PHOTO OP!
DESIGN DISTRICT’S MOST INSTA-WORTHY SPOTS
VINTAGE VIBES
Photography Art Director
GONZÁLEZ
ART & CREATIVES
MIAMI
THURSDAY – MONDAY FOR DINNER 5:00 – 10:00 PM
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY FOR LUNCH 12:00 – 4:00 PM
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.
SPEND THE DAY WITH U S O N SCENIC
HIGHWAY30A!
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!
ARCHITECT: MATT SAVIOE
INTERIOR DESIGNER: ALLYSON RUNNELS
PHOTOGRAPHER: JACK GARDNER
BUILDING
From a high school photography course to his role as Photography Art Director at Chrome Hearts, Pablo González has carved out a path as a true creative visionary. His career spans a spectrum of creative outlets, including photography, art direction, graphic design, and audiovisual works, with each project shaping his legacy in New York City’s art and fashion scene. Explore his story and striking work on Page 34!
Photo by Pablo González
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.
IN THE MIAMI DESIGN DISTRICT, SPACES ABOUND WHERE ART, FASHION, AND CULTURE CONVERGE TO SHOWCASE BOLD, PICTURE-PERFECT, AND INSPIRING MOMENTS.
FEATURE
34 The Visionary Lens of Pablo González
VISUAL PERSPECTIVES 33
40 Petite pause: HunterMoss Alpine Royale Supercar Tours
42 Pearls in the Sand: Mignot & Co Builds a Family Legacy
47 L’intermission: The Art of Villa Purcell
48 Stuck in a Fever Dream: 12Eleven Releases Sophomore EP
53 L’intermission: Rebel Rebel with Maison MIHARA YASUHIRO
54 Redefining the Contemporary at Ria Leigh Gallery
VOYAGER 59
60 A Scottish Sojourn at Mar Hall
66 Petite Pause: Wayfairer Travel x Giraffe Manor
88 Where Time Slows Down: Inside Bungalows Key Largo
BON APPÉTIT! 93
94 Game On! A Reimagined Sports Bar
100 Petite pause: Châteaux & Champagne Supercar Tour
102 Where Art Meets Appetite
INSPIRATIONS 108
109 Presence over Productivity
110 From Fan to Founder
VIE BOOK CLUB 115
116 The Geek of Chic: An American Dream, Italian Style
119 L’intermission: Domaine des Vignobles Awaits
C’EST LA VIE CURATED COLLECTION 120
the Cover THEIDEABOUTIQUE.COM INFO@THEIDEABOUTIQUE.COM
114 LOGAN LANE, SUITE 4
SANTA ROSA BEACH, FLORIDA 32459 PUBLISHED BY
68 A Vintage Vision at The Marlene Inn
76 Photo Op! Art & Style Meet in Miami’s Most Fashionable District
79 L’intermission: Urban Opulence by Lori Morris Design
80 Welcome to The Black Lotus
LA SCÈNE 128
THE LAST WORD 133
AU REVOIR! 141
Photo courtesy of Miami Design District
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
ANNA GILCHRIST A.GILCHRIST@ VIEMAGAZINE.COM
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
MEGHAN RYAN ASBURY, SARAH FREEMAN, ANTHEA GERRIE, MYLES MELLOR, CAROLYN O’NEIL, MICAH RYAN, COLLEEN SACHS, XENIA TALIOTIS
ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY
ART DIRECTOR
JACK KIRKENDALL JACK@VIEMAGAZINE.COM
GRAPHIC DESIGNER ANNA SIMPSON
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
LAUREN ATHALIA, JEAN-MARIE BINET, HUNTER BURGTORF, JACK GARDNER, PABLO GONZÁLEZ, DEVIN HAYES, BRENNA KNEISS, JEFF LANDRETH, LAYNE LILLIE, MARK LITTLE, STEVEN MANGUM, PHIL MCCARTEN, DANNY MOLOSHOK, SEAN MURPHY, CARLO PIERONI, CASIMIRO PT, ROMONA ROBBINS, MICAH RYAN, JULIE SOEFER, FRANCIS SPECKER, JORDAN STRAUSS, ANTHONY TAHLIER, JUMBO TSUI, DAVE WARREN, CHANDLER WILLIAMS, AP CONTENT SERVICES, BRANDON BARRÉ PHOTOGRAPHY, CBS BROADCASTING INC., INVISION FOR THE TELEVISION ACADEMY, MODUS PHOTOGRAPHY, RIZZOLI, SAVVIBELLE PHOTOGRAPHY, SHUTTERSTOCK, 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
BE BOLD Your Life Is Your Canvas
We only get one life, and time moves faster than we think. That’s why it matters to follow our passions and lean into our dreams. If you’re still searching for what you want to do—or who you want to become—at any age, take heart. Stay open, stay curious. Trust that you have a singular destiny, one only you can fulfill. Rest in that truth and keep exploring. When you seek, you will find.
Though I’m primarily speaking to the younger generation, I also know from experience that many of us carry a second, and even a third act inside us. I’m one of them. Reinvention doesn’t come with an expiration date.
Often, the clues to your future are hidden in plain sight—in what you’re naturally good at, in the gifts you’ve had since childhood. Those gifts are not accidents. They’re meant to be refined, developed, and matured so you can bloom into your calling. Armed with a vivid imagination, a God-given curiosity, and a tenacity that feels larger than myself, I’ve climbed mountains I never thought I could.
But the richest reward has been the people: hearing their stories, marveling at their originality. Artists, writers, inventors, craftsmen, doctors, wellness and life coaches, architects, builders, fashion tastemakers, musicians, authors, entrepreneurs, songwriters,
photographers—the list goes on. My greatest privilege is to share their stories. It’s a profession as rewarding as it is humbling, and meeting people remains my favorite part of the work.
—Lisa Marie Burwell CEO/Editor-in-Chief/Creative Director
Recently, while reading the Book of Ecclesiastes, one passage stopped me in my tracks. King Solomon calls the ability to enjoy one’s work—and the simple pleasures of life—a gift from God. After reflecting on the futility of worldly pursuits and the endless cycle of toil, he concludes that true satisfaction lies in finding joy in our daily labor. It is, in its purest form, a blessing to love what you do.
And as the Roman poet Virgil reminded us, “Fortune favors the bold.” So, go and climb your mountains with all you have. We each have work to do, and together we can help make our world more beautiful.
To Life!
Photo by Romona Robbins
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: WHEN YOU FACE A CREATIVE BLOCK OR ARE SEARCHING
FOR INSPIRATION, WHAT HELPS YOU GET BACK INTO YOUR CREATIVE FLOW?
REBECCA ELLIOTT
Co-Owner, Ria Leigh Gallery
@rialeighgallery30a
As a gallery curator, there are moments when I face a creative block or feel the need to reconnect with inspiration. When that happens, I step back and allow myself space and time. Sometimes it’s visiting another gallery or an artist’s studio. Other times it’s as simple as walking along the beach, letting nature reset my perspective. I also find inspiration in conversations with artists, collectors, and friends who see the world differently. Their stories remind me why I fell in love with art in the first place. My spark returns, and I am able to approach the gallery with fresh eyes and renewed passion.
Owner of The Marlene Inn @lilysvintagefinds
I usually turn to books. I collect a lot of vintage coffee-table books from estate sales. I think seeing beautifully executed designs and intentionally curated spaces helps me to think of spaces in a different way. Pinterest and Instagram are helpful, but you tend to see the same images recycled over and over. Older design books feel fresher. They remind you what really stands the test of time. It’s fascinating to look at a room considered peak design in the 1960s and realize it could be featured in a design magazine today.
works best for us. It’s good to hear and process other creations, too. Even though we express our creativity mainly through music, we love watching movies, and always find a wealth of creative inspiration through them. Often, the best ideas come early in the creative process. The more time that passes with an idea, the more room there is for unnecessary attempts at perfection. Sometimes it’s as easy as fulfilling a health need to get back on track—a glass of water, a scenic walk, or a quick snack is typically the perfect reset for us.
@12elevenband
Creative block is an unfortunate reality for us creatives. When feeling stuck, taking a short break to listen to music or focus on wellness
@marhallresort
Music has always been my quiet companion in the room. When thoughts need redirecting, or when a thread of an idea needs to be expanded, I often turn to tunes to help take my thoughts for a walk. Depending on the project I am working on, different music genres help to take my mind to a relaxed, happy place. I find the midnight hours to be particularly productive; the lack of e-mail traffic and phone calls is a blessing when taking an alternative view of a project. I also tend to work on a range of spaces at the same time. This allows me to shift focus if there is a roadblock in one specific area.
LILY BARFIELD
JIM HAMILTON
Creative Director at Graven and Lead Designer of the Mar Hall Renovation
CHURCHILL OAKS
THE HEART OF COMMUNITY
October State of Mind
October is here with cooler days, changing leaves, and that cozy feeling we have all been waiting for! Fall is the season of soft layers, golden afternoons, and slowing down in style. Whether you are leaning into new routines, hosting intimate gatherings, or simply savoring the beauty around you, October invites us to pause and be present. Keep the inspiration flowing and don’t forget to tag @viemagazine in all of your favorite fall moments!
@e.f.sanjuan What a great day on set at E. F. San Juan with @seaside_institute and @viemagazine / @theideaboutique talking about some exciting projects coming up! Thank you so much to @seasidefl co-visionary Daryl Rose Davis and Seaside Institute executive director Christy Milliken for visiting, Mark Little filming, and Lisa Marie Burwell and team on production and promotion! We can’t wait to share more with you as we gear up for Seaside Prize 2026 and beyond.
@seaside_institute We love a great pedestrian path and beautiful architecture, and @alysbeach, one of our New Urbanism “sister communities” along Scenic Highway 30-A, has both!
@cc.boone Evening under the stars with @openfire30a and The Black Lotus House—an exclusive CC.BOONE venue located in Point Washington, FL. Now taking applications for “venue-like” properties located on 30-A. DM for more information.
@redfishfoundation What could we do with Coca-Cola products? A lot, actually. Our presenting sponsors at Coca-Cola are the best people. They are collaborative, supportive, and fun. So we put on a dinner in their honor. We partnered with some of our best local culinary artists. Our only prompt was “Use Coke products in every bite.” Boy, did they deliver! ... One of our favorite things about Redfish is how it brings creative people together to combine their gifts.
@scoutsportstavern We’re off to the races at Scout Sports Tavern! Join us for dinner service from 5 PM to 10 PM, Thursday through Monday. Enjoy our weekend cookouts from 12 PM to 4 PM on Saturday!
@cardencunietti With our studio’s neighboring Notting Hill running its annual Carnival, a taste of living in a Caribbean retreat was in order. Our project in #Antigua has us in tune with the island vibes. Featured in the @viemagazine March 2025 issue, we turned a guest house into the best house ... Architect: Andrew Goodenough, VIE Magazine Article: Anthea Gerrie, Photos: Alexis Andrews
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
Shop this season’s catalog now at DieselLiving.com.
Visual Perspectives
EYE OF THE BEHOLDER
At Milan Design Week 2025, Diesel Living displayed its latest collaboration with Lodes: D-Burned, a striking suspension lamp and bold new expansion of the brand’s catalog. Draped in Diesel heritage, the piece is wrapped in the brand’s iconic denim, a staple of its collections since 1978. Diesel Living introduces denim into the world of lighting through devoré, a signature technique developed by Glenn Martens and featured in Diesel’s runway collections. The fabric is artfully arranged to filter light with an interplay of transparency, shadow, and raw materials, transforming classic Diesel denim into a sensory lighting experience.
Photo courtesy of Diesel Living
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY
PABLO GONZÁLEZ
BY ANNA GILCHRIST
THE VISIONARY LENS OF PABLO GONZÁLEZ
IN THE VIBRANT NEW YORK CITY ART SCENE, COLOMBIAN ARTIST PABLO GONZÁLEZ HAS ESTABLISHED HIMSELF AS A VISIONARY IN CONTEMPORARY PHOTOGRAPHY. AS THE PHOTOGRAPHY ART DIRECTOR FOR LUXURY FASHION AND LIFESTYLE BRAND CHROME HEARTS, PABLO’S ARTISTIC EXPRESSION STANDS OUT THROUGH HIS IMAGE-MAKING. HOWEVER, HIS CREATIVE SCOPE EXTENDS WELL BEYOND PHOTOGRAPHY, ENCOMPASSING ART DIRECTION, GRAPHIC DESIGN, AND AUDIOVISUAL WORKS.
Pablo’s journey, a reflection of his various passions, has directly shaped his multifaceted career. He juggled multiple creative disciplines throughout his college years, from assisting artist Amalia Ulman to pursuing graphic design, establishing a strong foundation in the arts at an early age. His vision caught the eye of renowned publications and brands, leading to collaborations with global brands, including L’Officiel, Vogue, GQ, Home in Heaven, Knitwrth, and Orlebar Brown. Each piece of Pablo’s journey is a reflection of the technical mastery and passion behind his works as he continuously pushes the boundaries of artistic expression.
Pablo’s passion for photography sparked during an art class his freshman year of high school. He quickly became captivated by the process of darkroom printing in black and white, recalling the meditative allure of the process. It was a pivotal moment that ignited his dedication to the medium and desire to express himself through visual storytelling.
ASCENSION I, II, III by Pablo González, created for musical artist Paolo Cicilioni’s show “The Boyjane XXXPerience” at Nublu Classic in NYC
Photography by Pablo González for Knitwrth
Photography by Pablo González for Zara Annette
Visual Perspectives
HE ALSO FINDS A UNIQUE MUSE IN AMBIENT MUSIC, CREDITING IT AS A DRIVING FORCE OF INSPIRATION IN HIS WORKS.
His exploration of the audio genre began in 2020 and continues to shape his artistic endeavors today. “It was honestly the thing that inspired me to create sound, which is interesting because photo work doesn’t always necessarily have to deal with sound,” Pablo shares. “Music is a huge moment where I can just let myself be carried away by the sounds.”
French ambient musician Malibu has inspired Pablo’s work since 2021, emphasizing her unique visuals and sound. He also highlights the influence of Café del Mar, the iconic bar in Ibiza regarded as the birthplace of chill house and ambient music, and José Padilla, the pioneering resident DJ at Café del Mar, renowned for his infamous Balearic sound. Growing up along the coastal landscape of Florida, Pablo—now in his mid-twenties—also carries an essence of the beach and the beauty of nature in his creations.
Pablo’s ability to navigate across multiple types of media pushes him to think in new ways, exploring his work both artistically and analytically. “With graphic design, it’s about the layout of the page and making sure there are no orphans and widows, and with audiovisual work, it’s about how we’re going to project, how it’s going to sound, or if there’s going to be clipping with the audio,” he explains, demonstrating the intertwining of his multidisciplinary lens.
Over the years, Pablo’s photography style has evolved, ranging from bold and colorful expressions to more introspective concepts. He embraces his creative evolution, emphasizing his place as a student in the world of photography and non-conformity to a specific style.
“My photography style ebbs and flows, but a lot of my work is honestly very diverse,” he says. “I wouldn’t say I have one specific style, and I’m happy about that because I feel like a lot of people who develop a particular style get boxed into that style early on. They eventually get into a routine of just doing what they’re comfortable with and known for.”
Some of Pablo’s proudest projects trace back to his early career, the genesis of his creative path. He fondly recalls an audiovisual piece he created for the Natural History
This page, clockwise: Musical artist Lara Blanco, aka Judeline; Photography for musical artist Diego Andlovin’s The Sundown Tapes Vol. 3; Above The Pyrénées fine photography by Pablo González
Opposite page, clockwise: The Blue Fishers by Pablo González; The Sound of the Wind, 2023; Frankie Belle Stark, founder of Dipped in Blue Bikinis
Museum of LA. Following COVID, displaying this piece showed him that there is a space to showcase his visuals to the world, as well as his sound. Additionally, he cherishes a school project born during the COVID pandemic, reflecting a moment of intense heartbreak, where he uses his art as a therapeutic remedy. He continues to reflect on these significant pieces in his current work.
Additionally, Pablo credits collaboration as an integral part of his creative process. “I’m really proud of the work that I do with my friends Frankie, Christian, and Anya. It’s all these people and creatives in my community that truly inspire me, and I always love collaborating and working with people.”
For Pablo, success is not merely a personal milestone but a shared journey. Taking a page from the book of Amy Winehouse, he explains, “I was watching her documentary, and she was asked what success means to her, and she said success is being able to work with whoever you want. I think that’s the definition of success and my ultimate dream.”
As he continues shaping his narrative within the realm of the arts, Pablo invites his audience to rethink the interplay of sound and image, pushing the boundary of creativity in contemporary art.
Follow @pablogonzez on Instagram to explore his work.
Embark on an unforgettable vacation with HunterMoss, the standard of excellence in luxury supercar tours. Each bespoke experience is meticulously crafted to blend curated driving routes of elite supercars with world-class gastronomy and hospitality. Discover the Alpine Royale, a once-in-alifetime experience that takes you from Munich to Milan, winding through Northern Italy, Bavaria, and St. Moritz. With breathtaking views and exclusive experiences, this is luxury travel at its finest.
To learn more about HunterMoss or to book a luxury supercar tour, visit HunterMoss.com and follow @huntermoss on Instagram.
Go beyond the standard cruise, the oft-had beach break, and the same old, same old holidays. Rediscover your love for travel as you embark on unforgettable journeys that redefine luxe, including our signature supercar driving holidays.
—HUNTERMOSS
Photo courtesy of HunterMoss
Pearls Sand IN THE
BY MICAH RYAN
MIGNOT & CO BUILDS a Family Legacy
The sound comes first: a soft, rhythmic scrape—leather rolling over a worn wooden board, over and over until it’s smooth, supple, and perfect. It’s the sound of work, but also of ritual—the pulse of the Mignot household, as steady and familiar as the tide.
“I grew up falling asleep to that sound,” Zak Mignot says. “I’d wake up in the middle of the night as a kid and walk downstairs to get a glass of water, and at four in the morning, my dad would be rolling on that board.”
Every family has its heirlooms—silver, china, photographs—but for the Mignots, it’s a rolling board. Smoothed by decades of use, the board has been in the family longer than Zak himself. To him, it feels spiritual—a silent witness to the life his parents, Jean-Noel and Wendy, built together. It carries the weight of thousands of bracelets and necklaces they’ve created, each one a story, each one a life of its own. Every wood grain holds the memory of late nights and early mornings, carrying on a tradition still being made one knot at a time.
Before there was a storefront or a brand name, there was a sailboat—La Maryvonne It was there that Wendy, an artist with a love for collecting shells and sea glass, and
Jean-Noel, a French jeweler with a craftsman’s hands, met and began creating together. They sold their earliest designs along the beaches of the Caribbean, living a nomadic, bohemian life that was as much adventure as it was business. They raised their two children by tide charts and trade winds, letting the ocean shape both their work and their world.
Jean-Noel would often pull young Violet along the beaches in a little wagon as they went from shop to shop and island to island, selling their handmade jewelry. “That’s how it started,” Violet remembers. Customers would ask, “Where’s the French guy with his beautiful wife and kids?” and soon it became clear that the story of the family was as magnetic as the jewelry they made. “They made our business,” Wendy and Jean-Noel recall. “They drew the clientele, they drew the family story—this was before the internet, before cell phones—the good old days.”
Above: The Mignot Family: Violet, Wendy, Jean-Noel, and Zak
Photo by Devin Hayes
Opposite: Wendy Mignot, cofounder of the family business, with her son, Zak
Photo by Sean Murphy
Visual Perspectives
Over the years, their jewelry became something more than a livelihood. Wendy and Jean-Noel’s signature style—lustrous pearls hand-tied on leather rolled to perfection—captured the spirit of the sea and the soul of coastal living. Settling along the Emerald Coast of Florida, their gallery in Seaside, La Vie Est Belle, became a landmark. In this place, travelers and collectors could discover not only the jewelry but also the Mignot story itself.
Decades later, that story is entering a new chapter. With the opening of their new boutique in Grayton Beach, they have reintroduced themselves to the world under a new name: Mignot & Co. The rebrand is more than a fresh sign on the door—it’s a reflection of a business that has grown into a true family affair, one that welcomes Zak and Violet in as the next generation, carrying the legacy forward while shaping its future.
“When we opened the new store, my mom said, ‘I think it’s time to rebrand if you and Zak are going to be a part of it,’” says Violet. “And to me, it’s felt really special. I’ve felt a lot more a part of it since we’ve rebranded, and Zak and I have become the face of it now.”
To understand Mignot & Co, you have to start where every piece of its jewelry starts—at the rolling board. Even as the business has grown, the Mignots’ process has stayed stubbornly analog. “Every piece of jewelry starts with me,” says Zak. “Of course, my dad and I cut it and roll it together, but I do most of the rolling nowadays. He showed me the trade.”
The process appears deceptively simple: they cut the leather, then roll it over and over by hand until it is supple enough to knot and strong enough to last. “Most people don’t hand-roll leather anymore,” says Zak. “They buy it pre-rolled, or it’s half plastic. What we do takes time. It’s a lot harder than people think.”
From there, pearls and stones are drilled and knotted onto the leather one by one, forming bracelets, necklaces, anklets, and more that are instantly recognizable as Mignot creations. Each piece is built to age with its wearer, softening and taking on its own patina over time.
For Violet, the work is deeply personal—an extension of where she grew up. “I have a really deep connection to the ocean from being born on a sailboat,” she says. “To be able to work every single day with materials that come from the sea is a blessing, because that’s where I feel most at home.”
It’s this sense of intimacy and connection that sets Mignot & Co apart. In a world of mass-produced jewelry, each Mignot piece carries not just beauty, but intention. “I hope when people look at our jewelry, they see it’s really from the heart, homemade from me and my family,” says Zak.
Wendy and Jean-Noel Mignot
Photo by Sean Murphy
Below: Zak and Jean-Noel creating a handmade pearl jewelry piece at the Mignot & Co studio
Photo by Devin Hayes
more than branding; it’s a family philosophy, one they’ve quite literally tattooed upon themselves.
At the heart of the rebrand is a truth that resonates far beyond Grayton Beach. “When they buy our jewelry, they're buying a piece of us—our history, our story, our intention, and our love,” Violet says. “It takes days to make every piece, and we’re proud of them all, because you can see us in every one.”
The Grayton Beach flagship store marks a new chapter in the Mignot legacy—a renewal of the family’s vision and a thoughtful reintroduction of their name, bridging decades of tradition with the fresh perspective of the next generation. Part boutique, part homage to a life lived on the water, the gallery showcases jewelry on coral, shells, stones, driftwood, and sculptures, highlighting each piece’s craftsmanship and natural beauty.
“Most people have never seen so many pearls in one place,” says Violet. “People come in and they’re stunned. Then they start to understand what our family does.”
That understanding is key—because the Mignots have never just sold jewelry. They’ve shared a way of life. Their motto—“Live what you love”—is
For Wendy and Jean-Noel, watching their children carry forward the business they built during their adventures of falling in love, raising a family, and pursuing their passions is profoundly moving. “I have the most beautiful children I could have ever dreamed of,” Jean-Noel says softly. “When I see them working, sometimes it just makes me want to cry. I'm so proud.”
Violet shares that same pride, gratitude, and admiration for her parents. “My mom never forced me into it,” she says. “She showed me how to fall in love with having a passion, and now I get to continue her legacy. It's really the greatest blessing ever.”
Their new chapter as Mignot & Co is about more than growth—it’s about preserving the soul of a
The Mignot family outside their new Grayton Beach flagship store on DeFuniak Street
Photo by Micah Ryan
Right: Wendy, Jean-Noel, and baby Violet aboard their sailboat Zoya
Photo courtesy of the Mignot family
family business while helping it evolve. “We’ve brought it to the top,” Wendy says, “and now we can pass the torch.”
The torch—much like the rolling board—carries both the weight of history and the promise of the future. Every scrape of leather on wood, every knot tied, and every long night spent perfecting pieces carries on a family tradition and a legacy decades in the making. The torch is more than a metaphor—it’s a way of life, a belief that passion and craftsmanship are meant to be shared, sustained, and passed on.
Somewhere in the background, the rolling board begins again—steady as the tide whispering just beyond the dunes. Salt air drifts through the open door as seagulls cry overhead, their voices blending with the sound of leather over wood, a quiet soundtrack carrying the Mignot family from sailboats to storefronts, from one generation to the next. The rhythm lingers like a heartbeat, keeping time with a story still being written one pearl at a time.
Visit MignotandCo.com and follow @mignotandco on Instagram to see more, or visit the shop at 85 Defuniak St, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459 (beside Raw & Juicy Café and Hibiscus Guesthouse).
Photo by Micah Ryan
Villa Purcell
In September, Villa Purcell welcomed artists Miguel Osuna, Ann Thornycroft, Jason Trotter, and Yu Xiao, who displayed work throughout thea residence. Visit www.Purcell.design and AtelierPurcell.com to see more.
Minimalist lines, sculptural furnishings, and curated details make Villa Purcell a modern sanctuary.
Created by Alexander Purcell Rodrigues, the Hollywood-style home serves as a residence, art gallery, and Atelier Purcell showroom, a testament to living beautifully in balance.
Photo courtesy of Villa Purcell
BY
MICAH RYAN | PHOTOS BY SAVVIBELLE PHOTOGRAPHY
Stuck in a Fever Dream
12ELEVEN RELEASES SOPHOMORE
very once in a while, a band comes along that doesn’t just reflect the moment—they reshape it. In an era dominated by fleeting trends and algorithm-driven hits, 12Eleven stands apart—carving out a sound that pushes boundaries and defies genre. Rooted in pop, R&B, soul, jazz, funk, hip-hop, and indie, the band draws from a wide range of influences to create something that feels both timeless and ahead of its time. It’s an artful fusion of the familiar and the unexpected— music that moves freely across genres, bridging structure and spontaneity with pop sensibility and jazz-inflected freedom. Their songs pair melodic hooks with unexpected turns, and polished production with intricate arrangements that are as experimental as they are accessible, creating a sound that feels as dynamic and immersive as a fever dream.
With the release of their sophomore EP Fever Dream this August and a Southeast tour underway, 12Eleven is no longer just emerging—they’re arriving. Sharpened by time, grounded in brotherhood, and stepping fully into a moment nearly a decade in the making, this isn’t a band chasing what’s next—they’re helping define it.
“SHARPENED BY TIME, GROUNDED IN BROTHERHOOD, AND STEPPING FULLY INTO A MOMENT NEARLY A DECADE IN THE MAKING, THIS ISN’T A BAND CHASING WHAT’S NEXT—THEY’RE HELPING DEFINE IT.”
The story of 12Eleven began in 2017 at Troy University, where a shared love of music brought a group of friends together. What started as jam sessions and local gigs quickly turned into something deeper. Playing across campus, college towns, and venues throughout the Southeast, the band honed their craft on the road— learning how to entertain a crowd, build a set, and shape their sound in real time.
But the music was only part of what was forming. Through countless shows, late nights, long drives, and creative breakthroughs, a bond was taking shape—one rooted in trust, shared vision, and lived experience. Their connection didn’t come from just the music—it came from growing up together, on and off the stage. That connection now runs through everything they do. It’s in the way they perform on stage, write together, and push one another creatively. Their chemistry isn’t performative—it’s real, and it’s earned. Years of playing together have shaped a creative dynamic that feels more like instinct than structure, serving as the backbone of their sound both on record and on stage.
Their collaborative spirit, built on years of mutual respect and understanding, enables them to push boundaries while maintaining their music’s cohesion and authenticity. As the band often says themselves, 12Eleven is more than a group— it’s a brotherhood.
It’s this brotherhood that shapes their creative DNA. At the heart of 12Eleven’s identity is their refusal to be boxed in. Their sound is a shape-shifting fusion of genres, anchored in groove and soul, but never static. It pulls from decades of influence—pop, R&B, soul, jazz, funk, indie rock, hip-hop, and electronic music—without ever feeling derivative. Instead, it feels like the future meeting the past. Music that honors its influences without being defined by them.
wherever the music wants to go. What starts as a single member’s idea quickly evolves into something larger as the band adds their individual touches, creating a sound that feels cohesive yet constantly changing.
This organic approach reflects the trust and deep connection the band has developed over nearly a decade of performing together. Their chemistry allows them to experiment freely—whether with unconventional song structures or finding new ways to merge genres and engage their audience. This sense of creative freedom ensures that 12Eleven’s music always feels fresh, exciting, and deeply authentic. Each song reflects their shared journey—dynamic, emotionally rich, and unmistakably theirs.
The title of the EP, Fever Dream, is more than a poetic phrase—it’s the way the band has described this season of their lives—“A fever dream in every sense.” Touring, creating, recording, and performing with their best friends has felt surreal, exhilarating, and dreamlike.
It’s that surreal magic that is baked into the EP’s sonic identity. From the opening track to the closing note, the songs shimmer with ambient textures, shifting dynamics, and emotional crescendos. This sense of awe and intensity is mirrored in the project itself, with songs that serve as a sonic snapshot of the highs and lows that come with life on the road.
“THE TITLE OF THE EP, FEVER DREAM, IS MORE THAN A POETIC PHRASE—IT’S THE WAY THE BAND HAS DESCRIBED THIS SEASON OF THEIR LIVES— ‘A FEVER DREAM IN EVERY SENSE.’ TOURING, CREATING, RECORDING, AND PERFORMING WITH THEIR BEST FRIENDS HAS FELT SURREAL, EXHILARATING, AND DREAMLIKE.”
Fever Dream captures not just the tone of the music, but the moment the band is living in right now. It’s exciting, exhausting, deeply meaningful, and impossible to explain fully—like a dream, but real. In every note, the band’s journey unfolds—vivid, exhilarating, and undeniably real. Fever Dream encapsulates the dreamlike quality of their experience while maintaining a grounded connection to their roots.
Every track unfolds like a journey: rich in texture, full of movement, and layered with depth and emotion. One moment you’re riding the warmth of a soulful chord progression; the next, you’re swept into an ambient breakdown or an unexpected rhythmic shift. Their music lives in contrast—dreamlike yet grounded, polished yet raw, experimental yet accessible.
What sets them apart isn’t just what they blend—it’s how they blend it. Soulful vocals, expressive saxophone lines, and tight rhythm sections interweave with atmospheric synths, ethereal guitars, and thoughtful production choices. The result is music that breathes, evolves, and rewards repeat listens. Tracks may begin in one genre and end in another, yet never lose cohesion. This fluidity allows their music to feel at once familiar and entirely new—resonating across genres and generations.
At the core of 12Eleven’s distinctive sound is their collaborative creative process. Each member contributes their unique voice, resulting in a fluid and dynamic songwriting approach built on conversation, improvisation, and an openness to
Rather than chase major-label validation or algorithmic playlists, the band built their own infrastructure—12Eleven Records, an independent label that gives them complete creative control. This autonomy isn’t just about ownership—it’s about intention and long-term vision. It allows the band to create and release music on their terms and prioritize artistry over the attention economy. It’s about creating work that resonates deeply—with themselves and their fans—not just tomorrow, but for years to come.
In an industry often driven by virality and metrics, 12Eleven’s approach is refreshingly deliberate. They aren’t interested in chasing clout or quick fame—they’re building something that lasts.
While 12Eleven’s recorded music showcases their artistry, their live performances showcase their electricity. Years of performing in intimate venues and under openair stages have honed the band’s ability to deliver shows that are both technically
Visual Perspectives
“NEARLY A DECADE IN, THEIR CHEMISTRY IS UNMATCHED, THEIR VISION CLEAR, AND THEIR BEST WORK STILL AHEAD—WIDE AWAKE IN THE MIDDLE OF THEIR FEVER DREAM.”
tight and emotionally explosive. Every performance is a masterclass in timing, tension, and showmanship—a memorable journey that feels as much like an intimate connection as it does a high-powered live experience.
The band’s live sets capture something recordings can’t: the chemistry between players, the spontaneity of real-time collaboration, and the energy exchanged between crowd and stage. Songs stretch, bend, and evolve, immersing the audience into the music.
At the heart of their live energy is the fiery chemistry between Eric on saxophone and Dan on guitar. Known for their intense musical duels, the two trade blistering solos and intricate runs—answering, pushing, and elevating one another in call-and-response lines that swell into thrilling waves of tension and release. Anchoring it all is Pierce and Denver locking in the rhythm section, laying down deep grooves with precision and power, driving each song forward while leaving space for improvisation to breathe. Rising above the instrumental firepower, Eric’s vocals—soulful and commanding—flood each song with raw emotion, carrying the band’s explorations to new heights.
This summer, 12Eleven hit the road for a Southeast tour that felt less like promotion and more like celebration. That spirit was on full display at their recent shows at North Beach Social and Chiringo near Scenic Highway 30-A, where the band delivered some of their sharpest performances yet. “We love having 12Eleven on our bayside stage,” says Jennifer Summers, manager at North Beach Social. “They always bring in a crowd and have a great time, and our locals love them.” Shows
are marked by dynamic interplay, seamless musicianship, and a contagious joy that lights up the atmosphere.
For 12Eleven, the tour isn’t just a victory lap for Fever Dream—it’s a continuation of their journey, a way to connect, evolve, and keep the dream alive, city by city. Now, as the tour unfolds and Fever Dream makes its way into the world, one thing is clear: 12Eleven is on the cusp of something special, with a future full of possibility. Their ability to blend genres, experiment with sound, and create music that feels both timeless and innovative positions them as one of the most exciting new acts to watch in the coming years.
With a tight-knit brotherhood, independent spirit, and passion for pushing musical boundaries, 12Eleven is poised to make its mark not just in the Southeast but across the industry as a whole. As the band continues to evolve, their sound will inspire listeners, push the envelope of genre, and carve out a legacy on their own terms.
Amid a crowded music landscape, 12Eleven stands apart by crafting songs that are emotionally immediate and artistically ambitious. Their fusion of genres feels fearless yet natural, honoring soul, jazz, and funk while pushing pop and R&B into new territory. Nearly a decade in, their chemistry is unmatched, their vision clear, and their best work still ahead—wide awake in the middle of their fever dream.
Follow @12elevenband and @12elevenrecords on Instagram and visit 12ElevenBand.com to learn more. The band’s Fever Dream EP is out now!
Rebel Rebel
The approach to the Maison MIHARA YASUHIRO Autumn/Winter 2025 Collection was to reinvent the core of the brand’s identity, created over the past thirty years. To see more, visit www.MiharaYasuhiro.jp and @miharayasuhiro_official.
Japanese fashion designer Mihara Yasuhiro redefines rebellion with his cult label, Maison MIHARA YASUHIRO. Rugged textures and avant-garde silhouettes blur the line between streetwear and sculpture, proving individuality is the ultimate luxury. Fashion, here, is art in motion.
Love,VIE
Photo by Jumbo Tsui
BY CAITLYN BURRUS
Ria Leigh Gallery began with the shared vision of Rebecca Elliott, Alexandra Hartsfield, and Sharon Hathaway, who wanted to bring something new to the cultural landscape of Northwest Florida's 30-A region.
In July 2025, that vision came to life when the gallery opened its doors in the Shops of Grayton, and it is carving out a place as one of 30-A’s most engaging spaces for contemporary art. Its debut celebration brought together artists, collectors, and the community, setting the tone for what the gallery represents today. From the beginning, the gallery has showcased a wide range of artists whose works span styles, mediums, and perspectives, creating a collection as diverse as the community it serves.
Rebecca and Alex each carry a deep-rooted connection to the art world. Rebecca grew up surrounded by it; her family runs the Elliott Gallery in New Orleans, and her grandfather founded Nahan Galleries. Over the years, she has built her own expertise through consulting, management, and education. Alex followed an academic path, studying Art History and Museum Studies at Florida State University, spending time abroad in Florence, Italy, and working in nonprofit, retail, and consulting roles. Their complementary skills— Rebecca’s curatorial eye and Alex’s organizational and business strengths—shape a gallery that feels both professional and personal.
Ria Leigh Gallery cofounders Alexandra Hartsfield and Rebecca Elliott
The gallery’s guiding phrase, Redefining the Contemporary, sets the tone for its approach. “We want to offer something for everyone,” Rebecca says. “Art should bring joy and fit meaningfully into people’s lives, whatever that looks like for them.” Alex adds, “At the core, we both came into this with a clear sense of how we wanted to run things: support the art, support the artists, and support each other.”
That sense of mission resonated with Sharon Hathaway, who joined them as an investor. A lifelong art collector, she recalls her first purchase more than thirty years ago during a trip to Hawaii. Since then, she has collected pieces wherever she traveled, turning a personal passion into a dream realized through the gallery. “I feel very fortunate to have been able to have this experience,” Sharon says. “I never really thought I’d own an art gallery, but I’m in the stage of my life where I’m able to do what my passion is, and my passion has always been art collection. Rebecca and Alex have been so wonderful at executing that.”
While Sharon’s adventurous taste has helped expand the gallery’s eclectic voice, Rebecca and Alex remain at the heart of its direction. Visitors encounter a diverse collection, from Craig Alan’s witty Populous series to evocative works that capture the essence of the Gulf Coast. The gallery also highlights artists such as Torabi, whose figurative pieces are full of movement, Lun Tse, known for bold contemporary compositions, and Devyn Yeager, whose paintings bring fresh energy to coastal and abstract subjects. Kathleen Broaderick, Taylor Cox, Mark Dickson, and Vincent George also contribute
Alexandra Hartsfield, Sharon Hathaway, and Rebecca Elliott
At the core, we both came into this with a clear sense of how we wanted to run things: support the art, support the artists, and support each other.
to the gallery’s dynamic roster, each adding a distinct voice to the overall collection. “Our strength lies in how personally we connect with both our clients and our artists,” Rebecca explains. “We take the time to understand each client’s style and interests, sourcing works that feel unique and meaningful to them.” Their programming also reflects this philosophy. Rebecca recalls the energy of their August Local Artist Showcase, which featured Kristine Senft, John Maher, and Michael Scott. Looking ahead, their October exhibition with Craig Alan promises to continue that spirit of curiosity and connection.
For Rebecca and Alex, Ria Leigh is not only a gallery but also a cultural anchor for 30-A. They envision expanding into commercial consulting, helping businesses curate environments that inspire creativity and warmth. Sharon hopes the gallery will continue to be a force in showcasing local talent while drawing collectors from far beyond the Emerald Coast. “If you step into the gallery, you already share something with everyone else there: a
love of art,” Alex says. “That’s a powerful starting point for building community.”
With its roots in passion and its future anchored in possibility, Ria Leigh Gallery is more than a space to view art. It is a canvas for community, connection, and creativity; a place where color blooms by the beach.
For more information, visit RiaLeighGallery30A.com, follow along on Instagram at @RiaLeighGallery30A, or stop by the Shops of Grayton, 26 Logan Lane, Unit F, Grayton Beach, Florida.
Located in the colorful Shops of Grayton, Ria Leigh Gallery houses work from a varied collection of contemporary artists working in abstract, pop art, sculpture, landscapes, and more.
by Emily
Photo
Ellis
To book a stay at Qasr Al Sarab Resort by Anantara, visit Anantara.com and follow @anantaraqasralsarab on Instagram.
Discover the serene beauty of the Liwa Desert at Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort, peacefully perched among the dunes of the Empty Quarter, the largest uninterrupted sand desert in the world. As time slows, unwind in Ezba, the cultural heart of the resort and a tribute to the Emirati heritage that has shaped the land. Ezba invites guests to dive into the stories of the desert and connect with age-old traditions passed down through generations. Whether journeying across the Rub’ al Khali by camelback or dining beneath boundless desert skies, every detail is designed to meld with the natural beauty of the landscape. At Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Resort, the desert is redefined as a symbol of luxury and Abu Dhabi excellence.
Photo courtesy of Anantara
A SCOTTISH SOJOURN at MAR HALL
BY ANNA GILCHRIST
COURTESY OF
MAR HALL GOLF & SPA RESORT
Among acres of ancient woodlands and the winding River Clyde, just minutes from Glasgow, lies the prestigious Mar Hall Gold & Spa Resort, its walls saturated with the extravagant tales of Scottish high society.
PHOTOGRAPHY
ince its inception in 1828, Mar Hall has brought an inimitable charm to the West of Scotland. At its debut in the nineteenth century, the estate stood apart for its daring Gothic ambition, so strikingly distinct from the neoclassical architecture that otherwise dominated the Scottish landscape.
Mar Hall has lived three lives, its story woven through the threads of home, hospital, and hospitality. Designed by renowned architect Sir Robert Smirke, Mar Hall was initially built as the grand house of Lord Blantyre and his wife, Fanny. Lord Blantyre dreamed of a welcoming space for friends and family to gather, drawing inspiration from his many travels across Europe. Tragically, Lord Blantyre passed before the completion of his home. His beloved wife, Fanny, carried forth his vision, bringing the halls of the estate to life with lavish soirees and grand balls that hosted Scotland’s elite.
Refined venues for dining and drinks abound at Mar Hall, including the newly finished Dining Room, the Gallery, the Library, and the stylish Slainté Bar (far opposite).
“Rather than merely preserving the past, they chose to reinterpret it, reviving the exotic style that once defined the estate.”
s the twentieth century unfolded, the estate assumed a new role. During wartime, Mar Hall became a hospital, providing a sanctuary of care to those who passed through. By 2004, the estate Mar Hall naturally progressed into a hotel, marking the beginning of its era in hospitality.
Now, Mar Hall has embarked on its latest chapter, honoring its reputation in hospitality. An ambitious £20 million refurbishment has breathed new life into the historic estate. This renewal, however, defied the typical transition of a Scottish luxury
hotel. While most estates are treated as museum pieces, showcasing history in a very formal manner, the creative team at Mar Hall took a different approach. Rather than merely preserving the past, they chose to reinterpret it, reviving the exotic style that once defined the estate.
Jim Hamilton, creative director at Graven and lead designer of the renovation, grounded his approach in the vibrancy of the estate’s legacy. They retraced the footsteps of Fanny Blantyre, imagining how the rooms had once functioned during the days of lavish parties and high society. Instead of downplaying
the drama of the estate, he drew inspiration from it, layering rich colors, patterns, and textures through a contemporary lens.
“We took cues from the Victorian appetite for the theatrical, while grounding the palette in the shifting light and seasons of the West of Scotland, so the interiors feel connected to both the building’s history and its surroundings,” Hamilton explains.
While most draw on tartan, antlers, and the Highland lodge aesthetic to convey Scottish heritage, Mar Hall takes an unconventional approach. Its character is a reinterpretation of the rebellious spirit of Glasgow and grand Victorian heritage, bringing a new meaning to “Scottish aesthetic.” Guests capture this immediately on arrival when they’re met by a sweeping, carpeted staircase framed by towering parlor palms—a direct nod to the Victorian era of plant hunting. This ornate entrance hall ties Mar Hall’s story to a broader cultural moment while giving visitors a strikingly unconventional welcome.
“The creative team infused each room with its own personality and theatrics.”
The creative team infused each room with its own personality and theatrics, layered with contemporary design pieces and bespoke fabrics and wallpapers by Timorous Beasties. Every space rekindles a part of Mar Hall’s storied past, allowing guests to uncover its history within each room.
As Hamilton puts it, “The strength of the original features gave us the confidence to be bold, setting up a dialogue between heritage and modernity rather than letting one fade into the background.”
utside, the exterior mirrors the boldness of the interior, with winding paths through lush woodlands and fragrant rose gardens. The landscape itself is an expression of the estate’s story, drawing from the beauty of the countryside and its ever-changing seasons. The entire property flows together to defy conformity, feeling
unapologetically unique while still honoring the architectural journey it began nearly two centuries ago.
Hamilton reflects, “Standing among the trees at the foot of the Old Kilpatrick Hills, with the River Clyde meandering past, Mar Hall draws its character and power from both its history and its setting.”
Today, Mar Hall invites its guests to linger in the evolving story of this remarkable Scottish estate, wandering through the layers where past and present collide.
For more information or to book a stay, please visit MarHall.com or follow @marhallresort on Instagram.
At its core, Wayfairer believes travel should be meaningful. Every journey is designed with intention, crafted to connect travelers with the world and create memories that last a lifetime. Experience an unforgettable twelve-day adventure that begins with a safari across Kenya’s iconic Masai Mara, followed by a week on a private island in the turquoise waters of the Seychelles. Every detail is tailor-made to fit your style of travel, from game driving through Mara North Conservancy to diving off the coast of Alphonse Island. With Wayfairer, the beauty of the journey lies in the ease of seamless service and support.
To see more from Wayfairer Travel or to book a trip, visit WayfairerTravel.com and follow @wayfairertravel on Instagram.
At Wayfairer, we believe travel should change you for the better and leave the places you visit better as well. It is a privilege to explore this world, and with that comes a responsibility to do it thoughtfully.
—JASON STEVENS, WAYFAIRER TRAVEL CEO
Photo courtesy of Giraffe Manor and Wayfairer Travel
ong before The Marlene Inn became a restored 1910 mansion filled with French wine, layered tapestries, and antique mirrors catching light in all the right ways, it existed first as a vision Lily Barfield nurtured quietly for years. She would sometimes mention the idea half-jokingly, and other times with a quiet determination, but always with the certainty that hospitality was in her cards.
Barfield had already built a devoted following through Lily’s Vintage Finds, her Instagram shop, where she shared antique pieces sourced from flea markets, small Southern towns, and, later, full container trips to France.
“I started out hunting antiques for myself, then for friends, and eventually for Lily’s Vintage Finds on Instagram,” Barfield explains. “I was (and still am) sourcing everywhere from faraway flea markets to sleepy antique malls. I never set out to build a brand, per se. But I think people began following along because they enjoyed watching the journey of sourcing these pieces just as much as they loved the beautiful pieces themselves. My online following grew quickly, and I was able to begin taking trips over to France to source containers full of antiques. I pinched myself every day because I could’t believe this was my real job.”
Being a Louisiana native, raised in a family that made hospitality feel like second nature, hosting, gathering, and making people feel welcome were just part of life for Barfield. “It’s always been about more than just collecting antiques—it’s
about the feeling they create: the way a centuries-old piece makes a room feel storied and welcoming. It encourages storytelling and gathering. With The Marlene, I wanted to capture that atmosphere. A place to gather, slow down, share a cocktail, and experience that mix of warmth and history that makes Southern hospitality so special.”
A place to gather, slow down, share a cocktail, and experience that mix of warmth and history that makes Southern hospitality so special.
For years, Barfield had been casually scrolling real estate listings in different cities, searching for something that was calling her. A New Orleans location was the original vision and always held her heart, but one day, something unexpected popped up closer to home.
“One day, this Neoclassical mansion popped up right in our own neighborhood in Houston,” she recalls. “With its beautiful columns, big porches, and crepe myrtles in full bloom, it was impossible to ignore. We scheduled a tour immediately, and when we stepped inside, we both just knew this was the place. It was a feeling that’s hard to describe, but it was strong enough to prompt us to dive headfirst into this crazy idea I’d been dreaming up for years. I hope it brings a little piece of Louisiana charm into the Montrose neighborhood. There are so many Louisiana natives in Houston, and I just love it when they visit and say, ‘I feel like I’m back in New Orleans!’”
Bringing the home back to life was not as simple as adding a fresh coat of paint or hanging pretty wall decor, but rather a challenging project to balance both preservation and functionality. “We wanted to respect the house’s original bones, and working with the Houston Office of Preservation was such a gift,” Barfield says. “We were able to learn about the many lives this home has lived, from a private residence to a B&B and more. At the same
Left: Lily Barfield, owner of Lily’s Vintage Finds and now the proud owner and lead designer of The Marlene Inn in Houston
Right: Bar Madonna at The Marlene is a perfect spot where locals and guests alike can gather to celebrate French wine, great cocktails, and storytelling in a beautiful setting.
time, bringing a 1910 mansion up to today’s safety standards and reworking spaces like the kitchen, baths, and, of course, Bar Madonna, definitely kept us on our toes. Some days it felt like the house was testing us, just to make sure we were serious about her. But every time we solved one of those puzzles, it felt like she was letting us in a little more, and now I like to think she approves.”
Rather than starting with renderings or swatches, Barfield let the antiques lead the way. “I went to France with a loose wish list of what we’d need— armoires, chairs, lighting, pieces with presence—but no strict plan. I just bought what I loved, and those finds ended up shaping each room.” Naming the inn also came naturally, honoring both her grandmother and her middle name. “My grandmother was from a small town in Louisiana, and she’s probably the source of my headstrong nature. She was a fiercely competitive tennis player and a talented art teacher. In her retirement, she settled onto a working farm raising goats, donkeys, and other animals. For a project like this that required so much perseverance and creativity, I couldn’t imagine a more apt namesake. I wish she were still around to see what she inspired me to build.”
As one of the most frequently asked-about pieces, the settee in the Mia Suite at the inn is one of Barfield’s personal favorites. It has a gilded carved frame and green chinoiserie fabric with pops of aqua and marigold that set the tone for the entire room. It is a statement piece that feels timeless and genuinely one of a kind, just like The Marlene Inn. One of the most unexpected centerpieces of the house is Bar Madonna, the inn’s elegant cocktail lounge anchored by a towering ten-foot Madonna
Lily Barfield carefully selected each piece of furniture and art through her travels to flea markets and French antique markets for every space within The Marlene Inn.
The Marlene Inn is a gracious home where guests can truly relax, stay a while, and feel like part of something special.
painting. “For us, cocktails are about sharing stories, laughs, and little celebrations, so a place to gather and serve others felt essential,” Barfield shares. “The mood is layered and moody with antique mirrors and chandeliers, like a European cocktail lounge. It’s open to guests and locals, and on weekends, it gets lively in the best way. My current favorite cocktail is the Southeastern, made with Holy Trinity bitters, but we also pour an all-French wine list, which suits the space.”
More than anything, Barfield wanted The Marlene to feel like a pause from the everyday, a place where guests could slow down and soak in a sense of warmth and welcome. Whether enjoying coffee in the sunroom, sipping wine under the oak trees, or sharing a cocktail at Bar Madonna, every detail was meant to create an atmosphere of comfort and beauty where no one felt rushed. She drew inspiration from her mother, who could turn any visit into a day-long gathering filled with joy, laughter, and hospitality.
“The details matter, but it’s really about how the space makes you feel: welcome, surrounded by beauty, and not in any rush to leave. My mom really exemplified this way of entertaining when I was growing up. We often had visitors stop by that would end up staying all day because my mom always created a home that was so warm, welcoming, and most importantly, fun. I think if we can capture even a fraction of her joie de vivre at The Marlene, we’ve done something right.”
After living with these antiques and her vision for so long, seeing guests respond to The Marlene is deeply fulfilling. What started as a dream is now a reality, and every reaction confirms it was worth the leap. Barfield says the key to a project like this is trusting your instincts, as some of her best decisions came from following her gut and choosing pieces that did not fit a pre-set plan. For her, the heart of a brand comes from authenticity, and staying true to her vision made it all come together.
Now that the inn has found its rhythm, new chapters are already in the works. Plans to host events and celebrations are on the horizon, offering yet another way for people to experience its charm. At its core, The Marlene is a family endeavor. Living a few blocks away, with her husband and family involved in every aspect, this is a personal project Barfield has built with love. The Marlene Inn is a gracious home where guests can truly relax, stay a while, and feel like part of something special.
To book your stay and for more information on The Marlene Inn, visit TheMarlene.com and follow @themarlene_htx on Instagram.
The SEASIDE® story celebrating the town's entrepreneurial spirit, as told through the perspectives of cofounder/visionary Daryl Rose Davis, VP of The Seaside Style® Erica Pierce, and many more.
PHOTO OP!
Museum Garage by Terence Riley, WORKac, J. Mayer H., Clavel Arquitectos, Nicolas Buffe, and architectural firm K/R (Keenen/Riley)
Story
and photography courtesy of Miami Design District
ART & STYLE MEET IN MIAMI’S MOST FASHIONABLE DISTRICT
MIAMI DESIGN DISTRICT (MDD) IS ONE OF MIAMI’S MOST VISUALLY CAPTIVATING NEIGHBORHOODS AND IS HOME TO SOME OF THE CITY’S MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE MOMENTS.
This dynamic hub, where art, architecture, fashion, and culture intersect, offers a mix of iconic installations, striking storefronts, and hidden gems. From Buckminster Fuller’s unique Fly’s Eye Dome to the stunning, awardwinning Museum Garage , known for its bold architecture and innovative design, MDD is filled with photo-worthy moments that inspire photographers, influencers, and shoppers worldwide. Check out some of the most “Insta-worthy” spots to stop for a photo op while you’re exploring!
Nuage by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec
Fly’s Eye Dome By Buckminster Fuller
Louis Vuitton Men’s Facade
Museum Garage By Terence Riley, WORKac, J. Mayer H., Clavel Arquitectos, Nicolas Buffe and architectural firm K/R (Keenen/Riley)
2024 Annual Design Commission By Nicole Nomsa Moyo, Pearl Jam
Tiffany & Co. Facade By Damien Hirst
Le Corbusier By Xavier Veilhan
Cult Gaia Facade By Michael Chandler
Steel Alley By Daniel Toole
Dollar A Gallon By Virgil Abloh
Jokester By Paula Crown
Playground – Museum Garage
Sou Fujimoto Facade
Nuage By Ronan And Erwan Bouroullec
Blu Scarpa Facade
Colonial Day Sale: What Are You Gonna Do, If You Like A Woman And Your Mama No Like Am? By April Bey
Bus Stop By Urs Fischer
Allegra By Antonyo Marest
Jade Alley By Daniel Toole Visit MiamiDesignDistrict.com and follow on Instagram @miamidesigndistrict to see more!
Louis Vuitton Men’s Facade
Le Corbusier by Xavier Veilhan
Dollar A Gallon by Virgil Abloh
Fly’s Eye Dome by Buckminster Fuller
Lori Morris Design, based in Toronto, Canada, is a globally recognized leader in luxury residential and commercial interior design. The firm has cultivated an illustrious reputation for unparalleled craftsmanship and extraordinary attention to detail. Visit LoriMorris.com to learn more.
Urban Opulence
Designer Lori Morris brings glamour to life with her bold, unapologetic style. In her project
Urban Opulence, sculptural lighting, layered textures, and striking artwork turn the everyday into an experience. Drama meets comfort in a space designed to be as livable as it is luxurious.
Photo by Brandon Barré Photography
The Black Lotus
An Exclusive New Venue in Pt. Washington
By Jordan Staggs
by Hunter Burgtorf
When Caroline Mowry launched her coastal lifestyle and entertainment company, CC.BOONE, in 2018, she didn’t have a blueprint for how she imagined it would look in 2025—only a passion for gathering people to enjoy beauty, great food, and connection near the whitesand beaches of the Gulf.
hat started as an inspired experiment soon blossomed into one of the Scenic Highway 30-A area’s most sought-after lifestyle brands. From chef-led dinners to dreamy coastal weddings, CC.BOONE events are known for their effortless elegance and soulful ambience. Now, the
Photography
brand has added an exclusive new property to its roster: The Black Lotus, a private event venue unlike any other in the area.
Nestled alongside a quiet canal in Point Washington, The Black Lotus is a residence that stops guests in their tracks. Its moody exterior and serene natural setting draw you in, and once inside or among the garden, every detail is carefully curated. Mowry describes it as “one of those homes you walk by and crave to know what the interiors are like.” With its thoughtful and gorgeous design, it’s no wonder. The space is equal parts dramatic and inviting—a perfect backdrop for unforgettable gatherings.
The idea to transform The Black Lotus into an event venue came from Mowry’s longtime friend and neighbor, Keith Flippo, the home’s owner and a founding member of The Premier Property Group real estate agency in South Walton. The two share a love for design, hospitality, and a great dinner party, so partnering felt like a natural next step. “We dreamed up the idea of sharing Keith’s incredible home with our event guests and knew it would be a wonderful fit and even better adventure,” Mowry says. “My vision for CC.BOONE was always rooted in collaboration with creatives and visionaries. From our in-house chef, Bill Leavy,
to longtime collaborator Makenzi Grau, everyone who works with CC.BOONE has the most incredible creative energy. It fuels CC.BOONE and, we hope, our guests.”
The debut event at the property was a collaboration with Open Fire 30A, an outdoor open-fire dining concept by husband-and-wife culinary duo Nico and Ingrid Sanchez. Guests were treated to a live fire and feast under the stars and canopy of trees, with the flicker of flames and the beauty of the canal off the Choctawhatchee Bay setting the scene. “It all came together so organically,” Mowry recalls.
“The Black Lotus has so many beautiful outdoor moments, and it was the perfect backdrop for such an interactive dining experience.”
“The Black Lotus has so many beautiful outdoor moments, and it was the perfect backdrop for such an interactive dining experience.”
Designed as both a venue and a retreat, The Black Lotus offers a three-bedroom, three-bath home that sleeps eight, complete with a bridal suite and groom’s lounge. For weddings, the property accommodates up to seventy-five guests, striking an ideal balance between intimacy and celebration. Beyond weddings, it’s a versatile space for chef dinners, stylish soirées, and private stays where the event itself feels like an extension of the home.
Above and opposite left: The inaugural CC.BOONE event at The Black Lotus was held in partnership with Open Fire 30A. Guests enjoyed an alfresco dinner cooked over the fire, entertainment, and beautiful views.
Opposite right: Caroline Mowry, Walker Lee, Sara Aguilar, Alli Bell, and Emerson Lee
hile CC.BOONE is no stranger to stunning venues—from Raw & Juicy in Alys Beach to the wide-open beauty of 30A’s beaches—The Black Lotus represents something fresh. It’s exclusive, soulful, and infused with Mowry’s signature touch and Flippo’s love of hospitality and great design. It’s a place rooted in simplicity and connection.
As Mowry continues to expand her lifestyle brand with new offerings—including a ticketed dinner series, At the Table With CC.BOONE, and the launch of CC.BOONE VINTAGE, a hand-sewn fashion collection. “I’m over the moon to debut CC.BOONE VINTAGE with a twenty-onepiece, hand-made, pre-fall collection this October,” Mowry expounds. “Every piece is crafted from hand-selected vintage fabrics and hand-sewn locally, making it incredibly sustainable but wonderfully elevated. In true CC.BOONE fashion, we’ll release the collection of one-of-a-kind pieces at the first installation of our dinner series.”
“The Black Lotus is the perfect addition to herald where the brand is headed.”
The Black Lotus is the perfect addition to herald where the brand is headed. “Sharing the simple beauty of a coastal and culinary-infused life is a privilege,” Mowry says. “With The Black Lotus, we get to do that in an entirely new way.” And it’s just one step in the continuing evolution of the brand. “I’m also excited to expand the ways CC.BOONE shares our quintessential coastal-plus-culinary lifestyle—think hand-selected goods, curated travel itineraries, or resort-like cottage stays.” We can’t wait to see what’s next!
Visit ccboonestyled.com and follow @cc.boone on Instagram to learn more. The brand is expanding its venue portfolio and considering applications for venueappropriate residences for white-glove experiences (both for guests and hosts). Email ccboonestyled@gmail.com to learn more.
PRIVATE RESIDENCE
Heritage Dunes, Seagrove Beach, Florida
WHERE TIME SLOWS DOWN
Inside Bungalows Key Largo
BY ANNA SIMPSON PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BUNGALOWS KEY LARGO
WHEN IT COMES TO ALL-INCLUSIVE
EXPERIENCES,
BUNGALOWS
KEY
LARGO TAKES THE coconut cake.
S
urrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and draped in tropical greenery, this adultsonly escape is a little slice of barefoot luxury—and trust me, it’s precisely the kind of getaway that makes you forget what day it is.
Tucked away on 11.5 waterfront acres in the northernmost key, the resort is all about slowing down, tuning out, and tapping into your most relaxed self. Each of the 135 bungalows (yes, they’re actual bungalows, not hotel rooms disguised with fancy names) is its own little sanctuary, with private verandas, outdoor soaking tubs, rain showers, and cruiser bikes to get you around the lush, garden-lined property. There are waterfront bungalows too, if you’re into waking up with bay views and a salty breeze.
and a range of activities perfect for those seeking
Bungalows Key Largo is located on the scenic Buttonwood Sound, with a white-sand beach
relaxation with a side of waterfront adventure.
And while you could spend your whole stay lounging in a cabana or floating in the Zen Pool, there’s also plenty to do if you’re feeling active—or just curious. The resort offers everything from snorkeling and eco-tours to kayaking and sunset sails. You can paddle out and spot manatees in the morning, hop on a tiki boat with your friends in the afternoon, and end the day with a quiet catamaran cruise.
Now, let’s talk food. This isn’t your typical allinclusive scene. Think beachside margaritas and fresh seafood at Sea Señor, breakfast buffets and local favorites at Fish Tales, and a proper steakhouse vibe at Bogie & Bacall’s—which feels like something out of a vintage movie, complete with a grand bar and candlelit tables. And yes, there’s a Sunset Tiki Bar open all day, because what’s a tropical vacation without a frozen drink in hand?
If you’re more wellness than wild, the Zen Garden Spa is unreal. We’re talking eucalyptus steam rooms, salt therapy lounges, and outdoor treatment cabanas where you can get a massage with ocean views. There’s also yoga on the beach every morning, and a cute little open-air fitness hut with Pelotons and treadmills, for those of us who like to sneak in a sweat even on vacation.
Bungalows Key Largo isn’t a party resort. It’s more of a “sleep in, drink rosé at lunch, watch the sunset in your robe” kind of place. It’s perfect for couples, girls’ trips, or solo travelers who want peace with a side of paddleboarding.
Just sixty miles from Miami, it’s the kind of destination that feels far away from everything—but in the best possible way.
Visit BungalowsKeyLargo.com to learn more and book your stay.
“We’re
—Chef Jim Shirley
Bon appétit!
THE ESSENCE OF LIFE
Just off Union Square, La Dong is quickly becoming one of New York City’s favorite dining destinations. This Vietnamese gem cleverly reimagines the nation’s street food and traditional classics, already earning Michelin Guide recognition within just a year of opening. La Dong recently debuted its “Liquor Luck” cocktail program, inspired by Southeast Asian flavors and stories, perfectly crafted to complement the bold, aromatic dishes of the restaurant. La Dong is also the only restaurant in New York City to brew Bai Hoi, a Vietnamese unfiltered, fresh draft beer. La Dong marries its authentic regional roots with modern city flair, offering an exceptional culinary journey.
Photo courtesy of La Dong
GAME ON! A Reimagined Sports Bar
ome spaces feel instantly familiar yet refreshingly new, striking a balance between nostalgia and creativity, comfort and design. Scout Sports Tavern is one of those places. Set in Watersound Town Center just north of Scenic Highway 30-A in Northwest Florida, it’s the latest venture from husband-and-wife duo Jeremy and Angela Walton, who previously brought the community gathering spots The Citizen and Fonville Press to Alys Beach. With Scout, they’ve turned their attention to reinventing the American sports bar, giving it a fresh identity without losing its soul.
“Scout was an opportunity to reimagine the idea of a sports bar, something that is very beloved and familiar to so many,” Jeremy says. “But could we create something nostalgic, comfortable, and slightly more refined?”
Even the name carries intention. Angela explains, “For me, Scout was the perfect name. In the world of sports, there exists for every team someone whose sole focus is to identify talent and work to recruit them to help build a winning program. For us, the name also celebrates every individual on our team in every location who is there every day, caring for our guests and each other.” That sense of teamwork has become the thread that runs through everything the Waltons do. Each of their Quest Hospitality Concepts locations carries a guiding spirit; The Citizen feels adventurous, Fonville Press feels communal, and Scout feels like a rallying point for play. It’s less about taglines and more about the invitation: come as you are, and join the team.
Scout Sports Tavern recently opened at Watersound Town Center in Florida.
tep inside, and the atmosphere is both striking and inviting. Scout feels like a collage of classic American design moments, a “mixtape,” as Jeremy describes it. Luxurious leather seating rests comfortably beside a 1979 Harlem Globetrotters pinball machine, sawdust shuffleboard tables call out to guests, and the walls are lined with vintage Sports Illustrated covers, mailing labels intact. A 1940s-era Fair Play basketball scoreboard still flickers to life in the Game Lounge, anchoring the sense of playful nostalgia. Nowhere in sight will you find modern athletes; the Waltons chose to feature only those who played before 1985, a deliberate nod to the timeless spirit of sport. The result is a space that feels as stylish as it is comfortable, where guests are encouraged to settle in for a cocktail, a meal, or the big game.
That balance of familiarity and refinement extends to the menu. “If people have to use Google to figure out what a dish is, we missed the mark,” Jeremy says with a laugh. Early standouts include onion rings with hot honey, steak and frites, and a Gulf-fresh take on fish and chips made with locally caught snapper. Even staples like nachos and wings are sourced with the same care as the steaks, showcasing partnerships with regional farmers and fishermen. “It really is about taking familiar food and delivering the very best version of it,” he adds.
The same philosophy inspired the cocktail program, created in collaboration with Better Together Beverage—led by founder Christine Tarpey—and Quest Hospitality beverage director Tyler Faust. Together, they developed a menu that is clever, approachable, and crafted with the same attention to detail as the food. “Our goal was to showcase classic sports cocktails reimagined, as well as a few curated recipes we knew would become Scout favorites,” Christine explains. Drinks like the Three Pointer, a nod to basketball and its three-ingredient simplicity, and the Wimby Cup, a refreshing twist on Wimbledon’s official cocktail, offer a playful sense of discovery. At the same time, The Catcher and the Rye, a bold Old Fashioned served atop a vintage baseball card, has quickly earned a cult following. Christine adds, “All of our drinks are made with fresh fruit juices, all of our garnishes are prepared in-house, and the cocktail recipes aim to please all palates.”
Top left: Quest Hospitality beverage director Tyler Faust behind the bar at Scout Sports Tavern
Right and opposite: The gathering spot’s design pays homage to the classic sports bar with a modern, refined twist.
eyond game-day dining, Scout has been designed as a proper gathering place. On fall weekends, the team will host backyard-style cookouts on the patio, complete with burgers, hot dogs, and frozen cocktails, while future events will spotlight local charities. “We really try to create community gathering spots,” Jeremy says. “We want Scout to be fun and playful, a very active and comfortable space coupled with a commitment to quality and details.”
For the Waltons, the greatest reward is watching the concept come alive through the people who bring it to life every day. “More than anything, we celebrate and appreciate our teams,” Jeremy emphasizes. “Our associates who come to work every day are the ones who build genuine relationships and create memorable experiences.”
As Scout Sports Tavern settles into the community, the Waltons remain focused on consistency and quality, believing the rest will follow naturally. Angela shares, “We have been so grateful for how the local community has been so supportive and welcoming. We hope to continue to have the opportunity to create more landmark places here.”
At Scout, they’ve created just that: a tavern that blends art, sport, and storytelling, while inviting everyone to come together. At its heart, it’s an open invitation that says, “Let’s play.”
Ready to play? Visit ScoutSportsTavern.com or follow @scoutsportstavern on Instagram for menus, game-day specials, and more.
TOP 3
Must-Try Cocktails at Scout
The bar at Scout Sports Tavern is more than just a place to watch the game; it’s where nostalgia meets craftsmanship. Curated by Christine Tarpey of Better Together Beverage and beverage director Tyler Faust, the cocktail menu features clever sports-inspired twists. Here are three standout sips you won’t want to miss:
Catcher and the Rye
A spirit-forward Old Fashioned with a Scout twist, this cocktail is served atop a vintage baseball card, doubling as its coaster. Bold, balanced, and full of personality, it’s quickly become a guest favorite.
Honey Deuce
A refreshing crowd-pleaser, this cocktail swaps vodka for silver rum, rounding out raspberry and lemon notes with a honeydew melon ball garnish that looks like a miniature tennis ball. It’s playful, light, and ideally suited for toasting with friends.
The Three Pointer
Basketball fans will love this clever nod to the game: a three-ingredient, one-knockout cocktail. It’s simple, classic, and emblematic of Scout’s approach—elevated yet approachable, with a wink of nostalgia.
Embark on the Châteaux & Champagne Supercar Tour by HunterMoss, an exquisite journey through the renowned wine regions of Beaujolais, Burgundy, and Champagne.
Designed for food and wine connoisseurs, this tour pairs the world’s most iconic supercars with a thoughtfully chosen selection of epicurean experiences from Lyon to Épernay. Winding through the rolling French countryside, you’ll encounter grand châteaux, enchanting French villages, and hills lined with grape vines. This is the essence of French excellence.
To learn more about HunterMoss or to book a luxury supercar tour, visit HunterMoss.com and follow @huntermoss on Instagram.
Photo courtesy of HunterMoss
Journey through a series of renowned French wine regions in celebration of the legendary guide that brought driving and gastronomy together—Michelin.
WHERE ART MEETS APPETITE
Step off Second Avenue in the East Village and prepare to enter a world where ink and imagination collide.
nce inside—and even passing by on the sidewalk—guests are met with walls, floors, tables, chairs, flowers, and yes, even the bathroom, with outlines drawn by hand in bold black strokes against stark white, creating the illusion that you’ve entered a two-dimensional comic strip.
The concept for Shirokuro was born from cofounder James Lim’s travel experiences in Asia, where he came across the 2D restaurant trend that took over Seoul back in 2017. Inspired by the spaces he saw, James partnered with Alex Kim, and the duo decided to bring something similar to New York.
BY KATIE OGLETREE PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF SHIROKURO NYC
The artist behind Shirokuro’s line drawings is Mirim Yoo, who drew inspiration from Japanese ink paintings.
“We didn’t want it to be like wallpaper,” Lim says. “We wanted to have the artist’s hands in every aspect of the restaurant, from the walls to the floors to the tables and chairs. That way it’s not mass-produced.”
Shirokuro’s menu features a range of sushi, nigiri, appetizers, cocktails, and more, with omakase options so guests can try a little of everything!
The hands behind the artwork belong to Mirim Yoo. It took her three months to complete the entire space—using a marker. Her designs draw on Japanese ink painting techniques, which help give the interiors a fluid, expressive look despite the large scale. She didn’t mind imperfection; in fact, she embraced it, leaving slight irregularities, uneven lines, and visible brushstrokes in the landscape of lines and doodles. They were intentional and became part of what gives the space such a strong personality and energy. It was also important for people to know someone created this all by hand, inviting them into a black-and-white world like no other.
“It’s a head-turner for sure,” says Alex Kim of the dining and cocktails destination.
The menu doesn’t hurt its popularity, either. Shirokuro is a sushi and Japanese omakase-focused restaurant. The decor gets people in the door, but the food often outdelivers their expectations. The chef-selected menu offers a variety of sushi, nigiri, appetizers, and more. Get the ten-course omakase meal for $50 or a sixteen-course option for $80. A la carte gives you three rolls for $25. Classic fresh fish such as amberjack and tuna are available, while added touches like minced tuna topped with caviar offer an adventurous take on tradition.
The space has also expanded since its opening back in March of this year. Boka NYC, the St. Mark’s staple, relocated to the speakeasy-like backroom. The ambience is a moody, dark color palette and a menu focused on modern Korean cuisines like shrimp fried rice and Korean fried chicken. A trip into the basement level leads guests to a continuation of the artwork from upstairs, with even more photo opportunities.
A month after opening, Shirokuro gained over 25,000 followers on Instagram as its 2D concept caught the eyes of people around the world. A few months later, it began going viral on TikTok almost weekly. We are living in an era where it’s essential to stand out from the crowd to achieve success. Shirokuro is proof that you can not only create a buzz with unique, out-of-the-box ideas, but also keep people coming back for the quality food and drinks.
To learn more or book a reservation, visit ShirokuroNYC.com and follow @shirokuronyc on Instagram.
For more information, visit KidSuper.com and Hublot.com, and follow @kidsuper and @hublot on Instagram.
Inspirations
IMAGINE MORE
Luxury Swiss watchmaker Hublot has teamed up with Brooklyn-based streetwear brand KidSuper, intersecting sport, culture, and artistic expression. For KidSuper founder Colm Dillane, a former professional soccer player, football (soccer) has always been a defining influence in his creative direction. Hublot, the first watchmaker to take to the football field and longtime Official Timekeeper of many global matches, is extending its legacy with KidSuper. Together, the two brands have unveiled a new football pitch atop KidSuper World in Williamsburg, an ode to their shared passion for the game. To kick off the partnership, Dillane designed a custom referee board for the pitch, embodying KidSuper’s ethos as a space where sport, design, and storytelling converge.
Photo courtesy of Hublot
Presence Over Productivity
By Meghan Ryan Asbury
Many of us live with a seemingly never-ending demand for productivity. As an oldest child, Type-A perfectionist, I often find myself putting so much weight on how much I get done in a day. The to-do lists never seem to get done. Then, in an effort to distract myself from my shortcomings, I scroll through social media only to see everyone showing off their latest “life hacks” and product must-haves:
• How to meal prep in 30 minutes or less.
• Find your best working hours to get the most done.
• These supplements have changed my whole life.
• Get the most out of your workouts.
• 10 things you must buy to survive as a mom.
Sometimes it just feels like too much—too many ways to improve and optimize, yet we still feel like we’re falling short.
What if life is more about being present than being productive?
Now we are also faced with the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The world is moving at a faster pace than ever before. If time is the only finite resource, we have to do everything we can to find more of it. Efficiency has become king. “Do more in less time and you’ll live your best life!”
In the process of making time, it seems that quantity is more important than quality. Are we actually using these technologies to make our lives better?
What is all this “productivity” doing to our souls? It’s no secret: scientific studies prove we are becoming more stressed, depressed, lonely, and anxious than ever before. Much of that comes from the increasing connection online. Whether it’s remote work or keeping up with various forms of social media, many people feel like they have to be available and produce something constantly. Whether
it’s answering emails late at night or coming up with new content to post, we are expected to keep up. Instead of accepting our limits, we use the latest ChatGPT prompts to do more.
Using shortcuts is not all bad! They can be helpful in so many ways, and productivity has its place. Some things really do have to get done—and if there are ways to do those things better, then we should try them!
But productivity can’t become the point by which we measure our worth. And as a creative—and a human—I’ve been asking myself: How is this affecting me?
It would be easy to take shortcuts for the sake of reclaiming my time. But in the process, I feel like I become a “human doing” rather than a “human being”—moving through life trying to accomplish as much as possible instead of being present in it.
Life has to be more about being present than being productive. We all feel that ache for more in our souls. That lingering wondering of, “Is this all there is?” Even those of us who love our jobs have days when we hit the wall and it doesn’t satisfy. While we love our families and feel grateful for the roofs over our heads, there are still days when our heads hit the pillow and we question whether we’ve done enough.
I feel this tension constantly—on one hand, I want to get it all done so my mind is free to enjoy the rest of life. But on the other hand, I wonder if it all really has to be done. What if I could accept my limits, mentally, physically, and emotionally? Could I set aside the feeling of needing to do it all and learn to be present?
As I’ve disciplined myself to practice this, I’ve found the freedom to enjoy what’s right in front of me. I’ve noticed beauty in nature, tasted the richness of nourishing foods, and experienced the love of being fully known in relationships. I’m doing
more things just for fun. And I’ve found that the work to do, the lists to check off, and the things to create all become richer and more meaningful when I live from this posture of presence.
What could choosing presence over productivity look like for you today?
• Get on the floor and play with your kids instead of doing the laundry.
• Put away your phone to look at the ones you love across the dinner table.
• Skip the gym to go for a walk outside with no headphones.
• Take the long way home (bonus if it’s with the windows down).
• Don’t Google the answer; be okay without knowing it right away.
There will always be things to do. But there won’t always be time to be
Meghan Ryan Asbury is an author and speaker who is passionate about helping people discover and live out their God-given callings. She has worked in international ministries as well as with Proverbs 31 Ministries. When she’s not surrounded by friends, you can usually find her reading a book or enjoying the great outdoors. A 30-A beach girl, born and raised, she and her husband now reside in Nashville. Her first book, You Are Not Behind: Building a Life You Love Without Having Everything You Want, is available wherever books are sold. You can connect with her on Instagram @meghanryanasbury and at AlwaysMeghan.com.
FROM FAN TO FOUNDER
BY ANNA SIMPSON
INTERVIEW
OLIVIA RUDENSKY IS REWRITING THE RULES OF
POP CULTURE MARKETING
From running a Miley Cyrus fan account as a teenager to leading groundbreaking digital campaigns for some of the world’s most prominent artists and brands, Olivia Rudensky is reshaping the way fan culture and marketing intersect. As a cofounder of FANMADE, a creative agency specializing in celebrity partnerships, digital strategy, and pop culture innovation, Rudensky has built a powerhouse business rooted in passion and authenticity.
Her early days as a superfan didn’t just give her a head start—they gave her an edge. That unique fan-to-founder journey has landed her on prestigious lists, including Forbes’ 30 Under 30 and TikTok’s Music Industry Power Players, and helped her earn the trust of A-list clients, such as Miley Cyrus, Hailey Bieber, NBC, and Live Nation. In this candid Q&A, Rudensky opens up about how she turned a side hobby into a full-blown career, the importance of staying adaptable, and why being a small business doesn’t mean thinking small.
Miley Cyrus at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles
Photo by Francis Specker/CBS © 2025 CBS Broadcasting, Inc.
VIE: Let’s start from the beginning — what drew you into the world of pop culture and the entertainment industry?
Olivia: From a very young age, I’ve been fascinated by entertainment, music, and celebs. I remember watching MTV Hits at a young age and loving music videos, as well as everything around red-carpet events, and I knew I wanted to be a part of that world someday. When I was really young, I started to see social media rising and used that as a way to dive into pop culture and understand the entertainment world and fandom. Being able to follow celebrities closely piqued my interest and brought me more into their world. It allowed me to see how artists, celebrities, and the businesses around them operate. Before social media, you didn’t really get that inside scoop into their reality, so being a teenager when social media was rising was a unique lens that allowed me to get my foot in the door of that industry, which I did through a Miley Cyrus fan account.
VIE: Starting as a fan yourself, do you think that experience shaped your approach to business?
“I WAS BUILDING BASED ON PASSION AND FAN COMMUNITY, AND THAT SET ME UP TO UNDERSTAND THE WAYS OF DIGITAL MARKETING AND BRANDING.”
Olivia: Yes, 100 percent. I think being a fan and being passionate is the best way to learn about something. I was living and breathing this fandom culture because it was all based on passion instead of financial need or job requirements. It started as an after-school hobby, but I began to pay attention to details that would help fuel my career in the future, such as how releasing a single works at radio vs. streaming, how to leverage algorithms, etc. I was building based on passion and fan community, and that set me up to understand the ways of digital marketing and branding.
VIE: What was the moment you realized you wanted to turn your passion into a career?
Olivia: I remember there being a Lady Gaga fan account (@gagadaily) that Gaga had interacted
with a lot online, which was very rare for talent to do at the time. As a result, when creating my Miley fan account, I set goals not only to be recognized by her one day but ultimately to work for her. Having that mindset kept me professional and career-focused. By remaining attentive to different nuances and industry details, I developed my skills and built my résumé.
VIE: For someone who’s never heard of FANMADE, how would you explain what you and your team do?
Olivia: Every year, FANMADE evolves. We began by working on social media for talent, which then evolved into developing larger digital strategies and partnerships for both talent and brands, as well as managing live events. We do everything from social media management to larger marketing strategy to celebrity partnerships to influencer strategy. We can meet needs within the influencer, fandom, pop culture, celebrity partnerships, and digital spaces with a unique approach that is tailored to the client.
VIE: You have worked with some of the biggest artists and names in entertainment. How do you build trust with artists and their teams?
Olivia: Being patient and learning about the team or artist over the years—I started young and eager, and this helped me to be open and adaptable, without doing too much. Industry algorithms and behaviors are constantly changing, so my ability to keep up and evolve alongside them has given clients and teams the confidence they need to place trust in me.
VIE: What is one project or campaign you’re most proud of?
Olivia: We started working with NBC when my client Miley had her two-year New Year’s Eve party. Through this, we got to know the NBC team, and it led to them bringing us on for the People’s Choice Awards to help with digital strategy and content creation. From there, we furthered our relationship through the SNL 50th anniversary. FANMADE organized a fan pit on the red carpet where we invited SNL superfans to report live and create content. We also pitched and
secured Amelia Dimoldenberg as the red carpet host, helped with talent interviews, and managed large media partnerships with outlets like PopCrave. Being able to flex so many different muscles for such a historical event is an experience I will never forget. It was also a crazy callback to almost fifteen years ago, when I snuck into SNL under the age requirement to see Miley as the host. Being there after all this time to work with them and having Miley as part of the festivities was a textbook full-circle moment.
VIE: Self-care is everything, and I can imagine life gets hectic as a founder. What is a daily ritual or habit you swear by?
Olivia: I have to walk every day. I try to get close to ten thousand steps a day, because I think walking is the best thing for your mind. Putting on some music and taking a break from my phone for a while allows me to really focus on my tasks for the day and recenter myself.
VIE: What does success look like to you, personally and professionally?
Olivia: To me, success is the freedom to do whatever you feel passionate about, in both personal and professional life. There’s nothing better than having the ability to work on projects you feel strongly about that get you excited every day.
VIE: What’s been your most rewarding moment with FM so far?
Olivia: Miley’s 2024 Grammy wins for “Flowers,” for sure. I’ve been with Miley since I was sixteen, and I’ve seen so many highs and lows throughout her career. The “Flowers” energy felt new and special in the sense that the goal swapped from chart numbers and sales to Miley just being passionate about her art and what she had to say, and that switch ended with recognition from the industry. Seeing her win that night after being ignored for so many years was truly inspiring, and being recognized as a part of that in her official post was really amazing and fueling, especially as it came at a time when FM was relatively new and risky. It felt like the perfect motivation for starting a new era alongside her.
VIE: What’s been the biggest surprise in launching and growing FM?
Olivia: Learning that a company doesn’t have to be massive to get things done. I always envisioned having a huge office with lots of employees, but when I started FANMADE, a mentor explained that I could make it into whatever I was comfortable with. That allowed me to take a step back and find a really great sweet spot of being small but big enough to take projects that my cofounder, Claudia Villarreal, and I feel passionate about.
VIE: Is there any advice you would give the reader who wants to turn their passion into a full-time career?
Olivia: Things don’t have to be overcomplicated. You can start with a small side hobby and turn it into real work (like me). There’s no real formula or rule book on how to follow your passion, as long as you start somewhere and are ready to push it into a snowball. I began at twelve years old by creating a Miley fan account that amassed 300K followers and was recognized by MC. That led to a phone call with her that got me on her management team, which then led to me starting FANMADE. It truly is a snowball effect, and all it takes is the first step.
“THERE’S NO REAL FORMULA OR RULE BOOK ON HOW TO FOLLOW YOUR PASSION, AS LONG AS YOU START SOMEWHERE AND ARE READY TO PUSH IT INTO A SNOWBALL.”
VIE: What’s up next for FANMADE?
Olivia: FANMADE has worked with numerous A-list clients, including Miley Cyrus, Hailey Bieber, NBC, and Live Nation. One of our primary focuses right now is working with Magnum Ice Cream, assisting them in building a strong, recognizable online presence. Earlier this year, we fleshed out a campaign for the brand’s Cannes Film Festival event featuring Charli XCX, helped with overall marketing and fan strategy, and booked up-and-coming it girl Gabbriette to attend. Most recently, we assisted with a pop-up at rhode skincare’s Summer Club in Mallorca, which included custom Magnum bars.
VIE: Thank you, Olivia!
Visit FANMADEInc.com and follow @fanmade on Instagram to learn more.
OHANA DAY SCHOOL
ENCOURAGE. NURTURE. EDUCATE.
An innovative preschool experience providing individualized and holistic education for children 3 to 5 years old, from the creators of The Ohana Institute and Ohana Day School at 30Avenue.
2025 Enrollment Opportunities are Available and Limited!
To purchase Louis Vuitton and Japan: Visual Journeys or explore other publications, please visit RizzoliUSA.com.
BOOK CLUB
THE READERS CORNER
Louis Vuitton and Japan: Visual Journeys by Florence Müller explores the rich cultural exchange that has influenced the Maison since its genesis. The volume follows the profound connection of Japanese artistry and Louis Vuitton’s identity, offering a fresh perspective on the global impact of the luxury fashion powerhouse. With each page, readers discover the depth of this relationship, from Takashi Murakami’s groundbreaking Monogramouflage and Yayoi Kusama’s signature polka dots to the Japanese influence stitched into the works of visionaries such as Pharrell, Nicolas Ghesquière, Kim Jones, Virgil Abloh, and Marc Jacobs. Louis Vuitton and Japan: Visual Journeys is a true treasure for those captivated with the interconnection of luxury fashion and cultural exchange.
Photo by Jean-Marie Binet, courtesy of Rizzoli
Geek of Chic The
An American Dream, ITALIAN STYLE
At the start of the twenty-first century, shopping online was still a futuristic fantasy.
There was no Facebook, there were no iPhones. And yet, in the spring of 2000, Federico Marchetti invented one of the world’s first online sales platforms, YOOX—also known now as Net-aPorter—a company that would revolutionize the luxury fashion sector. In The Geek of Chic: An American Dream, Italian Style, international fashion business and tech icon Marchetti shares his engaging, honest, and passionate memoir. The book reveals how he morphed from a geeky kid in the sleepy seaside town of Ravenna, Italy, to a pioneer in online retail, offering practical advice for entrepreneurs and inspiration for visionaries and big dreamers.
We’ve all heard about the downsides of achieving tremendous success, such as worker burnout or growing too quickly. The Geek of Chic explores an alternative that is hugely relevant to a new generation wishing to combine innovation, business acumen, and success with humanism, creativity, ethics, and a fulfilling lifestyle.
“Federico has made it alone, imagining much and working more, arriving from Ravenna, where he was born, to become part of King Charles III’s task force.… Those who want to break the mold have to take risks, swim against the tide, walk untrodden paths,” wrote fashion icon Giorgio Armani in the book’s foreword. Armani passed away just a few days before the memoir debuted on September 9, 2025, coinciding with New York Fashion Week’s Spring/ Summer 2026 presentations.
The Geek of Chic explains how Marchetti used the technological savvy, business acumen, and a taste for innovation he developed at Columbia Business School in the heady early days of e-commerce and combined these typically American traits with his native Italian aesthetics, creativity, and focus on quality craftsmanship to create YOOX, Italy’s first unicorn. After growing the company for twentyone years and overseeing a successful merger, YOOX Net-a-Porter was acquired in 2018 for a $6 billion transaction value by Richemont, the parent company of Cartier.
Story and photography courtesy of Federico Marchetti
Federico Marchetti
Marchetti’s memoir covers the highs and the lows of creating the world’s leading online fashion company and is filled with surreal situations, unexpected happenings, and “sliding door” moments. For example:
• Marchetti, born in 1969, overcame the obstacles of his somewhat complicated childhood as the second son of a mentally fragile father. He left his small hometown of Ravenna, where everyone knew each other and people were well acquainted with his family history, to pursue his dream of success in America, ignited when he was a boy selling Mickey Mouse comics on the beach.
• After graduating from Bocconi University in Milan, Marchetti continued his commitment to education in New York City in the late 1990s, earning his MBA at Columbia University after having worked “like crazy” at Lehman Brothers. There, he gained an appreciation for the speed, efficiency, and reach of the Internet, as one of the first generations of financiers to do online research.
• He created YOOX—a name inspired by the Y and X chromosomes, combined with the zero from the binary code of computers, which helps high-end fashion brands gain a foothold online and give a second life to last season’s collections. Though he hadn’t previously worked in fashion, Marchetti seized on his competitive advantage as an Italian, raised to appreciate beauty, luxury, and quality artisanship, and soon made his mark as a leader in the industry.
• The moment he knew he had arrived as an entrepreneur was when he received a $7.2 million investment from Benchmark Capital, which enabled him to take YOOX to America.
• The various attempts to merge with British Neta-Porter, his fiercest competitor, culminated in his creation of YOOX Net-a-Porter Group, which he led as the sole CEO.
• The present and future of Marchetti’s life includes working on His Majesty King Charles III’s service as Chair of The Sustainable Markets Initiative’s Fashion Task Force, which includes brands such as Chloé, Armani, Burberry, Cucinelli, Stella McCartney, and Prada. In a sector known for individualism, Marchetti is uniting global luxury groups around a common goal of shifting towards a circular industry that is climate-conscious and nature-positive. The King of England now considers Marchetti his consigliere on regenerative fashion and digital innovation, collaborating on several initiatives and projects.
The Geek of Chic’s message is relevant to a new generation of entrepreneurs who wish to combine innovation, business acumen, and AI with humanism, creativity and empathy: how to achieve the American dream in an Italian way.
Unfolding against a backdrop of famed vistas—Milan, Lake Como, Venice, England’s Royal Palace, New York City, Shanghai, Tokyo, and Dubai—and featuring encounters with notables from Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos to Giorgio Armani and Anna Wintour, The Geek of Chic’s message is relevant to a new generation of entrepreneurs who wish to combine innovation, business acumen, and AI with humanism, creativity and empathy: how to achieve the American dream in an Italian way.
For more information, please visit FedericoMarchetti.com. In 2023, Marchetti published Le Avventure di un Innovatore, which soon became a bestseller in Italy. The memoir was translated from Italian by Richard Dixon, who recently translated Pope Francis’s book Hope, and has been enriched with new chapters tailored to American and international readers.
Photo by Casimiro PT/Shutterstock
Domaine des Vignobles Awaits
Explore Domaine des
or explore the full collection at ProvenceHolidays.com and follow @provenceholidays on Instagram for more.
Wake up in the world’s rosé capital with Provence Holiday’s vineyard villa stays, made for wine lovers in search of a remarkable retreat among the rolling hills. Guests are invited to live among the winegrowers of Provence, enjoying private tours, tastings, and wine workshops. The collection features an exclusive portfolio of properties, including family-owned vineyards and estates belonging to acclaimed director Ridley Scott, whose 2006 film A Good Year drew inspiration from Provence’s vine-shrouded landscapes. Among the highlights, Domaine des Vignobles in Oppède, Luberon, offers a luxurious escape into the fields of French vineyards. Slow down and discover the intrinsic beauty of the region with Provence Holidays.
Vignobles
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Pedro Pascal
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77TH EMMY AWARDS
On September 14, the Emmy Awards celebrated its 77th event, returning to the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles for another glamorous evening filled with monumental wins. Among the biggest triumphs, The Studio dominated the night with thirteen total awards across the Primetime and Creative Arts Emmys, setting the record for the most wins by a comedy for a single series. Meanwhile, Adolescence picked up a total of eight awards, with star Owen Cooper’s groundbreaking win as Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series. At just fifteen years old, Cooper became the youngest male actor in Emmy history to win in any acting category. Other notable wins include The Pitt, Severance, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
Photos courtesy of Invision for the Television Academy/AP Content Services
Martin Short and Steve Martin
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Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost
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Tina Fey
Photo by Phil McCarten
Sydney Sweeney
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Jenna Ortega and Catherine Zeta-Jones
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Jake Gyllenhaal
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Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco
Photo by Danny Moloshok
Seth Rogen
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Colman Domingo
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Rex Linn and Reba McEntire
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Lainey Wilson and Vance Gill
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Hannah Einbinder
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Derek Hough
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Sara Wells and Noah Wyle
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Adam Brody
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Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart
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Evan Peters
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Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell
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Leighton Meester
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Tramell Tillman
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Cristin Milioti
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ARTISTS & CREATIVES
BY MYLES MELLOR
Solution on next page
Puzzle on previous page
The object of Art is to give life a shape. “ ”
— William Shakespeare
“Wild Ox” (Mixed media on canvas.)
C E L E B R AT I N G 2 0 Y E A R S O F
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BEFORE YOU GO . . .
Visit ThePrisonerWineCompany.com to purchase a limited-edition 2022 Corrections Stag’s Leap Red Wine. To learn more about Krimes and his work, visit JesseKrimes.com.
As a toast to wine and art, The Prisoner Wine Company has unveiled a limited-edition 2022 Corrections Red Wine, sourced exclusively from Stag’s Leap in Napa Valley. The bold blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec reveals notes of blue fruit, spice, and herbs. The Corrections collection is a partnership with acclaimed artist Jesse Krimes. This label artwork comes from Krimes’ Purgatory series, featured in his 2025 solo exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the first piece of artwork purchased by The Met created by a living, formerly incarcerated artist. The Prisoner will donate a portion of the proceeds from each bottle of Corrections to The Center for Arts & Advocacy, the nonprofit organization founded by Krimes to support justice-impacted artists. The Prisoner Wine Company has also committed an additional $75,000 direct donation to the organization.
Photo by Anthony Tahlier
