For this Gentlemen’s Edition of VIE, photographer and cover star Robert Ascroft says of working on the cover shoot with his wife, Luz Gallardo, “We hung several portraits of iconic male celebrities on the wall of the studio to illustrate some of my work. Having photographed more women in my career than men, it was nice to see this collection of men together in one place.” For the cover shoot, Luz also captured a behind-the-scenes shot of Robert doing a portrait session with their son, Lucas. “While studying for dental school, he took some time out to hang with Luz and me at the studio. It was a special day to remember with my two L’s,” Robert shares. Read the feature on page 18!
Photo
by Luz Gallardo
Vie is a French word meaning “life” or “way of living.” VIE magazine sets itself apart as a high-gloss publication that focuses on human-interest stories with heart and soul. From Seattle to NYC with a concentration in the Southeast, VIE is known for its unique editorial approach—a broad spectrum of deep content with rich photography. The award-winning magazine was founded in 2008 by husband-and-wife team Lisa and Gerald Burwell, owners of the specialty publishing and branding house known as The Idea Boutique®. From the finest artistically bound books to paperless digital publication and distribution, The Idea Boutique provides comprehensive publishing services to authors and organizations. Its team of creative professionals delivers a complete publishing experience—all that’s needed is your vision.
PUBLISHED BY
FEATURE
GO WEST, ONE AND ALL! TRIPLE CREEK RANCH BRINGS THE BEAUTY AND ADVENTURE OF AMERICA’S WILDEST LANDSCAPES TO GUESTS, ALONGSIDE LUXURY AMENITIES, ACTIVITIES, AND DINING, IN DARBY, MONTANA.
114 LOGAN LANE, SUITE 4 SANTA ROSA BEACH, FLORIDA 32459
18 The Many Lives of Robert Ascroft: From Behind the Camera to Front and Center
LE MONDE 16
34 Petite pause: Hutton Hotel Reopens in Nashville
38 L’intermission: The Marant Man
40 Building the Next Generation of Young Football Stars
46 L’intermission: Hästens and Ferris Rafauli Introduce . . .
48 Churchill Oaks Phase II Breaks Ground
56 L’intermission: In the Cosmos
58 Life at the Lanes: New HBO Docuseries Celebrates Pro Bowling Association
64 L’intermission: Hublot x Chris Pratt
VOYAGER 66
68 The Art of Western Adventure at Triple Creek Ranch
78 Petite pause: Victory Travels in Louis Vuitton
80 Making Nature More Accessible with Eventure
86 L’intermission: Louis Vuitton Formal ’26
88 The Voyage of Fingal: Scotland’s Floating Luxury Hotel
94 Petite pause: Salon Privé London Is More Than a Car Show
SARTORIAL 96
98 Preserving Ralph Lauren’s Golden Era: Inside Thoroughbred New York
106 Hidden Gems for Men at The Shops at the Hub 30A
110 Petite pause: Surf Culture Comes to Palm Springs
C’EST
LA VIE CURATED COLLECTION 114
LA SCÈNE 122
THE LAST WORD 131 AU REVOIR! 138
Photo courtesy of Triple Creek Ranch
CREATIVE TEAM
CEO / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / CREATIVE DIRECTOR LISA MARIE BURWELL LISA@VIEMAGAZINE.COM
FOUNDER / PUBLISHER
GERALD BURWELL GERALD@VIEMAGAZINE.COM
EDITORIAL
EDITOR
JORDAN STAGGS JORDAN@VIEMAGAZINE.COM
ASSISTANT EDITORS
KATIE OGLETREE KATIE@VIEMAGAZINE.COM
CAITLYN BURRUS CAITLYN @ VIEMAGAZINE.COM
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
MEGHAN RYAN ASBURY, SARAH FREEMAN, ANTHEA GERRIE, MYLES MELLOR, CAROLYN O’NEIL, COLLEEN SACHS, XENIA TALIOTIS
ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY
ART DIRECTOR
JACK KIRKENDALL JACK@VIEMAGAZINE.COM
GRAPHIC DESIGNER CALLIE NUNLEY
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
ROBERT ASCROFT, LAUREN ATHALIA, HUNTER BURGTORF, MARION CURTIS, JASON DODD, LUZ GALLARDO, JACK GARDNER, JEFF LANDRETH, LAYNE LILLIE, MARK LITTLE, STEVEN MANGUM, MADRA MCDONALD, TOMOHIRO OHSUMI, KAY PHELAN, CARLO PIERONI, ROMONA ROBBINS, ANTHONY SEKLAOUI, DAVE WARREN, CHANDLER WILLIAMS, EPIC PHOTO CO., GETTY IMAGES, HBO, MCEACHIN MEDIA, MODUS PHOTOGRAPHY, PBA, SHUTTERSTOCK, STARPIX, STM PHOTOGRAPHY ADVERTISING, SALES, AND MARKETING
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING / AD MANAGER
MORGAN CLAYBOURNE MORGAN@VIEMAGAZINE.COM
AD MANAGER
ABIGAIL RYAN ABBY@ VIEMAGAZINE.COM
BRAND AMBASSADORS
LISA MARIE BURWELL LISA@VIEMAGAZINE.COM
MARTA RATA MARTA@VIEMAGAZINE.COM
In HONOR of All the MEN
Let’s Hear It for the Men in Our Lives
In 2013, VIE made its first exclusive toast to the men in our orbit with an issue helmed by photographer and artist Carlo Pieroni. The intention was never to step away from the women whose stories have long graced our pages, but to broaden our focus. In reality, men have been part of the story all along. We were honored, and more than a little delighted, when ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons and the legendary Robert Redford graced our second and third covers in 2008 and 2009, respectively. Those early moments helped define something essential about VIE—though often described as female-centric, we have always been devoted to stories celebrating the Everyman with breadth, beauty, and humanity.
Eighteen years and 160 issues later, that belief is more resounding than ever. Across those editions, more than thirty covers have featured men and power couples working in tandem, reminding us that the power of influence rarely belongs to a single person. It is shared, amplified, reflected, and made richer through partnership.
This issue is especially poignant because our cover gentleman is Robert Ascroft: photographer of iconic celebrities, musician, designer, producer, and a creative force whose life inspires admiration. Revered as one of the finest photographers working today, Robert moves between New York and Los Angeles with the ease of someone who has learned to make the world itself a studio.
We first met Robert while searching for the best of the best to photograph Julian Lennon for our 100th-issue milestone five years ago. The assignment came with the kind of timeline that makes most people graciously decline. Julian had only the day before Thanksgiving available while he was in Los Angeles, and our first call to Robert came just five days earlier. He was in New York when we reached out to him. Robert said yes anyway.
That yes became the difference between an idea and a success. Robert orchestrated the entire shoot with a conductor’s conviction: hair, makeup, styling, and a location in Los Angeles that felt as groovy and effortlessly cool as the subject himself. The photographs were perfection. Even more, they marked the beginning of a friendship and creative partnership between Robert and Julian that has continued to this day. To say Robert was the only person who could have made it happen may sound dramatic, but it’s nothing short of the truth.
In this issue, read “The Many Lives of Robert Ascroft: From Behind the Camera to Front and Center” by Jordan Staggs, with brilliant photography of Robert captured by his wife, Luz Gallardo. It is a fitting portrait of an artist who has spent his career looking closely at others and now, at last, steps into the frame.
And to all the dads—and to the male mentors, father figures, teachers, coaches, brothers, uncles, husbands, friends, and steadfast souls who show up in ways both noteworthy and unseen—Happy Father’s Day. A strong male role model can be a life-altering experience for children and adults alike. The right man at the right moment can offer courage and example. In a world that often forgets to say it plainly, so we will: You matter!
—To Life!
Lisa Marie Burwell
My husband and I at the 10th anniversary gala of Sinfonia Gulf Coast in 2015 with headliner and VIE cover girl Kristin Chenoweth taking the stage to celebrate the momentous occasion. This photo is one of my favorites because Jerry channels a classic Hollywood movie star. And, in the words of ZZ Top’s smash hit “Sharp Dressed Man,” “...’Cause every girl crazy ‘bout a sharpdressed man!”
Photo by Kay Phelan
We collaborate with talented photographers, writers, and other creatives on a regular basis, and we’re continually inspired by how they pour their hearts and souls into their crafts. Follow these creatives on social media and don’t forget to check out our account, @viemagazine.
IN THIS ISSUE, WE ASKED THE CREATIVES: WHAT’S A SMALL LUXURY YOU’LL NEVER GIVE UP?
ROBERT ASCROFT
Featured Photographer @robertascroft
A small luxury I will never give up is coffee. I always say the hardest part about being a photographer is finding a coffee shop open before we have to be on set for an early call time. When I see someone drinking coffee on TV at night, I think, “I can’t wait to have mine in the morning.” For me, a quad Americano with a little dash of agave is how I take it. When I am traveling, I will research the best places to get coffee, which tend to be small roasters that have turned it into an art form. Fitting, given my sensibilities.
Owner, Thoroughbred New York @thoroughbrednewyork
It’s nice to have some beautiful, old Ralph Lauren pocket squares; that traditional touch of gentlemen’s haberdashery, in silk, wool, or cotton, is a small luxury that adds a big dash, peeking out of the breast pocket of a tweed jacket or blazer. I always have them on hand!
travel, the more I value a seamless experience over squeezing every last dollar out of a trip. I think travel sets the tone for everything that follows in a vacation, so the journey is just as important as the destination. Starting a trip feeling rested and not rushed makes the entire experience better. Even small choices that make a day move more smoothly have started to feel worth it to me.
Coffee—not just any coffee, but gourmet coffee, savored to the last drop—is a small luxury I would never give up. It has been the lifeblood of my mornings for most of my adult life, offering both comfort and ritual at the start of each day. I prefer it black, with nothing to hide the flavor, because truly great coffee speaks for itself. Light roasts are my favorite; they highlight the bean’s natural character and subtle complexity without masking quality. For me, coffee is more than a drink—it’s a daily experience that brings energy, focus, and a moment of simple enjoyment.
Art Director of VIE @jackirkendall
I’ve realized that one of the few luxuries I’ll always spend a little extra on is making travel feel easier. Not necessarily seat upgrades, but I’ve started appreciating things like a flight that leaves at a better time, a direct route, or arriving without feeling completely drained. The more I
"TRAVEL SETS THE TONE FOR EVERYTHING THAT FOLLOWS IN A VACATION, SO THE JOURNEY IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS THE DESTINATION."
LAIRD MACKINTOSH
JACK KIRKENDALL
JASON MEDINA
The First Cut of Summer
June is often seen as the gateway to summer, starting with a presence. The first cut is sharp, tailored style, driven ambition, competition under the lights, and the confidence men carry into a new season. From refined summer fashion and everyday essentials to the energy of sports, culture, fitness, and nightlife. Summer often reflects the modern masculine ideal: relaxed but driven, polished but effortless, adventurous yet composed.
We want to see everything from your summer travels to the fashions you’re sporting. Don’t forget to tag @viemagazine!
@allseasons_30a Summers on 30A >>> Come soak up the sun with us and book your stay today at Allseasons30A.com.
@daffney.the.daffodil My copy of COOK by @viemagazine just arrived, and I’m obsessed already! This beautiful book is such a perfect keepsake for anyone who loves the Emerald Coast—packed with amazing chefs, restaurants, and unforgettable events. I seriously can’t wait to get in the kitchen and start recreating some of these dishes!
@thepaperbearfilm Celebrating a huge milestone for the Paper Bear Project! We’ve hit streaming on Apple TV and Amazon Prime, and it’s all thanks to our incredible team and supporters. This journey wouldn’t be possible without you. Grateful for every ounce of support.
LET’S TALK!
Send VIE your comments and photos on our social media channels or by emailing us at info@viemagazine.com. We’d love to hear your thoughts. They could end up in the next La conversation!
VIEmagazine.com
@churchilloaks Twilight tonight.
Le monde
Expanding its legacy of bespoke craftsmanship, ECD Automotive Design introduces its first custom 1972 Chevy K5 Blazer commission, reinterpreting an American classic through the lens of modern performance and precision. Long celebrated for restoring iconic British vehicles, ECD brings the same intricate attention to detail to this build, preserving the Blazer’s original character while enhancing it with contemporary engineering and finish. From its period-correct two-tone exterior in Dark Olive Poly and Frost White to its upgraded 6.0L V8 engine and refined suspension, the vehicle balances nostalgic design with everyday drivability. Inside, buffalo vinyl seating paired with green houndstooth inlays creates a tailored yet vintage-inspired interior, complemented by integrated modern features that enhance comfort without compromising authenticity. The result is a cohesive expression of craftsmanship that honors the spirit of the original while elevating it for a new era of collectors and enthusiasts.
Photo courtesy of ECD Automotive Design
By Jordan Staggs
THE MANY LIVES OF ROBERT ASCROFT
FROM BEHIND THE CAMERA TO FRONT & CENTER
Photography by Robert Ascroft & Luz Gallardo
resh off a photo shoot with a famous pop musician and American Idol runner-up, Robert Ascroft tuned into a virtual sit-down with VIE from the home in Los Angeles he shares with his wife and fellow creative, Luz Gallardo. Modern furnishings, books, and artwork provided a chic but comfortable backdrop while their dog, Lola, sauntered in and out of frame now and then. For one of the world’s premier celebrity portrait photographers, whose work has graced billboards, magazines, album covers, movie posters, and more, Ascroft seems as down-to-earth as they come. His laid-back demeanor has, in fact, been one of his greatest strengths throughout his career. Photographer, musician, producer, and creative director, Robert Ascroft, is known for his highprofile celebrity portraits, fashion spreads, and editorials.
etting those thoughtful portraits is thanks to creating a safe space for the talent to work with you and create powerful imagery,” Ascroft shares. “Sometimes, just asking them to take a big, deep breath will change everything. I have a calm presence on set and give clear direction, which helps put people at ease.” That philosophy and sense of consideration extend to anyone within his lens, be they a first-time model or an A-list celebrity. The thought of working with famous people has never daunted him, he says. “I often look around the studio and think it is amazing to see these faces we have known for years here in person. I find the bigger the assignment, the more relaxed I am.”
It’s a good thing, as his sets have hosted some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including Tom Hanks, Sigourney Weaver, Matt Damon, Cate Blanchett, Brad Pitt, Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Kevin Bacon, Amanda Seyfried, Jeremy Allen White, Giancarlo Esposito, Amy Adams, Jason Momoa, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and many more. We were first introduced when he photographed VIE’s 100th Issue cover story, “Portrait of a Change Maker,” starring his fellow musician and photographer, Julian Lennon. Being in a position to invite such powerhouse names to step in front of his lens doesn’t happen overnight, of course, so we invited Robert to be the one stepping in front of the camera this time—artfully captured by Gallardo herself—as he shared his journey to becoming a celebrity photographer, creative director, musician, and producer, along with some of his all-time favorite portraits of male celebs, for this Gentlemen’s Edition.
You might say photography was in Ascroft’s DNA. His father worked at Kodak headquarters in Rochester, New York, for forty years, and several other family members also worked for the company.
“Film and photography were a part of my life from a young age,” Ascroft says. “I was aware of its magical
ability to convey emotion through human interaction and capture a small, fleeting moment, as well as its power to tell a story, sell ideas, and create desire.”
In his teens, he took a summer job learning to manufacture and package paper and film while spending his free time playing music with friends. It was during those days that his two passions—music and photography—collided. “I would take pictures of different musicians who had cool style, and started to build a reputation as a creative music photographer,” he recalls of the early work that he never dreamed would be so foretelling for his future career.
“I believe it was this early experimentation that helped me learn about what I like in a photograph. I had no idea what I was doing technically, and often ended up with film that was underexposed or almost unusable. I didn’t have any lighting equipment, but I always tried to find a style that captured the band’s essence. Unlike most of my peers, who were shooting pictures and printing in the darkroom, I didn’t find much pleasure in that. I was much happier being out in the world, shooting pictures, and being inspired by interesting people. To this day, I prefer being out on a shoot over any other part of the business. The connection and collaboration with others is what I do best, and what has helped me gain access to assignments I have now.”
After earning a degree in graphic design and embarking on a design career with a focus on music packaging, Ascroft moved from Rochester to Nashville, where his creative style was further honed in the country’s music capital.
“My first studio was above my cousin’s pawn shop on Lower Broadway, near Tootsies. I was able to design album covers—CDs at the time—for various artists and musical styles, ranging from gospel to country to rock. During my time as a designer, I often did the photo shoots for artists with limited budgets myself, which gave me the opportunity to build a portfolio. From there, I started landing assignments from record labels in New York, including SONY and Universal.”
“Brad and I met in Toronto for a few hours on the rooftop of The Four Seasons,” Ascroft says. “I had three setups built, and then it started raining. We scrambled to get the equipment inside, and right before he arrived, it stopped. As my team was setting up again, Brad and I had coffee and chatted about the charity work he was doing in New Orleans. Fully caffeinated, we stepped out onto the rooftop, and I asked him to stand in front of a black tent we had built around the set. I snapped a rare series of naturallight black-andwhite images. His expression is multilayered in this one, which is why it remains one of my favorites.”
“FILM AND PHOTOGRAPHY WERE A PART OF MY LIFE FROM A YOUNG AGE,” ASCROFT SAYS. “I WAS AWARE OF ITS MAGICAL ABILITY TO CONVEY EMOTION THROUGH HUMAN INTERACTION AND CAPTURE A SMALL, FLEETING MOMENT, AS WELL AS ITS POWER TO TELL A STORY, SELL IDEAS, AND CREATE DESIRE.”
Anthony Bourdain photographed by Robert Ascroft at Hop Kee restaurant in Chinatown, New York City
“One degree,” was the simple statement Ascroft made when sharing this
photo shoot with Kevin Bacon, who the photographer says he was a longtime fan of before they met.
scroft says his “big break” was photographing Britney Spears for the NFL Kickoff in 2003. The joint venture with Jive Records, NFL, Pepsi, and Rolling Stone yielded an impressive eight-panel centerfold poster in the magazine. Around the same time, he landed a shoot with Charlize Theron for Vanity Fair’s Hollywood Portfolio promoting her Oscar for the film Monster. From there, one might assume things took off, sweeping the photographer into a world of fast-paced, high-end celebrity shoots—in reality, it was a learning process, he says.
“From Nashville, I moved to New York City and started showing my portfolio around. That was an eye-opener, as the style of work I was being paid to do in Nashville did not translate to assignments in the big city. I spent years developing a more fashion edge while trying to carve out a career. Ultimately, my success came from photographing famous personalities. Once you start moving in that direction, it’s what clients expect from you. As the years moved on, more and more of my assignments were shot in Los Angeles, so I had lofts in LA and in New York.”
He continues, “Every year, I spent more and more time out west, but these days in LA, the business has changed. There are fewer movie studio productions happening in California, for many reasons, so I often travel back East, to Canada, or abroad to shoot my major assignments.”
A few recent assignments include photographing cast members of Stranger Things and The White Lotus, the key art campaign for The Housemaid starring Amanda Seyfried, Sydney Sweeney, and Brandon Sklenar, and a cover shoot starring The Mandalorian and Grogu from Star Wars for Empire magazine.
“I am known for Dramatic Beauty Lighting,” he says, referring to the signature, often moody, lighting style in his work. “The word ‘beauty’ is important here, because I am working with people who still want to look good. It is my job to balance these elements
for each subject to create the most flattering images possible. Lighting is like a language; it’s easy to learn the basics, but it takes a lifetime to become fluent.”
Although he was known earlier in his career for photographing only women, Ascroft says that, within the last five years or so, his subjects have been a pretty equal mix of men and women, but his technique has remained the same. “I think making sure everyone looks good in the pictures still drives my style. There is a balance between artistic and flattering—I ride that line with my work.”
When asked about his all-time favorite photo shoots among so many notable figures, he brings the late Anthony Bourdain to the forefront. “In a polarized world, he was someone everyone knew and loved,” Ascroft shares. “I made a series of well-known images of him in the afternoon at a basement restaurant, Hop Kee in Chinatown, New York City. During this session, we had lunch together, and I pulled out the camera and did a couple of shots of him eating. One image was his Instagram profile pic for the last year of his life. It has become one of my most famous images because it is Bourdain doing what he loved most. If you ever make it to Hop Kee, they still have a picture taken by one of the employees of the owner, Anthony, and me having lunch together. I have a big mouthful of food, and it may be the worst picture of me ever taken! Several times since then, I have had friends who dined there send me a picture of it, and I get a laugh every time.”
Another favorite moment on set was with Tom Hanks and Clint Eastwood. “Just as we fans look up to certain celebrities, they have deference to the icons, as well,” he explains. “I was commissioned to photograph Tom Hanks and Clint Eastwood together for the film Sully. Tom was scheduled first, so we spent a few hours working together, and he asked me if I was getting nervous about working with Clint. I was not, as Tom was unaware that I had worked with Clint for years and had been requested by him to be there. When Clint walked in, he came right over to say hello to me. I watched Tom’s face, and he gave me a smile—a moment I will never forget with two Hollywood icons.”
“AT THE RECENT EMMY AWARDS, I HAD LESS THAN TWO MINUTES TO MAKE AN ICONIC IMAGE OF ACTOR JEREMY ALLEN WHITE . . . WE NEED TO BE PREPARED FOR A GROUP OF FIFTEEN OR MORE, THEN A DRAMATIC SINGLE PORTRAIT OF EACH PERSON, ALL WITHIN SECONDS OF ONE ANOTHER. IT IS ALWAYS A HUGE UNDERTAKING TO PREPARE, BUT I ENJOY SEEING EVERYONE AT THEIR BEST.”
lthough he admits the phrase “never meet your heroes” can occasionally ring true when working with celebrity clients, Ascroft relies on a calm demeanor and determination to get the best results even on challenging shoots, citing that reading the energy in the room and adjusting expectations are critical to his success. His goal is always to make his subjects feel comfortable and build trust with them, turning the studio into a safe space for creative collaboration. “Engaging the subject in the process gives them a sense of control over the experience. It sets them at ease.”
That sense of trust has not only earned Ascroft repeat clients over the years, but also several friends. “Notably, my muse Allison Janney will be in the upcoming documentary about me and my work that is currently in production,” he shares. “She is one of the greatest actresses working today and a friend. For years, I would regularly see Bruce Willis and his wife, Emma Heming-Willis, before his diagnosis. I was at his sixtieth birthday party alongside Keith Richards and invited backstage to hang out with Bruce while he was on Broadway doing Misery.”
Those longstanding connections also resurface each year around the Emmy Awards, when Ascroft works with the Television Academy to shoot cover stories and a 68-page portfolio for Emmy Magazine, collaborating closely with the creative director and photo editor. “I present them options of what I want to do, and then we spend a month working on renderings and working with set designers preparing for the shoot,” he says. “It requires precision in set design and lighting, with the knowledge of working in a very tight space. Often, I will have seven to ten frames of a subject, so I have always worked out many scenarios that can happen quickly. At the recent Emmy Awards, I had less than two minutes to make an iconic image of actor Jeremy Allen White. The key light is often handheld because, otherwise, I just would
not have time to make the photograph. We need to be prepared for a group of fifteen or more, then a dramatic single portrait of each person, all within seconds of one another. It is always a huge undertaking to prepare, but I enjoy seeing everyone at their best. Most of the talent I have worked with in one way or another over the years, so it is nice to reconnect.”
Amid all of this, Ascroft’s creative soul still thrives in the music scene, as well. He recently completed a ten-track record, Echo Still Remains, which was released on all streaming platforms last year. The indie/alt rock compilation is also available on vinyl via Canadian record label Hand Drawn Dracula. “It features vocal performances from some of my favorite indie artists from bands such as The Cramps, Chromatics, and Girls,” he shares. “I play guitar, keys, and bass, and also wrote and produced the music. After three years in the making, the record was released to critical praise.”
Ascroft’s latest track, which is coming soon, was written and produced for the singer Sade Sanchez of the band LA Witch, and he is also collaborating with TV and film productions to use some of his songs as sync music. He expounds, “My music follows the same aesthetics as my photography, so filmmakers are interested in the work I am doing in both photography and music.”
Filmmakers are also interested in getting Ascroft in front of the camera to document his life and work, which has led to the documentary he mentioned earlier. “I was approached a year ago by a Swiss filmmaker named Vincent Calmel about doing an interview for his YouTube Channel,” he shares. “After a few interviews, he accompanied me to several shoots, and it built from there. We then realized we had enough footage to make a proper documentary. We are still shooting and editing, so I am very interested to see how it turns out. I have learned to be on the other side of the camera, which is something new for me. Something I will be doing more and more as time goes on.”
Giancarlo Esposito
photographed by Robert Ascroft for Empire magazine, 2025
“WE ARE INFORMED BY SIMILAR AESTHETICS AND SOMETIMES WORK TOGETHER ON EDITS OR ON HOW TO PRESENT WORK TO CLIENTS. SHE HAS A KEEN EYE,” ASCROFT SAYS ON WORKING WITH HIS WIFE AND FELLOW PHOTOGRAPHER, LUZ GALLARDO. “FOR THIS MEN’S ISSUE OF VIE, WE HUNG SEVERAL PORTRAITS OF ICONIC MALE CELEBRITIES IN THE STUDIO TO ILLUSTRATE SOME OF MY WORK. HAVING PHOTOGRAPHED MORE WOMEN IN MY CAREER THAN MEN, IT WAS NICE TO SEE THIS COLLECTION TOGETHER IN ONE PLACE.”
“It was a pleasure to work with Julian Lennon for the 100th issue of VIE,” Ascroft shares.
“He and I had a Zoom call to talk about it and get to know one another before we met on set in LA. Having just been photographed for the cover, I now understand how much trust you put in the hands of others when you agree to that.
Julian and I have similar sensibilities, so it was clear from that initial conversation that we were on the same page. It sparked a friendship.
We have since worked together several times, and I was invited to the special listening session of his latest record, Jude, for which I shot the centerfold image.”
“‘Luz is a special kind of photographer,’ he says of his wife and fellow artist, harking back to the introductory phone conversation he had with Julian Lennon prior to photographing him for VIE.”
ndeed, he admits that he now understands better the nerves that can come along with being the subject of a cover shoot. “Luz is a special kind of photographer,” he says of his wife and fellow artist, harking back to the introductory phone conversation he had with Julian Lennon prior to photographing him for VIE. “Understanding Julian’s perspective, it is nice to know the person behind the lens. In this instance, I was able to be myself and know Luz would take care to make intimate portraits that tell my story while making me feel comfortable. Her work is thoughtful and creative. I am a big fan and happy to have had the opportunity to be photographed by her. We influence each other in a positive way, and she’s a source of inspiration and knowledge when it comes to many aspects of art—particularly music, which has been her main focus as a photographer. She has gained access to artists such as Hope Sandoval of Mazzy Star, with whom she has been working exclusively for over twenty years.”
When it comes to making photographs, Ascroft says, “There is no small assignment—only small-minded thinking.” He urges budding photographers to go the extra mile no matter what type of work they do, always treating any shoot with the utmost attention, detail, and professionalism.
“First and foremost: shoot,” he shares. “It sounds simple, but I know a lot of people who want to be photographers who aren’t creating images. Secondly, have a vision. There are so many photographers in the world, you will never be noticed unless you do something above and beyond what others are doing.
Don’t just do the assigned work; you will never grow in your art. Thirdly, you must have another source of income. Unless you have a trust fund, you will need a way to support yourself. Only a small percentage of photographers can live solely off their earnings as a photographer. Fourth: Be kind to people. You never know who will end up where, and if you want to survive, you have to build relationships and maintain them. It is also just a good motto for life and will make you a happier person.”
He continues, “Especially as a male photographer, I treat women the way I would want my sisters to be treated—with respect. Many big-name photographers have been exposed as bad actors, and I feel we all need to respect one another. Fifth: Transcend and carry on. You will hit obstacles that seem insurmountable, but I assure you, if you keep at it, there will be successes. Sixth—my newest addition to this list—is not to be afraid of the tools. I know lighting can be hard to figure out, but I will try out new scenarios on almost every shoot. There is no exact science to making a great photograph, and therefore, there is no exact science to lighting one either. Also, experiment with post-production and AI and find ways to integrate what works for your style.”
Ultimately, he says, “Play, remember this is not rocket science or curing cancer, and have fun with it!”
Visit RobertAscroft.com and follow him on Instagram @robertascroft to learn and see more. You can also stream his album Echo Still Remains on all major listening platforms.
—ADAM FLATTO, CEO OF THE GEORGETOWN COMPANY
Photo courtesy of Hutton Hotel
YOUR VIEW, OUR PASSION.
E. F. San Juan’s renowned wood millwork creations are complemented by the highest quality windows and doors. Our craftsmen work seamlessly with the most trusted providers of impactrated doors and windows, such as Weather Shield®, to create custom homes that masterfully combine security, beauty, and function.
Craft gives the wardrobe its depth and elevates the Marant man’s artistry. Discreet embroideries, patchwork, whipstitches, and Japanese checks appear like signatures. Find your favorite piece at us.IsabelMarant.com.
The Marant Man
This season, the Isabel Marant man moves with studied simplicity. Vibrant indigo, deep navies, and washed blues set the tone. Denim lays the foundation, as workwear shapes the silhouette through chore jackets, coated outerwear, and soft corduroy ensembles. A casual ’90s attitude runs through the collection. Cotton blazers slip over denim, straight jeans meet plain tees, and golden frames with smoked lenses complete the look.
Photo by Anthony Seklaoui
BUILDING THE NEXT GENERATION OF YOUNG FOOTBALL STARS
BY KATIE OGLETREE PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF AVANI+ FARES MALDIVES RESORT
MICHAEL OWEN WAS THE PERFECT FOOTBALL MACHINE: THE BOY WONDER FROM CHESTER, LIVERPOOL’S GOLDEN CHILD, ENGLAND’S TEENAGE PHENOMENON, AND A BALLON D’OR WINNER BEFORE MOST PLAYERS HIT THEIR PEAK. HE PLAYED THE GAME WITH BLISTERING PACE, CLINICAL FINISHING, HEADLINE GOALS, AND GLOBAL FAME.
Before Owen became a mentor to young players around the world, he was one of the most decorated footballers of his era, a forward whose rise felt almost unreal in its speed. He exploded onto the scene as a teenager at Liverpool F.C., becoming the Premier League’s most feared young striker before he was old enough to legally drink in the United States.
By eighteen, he had already captured global attention with his unforgettable solo goal for the England national football team against Argentina at the 1998 FIFA World Cup—a moment still regarded as one of England’s greatest World Cup goals.
His trophy cabinet quickly filled up. Owen won the prestigious Ballon d’Or in 2001, officially crowned as the best footballer in the world after a sensational year with Liverpool. That same season, he helped lead the club to a historic cup treble, winning the FA Cup, League Cup, and UEFA Cup. In the FA Cup final against Arsenal, Owen scored twice in the closing minutes to turn defeat into victory, producing one of the defining performances of his career.
Individually, his numbers were relentless. Owen won the Premier League Golden Boot twice, finishing as the league’s top scorer in both the 1997–98 and 1998–99 seasons. He would go on to score more than 150 goals for Liverpool and over 40 for England, placing him among the nation’s all-time leading scorers.
His career also included spells with some of football’s biggest institutions, such as Real Madrid CF, Newcastle United F.C., and Manchester United F.C.—a reflection of how highly he was regarded across Europe at his peak.
A serious turning point came during the 2006 FIFA World Cup, when Owen suffered a devastating knee injury while playing for England against Sweden. The injury sidelined him for months and marked the beginning of a long physical battle that would follow him for the rest of his career. Hamstring problems, muscle tears, and recurring fitness setbacks became a constant cycle. Even as he moved between major clubs, Owen was no longer the unstoppable teenage phenomenon who once outran entire defenses. What made his decline especially difficult was how early it came. Many footballers begin adjusting their game in their thirties. Owen was forced to reinvent himself while still in his twenties.
In 2013, at just thirty-three years old, Owen announced his retirement from professional football.
BUT THAT VERSION OF MICHAEL OWEN ONLY TELLS HALF THE STORY.
THROUGH HIS FOOTBALL CAMPS AND YOUTH COACHING APPEARANCES, MICHAEL OWEN HAS EXTENDED HIS INFLUENCE BEYOND HIS PLAYING CAREER AND INTO THE NEXT GENERATION OF THE SPORT.
Behind the highlight reels and the polished television appearances is a man who has spent much of his life reinventing himself. He’s evolved from football icon to racehorse owner, pundit, entrepreneur, and now mentor to the next generation of players around the world. Long after the roar of packed stadiums faded, Owen quietly found a new role: taking the game that shaped him and bringing it directly to young footballers chasing their own dreams.
Over the past six years, Michael Owen has pivoted his soccer legacy to helping young aspiring soccer players. His camps are designed for kids ages 5 to 13. The last two camps were held at the Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort. Each camp is four days and combines daily training sessions, skills development, and team challenges, led by Michael and assistant coaches. The program ends on a high note with a celebratory finale, with certificates, medals, and jersey signings for every participant.
But it doesn’t have to be all work and no play. In fact, beyond the pitch, younger guests can dip in and out of island adventures at AvaniKids and the Teens Club, with creative arts and crafts and dedicated spaces designed around their age group. Mealtimes are part of the fun too, with Petit Bistro, the resort’s kids-only restaurant, created just for younger guests.
Commenting on the 2026 camp, Owen said, “Coming back to Avani+ Fares Maldives feels like a natural next step after the energy and enthusiasm we saw at the first camp. It is a special environment for families, and the camp is all about helping kids build confidence, develop their skills, and most importantly, enjoy the game together.”
Through his football camps and youth coaching appearances, Michael Owen has extended his influence beyond his playing career and into the next generation of the sport. While his camps are smaller and more exclusive than some large academy systems, they reflect the same qualities that defined him as a player: technical excellence, sharp movement, confidence, and a love for attacking football. By sharing his experience with young players in a hands-on environment, Owen continues to shape how aspiring athletes learn the game, adding a mentoring legacy to the reputation he built as one of England’s most recognizable forwards.
To book your stay, visit AvaniHotels.com/en/fares-maldives and follow along with Michael on Instagram @themichaelowen.
FR x Hästens brings that philosophy into sharper public focus, not as a story about comfort alone or luxury for its own sake, but as a story about restoration, design, and the hidden variable behind how life feels the next day. Get your better sleep at Hastens.com/us.
Hästens and Ferris Rafauli Introduce . . .
At a time when culture is increasingly focused on longevity, recovery, and how people perform in daily life, Hästens and interior designer Ferris Rafauli are making a simple but consequential argument: the most important recovery instrument in the home has been framed too weakly for too long. A bed holds you. A sleep instrument restores you. That is the distinction FR x Hästens is now making explicit in the latest campaign for the Grand Vividus and the drēmər Collections, starring Canadian hockey legend Wayne Gretzky and his wife, Janet. “Not preparing is preparing to fail,” says Wayne. “My father taught me this at the young age of ten. Sleep is one of the most powerful and effective forms of preparation.”
Photo courtesy of Hästens
CHURCHILL OAKS
THE HEART OF COMMUNITY
PHASE II COMING SOON
CHURCHILL OAKS PHASE II BREAKS GROUND
By Jordan Staggs | Photos by STM Photography
ver fifteen years ago, Roy and Wendy Sembera, a Louisiana couple with a desire to make their home in Florida’s Scenic Highway 30-A area, began the colossal undertaking of creating a new community from scratch. Churchill Oaks is now a premier waterfront neighborhood on Hogtown Bayou and the Choctawhatchee Bay in Santa Rosa Beach, with a vibrant mix of residents, world-class amenities, and beautiful Low Countrystyle architecture. From the bayfront infinity pool to miles of walking trails and the area’s biggest private marina, Churchill Oaks is maturing into one of the most desirable places to live away from the hustle
and bustle of 30-A’s main corridor. Now, with just seven lots left for sale out of the original eighty-seven homesites, the Semberas are thrilled to break ground on Phase II of the community.
When asked how it feels, as a developer and visionary, to see the property for Phase II being cleared and prepped for construction, Roy Sembera shared, “It feels good—really good. Now others will finally see what I’ve been imagining for some time.” That vision includes expanding the neighborhood’s scenic walking trails, adding a new sports facility with pickleball courts and more, and expanding the neighborhood entrance, among other additions.
orking with Jenkins Engineering, Southeast Site & Underground, and Matt Savoie of Savoie Architects, Sembera says it’s exciting to see how those amenities and Phase II’s fifteen additional homesites will take shape in the coming months and years.
“We should have the infrastructure completed in approximately five months and be selling lots by the end of this year,” he said at the beginning of May 2026.
The sports courts are a highlight Sembera is particularly looking forward to, he says, along with the rewarding feeling of seeing his and Wendy’s vision come to life over many years. “In today’s world, most people expect instant gratification—me included,” he admits. “The fact that a project like a community takes longer—over fifteen years so far since we first began planning—makes the feeling of that gratification exponentially better when you see it come to life.”
Churchill Oaks developers/visionaries Roy & Wendy Sembera
he vernacular of Phase II will align with the Southern, coastal, Low Country style of Phase I, which was inspired by the Semberas’ Louisiana home and the live oaks found around the forty-acre property. Spanish moss clings to the canopy while walking paths and boardwalks meander through the neighborhood—40 percent of which is still dedicated green space by design, so the natural landscape will always be celebrated and enjoyed. Big porches, indoor-outdoor living spaces, and courtyards are just some of the ways the architecture allows homeowners and visitors to commune with nature every day.
Those who are interested in the slower pace and peacefulness of life in Churchill Oaks can still get on board by scheduling a showing with Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty. “We are starting a new custom spec home on lot 9A, our last bayfront lot in Phase I,” Sembera says. “So there’s one last chance to own on the bayfront in Churchill Oaks.”
To learn more, visit ChurchillOaksLife.com and follow @churchilloaksfl on Instagram. For sales inquiries, contact the Dahler & Co Real Estate Group with Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty: 30ARealEstateFL.com; (850) 842-8800.
Photo by McEachin Media
A PRIVATE SANCTUARY
Tucked within the private, gated sanctuary of Four Mile Village, this property offers coastal living at its most serene and refined. With nearly three acres, bordered by the unspoiled beauty of Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, native wildlife and natural landscapes take center stage. From the moment you arrive, the canopy-lined drive evokes a sense of Old Florida. One of the property's most exceptional features is its dual frontage, with a rare coastal dune lake to the north and Gulf views to the south. Thoughtfully designed by architect Geoff Chick, the home blends timeless vernacular with exceptional craftsmanship.
In the Cosmos
British artist David Harber introduces COSMOS, a limited-edition, astronomy-inspired wall sculpture reflecting the seven classical luminaries: the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. Its bronze frame layers 24-carat gold leaf, verdigris, and patinated bronze, mirror-polished steel, and antique tan bronze, materials that evolve over time and make each piece unique to its setting. The composition unfolds in quiet, concentric forms that reference planetary motion and the passage of time, creating a sculptural yet atmospheric focal point suited to both contemporary and traditional interiors.
As your eye travels deeper into the layers of COSMOS, the journey through each distinctive finish could be playfully imagined as a trip through space and time. Check out the other
stunning work at DavidHarber.com.
Photo courtesy of David Harber
ARCHITECT: COASTAL ARCHITECTS
INTERIOR
DESIGNS: JOANNA GOODMAN INTERIORS
PHOTO BY: MCEACHIN MEDIA
Life at the Lanes
by Jordan Staggs
nce considered a nostalgic American pastime, bowling is experiencing a major cultural resurgence—drawing nearly 70 million people to the lanes each year, far surpassing participation in sports like basketball, golf, and soccer. At the center of that momentum is the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA), which has entered a new era under CEO Peter Murray’s vision to transform the sport into a global entertainment phenomenon. From the release of the first-ever bowling docuseries, Born to Bowl on HBO MAX—executive produced by Ben Stiller and produced by A24—to expanded media deals with The CW, CBS, and Paramount+, the PBA and Lucky Strike Entertainment properties are capturing fresh attention worldwide. With breakout stars like Brandon Bonta helping usher in a new generation of fans and competitors, bowling’s next chapter could see the sport become a major force in global sports and entertainment.
The AMF PBA World Championship finals—the major championship finale of the World Series of Bowling XVII—airs live June 13 at 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS and Paramount+. Top seed EJ Tackett averaged more than 227 across five different oil patterns to lead the field, positioning himself one win away from an unprecedented fourth consecutive World Championship title. The World Championship is the hardest to win in the sport, and returns to Thunderbowl Lanes (now AMF Thunderbowl Lanes). VIE was thrilled to catch up with Tackett ahead of the championship to learn more about the future of bowling, Born to Bowl, and his love of the game.
Interview
EJ Tackett is currently leading the Pro Bowling Association standings heading into the AMF PBA World Championship finals on June 13, 2026.
Photo courtesy of PBA
VIE: Let’s start at the beginning! Tell us a little about yourself and your background.
EJ Tackett: My family has an entire background in bowling. My dad used to bowl in the PBA a little bit back in the late 1980s and early ’90s. He bowled the regional tour for a long time, then went out on the national tour for one summer and decided it wasn’t for him. He came home and got a job, but he was always in the business of bowling. I think he started working at his first pro shop in 1989 or ’90, then my parents bought a bowling center in 1998 when I was five, so I’ve had free access to bowling pretty much my entire life. My entire family bowls, top to bottom, left to right, first-, second-, and eighth-cousins. Everybody bowls. All of this has always happened in northeast Indiana, a little town called Huntington, where I grew up. I currently live in Bluffton, which is in the next county over. Both are similar in size, with around 30,000 people in the entire county. My life has always revolved around the sport of bowling.
VIE: Was bowling something you always thought might become a full-time career?
EJ: I was bowling pretty much from the time I could walk, pick up a bowling ball, and push it down the lane. I was about two years old when I first started bowling. It’s something that I’ve always done, but it really wasn’t what I wanted to do. I went to college to play golf because that was what I always wanted to do. I grew up watching Tiger Woods and always aspired to play professional golf. But those guys are incredibly skilled and talented, and I just wasn’t good enough to make it out on the PGA Tour. I played against some guys in juniors and college who are now out winning on the PGA Tour. Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Xander Schauffele, Bryson DeChambeau, a very young Scottie Scheffler—all of those guys were around playing events when I was super young. It’s a good list of people, and the reason why I’m not on the PGA Tour. I believe everybody has their calling, and everything works out for a reason. Golf didn’t work out for a reason, and I guess that reason was to bowl. It’s worked out pretty well.
VIE: When did you join the PBA? What did that achievement feel like?
EJ: I first joined the PBA Tour in October of 2012 after I decided to leave college. I went to a school called IPFW (Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne) for three semesters. School wasn’t for me, and college golf was very competitive. Mentally, I was worn down, and it was affecting my golf game. So I decided to leave and try myself on the PBA Tour.
Bowling is different from a lot of other sports. It’s a little bit easier to get your PBA card. But maintaining a spot on the national tour, competing, and making a living is extremely difficult and just as hard as in any other sport.
VIE: Do you feel the future of bowling as a professional sport is in jeopardy?
EJ: I don’t believe that the professional part of the sport is in jeopardy at all. I think these rookie classes that we have here in 2025 and 2026 have been absolutely phenomenal. The future of our sport might be the brightest that I’ve ever seen. We’re finally getting to see the results of how great the college programs have become, and the opportunities that have arisen from junior players pursuing college scholarships. It’s taken ten to fifteen years, but good things take time. There are going to be a lot of stars we see over the next five to ten years, with new faces coming on the tour and younger players creating their own legacies—lasting ones at that.
VIE: How did you learn about the idea for Born to Bowl, and were you excited to be part of it? What did it feel like to see the series premiere on a platform as big as HBO?
PBA bowlers EJ Tackett, Jason Belmonte, Kyle Troupe, and Anthony Simonsen, with producer Ben Stiller at the premiere of HBO’s Born to Bowl docuseries
Photo by Marion Curtis/Starpix for HBO
EJ: As far as the Born to Bowl goes, the guys showed up and said, “Hey, we’re going to do a documentary, and you’re going to be one of the guys that is a part of it.” I’m like, “Well, that’s cool.” I really wasn’t nervous about it. I was excited for it, for sure.
Everyone got to see it this past March and April, and it’s been fantastic. I’m so happy it was made and so grateful for the people who poured their heart and soul into it. It took someone like Ben Stiller to get behind it, alongside A24, with the support of PBA, to make it all happen. I think, at the end of the day, it was worth it for everyone. It was worth it for the sport, and I think over the coming years we’ll see how big the results of this documentary are and what it’s going to mean for bowling.
VIE: Tell us a little about filming! Was the process challenging, or did you enjoy it?
EJ: As far as the filming went, was it challenging, or did I enjoy it? The answer is yes. All of the above. It was fun to be able to tell my story and get a new audience to see bowling in a different way.
It was challenging because you’re out there trying to do the best you possibly can and competing against the best players in the world. But you also have a camera following you around, and you’re mic’d up and doing all the extra things that come with creating a documentary. That was a new challenge for all of us.
I think they did a wonderful job combing through thousands of hours of footage to portray bowling and all the guys featured in the documentary. To see that all come together on a big screen was kind of surreal.
VIE: Do you have a favorite moment from the docuseries?
EJ: Personally, my favorite part of the documentary was the guys filming at my bowling center (EZ Bowl in Bluffton, IN). That was really, really cool to see my little establishment and my little town get featured on a global stage. Because not only was it my business, but my family was in it. A lot of great
Team USA—Ethan Fiore, Anthony Simonsen, EJ Tackett, and Andrew Anderson—at the 2026 PBA USA vs. The World tournament
Photo courtesy of PBA
friends and customers who are like family were in it. It was a collective thing for my community, putting this little town in front of the whole world.
VIE: What do you hope is the main takeaway that audiences will get from watching Born to Bowl?
EJ: I think the main takeaway for people is to understand that bowling is an extremely difficult sport. It’s not just throwing a ball down the lane and knocking the pins down. There are so many different facets to the game that most people don’t understand. I hope that putting this in front of them gives them a different appreciation for bowling and how difficult it actually is.
And with the players, we’re normal people. We just happen to be really good at bowling. I say all the time that everybody’s good at something. It just so happens that what I’m good at is on TV. It doesn’t make me any different than anyone else. It just makes me known by more people. I just want
everybody to know that we’re normal people who just happened to be good at throwing a bowling ball.
VIE: Tell us about the World Championship of Bowling ahead this June. What does this tournament mean to you? What can fans expect?
EJ: The AMF PBA World Championship is one of my favorite majors, obviously, for the reason that I’ve had a lot of success in it. But also, it’s one of my favorites because all your skills culminate in one tournament. We bowl on five different oil patterns throughout the World Series of Bowling. Each is a different length and shape. You have to throw different bowling balls from different parts of the lane at different speeds. It tests every part of your game. That’s what I enjoy the most: being able to navigate all those challenges, put together several consecutive days of elite bowling, and give myself an opportunity to win a major championship.
As far as what fans can expect? One game can change everything.
VIE: Thank you, EJ!
Born to Bowl is now streaming on HBO MAX. Learn more about pro bowlers and PBA tournaments at PBA.com.
Left: Born to Bowl merch at the New York premiere
Photo by Marion Curtis/Starpix for HBO
Top right: Anthony Simonsen won the 2026 Groupon PBA Illinois Classic.
Bottom right: See who will take home the 2026 AMF PBA World Championship trophy on June 13.
Photos courtesy of PBA
A bold expression of haute horology, the Hublot Big Bang Unico King Gold Pavé 44mm combines a diamond-set King Gold case and bezel with a skeletonized dial and in-house Unico flyback chronograph movement, delivering both technical sophistication and striking visual impact. Learn more about Hublot Watches at Hublot.com.
Hublot x Chris Pratt
American actor Chris Pratt made a distinguished appearance at the Tokyo photo call for Super Mario Galaxy, where he wore the Hublot Big Bang Unico King Gold Pavé 44M, lending a refined yet contemporary edge to his overall look. he Unico
Photo by Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images
8955 Hwy. 98 W | Suite 206
Miramar Beach, Florida 32550 (850) 837-8822
Dear Friends,
I recently shared an exciting evolution in my journey with you, and the journey continues.
For thirty years, it has been my honor to curate and create fine jewelry for this community. From my early days at Destin Jewelers to the past eight years at Grand Boulevard as The Jewel, my passion for my work has only deepened. Now I am delighted to invite you into the next chapter: an elevated, boutique experience designed specifically for you.
Transitioning The Jewel into a Custom Fine Jewelry Studio allows me to offer the same spirit of service and a VIP experience, focusing entirely on your ideas to create pieces that exceed your expectations. Our new home—Now Open—is less than a half-mile from our previous location within the beautifully renovated landmark building at:
Topsail Beach & Racquet Resort
8955 Hwy 98 W, 2nd Floor
The new studio carries the same spirit of “fun frivolity” and refined taste you have come to expect, but in a more intimate, private setting. We look forward to welcoming you to our new home. While our setting has changed, our heart remains with the community. We look forward to hosting imaginative gatherings and curated fashion luncheons and beyond.
Our new hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 11:00 AM until 4:00 PM and by private appointment Monday through Saturday.
Thank you for your trust, your loyalty, and the many moments we have shared. It has been my greatest privilege to help you commemorate life’s most joyful moments. I look forward to continuing the journey with you in our new studio.
With heartfelt gratitude, Lisa Peters
Returning to Milan one year after its debut, Rubinacci expanded its collaboration with 11 Ravens, unveiling a refined collection of handcrafted game tables and leisure pieces during Salone del Mobile. Building on the original 2025 presentation, which fused Rubinacci’s tailoring heritage with 11 Ravens’ sculptural approach to design, the expanded collection introduces a broader range of customizable pieces that elevate recreation into an art form. From convertible tables to thoughtfully designed furnishings, each piece reflects a shared commitment to craftsmanship, materiality, and understated elegance, with subtle nautical influences woven throughout. Presented at Atelier Rubinacci in Milan, the collection captures the spirit of modern leisure where tradition, design, and lifestyle converge in a setting defined by quiet sophistication.
Photo courtesy of Rubinacci and 11 Ravens
Western Adventure the art of
by carolyn o’neil photography courtesy of triple creek ranch
it’s called big sky country for very good reason.
he majesty of Montana unfolds from sweeping vistas of grassy valleys and pine forests to the heights of jagged mountain peaks and then keeps going higher to what seems like a never-ending blue sky stretching to the heavens. Could this be why so many artists across the years have stopped to marvel and then work to capture Montana’s singular Western beauty?
One of the best places to find out firsthand is Triple Creek Ranch, a member of the Relais & Chateaux collection of resort-hotels, where the art of celebrating the best of the West is at the very heart of the experience.
Nestled within the Bitterroot Mountain Range of the Montana Rockies, this two-Michelin-key all-inclusive luxury ranch resort is both refined and rustic, with a selection of private log cabins and ranch homes all appointed with a curated collection of Western art. The main lodge is a museum of artistic marvels, from original Charles Russell paintings to Frederic Remington sketches and bronzes alongside modern works by celebrated local artists depicting the people and places of Montana.
The love of art goes far beyond appreciating impressive collections, because guests are invited to join frequent Artist Workshop Weekends, during which renowned Western artists take up residence. These immersive experiences range from watercolor workshops to photographic safaris.
“adventures range from snow shoeing to dog sledding, hiking, archery, tennis, and fly-casting lessons leading up to the allure of fly fishing.”
choose your own adventure Trying your hand at artistic activities is always on the menu.
When I visited the ranch, I joined a small group for a soap- and candle-making class. Like stepping back in time, I felt I was in training to be a pioneer woman, but with a fancy selection of scents at our disposal. I chose to make trout-shaped soaps with an olive oil and charcoal base scented with lavender and lemongrass. I also took a leather tooling class to learn how to press and burn designs into the leather coasters and key chains we were given.
Then it was off to pan for sapphires. Unique to Montana, called the Treasure State, boring-looking gravel, when shaken and separated under water, can yield sparkling gems in blue, orange, pink, and green. The panning station at Triple Creek Ranch is fully equipped and can be addicting: “Just one more shake and I know I’ll find a sapphire!” More than a few guests have found sapphires big enough to fashion into jewelry.
Meanwhile, on another part of the ranch, my fellow travelers chose a more cowpoke pursuit, horseback riding through the surrounding forests led by one of the expert wranglers who make sure that novices and seasoned riders all have a great time.
Depending on the time of year, adventures range from snowshoeing to dog sledding, hiking, archery, tennis, and fly-casting lessons, leading up to the allure of fly-fishing. No need to worry about what to pack for the adventure you choose, because the ranch is well stocked with everything from fishing rods to hiking boots to hats and gloves. Feeling a bit chilly that day? Grab a few packs of hand and foot warmers!
log cabin chic
Cabins range in size, style, and location, but guests can expect to step inside and be transported to a world of Western glamour, with original paintings and sculptures, spacious bathrooms, luxurious linens, and an outdoor hot tub for sunning and stargazing. The main lodge has a pool, and there’s a small spa for massages and other treatments.
Outside the cabins, the incomparable scenery, from babbling brooks to horses grazing on pastures near the stables, is a visual joy as well. Keep your eyes open to note that the funny-looking horse stealing bites of weed-free hay set out on the field is actually an elk hanging with his equine friends. See something move in the forest? It’s probably a wandering moose. The owners of Triple Creek Ranch, Craig and Barbara Barrett, are not just prolific art collectors; they are also dedicated to preserving and protecting the art of Montana’s natural beauty and abundant wildlife, serving as stewards of the land.
The gardens, orchards, and apiary—yielding delicious wildflower honey—allow guests to enjoy the fruits of the ranch’s farm-to-table philosophy at every meal.
montana on the menu
From the morning cup of Big Creek Coffee enjoyed by the fireside in your own cozy cabin to the crafted cocktails in the lodge’s rooftop lounge with saddle-shaped barstools, menu inspirations are all about Montana, all day long. How about an Alpine Negroni with pine liqueur or a Cowboy Collins with plum and pink peppercorn shrub? Adventures in taste are a highlight at the ranch, and all meals are included in the daily rate. Locally grown huckleberries are a star at breakfast as a topping for sourdough pancakes, or order steak and eggs (or even trout and eggs) served in the main lodge or delivered to your cabin.
The culinary team, led by executive chef Jacob Leatherman, presents dining experiences termed “Ranch Cuisine,” but this is cooking at a gourmet global level. While I chose the potato leek soup with chives and crispy bacon, the other starter for dinner one night was a rabbit and rattlesnake sausage with fennel-parsley puree and a balsamic-truffle vinaigrette. Or how about pan-seared bison tenderloin and grilled Texas quail knots? The ultimate experience is booking the Chef’s Table dinner, where you dine in the kitchen and get to watch Leatherman’s culinary craftsmanship unfold as each meticulously prepared course arrives. Highlights include venison tartare with a huckleberry-beet sauce paired with a Schramsberg sparkling rosé, pan-roasted duck breast with quince-apple sauce paired with an Oregon pinot noir, and kobe beef tenderloin with blue cheese mousse with a California zinfandel. The wine cellar at Triple Creek Ranch is a world-class adventure as well.
Feeling more like a chuck wagon meal? The cooking class led by Leatherman taught us how to make cowboy beans (jalapenos and fresh pineapple were the key ingredients) and a BBQ coffee rubbed tomahawk steak. Even the ride back to the Missoula airport extended the foodie fun with a “choose your own” packed lunch to go. Mine was a turkey, bacon, and fig sandwich with sliced apple, cheddar cheese, and mixed greens on toasted multi-grain bread.
In a world that’s increasingly frantic, Triple Creek Ranch is truly a hideaway of wellness and wonder. Fueled by the best in food, wine, and hospitality and surrounded by a landscape that’s inspired adventurers and artists for centuries, you realize you’re not just visiting a ranch, you become part of a living work of art.
SPEND THE DAY WITH U S O N SCENIC HIGHWAY30A!
30A General Store
30A Yellow Fly Trading Co.
Adaro Art
Anthea Le Jardin
Fiddle Haus
Frankie’s Bike Shop
Maria Heckscher Salon
Palms
Posh Polished Nail Salon by Aika
Salt Air
Sculpt Studio
Sunset Shoes & Lifestyles
The Lens Bar
The Maddie Hatter
Vivo Spa
Fusion Art Glass
A unique village-style destination awaits you as local shopkeepers carefully craft every experience, from art to apparel, gifts, beauty, fitness, and more. Shop with us, then enjoy alfresco dining next door at The Big Chill 30A!
Louis Vuitton returns for year two of its partnership with Formula 1, continuing its “Victory Travels” concept across the 2026 season. From custom trophy trunks at every Grand Prix to an expanded presence as title partner of the Monaco race, the collaboration blends high fashion with the spectacle and prestige of the sport’s biggest moments.
To see more from Louis Vuitton and Formula 1, visit LouisVuitton.com and Formula1.com.
Photo courtesy of Louis Vuitton
GET TOUCH LIVE A
Making Nature More Accessible with Eventure
he smell of a freshly brewed honey cinnamon latte mingles with the soft hum of music and the sight of shiny rows of electric bicycles lining the sales floor and walls of Eventure Florida’s new showroom and Waterborne Coffee shop in Panama City Beach. From stand-up paddleboards to surfboards, bicycles, skateboards, e-foils, and more, Pedego 30A founder Jason Medina and his business partner, Matt Cassidy, rebranded Medina’s Pedego shop in WaterColor as Eventure Florida about a year ago. The expansion from being a dedicated e-bike shop to offering a range of outdoor adventure gear and e-bike tours in the Scenic Highway 30-A area was the first step toward becoming Northwest Florida’s adventure experts. The new PCB location, about eighteen miles east, offers even more opportunities.
“The shop is brand new, and we’re really excited to be out here,” Medina shares. “I’ve been kind of looking at this spot for a long time, or at least Panama City Beach, because there really isn’t anybody else doing bikes or anything as we do, so we’re excited to be out here.”
BY JORDAN STAGGS | PHOTOS BY STM PHOTOGRAPHY
anama City Beach is seeing significant growth and infrastructure additions, so Eventure hopes to grow and educate the community alongside it, he says. “We’re hoping to offer all kinds of ways to get people outside, touch more grass, get up and get moving—you know, that kind of thing. That’s our bigger focus, helping the community discover the beautiful landscape we live in and improve their health along the way.”
With around 10 e-bike brands at the WaterColor location and a variety of Velotric e-bikes at the PCB location, designated as a Velotric showcase store, the Eventure team is equipped to help any customer find their perfect fit. One of their favorite parts of the job is getting customers on an e-bike for the first time, Medina admits. While some cycling purists might consider an e-bike, with its pedal-assisted motor, as “cheating,” Eventure’s mission is to get people moving however they can. “It’s a good way to get around,” Medina continues. “We call the e-bike the ‘equalizer bike.’ You don’t have to be a heavy cyclist; you can just go out for the day, even if you haven’t ridden in months, and jump on your e-bike and enjoy it for a long, long ride. People are riding further and doing more on them than ever before. You can actually get more exercise, because you’re on it more. You ride further, you ride longer.”
Particularly since the pandemic, the popularity of e-bikes has risen exponentially in places like Scenic Highway 30-A, where bike paths are abundant, and in bigger cities with bike lanes built into the street. Medina says he believes infrastructure will continue to improve as more people see e-bikes as a primary mode of transportation and as more education around them is cultivated—something the Eventure team is actively working on in Panama City Beach.
“That’s our bigger focus, helping the community discover the beautiful landscape we live in and improve their health along the way.”
“There’s some negativity coming out right now, and it’s usually from a lack of education. You’ve got the next level up from e-bikes: these e-motos that are starting to show up. And essentially, we just have to be cautious, because that’s not an e-bike. Most of those don’t have pedals. They look like motorcycles because they are motorcycles—they can do 50 to 70 miles an hour. And when you have people ripping down the bike path on those, it makes others say things like ‘These e-bikes are dangerous.’ But that’s not an e-bike. That’s an e-moto.”
While there are no e-moto retailers in the area, Medina says people are ordering them online. E-bikes, by comparison, typically top out at 20 to 28 miles per hour (with speed limits at 20 mph on bike paths) and require the rider to pedal at least occasionally to keep the motor running. Medina and Cassidy hope to work with
“When you come and support a local business, we can get you the perfect bike”
local government agencies to ensure regulations against e-motos do not lead to a blanket ban on e-bikes in certain areas as well. They hope that setting a speed limit or other regulation will still allow those who use their e-bikes for exercise or transportation to ride safely on the bike path. Making those types of safety changes in the community depends upon education and letting people get firsthand experience.
“We’re here to help. A lot of people test ride, and they’re shocked at how easy it is to ride, but also that it’s not like an e-moto. It requires effort. And, usually, they decide to buy from us as opposed to buying online,” Medina shares. “You’re typically not saving any money buying online, and you’re getting something that may or may not work for you, that you may have to assemble yourself. When you come and support a local business, we can get you the perfect bike at the same price, already assembled correctly and safe to ride. And then we’ve got your back for service, gear, and all those kinds of things.”
E-bike tours have become extremely popular since Pedego 30A began offering them, and now Eventure has started offering them as well. It’s a perfect way to try an e-bike for the first time or to meet new people by joining a community tour. They can be booked through Eventure, and e-bike rentals by the day or week are also available, with delivery options for Santa Rosa Beach, Seaside, WaterColor, Grayton Beach, and surrounding areas.
And e-bikes are just the beginning of what Eventure offers. Stand-up paddleboarding is another hugely popular pastime for locals and tourists alike in Northwest Florida, whether they want to get out on the Gulf or explore the rare coastal dune lakes and crystal clear springs. E-paddleboards have also hit the market, with a gentle motorized assist that can be controlled from your paddle, allowing beginners to keep up and even seasoned paddleboarders to go farther and paddle longer, navigate stronger currents, and have fun while enjoying a great workout in nature.
Eventure’s new location in Panama City Beach, Florida is an official Velotric showcase store.
“Eventure [is] a go-to for outdoor adventure sports on 30-A, in PCB, and beyond.”
An electric paddleboarding tour with Eventure Florida in Grayton Beach
Photos by Jordan Staggs
att Cassidy is Eventure’s resident surf guru, having worked in the industry for many years before joining Eventure. One of his first jobs was at Sockeyes Beach & Sport, a favorite surf shop in Destin, Florida, that has since closed. He is now working with the city of Panama City Beach to arrange surf lessons through Eventure and even hopes to host a tournament this summer. Medina, meanwhile, says kiteboarding is his favorite and plans to integrate it into Eventure’s lineup soon, expanding their reach as the premier outdoor adventure experts in the area.
But first, coffee. Opening Waterborne Coffee inside Eventure’s PCB location stemmed from working on the building every day for months and noticing a lack of great, accessible coffee options on the city’s west end. Both self-ascribed “coffee fanatics,” Medina and Cassidy decided that rather than having just a coffee pot in the office, they’d add another layer to the shop,
and Waterborne Coffee came to life. The full-service coffee bar offers an array of coffee and espresso drinks, pastries, and café seating within the store.
From espresso to e-bikes, those who pop into Eventure can explore the new space, browse cycling and skateboard gear, plus coolers, tumblers, and other beach accessories, then take a Velotric for a test drive with the guidance of the Eventure team. Their level of service and knowledge, plus assistance with repairs for not only bikes but also paddleboards and more, is quickly making Eventure a go-to for outdoor adventure sports on 30-A, in PCB, and beyond.
Visit Eventure PCB and Waterborne Coffee at 19201 Panama City Beach Parkway (Highway 98) on the west end in PCB, or visit EventureFlorida.com and WaterborneCoffee.com to learn more.
Waterborne Coffee is the new full-service coffee shop inside Eventure PCB.
Photo by Madra McDonald
Louis Vuitton Formal ’26
Squarely within the iconic universe of modern distinction and legacy refinement proposed by Men’s Creative Director Pharrell Williams, this ready-to-wear and made-to-measure apparel is organized into the categories of Timeless Business, Modern Tailoring, and Evening—each occasioning the utmost elegance and pragmatism. Today’s businessman is infinitely ambidextrous, able to adapt and assert himself in any environment. His outfit stands out for its classical sensibility and exquisite quality, while simultaneously integrating with his fast-paced landscape. It is seasonless yet transitional.
A meticulously designed collection of Louis Vuitton Formal Menswear addresses and exceeds the dress codes for any Spring-to-Summer celebration, from breakfast meetings to black tie and from crisp to warming temperatures. Find the collection at LouisVuitton.com.
Photo courtesy of Louis Vuitton
The Voyage of Fingal
By Jordan Staggs
Did you know that in Scotland, you can spend the night on a historic steamship that is part of the Royal Yacht Britannia Trust? In our last issue, we invited readers on a quick trip to explore the country’s capital, Edinburgh. Now, the history and scenery continue as we head just north of its City Center to the waterfront neighborhood of Leith and Fingal Hotel.
riginally commissioned by the Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) in 1963, the steamship Fingal spent nearly forty years in service, ferrying lighthouse keepers, supplies, and maintenance crews to the essential lighthouses on Scotland’s western and northern coasts. With the help of ships like Fingal, seafaring vessels are protected by lighthouses and buoys along more than 6,000 miles of coastline in Scotland and the Isle of Man, totaling around 200 lighthouses, 175 lit buoys, and 25 unlit beacons today.
Upon Fingal’s maiden voyage in the 1960s, NLB secretary W. Alastair Robertson told J. A. Campbell Brown, director at Blythswood Shipbuilding Company from which the Board commissioned her, “The ship proved herself to be most comfortable and a very good sea boat, indeed, it is true to say that all concerned are most satisfied with her and look forward to her performing many years of useful work in the service.”
In the four decades that followed, lighthouse keepers could count on Fingal and the NLB’s two other working ships to bring vital supplies to their remote outposts, along with the replacement lighthouse keepers who would take over the post for around three weeks at a time. One might say it was the ship’s first hospitality role, but it wouldn’t be her last.
Photography courtesy of Fingal Hotel
n 2000, Fingal retired from the NLB and was purchased by a private owner, who renamed her Windsor Castle and kept her in working condition on the River Fal in Cornwall, England. She was later sold to the Royal Yacht Britannia Trust in 2014. The Trust’s primary focus is the preservation and care of Her Majesty’s Yacht Britannia, part of the Core Collection of the National Register of Historic Vessels, which is also berthed in Leith and attracts around 300,000 visitors per year. A royal residence of Her Majesty the Queen for over 40 years, Britannia is a major tourism hot spot, but overnight stays are not permitted there. The Trust’s idea for another vessel to take on that role became reality in 2016 after Fingal underwent a two-year, five-million-pound renovation to become the luxury, five-star floating hotel it is today.
“Fingal
Hotel
now
houses twenty-three guest cabins and suites, plus the over-the-top Skerryvore Suite, a ballroom-style event space, The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar, and The Bridge private dining room. ”
Fingal Hotel now houses twenty-three guest cabins and suites, plus the over-the-top Skerryvore Suite, a ballroom-style event space, The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar, and The Bridge private dining room. Guest rooms are beautifully appointed with sleek wood, comfortable furnishings, and porthole windows. Each bears the name of one of the Stevenson Lighthouses found along Scotland’s coast. Finishing touches also celebrate the ship’s history with the Northern Lighthouse Board, including oldfashioned room keys attached to small buoys, postcards and photographs depicting Scotland’s lighthouses, the compass rose etched on the ceilings, and coastal maps embroidered into the headboards. The bathrooms are luxurious, clad in tile and featuring Noble Isle bath amenities, while Scottish heritage textiles by designer Araminta Campbell create a warm and comfortable feel in each luxury cabin and suite.
he Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar is on the second level of the ship, overlooking the Albert Dock Basin, Water of Leith, and Ocean Drive. Open to the public for breakfast, afternoon tea, and dinner, the sumptuous dining room invites guests to experience rich interiors, impeccable services, and a seasonal rotating menu. Head Chef Pedro Barreira, Restaurant Chef Andrea Sendon Alonso, and the talented galley team make each dinner memorable with a five-course tasting menu featuring produce from local suppliers, including crab from The Belhaven Smokehouse in Dunbar, wild ingredients from foragers Coeur Sauvage, and more. Ordering family-style accompaniments for the table is encouraged alongside entrées such as Loch Fyne halibut, Tweed Valley lamb rump, or the 10-ounce dry-aged Campbell’s Gold ribeye steak. The Lighthouse sommelier team is on hand to select the perfect wine pairings for each guest.
When it’s time for a summertime toast, head to the seasonal Moët Deck aboard Fingal, where Moët & Chandon hosts a daily Champagne tasting for guests at 17:43 (the year the Moët Champagne House was founded). During the season, listen for the bell ringing to signal it’s time to gather for a leisurely afternoon glass of ice-cold bubbly, expertly crafted cocktails, and sharing boards featuring artisan cheeses, Scottish fish, or vegetarian antipasto.
Speaking of making toasts, special occasions become a part of the ship’s history when you book The Ballroom for a private dinner, wedding reception, or other event. With space for 60 seated guests or 100 standing, The Ballroom features a private bar, a balcony area for music or an MC, an impressive high ceiling, and a retractable skylight for events under the stars. From brand launches to meetings and parties, the hotel’s in-house event team can help clients create a truly one-ofa-kind experience aboard the historic vessel.
Unsurprisingly, Fingal Hotel has amassed many awards and accolades since opening, including No.1 Luxury Hotel and No.1 Small & Boutique Hotel in the UK by TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best in 2024. It has also earned the top five-star award, plus two AA Rosettes for Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar.
For lovers of history, adventure, and nautical luxury, board Fingal for a Scottish stay like no other.
Visit Fingal.co.uk to discover more and book your stay, and head to VisitScotland.com to start planning the rest of your trip.
Street Concours set the stage for Salon Privé London in April, transforming Knightsbridge into an open-air showcase of rare collector cars and modern hypercars under the theme “Old vs New.” The one-day event drew over 20,000 visitors and highlighted standout designs across classic, supercar, and hypercar categories, offering a preview of the craftsmanship and innovation featured at the three-day celebration at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
SalonPriveLondon.com.
Sloane
Photo by
Jason Dodd Photography
The Louis Vuitton Fall-Winter 2026 Men’s Show, led by Men’s Creative Director Pharrell Williams, presents a vision of the future grounded not in abstraction, but in purpose. Rooted in the concept of “Timeless,” the collection reframes luxury through utility, where garments are engineered to perform, designed to breathe, protect, and adapt, while maintaining the House’s commitment to savoir-faire. Crafted from innovative “Timeless Textiles” developed by the Louis Vuitton Studio Homme, the pieces merge technical ingenuity with artisanal tradition, creating a wardrobe defined by durability and intention. Presented within the immersive setting of the DROPHAUS, a prefabricated architectural concept envisioned by Williams, the collection reflects a holistic approach to living, where fashion, environment, and human experience intersect. The result is a modern expression of the Louis Vuitton dandy, one shaped as much by what endures as by what evolves.
Photo courtesy of Louis Vuitton
RALPH LAUREN’S
GOLDEN ERA
Inside Thoroughbred New York
For anyone who grew up watching Friends, working at Ralph Lauren was the ultimate cool-girl career thanks to Rachel Green. Rachel made the brand feel less like a company and more like a glamorous Manhattan fantasy.
Which is exactly why she probably would’ve lost her mind walking into Thoroughbred New York.
ecause while Rachel was busy climbing the corporate fashion ladder in the late ’90s, Laird Mackintosh was building an obsession with the actual golden-era world of Ralph Lauren, from the tweeds and equestrian tailoring to Polo Country flannels, dramatic doublebreasted suits, and cinematic advertising campaigns that turned American menswear into mythology. Entering his shop feels like stepping directly into one of those old Ralph Lauren ads.
From the stage lights of Broadway to the rich patina of vintage tweed and rich silks, Laird has built a world where fashion and nostalgia collide. As the founder of Thoroughbred New York, he has become one of the most recognizable names in the growing world of vintage Ralph Lauren collecting, not simply
because of the rare garments he sources, but because of the deeply personal philosophy behind them.
Raised in Calgary, Alberta, Laird’s appreciation for beauty and storytelling began early. His mother and father both greatly appreciated the arts; his father was an anglophile with a deep appreciation for culture. Together, they introduced him to opera as a child, and that simple exposure sparked an early fascination with performance, design, and elegance. He recalls being twelve years old and becoming fond of an antique silk top hat he found in a local antique shop. Determined to own it, he convinced his parents to let him have a garage sale to raise the money himself. It remains one of his earliest memories tied to personal style and perhaps the first sign of the collector mentality.
By Katie Ogletree | Photography courtesy of Thoroughbred New York
heatre would later become central to his view of clothing. After years of performing at Canada’s famed Stratford Festival, Laird joined the national tour of Disney’s Mary Poppins before eventually landing on Broadway, including performances in The Phantom of the Opera. Through theatre, he experienced the transformative power of costume design firsthand. “I always appreciated the beautiful costumes that I wore,” he explains. “Quite often, they were tailor-made for me. I always relate to Ralph Lauren in that way. There’s a really innate theatricality in everything Ralph has designed.”
That idea, clothing as storytelling, sits at the heart of Thoroughbred New York. While Laird admires classic British heritage labels like Barbour, Cordings, Belstaff, and Hackett, it was Ralph Lauren that became his true obsession. Over the course of more than two decades, he amassed an enormous archive of vintage Ralph Lauren pieces, spanning the brand’s golden eras from the 1970s through the 1990s.
Ironically, it was the collapse of the theatre industry during the pandemic that transformed that passion into a business. When Broadway shut down, both Laird and his wife suddenly found themselves out of work. Productions of Phantom and the national tour of My Fair Lady, in which he played Henry Higgins, were halted indefinitely. Like many artists during that period, he was forced to reconsider his future. This is when he began casually selling pieces from his collection through Instagram to fellow Polo enthusiasts around the world. One transaction in particular shifted his thinking entirely.
“Over the course of more than two decades, he amassed an enormous archive of vintage Ralph Lauren pieces.”
“Once I sold one piece to someone overseas, and this person was willing to pay me without knowing me at all, I thought, ‘This could work.’”
hat realization eventually became Thoroughbred New York, a brickand-mortar space dedicated entirely to vintage Ralph Lauren, something Laird was shocked had never existed in the United States before. Of course, opening the shop came with enormous risk. Beyond the financial investment required to open a retail space in New York, Laird jokes that he had already spent half of his life savings building his personal Polo archive over the years. What now appears as an inevitable success story was, at the time, a massive leap of faith, fueled largely by instinct. “It’s a really good example for me of when listening to your gut and following your instincts can really pay off.”
Today, Thoroughbred New York has become a pilgrimage for collectors and menswear enthusiasts alike. The shop specializes in deeply curated vintage Ralph Lauren pieces, from rugged Polo Country outerwear to rare tailoring seen in decades-old advertising campaigns. Laird approaches sourcing almost like an archivist or historian, constantly searching for garments that expand his understanding of Ralph Lauren’s creative universe. His sensibility also feels remarkably aligned with the broader return of expressive menswear. After years dominated by minimalist tailoring and restrained suiting, he sees modern men once again embracing richer textures, fuller silhouettes, and a more romantic approach to dressing. That timelessness is ultimately what defines Thoroughbred New York.
As the store’s reputation has grown, collectors regularly approach him directly with rare pieces and private collections. The shop operates almost like a private archive, open by appointment only, built through conversation, and sustained almost entirely through Instagram. For Laird, social media hasn’t just been helpful to the business; it is the business. The shop is not driven by trends, hype, or resale culture. Instead, it moves more like a living archive dedicated to craftsmanship, storytelling, and the emotional power clothing can hold over a lifetime.
“The shop specializes in deeply curated vintage Ralph Lauren pieces, from rugged Polo Country outerwear to rare tailoring seen in decades-old advertising campaigns. ”
Even after years spent collecting and studying Ralph Lauren’s world, Laird still dreams about creating garments of his own someday. But for the moment, the hunt and the thrill itself remain enough, knowing that there are holy grail pieces that have yet to be found from Ralph Lauren’s rich body of work. Because somewhere out there, buried in an estate sale, hidden in a closet, or forgotten in an attic, there is still another piece waiting to be discovered.
YOUR HOME SHOULD
CUSTOM GLASS TILE MOSAIC BY SICIS OF ITALY X JONAH ALLEN PHOTOGRAPHY DEPICTING THE COASTAL DUNE LAKE OUTFLOW IN GRAYTON BEACH, FLORIDA
BY CAITLYN BURRUS
long Scenic Highway 30-A in Northwest Florida, style tends to lean toward the practical. The best pieces are the ones that can handle a bike ride to coffee, a long afternoon in the sun, and dinner afterward without feeling overly styled or complicated. While much of the conversation around coastal shopping tends to focus on women’s fashion and vacation finds, The Shops at The Hub have built a strong lineup of retailers catering to men who appreciate quality, function, and personal style without the fuss. They don’t chase trends; instead, they focus on finding pieces that naturally fit into everyday life at the beach.
From electric bikes and performance sunglasses to elevated basics and everyday footwear, these stores offer a more curated approach to coastal living that feels authentic to 30A itself. The focus is on products that work hard and wear well—things built for movement, travel, outdoor living, and long summer days spent between the beach and town. Whether picking up a new pair of Birkenstocks, investing in polarized sunglasses, or upgrading from a standard beach cruiser to an electric bike, these local shops understand that men’s style at the coast should feel relaxed, useful, and genuinely lived in.
“AT
THE SHOPS AT THE HUB, THESE FOUR MERCHANTS OFFER
A MEN’S
SHOPPING
PEDAL INTO SUMMER AT FRANKIE’S BIKE SHOP
For many locals and visitors, summer on 30A is best experienced on two wheels. At Frankie’s Bike Shop, the focus is on adventure, freedom, and making the outdoors part of everyday life. The shop offers a wide range of Trek and Electra electric and acoustic bikes alongside its own Heron Bicycle Co. line, designed with customized details and coastal ease in mind. From belt-drive electric bikes to one- and three-speed cruisers, the collection is perfectly suited for beach towns where the journey matters just as much as the destination.
The shop has become especially popular among men seeking a more active, connected way to experience the area. Electric bikes remain a standout favorite, offering an effortless ride from Rosemary Beach to Alys Beach, Seaside, and beyond. Paired with one of Frankie’s signature rope hats, the experience feels just like 30A: relaxed, functional, and undeniably cool.
SEEING SUMMER THROUGH A DIFFERENT LENS
Few accessories work harder during a Florida summer than a great pair of sunglasses, and The Lens Bar has built its reputation around helping customers find exactly the right fit. Family-owned and serving the 30A community since 2001, the shop combines decades of eyewear expertise with a carefully curated collection that ranges from luxury labels like Gucci to easygoing performance brands such as Goodr.
For men spending their days on the water, at the golf course, or simply outdoors from sunrise to sunset, performance polarized eyewear has become an essential part of the uniform. The Lens Bar’s in-house licensed optician also offers prescription lenses and sunglasses, creating a personalized experience that feels refreshingly attentive in an increasingly online world. There is a sense of trust that comes from working with a business rooted in family, experience, and community—something that continues to resonate with generations of customers along 30A.
THE COASTAL UNIFORM AT YELLOW FLY TRADING COMPANY
Yellow Fly Trading Company approaches men’s style with the kind of ease that feels right at home on 30A. The store’s “laid-back luxe” philosophy is woven throughout the space, where beachwear, outfitter apparel, travel gear, and handstitched accessories and goods create a wardrobe built for life near the water.
The men’s selection blends timeless staples with modern coastal trends, offering pieces that can transition seamlessly from a casual beach morning to dinner after
EXPERIENCE THAT FEELS GENUINELY CONNECTED TO THE WAY PEOPLE LIVE ON 30A.”
sunset. Brands like Johnnie-O, Mizzen + Main, Howler Brothers, and True Grit are perfect for the men who appreciate comfort without sacrificing style. There is an intentionality behind the collection; elevated but never trying too hard.
Like the yellow fly the brand is named after, the shop embraces the idea of an itch worth scratching: the pull toward adventure, travel, and effortless personal style. The men’s collection is crafted for guys who want to go from a boat day to dinner without needing a second thought.
SUNSET SHOES & LIFESTYLE KEEPS COMFORT IN STEP
A great summer often starts from the ground up, and Sunset Shoes & Lifestyle has long understood the importance of footwear that feels as good as it looks. Family-owned and Florida-based since 1997, the beloved retailer has become a staple throughout the Panhandle, with locations spanning Destin, Seaside, Panama City Beach, The Shops at The Hub, and another opening soon in Watersound Town Center.
Known for its curated mix of comfort-driven and fashion-forward brands, the store offers everything from Birkenstocks and HOKAs to OnClouds, Rainbows, and Mephisto. For men especially, Birkenstocks remain a perennial favorite—a sandal built for relaxed summer living and all-day wearability.
Beyond footwear, Sunset Shoes & Lifestyle captures the spirit of coastal convenience. Beach towels, hats, sunscreen, bags, and everyday essentials fill the space, making it easy to step inside for one item and leave fully prepared for a day by the water. The store’s commitment to full-service fittings also adds a personal touch that reflects the hospitality and warmth of the communities it serves.
At The Shops at The Hub, these four merchants offer a men’s shopping experience that feels genuinely connected to the way people live on 30A. Nothing feels overly polished or trend-driven. Instead, the focus stays on quality, comfort, and pieces that make sense for everyday coastal life, whether that is a better pair of sunglasses, an electric bike for getting around town, reliable footwear, or clothes that work just as well at the beach as they do at dinner afterward. Together, the shops reflect the laid-back but considered style that continues to define the 30A lifestyle.
For more information or to shop, visit 19 Hub Lane, Watersound, Florida, 32461. Follow @shopsatthehub, @frankiesbikeshop, @lensbar30a, @yellowflytradingcompany, and @sunset_shoes on Instagram.
Greater Palm Springs is leaning into its unexpected surf scene, with new wave parks turning the desert into a water-sports destination. DSRT Surf is set to open in Palm Desert with a large Wavegarden-powered surf facility and resort-style amenities, while Palm Springs Surf Club already offers surf sessions, dining, and poolside experiences in the heart of the city. Together, they’re positioning the region as a surprising new hub for artificial wave surfing and desert leisure.
Surfer Teddy Navarro demonstrates the waves at Palm Springs Surf Club. For more information, head to VisitGreaterPalmSprings.com.
Photo courtesy of Visit Greater Palm Springs
Surf culture is taking root in the desert, reshaping Greater Palm Springs into a wave destination.
THE MEN'S ROOM
Photo courtesy of Louis Vuitton
FORMULA 1 MIAMI GRAND PRIX 2026
The 2026 Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix was held on Sunday, May 3, with Kimi Antonelli taking home the victory for Italy and the Mercedes team. Each F1 season ushers in a new generation of racing, blending cutting-edge hybrid technology, sustainable fuels, and some of the world’s most iconic circuits into a calendar packed with speed, strategy, and spectacle. Other acclaimed drivers this year include Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari), Max Verstappen (Red
Racing), and Charles Leclerc (Ferrari). Louis Vuitton serves once again as an official partner, creating a custom victory LV Trophy Trunk for the winners.
Bull
IWC Schaffhausen and Kimi Antonelli hosted an intimate event ahead of the Miami Grand Prix race weekend.
Photo courtesy of IWC Schaffhausen
IWC Schaffhausen’s Miami flagship is located in the Design District.
Photo courtesy of IWC Schaffhausen
Kimi Antonelli crosses the winner’s podium.
Photo courtesy of Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton’s 2026 Miami Grand Prix Trophy Trunk
Photo courtesy of Louis Vuitton
DANCING WITH THE EMERALD COAST STARS
The fundraiser was a vibrant community event that brought together local leaders, performers, and supporters for an unforgettable evening of entertainment and philanthropy. Inspired by the glamour and excitement of the hit television series, the fundraiser paired participants with professional dancers to compete in a high-energy showcase, all while raising over $140,000 for the Seacoast Collegiate High School Expansion Project through SEASIDE SCHOOL™ in Walton County, Florida. The event celebrated the power of giving back through music, dance, and unforgettable performances.
Photography by Epic Photo Co.
Judges’ Choice Winners Drew Ward and Sofiya Glotova
People’s Choice Winners Whitney Cooley and Oleksandr Sorokopud
THE GRAND FINALE AT MCCASKILL & COMPANY
May 6–8, McCaskill & Company recently unveiled a newly expanded showroom in Destin, Florida, including a refined luxury space dedicated exclusively to the iconic Swiss watchmaker Rolex. Designed with sophisticated architectural details, premium finishes, and immersive brand elements, the newly completed fine jewelry destination elevates the instore experience while showcasing a legacy of precision, craftsmanship, and timeless design. The unveiling celebrated both McCaskill & Company’s growth and its longstanding relationship with some of the world’s most prestigious jewelry and timepiece creators.
Photography by Hunter Burgtorf
Designer Kimberly Collins and Carolyn Brigman
La scène
The Rolex showroom at McCaskill & Company
Members of the McCaskill & Company Team
GENTLEMEN’S FASHION
BY MYLES MELLOR
Puzzle on previous page
In a tuxedo, I’m a star. In regular clothes, I’m a nobody. “ ”
—Dean Martin
Welcome to The House of Light, a 5,400-square-foot Modern Gable-style residence designed for the ultimate waterfront living on the Choctawhatchee Bay in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. This unique concept home draws inspiration from Scandinavian simplicity and an abundance of natural light streaming through the ample floor-to-ceiling windows. Spacious living areas, a pool and outdoor kitchen, a private dock, and an on-site pickleball court provide year-round entertainment.
ARCHITECTURE BY
BurwellAssociates.com
(850) 687-6888
Florida Lic. AR0017641
24,229
1
193,617 $11,051,277
Total Services Given Total Dollars Total Children Helped
For more information, visit LouisVuitton.com.
Au revoir!
BEFORE YOU GO . . .
As part of Milan Design Week 2026, Louis Vuitton unveiled its latest Objets Nomades collection within the historic rooms of Palazzo Serbelloni, where past and present converged in a richly layered exhibition. Set against bold, immersive colorways, the collection was presented alongside the House’s iconic trunks, guiding visitors through a narrative spanning from Art Deco to contemporary design. A highlight of the presentation was a tribute to pioneering designer
Pierre Legrain, whose legacy as a bookbinder and illustrator inspired a series of furniture, textiles, and Art de Vivre pieces that echo his distinctive craftsmanship. These creations were displayed in dialogue with rare archival objects, from early trunks to signed illustrations, many drawn from the Louis Vuitton Heritage collection and staged within the evocative setting of a 1920s train. Displayed from April 21 to 26, the public exhibition offered a transportive journey through the House’s enduring relationship with travel, design, and innovation.
