ICONIC LIFE Orange County Fall 2022

Live Beautifully

Scan this QR code to take a video tour of the showroom

NOW IN LAGUNA DESIGN CENTER Our newest showroom is now open in the Laguna Design Center in Laguna Niguel.

Visit the showroom to see over 50 kitchen and bath displays like this one that features Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove appliances in beautiful cabinetry from Aranelli.

KITCHEN. BATH. OUTDOOR. 23811 Aliso Creek Road, Suite 155, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 ALSO SHOWROOMS IN:

COSTA MESA | MISSION VIEJO | GLENDALE | LA JOLLA | SOLANA BEACH | RANCHO MIRAGE

245 Fischer Avenue, Suite A1 Costa Mesa, CA 92626 714.540.3700 • www.corbinreeves.com

Acclaimed for its exquisite design and advanced technology, the Monogram Professional Range is redef ining luxury appliances one detail at a time.

Discover Monogram at your local

Chic Design Group | Stonemill Design Center | 2915 Red Hill Avenue, Suite F106 | Costa Mesa, California 92626 949.723.9433 | mase@chicdesigngroupco.com

chicdesigngroupco.com

MODULNOVA

MADE IN ITALY MANDICASA CACCARO

KITCHEN LIVING

HENRY GLASS

C L O S E T INTERIOR DOORS B A T H

NOVELLO

if you think it’s too good to be true...

Scottsdale Members Only*

Las Vegas Up to 4 Flights Daily

Los Angeles Private VIP Terminals

© 2015-2022 SetJet, LLC

Orange County

Free Parking

Flights from $560**

15011 N 75th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85260

*memberships from $99.95 per month

**including taxes and fees, one-way

Set Jet LLC acts solely as an agent for its members in facilitating air transportation and other membership benefits. Set Jet does not own or operate any aircraft. On behalf of its members, Set Jet facilitates all flights using the services of FAA-certified Part 135 carriers. Membership in Set Jet is subject to Set Jet approval in accordance with Set Jet’s terms and conditions.

you just haven’t tried us yet

San Diego San Francisco Cabo Salt Lake City www.setjet.com

Scottsdale

FRATANTONI

480.621.7878 9811 E. BELL ROAD SUITE 105, SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA 85260

FRATANTONI COMPANIES ARE CALIFORNIA’S PREEMINENT CHOICE FOR DESIGN AND BUILD

F

FRATANTONI DESIGN FRATANTONIDESIGN.COM

FRATANTONIINTERIORDESIGNERS.COM

A NEWLY COMPLETED PROJECT BY ALL OF THE FRATANTONI COMPANIES Any of these firms can be hired together or separately.

Additionally, we design and build an appreciable amount of luxury homes throughout the nation.

FRATANTONILUXURYESTATES .COM

architecture that celebrates the joys of living Follow us on Instagram @kendledesign

Desert Jewel Residence As seen in Iconic Life Magazine, Spring 2022

6115 North Cattletrack Road Scottsdale, Arizona 85250 480.951.8558 www.kendledesign.com

Baker Bernhardt at Bassman Blaine California Style Home Collections Circa Lighting CODARUS Ebanista Exquisite Surfaces Fremarc Designs Gina B. & Company Harsey & Harsey Harsey & Harsey Outdoor Interiors Fine Flooring J Geiger J.D. Staron J.D. Staron Instant Kravet/Lee Jofa/Brunschwig & Fils Markowicz Fine Art Palecek PIRCH Pirnar Doors Schumacher Shine by S.H.O Stosa Cucine Sutherland Perennials Studio The Shade Store Thomas Lavin Trendy Surfaces Wesley Design Window Visions Whitford Laguna You and the Mat

THANK

YOU

Without the support of Southern California’s talented design community, the Laguna Design Center wouldn’t be what it is today. It’s an honor to supply an incredible selection of resources to help the community take their projects to the next level. @lagunadesigncenter 21811 Aliso Creek Road, Laguna Niguel CA 92677 www.lagunadesigncenter.com

LIVE LIKE A LOCAL IN YOUR OWN PRIVATE BEACH COTTAGE. The perfect launching point for your adventures in Newport Beach, Lido House’s five residential-style cottages are ideal for sharing with family and friends for the ultimate staycation and beach escape.

Dine with us at The Mayor’s Table, take in the sunset views from Topside Roof Deck, and find your bliss at Boost Spa. Lido House has everything you need for your very own beach house soirée.

RESERVATIONS 949-524-8500 LIDOHOUSEHOTEL.COM VISIT 3300 NEWPORT BLVD. NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92663

Coast with Us.

CONTENTS

UP FRONT

36

The I List: French Baguettes

40

Family Business

By Fran Miller

By Carlye Klick

38

Modern, Minimal & Masterful

48

62

C’est La Vie in the City of Lights

56

Making a Splash

By Kaitlyn Beickel

By Shoshana Leon

42

50

Let Them Eat Caviar!

Stirred, Not Shaken

By Sam Micatrotto

By Renee Dee

62

Design Icon: Hot Rod

By Carlye Klick

58

Un-pho-gettable Cuisine

By Haley Gray

By Kaitlyn Beickel

64

Having a Moment: Need Some Space?

By Kaitlyn Beickel

44

Must Haves: Brown is the New Black

By Carlye Klick

46

60

By Kaitlyn Beickel

By Kaitlyn Beickel

Valiant Women

54

Who’s the Boss?

By Jillian Vaughn

52

Restyle Your Wardrobe for a More Sustainable Planet

By Laura Madden

A Work of Art

LAST WORD

144

ICONIC: The One and Only (Coat You’ll Ever Need)

By Sam Micatrotto

ON THE COVER 22

ICONICLIFE.COM

Live Beautifully

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Renee Dee, PHOTOGRAPHER: Mark Sacro, LIGHTING: Kyle Finley, STYLING: Jackie Rose, HAIR & MAKEUP: Haley Gray, ICONIC TEAM: Carlye Klick, Kaitlyn Beickel, MODEL: Holly from FORD/ Robert Black Agency, WARDROBE: Chanel boots, BA&SH Jensen cotton knit crop top and Jena cotton knit midi-skirt, Intermix necklace., LOCATION: Mike and Annette Reeves’s Ranch, San Juan Capistrano, California, SPECIAL THANKS: A special thank you to Makena and the horses—Sunny, Walter and Princeton.

NEW Fresh Vegan Collection NEW

Fresh Vegan Collection

Available at South Coast Plaza

Available at South Coast Plaza 3333 Bristol St 3333 Bristol St CA 92626 Costa Mesa, (949) 594-2280 Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (949) 594-2280

www.laderach.com

www.laderach.com

architecture

l if es t y le

architecture l if es t y le a r cahrict h e ci tteucrteu r el i f elsi tf ey slte y l e

i n si pn is rpiinr gi n lgi vl ii vn ign g

i n si pn is rpiinr gi nlgi vl i nv gi n g

Reimagining your home.

Reimagining Reimagining your your home. home.

Reimagining your home. architecture l if es t y le a r cahraictrhecichttieutcretecu tr u elrief el si ftleyislfteeysltey l e

inspiring living i n isnipnsi psr pi rni irgni glni gvl i lvniigvnign g

6900 east camelback road suite 400 scottsdale, arizona 85251 604400 2001scottsdale, 874 7084 6900 6900 east east camelback camelback roadroad suite suite 400 scottsdale, arizona 8525185251 P 602 F 480 arizona 6900 east camelback road suite 400 scottsdale, arizona 85251 6022001 604 2001 480 F874 4807084 874 7084 P 602 P604 Fwww.candelariadesign.com 602 604 2001 F 480 874 7084 Pwww.candelariadesign.com www.candelariadesign.com

www.candelariadesign.com

CONTENTS FEATURES

66

96

By Nora Trulsson

By ICONIC LIFE

Second Story

74

Memorable Moments on Monarch Beach

By Jillian Vaughn

80

Dynamic Designers

By Sam Micatrotto

26

ICONICLIFE.COM

Best of the West

108

Let’s Do Brunch

By Carlye Klick

114

Wine and Wonderment in Willamette

By Renee Dee

124

Journey to Antarctica and The South Pole

By David Rubin

134

Italy’s Most Design-Driven Stays

By Elyse Glickman

H I S V I S I O N CONTINUES

I N P A R T N E R S H I P W I T H T H E F R A N K L L O Y D W R I G H T F O U N D AT I O N

|

B R I Z O .C O M

® 2022, Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. All rights reserved.

Schedule a free showroom consultation at CentralAZSupply.com.

P H O E N I X | F L A G S TA F F | S U R P R I S E | M E S A

| GILBERT | SCOT TSDALE

ISABELLE SCHELTJENS

Lift Me Up, 65.5 x 45.5 x 2 inches, fused glass mosaic on panel

Please visit the gallery to see our Fall Group Exhibition “Distance Creates Beauty”

23811 Aliso Creek Road, Suite 110 • Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 laguna@markowiczfineart.com • 949-446-4977 • www.markowiczfineart.com

Moto

by Ann Marie Vering BOSTON

CHICAGO

COSTA MESA

DALLAS

brownjordan.com

MIAMI

SAN FRANCISCO

SCOTTSDALE

PUBLISHER’S POV

FABULOUS FALL Y ears ago, I was driving up Newport Coast Drive, and I noticed the shadows from the trees become longer, and the light seemed to dance on the leaves. It was nature’s way of signaling that fall was upon us.

This fall, I’m feeling blessed to be a part of a community that I love. Since the launch of ICONIC LIFE and my move to Orange County in May, my team and I have made so many new friends and have met so many new clients. Our vision for Living Beautifully is inspiring Orange County, and we are committed to sharing the stories of the people and places that inspire us.

I’ve always said that Living Beautifully is about doing the little things well that make life so worth living.

Renee M. Dee Publisher @reneeldee @youriconiclife

It’s about arranging fresh flowers, setting a lovely table, wearing your clothes well, experiencing culinary excellence, enjoying fine wine, traveling to lovely places, golfing scenic vistas and doing it all with your own sense of personal style.

Living Beautifully is how we treat each other, and our mission at ICONIC LIFE is to pursue each day elegantly, gracefully and with kindness. It’s how we want to share content with you, our readers, and how we want to support our clients with deeper relationships that create results.

We celebrate seven of the best of the best designers who are leading their clients to Live Beautifully in Orange County, as we are proud to announce our highly curated picks for Top Designers in Orange County on pages 80 to 95.

Congratulations! You represent an extraordinary level of design and make our community beautiful.

Thank you to Mike and Annette Reeves for sharing your beautiful ranch, family and stunning horses with us for our cover and fashion shoot. You are truly an example of Living Beautifully—a point well made by Annette as she prepared the most beautiful salad for their chickens that in turn produce the most amazing eggs (lucky me, I got to try some!).

Thank you to my amazing team that supports our mission every day, and welcome to Dorothy Costello, who has joined me to deliver the optimal client experience in OC.

Renee M. Dee Publisher

30

ICONICLIFE.COM

Courtesy Set Jet

With Gratitude,

A S U P E R I O R R E A L E S TAT E E X P E R I E N C E

I strive for a successful relationship before, during and after a transaction. Providing unparalleled service and knowledge supported by OC’s top producing agency.

949.395 . 85 5 5 | T E R R E N C E @M WA LU XU RY. CO M | M WA LUXURY.COM Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01991628. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed.

Renew Your View.

A SOCIAL SANCTUARY NOW OPEN VEANewportBeach.com

B L A C K

O U T

B L A C K

O U T

C o n f O r m i t Y

OBSIDIAN

REFRIGERATION

BY

J E N N A I R®

Escape from tired convention with the most provocative Column refrigerators in the industry. Daring Obsidian interiors, Ecliptic lighting, Trinity cooling, Divinity freezing and progressive smart-home integration with one-touch

OBSIDIAN

REFRIGERATION

BY

access* to badass service agents at the JennAir Epicenter.

J E N N A I R®

Escape from tired convention with the most provocative Column refrigerators in the industry. Daring Obsidian interiors, Ecliptic lighting, Trinity cooling, Divinity freezing and progressive smart-home integration with one-touch access* to badass service agents at the JennAir Epicenter.

/

1 7 1 3 8 VO N K A R M A N AV E , I RV I N E , C A 9 2 6 1 4 (949) 221-0600

/

E X P R E S S I O N S H O M E G A L L E R Y. C O M

*Appliance must be set to Remote Enable. WiFi & App required. Features subject to change. Details and privacy info at jennair.com/connect.

R E T A I L E R

L O C A T I O N

/

R E T A I L E R

U R L

*Appliance must be set to Remote Enable. WiFi & App required. Features subject to change. Details and privacy info at jennair.com/connect.

/

RETAIL LOGO

VOLUME 03.22 RENEE M. DEE | Publisher CARLYE KLICK | Marketing Director KAITLYN BEICKEL | Editorial and Communications Manager SHANNON DURFEE | Operations Manager STACY WALKER | Director of Brand Partnerships, New York ERIN SUWWAN | Publication Designer MEG PERICH | Client Relations Director AZ DOROTHY COSTELLO | Business Development Director OC MARK SACRO | Fashion Photographer KYLE FINLEY | Lighting Design JACKIE ROSE | Stylist PAUL MOORE | Features Photographer CONTRIBUTORS Bailey Badillo, Elyse Glickman, Haley Gray, Shoshana Leon, Laura Madden, Sam Micatrotto, Fran Miller, David Rubin, Nora Burba Trulsson and Tom Zenner Advertising and Editorial Queries, contact us at concierge@iconiclife.com 20715 N. Pima Road, Suite 108 Scottsdale, Arizona 85255 480.330.3737 Subscribe NOW: ICONICLIFE.COM Follow us @youriconiclife

ICONICLIFE.COM Live Beautifully © 2022 ICONIC LIFE. All rights reserved. All material in this magazine may not be reproduced, transmitted or distributed in any form without the written permission on ICONIC LIFE.

34

ICONICLIFE.COM

Creating beautiful Creating and captive beautiful designs, and captive especially designs, for especially for

you! you!

Carolyn zainer 949.636.1866 Carolyn zainer www.cazdesignsinc.com 949.636.1866 www.cazdesignsinc.com

THE

LIST

By Carlye Klick

FRENCH BAGUETTES Paying homage to nineties icons like Sex and The City’s Carrie Bradshaw, the mini shoulder baguettes are back with short straps, horizontal profiles and major style.

No butter needed.

DESIGN ICON

36

ICONICLIFE.COM

Le 5 à 7 Leather Hobo, $2,150 via Bloomingdales.

BALENCIAGA

Hourglass XS Handbag with Rhinestones, $6,000 via Balenciaga.

Fendi re-releases the original baguette which debuted in 1997.

ALEXANDER WANG Heiress Pouch, $695 via Alexander Wang.

FENDI

Mini Baguette 1997, $3,190 via Fendi.

SAINT LAURENT

PRADA

Re-Nylon Re-Edition 2000 mini-bag, $1,200 via Prada.

GET

LUX URY IN YOUR INBOX Don’t miss a beat of Living Beautifully on iconiclife.com with decadent content daily.

ICONICLIFE.COM/SUBSCRIBE

DESIGN

TRAVEL

FOOD

STYLE

SUSTAINABILITY

MODERN, MINIMAL

& MASTERFUL

Four generations of fine furniture—Lazzoni celebrates 125 years of rich family history.

O

s Berke Kababulut, Lazzoni’s owner for US operations, is a proud fourth-generation family business owner, following in the footsteps of his great grandfather, who started it all in 1897. His great grandfather, Laz Hasan, was a carpenter from the Black Sea coastal region of Turkey who built Serander houses—all-wood homes built high up from the ground.

“It’s made with all wooden joinery, no metal, no screws. It’s a very unique design, and it’s still there,” Kababulut says. “There are Serander houses in the Black Sea region that are still standing.”

“My great grandfather was a master of Serander houses. He was a craftsman, a real artisan and he taught his art to my grandfather, who moved from the Black Sea region to Ankara, the capital of Turkey,” he added.

38

ICONICLIFE.COM

Kababulut’s grandfather Osman opened up his own shop in the 1960s, Bulut Kolektif, where he created the first modular kitchen cabinetry in Turkey. His son (and Kababulut’s father) started what is today Lazzoni, with modern furniture pieces and one-of-a-kind handcrafted vintage articles.

“We opened our first location in the US in New York City, in the Chelsea area, and now we have 10 showrooms in the US and about 35 globally, and we’re opening up in London this month,” Kababulut says.

“We can customize everything to the inch, clients are very much involved in the design process where they make it their own.”

With a long history of expert craftsmanship,

Lazzoni differentiates itself by using the best techniques and materials available.

“We try to source the best materials all throughout the world, but mostly through Europe, because, there it’s an established craft and they have amazing quality materials,” Kababulut says. “We manufacture stunning, modern furnishings in Turkey, and with our craftsmanship background, we’re able to create these beautiful, super high-quality products for much more affordable prices than European brands.”

Photography courtesy of Lazzoni

By Kaitlyn Beickel

A TA S T E O F L U X U R Y The Finest Prime Steaks | The Freshest Seafood Exquisite Wines ⅼ Live Entertainment | Private Dining

NEWPORT BEACH | 8112 EAST COAST HWY | 949.376.6990 FOR ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS VISIT WWW.MASTROS.COM | @MASTROSOFFICIAL

FAMILY BUSINESS The Antinori family inspires a renaissance for Italian wine.

By Fran Miller

The family’s influence is well elucidated within Florence, where Piazza Antinori commands a prominent spot adjacent to the city’s luxurious shopping district. Within the Piazza is Palazzo Antinori, built between 1461 and 1469, the past and current home of many Antinori family members. And on the ground floor of the Palazzo is Cantinetta Antinori, one of Florence’s most popular eateries, where the wine list features a wide selection of wines from the Antinori estates.

It is these wines for which the Antinori name is most recognized— Tignanello, Guado al Tasso and Solaia. Icons all, and a mere sampling of the family’s substantial vinous output—the result of a

40

ICONICLIFE.COM

27-generation commitment to the art of winemaking. And perhaps no other member of the family has had as great an impact on the business as its current patriarch, Marchese Piero Antinori, who, in 1966 at age 28, took the Marchesi Antinori reins and today serves as honorary president of his family company.

It was the Marchese, who, in 1971, disrupted the conventions of Italian winemaking with his creation of the ICONIC Tignanello.

With his enologist, the renowned Giacomo Tachis, he induced the wine with malolactic fermentation and then aged it in new French oak barriques. In 1975, he further pushed boundaries by adding Bordeaux varietals to the blend and eliminating the white grapes necessary for Chianti Classico wine designation.

A few years later, Antinori committed to the addition of Cabernet with a new wine that initially and sacrilegiously contained no

Photography courtesy of Antinori

A

ntinori. It’s nearly impossible to escape the surname when in Italy, where throughout the centuries, members of this historical family have included politicians, priests, literary figures, explorers and artisans.

Sangiovese at all. (He later added a small percentage to subsequent vintages.) This wine—Solaia—was named Wine Spectator’s Wine of the Year in 2000, making headlines throughout the wine world.

The Marchese also broke another Italian wine industry tradition – that of passing the business baton to male heirs. Of his three daughters, Antinori at one time assumed none would be interested in taking over the family business—this assumption caused him to sell the company in 1981 to the U.K.-based Whitbread, a brewing operation.

Ten years later, upon the realization that his daughters did indeed harbor a passion for wine and the wine industry, he bought back the company that continued to bear the family name. Today, each Antinori daughter plays an integral role, overseeing what is one of the oldest family businesses in the world.

ICONICLIFE.COM

41

Let Them Eat

CAVIAR!

Photography courtesy of Petrossian at Tiffany

By Renee Dee

42

ICONICLIFE.COM

I just experienced the greatest combination since chocolate met peanut butter.

presented with four tasting spoons of caviar to determine which one we’d enjoy with the traditional preparation. The Tsar Imperial Caviar Tasting included Tsar Imperial Baika, Shassetra, Ossetra and Kaluga.

W

We opted for the Sassetra, which was the most pleasing to our palate that day, and enjoyed buckwheat blini with finely chopped red onion, hard-boiled eggs, chives and crème fraiche. Caviar is described as nutty, briny, fruity or creamy. I describe it as delicious.

ithin the ICONIC Tiffany & Co. boutique in South Coast Plaza, the former Blue Box Café has been turned into one of my new, most-favorite places—Petrossian at Tiffany & Co. This location is one of only three concept restaurants to feature the world’s greatest caviar with exceptional preparations

by Chef Carlos Cabrera, a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts Program.

Cabrera worked at Le Cirque in New York City, where he honed his skills in classic French cuisine and at Le Cirque at Bellagio Las Vegas.

Today, Cabrera oversees a menu with authentic French flavors with seasonal California inspiration.

Who doesn’t love a caviar menu? So, when I asked my friend Trish if she’d like to “go have caviar at Tiffany,” not a second elapsed before we agreed we had to get there as soon as we could.

When we arrived, we met the general manager and caviar aficionado who would lead us through our tasting. We started with a bottle of Krug champagne, also part of the LVMH brand, and then we were

We enjoyed the Egg Royale, which is as exquisite in its presentation as it is in its taste—a real egg shell with creamy, French omelet-style eggs inside with crème fraiche, chives and caviar. Hello. I’ll have another.

In 1920, brothers Melkoum and Mouchegh Petrossian first brought their caviar to Paris, and the world has never been the same again.

Starting from a single boutique and using time-honored traditions, they perfected the art of caviar, and the Petrossian name has now become synonymous with taste and sophistication, across the globe.

Nearly a century later, Petrossian remains a family company, dedicated to their caviar and to creating unforgettable culinary experiences through their restaurants and boutiques.

I’ll drink the signature Caviartini to that!

ICONICLIFE.COM

43

ET OCHS

MUST HAVES

Skylar Cutout Draped Dress, $1,295 via Neiman Marcus.

By Carlye Klick

MAX MARA ZIMMERMANN

Blouson-Sleeve Silk Wrap Midi Dress, $650 via Neiman Marcus.

Malibu Round Plastic Sunglasses, $249 via Neiman Marcus.

BROWN

IS THE NEW BLACK

Deep neutrals are the name of the game this fall—out with cold grays and blacks and in with rich hues ranging from espresso to chocolate caramel. Decadent!

HER PUBLIS ITE FAVOR

SAINT LAURENT

Cassandra Sandals in Smooth Leather with Brown Monogram, $1,050 via YSL.

CHANEL BEAUTY

Les 4 Ombres Eyeshadow Quad, $63 via Chanel Beauty.

INTERLUDE HOME

Thatcher Leather Chair, $5,319 via Horchow.

44

ICONICLIFE.COM

DESIGN THE LIFE YOU LOVE

Luxe-Design Innovative Luxury Interior Design

Donna Johnson, IIDA, AIA

2700 East Coast Highway, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625 949.697.5869 • www.luxury-designer.com

WHO’S THE BOSS? T

alk about bossing up? Have you seen the new homes of Bosscat Kitchen & Libations and TEN Sushi + Cocktail Bar in their two, new restaurants at Lakeshore in Irvine?

Constructed from the ground up by Daily Dose Hospitality and their partners Platinum X Construction and AO Architects, these restaurants have been re-imagined and permanently moved after nearly a decade in business in Newport Beach. And we love it!

The design narrative in both restaurants came directly from co-owner Leslie Nguyen. With TEN she wanted the environment to exude femininity. The space is sexy, safe and glamourous, with each corner holding its own meaning.

Upon entering, the large indoor cherry blossom tree (symbolizing ‘rebirth’) catches your eye, and the ground-to-ceiling street art mural

by California artist Jason Roose draws you in. Every piece of design detail is personal to Nguyen’s complex life experience.

True to its roots, Bosscat is a 5,000-square-foot modern whiskeyfocused eatery with a generous open-air bar and patio, open to the vast greenbelt in the park. The newly rebranded TEN Sushi + Cocktail Bar is a 2,800-square-foot, beautiful and intimate sushi haven with an awesome patio.

Just 100 feet away, Bosscat Kitchen & Libations has a masculine, refined sense. The building is new but was designed to feel lived in, with the whiskey room and library as the heart of the space. The classic “Bosscat” design elements—reclaimed wood, cobalt blue booths and a fish tank peek-in kitchen—remain part of the vision, yet upscale and polished.

“It has surprised us how many of our most loyal guests did not realize we owned both concepts,” co-owner JT Reed says. “This move has given both restaurants a chance to expand their identities while solidifying their relationship with one another”

Co-owners Reed and Nguyen have been on an energetic rise with additional restaurants opening in Houston this year. Every restaurant will hold elements of one another, but like any family, each will have its own personality and unique traits.

46

ICONICLIFE.COM

Photography courtesy of Bosscat

By Jillian Vaughn

S

NT

PRIV

IE

L

O

E CL T A

GISTIC

LUXURY MOVING, DELIVERY & SECURE STORAGE

20191 Windrow Drive, Suite B | Lake Forest, CA 92630 949-387-4414 | 360PCL.com

48

ICONICLIFE.COM

Photography by Antoine Schramm

C’EST LA VIE IN THE CITY OF LIGHTS Le Cinq Codet offers contemporary comfort in the heart of Paris.

By Shoshana Leon

I

s Paris calling you? Located in the 7th Arrondissement with accessibility to some of Paris’ top attractions, 2L Collection’s Le Cinq Codet hotel offers a combination of contemporary luxury, history and art. A former telephone exchange, the hotel is named for writer, politician and artist Louis Codet.

The hotel has a striking design and houses more than 400 pieces of modern art throughout the lobby, restaurant and guest rooms, including paintings, sculptures and photography, as well as stylish Scandinavian, Italian and French furniture.

ROOMS WITH A VIEW

INSPIRED DINING

The hotel’s Chiquette restaurant is named for Louis Codet’s 1925 book La Petite Chiquette. Chef David Maroleau’s regularly changing menu offers seasonal inspiration and fresh flavors with influences from California, Mexico, Asia and France. Chiquette serves lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.

The bar menu features classic cocktails and original creations including the popular Chiquette made with gin, apple, lemon juice and orgeat syrup.

RELAX AND UNWIND

Le Cinq Codet’s bright and modern 67 rooms are inspired by art, comfort and well-being with light oak, curvaceous furniture and decorative touches of the past reflecting the origins of the hotel.

After a day of sightseeing in Paris, guests can unwind at the hotel spa, which features an open-air terrace, jacuzzi, hammam, herbal tea room and fitness area. Spa treatments include massages, body scrubs and facials.

On the top floor of the hotel, the spacious suites named for Parisian icons offer incredible views and private terraces.

In addition to the art and amenities, the service and experience set Le Cinq Codet apart.

“When you are staying at Le Cinq Codet, it is like you are in a Parisian loft in a residential area, but with five-star service,” General Manager Caroline Demon says.

“Guests can expect to be a part of the Le Cinq Codet family, surrounded by a very helpful and caring staff in a warm and welcoming place,” Demon says.

ICONICLIFE.COM

49

When fiction becomes nonfiction—a splash of history for your taste buds.

By Sam Micatrotto

P

erhaps the most famous drink in history, the ICONIC Vesper Martini, sometimes referred to as the “James Bond martini” or simply the Vesper, is the result of fiction.

with Lillet Blanc or dry vermouth, and then combined with gin and vodka. Gordon’s has also been unavailable since 1992, so in order to recapture the taste of the drink, you can substitute with another gin of your choice.

The cocktail was made famous by author Ian Fleming after he first referred to it in his 1953 book Casino Royale and named it after a character in the novel, double agent Vesper Lynd. Interestingly enough, the Vesper was only mentioned one time in the entire series, yet has made its mark in history.

When compared to a typical gin martini, the Vesper has a sweet, yet bitter, taste thanks to the Lillet Blanc. But there is one thing that could alter the taste and appearance of the drink. In the book, Bond says his famous line, “shaken, not stirred,” however, shaking the drink would result in greater dilution and a less smooth drink. So when it comes to the Vesper Martini, like with other spirit-only cocktails, the standard rule is to stir.

In the book, Bond orders the Vesper with very specific instructions: “Three measures of Gordon’s, one of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet. Shake it very well until it’s ice-cold, then add a large thin slice of lemon peel. Got it?” Seems easy enough, right?

While recreating the martini at home is not a difficult task, it does require some slight adjustments. Since Kina Lillet was discontinued 1986, the liqueur is often substituted 50

ICONICLIFE.COM

So if you want to recreate the fictional drink at home, simply mix three ounces of gin, one ounce of vodka, a half ounce of Lillet Blanc and ice and stir until all ingredients are well chilled. To top it all off, garnish with a lemon twist, check in with the British Secret Service and enjoy!

Photo by Fernanda Flugel / Shutterstock

STIRRED, NOT SHAKEN

SENECA FAMILY OF AGENCIES

BELIEVES EVERY CHILD DESERVES TO GROW UP IN A STABLE AND LOVING FAMILY.

SAN BERNARDINO VENTURA

LOS ANGELES

RIVERSIDE ORANGE

In Southern California, Seneca serves 3,000 children across these counties.

Seneca’s programs work to build and sustain families for the children who need them and prevent disruption at all costs by providing critical mental health support. To support Seneca’s foster care and family preservation work in Southern California, attend or sponsor our 5th Annual Gala, www.senecagala.org.

To learn more about Seneca, visit www.senecafoa.org.

2018 Gala

A VALIANT CAUSE

By Kaitlyn Beickel

A

dvancing women’s health and nursing, that’s the important mission behind the Valiant Women group at Providence Mission Hospital. In fact, Valiant Women has raised nearly $8 million since its formation in 1994. And they aren’t stopping there.

On Friday, October 7, Valiant Women is hosting a luncheon and fashion show at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in support of advancing nursing scholarships and women’s health at Providence Mission Hospital and ICONIC LIFE will be there. This exciting event, presented by The Shops at Mission Viejo, isn’t your typical fashion show— instead it will feature Providence physicians and nurses as the models in a chic, creative strolling fashion presentation, and it includes a robust silent auction, premium raffles and atmospheric entertainment.

During October—Breast Cancer Awareness Month—the Valiant Women will host a

52

ICONICLIFE.COM

THINK PINK Breast Health Wall of Honor at The Shops at Mission Viejo to support breast health services. The THINK PINK Wall of Honor not only will raise key funds to support the uninsured and underinsured, but also create awareness about the importance of early detection. Honor a breast cancer patient or survivor by making a donation to place an honor card on the wall or to help underwrite the cost of diagnostic procedures.

Sponsorships and donations will help honor the survivors, remember those we have lost and to continue the highest level of compassionate care at Providence Mission Hospital.

The Valiant Women are committed to meeting the medical, surgical, educational and spiritual needs of women in their community. Consisting of more than 100 annual members, their commitment has positively impacted women across Orange County, and the Valiant Women Nursing Scholarship and Endowment has provided $400,000 towards advancing nursing leadership at Providence Mission Hospital.

Photography courtesy of Valiant Women

Valiant Women is dedicated to ensuring that women of all ages receive quality health care.

D E F E R TA X E S .

SELLING AN INVESTMENT P R O P E R T Y A N D CO N T E M P L AT I N G A 1 0 3 1 E XC H A N G E ?

W E H AV E T H E S O L U T I O N .

A 1031 Exchange can help you keep and pass on more of your assets, and we are here to help you identify the right solution for you and your family.

Meet Michelle Bartlett, a 1031 Exchange Expert with more than a decade in financial services, who works closely with real estate agents, commercial brokers and high-net-worth individuals, making recommendations on investment brokers and qualified intermediaries based on each client’s needs. A 1031 exchange allows you to defer capital gains tax, potentially freeing up more capital for the next investment property.

We educate, advise and help clients navigate the 1031 exchange process.

Keep more from your investments. Book a consultation today. www.1031solutionsgroup.com | 949.274.2003 The principals of 1031solutionsgroup.com have been functioning in the 1031 exchange space for over 20 years. We do not intend to act as a broker or sell any goods or services. 1031solutionsgroup.com does not offer legal or tax advice. Tax topics discussed are for educational purposes only and should not be considered professional tax advice. It’s recommended that you discuss your situation with your tax or legal advisor. We do not collect any fees or payments from you, the investor, but keep in mind that we may receive referral fees should we refer you to a 1031 QI, Real Estate Agent, Commercial Broker or Investment Broker. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons and we are only acting as a consultant on your behalf. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice in terms of your 1031 situation.

RESTYLING YOUR WARDROBE For A More Sustainable Planet Laura Madden—fashion advocate, model, stylist and blogger— shares her top sustainable fashion styling strategies to try.

By Laura Madden | Photography by Brandon Tigrett

C ‘

an fashion even be sustainable?’ I’ve been covering sustainable fashion for seven years now, and still I am asked this question. I know most people would assume no, fashion can not be sustainable since the very act of producing clothing requires resources—lots of them.

you can wear any given garment, you are essentially maximizing the resources that have already been used… such as the 700 gallons of water used to make a cotton t-shirt or the 1,800 gallons of water used to make one pair of denim.

Since I believe that fashion should always be fun too, you can make this a game of challenging your creativity instead of a chore to endure—how many ways can you restyle and reinvent your favorite garments? I’ll give you a hint—the options are endless. It all comes down to styling! Secret weapons—accessories, heels and a pop of color on the lips.

Fortunately, we have a growing number of passionate fashionistas who actually do care about the environment, including myself, and we’ve learned a thing or two about how you can make fashion more sustainable without abstaining from buying (or wearing) clothes. And don’t worry, we do not believe in sacrificing your style to any extent to participate in sustainable fashion either.

I’ll show you five of my standby staple wardrobe pieces and how you can restyle them from day to night, including a blazer, a pair of black pants, a statement blouse, black slip dress and pencil skirt.

There are many ways that we can take part in fashion sustainably, such as choosing certain fabrics, shopping brands that commit to regenerative production, water recycling and upcycling, or shopping secondhand.

My greatest passion lies in helping people understand that the most sustainable wardrobe is actually the one you already own. Yes—the very garments that are already hanging in your closet—no matter where they came from. The longer you wear

54

ICONICLIFE.COM

the wardrobe that you already possess the better you are doing for the environment.

Restyle and rewear is the name of the game here! Think of it this way—the more

I hope you’ll join me, along with ICONIC LIFE Magazine, on our journey to a more sustainable relationship with fashion and reinventing our relationship to clothes. The future of fashion undoubtedly is a more earth-friendly and responsible one. And no question, it will be just as beautiful and glamorous as it ever was.

DAY/NIGHT RESTYLE 1

DAY/NIGHT RESTYLE 3

DAY/NIGHT RESTYLE 2

MY STANDBY STAPLE WARDROBE PIECES BLAZER DAY Blazer, bike shorts and high-top sneakers.

NIGHT Add chandelier earrings and an oversized belt; swap in a faux leather pant and heels.

BLACK PANTS DAY Black pants, white blouse and leopard print heels.

NIGHT Change to a bodysuit and rhinestone-embellished belt and heels with a statement necklace. Bold lip adds extra elevation.

STATEMENT BLOUSE DAY Blouse, denim shorts and slides.

NIGHT Swap out shorts for a skirt, add black heels, oversized tassel earrings and a bold lip.

SLIP DRESS DAY Dress, colorful scarf, gold hoops, fedora and sneakers.

NIGHT Add a sequin-embellished coat on top, swap out earrings, add embellished heels and a sequin clutch. Add a bold lip.

PENCIL SKIRT DAY Playful T-shirt, kitten heels and casual earrings.

NIGHT Swap T-shirt for a metallic tank and belt, add statement earrings and high-studded boots.

ICONICLIFE.COM

55

MAKING A SPLASH Following a top-to-bottom redesign, VEA Newport Beach is now welcoming guests and locals to its newly reimagined resort.

By Kaitlyn Beickel

V

EA Newport Beach is officially accepting reservations following an extensive transformation of the former Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa. The Southern California luxury destination was redesigned with a focus on the most important aspect of the hotel—the stunning ocean view.

“This is a destination unlike any other in our Newport Beach community, and we are beyond thrilled to begin welcoming both locals 56

ICONICLIFE.COM

and visitors to VEA,” Debbie Snavely, General Manager of VEA Newport Beach says.

“VEA was built as a gathering place for our community; as a sophisticated destination that our neighbors could return to time and again for cocktails on our lanai or dinner at VIEW, as well as something that would be equally attractive to visitors seeking to experience the best of Southern California’s ocean views and luxury living.”

Guests of the redesigned hotel enter through a welcoming, pier-inspired lobby and check into luxury guest rooms that provide the ultimate coastal experience. VEA’s redesign was brought to life by respected architecture and design firms HBA San Francisco, Gensler, Burton Studio and Houston Tyner Architects, who enriched the hotel with warm woods, delicate marble and sculptural glass.

Premium amenities, including fire pits in select rooms, Nespresso machines, Frette

robes and bath towels, crisp linens and luxury Molton Brown bathroom products, make it easy for guests to soak in the luxury.

Executive Chef Andrew Arndt introduced three can’t-miss restaurant and bar concepts, including VIEW Restaurant & Lounge, Elan Café & Bar and the Edge Pool & Bar. After indulging in decadent coastal Californian cuisine, guests can find ultimate relaxation by lounging by the delightful edge pool or at the wellness-focused SpaVEA. “VEA is a captivating destination within an ICONIC city and is sure to be a social sanctuary—a place to get away in the center of everything,” Market Director of Sales & Marketing Ben Stinnett says.

“At the reimagined hotel, one can enjoy a multitude of experiences, from live music and a vibrant pool scene, to simply tucking away at SpaVEA after a day of shopping at Fashion Island.”

A DRIVE WITHOUT COMPROMISE. The New Flying Spur Hybrid: A celebration of sustainability

Prepare to take another stunning step on the journey towards an electric Bentley future. The new Flying Spur Hybrid showcases Bentley’s ability to combine sustainable design with exquisite craftsmanship and truly effortless performance.

Exhilarating, refined and crafted for the world we live in today – consider this the new standard for luxury hybrid cars.

The name ‘Bentley’ and the ‘B’ in wings device are registered trademarks. © 2022 Bentley Motors, Inc. Model shown: New Bentayga

BENTLEY NEWPORT BEACH

UN-PHO-GETTABLE Meet entrepreneur, go-getter, third-generation restauranter and AnQi Bistro owner Elizabeth An.

By Haley Gray

E

lizabeth An remembers vividly how it all began for her. She is the third-generation and daughter of five sisters, and now she’s bringing in the fourth generation of the family. The all-women powerhouse family business cultivates extraordinary experiences in Euro Asian cuisine, including the famous, celebrity-packed Crustacean in L.A. and sister restaurant AnQi Bistro in South Coast Plaza, where her career began in 1995.

“Our story really begins with my grandmother,” An says. “Serendipity or 58

ICONICLIFE.COM

fortuitously she bought a little deli in San Francisco in 1971.”

home—you do business and showcase your home with hospitality.”

Growing up, the An family would entertain many guests in their home, with her grandfather bringing 20 people at a time. Her mother and grandmother were fiddle-footed and fervently ready to wine and dine in the finest way with service and hospitality.

In Vietnam, her mother and grandmother grew up with the best of the best chefs.

They spent most of their days in the kitchen with French, Chinese and Vietnamese chefs to collaborate, plan the menus and orchestrate tastings.

“In those days in Asia, when you’re from a prominent family and your husband is an eminent industrialist, or in business, it’s all about entertaining and doing dinners and business over the table,” she says. “A big part of closing deals is inviting someone to your

“My mother has this amazing palette for tasting the food, tweaking and fixing,” An added.

Not only did An grow up surrounded by excellent food, she also had an eye for

fashion that she translated into culinary cuisine. An expanded the family brand by revamping their packaging with a charming new character and bringing a pleasant experience to the consumer with vibrant colors and well-crafted taste in the modern-day fusion cuisine.

“People eat with their eyes,” An says. “You could have great food, but it can only go so far if it’s not packaged correctly.”

When she opened AnQi Bistro in 1997, An led with the principles of Feng-Shuai using warm, passionate colors expressing the five Chinese elements.

“With prosperity, wealth, harmony and good fortune, I hope to have harmony with my employees,” An says. “Prosperity and happiness with my guests and my staff.”

An is proud of a successful and established business she helped build from the ground up, and more than 30 years later, she feels humbled and grateful. The well-rounded menu has many delicious dishes, and her favorite dish is the squash blossom, followed by the famous butter noodles and tasty crab. The San Francisco-inspired dish her grandmother perfected with her own twist continually has raving customers coming back for more.

“There’s never one table a night that doesn’t have the noodles or the crab,” An says.

With its California Vietnamese and French Vietnamese flare, AnQi Bistro remains the place to see and be seen amongst amazing cuisine.

A delicious un-pho-gettable restaurant you must try on your next date or special celebratory occasion.

ICONICLIFE.COM

59

Rendering of entry atrium at OCMA's new building

A WORK OF

The new Orange County Museum of Art is a masterpiece in its own right.

60

ICONICLIFE.COM

Rendering by Morphosis

ART

Rendering: Of Many Waters... (2022) by Sanford Biggers on the Sculpture Terrace of OCMA, opening to the public in October 2022

By Kaitlyn Beickel

O

pening to the public this October 8, the new Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA) is bringing tasteful galleries and noteworthy traveling exhibitions to Costa Mesa. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Thom Mayne of Morphosis Studio, the new home for the OCMA is a work of art, inside and out.

Rendering by Morphosis

Since 1962, the OCMA, along with its predecessor institution—the Newport Harbor Art Museum—has enriched Southern California with traveling exhibitions of 20th and 21st century art, and a breathtaking collection of more than 4,500 works, focusing on artists from California. Now, three years after breaking ground on the it’s new permanent location, the OCMA is ready to engage the public through educational art experiences.

Since 1974, the Segerstrom family and South Coast Plaza have donated nearly 12 acres of land for the Costa Mesa arts campus that now includes OCMA. The museum joins South Coast Repertory, Segerstrom Center for the Arts and the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall and Samueli Theater on the donated land, creating one of the most important centers of art, culture and architecture in the U.S. The move of OCMA from Newport Beach to Costa Mesa was long sought, and would not have occurred without the effort and

inspiration of a diverse group of civic and community members, the OCMA Board of Trustees and museum staff, present and past.

The new museum exterior is wrapped with a distinctive façade of wave-like terracotta panels that extend inside, beckoning lovers of fine art to enter. Double the size of the museum’s former home in Newport Beach, the newly designed 53,000 square foot building provides an immersive artistic experience like no other, thanks to its central location, expanded gallery space and inviting public areas.

OCMA will have 25,000 square feet dedicated to galleries, where noteworthy collections and traveling art exhibitions will be featured.

A sculptural wing hovering over the lobby atrium will be home to a 10,000 square foot education center, which can be configured as a black-box theater or a light-filled studio. Large public stairs and a spacious roof terrace will connect OCMA to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts and the Julia and George Argyros Plaza.

A week prior to the official grand opening, on October 1st, a sold-out black tie gala will celebrate the new museum. The OCMA will have a members-only preview week from October 4-7, and on the grand opening day on October 8, the museum will open to the public, so that visitors can experience the inaugural contemporary art exhibitions, film screenings, performances, workshops and more.

ICONICLIFE.COM

61

HOT ROD

Famed interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard debuts his new ICONIC racinginspired collection with La Cornue.

By Carlye Klick

62

ICONICLIFE.COM

A

regular staple on the Elle Decor A-List and AD100, Martyn Lawrence Bullard made a name for himself in the world of design. The multi-hyphenate design mogul has designed the homes of several of the Kardashians, Cher, Tommy Hilfiger, Gwen Stefani and other notables. He designed collections in lighting, floor coverings and fabrics, and oversees premiere hospitality projects around the

Photography courtesy of La Cornue

DESIGN ICON

Martyn Lawrence Bullard

COLOR COLLECTION

Jerez White

Imola Red inspired by my passion for vintage racing cars, and loved the idea of these two extraordinary pieces of mechanics blending together somehow? Color was what came to my mind. It became the perfect bonding of two master experiences into one.”

Monza Orange

Grand Prix Grey

Le Mans Burgandy

Monaco Grey

world—five-star resorts and other luxury projects in Switzerland, Istanbul and the Cayman Islands.

Now, Bullard is partnering with luxury French appliance brand La Cornue to introduce a new racing-inspired collection—the Color Collection.

In 1908, modern cooking was forever changed with the introduction of the convection oven, brought about by the founder of La Cornue, Albert Dupuy. Since then, the Parisian brand has expanded, and the brand’s commitment to quality in every detail remains unmatched. The signature Château range is made by hand by experienced craftsmen and can be customized in color, size and finish. That customization is further enhanced by the introduction of Bullard’s Color Collection, a series of 10 hand-selected shades.

Goodwood Blue

Silverstone Noir

Brands Hatch Green

Sarthe Noir

What was the driving force behind the inspiration for the collection? The designer’s love for vintage race cars and the classic colors that epitomize European racing.

“It was really important to come up with a color collection that I felt exemplified the glamor, quality and world-class style of La Cornue,” Bullard said. “I was immediately

Bullard says the new collection is changing the way that the heart of the home—the kitchen—incorporates color into the household’s overall color palette, through luxury appliances and beyond.

“The colors I chose for the collection, apart from being ICONIC racing car colors, are colors that bring such personality to a space,” Bullard said. “Color is really something that we can use to show our personalities in our interiors.”

“Everything from our beautiful deep black, to our rich and sexy oranges and reds, are all colors that are so vibrant and so full of expression and personality. It adds such excitement into a kitchen in a way we haven’t seen before.”

“I ultimately accepted the challenge of creating a Color Collection for La Cornue not only because I love the brand so much, but because I wanted to use the Château more and more in my own work,” the interior designer said. “Color, as a designer, is everything. It informs the vibrancy of a room and is like adding stunning jewelry to an outfit.”

ICONICLIFE.COM

63

HAVING A MOMENT

NEED SOME

SPACE? Enjoy out-of-this-world perspectives of Earth in a pressurized capsule designed for travel by space balloon.

By Kaitlyn Beickel

Spaceship Neptune doesn’t “blast off” into space, but instead takes a slow approach, moving at 12 miles per hour as it carries passengers to 100,000 feet above Earth. Described as gentle and peaceful, the entire flight process takes six hours, with two hours spent traveling up to space, two hours spent taking in the breathtaking views of the earth below, and two hours to return.

“It’s about the size of the Washington Monument when it launches, and it’s just a very graceful ascent,” says Taber MacCallum, Space Perspective Founder, Co-CEO and CTO.

64

ICONICLIFE.COM

Jane Poynter, Space Perspective Founder, Co-CEO, CXO and wife to MacCallum, says that space travel helps people develop a new perspective on the size of our planet and atmosphere, and it’s not as big as many think.

“What’s astonishing is that from that point of view, it takes us two hours to get up to space, and we’re at about 99 percent of the atmosphere,” Poynter says. “Our atmosphere is 20 miles thick; it looks like it goes forever, but you really get a feel of how it does not go forever.”

The couple has a long career history in space innovation and exploration. Both were crew members for Biosphere 2, an enclosed ecosystem designed to test the viability of humans in space.

They also founded Paragon Space Development Corporation, which focused on improving and perfecting spacecraft technologies,

Photography courtesy of Space Perspective

I

magine looking out of a 360-degree window and seeing the beauty of planet Earth below you. With the goal of providing as many people as possible with an astounding view of Earth, Space Perspective reimagines space travel through the use of its pressurized capsule, Spaceship Neptune, which is propelled by a giant space balloon.

including for the International Space Station. The two also served as technical advisors to Elon Musk regarding human spaceflight prior to the launch of SpaceX.

Exchanging wedding vows, proposing to the person you love or celebrating a birthday in space will soon be a reality, with a bar area included in the space flight capsule.

“Taber and I have worked our entire careers on spaceflight—human space flight—and this idea of using a space balloon has just completely opened up the whole idea of space flight so that almost anyone can go,” Poynter says.

In addition to being an incredibly unique event space, Space Perspective is also the only carbon neutral flight for space travel.

Each Space Perspective flight will include up to eight guests and a crew member, and the circular seating arrangement allows for everyone to get an out-of-this-world view of Earth through the capsule’s large windows. No special training is required for this kind of space travel.

“You’re seeing the earth in the blackness of space, what could be more beautiful than seeing our planet from that perspective?”

MacCallum said. “We are also able to reconfigure the capsule so that there’s space for events.”

“The capsule itself is reused, so that is no-net effect, and then we offset the carbon from the manufacturing of the capsule,” MacCallum says. “The lift gas that goes in the balloon is hydrogen, so when we release that hydrogen after the flight, it has no net of global warming effect and the balloon itself is recycled.”

How much does it cost to experience the beauty of the Earth in a Space Perspective capsule?

“The full price is $125,000 a seat, and we’re asking people to put down a deposit now, which is also refundable,” Poynter says. “We are very excited about being able to take people up starting in 2024.”

ICONICLIFE.COM

65

SEC OND STORY In Orange County, a seemingly singlelevel beach house comes with a twist—a basement that’s the heart of the home.

By Nora Burba Trulsson Photography by Karyn Millet

66

ICONICLIFE.COM

ICONICLIFE.COM

67

68

ICONICLIFE.COM

I

n Corona del Mar, California, the newly built, gracious home has all the attributes one would want for a house just steps from the beach—a modernist design, an open, breezy floor plan and a wall of windows that slide away to link indoors with the pool patio and killer views of the Pacific. But this abode has a feature that few others in the area have. There’s a basement. Not just a basement, really, but a light-filled social space that serves as the heart of the home.

With builder Winke Custom Homes, architecture by Geoff Sumich and interiors handled by Michael Fullen and Omar Enany, the 7,800-square-foot, five-bedroom house is an entertainer’s dream with plenty of indoor/outdoor space to accommodate parties. The impetus for the design, though, came about through local zoning restrictions.

“The client said, ‘build me a home with a basement that doesn’t look and feel like a basement,’” Sumich, principal of San Juan Capistrano-based Geoff Sumich Design recalls. “He wanted a twolevel house, but because of local height restrictions, we couldn’t build up, so we dug down.”

The lot, where an older house had been torn down, was between the neighborhood’s terraced streets that ease down a hillside towards the ocean. Sumich placed the home’s main level and front entrance on the upper street and used the lower street to create a garage entrance and to dig down into the hillside to create the bottom level. In plan, the main level includes the open kitchen, dining and great room, master suite and two bedrooms. A casita just off the front door serves as a home office. The lower level includes another living room, game area, bar and bedroom that doubles as an exercise room.

“I like to use simple materials and forms to make a bold statement,” Sumich says of the home’s low-slung design and repeated use of rough-tumbled Texas limestone, square breeze blocks and glass walls. His boldest statement for the house, however, is the lowerlevel courtyard and light well, which bring in light from above to the entertaining space below.

Two of the walls are green walls—vertical gardens—dense with a variety of plants kept alive with a high-tech irrigation system.

The courtyard itself, appointed with a water feature and fire pit, is accessed from the lower-level living room via frameless window walls that pocket to the side, while a sculptural, open-tread outdoor staircase leads up to the main level.

“These green walls are really works of art,” Sumich says. “They add so much to the house.”

ICONICLIFE.COM

69

70

ICONICLIFE.COM

ICONICLIFE.COM

71

Throughout the house, Fullen and Enany, principals of Fullen Enany Design Group in Laguna Beach, also created a work of art through their selection of colors, furnishings and finishes. “This neighborhood has a 1960s, 1970s vibe,” Fullen explains. “We wanted to honor that, but without doing a midcentury cliché.”

Another tried-and-true beach house theme the interior designers avoided was a “sandy” color palette, instead opting for pale backgrounds and deeper, golden hues in the furnishings. Pieces were chosen for classic lines and comfort, Fullen explains, and much of the upholstery was done with durable outdoor fabrics to withstand a beach-and-pool lifestyle, not to mention entertaining.

While the green walls are the exterior’s piéce de résistance, the lower level bar is the interior’s showstopper.

“The bar is influenced by a London nightclub or boutique hotel lobby bar,” Fullen says. “We played around with the concept and used Claro walnut for the bar, ceilings and walls, and LED lighting for accents. I also scattered several small tables and club chairs in the space to give people seating options in addition to the bar itself.”

72

ICONICLIFE.COM

Other details throughout the home draw the eye, such as an interior’s spiral staircase that connects the two levels, illuminated by day with a large skylight and, at night, with a blown glass and metal chandelier.

A hallway connecting the main level’s living areas with bedrooms called for a bookcase, which Fullen turned into a work of art by designing book niches, turned 45 degrees, to create an articulated wall of literature.

Outside, the main-level’s front facade is accented by fixed wood louvers that filter light and provide privacy for street-side bedroom windows, a breeze block wall and a sculpture of stainless steel rods that rises out of the ground, piercing a circular opening in the roof overhang.

Completed and now occupied by a young family, the home is an epicenter of casual living and entertaining, with the lower level being a magnet for family and friends. Nonetheless, the residence also exudes a sense of quiet serenity.

“I stopped by the house when it was finished,” Sumich says, “and while I was by the green wall, a hummingbird appeared. I have to admit, it was magical.”

ICONICLIFE.COM

73

Memorable Moments on

MONARCH BEACH

74

ICONICLIFE.COM

A

Three days in Dana Point illuminate the best of Southern California style.

long winding driveway revealed a grand entrance to a destination that was the same amount luxurious as it was laid back. The blue colors inside and the distant ocean view set the tone for a relaxing Southern California weekend, where we didn’t have to dress up, but the sophisticated service would wow us.

By Jillian Vaughn Photography courtesy of Monarch Beach Resort

At Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club, luxury is in the details—whether you are staying, playing, golfing, spa-ing or dining.

Each experience on the property is thoughtfully curated to indulge the senses in a true escape, and we experienced it all.

Perched on 175 acres atop a seaside bluff, this elegant AAA FiveDiamond retreat offers indulgences from fine dining to a day at the beach. Part of our “jobs” at ICONIC LIFE Magazine include luxury experiences like this one, where we can test out destinations for our readers and report back. We love to marvel during these experiences, “yes, we are working.”

ICONICLIFE.COM

75

We checked into our adjoining suites that had just been renovated with light coastal colors and a private terrace. Champagne and charcuterie arrived moments later. This trip would be a celebration for all good things ahead.

For the first evening, we dined at AVEO Table + Bar, a lively kitchen and bar serving a Latin-inspired menu in a casually elegant setting.

As the hotel’s main restaurant, it was located in the primary spot at the back of the lobby, with a large, extended patio area that overlooked the hotel grounds, pool and Pacific Ocean beyond.

Our reservation fell just at sunset, and the pastel-hued sky was the most beautiful backdrop for the meal. The ICONIC ladies, being Arizona natives, began to experience a chill as the sunset faded, and the wonderfully attentive staff was quick to bring over outdoor heaters and blankets to make our meal more comfortable.

We started our meal with the Dungeness crab croquetas, which tasted like the most delicious crab cakes with a Latin flavor. As the waiter mentioned, AVEO is known for its amazing ceviche, so of

76

ICONICLIFE.COM

course we had to try one of those as well. The appetizers were refreshing and full of flavor. This would be the perfect spot to grab a sunset happy hour with a glass of white wine and some appetizers!

Next, it was time for entrees, we decided to stick with seafood and order three dishes for everyone to try. We ordered the Chilean sea bass with black rice and coconut sauce; the salmon with eggplant, cucumber and a dill yogurt sauce; and the casuela de mariscos, a seafood stew with veggies, potatoes and a little spicy kick.

For dessert, another three dishes were ordered to share. We had the palm sugar creme brûlée, the white coffee chocolate mousse cake, and the torta de monzana, a warm cinnamon apple cake.

Each bite was savored—light, fresh and evenly balanced with sweetness and flavor.

In the morning, we took the resort’s trolley down a long and winding path through the beautiful golf course to the beach club that gave us access to the beach. We walked, talked and savored the ocean air.

Again, we were working.

On our stroll, we passed many families enjoying the beach and are convinced we had a David Letterman sighting. We didn’t approach of course, but our long stares in his direction all as much as confirmed that was the king of late-night.

We spent the afternoon in town enjoying quaint boutiques and returned for an evening of wining and dining in the members-only beach club, accessible also to resort guests. Here we basked in ocean-front dining literally on/above the beach. Adirondack chairs next to the clear glass were the perfect vantage point to watch the surf come in.

Packed with impeccable design, beachy flair, remarkable views of the California coastline and delicious cuisine, Monarch Beach Club restaurant did not disappoint.

ICONICLIFE.COM

77

78

ICONICLIFE.COM

We started with a bottle of Schramsberg Mirabelle Sparkling Rose to get things kicked up a notch. The bubbly glass tasted dry yet fruitful—a complex mixture of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir crisp blend.

ready to serve. We enjoyed massages in the private rooms that are decadent themselves. The heated tables and scented oils induced relaxation right away.

The appetizers were a fun way to indulge. A variety of a little bit of everything was an excellent way to get the whole, flavorful experience. Our server’s recommendation was the Fritto Misto, freshly fried calamari, shrimp, shishito peppers, lemon wheels and spicy aioli. We also enjoyed the Seafood Artichoke Dip, which was lump crab, bay scallops, fontina, parmesan cheese and panko herb crust. And finally, the Wild Mushroom and Barley Risotto is pearl barley, braised kale, black garlic cream and asiago cheese. YUM. Three ladies surrendered to the flavors over discipline that night.

Later, we spent time using the amenities—steam room, sauna, jacuzzi and shower in an elegant and newly renovated spa. Within the facility, guests can take advantage of a curated boutique, fitness classes, a salon and a really beautiful spa pool that is quiet. We highly recommend this spa, and if you’re local, you can acquire a membership as well.

For entrees, we ordered the Slow Braised Beef Short Rib with garlic mashed potatoes and roasted winter vegetables. And King Salmon with celeriac puree, red quinoa and sauteed rainbow chard with grated goat cheese. We shared both entrees and spent the evening chatting about our lovely day.

The next day, it was time to pause and visit the Waldorf Spa, which has a moody-lighted, modern entrance with super friendly attendants

We can’t forget to share that breakfast on our last morning was robust and creative. Dining again at AVEO Table + Bar, we enjoyed a Latin version of eggs Benedict, cazuela de huevos and avocado toast, first starting with some awesome freshly pressed green juice.

By the time we departed Monarch Beach, we were so impressed by the spectacular service; we couldn’t help but feel thankful. The luxe experiences were a memorable adventure that we knew we wanted to share. If you’re local, there are so many reasons to go. If you are traveling, this is the perfect place from which to base your So Cal adventure. Either way, let them know that ICONIC sent you.

ICONICLIFE.COM

79

DYNAMIC

DES IGN ERS

By Sam Micatrotto Photography by Mark Sacro

80

ICONICLIFE.COM

Meet the Top Designers in Orange County… the Ones to Watch

A good interior designer changes the way a space feels, but only the best designers can change how a space makes YOU feel. Check out who made our curated list for our picks of who’s The Best of the Best.

W

hen it comes to making a house a home, you look to someone who you can trust to bring your vision to life. That’s where an ICONIC interior designer comes into play. With contagious energy and passion that translates directly into their work, a blank slate becomes a masterpiece. Check out the top designers who inspire us with the magic that they bring into homes across Orange County, reflecting not only their talent but their deep experience.

ICONICLIFE.COM

81

DYNAMIC DESIGNERS

82

ICONICLIFE.COM

BARCLAY BUTERA BARCLAY BUTERA DESIGN

Photography courtesy of Barclay Butera Design

F

or almost two decades, Barclay Butera has been the creative force behind his renowned design firm and showroom in Newport Beach, California. Because of his immense success, Butera eventually opened showrooms in Park City, Utah, and Corona del Mar, California as well as ventured into licensing.

His glamorous and chic interiors landed him some of the most respected partners in the industry including Eastern Accents bedding and luxury down, Napa Home & Garden decor and accessories, Jaipur Living area rugs, Castelle outdoor furniture and Bradburn Home lighting. Barclay’s impeccable talent, undeniable good looks and humble but confident disposition are

what catapulted Butera into the limelight.

He’s appeared on every major television network, including NBC, ABC, Fox, CBS and HGTV, plus has been featured in House & Garden, ELLE DÉCOR, Architectural Digest, Esquire, Coastal Living, ICONIC LIFE and other major print publications.

Barclay can also add another project to his resume: author. Over the years, Barclay has released six books, most recently, The New Traditional, where he presents homes that showcase his passions and tells the story of the new traditional style. If you want to add a little more Barclay flair to your home in addition to his book on your coffee table, you can head over to his e-commerce site and bring a little Barclay Butera design into your every day.

ICONICLIFE.COM

83

DYNAMIC DESIGNERS

84

ICONICLIFE.COM

ANITA DAWSON DAWSON DESIGN GROUP

Photography courtesy of Dawson Design Group

S

omething you should know about Anita is that she loves talking about all things design! She could go on and on, bragging about different projects that she and her amazing team have worked on over the years! She and her team of eight at Dawson Design Group have received quite a few accolades during her almost two decades designing modern new homes, but what Anita is most proud of is the long-standing relationships she has developed with architects, builders and contractors. Anita believes that ultimately, it is your experience, the team beside you, and the relationships in your field that make the biggest difference when you’re in the thick of a huge design project.

Before becoming the designer she is today, Anita trained in the performing and fine arts, with previous career highlights as both a professional dancer and an arts administrator.

Drawing on a multidisciplinary background in the arts, she understands how bodies move

through space — which has translated to creating not only beautiful homes but places you want to live in.

Within minutes of meeting Anita, her sense of humor and approachability will draw you in. Her clients know she has exquisite taste and vision, which, paired with the integrity you expect to see in the principal leading a major design project, makes for a beautiful working relationship. What Anita loves most is teaming up with gutsy clients who see the joy in making modern spaces feel like home.

She sees client engagements as a partnership with kindness, respect, and trust at its foundation. This approach has been fundamental to her success and is what the team looks for when committing to new projects. And their clients? “They inspire us at every turn,” she says. “Bringing to life the things that they love and keeps us motivated at every step in the process.”

ICONICLIFE.COM

85

DYNAMIC DESIGNERS

86

ICONICLIFE.COM

MICHAEL FULLEN & OMAR ENANY

Photography courtesy of Fullen Enany Design Group

FULLEN ENANY DESIGN GROUP, INC

F

ounded in 2003 and most recently known as Michael Fullen Design Group, Inc. has now rebranded as Fullen Enany Design Group, inc, the latest iteration is the result of the collaboration of Michael Fullen and Omar Enany. Omar has been an integral part of the design team since 2015 and Michael Fullen started the firm in 2003.

Together with their team of design professionals have designed and collaborated

in the build of more than 100 homes along the coast of Southern California. In recent years the firm has spread its wings on many occasions and has now designed homes in New England, New York, Arizona, Washington, Idaho, Mexico and Kuwait as well as Southern California.

The duo will continue to follow the principles and practices that have made them a standout in the design industry, no matter how large they grow. At their inception, as a small company, they were able to adapt and meet the needs of every client, architect and builder on every project, and now, through all of their success and changes, they have vowed to keep these core values to best serve their clients.

The firm’s fresh esthetic and exclusive designs have landed them features in Robb Report, HOOM, California Homes, Luxe in addition to other reputable publications. Their work appeals to luxury homeowners with an appreciation for the distinct designs and high-quality furnishings that the team is known for. The homeowner is the firm’s top priority when creating an aesthetically pleasing space that caters to their lifestyle and needs, resulting in the home they’ve always dreamed of.

Fullen Enany Deesign Group, Inc. is dedicated to outstanding customer service and the relationships built with the homeowners, architects, builders and craftsmen on every project. Their unwavering commitment to every project is what makes them stand out in the industry.

ICONICLIFE.COM

87

DYNAMIC DESIGNERS

88

ICONICLIFE.COM

RONA GRAF GRACE BLU

Photography courtesy of Grace Blu

These important relationships continue to inspire the team to provide cutting-edge designs for their clientele, allowing them to create distinct, extraordinary designs.

B

ecause of her vision for her design studio to be a “collaborative of creative,” Rona Graf made a conscious decision to not use her own name when launching Grace Blu in 2007. The combined experience and skills between Rona and her team paired with their client-centric approach allow them to consistently create fresh and unique spaces.

The Grace Blu team strongly believes in collaboration and attributes their limitless success to their ability to build and establish long-lasting relationships with not only clients but contractors and other design professionals that they meet along the way.

Rona and her team are committed to juxtaposing modern and classic elements to create timeless yet contemporary spaces for each and every client, in both the commercial and residential space. You can credit her midwest roots and love of world travel for her unique and sophisticated approach to design.

Grace Blu has made its mark on the design world and has been featured in both regional and national publications like HGTV Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Orange County Register and Arch Digest.

In 2020, Grace Blu even won HGTV’s Designer of the Year for its work on the Balboa Cottage project in Lido House in Newport Beach, California.

Grace Blu is based out of Orange County, but has recently taken its creativity to its Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina office.

ICONICLIFE.COM

89

DYNAMIC DESIGNERS

90

ICONICLIFE.COM

DONNA JOHNSON LUXE-DESIGN

Photography courtesy of Luxe-Design

F

or over 40 years, Donna Johnson, principal at Luxe-Design, has been taking the design world by storm. You can tack on even more if you count the work she did for her dad, a developer, starting at the age of 12. Helping him with his projects helped her develop a love of design and architecture, and the rest is history.

Her team at Luxe-Design practices collaborative design and uses their expertise to tailor spaces to their clients’ personalities, lifestyles and demographics. Their impressive client list includes top A-Listers in the entertainment world, athletes and Fortune 500 executives and their design portfolio has taken them all over the world.

Donna is now a leader in the international design world, working with high-end commercial and real estate clients across the spectrum. She finds inspiration from incredible architecture from coast to coast, high fashion runways and her worldwide travels.

Donna loves using her creativity to put a smile on a client’s face, and her dedication to every project has not gone unrecognized.

She has been featured in many digital and print publications including Luxury Magazine, Luxe Interiors + Design Magazine and GG Magazine.

The firm creates relationships with developers and architects on every project, serving as a liaison when developing floor plans, selecting interior architecture, specifications and furnishing the homes. Oftentimes Donna will design the furniture herself. From the first blueprint to the last finishing touch, LuxeDesign is a full-service design firm ready to help you every step of the way.

Luxe-Design has full-service studios located in both Orange County, California and Las Vegas, Nevada.

ICONICLIFE.COM

91

DYNAMIC DESIGNERS

92

ICONICLIFE.COM

MINDY LAVEN MINDY LAVEN HOME

Photography courtesy of Mindy Laven Home

S

outhern California-based interior designer Mindy Laven has it going on.

Known for capturing the quintessential old-school surf aesthetic of California beach towns through many of her unforgettable projects, her eye for design has led to features in House Beautiful, Domino, Rue, American Farmhouse Style, Cottages and Bungalows, and many more.

Upon meeting her, you instantly feel her love of aesthetics and her desire to help clients create warm, inviting spaces. Laven says, “A house becomes a home when you breathe new life into it. Whether it’s a new build or a renovation, it’s a fresh opportunity to contribute to the soul of the home.”

Rooted in the hearts and souls of the people who live there, Laven’s projects are inspired by both what has been and what is to come for the homeowners. “Good design values the history of the home while creating a beautiful space for future memories to be made,” she added.

Each project is tailored to reflect the spirit of the homeowners. Laven says that getting to know her clients is the most important part of her job. “Far beyond the brick and mortar and the case goods is the intrinsic nature that the house will embody. I take my projects to heart. When a house is complete, it should rise up to meet its owners in a way that unequivocally says “We’re home!”

ICONICLIFE.COM

93

DYNAMIC DESIGNERS

94

ICONICLIFE.COM

ALI FAULKNER

EMERGING TOP DESIGNER

Photography courtesy of AEF Interiors

AEF INTERIORS

L

ike many designers, Ali Faulkner believes that the process of designing and remodeling your home should be a fun one. She is committed to making every project collaborative and as stressfree as possible while bringing fun to every experience!

Before she officially launched her interior design business, Ali worked in luxury hospitality and consulting for 13 years. Through

this experience, she discovered and held on to the importance of customer service and creating unique experiences for every client.

AEF Interiors is a full-service interior design firm bringing modern interiors for a California lifestyle. The firm offers design services from furnishing your home to remodeling your kitchen. Maybe you will be inspired like Ali was and start a passion project of your own!

ICONICLIFE.COM

95

BEST WEST of the

Beth Dutton’s on-point Yellowstone style inspired our fall fashion shoot. While we eagerly await the return of larger-than-life John Dutton, here are some couture takes on Western style that you can take all the way to the train station.

By ICONIC LIFE

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Renee Dee, PHOTOGRAPHER: Mark Sacro, LIGHTING: Kyle Finley, STYLING: Jackie Rose, FEATURED BRANDS: South Coast Plaza, HAIR & MAKEUP: Haley Gray, MODELS: Holly From Ford/Robert Black Agency And Ciao From La Model Management, ICONIC LIFE TEAM ON SET: Carlye Klick, Kaitlyn Beickel, LOCATION: Mike And Annette Reeves’s Ranch, San Juan Capistrano, California, SPECIAL THANKS: A special thank you to Makena and the horses—Sunny, Walter and Princeton.

96

ICONICLIFE.COM

RIDE INTO THE SUNSET

John Varvatos jacket, Ted Baker shirt and pants with Ralph Lauren shoes.

IRO jacket, Chloe necklace, Intermix shirt. Vintage skirt, hat and boots.

ICONICLIFE.COM

97

HOME ON THE RANGE

John Varvatos jeans, jacket and top.

98

ICONICLIFE.COM

DARK HORSE Lanvin dress.

ICONICLIFE.COM

99

RODEO READY

Sea top, MOTHER ruffled mini skirt, Betsey Johnson Kyla bootie, IRO leather jacket.

100

ICONICLIFE.COM

COUTURE COWBOY Lanvin jacket, Ted Baker shirt and pants, vintage hat.

ICONICLIFE.COM

101

ON THE RANCH

Jonathan Simkhai Dress, Chloe bag, BA&SH boots, Paris necklace, Intermix. Ted Baker shirt and pants, Ralph Lauren boots.

INSPIRATION

As the weather cools down, and we transition into autumn, we’re falling deeper in love with warm brown tones, edgy boots and classic cowboy Stetson hats. Western fashion is having a resurgence as new and old styles collide into an appealing country chic that the biggest luxury brands are showing today. Read the Publisher’s POV for more on this issue’s inspo.

102

ICONICLIFE.COM

BORN TO RIDE

Chanel boots, BA&SH Jensen cotton knit crop top and Jena cotton knit midi-skirt, Intermix necklace, South Coast Plaza.

ICONICLIFE.COM

103

GETAWAY CAR

Sandro dress and denim jacket, BA&SH belt.

104

ICONICLIFE.COM

WILD WEST

Max Mara printed silk dress and hat.

ICONICLIFE.COM

105

106

ICONICLIFE.COM

SADDLE-STITCHED

The key to putting together a fashion-forward western outfit is simple—it’s all about the upscale accessories. Whether that be a decadent Chanel purse with a chic fringe detail, a cowboy-inspired heeled bootie from BA&SH or a bandana tied around the neck, the right accessories will make you feel right at home on the range.

From left: BA&SH boots, Lanvin bag, Ulla Johnson bag, Max Mara hat, Stuart Weitzman boots, Chloe bag and Ted Baker bag.

ICONICLIFE.COM

107

Let’s Do

BRUNCH Cheers to the world’s most delicious places for everyone’s favorite—brunch.

By Carlye Klick

B

runch is the perfect opportubity to gather with friends, get dressed up, day drink, listen to music and catch up on the latest in your circle. Brunch is more than a meal or a place, it has become an event, a social scene, an institution, not only in the U.S. but around the globe, and our ICONIC LIFE team has done the research to share the best of the best.

Traditional brunch fare includes classics like eggs Benedict, avocado toast and specialty pancakes, but many of the world’s top brunch restaurants are expanding their palates. Innovative spots are incorporating cultural influences, multi-course meals and Michelin-worthy plates. As the concepts around brunch evolve, so does the occasion, and every major city has spots to see and be seen at.

Grab your mimosa or bloody mary! We’re sharing the most coveted weekend reservations and the most legendary spots for bites and bubbles.

108

ICONICLIFE.COM

NEW YORK Balthazar

Could it get any more ICONIC than Balthazar for brunch in NYC? The quintessential New York bistro is one of the most well-known, best brunch places—it has been around for decades and is always bustling with guests. The extensive menu has something for everyone. We suggest the quiche, which sells out daily, paired with a classic chilled Bellini. If you are planning to carry brunch late into the day, stop at Cipriani where the ICONIC Bellini was invented.

Pastis

Photo courtesy of Eater NY, Photo courtesy of Pastis

In an episode of Sex and the City, Carrie Bradshaw refers to Pastis as “the only restaurant that seemed to exist.” This French bistro classic is one of the best brunch places and was recently revived in the meatpacking district of NYC, with all of the brunch staples that locals and tourists crave.

We love the server’s crisp white jackets.

Order the Gruyère Omelette, because it’s oh, so French. Order chilled oysters for the table with spicey horseradish, and don’t miss the legendary moules frites. Grab your girlfriends and a glass of bubbly, and watch for our publisher—if she’s in NYC, she’s at Pastis having a pan au chocolate and a cappuccino.

ICONICLIFE.COM

109

WASHINGTON, DC Seasons

LONDON Duck and Waffle

Teeming multiple stories above the city, Duck and Waffle is one of the highest restaurants in London. Come for the breathtaking view, stay for the delectable food and buzzing atmosphere of this top brunch place. Be forewarned, this is one of the most coveted reservations in London, so be sure to book early and opt for the signature dish for which this restaurant was named.

110

ICONICLIFE.COM

Photo courtesy of Seasons DC, Photo courtesy of Duck and Waffle

Seasons is the acclaimed restaurant within the Four Seasons Hotel in DC. It boasts the most expensive brunch in town, but this isn’t your typical brunch fare of pancakes and eggs. The elevated dishes include braised short ribs and even a whole fresh seafood bar. Their seasonally rotating menu means there will always be something new and different to try. These might be the crispest white linens we’ve ever experienced.

PARIS La Nouvelle Seine

La Nouvelle Seine is all about location! This restaurant is actually on a barge floating on the Seine gazing up to the Cathedral of Notre Dame. Can you imagine anything more romantic? Besides the scenic views of the City of Love, this spot offers some of the best brunch dishes in Paris, including a plate of charcuterie and fromage and filet de boeuf. The barge also features a small theater area, so you might be lucky enough to enjoy brunch and a show.

Angelina

Photo courtesy of La Nouvelle Seine, Photo courtesy of Angelina

Angelina always draws crowds as one of the best brunch places in the world, and for good reason. In 1903, the confectioner Anton Rumpelmayer founded Angelina with his son René, a tea house at No.226, Rue de Rivoli—named after his daughter-in-law.

The pastries attracted the likes of Proust, Coco Chanel and the biggest French fashion designers in the famous tearoom. The belle-epoque style salon has a restaurant, patisserie and cafe market, so if you enjoy your brunch pastry you can take extras to-go.

The lavishly decorated brunch spot is famous for amazing hot chocolate, so make sure to come with a sweet tooth.

ICONICLIFE.COM

111

SYDNEY You can’t mention weekend brunch in Australia without mentioning Bill’s. This four-location concept has been open since 1993. It is known not only for inventing the most ICONIC brunch dish of all time—avocado toast—but has also won the distinction of the world’s best scrambled eggs

by The Times of London. It’s safe to say that you would be remiss not to visit Bill’s if you are looking for the best brunch in Sydney.

TOKYO Path

In an upscale yet laid back atmosphere, Path has found a sweet spot—both literally and figuratively speaking—in Tokyo’s restaurant scene. Located next to Yoyogi Park, Path is the perfect place to drop in for brunch after a morning stroll. Their signature dish is a Dutch pancake-style pastry, topped with burrata, cured meat and drizzled in maple syrup.

112

ICONICLIFE.COM

Photo courtesy of Bill’s, Photo courtesy of Time Out Tokyo / PATH

Bill’s

MIAMI La Mar

Situated in the Mandarin Oriental, La Mar elevates the brunch experience with south-of-the-border flavors, courtesy of its Peruvian-inspired menu. While the price tag for this brunch experience is on the higher end, you will certainly get your money’s worth with all-inclusive drinks and bites.

Overlooking the water below, La Mar has one of the best brunch views in the city as well.

DUBAI Bubbalicious

Photo courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, Photo courtesy of The Westin Dubai

The Bubbalicious Brunch at the Westin in Dubai is practically a full day of festivities.

The three top restaurants at the hotel all merge together for this spectacular brunch event, featuring dishes from a variety of international cuisines. A long-standing favorite of vacationers, the multicultural flavors of Bubbalicious simply cannot be beat as one of the world’s best brunch places. And yes, as the name implies, there is free-flowing bubbly!

ICONICLIFE.COM

113

114

ICONICLIFE.COM

WILL A WHITE WINE DIE-HARD GO RED? Where There’s a Willamette There’s a Way

By Renee Dee Photography courtesy of Phyllis Lerner

ICONICLIFE.COM

115

116

ICONICLIFE.COM

My recent Candelaria Design tour to the Willamette Valley’s wine country in Oregon is packed with fine food, fabulous wine and some new friends.

F

or 20 years, beloved architect Mark Candelaria has lead tours to Italy, Spain and now Oregon, to bring his “Live Beautifully” approach to life to his friends, family and clients, and for the first time, I made the trip!

Mark and Isabel are a joy to spend time with over dinner but invest five days with them—together with a group of 16 travelers—and you are in for a good time! No detail was overlooked, and the itinerary represented the best, must-see places in the area. I’ve followed so many of the tours, I knew, this time, I had to make the time to go, and it was worth it!

We started our time together by meeting at the airport for our flight together. We all logged into the Life360 app and got on a group text thread, and instantly we were on the same page, ready to see it all together. I affectionately titled the thread “Oregon Peeps.”

With 16 peeps aboard, we were off! It occurred to me to pack a waterproof jacket considering this was the Pacific Northwest, but I ran out of time to get one before the trip. Certainly, I wouldn’t need that, I said.

As we descended into the Portland airport, dark skies turned to 100-percent cloud cover, and once on the ground, were in our first, and nowhere near our last, rain storm. Isabel shared that Columbia had a store in the airport, and I was shopping minutes after landing.

After carefully putting together my outfits for the five days, you’ll see I wore my new, white raincoat daily.

Usually, a forecast of steady rain would be a vacation downer, but it was actually beautiful. We enjoyed misty mornings and evening downpours, the terroir smelled so fresh and earthy, and the fog rolled in. Most of my travel companions said they didn’t mind the rain at all. In total Candelaria style, when we had special outdoor seatings for tastings, the sun would come out. Our itinerary was filled with lovely wineries, and we really paced ourselves.

We based our time together from Black Walnut Inn, a serene, nineroom villa perched above 100 acres of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines in Oregon’s famed Willamette Valley. Upon arrival, we sampled wines from their vineyard and some neighboring vineyards, one of which would become one of my two favorites from the trip.

ICONICLIFE.COM

117

We enjoyed a chef-prepared dinner that first night, but not before everyone started breaking out their cameras and iPhones to photograph the first rainbow of the trip. The photography hero was Phyllis Lerner. Mark had designed their magnificent home for she and her husband Gil, and years ago I got to celebrate with them as Mark cooked in their new kitchen. I was delighted to spend time with them again, and of course, grateful for Phyllis’s diligence in capturing every moment. That is no easy feat, and the images were amazing.

You’ll see several of them here.

Every day started with breakfast at the inn. On day one it was obvious we wanted to all be together, so tables of two quickly converted to one long farm table that we enjoyed throughout the trip. Every morning, I arrived at breakfast to hear Mark playing the piano, which is a most-lovely way to start the day. Isabel would lead early-morning hikes, which I never missed.

As for the wineries, there are more than 700 wineries in the Willamette Valley and most are dry-farmed, organically grown vines.

This makes for healthier wines that won’t give you a headache if you over-enjoy your tastings. We started with a hike at Knudsen Vineyards, then lunch and sampling. We were among the greenest trees I think I’ve ever seen!

118

ICONICLIFE.COM

ICONICLIFE.COM

119

120

ICONICLIFE.COM

That afternoon, we dressed up and toured Domaine Serene, one of the most magnificent campuses we saw on our trip, from the elaborate tasting rooms, to the impressive winery itself. The property boasts an inn for members. We learned the story of the owners who sold a business to get into wine, and today have an expansive estate to enjoy. We dined at a little local hot spot that night, Tina’s where we regaled our day of tasting and shared some laughs.

Our next day focused on all things olive oil at Durant Olive Mill. We walked through the olive grove and learned all about making olive oil, that one tree can produce three to five gallons a year! At lunch, we learned all the health benefits of olive oil and how to use it as we tasted six different blends.

The flavors were amazing, and now I know that high heat bruises my oil, and it’s best enjoyed from the bottle poured on top of my food or in cool dressings to preserve all the antioxidant-rich goodness. By the way, here is where I enjoyed my other favorite wine of the trip, their rosé made by their resident winemaker by the same name as my son, Spencer.

ICONICLIFE.COM

121

We went to McMinnville that night for dinner at Bistro Maison, and walked down Main Street. We were delighted to learn that the UFO festival was underway as well, so we chatted up aliens and Star Wars fans that evening before returning to our earthly dwelling at the inn.

Who knew?

We enjoyed tastings at Domaine Divio the next day—another day, another charcuterie board. The day started gray and raining, and by the time we were able to sit on a scenic patio to enjoy the view, the sun came out in all its glory. That night we had a tasting and BBQ at Utopia Vineyards, where we met Dan Warhshuis, who is a spokesperson for Ribbon Ridge and the Willamette Valley winegrowers, and sure knows his subject. I recently interviewed him on my ICONIC Hour podcast, and he is a wealth of information on the more than 700 wineries in the Valley.

On the last day, we enjoyed Stoller Estates, a modern-designed winery with a fun vibe. That night we ate, drank, sang and danced at Osteria Romario, where Chef Dario blew our culinary minds. It was the perfect way to end a perfect trip. The friendships made and enjoyed on this trip cannot be described. We danced, we sang, and yes, now I drink red wine!

122

ICONICLIFE.COM

ICONICLIFE.COM

123

Journey to

ANTARCTICA

124

ICONICLIFE.COM

& the

SOUTH POLE

Join us on the ultimate White Desert adventure, with a visit to the largest emperor penguin colony in the world.

By David M. Rubin Photography courtesy of White Desert Antarctica

ICONICLIFE.COM

125

126

ICONICLIFE.COM

V

isit the “last continent,” and go where few have been.

See landscapes that will take your breath away while you visit with luxury and style. See virgin white snow, clear skies, the magical blue of pure glacier ice and the brilliant yellow of the emperor penguin—the world’s largest penguin.

Welcome to White Desert Antarctica, a unique travel company established by polar exploration duo Patrick and Robyn Woodhead.

They created White Desert to share the wonders and extraplanetary ambience of Antarctica and the South Pole.

Antarctica is now an exclusive backdrop for adventure, luxury and pampering. In this isolated corner of the world, you can relish in being unplugged from the rest of our planet while surrounded by pristine vistas, dramatic mountain ranges, unique wildlife encounters and 24 hours of daylight.

White Desert offers an eight-day expedition that begins with a private jet journey from Cape Town to Antarctica. On day one, guests are transported on a five-hour flight across the Southern Ocean, flying over thousands of icebergs. During the flight, guests enter the Polar Circle and encounter the continuous daylight of the Antarctic summer. After landing on the ancient blue ice of the runway, guests travel to one of three remote camps.

White Desert has three luxury camps—Whichaway, Echo and Wolf ’s Fang—that operate from mid-November to early February.

Whichaway is the flagship luxury camp, while Echo, new in 2022, is a camp designed in a futuristic style—inspired by astronauts and Star Wars. Wolf ’s Fang is the base camp for guests seeking the most physical and adventurous activities.

Each camp is small, hosting up to 12 guests in six separate bedrooms/pods, including a pod for showering, with hot and cold running water. At each camp, you will savor gourmet meals and relax in tastefully appointed, heated accommodations with individual sink wash areas and toilets. Guests can relax and enjoy the yoga and sauna pod with views of the glaciers, sip cocktails made with 10,000year-old ice and discover fine South African wines.

On day two, guests settle into their camp. Many activities are offered including, gentle trekking, exploring the incredible ice waves, summiting a mountain ridge nunatak, ice climbing, abseiling, practicing yoga and enjoying massages.

On day three, guests fly two hours across Antarctica, taking in beautiful views of the nearby mountain ranges and coastline. The highlight of the day is the landing at the emperor penguin colony at Atka Bay. This is the penguin experience you dream about. You will be among the very few able to observe the real-life stars of March of the Penguins.

ICONICLIFE.COM

127

This penguin colony was also the site of the first episode of Sir David Attenborough’s ground-breaking documentary series entitled Seven Worlds, One Planet. This Atka Bay habitat is home to more than 28,000 adult emperor penguins and their young chicks. With no natural predators on the land, the penguins are unafraid of humans, allowing visitors to observe the noise and commotion of the vast colony, up close. Experience this unique connection with the natural world offered nowhere else on Earth!

On day four, guests explore the ice waves below the camp and delve into a series of surreal and beautiful ice tunnels. Then you’ll be off on an arctic truck safari, winding your way through the snow and ice to an incredible vantage point. Here, you can enjoy the panoramic view over the waves that you have just explored.

On day five, you will leave early in the morning in the Basler BT-67 aircraft and fly over stunning mountain ranges, before landing at 83° South to refuel. After a walk on the High Polar Plateau, your flight will continue to the South Pole, 435 miles further south. Here you will have plenty of time to take in the landscape, document with photos, and stamp your passport to memorialize your visit!

128

ICONICLIFE.COM

BEST OF THE BEST. Africa, Antarctica and The South Pole

We recommend White Desert’s eight-day itinerary, plus Cape Town & African travels.

1. Fly to Cape Town, South Africa. Guests must arrive at least two nights prior to the White Desert flight departure date.

2. Two nights in Cape Town. Favorite hotels include The Silo, Belmond Mount Nelson, Taj Cape Town, Ellerman House, Cape Grace, Kensington Place, Cape Cadogan and Tintswalo Atlantic.

3. The White Desert’s Seven Nights. Fly to Antarctica and stay at White Desert’s Whichaway Camp, Echo Camp or Wolf’s Fang Camp, including one night at Dixie Camp located 83° South.

4. Guests must schedule two post nights in Cape Town as a cushion in case of weather-related delays.

5. Pre- or post-expedition, this is a great opportunity to travel in Africa! Safari lodge favorites include Singita, Royal Malewane, Londolozi, Sabi Sabi, Tswalu Kalahari, Sanctuary Lodges, &Beyond Lodges, Wilderness Lodges and Time + Tide Lodges.

White Desert Flights: • Cape Town to Antarctica: 5 hours each way • Flight to Emperor Penguins: 2.5 hours each way • Flight to South Pole: 7 hours each way ICONICLIFE.COM

129

130

ICONICLIFE.COM

Then, you will fly back to 83° South and spend the night in Dixie Camp, the comfortable and simple camp in the great wilderness of the Plateau. Camp Dixie is so remote, its nearest neighbor is the International Space Station, orbiting more than 250 miles overhead.

On day six, you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast before boarding a plane back to your Antarctica. This flight, as well as the others during the trip, enable guests to appreciate the pristine beauty and immense scale of Antarctica. On the sixth evening, enjoy another gourmet dinner and celebrate your achievement as a world explorer.

On day seven, guests can choose from many activities, like gentle hikes and more rigorous explorations. The adventurers can hike along the face of a winding cliff and observe stunning views of pressure ridges of ice, folded over millennia by the ocean. The White Desert world-class mountain guides will lead you on this challenging hike.

On day eight, with your fellow explorers, you will bid farewell to the amazing White Desert team, Antarctica and the South Pole. The flight home from Antarctica provides you time to reflect on your enduring memories before you dive into the vibrant, captivating energy of South Africa and Cape Town.

This eight-day expedition is for a privileged few, at a cost of about $100,000 per person. Or, visit Antarctica for a day for $15,000. This “greatest day,” one-day, round-trip flight from Cape Town provides visitors with three hours on the ice, including a trek to a nearby peak and a lavish explorers’ picnic.

ICONICLIFE.COM

131

THE GIFT OF GIVING

Founded with environmentally conscious principles at its core, White Desert seeks to positively impact Antarctica’s future.

The company uses its aviation and ground logistics to transport scientists to their Antarctic research stations and supports scientific missions, such as climate change research. This work includes being a leader in testing sustainable aviation fuels across its fleet. The team and its Antarctica Ambassadors Program help to support the goals of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) to protect and inspire the future stewardship of Antarctica’s unique environment and support conservation efforts.

To help with environment conservation, follow the work of The Ocean Cleanup and contribute. You’ll find out how this organization is developing and scaling technologies to: rid the oceans of plastic, to stop more plastic from flowing into the oceans, and help clean up the millions of tons already out there. This work is crucial to the health of Antarctica, The South Pole, and our planet. www.theoceancleanup.com

132

ICONICLIFE.COM

White Desert offers you the memories and adventures of a lifetime.

Check these magical moments off your bucket list—the adventures of visiting Antarctica and the South Pole, climbing ice landscapes, exploring iridescent ice tunnels, hiking over ice waves, seeing unbroken horizons, admiring shimmering icebergs and towering rock spires, and coming face-to-face with a colony of 28,000 emperor penguins.

An additional fantastic way to visit Antarctica is on an expedition cruise. It is important that your ship has no more than 200 guests so that you can disembark to explore on kayaks, enjoy zodiac rides and hike along onshore landings. Several of the premium cruise lines have state of the art luxury expedition ships with Antarctica sailings, including Silversea Expeditions, Lindblad Expeditions, Abercrombie & Kent Expeditions, Ponant Expeditions, Seabourn Expeditions, Scenic Cruises, Atlas Ocean Voyages, Hurtigruten Expeditions, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and Aurora Expeditions.

As David Attenborough said, “Antarctica still remains a remote, lonely and desolate continent. A place where it’s possible to see the

splendors and immensities of the natural world at its most dramatic and, what’s more, witness them almost exactly as they were, long, long before human beings ever arrived on the surface of this planet.

Long may it remain so.”

READY TO GO?

White Desert Antarctica has partnered with DavidTravel to offer a departure with a customized visit to Cape Town, optional pre and post travels in Southern Africa and the eight-day Antarctica & South Pole journey staying at Whichaway Camp from January 17 to 24, 2024, with special 2022 pricing.

For your business and leisure travels worldwide, call on David Rubin and his staff at DavidTravel. In 1996, David moved from a successful law practice, followed a deep passion for travel and launched his travel company. For over a decade, David has been on both the Travel + Leisure “A-List” and the Conde Nast Traveler “Specialist List” of the best travel advisors in the world and recognized for delivering unparalleled style, attention to detail, and insider access uniquely responding to each client’s goals, budget, interests, and dreams at www.DavidTravel.com.

ICONICLIFE.COM

133

luxury

DESIGN HOTELS IN ITALY’S MOST DESIGN-DRIVEN CITIES Warmth and sustainability are infused into modernist luxury hotels in Italy.

By Elyse Glickman

134

ICONICLIFE.COM

I Photography courtesy of Magna Pars l’Hotel a Parfum

f you’ve visited Milan and Florence before, a sure-fire way to rediscover the city that you think you know is to book with design hotels that completely turn Italy’s defining architectural styles on its head.

If your experience with Milan, Italy— beyond its historic center—is a cool, minimalist hub of industrial chic, the Magna Pars L’Hotel a Parfum, which reopened after a late-2021 remodel, will warm your heart and stir your senses. The recently opened Dimora Palanca in Florence will challenge the way you think about how the city’s deeply ingrained artistic and architectural underpinnings will evolve this century.

Both design hotels offer top-tier conveniences that discerning travelers expect, like artisanal bath amenities, high concept restaurants anchored by internationally recognized chefs, trend-setting mixology and locations in slightly off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods, which offer guests both quieter surroundings

and bragging rights via their proximity to trend-setting shopping, dining and cultural hubs that mainstream travelers have yet to discover—but savvy residents have.

An emergent five-star hotel needs to generate a new excitement for its location, even when the guest doesn’t have the opportunity to venture beyond its neighborhood’s boundaries, or even the building itself. This is where boundary-pushing architecture and interior design comes in, not only redefining an existing structure, but also projecting where art and architecture of a city will head in the future.

MAJESTIC MILAN, ITALY

Although the Magna Pars l’Hotel a Parfum opened in 2013, the one-time perfume factory is both a celebration of the Martone family’s legacy as Italy’s pre-eminent fragrance producer—on behalf of design houses Gucci, Blumarine, Dsquared2, Gianfranco Ferré, Laura Biagiotti, Pomellato and Trussard—and a work-in-progress that ICONICLIFE.COM

135

continues to grow in tandem with the city’s art scene.

Giorgia and Ambra Martone tended to the small details that would make a big impact in transforming the factory into its current, highly specific concept. This includes the LabSolue space (replacing the hotel boutique with a perfume-making workshop and exclusive vendor for home and personal fragrances used throughout the property) as well as Restaurant DA NOI IN and Liquidambar.

“The overall idea and design was conceived by our family, and (the process) required restraint, talent and sensibility,” Roberto Martone, owner, president and father to Giorgia and Ambra, says.

“With architect Luciano Maria Colombo, we kept the essential spirit of the first renovation of the building. The interior design is the result of family meetings and discussions, balancing the elegant and traditional vision my wife and I had for the hotels and the innovative vision of my daughters to make it a one-of-a-kind hotel, setting new traditions.”

“It is the fundamental aspect that is enhanced inside by a lustrous, welcoming layout,” he continues. “The visual impact is completely new, but conceived in harmony with the original building and the characteristics of the neighborhood. An elegant, imposing glass wall reveals post-industrial elements and original walls, as well as open corridors that recall the case a ringhiera, housing specific to this neighborhood that’s noted for its communal balconies.”

“Steel rods reflect the architectural elements of the renovation of the factory in the 1980s that transformed the ground floor of the early 20th Century construction on Via Tortona into the Magna Pars event space,” Martone says.

Using the original structure of the building as a starting point, the hotel stands two floors higher, making way for panoramic 136

ICONICLIFE.COM

views of the revitalized neighborhood, the “Secret Garden” and courtyard—alive with herbs and botanicals used in Restaurant DA NOI IN, cocktails at Liquidambar and LabSolue—which can also be viewed from the suites.

The resulting “U” shape completes the boundary line of the entire property, underscoring the main neighborhood streets of Via Tortona, Via Forcella and Via Bugatti. Colombo adds that the crown jewel of the hotel is the roof deck. Even with limited space, he stresses that the

implemented outdoor areas offer an almost “magical atmosphere” full of light, silence and tranquility not often found at other properties around Milan.

The open, airy ambiance is also a reflection to the family’s commitment to operating an environmentally sound property, as nature has played such a big role in the family’s business dealings since the factory’s inception in 1945.

“Our first objective was to create a hotel with a sustainable design based on innovative systems,” Martone says. “The structure

Photography courtesy of Magna Pars l’Hotel a Parfum

In the hands of Colombo, the balance between the industrial character of the original building and the design of the hotel is not about glamor, but timelessness, according to Martone.

is entirely constructed of wood and steel, which makes it possible to use cutting-edge technologies to offer guests maximum comfort in respect of the environment.

The use of conifer wood from Central Europe, derived from controlled forestry, and renewable geothermal and photovoltaic energy sources are the guarantee for this highly sustainable project.”

The interior design, meanwhile, is governed by a "Made in Italy" philosophy that has always distinguished the business approach and entrepreneurial work of the Martone family. To ensure guests feel in their element in a specifically Italian home setting, Martone notes that the completion of the interior design was entrusted to Lombardy-based companies, artisans and suppliers—including lighting from PoltronaFrau—to create the clean but cozy milieu.

The 60 suites, inserted into the framework of the original factory, are divided into three olfactory family groups—floral, fruity or woody—with each room having its own exclusive fragrance.

“It is not a question of selection, but of love and passion for art and for the beauty in art,” Martone says. “Right from the beginning, we were patrons of artists of the Brera Academy of Fine Arts, and we subsequently began to exhibit and purchase works by talented international artists and sculptors that personalize and furnish the public spaces and suites. From there, the Magna Pars Art Gallery was born, which is a constantly evolving exhibition.”

Other exclusive amenities, which can be enjoyed in this urban Eden, include a fitness center and wellness area exclusively for guests, personal training and yoga, perfume therapy, ayurvedic massages and a winery offering tasting sessions.

Babysitting services, bike rentals, a personal shopper and a “biblioteca” with a prolific collection of books printed between the 18th, and 20th Centuries, and a concierge service organizing specialized guided tours completes the luxe amenities.

Photography courtesy of Magna Pars l’Hotel a Parfum

The public spaces also serve as meeting and reception areas, while making up what

Martone refers to as the Magna Pars Art Gallery, which reflects the constant evolution of Milan’s art scene, displaying the work of the next generation of Italian masters.

ICONICLIFE.COM

137

Dimora Palanca, opened in summer 2021, offers a few things other five-star design hotels don’t—an intimate setting and a different perspective of Florence’s cultural legacy that picks up where the Renaissance leaves off. The original building was commissioned by the Palanca family, who entrusted architect Giuseppe Poggi to design and build the sanctuary-like villa between 1865-1871.

As the building epitomized modern luxury back in the 19th Century, it was not surprising that the Palanca family, who were avid art collectors, allowed it to become a hub of artistic activity and social gatherings drawing top artists, musicians, authors and creative minds of the day.

Under the direction of noted hotelier Laura Stopani, the former Palanca family residence is still a gathering place for art and culture aficionados wanting to explore a different facet of Florence’s art world. Architect Stefano Viviani balances this aspect of the city’s past with the present and future by 138

ICONICLIFE.COM

restoring and preserving many of the villa’s original architectural elements, including the exquisite frescoes and intricate stuccoes.

Viviani’s present day improvements that bring the building alive include architectural features such as room-spanning windows and French doors allowing natural light to illuminate the ceilings and stucco walls. By night, illumination is accomplished with oversized statement lamps.

Stopani, who bears a striking resemblance to ICONIC jewelry designer and sculptor Elsa Peretti, enthusiastically points out that the final design success was a collaboration between Viviani and Tuscan artist Paolo Dovichi, whose nearly 60 original artworks punctuate the public spaces including the main dining room, game room and salons.

According to Stopani, the partnership successfully showcases property’s past glories while elevating it to an impressive new level of “artfully presented hospitality.”

Dovichi’s conversation-starting pieces are offset—by day and night—with a clean

Photography courtesy of Dimora Palanca

FABULOUS FLORENCE, ITALY

backdrop of whites, ivories and grays.

Viviani, however, took care to ensure key architectural features remained prominent, including ornate parquet floors and the grand 19th-Century fireplace sitting regally inside Mimisi, the hotel’s fine dining venue.

Sleek furnishings with clean lines give Dimora Palanca’s 18 private rooms and suites an updated aesthetic. Dark wood paneling and natural linens create a sense of luxury and sophistication, while the prevailing color scheme of creams, whites and grays are enhanced by relaxing darker hues of graphite and charcoal. The rooms are also outfitted with state-of-the-art soundproofing, generous en-suite bathrooms with marble interiors, whirlpool bathtubs and chromatography rain shower heads; top-tier Simmons mattresses; luxury bathroom amenities by Florence perfumer Lorenzo Villoresi and pretty linen accents.

Although the Dimora Palanca is a slightly longer walk from Florence's cultural center, Stopani notes that the size and location reflect a sophisticated and experienced traveler’s desire to live like a local. The concierge not only can arrange exclusive tours of Florence's great museums and historic sites, but also custom immersive experiences led by renowned experts to enrich the guests' familiarity with the city. Highlights include a Ferrari-driving experience, luxury shopping tours, and specialized tours dedicated to wine tasting, cooking, local restaurants, architecture, light adventure, wellness and more.

Photography courtesy of Dimora Palanca

The Orangery, where the Palanca family preserved their garden’s plants during the winter, has been transformed into rooms

for families or larger parties. This enables guests in the main building to enjoy total tranquility. The private courtyard garden between them, according to Stopani, further sets it apart from other properties in town. The garden, bringing in a touch of the Tuscan countryside, features aromatic climbing jasmine, a manicured lawn and stone beds filled with beautiful displays of seasonal flowers.

ICONICLIFE.COM

139

PICTURESQUE PIEMONTE REGION, ITALY

Anybody planning a ski or wine trip to the Piemonte Region, just an hour by train or car west of Milan, Italy, will appreciate that Casa di Langa is not just another chic hotel.

The design is rooted in the natural world and its sustainable future.

Kyle Krause, Chairman and CEO of parent company, The Krause Group, the goal was to create an eco-friendly space reflecting Piemonte's natural attributes, soul as a wine producer, and a destination that lives up to the luxury traveler's expectations while adhering to carbon neutrality.

Photography courtesy of Casa di Langa

To bring this to life, two Milan Italy-based design teams—GaS Studio overseeing the architecture and Parisotto + Formenton Architetti, heading up the interior design—partnered up to take a sustainable

140

ICONICLIFE.COM

approach to architecture and design.

They drew inspiration from the hazelnut orchard, vegetable garden and the views of the vineyards to integrate these natural elements that have long been a part of Piemonte's character.

Photography courtesy of Casa di Langa

Artwork on display at Casa di Langa is an engaging selection of world-class fine art, highlighting notable Italian and American artists. Each room or suite, features a spacious private terrace, relaxation area and a spa-like bathroom with invigorating rain showers and calming Le Labo toiletries.

Behind the scenes, the hotel runs on 100% recycled water for irrigation, geothermal heating throughout, zero single-use plastic, PV cells and solar panels.This deep passion for sustainable practices can be seen in every aspect of the design, construction and operation of the resort.

ICONICLIFE.COM

141

ICONIC

By Sam Micatrotto

THE ONE AND ONLY

(Coat You’ll Ever Need)

W

first place.

hen it comes to fashion, trends come and go, and sometimes they even come back again. But what makes a piece truly ICONIC is when it never goes away in the

While it may have just started as a sketch by designer Anne-Marie Beretta in the 1980s, the Max Mara 101801 coat has become “the heart and essence of the Max Mara identity.” From the moment the brand released it, the simplistic style of the 101801 has been loved by women all over the world, including A-list celebrities like Taylor Swift, Angelina Jolie, and of course J.Lo. Even 40 years later, the coat represents timeless style and value. It has become one of the most ICONIC pieces in modern fashion history, 144

ICONICLIFE.COM

and it’s simple to see why. Its unique lines and clean proportions paired with the elegant double-breasted fastening, kimono sleeves and always-in-style oversized fit are to credit for it becoming an instant classic.

But perhaps what makes the 101801 a must-have for most women is how it can complement any look. No matter if you dress it up with a cocktail dress for a night on the town or dress it down with jeans and a classic tee, one thing’s for certain, the Max Mara coat elevates any outfit.

Just as fashion evolves from decade to decade, the classic 101801 has too. The next generation of Max Mara coats (the Manuela, the Teddy and the Ludmilla) take after their predecessor, stealing the hearts of fashion lovers everywhere.

Regardless of which Max Mara icon you choose to hang in your closet, you’re choosing a coat that is truly ICONIC.

Photo by RB /Bauer-Griffin /Getty Images

If there was a perfect formula for what makes a fashion piece ICONIC, this Max Mara coat discovered it.

See the full catalog

LA - Pacific Design Center 8687 Melrose Ave, Suite B116 - PDC West Hollywood CA 90069 (424) 335-0711

OC -Crystal Cove Shopping Center 7876 East Coast Highway Newport Beach CA 92657 (949) 715-0604

www.tidelli.com

tidellioutdoor

LI f e IS oF mAd e C 0loRS