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ICONIC Arizona Issue September 2026

Page 1

Live Beautifully


THIS NO-MORE-VINYL-IN-CRATES MOMENT WAS BROUGHT TO YOU

BY

MORE ROOM FOR WHAT MATTERS™

LIVING

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Now serving all Northern Arizona locations Scottsdale | Tucson | Gilbert ©2026 California Closet Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Each California Closets® franchised location is independently owned and operated. Local contractor licenses available at californiaclosets.com.


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Designing Homes For Inspired Living.

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The Invisible Element of Design SCOTTSDALE SHOWROOM 15507 N. Scottsdale Rd., Suite 135, Scottsdale, AZ 85254 (480) 403-0011 TEMPE SHOWROOM 1705 W. Ruby Dr., Suite 109, Tempe, AZ 85284 (480) 403-0010 Lmche.com

In homes designed with intention, there is one element no eye will ever catch — and no one ever forgets. Sound. At LMC Home Entertainment, we have spent over a quarter of a century curating the finest American and European audio lines — marques whose designs are not only aesthetically luxurious, but engineered to perform at the very edge of what is possible. Within every recording lives a world of detail most systems never reveal:

the breath drawn before a phrase, the decay of a piano chord into stillness, the texture of bow against string. True high-fidelity exists to recover what is hidden — and when that completeness of sound meets beautifully considered design, a room stops being something you look at and becomes something you truly experience. That philosophy takes physical form across 9,500 square feet of display space between

Scottsdale and Tempe showrooms — environments composed with the same care as the systems they present. LMC is one of the only places in the world to display the complete Wilson Audio line, including both Reference loudspeakers: the WAMM Master Chronosonic and the Autobiography — instruments so rare that most listeners will never encounter one, let alone both, under a single roof. Experience sound like never before at LMC Home Entertainment.


a rchi tecture + interior design c o sa n st u d io.c om

•

480.9 3 0.4410


TO THE TRADE + RETAIL GALLERY | 8787 N SCOTTSDALE RD SCOTTSDALE | thecollectorshouse.biz |

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Find the Elegance in Your Space

WE MAKE IT EASY Established in 1983, Classy Closets has been a part of Scottsdale’s growing community for more than 35 years. Our reputation as Scottsdale’s leading provider of custom storage solutions is well deserved, as our custom closets and custom cabinetry can be found in thousands of homes throughout the Valley. We invite you to visit one of our showrooms in Scottsdale or Chandler to view our wide array of custom storage solutions we have to offer.

We look forward to working with you; the process and experience will be simple and easy. www.ClassyClosets.com

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Advancing the Future of Cancer Care in Arizona

ADVERTORIAL

I

n August, City of Hope Cancer Center Arizona welcomed Laurie Sicaeros, M.H.A., as its new market president. She enters at a pivotal moment for the organization as it delivers a cancer hospital for advanced comprehensive care, four outpatient care centers, and one of the country’s leading genomics research institutes to patients across Arizona. City of Hope is one of the nation’s largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations, with a network of over 2,000 expert cancer physicians and scientists. In Arizona, that national system has a deep local footprint. The main hospital in Goodyear anchors outpatient care centers in North Phoenix, North Scottsdale, Gilbert and Prescott, bringing comprehensive cancer care closer to patients across Arizona. What sets City of Hope Cancer Center Arizona apart is its cancer-only focus, meaning that there is expertise in a wide range of cancer types. Additionally, the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) gives Arizona something few states have, a genomics institute and comprehensive cancer center operating in partnership to accelerate speed to care. TGen, led by President and Research Director Jeffrey Trent, Ph.D., F.A.C.M.G.G., helped pioneer precision medicine, which allows for tailoring treatment to the genetic makeup of an individual patient’s disease. What does President Sicaeros’ arrival mean for people with cancer across Arizona? For more than 25 years, Sicaeros has been at the forefront of innovation, strategic growth, and building high-performing clinical organizations. She comes to City of Hope Cancer Center Arizona with expertise in building large multispecialty systems, scaling networks and connecting physicians to the communities they serve.

“When world-class research and patient care come together in the same community, innovation moves faster. Our collaboration with TGen helps accelerate discoveries from the lab to the care centers, giving patients access to more personalized treatments and better outcomes closer to home.” — Laurie Sicaeros, President, City of Hope Cancer Center Arizona

“Our partnership with TGen allows us to understand each patient’s cancer at an unprecedented level, using genomic sequencing to reveal exactly what’s driving the disease and guide more precise treatment.”

“Together, TGen and City of Hope are combining the science of genomics with leading-edge cancer treatment to give patients access to more precise, individualized care.” — Dr. Jeffrey Trent, TGen, President and Research Director

— Dr. Alan H. Bryce M.D., Oncologist, Chief Clinical Officer, City of Hope Cancer Center Arizona and Professor of Molecular Medicine at TGen

collective expertise available at any City of Hope location across the country. Research is a real differentiator for City of Hope. What does the City of Hope-TGen collaboration mean for local patients? Together, City of Hope Cancer Center Arizona and TGen are shortening the distance between a discovery and the Arizona patient who needs it most. The combination of strengths provides an optimal setting for translational science through direct connection to patient care.

City of Hope Cancer Center Arizona is beginning a new era for accelerating and expanding access to personalized cancer care.

As market president, she will translate the organization’s national cancer expertise into deeper local access, build stronger physician partnerships, and continue developing a cancer care network that reaches every corner of the state.

City of Hope and TGen share more than a mission. What does a dual appointment mean for a patient? A dual appointment means your physician is both a cancer specialist at City of Hope Cancer Center Arizona and a researcher at TGen, creating a direct connection between groundbreaking discoveries and patient care. This unique model helps bring innovative treatments, precision medicine, and clinical trials to Arizona patients faster, delivering tomorrow’s breakthroughs to patients today.

LEFT TO RIGHT: Dr. Alan H. Bryce M.D., Oncologist, Chief Clinical Officer, City of Hope Cancer Center Arizona and Professor of Molecular Medicine at TGen; Dr. Jeffrey Trent, TGen, President and Research Director; Laurie Sicaeros, President, City of Hope Cancer Center Arizona; Aleksandar Sekulic, M.D., Ph.D., Physicianin-Chief at TGen and Director of Dermatology and Translational Research at City of Hope Cancer.

For patients, this means less distance to travel, less time between diagnosis and treatment, and a care plan shaped by the

Alan H. Bryce, M.D., Oncologist, Chief Clinical Officer at City of Hope Cancer Center Arizona, and Professor, Department

of Molecular Medicine at Translational Genomics Research Institute is helping bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical practice. He guides care across every City of Hope Cancer Center Arizona location and through his research has been at the forefront of bringing precision medicine to prostate cancer. Working alongside Dr. Bryce is Aleksandar Sekulic, M.D., Ph.D., Physician-in-Chief at TGen and Director of Dermatology and Translational Research at City of Hope Cancer Center Arizona, where he established the skin cancer program. Dr. Sekulic’s research focuses on applying genomics in patient care, turning gene sequencing from a research tool into something that shapes the treatment plan a patient is offered. Research takes time. How does philanthropy speed research to treatment? TGen and City of Hope Cancer Center Arizona are powered by philanthropy, accelerating the translation of discovery into patient care. Donors, volunteers and community leaders are at the heart of a nationwide movement to advance cancer research, bring innovative treatments to patients faster and expand access to

personalized care. Their generosity fuels the discoveries, technology and expertise that are transforming the future of cancer care and improving lives across Arizona. To learn more, visit cityofhope.org/arizona and tgen.org

JOIN US FOR OUR UPCOMING PHILANTHROPIC EVENTS

The 6th Annual City of Hope and TGen Runway for Research event blends high fashion and philanthropy to fund precision medicine and innovative therapies for women’s cancers. Held on Friday, October 9, from 9am - 11am at the Luxury Wing of Scottsdale Fashion Square, in Scottsdale, Arizona. To learn more, visit tgen.org/runway You’re invited to Walk for Hope in Goodyear on Saturday, November 7. Join us as we unite in a shared mission to end cancer for all. 100% of net proceeds raised through Walk for Hope helps fund pioneering research, provides access to leading-edge clinical trials, and delivers compassionate care at City of Hope and TGen. To learn more, visit cityofhope.org/walkforhope


Some homes are built, others are transformed.

www.caineandcompany.com

Two decades of elevating Scottsdale and Paradise Valley's finest homes.


Interiors by:

LIVING BY DESIGN

MATTERS

Frank Aazami Brand Ambassador

(480) 266-0240 frank.aazami@compass.com Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws.

LEARN MORE:


F I N E

D I S C O V E R U N M AT C H E D C R A F T S M A N S H I P L U X U R Y

I N

E S TAT E S

4 8 0 . 9 6 8 . 1 2 2 3 L I N E A R F I N E W O O D W O R K I N G . C O M

C U S T O M

C A B I N E T R Y + A R C H I T E C T U R A L

M I L L W O R K


CONTENTS

Let our kitchens inspire yours SHOWROOM

UP FRONT

56

The I List: Cloud Dancer

60

Must Haves: Nature’s Pull

64

68

Foam-O

72

Animal Style

80 78

76

Framing the American West

And Beyond: Artful Form, Everyday Function

In Full Bloom

80

98

The Art of the Enduring Object By Jennifer Lee

Pass the Paella

By Madeleine Perich

LAST WORD

86

168

Curated Curves By Bailey Badillo

The world’s world’s finest finest refrigeration, refrigeration, The cooking, and and dishwashing dishwashing

I Questionnaire: Lorenza Luti By Jennifer Lee

92

Wings of Terranea By Madeleine Perich

ON THE COVER

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Live Beautifull y

PHOTOGRAPHER Brendan Mainini. FASHION DIRECTOR Jennifer Lee. EDITOR Madeleine Perich. HAIR & MAKE UP Lupe Del Toro. TECH Dan Simmons. LIGHTING & PHOTO ASSISTANT Miles Mainini. MODEL Alana Burns. WARDROBE Black and White Pleated Shell, Vintage Issey Miyake, Price upon request. Black Mermaid Skirt, Vintage Thierry Mugler, Price upon request, Available at Torso Vintages. Black patent flats, Manolo Blahnik, $895, manoloblahnik.com. LOCATION Saint Joseph’s Arts Society, saintjosephsartssociety.com.

Plan your visit today

Over 60 showrooms, including: 15570 N 83rd Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 | 480-921-0900


CONTENTS

126 150 FEATURES

104

134

By Madeleine Perich

By Fran Miller

Conversation Pieces

The Sport that Plays The World

110

142

By Nora Burba Trulsson

By Nora Burba Trulsson

Telling Stories

118

Single Thread at 10 By Fran Miller

The Sweet Spot

150

Journey to Madagascar

By David Rubin

126

Architecture of Watchmaking By Ted Stafford

38

ICONICLIFE.COM

158

Form + Function By Jennifer Lee

110

TO THE TRADE 6300 East Thomas Road Suite 200, Scottsdale, Arizona 85251 • (480) 423-8000


PRESIDENT’S POV

A NEW SEASON

S

eptember always arrives with a strong sense of purpose. It marks a clear turning point where relaxed summer days give way to a sharper focus on growth, responsibilities, and meaningful progress. For those of us with school age children, it means the end of summer adventures, the start of a new school year, and all the things that come with it.

Tracy Thomas II President & CEO tracy@iconiclife.com @iconiclifemag

In some ways, the feeling is the same at ICONIC LIFE. After a busy spring that saw us produce our fourth volume of ICONIC LIFE, HOME— our largest issue to date—we debuted our first ever Mountain Collection issue for northern Arizona. The reception from clients, partners, and readers exceeded all of our expectations. But rather than slowing down, we took the summer months to bring exceptional new talent onto our team as we expand and continue elevating everything we do.

Where It All Comes Together™

We are thrilled to share that Jennifer Lee has joined us as Editorial Director. Jennifer is an incredible writer and an even better editor, bringing a wealth of experience from her time in the fashion and publishing worlds in New York and Europe. She now leads the editorial vision for ICONIC LIFE across all of our markets. This September Designer Issue marks Jennifer’s first complete edition from cover to cover as our lead storyteller and tastemaker. As you flip through these pages, you’ll recognize the signature elegance and quality you’ve come to expect from ICONIC LIFE, alongside fresh perspectives and creative touches that are uniquely hers. As we head into Fall, things are shifting into an even higher gear. We are keeping our editorial team busy with upcoming issues for Orange County and Palm Desert. Those will be followed closely by our ICONIC Design Awards issue which celebrates our incredibly talented design community at the fourth annual ICONIC Design Awards, taking place on October 10th at the Phoenix Art Museum.

Discover a new way to shop for your project. Ferguson Home has the bath, kitchen and lighting products you need to bring your vision to life. Whether you’re refreshing the look of a single room or building a new home, our experts are here to help every step of the way, from product selection through delivery.

So while summer may be coming to a close, September signals that the best is yet to come for ICONIC LIFE and our partners. I hope you enjoy poring over this issue as much as I have, and I invite you to join me in giving our newest team members a warm welcome to ICONIC LIFE.

Photo by Mark Sacro

All the best,

Start your project or find your local showroom at fergusonhome.com.

SCOTTSDALE | MESA | TUCSON ©2026 Ferguson Enterprises, LLC 0626 8878608

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B o n n e r

PUBLISHER’S POV

D a v i d

Galleries

Scotts dal e | New Yo rk

INSPIRATIONAL

I

n this special Designer Issue, we’re celebrating something I’ve always loved: great design. Whether it’s a home that feels uniquely your own, a favorite piece of clothing, or an object that elevates everyday living, design has the power to inspire us, tell our stories, and make everyday life more beautiful.

HUNT SLONEM F L O U R I S H | ARTIST RECEPTION: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 6:00-9:00 PM | SCOTTSDALE

One of the greatest gifts of my journey with ICONIC LIFE has been the opportunity to meet so many extraordinary creative minds. Every conversation reminds me that great design begins with curiosity, vision, and the courage to see possibilities others may not. I always leave these conversations inspired; not only by the work itself, but by the passion, purpose, and perspective each designer brings. What I love most is seeing how a designer’s personal sense of style influences the spaces they create. For them, design isn’t simply about creating beautiful rooms; it’s about telling a story, evoking emotion, and making people feel at home.

Meg Perich Publisher meg@iconiclife.com @iconiclifemag

This issue is our celebration of our remarkable design community and the talented people whose vision, craftsmanship, and creativity continue to elevate the way we live. I hope these pages introduce you to designers you’ll admire and ideas that spark your own imagination. And, of course, we’re welcoming fall! It’s a season I always look forward to. The cooler mornings, layered textures, rich colors, and the feeling of a fresh beginning make this time of year especially inspiring. I can’t think of a better pairing than design, fashion, and the arrival of autumn. Fall also brings one of my favorite ICONIC LIFE events! The 4th Annual ICONIC Design Awards Gala will be held on October 10th at the Phoenix Art Museum. This evening is always such a special celebration of the incredible talent within our design community. The ICONIC Design Awards were created to honor excellence across architecture, interior design, builder excellence, landscape design, and product design. What makes these awards stand apart is the integrity behind them. Winners are selected by an independent panel of respected industry experts from outside Arizona, ensuring each project is recognized through an objective and thoughtful lens. Watching the ICONIC Design Awards grow over the past four years has been incredibly rewarding. It’s been an honor to see this celebration become such a special tradition within our design community, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to recognize the talented individuals whose work continues to elevate and inspire us all. Here’s to celebrating beautiful design, the creative people behind it, and the joy of living beautifully. Happy Fall!

Sept 10-Oct 31 Scottsdale “Lilly’s & Spring Belle Terre Flowers” | oil on canvas | 72” x 84”

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


EDITOR’S POV

A SEASON OF CHANGE I

n the publishing world, the September issue stands as the most anticipated edition of the year. Its presence signifies a shift of the season and sets the tone for the journey forward. As the Fall season approaches, it brings a natural moment to reset and recalibrate. For some, it invites new beginnings and a turning of the page.

DURDANA BLUE GREEN | WOOL

For ICONIC LIFE, this issue carries an even deeper significance: it marks a new chapter in our leadership team.

Jennifer Lee Editorial Director jennifer@iconiclife.com @iconiclifemag

Stepping into the role of Editorial Director during this pivotal issue is both a privilege and a commitment. A change in leadership is not only an internal transition, but the promise of a new journey. Just as the September issue signals a turn for the season, this new direction represents our intention to build upon our robust foundation with sharper editorial focus and deeper storytelling.

POMONA AQUA | WOOL & SILK

In the pages ahead and issues to come, you will notice subtle yet deliberate shifts. We will feature comprehensive articles highlighting the architecture, builder and designer spaces, more expansive coverage with luxury stories and ideas that resonate with our readership, and introduce new conversations that, hopefully, will spark dialogue. The editorial evolution is not a solo journey, but a shared one, with you, our readers. We are excited to invite you along as we step forward, together, into a new chapter, guided by curiosity and a commitment to excellent storytelling. Thank you for turning these pages with us. Sincerest regards,

Photo by John Barbour

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STELLA MINT | WOOL & SILK

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W i s hWi ni sghyi on ug ya onuI na snp Ii nr isnpgi rNi ne gw NYe ew a rYe a r W i s h i n g y o u a n I n s p i r i n g N e w Ye a r 520.214.6773 OneOakAZ.com ROC 310200 / ROC 337358

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CONTRIBUTORS

FRAN MILLER

Fran Endicott Miller is a leading voice in luxury lifestyle journalism, specializing in high-end travel, wine, culinary culture, and the arts. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, she combines local insight with a global perspective. Her writing, celebrated for its authenticity, detail, and elegance, guides readers through exceptional hotels, wine estates, fine dining, and the art and culture worlds, serving as a trusted resource for discerning audiences. For this issue, Fran shares her experience at Napa’s Single Thread and reports on the latest access to the elite sports craze, padel. franmiller.com

TED STAFFORD

Ted Stafford is a fashion director and stylist whose work has appeared in GQ, Men’s Health, and other leading publications. He specializes in luxury watches, drawing on years of global travel and insider brand access to spot exceptional craftsmanship and help others invest in pieces that last. His philosophy: great style comes from intention, not excess. For this issue, Ted drew from his experience in luxury watches to curate the “Architecture of Watchmaking” story.

DAVID M. RUBIN

David is a Palm Springs writer and founder of DavidTravel. Stepping away from a successful law practice, he launched DavidTravel in 1996. As one of the world’s top travel advisors, he has been named to Travel + Leisure’s A-List and Condé Nast Traveler’s Specialist List for over 20 years.

Outside of work, Ted leads an active and adventurous lifestyle where you can find him running, hiking, swimming, and skiing whenever he can. For Ted, living well is enhanced by a sense of curiosity, some wanderlust, and continually discovering the next great find.

Since 2022, he has brought that insider perspective to ICONIC LIFE. His team at DavidTravel is celebrated for getting to know clients and designing itineraries tailored to their needs and budget, covering where to go, where to stay, upgrades and VIP insider access, with attention to every detail. David shares his extensive journey through Madagascar in this issue.

@tedstaffordstyle

davidtravel.com

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BRENDAN MAININI

Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Brendan came of age surrounded by a city defined by reinvention, subculture, and visual rebellion. As a teen, he was drawn to the raw energy of San Francisco’s graffiti scene, documenting the layered textures of 1990s street art on 35mm film—unaware that those early frames were shaping the way he would see the world. As an adult that curiosity eventually led him behind the scenes, where he began his career assisting set builders and photographers for a luxury furniture brand. Largely selftaught, he developed an instinct for creating photographs with a sense of place and permanence. Today, his work is rooted in imagery that balances aesthetics with authenticity in a commercial capacity. Through interior design, portrait, and lifestyle photography, he approaches each project with a transparent, collaborative spirit, translating a client’s vision into visual stories that feel intentional and refined. Brendan’s skill is seen in this month’s fashion story, “Form + Function.” brendanmainini.com

KITCHEN · BATH · DECORATIVE HARDWARE AIRPARK DESIGN CENTER, SCOTTSDALE · STUDIO41.COM


TRACY THOMAS II | President & CEO MEG PERICH Publisher

JENNIFER LEE Editorial Director

DOROTHY COSTELLO Associate Publisher, Orange County

MADELEINE PERICH Editor

MICHAEL DAVIS Associate Publisher, Palm Desert

ERIN SUWWAN Publication Designer

RENEE M. DEE Publisher Emeritus

NANCY ERDMANN Features Editor

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VOLUME 05.26

CONTRIBUTORS Bailey Badillo, Ted Stafford, David Rubin, Rebecca Rhoades, Fran Miller and Nora Burba Trulsson Advertising Queries, contact meg@iconiclife.com. Editorial Queries, contact editorial@iconiclife.com. 8145 E. Evans Road, Suite 7 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 480.577.0399 Subscribe NOW: ICONICLIFE.COM Follow us @iconiclifemag

GALLERIA STONE GALLERIA STONE A R I Z O N A A R I Z O N A

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ITALYITALY

© 2026 ICONIC LIFE. All rights reserved. All material in this magazine may not be reproduced, transmitted or distributed in any form without the written permission of ICONIC LIFE.

BLUEROOTS MARBLE FROM ANTOLINI AND THEIR EXCLUSIVE COLLECTION. VISIT ANTOLINI.COM TO SEE THE ENTIRE COLLECTION AND GALLERIAOFSTONEAZ.COM TO FIND THIS BLOCK. BLUEROOTS MARBLE FROM ANTOLINI AND THEIR EXCLUSIVE COLLECTION. VISIT ANTOLINI.COM TO SEE THE ENTIRE COLLECTION AND GALLERIAOFSTONEAZ.COM TO FIND THIS BLOCK.

OFOF

ICONICLIFE.COM Live Beautifully


TOGETHER WE MAKE LIFE BRIGHTER! TOGETHER WE MAKE LIFE BRIGHTER! At At Pella, Pella, we we know know great great design design is is about about more more than than windows windows & & doors doors – – it’s it’s how how our our products products enhance enhance the the environment environment At Pella, we know great design is about more than windows & doors – it’s how our products enhance the environment around around us us and and bring bring possibilities possibilities to to life. life. around us and bring possibilities to life. For For 100 100 years, years, Pella Pella has has been been an an industry industry leader. leader. Its Its product product innovations, innovations, trendsetting trendsetting tastes tastes and and durable durable materials materials For 100 years, Pella has been an industry leader. Its product innovations, trendsetting tastes and durable materials create create some some of of the the most most beautiful beautiful windows windows and and doors doors on on the the market. market. Discover Discover why why homeowners homeowners and and industry industry create some of the most beautiful windows and doors on the market. Discover why homeowners and industry professionals professionals trust trust the the Pella Pella difference! difference! professionals trust the Pella difference! Serving Serving Arizona Arizona Serving Arizona

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THE

LIST Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Alhambra Bracelet, $5,300. vancleefarpels.com

Jimmy Choo Love Slingback 85 Pumps, $795. jimmychoo.com

Cloud Nine

Loro Piana Corvetta Jacket, $3,735. loropiana.com

YSL Cassandra Thin Belt, $500. ysl.com

From tailored coats to timeless accessories, these luxury pieces celebrate Pantone’s Cloud Dancer, the soft neutral defining sophisticated style this season.

P

antone’s Color of the Year, Cloud Dancer, proves that understated can still make a statement. The creamy off-white hue offers a softer alternative to crisp white, bringing warmth and refinement to everything from tailored wool coats and flowing silk separates to buttery leather handbags and timeless jewelry. The result is a fresh take on monochromatic dressing that’s polished, effortless and undeniably chic. Explore our favorite pieces embracing this elegant neutral.

Bottega Veneta Maxi Venetam, $9,200. bottegaveneta.com

Brunello Cucinelli Cashmere Sweater, $3,100. brunellocucinelli.com 56

ICONICLIFE.COM

DettaglioInterior InteriorDesign, Design,the theemphasis emphasis isis on on teamwork. Our team AtAtDettaglio team of of talented talented Designers approach each project with an open mind, often starting with a Designers approach each project with an open mind, often starting with aclient’s client’s initial ideas and then guiding them through a process of exploration and initial ideas and then guiding them through a process of exploration and refinement.This Thiscollaborative collaborativeapproach approach allows allows us us to to create create homes refinement. homes that that are arenot not onlytimeless timelessand andfunctional functionalbut butalso also deeply deeply personalized personalized for only for our our clients. clients. www.dettagliodesign.com www.dettagliodesign.com

480.699.1169 480.699.1169


W H E N C A N C E R S H OWS U P, O U R 2,000 C A N C E R E XP E R T S S H OW U P ST R O N G E R Our only focus is curing cancer.

Angela, a motorcycle rider and rock climber, refused to let a cancer diagnosis slow her down. Today, Angela’s back to living life at full speed. As one of the nation’s largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations, our singular focus on cancer drives breakthrough discoveries, advanced treatments and outcomes that surpass national standards — bringing more victories to more patients worldwide.

Ending cancer starts with Hope © 2026 City of Hope

CityofHope.org/Arizona | 844-601-HOPE (4673)

Angela

City of Hope Patient


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Mi and Gei, $50. miandgei.com

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ature has a pull, and so does cabinet hardware. Designers are embracing pulls and knobs inspired by branches, leaves and other organic forms, bringing a subtle connection to the outdoors into kitchens, baths and built-ins. These sculptural details add texture, warmth and personality without overwhelming a space. Whether finished in aged bronze, warm brass or hand-crafted metals, nature-inspired hardware proves that sometimes the smallest details leave the biggest impression. Take inspiration from these nature-inspired cabinet pulls that blend artistry with function.

Schaub & Company Nature Woodpecker Pull, $318. nyhardware.com

Michael Aram Twig Hardware Pull, $100. perigold.com

Rosetta Door Handle, $475. glittershardware.com

Michael Aram Orchid Small Pull, $35. neimanmarcus.com Based in Phoenix, Arizona. Taking projects nationwide. kristinhazen.com

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INNOVAT IVE

DESIGNS DESIGN

BUILD

REFRIGERATION

INSTALLATION

Aesthetes & Designers of

REMARKABLE LANDSCAPES & OUTDOOR LIVING Through mindful design, we craft extraordinary landscapes, pools, and outdoor havens—tailoring bespoke designs which connect distinct taste preferences, and honoring the unique desires and preferences our clients value. We invite you to experience our expression of desert landscaping.

8340 E. Raintree Dr | Suite B-9 | Scottsdale, AZ 85260 480.538.1288 | www.WineCellarDesigns.biz

SCOTTSDALE • PARADISE VALLEY • CAREFREE

SHEARONDESIGNCO.COM

BUILD

ARCHITECTURE

INTERIOR DESIGN

PHOTOGRAPHY

Beckett Construction

designtank

Renee Simon Design

Jason Roehner


AND BEYOND

Artful Form, Everyday Function Collaborating with furniture designer, Holly Hunt, Moss & Lam release their Walking Bear Table.

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oronto-based art studio Moss & Lam has partnered with renowned furniture designer Holly Hunt to release the Walking Bear Table. The piece brings a gentle playfulness to both indoor and outdoor environments through crafted

faceted surfaces offering everyday utility with sculptural aesthetics. Built for all season performance with a durable combination of resin, stone aggregate and fiberglass, the hand finished functional art piece is lightweight yet sturdy. “The outdoor Walking Bear is designed to interact with the landscape as an emotional, shifting element – useful, beautiful, sculptural. Placed in the open air, its presence changes with the passing light and the seasons, creating a powerful, quiet dialogue between nature, art and what it means to be human,” says Deborah Moss, co-founder of Moss & Lam.

E L E VA T E D L U X U R Y I N T E R I O R S Full Service New Build & Remodel Design Furnishings & Decor Design • Boutique Hospitality

Moss & Lam is an interdisciplinary art studio focused on the dialogue between sculpture and space. Curating the intersection of fine art and architectural design, the studio crafts immersive installations and expressive pieces—from bold, statement-making objets d’art to monumental sculptures suspended within soaring atriums and grand foyers. Price available upon request. hollyhunt.com • 800-320-3145 mossandlam.com

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4300 N. Miller Rd., Suite G-200, Scottsdale 908.342.4446 www.sedonastattinteriors.com


CHANGE AGENTS OF ARIZONA

YEAR THREE BEYOND THE TRANSACTION Anyone can close a deal. Few build a legacy. On October 27, 2026, Arizona will gather to honor three real estate professionals who chose legacy over the deal, every time. Founded by Tim McBride, Change Agents of Arizona is inspired by the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, a recognition not of production, but of purpose, and of what we choose to do with the platform and talents we’ve been given. Each year, three real estate professionals, nominated by their peers and their networks, are selected from a long list of nominees by a committee of board members and founding event partners, recognized not for their numbers, but for their leadership, their service, and their commitment to serving with a bigger why and building a legacy beyond the transaction, one measured in impact rather than just sales. This is an elevated evening of celebration and impact. Every dollar raised, through ticket sales and this year’s new fundraising initiatives, goes directly back into the community, supporting the charity partners personally chosen by our three honorees. This isn’t a real estate event, it’s an evening built to move you. The three being honored lead in real estate, but their impact reaches far beyond it. Open to every leader in Arizona who believes success should mean something more.

Where Longevity Comes to Life LIVE BETTER. LONGER.

One Destination. Every Dimension of Health.

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longer—all in one destination.

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Tickets are limited. Reserve yours now at changeagentsarizona.com.

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THANK YOU SPONSORS

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Tim McBride

Founder, Change Agents of Arizona; Founder, Homes for Good Foundation; Co-Founder, ONE Team Scottsdale, Real Broker With gratitude to our

FOUNDING PARTNERS

480.479.4951

Benessair.com

Paradise Valley, Arizona,


Foam-O

than just flavor,” Mansene says. “While the presentation certainly catches your attention, it’s all about creating a more layered sensory experience.” Foam has come a long way from the traditional egg white. While bartenders still use egg whites in many classic cocktails, others are turning to ingredients like aquafaba and plant-based foaming agents to create the same light, velvety texture with more flexibility. Beyond looking beautiful, foam changes the way a cocktail is enjoyed. “Aroma plays a huge role in how we perceive flavor, and foam allows us to introduce those aromatics first,” Mansene explains. “It also adds texture, giving a cocktail another dimension and helping flavors unfold more gradually across the palate.” That soft layer can also mellow brighter flavors, making citrus or spirit-forward cocktails feel smoother without taking away their character. One of Swan’s favorite examples is the Southern Sophisticate, where the foam isn’t simply there to look pretty.

Equal parts flavor enhancer and photo op, cocktail foam is bringing a fresh layer of creativity to craft cocktails.

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hile cocktail foam isn’t exactly new, it’s having a moment.

Once associated mostly with the classic Whiskey Sour, today you’ll find silky foam topping everything from espresso martinis to margaritas at luxury hotel bars and cocktail lounges. Sometimes it’s infused with citrus or lavender. Other times it’s flavored with coffee, herbs or seasonal fruit. Whatever the recipe, 68

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foam has become one of the easiest ways for bartenders to add another layer to a drink. At Society Swan in Scottsdale, Director of Beverage, Aubrey Mansene, says guests are looking for cocktails that offer more than great flavor. “Guests are getting excited by foams because they are craving cocktails that deliver more

“The foam had to complement the floral flavors in the cocktail while adding texture to balance the brightness of the strawberry,” Mansene says. “The foam has to bring all of the components of the drink together. If it’s just added as a garnish, then it takes away from the drink as a whole.” The fact that it photographs beautifully doesn’t hurt. In an era when every beautifully crafted drink has the chance to go viral on social media, foam has become another tool for bartenders to express their creativity. But behind the picture is technique, balance and plenty of trial and error. Foam isn’t about putting on a show; it’s about making a better cocktail. The best foams don’t demand attention, they simply make every sip a little more memorable. Society Swan 7014 E. Camelback Rd., Ste 559, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 480-863-3999 • societyswan.com

@janetbrooksdesign 480.776.2700 • Scottsdale, Arizona • janetbrooksdesign.com


Join us for our 2026 Iconic Design Awards Celebration! You won’t want to miss this amazing night of celebrating the best in design.

Saturday, October 10, 2026 5:30PM to 10:30PM at Phoenix Art Museum 1625 N. Central Ave., Phoenix Black Tie • Valet Parking

Live Beautifu lly

NEW VENUE!

YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS THIS ICONIC NIGHT! SCAN NOW TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS.

602.617.9213 | @mariazinteriors www.mariazinteriors.com


Animal Style Embrace the wildness of nature.

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nimal-inspired wallcoverings are having a serious moment, bringing a dose of organic charm and quiet drama to favorite spaces. Think whimsical horses among foliage and stars, a wall mural of a larger than life dapper fox adorning the walls, or a lush jungle scene with gilded giraffes. These statement making designs make any room ready to embrace a little untamed luxury.

REBEL WALLS EMMA HORSES, RED & GREEN

It was artist Emma Ohlsson’s fascination with folk art and playful composition when she created the whimsical horses while studying at HDK, the Academy of Design and Crafts at the University of Gothenburg. The wallpaper is printed on customer demand. Starting at $7.10/square foot. rebelwalls.com

HAPPYWALL’S MR. FOX II WALL MURAL

The artist, Mike Koubou, blends his love for nature and animals with his affinity for vintage aesthetics in this larger than life wall mural of a dapper fox. $5.30/square foot. happywall.com

COLE & SON X ARDMORE COLLABORATION: ROYAL GIRAFFE GILDED

GRAHAM & BROWN’S JUNGLE JAMBOREE IN NAVY AND TEAL

The fairytale jungle wall covering brings to life a wildly imaginary forest in jewel tones. $190/double roll. grahambrown.com 72

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A maternal moment between two regal giraffes set against the shimmer of an imaginary setting. Hand painted details are embellished on the giraffe’s markings. $1453/roll. cole-and-son.com


Entrance

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CUSTOM GEAR • EXPERIENCED VALETS EXCLUSIVE PACKAGES • LOGISTICAL MAPPING SUPERIOR SIGNAGE & LIGHTING

(480) 925-3035 • www.AfterDarkValet.com

Photo courtesy of Dustin Lynch

October 24, 2026 • Earnhardt Lexus, Phoenix

For sponsorship inquiries please contact Tracy Thomas at tracy@iconiclife.com offtherecordpch.com

Benefiting


Framing the American West

Photographer Scott T. Baxter earns top honors for his latest visual storytelling of the history of dude ranching.

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or three decades, Scottsdale based fine art photographer Scott T. Baxter has documented the American Southwest, crafting a celebrated body of work that spans regional landscapes, Indigenous portraiture and Western ranch culture. His latest project, “100 Years of Dude Ranching: Celebrating the Centennial of the Dude Ranchers’ Association,” documents 26 “centennial ranches” which were ranches hosting guests prior to the establishment of the Dude Ranchers’ Association in 1926. The coffee

table book brought him through 20,000 miles of travel through Arizona, Colorado, Montana and Wyoming. By pairing historic archives with contemporary photographs, the story follows a century of evolution across the regions’ working landscape. Published by Jaye H. Wells of the Ranch Preservation Foundation, the volume features Baxter’s imagery alongside historical narrative by award winning author Lynn Downey. The work earned the 2026 Will Rogers Medallion Award for Western Photographic Essays, recognizing its role in documenting and redefining the modern American West. “Scott and Lynn put in many miles on the road and hours of research, and the result is this beautifully photographed and wonderfully written book on America’s first destination vacation out West and its enduring appeal today. Receiving this award

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is validation of our mission to preserve the rich tradition of dude ranching,” says Wells. Asked to describe how he approaches his work of documenting the specific region for 30 years, Baxter explains, “My inspiration comes mainly from my subjects rather than other photographers. While I certainly appreciate and respect the work of others, I try to let the photograph come to me. I don’t try to consciously force it, or think how another photographer might shoot it. There is so much imagery saturating us today, I find it is better to just follow what works for me.” A portion of the photographs from the book are currently on display at Baxter’s fine art exhibition, “The Wrangle” at the Dude Ranch Museum in Cody, Wyoming, through September 27, 2026. The collection will also be featured at Scottsdale’s Cattle Track Arts Compound in early 2027, running from February through March. To purchase the book, visit ranchpreservation foundation.org/ 100-years-of-dude-ranching.


SOPHISTICATED DESIGNS FOR LUXURY LIVING AT LEFT: Tulips Teresa Oil on Canvas, 60” x 84.5” BELOW: Pair Oil on Wood, 8” x 10”

In Full Bloom This fall, Bonner David Galleries Scottsdale showcases a vibrant collection of floral paintings that reveal a more intimate side of one of contemporary art’s most recognizable voices.

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or more than 40 years, Hunt Slonem has built one of the most recognizable visual languages in contemporary American art. His brightly colored rabbits, exotic birds and fluttering butterflies have become instantly identifiable to collectors around the world. This fall, however, the celebrated artist is shifting the focus to another lifelong source of inspiration: flowers. Opening Sept. 10 at Bonner David Galleries in Scottsdale, Flourish offers a rare look at the floral works that have quietly existed alongside Slonem’s ICONIC animal portraits throughout his career. The exhibition, on view through Oct. 31, showcases radiant blossoms layered with the artist’s signature 78

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texture, vibrant palette and inherent understanding of color. For Slonem, flowers have never been decorative subjects. They are an extension of a lifelong relationship with nature that began in childhood. Growing up in Hawaii, Slonem developed an early fascination with orchids, cultivating them in his own greenhouse before surrounding himself with expansive gardens at the historic homes he now restores across the country. Rather than painting botanically precise studies, Slonem captures the energy and emotion of flowers through bold color, expressive brushwork and richly layered

surfaces. His distinctive crosshatching technique, created by dragging the back of his paintbrush through wet paint, adds movement and texture. “I say a mantra with every stroke I make,” Slonem explains. “Repetition is very divine. It’s like praying the rosary. It becomes a way of reaching a higher state.” Whether painting rabbits, tropical birds, butterflies or flowers, his work is rooted less in realism than in reverence. Familiar subjects become vehicles for exploring beauty, memory and spirituality. Like the gardens that continue to inspire him, Flourish is ultimately a celebration of the abundance of color, creativity and the enduring beauty found in the natural world. ​ Bonner David Galleries Scottsdale 7040 E. Main St., Scottsdale, AZ 85251 480-941-8500 • art@bonnerdavid.com

TOP DESIGNER 2023

480.702.0534 www.lillianjames.com


Pass the

PAELLA Scottsdale’s Telefèric Barcelona pairs authentic Spanish cuisine with warm hospitality, lively energy and a dining experience designed to be shared. By Madeleine Perich

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alking into Telefèric Barcelona feels like leaving Scottsdale behind.

The moment one steps through the doors of the new Fashion Square restaurant, the atmosphere shifts. Warm lighting, natural materials and the hum of conversation create the feeling of a neighborhood restaurant tucked away in Barcelona rather than one in the middle of the desert. That’s exactly what co-founder Xavi Padrosa hoped to create.

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“Scottsdale has evolved into a massive culinary hub where people truly appreciate incredible dining, yet we noticed there wasn’t an authentic, rooted-in-Spain tapas concept here,” Padrosa says. Before guests even reach the dining room, they’re greeted by El Merkat, the restaurant’s Spanish market stocked with imported olive oils, specialty rice, conservas, paella kits, wines and pantry staples.

“Everything in the room—the food, the pace, the energy—is designed to transport you directly to Barcelona, no passport required,” he says.

The cocktail program is equally impressive. Signature sangrias are available by the glass or as a tasting flight, while cocktails like The Tourist, Red Velvet and Fancy a Carrot? bring a fresh, playful approach to classic Spanish flavors.

After years of success with the Teleferic Barcelona locations in California, Scottsdale felt like the obvious next step.

Then comes one of the most entertaining moments of the evening. Servers invite guests to take part in a centuries-old

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Spanish tradition by pouring sangria from high overhead directly into their mouths. It’s equal parts showmanship and celebration, with cheers and laughter filling the dining room. Dinner starts with fresh Iberian oysters, brightened with citrus, before moving on to one of the restaurant’s signature dishes: the Wagyu empanadas. Wrapped in crisp, flaky pastry and filled with rich, buttery beef, it’s easy to see why this dish is among the menu’s most popular dishes. The crab croquetas arrive next, perfectly crisp on the outside with a creamy, comforting center. Followed the Pulpo Telefèric, tender octopus prepared with the kind of confidence that comes from honoring tradition. “Authenticity is our priority,” Padrosa says. “Our chefs are from Spain, and every dish begins with key ingredients imported directly from Spain.” The evening’s centerpiece is the Fiesta Paella. Served family-style in its traditional pan, the colorful combination of lobster, 82

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ribeye, and saffron rice is meant to be passed around the table, encouraging conversation as much as it does sharing. “Everything on the menu is built for the middle of the table,” Padrosa says. “Living beautifully starts with slowing down and enjoying special moments with your loved ones.” Dessert closes the meal on a high note. A refreshing Mochi Matcha offers an unexpected twist before warm, freshly fried churros arrive with rich chocolate for dipping, adding the finishing touch to the Iberian feast. The restaurant itself deserves just as much attention as the menu. All seven Telefèric locations are designed by Padrosa’s sister and co-founder, Maria Padrosa, who sources many of the furnishings and materials directly from Spain. The Scottsdale location blends Mediterranean warmth with a contemporary edge, creating a space that feels equally suited for a leisurely lunch or a lively Saturday night. On weekends, live DJs take over as part of The Evolution of Sound, a flamenco-inspired program that brings extra energy to the dining room. Just as memorable as the food is the hospitality. The staff knows the menu inside and out, offering thoughtful recommendations while making the service feel relaxed rather than rehearsed. “Exceptional hospitality means authenticity has to live in the people, not just the plate,” Padrosa says. “From the first ‘Hola,’ our team brings the passion of Spanish hospitality to every Telefèric Barcelona location.” In a dining scene filled with standout restaurants, Telefèric offers something different: a genuine taste of Spain in the heart of Scottsdale. “We knew we had to bring that genuine Barcelona experience to a community that already loves great food.” Telefèric Barcelona Scottsdale 7014 E. Camelback Rd., Ste. 0561, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 657-282-5395 • telefericbarcelona.com

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CURATED CURVES The Mirabel House transforms sweeping architecture, bold color and meticulous craftsmanship into a home. By Bailey Badillo Photography by Kevin Brost LLC

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ome homes are designed. Others are discovered.

For this homeowner’s first build, it was the former. They’d heard of Sonoran Classic Builders’ reputation while living on the East Coast. Building a custom home from across the country required a leap of faith, placing one of life’s biggest investments into the hands of people they barely knew. The home was everything they hoped it would be, and so was their second home. By the third time, it was a charm, as they say. With this new build, a 5,053 sq-foot estate in Scottsdale, the relationship was no longer builder and client. It had become something far more uncommon: a partnership built over years of conversations, shared experiences and an evolving understanding of just how the family wanted to live.

BUILDER Sonoran Classic Builders. ARCHITECT Dwell Boldly. INTERIOR DESIGN Desert Rain Interiors, LLC. LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT CJS Lifestyle & Design. 86

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“When we first met these clients, they were simply customers looking for a builder,” says Jeri McGwin, vice president of Sonoran Classic Builders. “After completing three custom homes together, they’ve become close friends.” Before a single wall was drawn, Sonoran Classic Builders already knew three things about the people who would call it home: They loved their family, they adored their two large dogs, and they loved gatherings around a fire. And so the Mirabel House was formed.

A HOUSE THAT REFUSES STRAIGHT LINES

Nothing inside the Mirabel House arrives at a hard corner if unnecessary. Ceilings sweep overhead in soft crescents. Fireplaces emerge from textured stone as though carved from the walls themselves. Kitchen islands become sculptural gathering places. 88

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The effect is subtle but unmistakable. Every room feels as though it’s inviting you to stay just a little longer.

a reflection of the level of thought, planning and craftsmanship that went into every part of the home.”

For McGwin and his team, creating that sense of effortless movement required extraordinary discipline.

SUBTLE LUXURY

“A home built around curves requires a different level of precision and attention to detail,” he says. “Every radius has to be accurate, and each element needs to work together seamlessly.” Ironically, the less visitors notice the engineering, the more successful the design becomes. “For us, this is what makes custom homebuilding rewarding,” McGwin explains. “Taking an ambitious design vision and working through the challenges to create something truly unique. The curves are not just an architectural feature; they are

The Mirabel House is filled with moments that immediately capture attention: sweeping ceilings, sculptural fireplaces and a bold palette of plum and sunset hues. But its greatest achievement may be the details most guests never notice. That vision influenced every aspect of the design and construction process. The living spaces flow effortlessly into one another, creating an inviting environment for entertaining, while the kitchen was designed to be as functional as it is beautiful. A dedicated home office provides a productive workspace, ensuring the home stands up to everyday life without compromising its clean, contemporary aesthetic. ICONICLIFE.COM

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“THE CURVES ARE NOT JUST AN ARCHITECTURAL FEATURE; THEY ARE A REFLECTION OF THE LEVEL OF THOUGHT, PLANNING AND CRAFTSMANSHIP THAT WENT INTO EVERY PART OF THE HOME.” – JERI MCGWIN, VICE PRESIDENT OF SONORAN CLASSIC BUILDERS

ensuring the family’s canine companions could safely enjoy the outdoor space alongside everyone else.

GATHER AROUND

And then there was the most important piece of this home’s puzzle: Making a home that’s also made for entertaining. Because if the Mirabel House has a heartbeat, it lives where people come together. The kitchen naturally became its center, not simply as a place to prepare meals but as the backdrop for conversations that stretch from morning coffee into late-night dinners. Two oversized islands—one dedicated to cooking, the other to gathering—allow the hosts to remain part of every conversation, even while preparing a meal. Outside, a restaurant-quality pizza oven, covered lounge spaces and resort-inspired pool create another destination for family and friends, extending the home’s welcoming atmosphere beneath the Arizona sky.

“These are the details that often go unnoticed because, when they are done correctly, they simply feel right,” says McGwin. “But creating that effortless appearance takes a tremendous amount of planning, problem-solving, and skilled workmanship from everyone involved.” And when the details feel right, it’s deeply personal. Each architecture choice, layout, design and more is meant for their family to live comfortably in the home. “Ultimately, the story of this home is about creating a space that reflects the homeowners’ personalities and priorities. It’s a home that’s designed to be lived in, enjoyed, and shared, a place where thoughtful design enhances every part of daily life.” 90

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The bold color palette is the thing that one notices in the home.

The homeowners incorporated nine fireplaces, all statement-piece worthy, each creating a different mood while reinforcing the warmth that defines the home. The dramatic linear fireplace anchoring the great room extends through the home’s exterior architecture, transforming a functional feature into one of its defining sculptural elements. “The clients have always loved the warmth, ambiance and glow that fireplaces bring to a space,” McGwin says. “Having nine fireplaces allowed us to incorporate that experience throughout the residence while giving each space its own unique character and design moment.” Every gathering space, whether indoors or out, is intentionally designed for what the homeowners have valued from the very beginning, sharing their home with loved ones.

BUILT FOR FOUR LEGS, TOO

“The clients have always been drawn to vibrant, expressive colors,” McGwin says. “They wanted the home to reflect their personality rather than follow a more traditional neutral palette.”

When the homeowners say family is important, that includes their two big dogs. With a couple of large canines, durable finishes were a necessity, chosen with daily life in mind. The best way to create comfort included more than 16,000 square feet of tile spanning floors, walls, shower ceilings and dramatic architectural features. The material delivers a refined aesthetic while standing up to muddy paws, playful afternoons and the realities of sharing a home with four-legged family members.

The palette recalls an Arizona sunset, the lavender shadows that settle across mountain ranges before dusk, the fiery glow of desert stone catching the final light.

That philosophy continued even after move-in. A sculptural fountain originally planned for the front courtyard was eventually transformed into a planting bed,

Instead of muted neutrals, rich violets mingle with terracotta oranges, appearing in custom furnishings, fireplace surrounds, artwork and even the floral-inspired kitchen installation that dances along the curved walls.

Fire carries that feeling throughout the residence.

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Wings Over Terranea

For more than 15 years, resident falconer Joe Roy III has used the ancient art of falconry to naturally deter nuisance birds while giving Terranea Resort guests an unforgettable connection to nature. By Madeleine Perich

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t most coastal resorts, outdoor dining comes with an unwelcome companion: seagulls. They swoop between tables, circle patios and linger near guests, hoping for an easy meal. At Terranea Resort, the award-winning oceanfront retreat found on California’s Palos Verdes Peninsula, visitors quickly notice something different, and that is no accident. The views are uninterrupted, and outdoor terraces remain remarkably free of disruptive birds. Guests can enjoy breakfast overlooking the Pacific, relax on private balconies and linger over sunset cocktails without competing with seagulls for space. The secret isn’t technology or deterrents. It’s the ancient practice of falconry. For more than 15 years, Resident Falconer Joe Roy III has quietly helped preserve Terranea’s guest experience through one of the oldest partnerships: the bond between falconer and bird of prey. Roy’s work extends far beyond bird management. Equal parts conservationist, educator and storyteller, he has become one of the resort’s most beloved ambassadors. “The work that I do here at Terranea allows

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me to be full-time with my birds, and that I enjoy,” says Roy. “There’s a vicarious aspect of my falconry in that when my birds are flying, they take a piece of me with them.” That passion is immediately evident during Terranea’s complimentary Falconry Experience, where guests are introduced to hawks, falcons and owls while learning about their unique behaviors, hunting instincts, and ecological importance. “It affords me the opportunity to interact with guests in ways that few people can do here,” he says. For many visitors, the experience becomes one of the most memorable moments of their stay. Watching a hawk launch from Roy’s gloved hand and soar effortlessly above the Pacific Ocean offers a rare connection to the natural world. One that feels both intimate and awe-inspiring.

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Beyond the spectacle, Roy is driven by education for the resort’s guests. “I enjoy being able to help people better understand the roles that these birds of prey play in our ecology,” he says. That mission is especially important as birds of prey continue to prove their value in modern wildlife management. Rather than relying on artificial deterrents or disruptive control measures, Terranea uses trained raptors to naturally discourage nuisance birds from gathering throughout the 102-acre property. The presence of a hawk or falcon signals to seagulls, pigeons, crows and other birds that a predator is nearby, encouraging them to move elsewhere. “Birds of prey are becoming viable options for pushing these birds out of these spaces and hopefully making them a little more well-behaved if they’re not entirely leaving,” Roy

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explains. The result is an elegant solution that benefits both guests and the environment. “The ultimate success would be no pigeons, no seagulls, no grackles, no crows or ravens in the complex,” says Roy. Achieving that goal requires dedication not only from Roy but also from the birds themselves. Young falcons undergo daily conditioning and flight exercises designed to build strength, stamina and confidence. That training creates the trust and partnership necessary for successful falconry. Unlike common misconceptions, birds of prey are not controlled. Instead, they choose to work alongside their handlers through a relationship built on consistency, respect and mutual understanding. For Roy, witnessing those birds thrive in their natural role is among the most rewarding aspects of his work. “They belong here, and having them around is a positive thing.”

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That belief reflects Terranea’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible hospitality. By embracing a natural approach to wildlife management, the resort protects its outdoor spaces while creating meaningful opportunities for guests to learn about local ecosystems and conservation. As hawks soar above the coastal cliffs and guests gather to watch in wonder, the program offers something increasingly rare in modern travel, an authentic connection to nature. For Roy, it is simply another day spent doing what he loves most. For guests, it is a reminder that some of the most extraordinary luxury experiences aren’t found in a spa or a fine-dining restaurant. Sometimes, they arrive on the wings of a falcon. Terranea Resort 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 310-494-7891 • terranea.com

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The Art of the Enduring Object In Arizona, designer Elyce Arons reflects on nostalgic memories while curating a world of vintage finds. By Jennifer Lee

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Arons perfected the method of maintaining the quality and usability of such a well preserved piece. Instead of dry cleaning, she relies on the natural oils from the untreated natural wool and throws it into the dryer with a cleaning sheet and lays it out to dry, once every five years.

Photo by Adam Ward

Photo courtesy of Frances Valentine

ne of Elyce Arons’ prized possessions is an Irish knit fisherman’s sweater that she acquired during one of her treasure hunts 35 years ago. She estimates that the sweater was about 50 years old when she purchased it back then, making it 85 years old today. It’s still in mint condition and is one of her frequent go-to pieces in her wardrobe collection.

The longevity of the fisherman sweater serves as a metaphor for Arons’ fashion philosophy behind her brand, Frances Valentine, where her bold prints and vintage inspired designs were created to last for generations.

Before Arons became CEO of Francis Valentine or a global fashion icon alongside her best friend, Kate Spade, Arons was a student at the University of Kansas. That changed as a sophomore when she visited Arizona during her spring break to visit Spade’s sister in Paradise Valley. “We kind of fell in love with it,” Arons recalls, noting that the dry arid temperatures did wonders for Spade’s lifelong allergies. The duo transferred to Arizona State University, but the move came with the realization they needed to work to afford the out-of-state tuition. While Spade found work in a menswear boutique, Arons took a job driving the beverage cart at the Biltmore Golf Club. “I bugged them until they hired me,” Arons laughs, recalling the long work days that helped fund her education at ASU, Walter Cronkite School of Journalism. Arons credits her early years in the Valley with shaping her appreciation for the unique aesthetic of the Southwest.

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On a recent return to Arizona for her alumni induction at ASU, Arons spent her down time doing what she loves most: finding treasures in vintage shops. She describes the shops in Phoenix and Scottsdale as literal “gold mines” for vintage finds. Due to the state’s arid environment, many of the pieces are well preserved, she observes. Compared to cities with high humidity which can destroy delicate fabrics over time, the desert air acts as a natural preservative. She notes that sweaters, in particular, lack snags, rips and moth holes. During her vintage tour, she highlighted two Phoenix locations that were standouts, Antique Sugar and Retro Ranch, for their meticulously curated and well preserved mid-century collections from the 60’s and 70’s, an era of particular interest to Arons. At another shop, Modern Manor, she tried on a leather jacket with a ribbed wool collar when she noticed a name written inside, Art Romley. After posting the find on her social media channel, she received a direct message from Romley’s nephew, who recognized his uncle’s old jacket and reached out. “It’s those kinds of personal connections that make it really interesting. It’s like a treasure hunt.”

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Photo by Adam Ward

Visualizing the woman wearing her vintage finds and creating an entire story about their life informs Arons’ on how she proceeds with her own design process. In a rebuke to the current trend of fast and disposable fashion, her commitment to the quality of garment making is even stronger. Her brand’s mantra “Wear What Makes You Happy” is rooted in the idea that clothes should be cherished and passed down to future generations. Taking

Photo by Adam Ward

Arons notes that Arizona vintage possesses a distinct “Southwest flavor” that sets it apart from other vintage havens like New York or Europe. She discovered an abundance of worn-in cowboy boots with a “great patina on the leather” and garments with intricate Mexican-style embroideries. Arons celebrated when she found a 1960’s orange and turquoise hostess dress with a space-age design. “You can just imagine someone in Palm Springs at their beautiful half-outdoor home throwing a cocktail party. I love the woman who bought that,” Arons beams.

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Photo courtesy of Frances Valentine

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influences from vintage silhouettes, Arons re-works the fit of her pieces adapting them to modern bodies. And upon observing how her clientele lives in her designs, she’s added pockets to 99% of her pieces as a functional nod to a tech centric life. “Everybody’s got a phone in their hands, and you need to be able to put your phone somewhere,” explains Arons. The connection to the desert remains strong for Arons. She recently returned to

photograph her spring campaign at Frank Lloyd Wright’s home, Taliesin West and Papago Park. “It was my favorite shoot so far that we’ve ever done,” she says. For those hesitant to explore the world of vintage themselves, Arons offers this advice, “Be bold and go ahead and give it a shot.” Frances Valentine 922 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10021 francesvalentine.com • 212-452-2681

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Conversation

PIECES Rafterhouse founder Austin King breathes new life into the legendary Antiquities Warehouse, preserving its legacy while inspiring a new generation of designers and collectors. By Madeleine Perich Photography by Donald Beans

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ome of the most meaningful design stories begin long before a project is ever built. They begin with an object; a weathered door, a centuries-old cabinet or an unexpected piece that sparks the conversation. For Austin King, founder of the award-winning design-build firm Rafterhouse, those stories have always been worth preserving. Long before he became the steward of one of Arizona’s most beloved antique destinations, King was simply a customer wandering the aisles of Antiquities Warehouse. He would silence his phone, lose himself among the imported European furnishings, architectural salvage and eclectic curiosities. “I’ve always had an appreciation for older things; their character, their craftsmanship

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and their stories,” King says. “I’m one of those people who always says, ‘If these walls could talk,’ because I’d happily sit and listen.”

that came with preserving such an ICONIC Arizona institution, King made the decision to purchase.

That appreciation has long influenced Rafterhouse’s design philosophy. Throughout the firm’s custom homes, King has become known for thoughtfully repurposing antique elements. Transforming vintage pantry doors into statement pieces, converting antique dressers into one-of-a-kind bathroom vanities and weaving historic materials into contemporary architecture. Those details helped define the warm, collected aesthetic that has become synonymous with Rafterhouse.

Today, that stewardship is evident throughout Antiquities Warehouse’s new 10,000-square-foot home in downtown Phoenix. Housed inside a century-old industrial building with exposed brick walls, soaring trusses and authentic urban character, the new location feels as though it has always belonged there. Rather than polishing away the building’s grit, King embraced it, allowing the historic architecture to complement the European antiques and reclaimed architectural elements inside.

The acquisition of Antiquites Warehouse wasn’t part of his business plan. But after months of reflection, conversations with former owner Louise McDermott, and careful consideration of the responsibility

For King, downtown Phoenix wasn’t simply a real estate decision, it was part of the story. “I felt like Antiquities needed to be rooted in Phoenix,” he says. “It didn’t belong in a

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strip mall or somewhere overly polished. It needed a space with character that matched the inventory.” Although Antiquities Warehouse has a new home, longtime visitors will immediately recognize what made it so special. King was careful not to lose the mix of exceptional antiques and the unexpected treasures tucked throughout the warehouse. It’s that contrast that has always defined Antiquities. “There are beautiful pieces your kids will fight over one day,” he says. “But I’m also here for the weird stuff. Those quirky conversation pieces are part of what makes Antiquities so special.”

“I THINK PEOPLE WANT PIECES WITH A BACKSTORY. THEY WANT SOMETHING THAT STARTS A CONVERSATION.” 106

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That philosophy reflects a broader shift happening throughout luxury residential design. As homeowners increasingly move away from perfectly matched interiors, they’re gravitating toward spaces layered with warmth, texture and personality. Vintage furnishings, reclaimed architectural elements and one-of-a-kind antiques offer something

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mass-produced furniture simply cannot: authenticity. “I think people want pieces with a backstory,” King says. “They don’t want the same furniture everyone else has. They want something that starts a conversation.” For Arizona’s growing design community, Antiquities Warehouse has become exactly that resource. Interior designers, architects, builders and homeowners from across the state now visit the warehouse searching for everything from antique doors and European cabinetry to statement furniture and decorative objects destined for custom homes. Equally rewarding for King has been watching the warehouse evolve into a gathering place for the creative community itself. “It’s been fun meeting interior designers, architects, builders and even real estate professionals I admired from afar,” he says. “There’s been a real sense of community that’s come with this.” Although Antiquities Warehouse may be King’s newest venture, he still describes it as something more personal than business. “It’s really become a passion project,” he says. And perhaps that’s exactly why the transition feels so natural. In King’s hands, Antiquities Warehouse isn’t simply preserving history; it’s ensuring that generations of craftsmanship, character and timeless design continue finding new homes, one remarkable piece at a time. Antiquities Warehouse 402 S. 1st Street, Suite C, Phoenix, AZ 85004 602-441-1726 • antiquitieswarehouse.com

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Telling Stories Designer Lindzey Lawler’s Home Weaves a Magical Tale. By Nora Burba Trulsson Photography by Austin LaRue

I ARCHITECT George Christensen. BUILDER NC Construction. INTERIORS Curated Design.

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n Lindzey Lawler’s book, every room should tell a story and be layered with pieces that reflect the owner’s personality. “My passion is evoking emotions in a home,” says the former fashion merchandiser-turned interior designer. “Just because something is a trend doesn’t mean you should follow it. The things you surround yourself with should be loved and have a history.” ​ Lawler’s own Scottsdale home, which she shares with her husband, retired MLB pitcher Marc Rzepczynski, speaks volumes about her design philosophy. The circa 1978 home, a blend of Territorial Revival and Spanish Colonial architectural styles, serves as a backdrop for Lawler’s curated collection of everything from high-end designer furnishings to vintage treasures, thrift-store finds and eclectic art. ​ But before the couple could even think about the furnishings, the abode needed to be brought up to modern-day living standards. Working with NC Construction in Peoria, several updates were made. The front yard had to be dug up to replace the original septic tank, while the kitchen and bathrooms were gently updated. Old sliding glass panels and the front entry door were replaced with

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bronze-framed glass doors. The sunken bar, which Lawler describes as “a cross between a Lone Star steakhouse and the Buffalo Chip Saloon,” was stripped of its blood-red walls and swinging saloon doors and fitted with new cabinetry and countertops. ​ What the renovation didn’t strip was the home’s original Southwestern charm. “We didn’t want to lose the character and soul of this house,” says Lawler, whose business is called Curated Design. “This was one of the first homes built in this golf course community. It called to me the moment I first set foot in it. Even though we own the home, I feel like we’re just stewards, taking care of it for the next generation.” Indeed, the 5,300-square-foot block home is a solid testament to the enduring quality of thoughtful design.

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Though its origins are a bit murky, the residence has the hallmarks of work by the late Phoenix architect George Christensen, vaulted, beamed ceilings in the living room, arched windows, sunken bars, stained-glass details and Mexican tile for floors and trim. “We didn’t change the footprint of the house and kept so much of the original,” Lawler points out. Even the old adobe pavers in the back yard are part of the home’s history.” ​ Once the construction dust settled, Lawler furnished the rooms, delving into the storage facilities she’d packed with items collected as she and her husband moved around following his career with teams such as the Cleveland Indians, Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners. “I love the mix of high and low,” the interior designer says, “and the mix of thrifted things with anything that has a history or is weird or funny.” ​

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Indeed, at the entry, weathered Turkish pots are planted with desert-friendly greens, while just inside, a dark credenza is stocked with art books, a black-and-white photograph, and a lamp with a brass shade. The entry’s stained-glass cupola was fitted with a blown-glass chandelier that reflects the colored glass. In the living room, a midcentury-style sofa is joined by an Indonesian wood bench, a thrift-store chair and a knobby-wood Noir credenza, all illuminated by a new Nglala Trading chandelier. The leather-draped light fixture, says Lawler, seemed like the right fit against the room’s dark beams, whitewashed plank ceiling cladding and adobe brick-framed arched windows. A hallway between the guest bedrooms became a skylit gallery for art and books, guarded by a ceramic leopard and giraffe. “Why wouldn’t you want a 1960s ceramic giraffe from a vintage store?” Lawler asks, laughing. “My husband and I are big animal lovers, so our rule is ‘no animal left behind.’” ​ 114

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In the primary bedroom, a carved-wood Noir poster bed takes center stage, while a pair of bouclé armchairs creates a cozy seating area in a space that was originally designed as a home office. A vast walk-in shower and deep soaking tub anchor the primary bath, but it is in the walk-in closet where Lawler’s fashion merchandising background is evident. Illuminated cabinets and racks display her collection of shoes and bags, paired with why-not-in-the-closet accessories such as favorite art books and ceramic figurines. ​ The powder room, though, is Lawler’s favorite. Set just off the entry foyer, the deep green walls and trough

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sink underscore a collection of antique religious art and Orthodox icons. To the left of the sink, an old silver holy water font now holds tiny pieces of folded paper, printed with fortunes. “Powder rooms should be fun and different from the rest of the house,” she says. ​ Now settled in, Lawler has dubbed the home Casa de Tesoros, or house of treasures, and speaks of it as “she.” “This house definitely has feminine energy,” she says. “It’s also a love letter to Arizona style, which is something we’re losing with newer homes. I embrace the old.” thecurated.design

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Single Thread A Decade of Excellence By Fran Miller

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Photos courtesy of SingleThread

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decade after opening its doors in Healdsburg, California, SingleThread remains one of the most distinctive dining destinations in the world. Since 2016, chef Kyle Connaughton and his wife, farmer Katina Connaughton, have shaped an experience that seamlessly blends agriculture, cuisine, and hospitality, earning three Michelin stars along the way. At its core is a simple philosophy: let the land and the season determine the story told on each plate. Guests arrive for an extraordinary meal, but leave with something more akin to a deeply personal connection to place and time. As SingleThread celebrates its tenth anniversary, that philosophy is extending beyond Sonoma County. The team recently debuted SoNoMa at Capella Kyoto, its first international venture, while also preparing to unveil The Selvedge, a new hospitality concept in Healdsburg that signals the next evolution of the brand.

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THE TEAM THAT BUILT THE VISION

Ask Connaughton what surprised him most about sustaining a three-Michelin-starred vision for ten years, and he doesn’t mention accolades. He talks about people. “Many of our team have been with us since the beginning — some for seven, eight, nine, now even ten years,” he says. “You start with a vision that came from us, and then you bring together a team that layers in their own talents, abilities, and perspectives, creating something that’s so much greater than what you could have ever imagined on your own.” The other surprise: guests who keep coming back. Not simply to check a box, but to go deeper. They return in different seasons, building what Connaughton describes as genuine, lasting relationships.

THE FARM AS AUTHOR

If SingleThread has a motto, it’s “the story of today.” This wasn’t something Connaughton launched; it emerged as the truest shorthand for what SingleThread actually does. “It’s become a way to distill what SingleThread is and what the experience feels like for the guest,” he explains. “Every day I want to tell the story of the farm because we’re receiving that harvest each morning, and Katina is telling her story through her ingredients and flowers, saying this is what’s ready and in peak season.” This is the closed loop that defines everything: Katina’s farm doesn’t just supply the restaurant; it authors it. The menu is a translation of what the land offers, not the other way around. Connaughton is careful to keep that relationship intact as the operation grows. “We really only are able to grow relative to what our agricultural production is,” he says, noting that the farm operates entirely at hand scale, producing enough not only for SingleThread but for a farm store and select local chefs and friends. The integrity of the agricultural practice is the ceiling and the compass.

GROWTH WITH A LONG CRITERIA

At SingleThread, “thoughtful growth” has a specific definition. Every potential expansion, however small, is run through a rigorous internal filter. “The number one thing is really all about how that helps SingleThread become a better restaurant,” Connaughton says. “How does this make us better? What do we learn? How is this going to create an opportunity creatively?” The team, many of whom have been with the restaurant for nearly its entire life, plays a major role in that calculus. Growth, here, is

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about giving a long-tenured team new creative challenges, new experiences, new reasons to stay and invest further in what they’ve collectively built.

SONOMA: TWO KITCHENS, ONE PHILOSOPHY

The opening of SoNoMa at the Capella Kyoto — SingleThread’s first international venture —arrived as an opportunity that felt, in Connaughton’s telling, almost inevitable. “It actually wasn’t something we were actively looking for,” he says. “It was proposed to us, and we had many conversations about the philosophy and the direction of the Capella Hotel in this 800-yearold historic neighborhood, and about the heritage and the season of Kyoto.” He consulted mentors and friends within the city before committing. Every signal said yes. The result is a restaurant through a SingleThread lens, but within one of the world’s most storied culinary capitals. What makes it work is common ground. “We focus on the things that are the same rather than the differences,” Connaughton explains. “Seasonality, intentionality, warm hospitality, support of good food systems and the artisans and craftspeople who work with us.” Kyoto and Sonoma, it turns out, lead with the same values. The restaurant becomes a mirror, and a living exchange program, with California and Japanese team members crossing between both kitchens, carrying inspiration in both directions.

OMOTENASHI, SONOMA-STYLE

At the heart of both restaurants is a principle that Connaughton returns to again and again: omotenashi — the Japanese philosophy of hospitality that anticipates the guest’s needs before they’re spoken. “SingleThread and now SoNoMa are not restaurants where we say, sit down and sit back and let us perform for you,” he explains. “It’s really about thinking about the guests and saying this is our home and you’re in our home. This is a dinner party.” That framing carries enormous implications. It shifts the power dynamic. It makes guests collaborators rather than an audience. And it demands more from every team member: not just execution, but genuine care. In Kyoto, the concept translates fluidly. “Both Kyoto and Sonoma lead with heart,” Connaughton says. At SoNoMa, guests are welcomed into a Japanese home. The warmth is the same. The setting is extraordinary.

POSH AND PUNK: THE SELVEDGE

Back in Healdsburg, the Connaughtons are expanding with The Selvedge, a new hotel concept that Katina has described, memorably,

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as posh and punk. The reference point is Vivienne Westwood: the designer who dressed the London punk movement in the 1970s and went on to become one of haute couture’s most revered figures, never losing her edge. “That’s how Katina and I feel,” Connaughton says. “We’re able to have this very elevated experience that we create, but still have fun.” The punk sensibility here isn’t about rebellion for its own sake — it’s about authenticity. About refusing to let luxury become hollow. “We don’t want things to feel like luxury for the sake of luxury. We want things to feel very tangible and very personal.”

THE LEGACY OF MENTORSHIP

Running a three-Michelin-starred operation at the highest level of sustained excellence creates pressure — on systems, on sourcing, on the human beings who show up every day to make it happen. Human sustainability, Connaughton says, comes down to one thing: the why. “While we’re here to execute our work at a very high level, at the same time, we’re here to teach and to share and to mentor.” Every detail, every decision, every practice is shared with the team not as a directive but as an explanation. “I think ultimately, the legacy of SingleThread, and of what Katina and I do, is to train industry leaders.” That’s a long view. Rarer still in an industry built on immediacy.

HOME, TRULY

Which brings everything back to Healdsburg. For all the expansion — Kyoto, The Selvedge, whatever comes next — Connaughton’s center of gravity is unmistakably, stubbornly local. “We dreamed of one day owning a restaurant and farm in Healdsburg when we got married near here when we were 23 years old,” he says. “It’s really, truly our home. It’s where we farm. It’s where we live. It’s where we work, and where our community and our friends and our family are.” ​ He talks about Sonoma County the way a vintner talks about terroir, as substance. The ingredients, yes, but also the ethos: people who take what they do seriously without taking themselves too seriously. Guests, he hopes, will feel that. “We want them to relax and decompress into the region, the redwoods, the wineries of friends, the particular, unhurried quality of life here that makes everything on the plate make sense.” SingleThread Farm Restaurant Inn 131 North St., Healdsburg, CA 95448 singlethreadfarms.com

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Timeless architecture of watches, timepieces become works of art, each with their own unique style.

watch 8 pgs

By Ted Stafford

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he building blocks of these watches are thoughtfully created as both visually stunning wrist art, seamlessly integrated with excellence in high horological complications, taking watchmaking to new artistic heights. From fluted and architectural sculpted bezels, to unique motifs and colorful art formed dials, these new watches are precious finds. Dials, bezels, and casements that blend together masterfully. Watches made so eloquently they stand out as art pieces of their own. Whether it’s a patterned dial, textured bezel, or moon phase masterpiece. Each of the watches has their own artful excellence.

PIAGET

PARMIGIANI

SIXTIE WATCH | $22,300

THE TUONDA PF AUTOMATIC PRICE UPON REQUEST

A study in sculptural asymmetry, this Piaget Sixtie pairs a blue quartz dial with a trapezeshape case layered in polished pink gold. Its bold, unconventional silhouette makes for an elegantly artful timepiece, one built to be admired from every angle.

A pale pastel “Alta Rosa” pink with an intricate, eye-catching guilloche textured dial is beautifully appointed framed within a platinum knurled bezel. The textures mixed with color are richly elegant with an artistic quality that is timeless in style.

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CARTIER

SANTOS-DUMONT WATCH | $52,000 A fine mix of precious materials, this Cartier Santos-Dumont pairs rich yellow gold with an obsidian dial whose texture is eye-catchingly striking. Set against a uniquely shaped curvedsquare case and textured woven-link bracelet, it stands as a work of art all its own.

VAN CLEEF & ARPELS

MIDNIGHT JOUR NUIT PHASE DE LUNE WATCH $153,000

Photo by Clement Rousset

Van Cleef & Arpels, The Midnight Jour Nuit Phase de Lune (in honor of the moon) brings a poetic dream of living in time with the cosmos to your wrist. A work of art of its own visually, together with watchmaking complications that are out of this stratosphere. Two overlapping complications housed within the case. The first animates the eponymous Jour/Nuit (day and night) display, while the second “astronomical” complication illustrates the current Moon phase.

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A wristwatch that earns its poetic beauty name, as a mesmerizing work of art.

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PATEK PHILIPPE

ANNUAL CALENDAR MOON PHASES | $61,141 An exercise in quiet complexity, this Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Moon Phase pairs a blue-gray dial with a subtle shantung weave, set within a polished white gold case. At 6 o’clock, twin apertures reveal the day, month, and moon phase in perfect symmetry, a complication rendered with the same artistry as the dial itself.

ROLEX

THE OYSTER PERPETUAL DAY-DATE 40 PRICE UPON REQUEST A striking Aventurine dial adorned with an hour circle of ten baguette-cut diamonds, shimmers and shines beautifully framed within a beautiful texture fluted bezel. Its 18kt Jubilee Gold case and President semi-circular three-piece link bracelet are the perfect frame for this stunning Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date, its own work of art.

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BULGARI

OCTO FINISSIMO 37 MM WATCH | $16,600 Geometry becomes the point with Bulgari’s Octo Finissimo. Its extra-thin, manufacture-made movement is a feat of engineering in its own right, housed within a case whose faceted, architectural silhouette looks stellar on the wrist. Precision and design, cut from the same angle.

HERMES

HERMÈS H08 SQUELETTE 42 MM | $21,600 Sleek architecture meets high-end mechanics in this Hermès H08 Squelette. Its lightweight titanium case, finished in diamond-like carbon coating, becomes a canvas for openworked, skeletal bridges, cased with precision and paired against a sporty, colorful strap. The effect is unmistakably modern: engineering worn as art.

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The

Sport Plays World That

Inside Privé Padel’s Global Passport to Luxury. By Fran Miller

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particular sound can be heard throughout the world’s most beautiful destinations. It’s the percussive thwack of a solid-core ball against perforated carbon fiber, echoing off glass walls in places far from where the sport first took root. Padel, the racquet sport hybrid of tennis and squash that’s been dominating courts across Spain and Latin America for decades, has officially arrived as the fastest-growing sport on the planet. And nowhere is that ascent more glamorous, or more global, than at Privé Padel.

Founded by Chris Moore, Privé Padel began as a single outpost on the water at the historic Montauk Yacht Club, where two state-of-the-art Spanish courts turned a sleepy summer ritual into one of the Hamptons’ most coveted social scenes. Now, with 600-plus members spanning Hamptons, New York, Palm Beach, and Miami, and partnerships with more than 40 hotels across 15-plus countries, Privé has outgrown any one zip code. Its newest offering, 134

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Privé Passport, takes the brand’s founding instinct, (that padel is, at its core, a connector of people and places), and stretches it across continents. Available exclusively to Privé Passport members ($595 annually), Privé Passport is a global padel and lifestyle platform offering access to premier courts, luxury partner properties, curated private programming, and exclusive benefits across the world’s most desirable destinations. Select properties are offering Experiences, curated retreats that pair daily padel instruction with some of the most extraordinary cultural, culinary, and lifestyle experiences on earth. Three upcoming excursions in Madagascar, Bordeaux, and Indonesia set a new standard for what experiential luxury travel can look like when sport is the focus.

A BRAND BUILT ON HOSPITALITY, NOT JUST BACKHANDS

Ask Moore where it all began, and he talks about summers. “There’s something special about the Hamptons, and Montauk in particular,” he says, recalling childhood days spent at the Walking Dunes, the Lighthouse, Camp Hero. “It’s an incredibly unique and beautiful place.” Equal parts exclusive and unpretentious, it became the blueprint. In Privé’s first month on Montauk’s courts, free play sessions and casual socials drew the local community in fast. “Players playing, spectators watching, everyone just enjoying being there,” Moore remembers. “Those first couple of months were special and really shaped the trajectory of our business and brand.” That instinct toward genuine hospitality became the focus as Moore began scouting partner properties for Privé Passport. He didn’t need to set foot on Madagascar’s reef-fringed shores or Sumba’s barefoot-luxury sands to know they belonged in the portfolio. “Even before visiting these destinations, I got that same feeling just meeting with them over Zoom from across the world,” he says. “It was obvious that hospitality was at the center of what they do.”

WHY PADEL? WHY NOW?

Padel’s social DNA is precisely what’s made it a draw for a luxury audience already weary of solitary fitness routines. The sport is always played in doubles, which means every match is, by design, a shared experience. Brands like Rolex, Prada, and Lamborghini have taken note, lending their sheen to a sport that’s become the chicest way to break a sweat. But Moore is building something more specific than a trend.

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“What padel unlocks is connection,” he says simply. “It’s the most social sport I’ve ever been around, and that makes it a powerful way to experience a destination.” That philosophy extends directly into how Privé Passport retreats are built. Without a fixed clubhouse to gather members season after season, Moore has had to get creative about community. “We want people to travel together, but we also want people to meet each other,” he explains. “These retreats are the perfect way to create that sense of community.” And for the padel-curious traveler weighing a Passport membership purely for the trips? Moore’s pitch is refreshingly honest: you don’t need to already love the sport. “The sport will absolutely become the surprise,” he says. Privé’s traveling pros, including original Montauk instructor Dan Gottlieb, are built to coach total beginners alongside seasoned players. “It’s one of the easiest and most enjoyable sports to pick up, and it’s incredibly addictive,” Moore says. “Hopefully when people return home, they’ll have the itch to keep playing locally.”

THREE DESTINATIONS, ONE CONSISTENT THREAD

Madagascar’s wild reefs. Bordeaux’s centuries-old vineyards. Sumba’s barefoot beaches. On paper, the three inaugural Privé Passport retreats couldn’t look more different, and that’s the point. “That was intentional, and of course, the through-line is padel,” Moore says. “We are a travel brand, but we’re a padel brand first. Everything we do has to start and end with padel. The destinations can be completely different. In fact, I want them to be different.” What stays consistent, he says, is the experience itself — the feeling of waking up each morning knowing padel is on the agenda, delivered by Privé pros with the same caliber of coaching and hospitality no matter the latitude. “Just like when you walk into an Aman, Four Seasons, or RitzCarlton, there’s a familiarity and consistency no matter which property you’re visiting,” he says. “I want our members to feel that same consistency when they step on the court with a Privé pro.”

VOAARA, MADAGASCAR SEPTEMBER 1–7, 2026

The most far-flung of the three, this seven-day island escape unfolds on one of the most remote and least-visited coastlines on earth. Mornings begin with padel before the day unspools into snorkeling at the North and South Reefs, quad-bike excursions to natural pools and mangrove forests, and whale watching just offshore. A day trip to Île aux Nattes, oyster tastings, and castaway picnics on untouched sand round out the days, while evenings bring cocktails at Bird Nest and a beach dinner staged below the tide line at sunset. The week closes with a final island-wide padel tournament, equal parts competition and farewell party. It’s also, notably, the retreat Moore would choose for himself. “Madagascar probably sounds the most intriguing to me personally,” he admits. “It’s such a unique destination, and I’d love to experience it firsthand.” And despite founder duties, don’t expect him courtside with a clipboard. “Who said I’ll be watching from the sidelines?”

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CHÂTEAU DE LUSSAC, BORDEAUX

NIHI SUMBA, INDONESIA

For a full month, members can settle into a historic wine estate in the heart of Bordeaux, where padel courts sit framed by rows of vines heavy with the coming harvest. Days move between cellar tours, château dinners, and matches played in the kind of pastoral quiet that makes wine country wine country. Excursions push outward into Saint-Émilion’s medieval streets, the city of Bordeaux itself, the oyster beds of Arcachon, and the towering Dune du Pilat — Europe’s tallest sand dune, rising improbably out of pine forest just beyond the coast.

The shortest and arguably most intimate of the three, this five-day journey lands at one of the most celebrated barefoot-luxury resorts on the planet. Members will swim alongside horses on Nihiwatu Beach, trek to the thundering Lapopu Waterfall, and spend a half-day on a Spa Safari winding through Sumba’s wild west coast. Yoga sessions and private dining under an unpolluted sky round out the wellness side of the itinerary, while immersive programming with the Sumba Foundation (NIHI’s long-running community initiative) offers members a meaningful window into the island beyond the resort gates.

SEPTEMBER 15–OCTOBER 15, 2026

It’s the retreat that most directly embodies Moore’s “different destinations, consistent experience” ethos: the terroir changes, but the rhythm of court time, culture, and connection holds steady.

NOVEMBER 15–DECEMBER 15, 2026

THE LONG GAME

Privé’s expansion hasn’t been without friction. Surprisingly, it isn’t hesitant hotel partners that have given Moore the most trouble, it’s convincing his own members that a membership this flexible is real. “This is a new concept,” he says. “While designed to be selfserve, it may not feel that way at the start. We constantly need to get in front of our member base to let them know this is available and that you can use it whenever you travel.” What keeps him confident is the look on a player’s face when the concept clicks. “You can almost see the light bulb go off when they realize they spent hours searching for destinations with padel courts for their last vacation,” Moore says. “People are already traveling for padel. Now they can do it more easily, receive meaningful benefits at our partner properties, and feel like they’re part of a community.” As for what’s next on the map: Moore doesn’t hesitate. “I have my sights set on Marbella,” he says. It’s a fitting answer from a founder who, two years ago, had to explain what padel even was before he could explain anything else about his business. He expects padel to be as culturally fluent as golf or tennis within five years, and if Privé Passport’s opening trio of retreats is any indication, he’s not just predicting that future. He’s building the passport for it. prive-padel.com

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SWEET SPOT A new Paradise Valley abode checks all the boxes. By Nora Burba Trulsson Photography by Kate Ludan

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utting together a successful spec home is a matter of matching the location to market needs, then working with a design/build team that can breathe life into a checklist and blueprints. Realtor Densie Van Den Bossche balanced all three elements of success in a recent Paradise new build—a six-bedroom, 7,100-square-foot classic Santa Barbara-style residence that defies trends and fits right into its social, walkable neighborhood.

ARCHITECT Jim Blochberger. BUILDER Tiara Sun Developers. INTERIOR DESIGNER Evon Fig Interiors. REALTOR Denise Van Den Bossche.

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“We know Paradise Valley very well,” says Van Den Bossche, who’s been in real estate for some four decades. “We didn’t want to do a 10,000-square-foot house here. Buyers have told us they want something a bit smaller, yet proportionate to the one-acre lot. They want something versatile. I think we hit the sweet spot here.” Van Den Bossche hit that spot by working with a group of collaborators, including builder Mike Murphy of Tiara Sun Developers, along with his colleague, Richard Milne (whom Van Den Bossche mentored in the Young Presidents Organization). Murphy, in turn, brought in the talents of his frequent collaborators, architect Jim Blochberger and interior designer Evon Yaro-Fig. “Any time Mike calls, I’m thrilled to work with him,” says Blochberger, well-known for his gracious residential designs. “He’s a meticulous builder.” Blochberger crafted a floor plan for the site, where an older home had already been demolished, which made the most of its long frontage exposure by wrapping the house around an entry courtyard and angling the home’s volumes to break up the mass. Guided by Van Den Bossche’s market input, the plan includes a primary suite and secondary bedroom on one side of the great room and four ensuite bedrooms on the opposite side. “Having a smaller bedroom next to the primary is a must these days,” says Van Den Bossche. “If you have a young child, you don’t want the nursery at the opposite end of the house. If you don’t have children, that bedroom can be an office.” Other details Blochberger worked into the plan include a back kitchen, a flex room, a four-car garage tall enough to include a lift or two for a serious car collector, separate driveways for guests and homeowners, and a sunny laundry room that makes sorting and folding (almost) fun. Blochberger imbued the home with traditional Santa Barbara style, albeit with subtle modern touches. “We’re not copying the past here,” he notes, “but we are aiming for timeless appeal. It’s about restraint, not excess.” Working with a palette of warm white plaster, tile roofs and black steel-framed windows and doors, Blochberger added arched openings, traditional chimney caps and wood accents for authenticity. Inside, skylights, exposed wood trusses and wood-clad ceilings carry the Santa Barbara theme within the walls. “The house is designed to live indoors and out,” the architect says. “It’s filled with natural light.” Yaro-Fig detailed the interior to continue the modern Santa Barbara appeal. The approach she chose is specific, not generic. “I don’t just do a basic interior

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for a spec home,” says the interior designer. “Instead, I create an avatar for the house and design for them. Here, the ‘client’ is someone with an active family who likes to entertain.” For the residence, Yaro-Fig created a backdrop of wide-plank French oak floors, walnut cabinetry, Taj Mahal quartzite countertops, custom tilework for the bathrooms, a limestone-clad fireplace and contemporary light fixtures. The interior designer kept much of the interior in a series of neutrals and natural tones, but revved things up with deep hues in several spots. “I love color,” she says, “and I leaned into it here. We did deep navy walls for the dining room and a burgundy checkerboard tile floor for the entry.” She finished off the spaces with furnishings that are a blend of contemporary and transitional lines. “I wanted the pieces to be comfortable, like your favorite cashmere sweater,” Yaro-Fig says. “The furniture should be something you can live with that’s not too precious.” Finished in eleven months, the new residence is ready for its owners and was listed for $8.920 million. “All in all, this is a very liveable home,” says Blochberger. “It checks all the boxes.

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Journey to

MADA GASCAR   Where one falls in love with lemurs. By David Rubin

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adagascar is often called the eighth continent. The island broke from Africa 165 million years ago, which then later separated from India several million years later and has been isolated ever since. The isolation created this magical island, which is home to indigenous baobabs, chameleons, and lemurs. More than 80% of its wildlife is endemic to the island.

RECOMMENDED PROPERTIES

Madagascar is a place of raw beauty, extraordinary biodiversity, and logistical complexity. Reaching remote camps means navigating key flights that operate infrequently with just one, two, or three times weekly. Others require minimum-stay requirements at lodges, with other variables including budget, availability, and shifting road conditions taken into consideration. A few properties offer a level of luxury that provides comfort, expertise, and access.

Economically, Madagascar ranks 9th poorest globally by GDP per capita in 2026. That poverty drives environmental loss. Since 2000, the island has lost 30% of its forest cover, continuing a decline that began decades earlier. The cause is largely small-scale slash-and-burn agriculture and cutting for firewood.

Anjajavy Le Lodge

Ecotourism is a crucial driver of positive change and conservation. In 2026, tourism is about 6-7% of Madagascar’s GDP, with ecotourism as the dominant and growing segment. It brings money, innovation, jobs, and education to local communities and helps protect ecosystems by funding park management and giving forests economic value. It also educates travelers, creating a global network

Illustration by Jaclyn Threadgill

Visiting Madagascar invigorates appreciation for nature and inspires travelers to protect it. Lemurs seem to meet a human’s gaze with equal intensity. Tsingy — razor-sharp limestone pinnacles, some 300 feet tall, carved by wind and water from ancient coral — rise uniquely to the west coast. Coral reefs remain unspoiled and vibrant for snorkeling and diving. Endemic baobab trees stand as graceful, ancient giants, some aged over 1,000 years old with trunks 30 feet wide.

Anjajavy Le Lodge

of informed advocates. Best practices pioneered by ecotourism programs, such as water recycling, solar integration, and using sustainable materials, are now shared worldwide and helping to shape low-impact methods globally. Madagascar rewards travelers who plan with experts. Navigating it alone can be challenging — flight schedules change, roads flood, and park regulations shift without warning.

ACCOMMODATIONS – ECOTOURISM WITH STYLE

Where travelers go and where they stay matter. The recommended seven properties listed alphabetically below deliver rare access. They also invest in conservation, training, and infrastructure that keeps these ecosystems intact. Discovering Madagascar with the following eco-conscious properties helps keep it wild.

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1. Anjajavy Le Lodge sits on a private peninsula in northwest Madagascar, where dry forest meets the Mozambique Channel. The lodge has it all: lemurs, tortoises, baobabs, mangroves, tsingy, ICONICLIFE.COM

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snorkeling, a great pool, a nearby village, expert guides, exceptional cuisine, and air-conditioning in every beachfront villa.

Magically, guests share the lodge with wildlife, including lots of lemurs, who are wonderfully social and inquisitive, but not mischievous like monkeys. Along with common brown lemurs and nocturnal mouse lemurs, Coquerel’s sifaka lemurs abound. Guests of the lodge note stunning moonrises on sunset boat excursions through the mangroves. They value the quiet detachment from the noise of the world. 2. Manafiafy Forest Lodge sits on the coast of southeastern Madagascar, beside a fishing village and one of the last coastal rainforests in southern Madagascar supporting remarkable biodiversity. The intimate lodge offers thatched, solar-powered bungalows, including a family villa. Here, ebony trees grow on white sand. Critically endangered palms are protected within the reserve. Thick, tall Pandanus trees form the canopy. Mangrove channels and quiet sandy bays extend along the shore. Guests step from their bungalow directly onto the sand and into the forest. Red-collared brown lemurs are active by day. Paddle

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Manafiafy Forest Lodge

LEFT PAGE TOP: Photo courtesy of Anjajavy Le Lodge. LEFT PAGE BOTTOM: Photo by David Rubin. RIGHT PAGE TOP LEFT: Photo by Nikola Bagarov. RIGHT PAGE BOTTOM: Photo by Oliver Fly Photography.

Staying at Anjajavy helps protect 24,700 acres of mixed forest, mangrove, and marine habitat. It funds scientific research, restores degraded forest, and safeguards reefs. For local Sakalava villages, it means schools, jobs, and income that does not depend on cutting trees. A stay also supports Aldabra tortoise rewilding and aye-aye lemur reintroduction.

Miavana by Time + Tide

traditional pirogues through winding mangrove channels or enjoy snorkeling in the calm, clear water in front of the lodge. Between June and November, humpback whales migrate along this coast. As night falls, mouse lemurs, fat-tailed dwarf lemurs, southern woolly lemurs, and the satanic leaf-tailed gecko emerge. 3. Mandrare River Camp lies in the spiny forest of the deep south, on the banks of the sacred Mandrare River. The tented camp combines modern comforts with access to both culture and wildlife. Mandrare River Camp runs on solar power and reinvests guests’ revenue and community levies into reforestation, school support, and fuel-efficient stoves for local villages. It partners with Wildlife Madagascar to support conservation initiatives, including a project replacing wood and charcoal with fuel briquettes made by locals from unused plant debris.

Mandrare River Camp

Miavana by Time + Tide

At Mandrare, local guides lead guests through sacred forests to find ring-tailed lemurs and dancing sifaka lemurs. Night excursions from camp reveal mouse lemurs and chameleons. Market visits immerse travelers in this rural region. Life here feels like stepping back in time, passing through villages with few signs of modern life. The vibrancy of the people and their traditions is unmistakable — recent guests witnessed part of an elder’s three-day funeral, celebrated with music and dance. 4. Miavana by Time + Tide is Madagascar’s most luxurious lodge. It occupies its own private island in the Nosy Ankao archipelago off the northeast coast. There are 14 expansive beachfront villas — from 4,800+ square feet — with air-conditioned bedrooms and butler service. Rates include all meals, premium wines and spirits, and expert-guided activities from snorkeling, scuba diving, deep sea fishing to lemur walks. Stays include conservation levies that fund schools, healthcare, and wildlife programs. Miavana has planted 100,000+ indigenous trees to rebuild native forests. Since 2018, endangered crowned lemurs have been reintroduced to the predator-free sanctuary. They now form a breeding group, monitored daily by environmental staff and local university students. Free from fossas, the top predator of lemurs in Madagascar, and with no poaching or logging, Miavana gives lemurs, sea turtles, and reef systems a safe haven where tourism directly drives species recovery. ICONICLIFE.COM

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5. Namoroka Tsingy Camp hides inside Namoroka National Park in western Madagascar. The draw is the tsingy, razor-sharp limestone labyrinths, and the baobab trees. Expert guides lead guests through the tsingy, knowing every cave and lemur troop. A new camp pool hidden behind boulders invites relaxing. Night brings only firelight and stars, absent of noise and crowds.

Time + Tide Tsara Komba

Namoroka Tsingy Camp

Time + Tide Tsara Komba

GIFT OF GIVING

Nearly 50% of Madagascar’s people are under 18. Cyclones, drought, and poverty disrupt childhood every day. UNICEF Madagascar works across the island to give kids needed support. Donations help UNICEF expand health services for children under five, especially with vaccines. After Cyclone Gezani destroyed schools in February 2026, UNICEF provided school supplies and temporary learning spaces, helping 34,000 children resume their education in under two weeks. UNICEF partners with local authorities to deliver safe water, basic toilets, and hygiene programs. The Eco-Villages project in the South builds water infrastructure while supporting families. UNICEF also responds to the exploitation and violence towards children by creating safe environments for vulnerable communities after disasters. Each lodge mentioned runs strong community and environmental programs. But systemic change needs scale. Supporting UNICEF extends that impact to the next generation of Malagasy. To give to UNICEF’s global work: unicef.org.

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LEFT PAGE MIDDLE RIGHT: Photo by Chris Schmid for Time + Tide Tsara Komba. LEFT PAGE BOTTOM: Photo by Chris Schmid for Time + Tide Tsara Komba. RIGHT PAGE TOP: Photo by David Rubin.

Voaara Lodge on Ile Sainte-Marie

6. Time + Tide Tsara Komba rests on a small island between Nosy Be airport and the mainland. It offers sublime, effortless immersion. Guests sleep in spacious wooden villas with shuttered sliding doors and windows that open to the sea breeze. Each large private deck extends the living space outdoors with sweeping views of the sea. Days are for snorkeling, kayaking mangroves, wandering into the neighboring village to meet locals and lemurs, and sailing at sunset. Guests walk forest trails, watch humpbacks breach from the villa decks, and dine with beautiful views of the property’s lush garden, the sea, and the coast of the mainland. Optional excursions include snorkeling an extraordinary coral reef system teeming with fish, and day trips to Lokobe Reserve to track black lemurs in a protected rainforest. 7. Voaara Lodge on Ile Sainte-Marie off Madagascar’s east coast, offers barefoot luxury for beach and unwinding. Villas are stylish, laid-back beach modern with eco-friendly A/C that runs for the bed only when mosquito netting is down. From July to September, guests can hear humpbacks nurse offshore from the terraces. A house reef for snorkeling is a short walk along the beach, or the nearby lodge arranges scuba diving. Guests take quad buggies to explore the island. Surf lessons are included and are a short walk away on gentle beginner waves where an experienced instructor guides novices to stand and surf.

TRANSPORTATION

International flights to Madagascar operate nonstop to Antananarivo, the capital, from Addis Ababa, Johannesburg, Nairobi and Paris. One stop flights operate to Antananarivo from Dubai and Istanbul. Also, there are nonstop flights to Nosy Be, Madagascar, from Addis Ababa and Johannesburg. For travel within Madagascar, private or shared charter flights are best as domestic flights on Madagascar Airlines are prone to schedule changes. Avoid long road transfers whenever possible. DavidTravel Request@DavidTravel.com • DavidTravel.com ICONICLIFE.COM

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+

FORM By Jennifer Lee \\ Photography by Brendan Mainini

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t the intersection of form and function, architecture and fashion speak a shared language of structure, line, and volume. For Fall, ICONIC LIFE visits the vaulted creative space of Saint Joseph’s Arts Society, where the soaring ceilings and historic moldings provide a striking canvas for modern design. In timeless black and white, the story spans eras, pairing contemporary silhouettes with rare, archival vintage couture. It’s a conversation where silhouettes and construction echo the surrounding environment, proving that true style, like great architecture, is built to last.

PHOTOGRAPHER Brendan Mainini. FASHION DIRECTOR Jennifer Lee. EDITOR Madeleine Perich. HAIR & MAKE UP Lupe Del Toro. TECH Dan Simmons. LIGHTING & PHOTO ASSISTANT Miles Mainini. MODEL Alana Burns.

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FUNCTION Navy Wool Sheath Dress, Vintage Geoffrey Beane, Price upon request, Available at Torso Vintages. Black Patent Belt, Stylist’s Own. Black patent flats, Manolo Blahnik, $895, manoloblahnik.com.

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Custom Made 1970’s Metallic Jumper, Price upon request, Available at Torso Vintages. Cast Bronze and Stainless Steel Sculpture: Shad by Jim Bergeron, Saint Joseph’s Arts Society.

Oversized White Cotton Button Down Shirt, Sofie D’Hoore $495. Black Tulle & Pleated Mesh Skirt, Sara Shepherd $865, sarashepherd.com, Available at MAC Modern Appealing Clothing. Ivory Pointed Collar Blazer, Alexander McQueen, $2,590. Black Leather Sandals, Model’s own.

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THE LOCATION A former neoclassical Roman Catholic Church, Saint Joseph’s Arts Society is an artistic haven born from the visionary mind of designer Ken Fulk. Merging interior design, gallery exhibits, and design storefront, the reimagined space serves as a vibrant beacon for creative conversation and community. Saint Joseph’s Arts Society 1401 Howard St., San Francisco, CA 94103 saintjosephsartssociety.com

THE CLOTHING Torso Vintages San Francisco’s premier vintage couture archive. Exclusively, by appointment only. John Hadeed - 503-348-9195 John@torsovintages.com Black and White Pleated Shell, Vintage Issey Miyake, Price upon request. Black Mermaid Skirt, Vintage Thierry Mugler, Price upon request, Available at Torso Vintages. Black patent flats, Manolo Blahnik, $895, manoloblahnik.com.

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MAC Modern Appealing Clothing 387 Grove St., San Francisco, CA 94102 macmodernappealingclothing.com

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Black Leather Teardrop Dress - Vintage Thierry Mugler, Available at Torso Vintages, Price upon request. Black Pointed Boots, Stylist’s own. Hand Painted and Illustrated Limited Edition, Lemon Twist x MAC, Shirt, $395, Tie, $195, Skirt, $430, Available at MAC Modern Appealing Clothing. Black Boots - Stylist’s own.

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Gray Cut Out Dress, Acne, Stylist’s own vintage archive.

Photography by Mark Sacro Photography by Brendan Mainini

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QUESTIONNAIRE

LORENZA LUTI Global Brand Director of Kartell What’s your signature workday beverage? A very strong espresso. No sugar. What texture best describes your personality? Velvet: soft to the touch, but with a strong, decisive character.

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orenza Luti’s entry into the design world began as a child. Her grandfather, a chemical engineer, founded Kartell, Milan’s powerhouse home furnishing design company, best known for their innovative colorful polycarbonate pieces and sculptural silhouettes. Milanese to her core, she focused on Marketing and Strategic Management at Bocconi University, and after a brief stint at Ermenegildo Zegna, she joined the family business. Currently, Luti oversees all communications, co-branding initiatives, special projects and directs the Kartell Museum, winner of the Guggenheim Award for Best Industrial Museum. She also serves on the Italian Industrial Museums Committee. During an afternoon, she revealed some of her inner design secrets.

Which color do you secretly find overrated? Beige—when it becomes a safe choice rather than an intentional one. What’s your ultimate design guilty pleasure? Beautiful, accessible design that brings color to everyday life; and a new Kartell piece now and then. What object in your home would you never part with, no matter how dated it might be? Two green velvet armchairs, once my grandmother’s; a family heirloom filled with memories. Sentimental value never goes out of style.

What soundtrack powers your deepwork mode? Depends on the moment: something energizing, or something calmer to help me focus. Form or function? Both. The best design makes the distinction irrelevant. What material do you wish you could use more often? Recycled materials with unexpected tactile and visual qualities. In one word, how should good design always make you feel? Emotional. kartell.com

What immediately bothers you in a room or product? Poor lighting. It can undermine even the most beautifully designed space.

A Luxury Lifestyle Design Company Biophilic Design | Interiors | Organic Home Concierge VISIT OUR NEW SHOWROOM BY APPOINTMENT theviridianscottsdale.com rachel@theviridianscottsdale.com | 602-717-1691

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Inspired by the vibrant colors of the 1970s, Oliver Smith’s Prism Collection celebrates a range of natural gemstones through artistic, clustered designs and vivid color. Explore the full collection today at one of our boutique locations. S C OT TS D A L E G A I N EY R A N C H • ASPEN • SCOTTSDALE FASHION SQUARE

www.oliversmithjeweler.com


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