously received the award in 2011 for her performance in Black Swan, where she went on to win the Academy Award for Best Actress. Past recipients include Cate Blanchett, Julianne Moore and Halle Berry. ✶ TOM HANKS will receive the Icon Award for his performance in Sully. Past recipients include Michael Douglas, Robert Duvall and Meryl Streep. In 2014, Hanks also received the Chairman’s Award. ✶ RUTH NEGGA will receive the Rising Star Award her performance in Loving.

Past recipients include Alicia Vikander, Jennifer Lawrence, Scarlett Johansson, Anna Kendrick, Dakota Fanning and Terrence Howard. ✶ AMY ADAMS will receive the Chairman’s Award for her performance in Arrival.

She previously received the Spotlight Award in 2009 for her performance in Doubt, going on to receive an Academy Award nomination. have included films such as Argo, American Hustle, Babel, The Big Short, The Imitation Game and The Social Network. ✶ ANNETTE BENING will receive the festival’s Career Achievement Award. Past recipients include Bruce Dern, Robert Duvall, Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, Samuel L. Jackson and Lynn Redgrave. ✶ ANDREW GARFIELD will receive the Spotlight Award for his work in Hacksaw Ridge. Previous recipients include Jessica Chastain, Bryan Cranston, Julia Roberts and Rooney Mara. ✶ MAHERSHALA ALI will be honored with the Breakthrough Performance Award for his role in Moonlight. Past winners include Brie Larson, Marion Cotillard, David Oyelowo, Jeremy Renner and Jennifer Hudson.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES FOR PSIFF

✶ HIDDEN FIGURES will receive the Ensemble Performance Award. Past winners

Johnny Depp

A ‘JOBS’ WELL DONE (Above) Kate Winslet presented her Jobs costar Michael Fassbender with the International Star Award at the 2016 International Palm Springs Film Festival.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES FOR PSIFF

Alicia Vikander and Harold Matzner

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Inside the 2016 Palm Springs International Film Festival gala

PHOTOS COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES FOR PSIFF

Brie Larson

PHOTOS COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES FOR PSIFF

Matt Damon, Jim Gianopulos, Christian Bale and Ridley Scott

[The PSIFF is one of the best events of the season] for so many “reasons: it’s well-attended, it’s been sold out since August, it’s a

fashion show. It is ‘The’ event of the desert, and we have come right up next to the Golden Globes, the Oscars and Sundance. You walk out totally dazzled because you felt like you were in a living room with [the biggest stars in the world].

— Shari Kelley Event Coordinator at Shari Kelley Events TK Description by Editor

LA_BUZZ_EVENT_12 _28.indd 101

”

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The BUZZ THE EATS The 2017 PSIFF Awards Gala is a three-course affair, which includes an exciting, movie-themed dessert.

Salad—Chopped Vegetable Salad Diced green beans, jicama, celery, cucumber, chayote squash, red and green grapes, dried cranberries, feta cheese, teardrop tomatoes, papaya, Israeli couscous and juniper berry tarragon vinaigrette Entrée—Sherry Demi Short Ribs Forestiere Boneless beef short ribs with sherry demi-glace, served with Dauphinoise potatoes, butternut squash, asparagus and zucchinirolled roasted pepper Dessert—At the Movies Vanilla bean panna cotta over crushed sugar cookie, topped with crunchy Milk Dud chocolate mousse, caramel corn and movie candies

is my 20th year doing the Palm Springs “FiThis lm Festival [Film Awards] Gala and I knew I

Four-inch Buddhas make for unusual centerpieces

wanted to do something special with the dessert.

I woke up in the middle of the night and was thinking about what I could do that would be different and [...] I got an idea about putting movie candies into the dessert. I went to the kitchen the next day and started experimenting and [...] it just all came together.

” —Brad Tolles

FLOWER POWER This year’s blooms will be purple Vanda orchids.

PSIFF gala chef

We believe “that all of

THE FLOWERS Table centerpieces are 1,000 Lord Rothschild’s purple Vanda

our honorees have a good chance of being nominated for an Academy Award [because] they are the best of the best in the world of cinema this year.

orchids, flown in special from Holland for the event. “The flowers are absolutely spectacular,” says Shari Kelley, the event producer.

“They’re like the Rolls-Royce of orchids.”

THE DESIGN Buddhas―all alit―as the focal point of each table, providing a unique takeaway for guests that has become an annual tradition of the event.

It’s also a nod to Jim Houston, a vice-chair of the festival, who owns

”

one of the largest hand-carved jade Buddhas in the world.

THE COCKTAILS

Harold Matzner

—

Festival Chairman

Custom cocktails will be served from two impressive ice luges, Last year’s libation: a Cosmopolitan, served straight up

including the Citroen Cosmopolitan: Ketel One Citroen flavored vodka and cranberry juice, which will be served straight up with a lemon twist.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES FOR PSIFF

There will be 2,400 crystals and four-inch high, lavender-colored

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SAN FRANCISCO

J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 7

MAGICAL REALISM UP THE GRAND STAIRCASE TO THE SF BALLET’S OPENING GALA

FOG GOT YOU DOWN?

GET HAPPY WITH THESE SUNNY ESCAPES

KARA GOLDIN & LISA SUGAR

LOS ANGELES

J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 7

JUSTIN HARTLEY

THE BIG IDEAS THAT DREW INVESTORS TO LAURA THESE FEMALE DERN HER ENTREPRENEURS WHY NEW FILM,

THE THIS IS US STAR IS OUR MAN OF STYLE

THE FOUNDER, IS HITTING DANGEROUSLY CLOSE TO HOME

LEE DANIELS IS BRINGING SERIOUS ‘STAR’ POWER TO THE SMALL SCREEN

WHY HER NEW FILM, “THE FOUNDER,” IS HITTING DANGEROUSLY CLOSE TO HOME

BRETT RATNER

PLAYS THE PERFECT HOST WITH HIS NEW AWARD-WINNING WHISKEY, THE HILHAVEN LODGE

$20.00

$20.00

LAURA DERN

LA _Brett Radner_12_29.indd 1

SF Laura Dern_12_28.indd 1

“MAN

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12/28/16 1:55 PM

Of Style”

HAUTE LIVING IS BRINGING IN THE NEW YEAR IN GREAT STYLE: THIS IS US STAR, ACTOR JUSTIN HARTLEY, SPORTS THE COOLEST NEW PIECES FROM THE LOUIS VUITTON DENIM COLLECTION—A CASUAL EDGE PERFECT FOR THE SEASON. PHOTOGRAPHY:RYAN JEROME FASHION:BRUNO LIMA FOR CELESTINE AGENCY GROOMING:SACHA QUARLES FOR EXCLUSIVE ARTISTS MANAGEMENT SET DESIGN:ERICK STRYKER

Head-to-toe look by LOUIS VUITTON

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The SCENE

Rolex Chairman of the Board Bertrand Gros and host James Cameron

THE ROLEX AWARDS FOR ENTERPRISE

Don Cheadle and Bridgid Coulter

The Rolex Awards for Enterprise unveiled its 2016 Laureates and Young Laureates at a special cocktail reception and awards presentation on November 15 with a very special host: Oscar-winning director James Cameron. Cameron was joined by wife Suzy Amis and Rolex Chairman of the Board, Bertrand Gros, as well as Michelle Monaghan, Maria Bello, Chris Pine, Casey Affleck, Don Cheadle and National Geographic explorer-in-residence Sylvia Earle at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

Casey Affleck

Wolfgang Puck catered a beautiful, private dinner to Chris Pine

coincide with the awards—part of an international philanthropic program that supports new and Honoree Kerstin Forsberg and National Geographic Explorer-inResidence/Presenter Sylvia Earle.

ongoing projects. Serving as a benchmark for global corporate philanthropy for 40 years, the Rolex Awards were created to foster a spirit of enterprise and advance human knowledge and well-being

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NVISION

Event ambiance

Michelle Monaghan

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES FOR DCP

around the world.

The SCENE

Nicole Kidman and Andie MacDowell

THE 20TH ANNUAL HOLLYWOOD FILM AWARDS The 20th Annual Hollywood Film Awards brought together Tinseltown’s elite to honor and preview the year’s most talked about and highly anticipated actors, actresses, films and those who help bring them to life.

Actor and comedian James Corden hosted the ceremony, which took place

Ryan Murphy and Eddie Murphy

at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills on November 6. Hollywood Supporting Actress Award winner for Lion, Nicole Kidman, noted how pleased she was to act in a film that puts inherent goodness into the world during this “strange time,” while Eddie Murphy received his Hollywood Career Achievement Award from Jeffrey Katzenberg—and the night’s only standing ovation. Hollywood Documentary Award recipient Leonardo Tom Hanks and Clint Eastwood

DiCaprio delivered a heartfelt speech about his film Before the Flood and the urgency of supporting those who are working to address the issue

Robert De Niro and Leslie

of global warming. After Clint Eastwood’s understated introduction of Hollywood Actor Award recipient Tom Hanks, the Sully star joked that it was the “longest Clint has talked to an actor in over 40 films.” Natalie Portman accepted the Hollywood Actress Award from pal Susan Sarandon for her powerful portrayal of Jackie Kennedy in the drama Jackie.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES FOR DCP

Julianne Moore and Tom Ford

Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey

Natalie Portman and Susan Sarandon

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The SCENE

Cuba Gooding Jr., Yves de Launay, Seth Semilof, Andre Berto and Lee Daniels Louis XIII

HAUTE LIVING CELEBRATES LEE DANIELS WITH ROLLS-ROYCE AND LOUIS XIII

Seth Semilof and Laura Schreffler

Haute Living teamed up with Louis XIII Cognac and Rolls-Royce to celebrate our San Francisco cover star, Lee Daniels, at Delilah in West Hollywood. (No scripts were needed for the special affair.) After arriving by Rolls-Royce, the philanthropist and two-time Academy Award-winning director mingled with guests, including Tasha Smith, Cuba Gooding Jr., Gabourey Sidibe, Andre Berto, David Heil, Alec Monopoly, Hilary Shor, Haute Living publisher Seth Semilof, Editor-in-Chief of Haute Living, Laura Schreffler, and VP of Prestige Brands from Louis XIII, Yves de Launay, as well as Martin Sensmeier and Crime by Design. After a dinner of Launay made a toast with Louis XIII to congratulate Daniels

Lee Daniels

on all of his success.

Tasha Smith and Gabourey

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROCHELLE BRODIN/GETTY IMAGES FOR HAUTE LIVING

filet mignon, burger sliders, and poached Alaskan halibut, de

12/29/16 3:56 PM

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06/09/16 17:34 12/30/16 11:55 AM

The SCENE

Brad Goreski, Jaime King, Gillian Jacobs, Glen Powell and Ahna O’Reilly

DIOR CELEBRATES LADY ART BAG POP-UP Dior threw a haute cocktail party at its Beverly Hills boutique on December 6 in honor of its Lady Art collaboration. The unique bags, designed by American and British artists Mat Collishaw, Ian Davenport, Daniel Gordon, Chris Martin, Jason Martin, Matthew Porter and Marc Quinn, were on display at the pop-up in Los Angeles–the sole city chosen to showcase them. Champagne and hors d’oeuvres were served at the boutique, while guests such as Jaime King, Gillian Jacobs, Zosia Mamet, Destry Spielberg and Eric Buterbaugh checked out the artistic accessories before

Dior Lady Art bag by Daniel Gordon

Dior North America President, Renaud de Lesquen and Eric Buterbaugh

The VIP dinner setting at Spago

Destry Spielberg

PHOTOS COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES FOR DIOR

Lady Art on display

the party moved over to Spago for a VIP dinner.

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1/2/17 11:38 AM

BY: MARIA SHARAPOVA

HauteAMBASSADOR

I’ve learned “that, some-

times, all it takes to get the motivation back is to start with something simple.

MY NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

Three tips on how to kick-start 2017 in the most powerful way possible

PHOTOS COURTESY MARIA SHARAPOVA AND FETNEH BLAKE

”

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W

ith the holiday madness coming to a screeching halt, it’s time to focus on what’s ahead and make a fresh start. Everyone has their own resolutions or words to live by but, in the spirit of reflecting and sharing, I’d like to offer three simple tips that help me embrace the year ahead in a positive way.

1) SIMPLIFY

for a walk and then coming home and doing a

Make life easy with simple and practical products. It’s not

few core exercises. Once your body starts to feel

news to anyone that I lead an active lifestyle, with time on

determined, your mind will follow. I like to list my

the court complemented by dinner out with friends, travel

top three priorities and do them first thing—it gives

and business meetings. Whenever I come across products

me a sense of accomplishment and motivates me

that make it easy to transition from rigorous practice to

for the rest of the day. So, if your goal is to get a

a social setting, I get pretty psyched. That said, I’m abso-

lean body and feel inspired after the holidays, try

lutely in love with the Supergoop! Barre to Bar Beauty set,

your best to devote the time to doing it.

which is a smash hit for my active, on-the-go lifestyle.

3) DECLUTTER Less is definitely more, as far as I’m concerned. I’m

I could drink warm apple cider by the fire and eat

a minimalist in how I live, dress and even deco-

peppermint bark all day long. But when January rolls

rate my home. I prefer a decluttered approach to

around and all that delicious food is off the table, I

life and my living space—it allows energy to flow.

remember about getting back into a workout routine

I have a big appreciation for clean lines and open-

(just the thought is brutal). I’ve learned that, sometimes,

ness.

all it takes to get the motivation back is to start with

And, with that, I wish you a happy New Year!

something simple. It can be as small as taking yourself

xo, Maria

PHOTOS COURTESY MARIA SHARAPOVA AND FETNEH BLAKE

2) GET MOTIVATED

BEAUTY BASICS Supergoop! Barre to Bar Beauty Set includes: City Sunscreen Serum SPF 30; Daily Correct CC Cream SPF 35; Defense Refresh Setting Mist SPF 50; Perk-Up! Lip & Cheek Treat SPF 40. It will debut at Sephora and Sephora. com locations this month.

LESS IS MORE Speaking of clean and simple home décor, I received some beautiful Astier de Villatte pieces over the holidays from the Fetneh Blake store (left and above) in Laguna Beach. I love adding some of their little vases to the collection I started a few years ago.

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Haute Residence directory.indd 88

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HAUTERESIDENCE.COM • REAL STATE NETWORK WEST COAST NORTHERN CALIFORNIA SEA CLIFF PRESIDIO HEIGHTS IN SAN FRANCISCO BEVERLY BARNETT

Pacific Union & Christie’s International Real Estate Business phone: (415) 345-3137 Cell: (415) 302-9052 Beverly@beverlybarnett.com beverlybarnett.com

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Carmel Realty Company (831) 622-1000 info@carmelrealtycompany.com carmelrealtycompany.com

Village Properties – Santa Ynez Office 805-689-6262 carey@villagesite.com villagesite.com

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Santa Barbara Brokers Ryan’s Phone number: (805) 444-7926 Andy’s Phone number: (805) 722-2531 info@santabarbarabrokers.com SantaBarbaraBrokers.com

John Aaroe Group Beverly Hills President of Aaroe Estates (310) 995-9512 Aaron@AaronKirman.com www.AaronKirman.com

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Hilton & Hyland 310.691.5935 rayni@williamsromito.com thewilliamsestates.com

SUNSET STRIP HOLLYWOOD HILLS BRANDEN WILLIAMS & RAYNI WILLIAMS

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MALIBU IRENE DAZZAN-PALMER & SANDRO DAZZAN

Coldwell Banker Previews International 310-317-9354(Irene) 310-317-9348(Sandro) sdazzan@hotmail.com malibuirene@gmail.com dazzanestates.com

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Haute Residence directory.indd 89

Strand Hill Properties, Christie’s International Real Estate 310.373.3333 lily@lilyliang.com lilyliang.com

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA OLIVIA DECKER NORTHERN CALIFORNIA NAPA VALLEY GINGER MARTIN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA ST. HELENA/YOUNTVILLE/ CALISTOGA, CA SUZY PRATT ANDERSON SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BRENTWOOD, LOS ANGELES MARY BETH WOODS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BEL AIR JEFF HYLAND SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES MYRA NOURMAND SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HOLMBY HILLS/LOS ANGELES LINDA MAY SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SANTA MONICA CINDY AMBUEHL

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MANHATTAN BEACH CINDY SHEARIN

Partners Trust Real Estate Brokerage and Acquisitions Bradley’s Phone number: 626.945.8683 Bradley.mohr@thepartnerstrust.com Susan’s Phone number: 626.945.8684 Susan.mohr@thepartnerstrust.com mohr4re.com Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 858-551-6630 maxine@gellens.com marti@gellens.com thegellens.com

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Decker Bullock Sotheby’s International Realty 415.435.1600 olivia@sanfranciscofinehomes.com sanfranciscofinehomes.com

PACIFIC HEIGHTS/LOWER PACIFIC HEIGHTS, SAN FRANCISCO DANIEL DERVARTANIAN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Sotheby’s International Realty 415.516.3939 Ginger@GingerMartin.com gingermartin.com

NOB HILL/RUSSIAN HILL NOE VALLEY RACHEL SWANN

DANVILLE VALERIE VICENTE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Coldwell Banker 310-463-1599 mwoods@marybethwoods.com marybethwoods.com

RANDY SOLAKIAN

Coldwell Banker Previews International

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

310.285.7529 joyce@joycerey.com joycerey.com

BEVERLY HILLS JOYCE REY SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Nourmand and Associates, Beverly Hills 310.888.3333 myranourmand@nourmand.com myranourmand.com

PACIFIC PALISADES ANTHONY MARGULEAS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Hilton & Hyland 310.492.0735 linda@lindamay.com lindamay.com

The Agency 424.321.4947 Cell: 310.573.7063 Cambuehl@theagencyre.com cindyambuehl.luxury

Montecito Estates 805-886-6000 Randy@MontecitoEstates.com MontecitoEstates.com

MONTECITO

Hilton & Hyland 310.278.3311 jeff@hiltonhyland.com hiltonhyland.com

HERMOSA BEACH KRISTEN NOVOA SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

The Shearin Group 310-200-8318 Cindy@theshearingroup.com cindy.shearin.com

NICOLE VAN PARYS & GARY NESEN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CORONA DEL MAR TIMOTHY NORMAN TAMURA SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA DEL MAR JEANNINE SAVORY

KIP BOATCHER

Amalfi Estates 310-293-9280 anthony@amalfiestates.com amalfiestates.com VISTA SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY (310) 318-5954 Kristen@SouthBayOpenHouse.com southbayopenhouse.com Engel & Völkers Westlake Village (818) 889-1602 nicole.vanparys@evusa.com gary.nesen@evusa.com nicolevanparys.evusa.com garynesen.evusa.com

THOUSAND OAKS / WESTLAKE VILLAGE

SAN DIEGO

The Swann Group SF - A Hill & Co. Real Estate Group 415.225.7743 Rachel@TheSwannGroupSF.com theswanngroupsf.com Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage (925) 362-2288 Direct (925) 413-5772 Cell valerie.vicente@cbnorcal.com valerievicente.com

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

COLDWELL BANKER BROKERS OF THE VALLEY 707-494-0333 Suzy@SuzyAnderson.com SuzyAnderson.com

Sotheby’s International Realty (415) 200-7744 daniel@danieldv.com danieldervartanian.com

Boatcher and Associates 858.353.5391 kip@kipboatcher.com kipboatcher.com

VALIA Properties (949) 673 0789 tim@valiaoc.com valiaoc.com

Harcourts Pacific Realty (619) 454-3607 info@thesavorygroup.com thesavorygroup.com

01/11/16 13:42

HAUTERESIDENCE.COM • REAL STATE NETWORK WEST COAST SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RANCHO SANTA FE DELORINE JACKSON

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CALABASSAS, HIDDEN HILLS EMIL HARTOONIAN

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services California Properties 858.822.9694 Delorine@Delorinejackson.com delorinejackson.com

The Agency 818 924 2806 ehartoonian@theagencyre.com TheAgencyRE.com

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Engel & Volkers (213) 364-9815 sandra.miller@evusa.com sandramiller.evusa.com

VENICE SANDRA MILLER

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Chernov Team (818) 355-2461 dennis@chernovteam.com chernovteam.com

ENCINO/TARZANA DENNIS CHERNOV

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WEST HOLLYWOOD SAM REAL

H AWA I I HONOLULU PATRICIA CHOI

WEST COAST HAWAII THE BIG ISLAND

ROBERT KILDOW

Hualalai Realty 808-325-8500 rkildow@hualalairesort.com hualalairealty.com

Nest Seekers International 310.278.8861x2072 info.samreal@gmail.com samrealgroup.com Choi International Exclusive Affiliate of Christie´s International Real Estate 808.285.2484 pat@choi-realty.com choirealty.com

CENTRAL REGION

Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty 206.660.4787 moira@moirapresents.com moirapresents.com

WASHINGTON SEATTLE MOIRA E. HOLLEY

L A K E TA H O E CALIFORNIA/NEVADA TRINKIE WATSON

Lake Tahoe Luxury Estates 530.582.0722 twatson@chaseinternational.com trinkiewatson.com

CENTRAL REGION L A S V E G A S, N V LAS VEGAS, NV FLORENCE SHAPIRO & IVAN SHER

COLORADO ASPEN / SNOWMASS BRIAN HAZEN

COLORADO VAIL/ VAIL VALLEY MALIA COX NOBREGA AND BARBARA SCRIVENS

TEXAS FORT WORTH

TROY GEORGE AND LUCY NOONAN

IDAHO MCCALL

JOE CARTER

Shapiro & Sher Group 702.315.0223 Info@shapiroandsher.com LasVegasFineHomes.com Coldwell Banker Mason Morse 970.920.7395, 970-379-1270 brian@brianhazen.com brianhazen.com

LIV Sotheby’s International Realty (970) 748-5150 malia.nobrega@sothebysrealty.com vailluxurybroker.com The George & Noonan Real Estate Group Office Phone number: (817) 410-8769 Troy Phone number: (817) 308-4170 troy@troygeorge.com Lucy Phone number: (817) 913-3611 lucy@lucynoonan.com georgeandnoonan.com

Whitetail Club Realty (208) 315-4622 JCarter@whitetailclub.com whitetailclub.com

W YO M I N G JACKSON HOLE TOM EVANS

Tom Evans Real Estate-Jackson Hole Sotheby’s international Realty 307-739-8149 tomevansre@jhsir.com tomevansrealestate.com

COLORADO MOUTAIN VILLAGE MATTHEW R. HINTERMEISTER

TEXAS

Keller Williams Plano 972.599.7000 Mike@MikeBrodie.com mikebrodie.com

DALLAS

MIKE BRODIE

PARK CITY

Engel & Völkers 435-640-7441 paul.benson@evusa.com evusa.com

UTAH PAUL BENSON

BIG SKY MONTANA ANIA BULIS

Telluride Sotheby’s International Realty (970) 729-1200 telluridebroker@aol.com SellingTelluride.com

CRESTED BUTTE

KILEY FLINT

Benson Sotheby’s International Realty 970-349-6653 kiley.flint@sir.com kileyflint.com

DENVER DOUGLAS D. KERBS

COLORADO BRECKENRIDGE/ SUMMIT COUNTY JUSTIN & KRYSTAL KNOTT

TEXAS AUSTIN ERIC COPPER

S A LT L A K E C I T Y UTAH SUSAN POULIN

LIV | Sotheby’s International Realty 303.898.7818 dkerbs@livsothebysrealty.com douglaskerbs.com

LIV | Sotheby’s International Realty 970.333.0116 Knott@SothebysRealty.com ResideInSummit.com

Austin Portfolio Real Estate 512-330-1031 Eric@LivingInAustinTX.com EricCopper.com

Summit Sotheby’s International Realty 801.244.5766 susan.poulin@soethebysrealty.com susanpoulin.com

CENTRAL REGION

Christie’s International Real Estate | PureWest 406-580-6852 aniabulis@gmail.com realestateofbigsky.com

CENTRAL REGION COLORADO

COLORADO

WHITEFISH MONTANA KELLY LAABS

Glacier Sotheby’s International Realty 406-890-5451 klaabs@glaciersir.com kellylaabs.com

SOUTHERN EAST COAST FLORIDA NAPLES

EMILY K. BUA & TADE BUA-BELL

John R Wood Properties 239-659-6115, 239-595-0097 buabellgroup@JohnRWood.com buabellsellsnaples.com

FLORIDA PINECREST/PALMETTO BAY

MONICA S. BETANCOURT

EWM Realty International 305-632-7248 monica@monicabetancourt.com monicabetancourt.com

SOUTHERN EAST COAST FLORIDA DESTIN/EMERALD COAST HILARY FARNUM

F LO R I DA LONGBOAT KEY CASEY KEY RINAT SIKDAR

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BEACY BEACH 30A REAL ESTATE (850) 685-0171 30aluxury@beachybeach.com www.hilary.beachybeach30a.com

Michael Saunders and Company (941) 993-9292 rinatsikdar@michaelsaunders.com SiestaKeyEstates.com

FLORIDA KEY WEST BRENDA DONNELLY

WEST COAST OF FLORIDA LONGBOAT KEY AND SIESTA KEY

DANIEL MATUSIAK

KNIGHT & GARDNER REALTY (305) 304-1116 brenda@keysrealestate.com www.islandhomeskeywest.com

Action Realty of Sarasota 941.504.7618 Danielmatusiak1@gmail.com actionrealtyofsarasota.com

FLORIDA MIAMI BEACH

THE JILLS

FLORIDA MIAMI BEACH, SOUTH OF 5TH

JEFF MILLER

Coldwell Banker Jill Hertzberg 305.788.5455 Jill Eber 305.915.2556 jillh@thejills.com jille@thejills.com thejills.com Brown Harris Stevens | Zilbert 305-610-4509 jeff.miller@bhsusa.com bhsusa.com

01/11/16 13:42

HAUTERESIDENCE.COM • REAL STATE NETWORK SOUTHERN EAST COAST F LO R I DA KEY LARGO KIM THALER

F LO R I DA BRICKELL GIULIETTA ULLOA

FLORIDA DOWNTOWN MIAMI/ SUNNY ISLES

MONICA VENEGAS

NASHVILLE TENNESSEE

AMY JACKSON SMITH

Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty 305-393-2787 kthaler@oceansir.com kimbagnell.com

EWM Realty International / Christie’s International Real Estate 305-361-5600 giulietta@ulloa.com giuliettasellsmiami.com

Venegas International Group 786-567-4122 mvenegas@ venegasinternationalgroup.com venegasinternationalgroup.com

F LO R I DA KEY BISCAYNE BRIGITTE NACHTIGALL

FLORIDA VERO BEACH

MATILDE SORENSEN

FLORIDA BAL HARBOUR/AVENTURA

IVONN GOIHMAN

Great Properties International 305.710.9664 brigitte@bnachtigall.com bnachtigallproperties.com

Dale Sorensen Real Estate, Inc. 772.532.0010 MSorensen@SorensenRealEstate.com matildesorensen.com

The Goihman Group of Douglas Elliman (305) 812-5093 ivonn.goihman@elliman.com www.GoihmanGroup.com

FLORIDA TAMPA

JENNIFER ZALES

FLORIDA

Coldwell Banker Previews International (813) 758-3443 jennifer@jenniferzales.com TampaBayLuxuryHomes.com Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Florida Realty (954) 608-4093 (954) 524-9721 helensurovek@aol.com helensurovek.com

FORT LAUDERDALE

HELEN SUROVEK

LO U I S I A N A NEW ORLEANS DORIAN M. BENNETT

Dorian Bennett Sotheby’s International Realty 504.944.3605 cell phone: 504.236.7688 dorian@dbsir.com dbsir.com

NORTHERN EAST COAST

Worth Properties, LLC. Business phone: 615-250-7880 Cell: 615-300-1025 Amy@amyjacksonsmith.com amyjacksonsmith.com

N E W YO R K SOHO OREN ALEXANDER & TAL ALEXANDER

The Alexander Team at Douglas Elliman Real Estate (305) 610-4559 (Oren) (917) 334-5501 (Tal) oalexander@elliman.com talexander@elliman.com thealexanderteam.elliman.com

N E W YO R K GREENWICH VILLAGE/ WEST VILLAGE LAURIE GILMORE

Town Residential 646.790.5031 lgilmore@Townresidential.com townrealestate.com

NORTHERN EAST COAST N E W YO R K TRIBECA ERICA MILLER & ARIANA MEYERSON

Cantor Pecorella Erica Miller: (609) 828-9346 ericam@cantorpecorella.com Ariana Meyerson: (917) 439-5157 arianam@cantorpecorella.com cantorpecorella.com

NEW JERSEY MONMOUTH COUNTY

LINDA R. ROMANO

NEW HAMPSHIRE LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE MICHAEL TRAVIS

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokers 908-872-3907 romano.lindarose@gmail.com YourJerseyShoreConnection.com

Bean Group Platinum Collection 603-303-2599 Michael@WaterfrontAgent.com WaterfrontAgent.com

N E W YO R K FINANCIAL DISTRICT MARIA VELAZQUEZ

NEW JERSEY WESTFIELD

FRANK D. ISOLDI

CO N N EC T I C U T GREENWICH BARBARA BROCK ZACCAGNINI

NEW JERSEY Douglas Elliman (917) 769-2065 mvelazquez@elliman.com

SOMERSET HILLS/ BERNARDSVILLE/BASKING RIDGE/BEDMINSTER

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage 908-797-9424 homes@williamlandesman.com williamlandesman.com

WILLIAM LANDESMAN

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage 908-301-2038 Frankisoldi@gmail.com theisoldicollection.com Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage 203.249.1454 barbara.zaccagnini@cbmoves.com 4homesbybarbara.com

ILLINOIS CHICAGO JOANNE NEMEROVSKI

MASSACHUSSETTS BOSTON & BROOKLINE OTIS & AHEARN

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices (312) 720–4505 JoanneSellsChicago@gmail.com joannesellschicago.com

Otis & Ahearn Real Estate 888-249-7041 natasha.mahan@otisahearn.com otisahearn.com

WEST

M A S S AC H U S E T T S

Benoit Mizner Simon 617.939.6309 tracishulkin@gmail. comTraciShulkin.com

WELLESLEY TRACI SHULKIN

N E W M E X I CO

Sotheby’s International Realty (505) 920-8819 dstreit@dstreit.com darlenestreit.com

SANTA FE/TAOS DARLENE STREIT

INTERNATIONAL AUSTRALIA SYDNEY MICHAEL COOMBS

PUERTO VALLARTA / BANDERAS BAY / SAN PANCHO / SAYULITA, MEXICO

SILVIA ELIAS U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

CARIBBEAN CORBY PARFITT

Haute Residence directory.indd 91

McGrath Estate Agents +61 424 391 255 michaelcoombs@mcgrath.com.au mcgrath.com.au/agent/569-michaelcoombs

PV REALTY (52) 322 2224288 silvia@pvre.com www.pvre.com

USVI Sotheby’s International Realty office: 340-642-8400 cell: 340-643-6340 corby.parfitt@sothebysrealty.com sothebysrealtyusvi.com

CANADA

TORONTO, ONTARIO ELISE KALLES

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

CARIBBEAN WILLIAM HOLDEN

FRANCE

CANNES/FRENCH RIVIERA PHILIP WEISER

Harvey Kalles Real Estate 416-441-2888 ekalles@trebnet.com elisekalles.com

Holden Sotheby’s International Realty (809) 571-0072 william@holdensothebysrealty.com holdensothebysrealty.com

Carlton International +33(0)4 93 95 11 11 +33(0)6 14 34 13 14 philip@carlton-group.com carlton-international.com

COSTA RICA DOMINICAL, UVITA, AND OJOCHAL OF COSTA BALLENA

JOSHUA KANTER

TURKS AND CAICOS

IAN HURDLE

CENTRAL AMERICA

BELIZE KRISTIN FISHER

Dominical Property / Axiom Development Group.

(506) 8703-1130 jkanter@axiomcostarica.com www.dominicalproperty.com

Regency Ltd 649-431-2618 ian@trail.tc tcrea.com Belize Sotheby’s International Realty 507-317-9944 kristin@belizesir.com kristinfisherrealty.com

01/11/16 13:42

The LuxuryBEAT

BY: LAURA SCHREFFLER

THE LUXURY EXPERIENCE Porsche North America CEO and President Klaus Zellmer explains why the brand’s new Experience Center is driving car enthusiasts wild November 15 marked a day that So Cal-based auto enthusiasts had been waiting for with bated breath: the arrival of the Porsche Experience Center in Carson—the fifth of its kind for the brand and only its second in North America. The 53-acre facility offers off-road and on-road experiences, a business center and the appropriately-named luxurious eatery Restaurant 917 (after one of the brand’s most successful racing vehicles). We sat down with Porsche North America CEO and President Klaus Zellmer to discuss the new facility and why it’s designed to thrill racing fans.

Why did you choose Los Angeles as the site of your second U.S. Experience Center?

Porsche history has been very closely connected to California since the ’40s BORN TO DRIVE At the Porsche Experience Center in Carson, drivers can navigate their Porsches around over 4.1 miles of track.

and ’50s. The 356 [model], the predecessor of the 911, was really appreciated in this part of the world, and people were passionate about driving

surface that simulates this type of ice or snow driving experience. It’s all

this kind of car on the road, but also on the racetrack. California is also

about feeling in control, no matter what the road conditions are. It’s fun,

fashionable and cool [and…] from a market perspective within the U.S., 23

but it is also something that teaches you to [drive correctly] and to test the

percent of all Porsches sold per year are sold here in California.

limits of your car when you’re in similar situations on public roads. We have off-road experiences as well.

What is personally your favorite aspect of the center?

My personal favorite is the off-road experience. I often find that, when taking people in the off-road terrain with our SUVs, you have to push them to do certain things; it’s a lot more surprising [to see how the SUVs perform] as opposed to what you know you can do with a 911, a 718 Cayman or a 718 Boxster. Also, there’s practically no limit to what we can do here. It’s a bit like a playground for grown-ups that share a love for technology, design

What Porsche suits L.A. the best and where would you ideally drive it?

What is Porsche’s philosophy and how does it apply to the center?

The 911 Carrera Cabriolet. I would drive it from L.A. all the way to San

Despite all the digital transformations that are taking place, and the heavy

Francisco. I’ve actually done that, and I will never forget it—despite the fact

focus on virtual reality that is occurring within the industry, we believe in

that it was over 25 years ago.

the real experience. We believe in something visceral. If you want to understand the brand, you need to get in the car.

What separates Porsche from its competitors, in your opinion?

When we asked our customers for their buying motives, they often cited

What unique experiences will the center offer?

the brand itself as their primary reason for purchasing. People say, “I have

We have an on-road private development track with various modules, such

always dreamed about driving a Porsche since I was a kid” and “I said I was

as a kick-plate [...] where your task as a driver is to catch the car before it

going to work hard […] to be able to one day afford a car like that.” That

swings all the way around, as well as a track with a wetted and polished

aspirational part of our brand is something that I find rather unique.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

and innovation—true gearheads.

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