Pacific Rim 2017

Page 1

DAVID SK LEE 2017's Inspiring Entrepreneur

THE NEW PACIFIC RIM LUXURY ECONOMY

ASIA. CALIFORNIA. LAS VEGAS. DREAMS GLOBAL NETWORK MAKES THE CONNECTIONS

CEO CLUB OF LA INSPIRES ASIAN AMERICAN ENTREPRENEURS

THE

ASIS

LAS VEGAS EIGHT PILLARS FORM THE GLOBAL OASIS

TWENTY US DOLLARS


The Sky-Dweller The revolutionary watch for world travelers, blending watchmaking ingenuity with simplicity of use. It doesn’t just tell time. It tells history.

rolex

oyster perpetual and sky-dweller are ÂŽ trademarks.


oyster perpetual SKY-DWELLER






Los Angeles


FRANKIE-US.COM FRANKIE CoLAB ARTS DISTRICT - LOS ANGELES 1129 E 5TH STREET FRANKIE CoLAB NOLITA - NEW YORK 224 MULBERRY STREET


28

CONTENTS 12 | LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

WOVEN INTO THE AMERICAN FABRIC

16 | DREAMS GLOBAL NETWORK: NEW PARTNERSHIP

DAVID SK LEE

21 | ONE LUXURY ECONOMY 39 | THE NEW ENTREPRENEURS 39 CEO CLUB OF LA 78 CAPTURING GREATNESS

48 | FASHION 48 THE MAN SETTING GLOBAL TRENDS 56 MODAMATTERS 60 CUSTOM LEGO JEWELRY

64 | 5-STAR ASIAN CUISINE ARRIVES IN DTLA 70 | TOP ART COLLECTORS 76 | THE LEGEND OF THE DRAGON GATE 83 | PRIVATE AIR LUXURY CONCIERGE 86 | LAS VEGAS: THE OASIS 87 NOT A ONE DIMENSIONAL SIN CITY 92 DIRECT CONNECTION: LUXURY RESIDENTIAL BUYERS 100 UNDISPUTED - SUMMERLIN

108 | DREAMS REGION REAL ESTATE 108 LAS VEGAS 122 THE CROWN JEWEL OF LA CANADA FLINTRIDGE 126 WEST LOS ANGELES 130 DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES 134 COASTAL

136 | SOCIAL GATHERINGS 136 OKTOBERFEST PRESENTED BY THE COTTAGE GUILD 138 CORAZON CUBANO FILM PREMIERE 140 NOOR x BENTLEY PASADENA 142 ASEAN PEOPLE'S ASSOCIATION 50TH GALA 144 AFP LOS ANGELES PUBLISHERS STEVE TOBIA PAUL RUSNAK KIN HUI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF NATALIE FRIBERG

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER TY FISCHER GRAPHIC ARTIST SOPHIA JIMENEZ PHOTOGRAPHY RON MILLER

T3, INC. • 96 N. Sunnyslope Ave. Pasadena, CA 91107 • (626) 529-5945 • All Rights Reserved


CALIBER RM 037


Letter from the Editor

W

e’re stronger together. China, Southern California and Las Vegas have merged to become one super region, the DREAMS Region, where there is opportunity and lifestyle in abundance. In this issue of DREAMS, we share notable news from this mega-Pacific Rim region of business and luxury. With stock and real estate markets at an all-time high, global wealth sits at unprecedented levels. Where has this wealth chose to live and invest? You’ve got it – the DREAMS REGION. We introduce you to the key players and influencers driving this flourishing economic ecosystem. The end of the year is a time to come together and celebrate our accomplishments and triumphs. DREAMS brings you inside LA’s prestigious galas and award ceremonies, where you will stroll down the red carpet with us for a private movie premiere and don your black suit or dress for the heartwarming philanthropic celebrations of the holiday season. One event even had many in traditional German attire for Oktoberfest, a beautiful fundraiser held by the Cottage Guild benefiting Rosemarys Children’s Services. By uniting as one, the people in our communities are making this special place we call home an even better place to live. No longer just an entertainment destination thought of as a “sin-city”, Las Vegas, just a one-hour flight and four-hour drive from Los Angeles, has become one with LA in the DREAMS Region. People from all around the world come to live, invest, and experience the finest in luxury lifestyles. In this issue, we color in the detail on how this once onedimensional city evolved to become the new Global Oasis of the Pacific Rim Region. Fashion is on everyone’s minds as we enter the holiday season, and 2018’s styles and brands will have you thinking about a wardrobe update. We sat down with fashion and real estate mogul Kevin Chen of FRANKIE to discuss luxury market trends and exploding Chinese consumerism. Also, we bring you an exclusive interview with the Founder of an emerging custom luxury men’s fashion house, ModaMatters, to get the scoop on what’s in store for the stylish gentleman in 2018. An issue of DREAMS wouldn’t be complete without a showcase of the DREAMS Region real estate. No other publication brings you a collection of prestigious properties and living spaces like DREAMS, and we were sure not to disappoint. We display the top estates and wonders of Southern California and Las Vegas to show the immense range of the Pacific Rim’s global wealth. The holiday season is a time to come together and cherish the dreams that every human has; dreams that propel innovation and prosperity around the globe. I hope you enjoy this issue and remain inspired to dream and explore our new global frontier.

Natalie Friberg, Editor-In-Chief

12

LADREAMS.COM



RACING IN STYLE. WORLD SPONSOR AND OFFICIAL TIMEKEEPER SINCE 1988.

MILLE MIGLIA GTS POWER CONTROL (168566-3001). CHOPARD MOVEMENT, CALIBRE 01.08-C


MI LLE MI G LIA

Since 1965


EAST MEETS WEST PARTNERSHIP FORMED MARKETING. MEDIA. INVESTMENTS. INNOVATION. BY: TY FISCHER

L-R: Steve Tobia, Kerry Moy, Kin Hui


Dreams Global Network

SINGPOLI COMPANIES AND DREAMS JOIN TOGETHER

W

hen three inspirational entrepreneurs come together Publisher of DREAMS Magazine that connects luxury lifestyles with the power of their mutual dreams, a new era through various marketing and media platforms. begins of synergy and innovation. Kerry Moy will serve as Vice-Chairman, and is also a partner One born in Shanghai, one born in Chicago and the other with Kin Hui bringing new Asian restaurant concepts to market. born in New York. Pulled by the California Dream, they anchored ABOUT SINGPOLI GROUP themselves and their businesses in Los In Chinese, “Sing” means honesty, Angeles and have crossed paths for sincerity and credibility. “Po” means years. protection and preservation. “Li” means Today, they have joined forces with profitability. the establishment of the DREAMS Put together, Singpoli stands for GLOBAL NETWORK. honestly protecting the best interests of These three inspiring and clients, investors and employees. accomplished entrepreneurs share Founded by Herman Hui, a professor the same vision, passion and tenacity of structural engineering, Singpoli to bridge the great East Meets West began as a construction company in Economy. Kin Hui, Kerry Moy and Hong Kong in 1977. Over the next Steve Tobia are dedicated to providing 14 years, Singpoli participated in the a business and cultural platform construction or renovation of many unlike any other communications and landmark properties in China, including investment group. the Great Hall of the People and the The new partnership will focus Beijing 1990 Asian Games Village. on furthering the business and In 1991, Singpoli established itself cultural interchange through multiin Southern California and quickly expanded into real estate language/culture endeavors in marketing, media, investments, investment. and innovation. In 2009, when the US real estate market faced another ABOUT THE PARTNERS downturn, Singpoli made one of the largest commercial real Kin Hui will serve as the Chairman of the new partnership, estate purchase transactions in Los Angeles County, and in and serves as the Chairman and CEO of The Singpoli Group. 2010, Singpoli was named one of the top 50 new buyers in the His companies offer investment opportunities for high net worth United States. individuals, institutional investors and immigrant investors. The partners new international marketing company is named Steve Tobia will serve as CEO, and continue to serve as HTM (Hui, Tobia, Moy).

These three inspiring and

accomplished entrepreneurs share the same vision,

passion and tenacity to

bridge the great East Meets West Economy.

SING

PO

Honesty

Protection

LI Profitability LADREAMS.COM

17


HTM MARKETING

The power of an organization is fueled by

precision execution, creative performance and meticulous integration of all components to

deliver value and results for clients. This is the mission of DREAMS GLOBAL NETWORK. - Steve Tobia, CEO


DREAMS GLOBAL NETWORK Integrated Business Platform for Investors and Clients. Financial. Hospitality. Media. Entertainment.

Full Service Creative Production Company. Advertising. Video. Events.

Integrated Media Platforms in the US and Asia. 8sian Media. Dreams. The Hub.

International Buyers and Investors of Luxury Real Estate. California. Las Vegas. NY. Resort Communities.

Personal Direct Referrals and Sponsor Links. Real Estate. Autos. Jet Services. Jewelry. Fashion. Hospitality. Dining.

Incubation and Launch of New Technologies. Chinese and American Graduate Students Working Together.

Los Angeles investment opportunity. EB5 Immigrant Investor Program.

Marketing of Residential and Commercial Investments. West/Summerlin. The Strip. Southern Highlands. SE/Henderson.

DREAMS

CREATIVE PRODUCTION

DREAMS MEDIA

DREAMS ESTATES

DREAMS CONCIERGE

DREAMS

INNOVATION LAB

DREAMS INVEST LA

LAS VEGAS



DREAMS GLOBAL NETWORK E A S T

M E E T S

W E S T

ONE LUXURY EC O N O M Y CONNECTING ASIA, CALIFORNIA & LAS VEGAS. BY: TY FISCHER

Asian investment of American luxury lifestyles is a reality, and focused specifically in our Region. How we integrate and relate with one another is critical. Our new partnership is the solution . - Steve Tobia, Founder & CEO Dreams Global Network


Dreams Global Network

THE GREAT EVOLUTION OF THE

Pacif ic Ri m E con o my DREAMS REGION IS THE NEW ELLIS ISLAND

L

ike European immigrants, Asian immigrants do not represent one country or one language. And unlike European immigrants that mostly came to the shores of America on boats with meager belongings and possessions, many new Asian arrivals are arriving via jetliners to LAX, welleducated and well-financed. Both European and Asian immigration is founded on the core foundation of the American dream and freedom, the political and economic forces behind the recent Asian immigration is vastly different from the late 1800s and early 1900s European immigration. Much of what we are experiencing is deeply rooted in the global economy that was ushered in with President Nixon’s opening of trade with China, along with the end of the Vietnam War. This epic 40-year journey and transformation has been fueled by foreign policies that were outside the influence and control of Californians. What was once the enemy of America politically (Communism), was later looked upon as an “economic partner” to develop an inter-connected global economy that would reduce and/or eliminate military conflict.

22

LADREAMS.COM

The economic results of this 40-year policy have been nothing less than monumental. The social results have been nothing less than monumental. The political shift on the Asian continent in the 1970s created an exodus of the well-educated and affluent class from Taiwan to Monterey Park, the center of the San Gabriel Valley, and now the largest concentration of Asian Americans in the United States. These well-educated and affluent families and businesses came to the San Gabriel Valley based on existing relatives, friends and familiarity. Since the 1970s, immigrants and investors from various Asian countries continue to come to the United States with San Gabriel Valley as the hub of entry and settlement. Foreign immigration was also made easy by the US Immigration EB-5 program that provides citizenship with financial investments in business enterprises, as well as Chinese and Korean companies wanting to expand and tap into America’s real estate, consumer and luxury markets. Several waves of Asian immigration, investments and tourism have hit the shores of Southern California over the last 125 years


but none of these previous waves have been as long-lasting with such profound changes to our landscape as the current wave of Asian immigration and investments. The late 1800s Chinese immigration helped build California’s railways with “Chinatowns” being established in both San Francisco and LA. Prior to World War II, Japanese immigrants established themselves in the San Gabriel Valley and later in the South Bay. Vietnamese refugees were camped in North San Diego and many settled into Orange County. In the last decade, the Asian American population of LA County grew 20 percent. We are now the capital of Asian America. We are now home to the largest Chinese, Filipino, Indonesian, Korean, Sri Lankan, Taiwanese and Thai populations outside their respective home countries. From the huddled masses of Europeans arriving via Ellis Island by boat to Spanish-speaking immigrants coming from Latin America, Asians are flying by airplane across the Pacific

Ocean arriving at America’s new Ellis Island - LAX.

THE ECONOMIC IMPACTS If you draw a circle on a map, the NEW GLOBAL REGION is centered in Los Angeles and extends south to San Diego and east to Las Vegas, with more than 25 million residents and 80 million annual visitors. Our economic growth in the region is being fueled by global investments and new entrepreneurs in many sectors. We are now a true GLOBAL REGION of ultra-wealth, just like Hong Kong, Dubai, London and NYC. The significance of this global economy expansion is that government boundaries of cities and states are blurred and the entire Region is the destination for investments and lifestyles. These affluent residents have arrived in Los Angeles with million and billion-dollar investment funds to establish deep roots in the United States. Many individuals from these countries are protecting and investing their wealth in our region because we

The significance of this

global economy expansion is that government

boundaries of cities and states are blured and

the entire Region is the

destination for investments and lifestyles.

LADREAMS.COM

23


Dreams Global Network

CITIES WITH MAJOR ASIAN POPULATIONS LA COUNTY

1,884,669

NEW YORK

1,878,261

SAN FRANCISCO/BAY AREA

1,005,823 *2010 Census

are the most desirable location in the world. This new global investment has created a “supply and demand” equation that is now based on international economics and not merely California or American economies of wealth. There are over 10 million residents who live in LA County with a total personal income of $500 billion. Over 320,000 companies call Los Angeles home, and LA is the nation’s #1 manufacturing center with over 360,000 workers in this industry. In fact, Los Angeles County was the country’s largest county GDP in 2015, reaching a staggering $663 billion. Los Angeles County is one of the largest and most important economies in the world. There are over 4,300 foreign-owned establishments that have successfully invested billions of dollars in the Los Angeles region. The FDI Report also found that the 9,105 FOEs in Southern California directly employed 366,415 employees, and supported an estimated wage bill of $23.6 billion. 48% of Southern California’s FOEs are located in Los Angeles County. Furthermore, Los Angeles is the nation’s top trading hub and the premier trade gateway to and from the United States. In 2015, Los Angeles was ranked as the #1 customs district in the U.S. with over $393 billion in two-way trade. Los Angeles is home to North America’s #1 and #2 container ports: The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, and is responsible for over 40% of the ocean-cargo coming into the United States. LA is also home to the world’s #1 origin and destination airport with LAX connecting 74.5 million travelers to and from 135 cities in 39 countries around the globe. EDUCATION IS A PRIORITY Los Angeles has an abundance of communities and enclaves that cater to every global billionaire. These options range from the glamorous, world famous Beverly Hills and West LA, to the secluded sprawling San Gabriel Valley, all the way down through the majestic Pacific Ocean coastal region. But San Gabriel Valley remains the priority and ultimate status of Asian immigrants. In addition to the economic, social and cultural pull,

24

LADREAMS.COM

exceptional public schools along with historic estates are the driving force to this region. Understanding the Asian culture’s primary focus of excellent education for their children, association with other Asian families, and the economic opportunities in real estate, trade and other Pacific Rim ventures. The San Gabriel Valley of approximately 2 million residents is comprised of 32 independent cities and school districts, unlike the San Fernando Valley and West LA that are controlled by the City of LA and its school district. These once predominantly European-American, welleducated and affluent communities in San Gabriel Valley such as San Marino, La Cañada Flintridge, Bradbury Estates, Arcadia, South Pasadena and other surrounding Foothill communities are now Asian-American with many residents born in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea and China. The more than 30 top colleges and universities in and surrounding SGV also exert a constant gravitational pull on those who prioritize education and academia. But what this major transformation means to many native Angelenos however, is significant when it comes to real estate prices. Competing for homes and estates in the most prestigious neighborhoods is no longer fellow Angelenos, but global buyers.

2017 COMPARISON: GLOBAL WEALTH ULTRA-AFFLUENT POPULATIONS

LOS ANGELES MILLIONAIRES

165,000

WORTH $10M+

7,370

BILLIONAIRES

58

HONG KONG MILLIONAIRES

878,000

WORTH $10M+

59,000

BILLIONAIRES

79

CHINA MILLIONAIRES

1,590,000

WORTH $10M+

89,000

BILLIONAIRES

260


8 LUXURY LIFESTYLES ESTATES. AUTOS. PRIVATE JETS. FASHION. ENTERTAINMENT. TRAVEL. RARE COLLECTIONS. DINING.

H

ome and estate prices are now one of the highest in the United States. Luxury and exotic cars on the road are common and not a rarity. LA has emerged as one of the TOP 5 international fashion centers of the world. Las Vegas and LA remain the entertainment capitols of the world. Dining experiences are driven by the top chefs. We are the international travel hub. The multi-cultural neighborhoods and centers are endless. World class museums and collections reside in our backyard. And when you reach the pinnacle of wealth, you are able to choose the best and rarest options of lifestyles in these eight areas. The mega-global wealth of the DREAMS Region is unlike any other region in the United States.

2017 COMPARISON: GLOBAL LUXURY REAL ESTATE MEDIAN PRICE PER SQUARE-FOOT SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BEVERLY HILLS

$1405

MALIBU

$1191

SAN MARINO

$936

ASIA HONG KONG

$11,010

BEIJING

$9,256

SHANGHAI

$8,697

SOUTHERN NEVADA LAS VEGAS

$133


60 YEARS OF ADVENTURE AND DISCOVERY



The New Entrepreneurs

WOVEN into th e A MERICAN FABRIC DAVID SK LEE 2017'S INSPIRING ASIAN AMERICAN ENTREPRENEUR BY: STEVE TOBIA & TY FISCHER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY: RON MILLER

28

LADREAMS.COM



The New Entrepreneurs

W

hat makes an American entrepreneur? We have found six major characteristics in every entrepreneur that we have interviewed and featured: Family. Education. Vision. Passion. Focus. Hard Work. Their economic success crosses every industry and their individual stories are different within the six characteristics. But the core of each one is the same. Selecting David Lee as the 2017 Asian American Entrepreneur began with evaluating and digging deep into his six entrepreneurial characteristics. There has been a lot written about David and his social media presence is extensive, but they’re merely about his love and passion for car collections and fine watches – the fruits of his labor and the foundation of his family business. But what hasn’t been told and uncovered is “David the person”. FAMILY VALUES David Lee is Chairman and CEO of the family business, Hing Wa Lee Group, headquartered in the San Gabriel Valley.

30

LADREAMS.COM

He arrived in California when he was seven years old from Hong Kong where his father was a Gem Stone Carver. His father started the company in 1965, and it evolved to a wholesale jewelry company in the 1980’s. David joined the company in 1990 and changed the business model into high-end retail, bringing in the finest watches and other luxury products to grow the retail business. Today, the two San Gabriel Valley retail stores are recognized by the fine watch industry as the leading and most prestigious in the United States. The Flagship Store was built and dedicated to his late father, Hing Wa Lee, as a legacy and honor to the family patriarch. The deep family values continue with David and his wife, Katherine, and their two children. “When I arrived here in the United States it was quite a cultural shock” explains David. “As I grew up here in San Gabriel Valley, there weren’t a lot of Asian and Chinese families. Now we are experiencing a major transformation of various Asian cultures and people from China and Southeast Asia.”



The New Entrepreneurs EMPHASIS ON EDUCATION San Gabriel Valley is “Trojan Country” and David is deeply rooted into the USC fabric. “I’m fortunate to have been able to attend one of the greatest schools in America, USC. My daughter is there, and my son wants to go to USC. It’s a family tradition being part of a great American institution such as USC.” Honored as one of only eighteen in the USC Marshall School of Business Entrepreneur Hall of Fame, his educational endeavors and USC support are extensive. He is a Board Member to USC Marshall School of Business, Executive Advisory Board Member for Lyoid Grief Center for Entrepreneur Studies, Guest Lecturer to MBA courses at Marshall School of Business, Mentor at the Career Advantage Program, and Member of Widney Society. David is Chairman of the David SK and Katherine Lee endowment program for leadership development at Flintridge Preparatory School. He is also very involved with various philanthropic groups and other organizations that help people. David is a Board Member of SPARC (Student Philanthropists Advancing Real Change), received Sing Tao Media’s 2014 Philanthropy Award, and attained Eagle Scout rank in the Boy Scouts of America. “I learned a lot at USC. Later on, I was invited to join the XO Club founded and chaired by Andrew Cherng of Panda Express. There, I met another member, Dominic Ng of East West Bank who recruited me to join YPO (Young Presidents Organization). From that experience, I wanted to start my own organization for Chinese/American entrepreneurs.”

“The people in China and the government change quickly, whether it’s government policies or consumerism, and in the taste and products they want to consume. One thing I do know, and being so in touch with this market, is that they like California, especially Southern California. They want to be here, they want to live here and have their family and future here. And they would like to invest here. They want to do business here,” enlightens David. “If you were to remap Southern California, from an Asian perspective, it’s one region of Los Angeles, Orange County and Las Vegas. It’s all one big region and one market for the Chinese.” HARD WORK & RELENTLESS FOCUS Hard work does pay off. It provides for expanding into other personal interests and oftentimes directly connected to an entrepreneur’s core business. A story which expresses David’s work ethic and level of focus is when David tells of how he once went after a brand for 23 years before they finally said yes, noting that you must never give up on your dreams. This is a man with exceptional focus and perseverance. Hing Wa Lee has had the Top Sales Volume of all independent Rolex authorized dealers since 1995 and was named Top 10 Best Retailers in America by Leading Watch Retailers. “We’re fortunate to have a great community and a great market base where our stores are located. We invest a lot of money in our business, especially in the buildings we house ourselves in. For example, in the 15,000 sq.ft. San Gabriel store - the largest in North America - we have cutting-edge consumer experiences,” says David. “I recognize that some luxury watch buyers have not experienced coming to Hing Wa Lee Jewelers in San Gabriel because they are not familiar with the area, or think only of West LA for luxury.” The brand names that Hing Wa Lee Jewelers carries are extensive – 27 and counting – and include world-leading brands such as: Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Richard Mille, Cartier, Vacheron Constantin, Breitling, Rahaminov Diamonds, and more.

I'm fortunate to have been able to attend one of the greatest schools in Amercia, USC. My daughter

is there, and my son wants to go to USC. It's a family tradition

being part of a great American institution such as USC.

EXTRAORDINARY VISION Eight years ago, David founded and became the Lifetime Chairman of the LA Asian CEO Club. “It’s like a hybrid of the XO Club and YPO; I took the best parts of each to form my own CEO Club made up of entrepreneurs, business owners, 1st generation, 2nd generation, from Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia. All Chinese in heritage, and we come together as a group to do good in the community, to learn from one another, and to do life together.” As the Pacific Rim Luxury Economy is changing the face of Southern California, David understands the roots of this change.

32

LADREAMS.COM

PASSION “It’s kind of an occupational hazard in the jewelry and watch business. You learn the finer things about life and the world


Honored as one of only eighteen in the USC Marshall School of Business Entrepreneur Hall of Fame, David’s educational endeavors and USC support are extensive.


around you. You begin to see things in this way, and you develop a taste for finer things. I’ve always loved cars, I’ve always been a car guy. I’ve always had a love of cars and always looked at the magazines to see what they were talking about,” explains David. Five years ago, David jumped into car collection as both a hobby and investment strategy. “I went to a friend’s house and he showed me a classic car that he had purchased, and I decided that I wanted to purchase one. Now that I’m older, I thought the timing was right. In the research of getting that car, which I eventually got – a 1965 275 GTS – I discovered the wonderful world of Ferrari. The brand, the heritage and the appreciating value that these cars have is tremendous.”

As a business man, you want to make wise decisions. So just like collecting art, the beauty of it is not only can you admire looking at it, but you can be engaged and drive it.

His extensive car collection is part of the family business investment division. “As a business man, you want to make wise decisions. So just like collecting art, the beauty of it is that not only can you admire looking at it, but you can be engaged and drive it. And if you do it right, the cars appreciate in value,” David instructs. THE 2017 DREAM INSPIRATION AWARDS Selecting David for the 2017 DREAMS Inspiration Entrepreneur Award went far beyond his success in selling luxury watches and collecting rare autos. These two accomplishments are merely part of the story of a true American entrepreneur. Each of the six characteristics of a person must be evaluated and understood. In the end, having a dream as a young seven-year-old immigrant and achieving that dream is the story of success. ◆

34

LADREAMS.COM





Biltmore_BrideAd_FNL5_May2014:Layout 1

5/21/14

10:39 AM

Page 1

Biltmore_BrideAd_FNL5_May2014:Layout 1

5/21/14

10:39 AM

Page 1


The New Entrepreneurs

Forming Synerg y to Create Success A BROTHERHOOD OF ASIAN AMERICAN ENTREPRENEURS TIED TOGETHER BY PASSION, DETERMINATION AND SUCCESS. FOUNDED EIGHT YEARS AGO BY OUR COVER STAR DAVID SK LEE, THE CEO CLUB UNITES ENTREPRENEURS AND BUSINESS OWNERS – ALL CHINESE IN HERITAGE – TO COME TOGETHER TO DO BUSINESS AND LEARN FROM ONE ANOTHER. THE CREATORS OF OPPORTUNITY. THE FOUNDATION OF THEIR COMMUNITIES. THE DREAMERS. THE DOERS. THE CEO CLUB.

LADREAMS.COM

39



The New Entrepreneurs

ROBERT CHANG President & CEO, Frontier Fashion Inc, RMC group, Number Driving LLC

CHRIS CHANG President & CEO, U.S. Bankcard Services, Inc.; sure3 tek Inc.; Global Lease Corp

Chris is the President and CEO of US Bankcard Services, Inc. (USBSI), a leading merchant services company that provides card payment processing services to businesses nationwide. Chris also owns Global Lease Corp, offering POS equipment leasing options; and sure3 tek Inc, a provider of online ordering and website building solutions. Chris holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering.

JAMES CHEN President, Axis wheels, Axis Sport tuning, ASAP Mobile Tire

Currently the President of Axis wheels, a manufacturer and distributor of aluminum alloy wheels for cars. Also the President of ASAP mobile tire service, a direct to consumer on site tire sale and installation service. Currently operating in five major cities across the country, they will have 20 cities by the end of the year. Other business interests including real estate, nursing homes specializing in Chinese-Americans, and investment grade classic cars.

Robert Chang is the President and CEO of Frontier Fashion, Inc., a leading fashion eyewear company that provides the trendiest eyewear worldwide. More than 20 years in the business, Frontier Fashion has been growing rapidly and solidifying their status in the market. Robert also has a real estate investment company that concentrates in both Los Angeles and Orange County, California

KEVIN CHEN Owner and Chief Creative, FRANKIE

Kevin J Chen is an American entrepreneur. Well recognized for his visionary expertise and business accomplishments, he has thrived amongst the virtuosity of creating in the world of fashion, art, and real estate for 30 years. Mr. Chen enjoys traveling and has done so extensively around the world. Currently, he resides in Los Angeles, California and Honolulu, Hawaii.

WILLIAM HUANG CEO, Boss Office Products Inc.

Life is too short! Enjoy when you are still young. After 25 years of office furniture industry and exciting experience and business development initiatives, William was semi-retired in 2015. LADREAMS.COM

41



The New Entrepreneurs

KIN HUI

CHO KWAN

Chairman, Singpoli Group

CEO, Canton Food Co

Kin Hui has been active in the acquisition, development and management of Southern California commercial properties since 1991. He leads Singpoli companies that diversified into different sectors: real estate investment and development, property management, hospitality management, construction management, IT & media, financial service consists of insurance service, mortgage, and wealth management.

Joined Canton Food Co., a family owned business founded by his father. At the time Canton’s business model was mainly distribution. Cho recognized that the distribution was too costly to operate and small to mid-size restaurants were under served, so he converted the Company’s business model from distribution to cash & carry.

DAVID LEE

DAVID LIM

Chairman & CEO, Hing Wa Lee Group

Executive Director, Top Glove Corporation

David Lee is the Chairman and CEO of Hing Wa Lee Group, which consists of the renowned Hing Wa Lee Jewelers and business ventures in real estate, exotic car collections, restaurants, and other investments. Lee is active in the community and some involvements include board member at USC Marshall School of Business, Executive Advisory Board member for Lyoid Grief Center for Entrepreneur Studies at USC, Chairman of the David SK and Katherine Lee endowment program at Flintridge Preparatory School, and Lifetime Chairman and Founder of the CEO Club.

Pioneer shareholder of Top Glove SDN BHD since 1991, Founder of TG Medical USA Inc in 1995, Executive Director of Top Glove Corp when both companies merged in 2000. Top Glove is the world’s largest disposable glove company selling to 200 countries in the world. Director of various privately held corporations. Former Director of AAAA (Arizona Asian American Association).

LADREAMS.COM

43


The New Entrepreneurs

KENNY MAR

KERRY MOY

Managing Partner & CEO, Mar Investments

First Vice President / Certified Portfolio Manager, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management

Kenny is the Managing Partner and CEO of Mar Investments, a real estate company specializing in the development and investment of commercial real estate. The primary assets in his portfolio are neighborhood shopping centers located in prime commercial areas throughout Southern California. With over 25 years’ experience in commercial real estate, Kenny is continually looking for key acquisitions with the intent on a long-term hold strategy and appreciation through development/ redevelopment of the assets.

DAVID SHEEN

KEN WONG

CEO/President, Jon Davler, Inc., LASplash Cosmetics, a division of JDI USE

Principal, Fortune Property Management & Investments, Inc.

C’mon... it’s color cosmetics! How can anyone stress out rolling in glitters all day?! I consider JDI a “Boutique Color Cosmetics Manufacturer” because we focus on unique cosmetics designs and premium formulations. Turning point of my life occurred in 2015 when a fire destroyed my entire factory. This led to re-structuring, new marketing direction and nixing distractions which gave birth to a new state-of-art facility with multiple growth.

44

LADREAMS.COM

Kerry Moy manages wealth for high networth investors, corporations, and retirement plans assisting them to achieve their financial goals. Also Principal/Partner of the M2K Group/The Tasty Dining Group, Kerry invests in and owns many well-known restaurants in Southern California such as Triple 8 China Bar & Grill, Wokano, EMC Seafood, The Backhouse, Bunker Hill Bar & Grill, LiOrient and others.

Ken’s experience as a commercial loan underwriter and tax auditor enabled him to naturally parlay into the world of real estate 22 years ago. Having capitalized upon 2 major market windfalls, Fortune’s humble apartment portfolio grew to be comprised of commercial retail & service space, as well as numerous international QSR (quick service restaurants) spanning over 5 states. He plans to focus on serving more at church, traveling, and cycling.


The New Entrepreneurs

MICHAEL WU

KENNY YEE

CEO, Wealthy Daddy Investment LLC, Havenly Cure LLC

President & CEO, IMUAROCK Ventures

With a keen eye for new market and investment opportunities, Michael Wu is an entrepreneur that has more than 30 years of experiences in small business management. Michael’s work has provided him tremendous experience in emerging markets and his background has made him an expert in leadership and management. He stands by business ethics and social responsibility. Integrity and honesty are the mottos he lives by.

MARC HOANG Marc Hoang is an active member of the CEO Club.

TONY TSAI Tony Tsai is an active member of the CEO Club.

Kenny is the President and CEO of IMUAROCK Ventures, focusing on strategic investments in small business, start-ups and real estate. In his early career, Kenny built Wing Hing Noodle Company from a small family “mom and pop” operation into Passport Food Group LLC, one of the largest noodle manufacturers and distributors of Asian food in the United States.

DAVID LIN David Lin is an active member of the CEO Club.

DENNIS WONG Dennis Wong is an active member of the CEO Club.

LADREAMS.COM

45



VISION TO INSPIRE

INSPIRED IN LISBON, LONDON, GOA HONG KONG AND CHICAGO DIAS-USA.COM


48

LADREAMS.COM


Luxury Fashion

THE MAN SETTING

G LO BA L T R E ND S KEVIN J CHEN IS AT THE FOREFRONT OF THE BOOMING INTERNATIONAL LUXURY FASHION MARKET BY: NATALIE FRIBERG | PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ADDAM RODRIGUEZ

K

evin Chen is no ordinary fashion trendsetter. An accomplished Asian American fashion and real estate entrepreneur, in the last few years he has been at the epicenter of LA’s style resurgence and has made bicoastal real estate acquisitions in the United States two largest markets: LA and New York. Chen relaunched the fashion brand FRANKIE in 2016 to much acclaim, and has been a key player in the revival of the DTLA Arts District in Los Angeles. Now, with an ambitious plan to expand internationally and open more than 100 locations in China and across the globe, we caught up with him to find out what’s happening with China’s luxury fashion consumers, the global real estate market, and what we can expect from FRANKIE in 2018.

Q:

As an Asian entrepreneur, what makes LA and the Pacific Rim Region attractive for business?

A: Los Angeles is the United States leading gateway

to the Pacific Rim Region; it consists of the most transPacific flights and ocean-based shipments. Most of these countries included – from the North and South Americas to Asia to Oceania – have experienced major economic change and growth, transforming into economically integrated trade centers. China is attempting to foray into the Pacific Rim with Special Economic Zones and Open Coastal cities

– like Hong Kong and Shanghai – which have special incentives for international investors. Los Angeles is also China’s top international trade gateway to the U.S., handling nearly 45% of trade between the two countries. The Pacific Rim continues to gain strength in the global economy, and the value of United States imports from Pacific Rim countries has become greater than those from the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) members in Europe.

Q: You’ve built FRANKIE into an LA brand, and now appear to be taking it international. Talk to us about that process and the opportunities you see in the booming Asian and international markets?

A: The legacy of the brand from its roots was what

initially grabbed my attention. FRANKIE B was notorious for introducing a signature trend to the premium denim market: low-slung jeans. With a 6” rise, the garments were under spotlight. In 1999, the brand was launched in Los Angeles by Daniella Clarke (wife of musician and former Guns N’ Roses rhythm guitarist, Gilby Clarke), and soon after, everyone was after the super low-rise jeans. FRANKIE B started a revolution. It was the most converted denim trend in the early 2000’s, and it instantly gained a strong celebrity following. Kate Moss, Jennifer Lopez, Fergie, Christina Aguilera, LADREAMS.COM

49


Bureau Spectacular, an LA architecture firm designed the FRANKIE Flagship in the Arts District DTLA, which was awarded 2016's Best Boutique Interior

Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, Jessica Alba, Katie Holmes, Eva Longoria, Charlize Theron and Megan Fox to name a few. When my team and I relaunched the brand as FRANKIE in 2016, Los Angeles was quickly on its way to international recognition – becoming the most creative and desirable place to be. With its revolutionary rock n’ roll roots, the vision is to continue and expand that legacy into a ready-to-wear brand in the place it was born. Our new collection of premium denim, leather jackets, and contemporary garments preserves the brand’s original rock chic and Hollywood glamour for the modern and culturally-diverse women in Los Angeles taking over the streets today. We develop all of our pieces in small atelier factories in Los Angeles and New York, sourcing high-quality fabrics from the best manufacturers from France, Italy, Japan and America. I’m also excited to mention that FRANKIE has achieved another milestone last September: its first flagship store in the Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles, already recognized as The Best Boutique Interior of 2016 by Azure Magazine. With the brand, I’ve also been nominated as a Fashion Trendsetter Award Finalist of 2016 by Los Angeles Business Journal. This September, we’ve brought FRANKIE to New York and opened a pop-up store in Nolita/Soho. The FRANKIE NY flagship is projected to open in Spring 2019 in Chelsea, Hudson Yards New York.


Luxury Fashion

Second, the opportunities in the booming Asian and international markets. In terms of international expansion, China is our top choice. The economy is beginning a historic shift to a more consumption and service-driven model that will benefit and sustain the country’s growth over the next decade and beyond. Beijing is ambitious in the next chapter of China’s growth. Consumption is expected to overtake investment as the largest contributor to China’s GDP growth. In the luxury goods segment, 75% of all sales will be from Chinese consumers, with more than half of that being spent outside of the nation. Two pressing drives of global brand expansion are internet sales and global travel. Asia is quickly coming into its own, opening doors to so many new business and tourism opportunities. Another drive: the millennials. A joint study by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), Visa, and McKinsey & Company revealed that approximately 60% of the world’s millennials reside in Asia. Even before entering the prime of their earning power, millennials already account for almost 35% of the US$600 billion spent on international travel. Driven by income growth, the millennials in Asia’s expenditure on international travel is expected to increase by 1.6 times to US$340 billion by 2020. Latin America is also one of the fastest growing markets globally. Stronger underlying economic activity and cooling

inflation are set to boost disposable income and spending in this region of 650 million people. This will open up expansion opportunities for multinational fashion brands. In Europe, the United Kingdom and Germany have the largest apparel and clothing market within the continent. All of these challenges come with great opportunities. Global brands give companies competitive advantages, such as: economies of scale in production and distribution, lower marketing costs, power and scope, consistency in brand image, ability to leverage ideas quickly and efficiently, and uniformity of marketing practices. The rise of global culture doesn’t mean that consumers share all the same tastes or values, but global brands do allow people to connect in an open and mutual conversation drawn on shared symbols.

Q: There’s this concept of building an American brand and then

selling into Asia. What does the high-end Asian consumer look for in the fashion and brands they wear?

A: In the past, luxury goods and premium brands were seen as a symbol of wealth and status for most the consumers. Now, we see buyers shift away from visibly branded goods to a focus on the quality of their garments. Today, the high-end Asian consumer are looking to buy goods for their own enjoyment. They are more confident, and they LADREAMS.COM

51


Luxury Fashion have much more of an understanding of lifestyle. The younger and more sophisticated generation of shoppers with markedly different tastes, aspirations and consumption habits is reshaping the landscape of fashion trends in Asia, especially in China. Educated, well-traveled and tech-savvy, they are emerging as the new target market. 39 percent of wealthy Chinese think the logo is no longer the priority. In America, we build a brand that conveys the unique sociocultural and individual meanings to their adherents. Brands that harness word-of-mouth effects, emphasize in-store execution, and digital platforms get the brands onto shoppers’ short lists for initial consideration are more likely to capture the loyalty of emerging-market consumers. Niche high-end collections are becoming new drivers of luxury consumption. Customers, especially women, between the ages of 25 and 35, are interested in ready-towear brands. It is the fastest-growing segment in mainland China. Chinese shoppers account for nearly half of the global luxury market, providing invaluable demand to brands in every segment. There’s a real thirst for newness. It’s not just about purchasing, it’s about the experience.

focused on wholesale key retailers in England, Germany, France and Italy. We’re also looking to work with distribution in the Middle East and South American regions.

Q: You also invest in real estate, and made a significant property

acquisition in the booming DTLA Arts District. As an investor, what US markets do you see opportunity in, and what trends and behaviors are you seeing from overseas Asian investors?

A: Absolutely. In 2007, China’s commercial property outflow

Q: What synergy do you see between

the US and Chinese fashion industries; and more generally, between the two business communities?

A: The global manufacturing map is

There is a real thirst for newness. It's not just about purchasing, it is about the experience.

changing fast, raising questions about the future of China’s status as ‘the world’s factory.’ More and more Chinese firms are investing in technological innovation, specialization and quality upgrades, contributing to the development of the country’s advanced manufacturing sector. The explosive growth of high quality, locally made fashion will help China’s manufacturing sector remain globally competitive.

Q:

Now in LA and New York; where will FRANKIE be expanding to next?

A: FRANKIE’s next expansion market will be China. We plan

to partner with Chinese companies to establish e-commerce and retail. FRANKIE will have flagship locations in Beijing and Shanghai in 2018, followed with 100 stores rolling out in the next four years. FRANKIE will also work with local distributors including the countries within the Pacific Rim Region. In Europe, we’re

52

LADREAMS.COM

global investment was less than $1 billion. Now it exceeds $20 billion annually. Mainland Chinese buyers’ fascination with American property continues unabated, with each family spending an average of US$529,943 per property, according to a report from the US National Association of Realtors. Based on sales reported by member agents, home buyers from China acquired 40,572 residential units in the United States in the 12 months to March 31, 2017 up from 29,195 units in the previous 12 months. This equated to US$31.7 billion in sales, up 16.1% year-on-year. Chinese buyers remain the biggest foreign investor group, accounting for 14% of all sales to international buyers, and 26.6% of the total spend. According to the data, the four biggest markets they’ve bought in are California (37%), Texas (11%), Florida (8%), and Illinois (7%). New York accounted for only 4%. The majority were acquiring properties for self use, in suburban locations, detached houses and “paying all cash”. Chinese investors are drawn to these cities because of quality educational institutions and opportunities, and according to the report, “children’s education” was the top reason driving demand, just ahead of migration. Five US housing markets where Chinese buyers are projected to spend the most money in the next 12 months: Los Angeles, California; Miami, Florida; New York, New York; San Francisco, California and Boston, Massachusetts. Although expecting that the volume of purchases could abate slightly in 2017, USNAR foresees sustained buyer demand over the coming years “as Chinese individuals and businesses continue to become an integral part of the global community”. ◆

To learn more about FR ANKIE, please visit www.frankie-us.com.





M oda M atters WHAT YOU WEAR MAKES THE DIFFERENCE BY: NATALIE FRIBERG | PHOTOGRAPHY BY: EMILY DOWLING

Founder & CEO of ModaMatters, Francesco Reale, wearing the Navy Double Breasted Suit ($779), Bespoke White Shirt ($175) and Green Grenadine Tie ($79).


L

Luxury Fashion

ife is about your story. Living on your own terms. Treating yourself to the finest life has to offer. Francesco Reale embodies this spirit, and has built a luxury custom menswear brand to show for it. Leaving behind a successful corporate career, he set off to make his own way and legacy – just as his immigrant parents did years ago – and founded ModaMatters. Serving clients who seek exceptional style and demand the highest-quality materials, this company has quickly left its mark on men’s fashion. Looking toward fashion in 2018, we sat down with Francesco for an inside look at custom luxury menswear, what sets this company apart from other high-end fashion brands, and the opportunities that exist on the horizon.

Q:

You left a career to pursue your entrepreneurial dreams. What were the driving forces of this decision?

A:

and then help them to create well-made, wearable works of art that express their style, tastes, and personalities. We’re reimagining luxury, high-end, bespoke suiting and shirting to make it expressive, collaborative, and fun, with a touch of authentic Italian design.

Q:

Talk to us about the challenges and obstacles you had to overcome to get where you are today?

A:

Growing up, I was never the strongest, best looking, or most athletic. It was very frustrating because those were things I couldn’t control. But one thing that I could control, which I realized pretty early on, was how I dressed. That’s how I initially became interested in fashion and style - and it’s how I got the nickname Moda, which has obviously stuck with me over the years. Throughout my childhood and into my 20’s, as I set out to climb the corporate ladder, I always placed a premium on dressing better. I thought that dressing well and working hard would get me to where I wanted to be. And to an extent it did. But after years of grinding in the corporate world, and getting where I thought I wanted to be, I realized it wasn’t enough. So, it forced me to realize that the only way to reach my full potential was to build something of my own. Being an entrepreneur and building a business presents its own unique set of challenges, from design to operations to resources, but the reward of being responsible for my own success is worth the headaches.

We're reimagining luxury,

Like Robert De Niro’s character said in A Bronx Tale, “the saddest thing in life is wasted talent”. Even though I’d been successful in my previous career with an Italian helicopter manufacturer, working my way up the ranks from entry level just out of college to managing the supply chain organization, I always knew that I was capable of so much more. Plus, the only way to have real freedom and a lasting legacy is to be an entrepreneur. I watched my father do it, and have always had so much respect and admiration for him. As Italian immigrants, my parents did not come here with much. My father started his own business and my mother left her family behind because there was a better life for us here. So, in addition to my own ambitions, I also feel like I have a responsibility to make my way the same way that they did.

high-end, bespoke suiting and shirting to make it

expressive, collaborative, and fun, with a touch of

authentic Italian design.

Q: What is ModaMatters and who are the type of clientele that you serve?

A:

ModaMatters is a custom menswear brand for men who live on their own terms. Our clients are people who have been successful in life because they are driven, and they invest in themselves. They like well-made, high-quality clothing, but also have their own unique sense of style that they don’t - and shouldn’t - want to compromise. Unlike a lot of other luxury brands, we meet our clients where they are, learning about their style preferences and personalities,

Q: What are the key factors that set you apart from the others in this industry?

A:

Until recently, high-quality custom clothing hasn’t really been accessible to regular men. And even over the past couple of years, when other made-to-measure menswear brands have appeared on the scene, the process of finding and getting fitted for a suit has been just that: a process. We don’t rely on futuristic technology, hyper-exclusivity or deep discounts to drive transactional sales; we provide an aboveand-beyond level of consultation and service, and build enduring partnerships and relationships with our clients as we help them find their personal style. Unlike others in the space, ModaMatters has turned madeLADREAMS.COM

57


to-measure suiting and shirting into an experience; one that’s relaxed, collaborative, educational, and fun.

Q:

What’s one piece of advice you could share with anyone looking to invest in a custom luxury suit and accessories.

A: Price or environment doesn’t necessarily dictate quality. The

stories behind the products do. Our grenadine ties are made in Como, Italy on looms from WWII. Our shirts are made in Puglia, created by people dedicated to the art of shirt making, with distinct characteristics only found in shirts from Italy. Our Fatto in Italia, an Italian Fashion house, to offer Made-in-Italy fabrics are selected with care and consideration, and we often buy topcoats, raincoats, and other really unique and beautiful readylimited runs of extremely high-quality fabric that are exactly the to-wear items. For design collaborations, we are always scouting for leading fashion influencers who share our vision, with whom same as those used by the most high-end designers. Don’t settle or compromise. Treat yourself. If you look good, we can collaborate on special collections. We have a number of exciting collaborations on the horizon, you feel good, and it’s hard to put a price tag including the next capsule collection with on that. And when you get a few things that Sabir Peele, Creative Director of Men’s Style reflect who you are, fit you perfectly, and make Pro, famous for his work with other major you feel like your best self, you’ll recognize the Pay for the quality menswear brands as well as Esquire and GQ. value. Pay for the quality of the product and of the product & the We’re very happy with how it turned out, and the quality of the service, not the brand name our plan is to continue to co-design unique or a plush showroom. quality of the service, collections that will help us gain notoriety Q: Where do you see opportunities exist by and also evolve the product offerings at the way of collaboration and partnerships with not the brand name or forefront of men’s style. industry leaders and influencers? Q: What is on the horizon at ModaMatters? a plush showroom. A: Two major opportunities exist:

Complementary products and design collaborations. We’re always looking to add complementary products to complete the shopping experience for men. We’d like to be able to partner with other brands to offer the full range of items within our website and showroom to solve that problem. We’re looking at things like ready-to-wear outerwear, leather goods, socks, shoes, and have even had requests to do athleisure apparel and sneakers. So far for 2017, we have launched a partnership with 0909

58

LADREAMS.COM

A: Growth. It’s time for us to take our next

big step forward. We plan on touring the United States to host trunk shows in various major cities in early 2018. We’ll start with NYC, Chicago, Dallas, Washington, and cap off the tour with a dedicated show in the Los Angeles area in the spring. By the end of 2018, we hope to have enough of a client following to keep permanent offices in major cities around the country, and then we’ll look international. We don’t plan on slowing down any time soon. ◆ For more information, visit www.modamatters.com.


Clockwise from top left: (1) Dark Emerald Rain Jacket ($595); Deep Blue Double-Breasted Blazer ($545); Bespoke Purple Windowpane Pant ($299); Silk Knit Tie ($59). (2) Navy Double Breasted Blazer ($545); Bespoke White Oxford Shirt ($175); Silver Grenadine Tie ($79); Bespoke Glen Plaid Pant ($299).


Luxury Fashion

Fine Custom 'LEGO' JEWELRY TESS HEADLY DESIGNS & ENGINEERS UNIQUE ART JEWELRY BY: STEVE TOBIA PHOTOGRAPHY BY: RON MILLER

T

here are but a few true artists that also have the engineering mind and skills to make fine jewelry that is stunning and functional. We found such a person in Las Vegas - Tess Headley. “I have always been creative and spent many years as a painter,” says Tess. “I took classes in jewelry making and my journey from painter to inventor began.” Her fascination for the ancient art of goldsmithing, along with her fascination of intricate engineering processes, began her journey from those jewelry making classes to founding her own custom designed jewelry business. “The word ‘legos’ is often used to describe my jewelry because it allows you to connect different pieces that are interchangeable. This piece I am wearing began with an original diamond from my engagement ring, and the other fine metals that are interwoven and changeable,” demonstrates Tess.

60

LADREAMS.COM


Tess developed her concepts of interchangeable jewelry that could be configured for any occasion once her children were raised and she wanted to be an entrepreneur. The challenge was the coupling device, which required exacting precision, not achievable using traditional methods. With the advent of 3D design, Tess mastered that art and was able to produce prototypes and secure patents in 11 countries. This is a two-part system. Every bail, connector, and enhancer has a prong, which has a hook and a tiny magnet. All pendants have a back plate containing multiple ports. Due to the patented design of these two elements, once the prong is inserted into a port and rotated it’s securely locked in, even before the magnets connect. Beginning with a palette of elegant centerpieces, you decide how your piece will be worn. You can wear the piece as a chain, choker and integrate different complimentary metals. In addition to her custom one-of-a-kind pieces, Tess also offers some of the rarest turquoise stone pieces. “I love what I do and I also love to give back to the community as well. I donate 10% of my sales to charity and I work directly with various charity groups,” says Tess. Four words describe Tess Headley: Artist. Engineer. Entrepreneur. Philanthropist. To learn more, please contact Tess Headly at info@tessheadley.com or (702) 558-7266.

The word "legos" is often used to describe

my jewelry because it allows you to connect different pieces that are interchangeable.

LADREAMS.COM

” 61





LIORIENT FIVE-STAR ASIAN CUISINE ARRIVES IN DTLA BY: MICHAEL TAI, SCOTT CROW & JAMES PENG | PHOTOGRAPHY BY: RON MILLER


LA Fine Dining

A chic cocktail bar and lounge couples contemporary design with an opulent setting

E

ntrepreneurs with a zest for food and culture have out. And then there is night. By five o’clock the dining room has joined together to bring a five-star authentic Asian undergone a transformation: the lights go down, and the east gourmet experience to Southern California in the shines through a posh, yet authentic, fine dining experience. The center of DTLA in the US Bank Tower. interior is a blend of contemporary and luxury interior design Atop the Los Angeles skyline stands the US Bank Tower, a styles that appeal to customers seeking an intimate high-end or stoic symbol of commerce and paramountcy. To the left of the casual dining experience. The 12,000-square foot open dining lobby wind a set of stairs, ascending room, adorned in red and white, upward towards the courtyard on leaves no doubt that you are in the top the fourth floor and the entrance to spot in downtown. Floor to ceiling This is very much a Los Angeles’ newest destination for windows offer an incredible view Asian fare, LiOrient Asian Bar & of the city as you dine on what can contemporary restaurant. Restaurant. only be described as the ‘Pearls of the LiOrient serves as a reminder Orient’. LiOrient brings chefs to that opulence coupled with a casual “This is very much a contemporary demeanor is very much a part of downtown Los Angeles restaurant. LiOrient brings chefs to the character of Los Angeles. This downtown Los Angeles who have an who have an unconditional up-and-coming bar & restaurant is unconditional passion for cooking and ready to cater to every whim that an innovation,” says Kerry Moy, Partner passion for cooking and Angeleno could possibly imagine: and Owner of LiOrient. from a quick bite at the express area, Its team of restauranteurs, cooks, innovation. a business lunch in the dining room entrepreneurs and investors come or a chic cocktail from the sleek, from diverse backgrounds and contemporary bar during happy hour. countries. As a result, there is and will That is LiOrient when the sun is - Kerry Moy, Founder & Partner of LiOrient always be an evolving menu. Whether

66

LADREAMS.COM


Founders and partners of Asian Bar and Restaurant, LiOrient; Kin Hui (L) and Kerry Moy (R).


LA Fine Dining

LiOrient offers an intimate, highend dining experience at night; and casual express lunch options during the day

Love is universal and unconditional, and that is what defines LiOrient.

- Kin Hui, Founder & Partner of LiOrient

it be small bites, soups, main courses, desserts or experimental dishes, Moy and partner, Kin Hui, CEO of Singpoli Group LLC are focused on an ever-changing menu. “LiOrient’s culinary philosophy is that we will always provide our guests with many choices – all of which are seasoned with love. Love is universal and unconditional, and that is what defines LiOrient,” explained Hui, Founder & Partner. While other Chinese restaurants offer the traditional Xiao Lon Bao soup dumplings with ground pork and chives, the chefs at LiOrient take these baos to a whole new level. The main attraction, the ‘7 Wonders’, includes an assortment of colored soup dumplings, each with its own distinct flavor. Their casings are tinted individually with spinach, squid ink, buckwheat flour, pumpkin, carrot, beet, and red cabbage while fillings include vermicelli, five spice bean curd, shrimp, chicken breast, green tea broth, white fish and quinoa. Depending on seasonality, the fillings are bound to change. Moy enlightens, “LiOrient Asian Bar and Restaurant is committed to catering to customers with an adventurous palate and those who have a zest for Chinese and Asian cultures.” ◆ LiOrient is located on the fourth floor of L.A.’s tallest landmark building – the U.S. Bank Tower. LiOrient’s dynamic menu, described as simple, yet sophisticated, ranges from lunchtime takeout to innovative signature dishes that are prepared tableside. The interior is a blend of contemporary and luxury interior design styles that appeal to customers seeking an intimate high-end or casual dining experience. To learn more, visit www.liorientrestaurant.com.



Top Art Collectors

T O P G L O B A L & P R I VAT E

Art Collectors LOS ANGELES. LAS VEGAS. ASIA. MIDDLE EAST.

“Art collecting has a long history, and most of the world's art museums grew out of great private collections formed by royalty, the aristocracy or the wealthy… European interest in art lapsed during the Middle Ages, and the monasteries became the main repositories of cultural objects.” -Britannica

T

he world’s pinnacle of wealth has always been the steward of masterpiece art, and Europe has been the foundation of collection and preservation with the great museums, Vatican and monasteries. As America developed into an economic powerhouse, the earlier industrialists became extended stewards with private collections and establishing world famous collections with museums. Over the last fifty years, as global wealth expanded to California, Asia and the Middle East, a new set of stewards

70

LADREAMS.COM

have emerged. They are the new entrepreneurs and continue the historical role of preserving and enhancing the arts. Recently, record-setting purchase figures have been announced by major art houses and auctions. Global wealth and masterpiece collections are being accumulated like never before. The following individuals represent these new stewards of masterpiece art. Coming from all around the world, we have carefully evaluated and selected these collectors and their masterpieces to bring you the ultimate art showcase.


Top Art Collectors

LOS ANGELES MARIA ARENA & WILLIAM BELL JR Modern & Contemporary Art

CHARA SCHREYER Modern & Contemporary Art/ Photography/Sculpture

One of their personal pride pieces is a plexiglass sculpture of a Hoover vacuum by Jeff Koons along with other works from Andy Warhol, Marcel Duchamp and Damien Hirst.

Ranked top ten private collections of modern and contemporary art in the world including works from Andy Warhol, Sol LeWitt, Jeff Wall, Richard Serra, and Fred Sandback.

MAURICE MARCIANO Contemporary Art

ERIC SMIDT Abstract Expressionism & Contemporary Art

Private Museum/Marciano Art Foundation, opened in 2017 will include work from Takashi Murakami and Sterling Ruby, Thomas Houseago, and Allora & Calzadilla.

One of the country’s top art collectors focusing on postwar and contemporary art from Mark Rothko, Clyfford Still, Jackson Pollock, and Franz Kline.

LEONARDO DICAPRI0 Comics/Contemporary Art/Fossils/Rare & Vintage Books/Posters Raised $38 million in one evening for charity setting record sales for 13 artists. His collection includes pieces from Egon Schiele, Pablo Picasso, Andreas Gursky, Takashi Murakami, Ed Ruscha, Elizabeth Peyton, and Sarah Lucas.

STEPHEN TISCH Contemporary Art With a personal 4,500-square-foot museum on his estate, his collection includes pieces such as Ed Ruscha’s A Blvd Called Sunset and Gerhard Richter’s Two Women at Table.

DAVID GEFFEN Mid-Century & American Artists The entertainment mogul has ammased an art collection worth an estimated $2.3 billion.

EDYTHE & ELI BROAD Modern & Contemporary Art The Broad in DTLA is a $140 million private museum with more than 1,500 works including Sam Francis, Jeff Koons, Jasper Johns, and Andy Warhol. Their most recent acquisition was in 2016 of the $11.8 Million Sam Francis painting Summer #1. MICHAEL OVITZ African Art/Ming Furniture/Modern & Contemporary Art Collector of rare Ming furniture and Persian carpets along with Pablo Picasso, Jasper John, Dürer and Rembrandt.

LADREAMS.COM

71


Top Art Collectors

STEPHEN WYNN Modern & Contemporary Art Stephen Alan Wynn is an American real estate businessman and art collector. He is known for amassing a large collection of fine art, often placing the pieces in his various casinos and hotels. His current art collection is estimated at $1 Billion including major pieces from Andy Warhol, Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Amedeo Modigliani, Édouard Manet, Paul Gauguin, and Paul Cezanne.

LAS VEGAS

ASIA

ELAINE WYNN Modern & Contemporary Art

PIERRE CHEN (TAIPEI) Modern & Contemporary Art

JACK MA (HANGZHOU) Modern & Contemporary Art

She paid $142.4 million in 2014 for Francis Bacon’s 1969 triptych Three Studies of Lucian Freud and other notable works include pieces from Édouard Manet and and Joan Mitchell.

He paid $26 Million in 2015 for Peter Doig’s painting Swamped (1990) at Christie’s New York auction making it a record price for the artist.

A collector and painter himself, his first public piece sold for $5.4 Million at a Sotheby auction in 2015.

FRANK FERTITTA & LORENZO FERTITTA Modern & Contemporary Art The brothers enjoy American Pop and Abstract Expressionism, especially depicting boxing, since they own UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) and their collection includes Damien Hirst, Christopher Wool, Brice Marden, Richard Prince and William Bouguereau.

ADRIAN CHENG (HONG KONG) Contemporary Chinese Art One of world’s youngest billionaires, he has been collecting art over the last six years and he has launched “art malls” as the new museum model for the public. FRANK HUANG (TAIPEI) Chinese Porcelain & Impressionist Art LI LIN (HANGZHOU) Contemporary Art Art is her passion that fuels her fashion label JNBY, China’s top fashion brand. WANG JIANLIN (BEIJING) Impressionism/Contemporary Art His art collection is estimated at $1.6 Billon, and he began collecting Chinese modern and contemporary artists like Wu Guangzhong and Shi Qi. In 2014, he bought a Monet painting at Sotheby’s, New York for $20.4 million.

72

LADREAMS.COM

WANG WEI & LIU YIQIAN (SHANGHAI) Chinese Art/Contemporary Art 2,300 works fill two museums in Shanghai including contemporary pieces by Jeff Koons and Yayoi Kusama. Liu paid $170.4 million in 2015 for a Modigliani painting.


Top Art Collectors

MIDDLE EAST ELHAM & TONY SALAME (BEIRUT) Contemporary Art The 40,000-square-foot exhibition space in 2015 in Jal el-Dib, Lebanon with an extensive collection of sculptures. QIAO ZHIBING (SHANGHAI) International & Chinese Contemporary Art He brings a combination of art museum pieces within his nightclubs in both Shanghai and Beijing. WANG ZHONGJUN (BEIJING) Modern Art His collection includes a $61.8 Million van Gogh, $29 Million Picasso, along with Renoir and Pissarro. A painter himself, he’s influenced by the work of van Gogh. HARYANTO ADIKOESOEMO (JAKARTA) Indonesian & Western Contemporary Art He is financing the Museum MACAN, which is scheduled to open in 2017 and collects works from Jeff Koons, Gerhard Richter and Affandi.

RAMIN SALSALI Contemporary Middle Eastern Art The Dubai-based property developer has the Salsali Private Museum which showcases his collection of more than 800 pieces.

SHEIKH HAMAD BIN JASSIM BIN JABER AL THANI (QATAR) Antiques & Modern Art The family has spent more than $1 Million on a wide collection of Islamic, Roman, and Egyptian art and antiques and has reportedly spent over $1 billion acquiring works of Western painting and sculpture over the last two decades. SHEIKHA AL MAYASSA BINT HAMAD BIN KHALIFA AL THANI (QATAR) Modern & Contemporary Art Chair of the Qatar Museums, it is reported that her annual acquisition budget is $1 Billion with works by Damien Hirst, Richard Serra, Jeff Koons, and Andy Warhol. SOURCES: Individual Profiles/Forbes/ ArtFortune/ArtNews/and other sources. LADREAMS.COM

73




East Meets West

THE LEGEND OF THE

Dragon Gate SINGPOLI GROUP SET TO SHOWCASE FIRST-OF-KIND AUGMENTED REALITY FLOAT AT 2018 ROSE PARADE

S

ingpoli’s entry in the 2018 Rose Parade will feature the Legend of the Dragon Gate. It will be the first-ever parade float to incorporate Augmented Reality into its design, which will bring the legend to life for hundreds of thousands of enthusiastic parade goers in Pasadena on New Year’s Day.

According to folklore, the fish who swim upstream in the Yellow River aim to reach the gate at the source of the river. If the fish can leap over the gate they will be transformed into powerful dragons. The float itself will feature three magnificent animated fish leaping from the flowing river, and the Dragon Gate is at the rear of the float. Singpoli American BD invested in AR technology that will enable parade viewers to see digital animations and show the entire legendary story overlaid on the actual float. Malaysian superstar Sheila Amzah will be featured on the float singing “Rising Above,” a song specifically written for the

76

LADREAMS.COM

Singpoli American BD by award-winning composer Nathan Wang. Both artists will be aboard “Rising Above.” Singpoli American BD aims to showcase a special part of Chinese American culture. The inspiring legend offered a creative, but fitting tie-in to the 2018 parade theme “Making a Difference.” “The Legend of the Dragon Gate is an encouraging story of perseverance,” said Singpoli CEO Kin Hui. “It is a reminder that even though our journeys can be difficult and painful we can rise above adversity. We must if we are going to make a meaningful difference in the world.” The float will employ intricate designs of carnations, marigolds and chrysanthemums to create the jewel-toned fish. “Tangelo” a new variety of carnation, lends a fiery orange hue to the central fish. Varieties of iris, hybrid delphinium, roses and orchids will represent the river. When complete it will be one of the most


Clockwise from top right: Singpoli Group’s 2018 Rose Parade Float incorporating Augmented Reality “Rising Above”; Award winning 2017 Float “The Monkey King: Journey to Success”; Award winning 2015 float “A Bright Future”.

densely flowered floats in the parade with over 250,000 blooms. When complete Rising Above will be 36 feet tall, 18 feet wide and 55 feet long. Past Singpoli entries have earned several awards. In 2014, “Connecting Cultures, Delivering Dreams” earned the Parade’s “Extraordinaire Trophy” as the parade’s most spectacular entry. Following in 2015, Singpoli earned the Grand Marshal’s Trophy for its float “Bright Future” – a phoenix rising from the ashes. In 2016, “Marco Polo: East Meets West,” won the highest honor with the parade’s “Sweepstakes Trophy.” In January of 2017, “The Monkey King: Journey to Success” won the parade’s Fantasy Trophy awarded for the best display of fantasy and imagination. Singpoli American BD is committed to sustainable development through diversifying business strategically. The company holds core businesses in the real estate industry and specializes in architecture, design, development, investment, construction, brokerage, asset management and finance. The company recently launched business segments “Singpoli Financial Services” and “Singpoli Hospitality” to better serve clients and the community. Singpoli also runs a successful new media company with a world-wide footprint. To create value with integrity, Singpoli is active in the local community by supporting the arts and charitable organizations. The 2018 Rose Parade marks Singpoli’s fifth consecutive year as a Rose Parade float participant. Based in Southern California, with offices in Arcadia and Pasadena, Singpoli is head by Mr. Hui, its CEO and president, together with his management team. To learn more about the Singpoli Group, please visit www.singpoli.com.


The New Entrepreneurs

CAPTURING

G RE AT NE S S SEVENTH TRIBE & CHAZ HALL PHOTOGRAPHY COLLABORATE TO EXCEED EXPECTATIONS BY: TY FISCHER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY: CHAZ HALL PHOTOGRAPHY

T

here was a tangible positive electricity in the air as I sat down with Johnathan Reid and Chaz Hall. There was humbleness. There was passion. There was work-ethic. And there was certainly no lack of talent. These two successful entrepreneurs and creative innovators are at the forefront of their respective industries, and have now joined forces to deliver the highest-quality integrated film and photography services. We sat down with these two individuals to talk about humble beginnings, a passion for their craft, and how they will collaborate to capture greatness.

Q:

How did your upbringing influence your decision to enter the film and photography industries?

Chaz Hall: Growing up, I always went to my late uncle’s

house, Roland Charles, and it had this distinct smell of film in the air. My uncle, he had been doing photography since ‘61. He

78

LADREAMS.COM

took pictures of the Jackson Five, and made a successful life as a photographer. Later on, my aunt was moving out of her house and she needed my help because they had lived in the house for three decades. We were going through everything and there was so much camera equipment. I had an interest, so I just picked it up and wanted to see if I was any good at it. That’s what started my career in photography.

Johnathan Reid:

I’m the child of seven, raised in Pasadena, California in the early 70’s. You would get a camera, 35mm, take a picture, and take it to a place to get it developed. I was the guy who would take everybody’s picture and had an archive of my own photography. Then, the VHS JVC recorder came, which back in the day was like having a VCR on your shoulder. I was maybe 12 at the time. I would be the guy videotaping all the birthday parties. Everyone’s


Chaz Hall is a 26 year old photographer currently living in Pasadena, California. After an extensive 16 year career as a competitive tennis player, Chaz traded in his racquets for a camera. With such great determination and natural talent, he has earned his career as a professional photographer. For more information on Chaz Hall’s photography services, please visit www.chazhallphoto.com.

I love hearing other people's stories, hearing that excitement they have in their business. head was cut out, but you could at least see somebody blowing out the candles. That was me. Those were my early days of film and production.

Q:

Talk to us about the early formation of Seventh Tribe, and tell us about some of the people you have worked with over the years.

JR: I started the company doing specialty cameras, which were

robotics and miniature cameras. Doing shows like the Dr. Phil Show with his investigations. Being in a specialty, it lent itself to work with a lot of different companies, from Fox to ABC, CBS, NBC, the Tyra Banks Show in New York, etc. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure to work with many others like Blake Shelton, LL Cool J, Beyoncé in her early days, Dave Chapelle; the list goes on. In the HD era, Seventh Tribe now offers full production packages for major television shows, such as The Voice. We take on all of a client’s digital content and supply the equipment for that in HD. We’ve stepped aside from just being a content collector to dealing with creative, post-production, preproduction, shooting the project and delivering with some distribution deals set up. Recently, I’ve been working on projects with Netflix, and Netflix is one of the other clients that has been really good to us.

Q: What does Seventh Tribe do differently to deliver value to each client?

JR:

I think that working with Seventh Tribe, the best thing about being a company that’s independent is that we have the flexibility to do the unimaginable but also give the simplicity to a client. When they come to Seventh Tribe I want them to also know that you don’t have to worry about being pushed off or work with eight different people. You’re going to get us directly. My company is named Seventh Tribe because I always felt like we should work with other people who together, we can create something special. I collaborate with Chaz Hall Photography because their specialty in photography allows us to narrow that gap and provide an even better service for our clients.

CH: I’d say a strong quality I bring to clients is that I listen

to people. I love hearing other people’s stories, hearing that excitement they have in their business or whatever it is that they do; and really if they have any problems I want to help them through those problems. And oftentimes the right photography and images can solve many of these problems our clients are facing.

Q: What does being an entrepreneur mean to you? How do you overcome the tough times that every entrepreneur faces?

CH: I get it from my Dad. My Dad’s a developer, he hasn’t worked for anybody since 1981. My whole family, my immediate family, my Mom and my Dad, they were both entrepreneurs as we grew up and we made a healthy lifestyle from it. I only know LADREAMS.COM

79


JR Reid is an award-winning Director/DP/Producer with 20+ years of experience in TV, film, live events and digital production. JR is based in Pasadena, CA where he owns and operates a full-service production company, Seventh Tribe Inc., and serves as Director of Production for the AdMark Group, a strategic advertising and marketing firm. JR is also a highly skilled camera operator having worked on major red carpet events and award shows including: Grammys, Golden Globes, Emmys, Nickelodeon's Kid Choice, MTV VMAs, MTV Movie Awards, BET Honors, Soul Train Awards, NAACP Image Awards and many others for multiple years. JR has also worked for hit television shows, such as Dr. Phil, The Voice, Dancing with the Stars and America Idol. JR currently works with such networks and digital platforms as FOX, AXS TV, Revolt, MTV and YouTube. For more information on Seventh Tribe, please visit www.SeventhTribeInc.com.

entrepreneurship. I’m not used to clocking in and clocking out; I’m used to creating something and finishing something. Being an entrepreneur, it’s difficult, but I understand it because I grew up with it. When the recession came, my Dad lost a lot, millions of dollars in property. We actually lost our house that he built. I asked him, “How do you do it?” He said, “What do you want me to do, sit down and die?” I believe that there’s beauty in struggle. Imagine no struggle and having everything; what would there be to live for?

Q: What advice would you give to anyone who’s looking to hire a creative production company?

CH: Really know why they’re getting a video or getting stills,

know the real reason and what you’re hoping to accomplish with them. Once they know the why then it helps them really take advantage of the assets. The best way for them to benefit from our work is to really figure out their why, and then everything will fall into place.

Q: In what ways do you look to give back to the community that Q: What’s on the horizon for Seventh Tribe? raised you? JR: Now, the push for Seventh Tribe is to start to get more exposure for Seventh Tribe’s original JR: Every year I host a charity event. We put together large Ziploc bags with essentials like lotions, toilet paper, feminine products, man products, etc. I get friends and family together, and we build these bags out. I make a big chili or BBQ and host a little entertainment event, and then we go hand them out to the homeless in our community. It’s something that I feel like if you haven’t been directly involved or hands on with those that are less fortunate than some of us, it’s hard to really get a real perspective on how grateful we should be, or how much we have that is a blessing in our everyday lives.

80

LADREAMS.COM

We have the flexibility to do the unimaginable but also give the simplicity to a client.

content, which is scripted content, working with writers, doing things that are from start to finish in production. We have a team of creatives that are actually developing original content by Seventh Tribe, content that will be distributed and consumed by the masses. In the coming months and years, there are big things on our horizon. ◆ For more information on Seventh Tribe, visit www.SeventhTribeInc.com. To learn more about Chaz Hall Photography, visit www. chazhallphoto.com.




Luxury Travel

PRIVATE AIR LUXURY CONCIERGE MATT SMITH OF INSPIRE JET, YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER IN THE SKIES

I

BY: TY FISCHER

n our last issue, Dreams Global Network CEO and LA Dreams Publisher Steve Tobia wrote extensively about time being the most limited commodity. The world’s most affluent people need to travel around the world – from China to LA, London to Dubai, New York to Las Vegas – for business deals and time away with family and associates. But with only 24 hours in the day, our network of the ultra-affluent and powerful must maximize their time and comfort when traveling. For all our travel needs, the DREAMS Global Network relies on one person and one company: Matt Smith of Inspire Jet.

Q: Matt, private jets are the best way to maximize the limited commodity of time. In the private aviation industry, what is your unique point of difference that makes us love flying Inspire Jet?

A:

At Inspire Jet, for us it’s about a personal touch. We understand what you want and what you need from a private jet charter. And what we do is put a private jet charter in front of you that is tailored to what you want it to be, instead of what a typical broker would put in front of you.

Q: Let’s talk about people who have maybe not used a private jet

Q: Who are our readers and viewers calling? Are they really going to get you direct?

A: They are 100% going to get me. I have 10 years of experience in this industry. I’ve seen everything that you can possibly imagine go right or wrong. My phone is on 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You call me direct and I absolutely take care of you.

Q: So, no matter where our clients are – Southern California, New York, Hong Kong – can they still call you and get a jet to take them to Vegas from anywhere in the world?

A: Inspire Jet is a worldwide company. We have access to over

50,000 jets worldwide. So, it’s not a case of waiting for a jet to come pick you up; we have local suppliers in the local area where you are that can be ready in 2 hours notice to take you anywhere in the world you want to go.

Q: One of the biggest concerns for high networth individuals,

but want to start. What is it that you do for everyone?

celebrities and dignitaries is security. What do you do to personally secure them?

What I do, is I take a personal relationship with my clients and say, “Where is it that you want to fly to? How many people do you want to take, what size aircraft, what’s your budget?” And I go out and find an aircraft specific to what your tailormade itinerary is.

We secure our clients in two ways. First, it’s financially. Second, it’s personally. Nowadays with aircraft insolvency, you don’t want to be paying huge sums of money on the internet or over the phone to someone who you don’t know. You pay me, I then pay the end operator two or three days before your flight.

A:

A:

LADREAMS.COM

83


That way you know your money is safe with me, and we’re not spending it on some operator six months out from your flight who could go insolvent before your flight and you lose your money. On a personal level, I’ve done flights into Africa where we’ve had rich, high-level dignitaries going into Africa with a lot of money. We use local suppliers and a worldwide security force, so we can provide tailormade security for each trip.

Q: When someone flies into Las Vegas or anywhere in

the world, in what other ways besides security do you take care of them?

At Inspire Jet, it's about a personal touch. We understand what you want and what you need from a private charter.

A: We’re not just about planes; we’re a concierge service.

What we do, is we not only provide the plane, but if you want a car to pick you up from your home and take you to the plane, we can do that. When you walk on the plane, there’s your own catering which you personally selected. When your plane arrives at your destination, you walk off the plane and we have a limo waiting for you to take you to your hotel, which we’ve also arranged.

Q: Why should our readers and viewers call you? A: It’s the personal touch. People buy from people they

like. It’s one thing I’ve learned from working alongside some of the biggest businessmen in the country; people do business with people they like. We’re all about the personal touch, and I personally handle each one of your requirements. ◆ For more information visit www.inspirejet.com, or contact Matt Smith at (702) 480-5800 or email at ms@inspirejet.com.


LADREAMS.COM

85


LAS VEGAS #MOVEINVESTVEGAS


LAS VEGAS NOT A ONE-DIMENSIONAL SIN CITY. BUT RATHER THE NEW GLOBAL OASIS OF THE PACIFIC RIM REGION.


8 PILLARS OF VEGAS A powerful Region anchored by China on the East and Los Angeles and Las Vegas on the West. The East Meets West of the 21st Century. The New Dreamers. A Region not bound by oceans, countries, states, counties or cities. Interconnected by dreams, passion, opportunities and lifestyles. The internet connects us. Jets and autos move us.

NOT A SIN CITY... But the new Global Oasis. A great and emerging powerful market. The New Frontier for Dreamers and Doers.

ECONOMICS

HOUSING

NO STATE, PERSONAL, OR BUSINESS TAX

GUARD-GATED LUXURY ESTATE COMMUNITES

LOW COST HOUSING & BUSINESS COSTS

SPRAWLING MASTER PLANNED VILLAGES


BUSINESS

INNOVATION

AFFORDABLE LAND AND BUSINESS PARKS

NEW ENTREPRENEURS TECHNOLOGY

DIVERSE & EXPANDING LABOR POOL

30,000 UNLV STUDENTS


THE DESERT OASIS

NEW DREAMS AWAIT

New entrepreneur pioneers just like the iconic Howard Hughes who dreamed far beyond the day.

Think how other great economic regions emerged...

New visionaries like those who designed and built the worldrenowned Hoover Dam that remains an engineering marvel of inspiration.

NEW YORK. The Statue of Liberty. The one great iconic pull for Europeans seeking the American Dream.

New world class entertainers just like Frank, Dean, Sammy and Elvis who once graced our stages.

LOS ANGELES. The Hollywood sign. The 125-year Rose Parade. Two great iconic pulls… movies and sunshine. People seeking the California Dream.

New families seeking a better life. Escaping the economic lids placed upon them.

You see, Dreamers and Doers always come together. It’s a natural pull. Las Vegas. The new Global Oasis. Where opportunities, freedom and financial success awaits.

PRO SPORTS

CULTURE & RECREATION

HOCKEY. FOOTBALL. BOXING. GOLF. RODEO

SMITH CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS

NATIONAL TOURNAMENTS

RED ROCK. LAKE MEAD. MT. CHARLESTON


WORLD CLASS DINING & SHOPPING

TRANSPORTATION

CELEBRITY CHEFS & 2,000+ RESTAURANTS

DIRECT INTERNATIONAL & DOMESTIC FLIGHTS

TOP LUXURY FASHION RETAIL STORES

PRIVATE JET AIRPORTS. DIRECT INTERSTATE LINKS


LAS VEGAS D IR EC T CONNE CT ION LUXURY RESIDENTIAL BUYERS BY: TY FISCHER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY: RON MILLER

A NEW DREAM PARTNERSHIP CONNECTS SOPHISTICATED CALIFORNIA AND ASIAN CLIENTELE TO THE FOUR LUXURY RESIDENCE ENCLAVES OF LAS VEGAS: WEST/SUMMERLIN, SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS, THE STRIP & SOUTHEAST/HENDERSON. STEVE TOBIA AND CHERYL DAVIS ARE YOUR PERSONAL LIFESTYLE CONNECTIONS AND CONCIERGES.

92

LADREAMS.COM


L-R: Steve Tobia, CEO Dreams Global Network and Cheryl Davis, Owner/ Broker of Paragon Premier Properties


WEST/SUMMERLIN

SOUTHEAST/HENDERSON

C

alifornia and global buyers continue to fuel the real estate migration into Las Vegas, especially in four distinct luxury communities: Westside/Summerlin, Southern Highlands, Southeast/Henderson and the Strip. Las Vegas has steadily emerged from the real estate crash of ten years ago and yet, the median price per square foot in these four luxury regions remains below the highest prices of 2007. The median price per square foot in these four luxury regions range from approximately $150 per square foot to $200 per square foot, which are DRAMATICALLY lower than both California and Asia home prices. With 43 million annual visitors to Las Vegas with a population of only 2.3 million residences, second homes are very common. Many Baby Boomers from California are also migrating to Las Vegas cashing out of their high valued homes and saving money with no personal income taxes.

94

LADREAMS.COM

A NEW DREAM PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCED “There are more than 15,000 real estate agents in Las Vegas, yet there are only a handful of experienced brokers that specialize in the luxury market,” comments Steve Tobia, CEO of DREAMS Global Network, “Cheryl Davis, Owner/Broker of Paragon Premier Properties is one them.” Davis and Paragon Premier Properties are now the Las Vegas Real Estate Partners of DREAMS Global Network, serving clientele that want to purchase and invest in Las Vegas. “Our Network Partners represent the pinnacle of luxury brands in every category, and the selection of Cheryl and her team in Las Vegas was based on her 30-years of expertise, experience, and personal services,” commented Tobia on the announcement. Davis, as one of the top luxury brokers, represents clientele ranging from entertainers, corporate executives, professional athletes, and entrepreneurs. “For me it has always been about


SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS

THE STRIP

Cheryl and her team provide VIP Concierge Tours of the Four Luxury Communities of Las Vegas and open the doors to the most spectacular estates available for purchase.

service and going beyond client expectations. My background in real estate started in Beverly Hills, so I always was in the luxury real estate sector. Since arriving in Las Vegas 25 years ago, the luxury market has continued to accelerate and today, we are a California and global buyer’s market,” states Davis. FOUR LUXURY ENCLAVES OF LAS VEGAS Sophisticated buyers and sellers always begin their research online, with every possible detail at the click of a button. Going inside the region and luxury residences, however, requires a trusted and experienced advisor. Tobia informs, “DREAMS Network represents trust and expertise for our readers, online video viewers and personal networks. Selecting someone off the internet really isn’t what our clientele does; they expect insight, knowledge, and direct referrals.”

Within the Four Luxury Regions, there are approximately 12 master planned, guard-gated luxury communities. The Strip also offers a dozen or so luxury high-rises. When first meeting a client, Davis and her team give a comprehensive overview of the Four Luxury Regions before the personal tours begin. “We start on the Westside, which is Summerlin and several luxurious communities. Then we go down south to Southern Highlands, which is a high-end golf community. We navigate the Strip condominiums, and then from there we go to the Southeast/Henderson, touring several high-end golf and lake communities,” explains Davis.

It has always been about service and

going beyond client expectations.

LADREAMS.COM

95


DESERT OASIS LIFESTYLE CONCIERGE “People have to see every one of these areas so they can get a sense of where they belong and who their tribe is, so to speak. If I know what someone’s wants are, we can pinpoint 2 or 3 communities. For example, we had a couple come in from Hawaii that had no sense of Las Vegas. And two days later, after we had showed them four major luxury communities, I knew exactly what they wanted and where they should be in the city,” enlightened Davis. Because most Las Vegas residents are from somewhere else, the community has become a new American melting pot. Residents don’t live on the Strip; instead, most opt for the sprawling valleys which offer master planned communities nestled into mountains, and abundant open spaces of parks, golf courses, bike and hiking trails, along with snow and lake recreation. “We have a lifestyle here that is really difficult to find anywhere else,” notes Tobia.

We are a concierge service. We're not just a real estate agency. Whatever I don't know, I'll find out. Whatever the client wants, we'll make sure they get it. And we'll do it with a smile.

Purchasing a second home or investment in Las Vegas requires trust and a team that personally connects and serves you. “We are a concierge service. We’re not just a real estate agency. Whatever I don’t know, I’ll find out. Whatever the client wants, we’ll make sure they get it. And we’ll do it with a smile. Every single day I get to do what I love… it’s never a job. It’s always been my dream to be where I’m at and to serve people in the way we do. And now I’m with DREAMS Global Network, I couldn’t be happier,” concluded Davis. Contact Cheryl Davis, Owner/Broker of Paragon Premier Properties and Partner of DREAMS Global Network to learn more. Call (702) 683-7785 or email cheryl@cdavegas.com, and visit ParagonPremierProperties.com or DreamsGlobalNetwork.com. ◆


LADREAMS.COM

97



©Photograph: patriceschreyer.com

C OL LECTION

Villeret


UNDISPUTED. SUMMERLIN MAINTAINS ITS DISTINCTION AS THE BEST PLACE TO LIVE IN LAS VEGAS VIA ABUNDANT AMENITIES, THOUGHTFUL MASTER PLAN, AND EXCITING NEW DEVELOPMENTS

T

here is no dispute about Las Vegas’ distinction as the Entertainment Capital of the World. Nearly 43 million annual visitors flock to the city for world-class dining, shopping, entertainment and gaming and to experience first-hand the city’s unparalleled glamour. And to ensure Las Vegas maintains its luster as one of the world’s most popular tourist and convention destinations, the city continues to reinvent itself with new mega resort-casinos, the opening of the T-Mobile Arena, a new performing arts center, the arrival of an NHL team - Vegas Golden Knights and the announcement of a future NFL team – the Raiders. But where is the best place in Las Vegas to live? To raise a family? To enjoy the great outdoors? To enjoy an active lifestyle? To find sanctuary from the hustle of the city? And to put down

100

LADREAMS.COM

real roots? The answer lies about 15 minutes west of the Las Vegas Strip along the valley’s western edge: the master-planned community (MPC) of Summerlin®, a development of The Howard Hughes Corporation®. The idea of Summerlin was conceived more than three decades ago, and the community began to develop in 1990. Some 27 years later, Summerlin is home to more than 100,000 who enjoy its premium lifestyle created by amenities so abundant, no other Southern Nevada community can compare: ten public and private golf courses; 25 private, public and charter schools; 250 parks of all sizes; 150-plus miles of trails; more than a dozen houses of worship; and Downtown Summerlin® with a powerful line-up of retail and dining, such as Crate and Barrel, Apple,


Granite Heights by Toll Brothers in The Cliffs village is one of 34 neighborhoods in six distinct villages throughout Summerlin currently offering homes for sale. Homes in a variety of styles - from singlefamily homes to townhomes are priced from the mid $200,000s to more than $1 million. Homesites for custom homes and estates are also available. For pricing, please call 702.255.2500.

lululemon, Trader Joe’s, Macy’s, Dillard’s, Wolfgang Puck Bar & eight times between 1994 and 2002, putting Summerlin in the Grill and Maggiano’s Littly Italy, to name just few. company of only a handful of communities nationwide to enjoy According to Kevin T. Orrock, President – Summerlin, The such remarkable and sustained success. In 2016, Summerlin was Howard Hughes Corporation, the community is one of the the #5 best-selling MPC and is tracking to once again finish in country’s most compelling success stories. the top ten this year.” “The quality of life established by Summerlin While Summerlin is home to hundreds since inception and maintained for nearly 30 of single-family neighborhoods in a variety years is standard-setting in Southern Nevada,” of styles, elevations, floorplans and prices – The quality of he said. “The community’s enduring appeal and all built by top local, regional and national value lies in its thoughtful master plan, high homebuilders, it is also known as the valley’s life established by design standards, exceptional location adjacent most luxurious place to call home. The Ridges, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation aptly named for the dramatic rocky ridgeline Summerlin since Area on elevated topography overlooking the against which it sits, is the go-to community valley and partnerships with top homebuilders for the city’s influencers, CEOs and celebrities inception and and developers. For these reasons, Summerlin who demand privacy and sanctuary offered continues to claim its distinction as the best maintained for nearly throughout the village’s nine custom home place to live in Southern Nevada.” enclaves. Featuring some of the most stunning 30 years is standard- desert contemporary architecture in Las Vegas, “The numbers don’t lie,” said Gregg Logan, managing director, RCLCO, a national real The Ridges is also home to Jack Nicklaus’ setting in Southern estate consultant that has been ranking MPCs Bear’s Best golf course. nationwide since 1994. “Summerlin has And just down the street from The Ridges Nevada. consistently appeared on our list since we began is Summerlin’s newest luxury community – The tracking, 21 times to be exact. The community Summit. A joint venture development of The was ranked #1 as the nation’s top-selling MPC Howard Hughes Corporation and Discovery

LADREAMS.COM

101


Clockwise from top left: (1) Tour de Summerlin is an annual cycling event with 40-, 60- and 80-mile rides, now in its 17th year. Cyclists are drawn to the community because of its proximity to Red Rock Canyon and its abundance of beautifully landscaped streets and trails. (2) City National Arena is the new practice facility of the National Hockey League’s Vegas Golden Knights. Located in Downtown Summerlin, it features two ice rinks, including one that is the new home of UNLV hockey and youth hockey programs. (3) Summerlin is synonymous with Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area which frames its western edge. Southern Nevada’s most stunning natural treasure, Red Rock offers world-class rock climbing and hiking opportunities.


Land Company, The Summit offer peerless, resort-style luxury living at a level not before offered in Las Vegas. Just a few years since it was announced, The Summit has sold more than half of its 146 ultra-exclusive homesites with some lots as large as three acres, at prices averaging $3.2 million per acre. Already home to a Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course, The Summit also offers 116 elegantly appointed villas, bungalows, suites and cottages in its Club Village. Summerlin’s distinctive natural topography is a big draw for homebuilders, developers and residents, alike. The community sits along the base of Red Rock Canyon, Southern Nevada’s most stunning natural treasure that offers year-round world-class hiking, rock climbing and cycling areas. These opportunities, coupled with the community’s abundant parks and trails for walking and running, along with a number of well-organized youth and adult sports leagues, combine to encourage active lifestyles for residents of all ages. In fact, Summerlin was named in 2007 by National Geographic Adventure as the country’s best place to play and live, in large part due to the community’s proximity to Red Rock Canyon, along with its central location within just a few hours’ drive time from major national parks in Southern Utah and Northern Arizona.

As the only community in Southern Nevada with its own downtown, Summerlin is in a league of its own when it comes to regional dining, shopping, entertainment and now, professional sports.

As the only community in Southern Nevada with its own downtown, Summerlin is in a league of its own when it comes to regional dining, shopping, entertainment and now, professional sports. A true urban core within the heart of suburbia, Downtown Summerlin spans 400 acres. It is the new home of City National Arena, the practice facility of the city’s LADREAMS.COM

103


first major league sports franchise, the National Hockey League’s Vegas Golden Knights. Just announced is Las Vegas Ballpark, a 10,000-capacity Triple-A baseball stadium to be developed by The Howard Hughes Corporation. The stadium will be the new home of the Las Vegas 51s. And opening this month within Downtown Summerlin’s retail corridor is its newest powerhouse brand – the first Crate and Barrel in Southern Nevada. “Downtown Summerlin has quickly evolved as one of the most exciting and fun places to shop, dine, socialize and now, participate in sporting events,” said Orrock. “We take great pride in being the home community of the Vegas Golden Knights, and soon, the Las Vegas 51s. City National Arena offers a second public rink that is already home to UNLV and youth hockey programs, and we anticipate the new ballpark to be used for a number of civic and community events as well. Both facilities are super-charging the area and creating lots of excitement for all Las Vegans.” Summerlin is also becoming known as a great place to work. Case in point is Aristocrat Technologies, Inc., a leading global provider of land-based and online gaming solutions. The Australian-based company broke ground in June on its new Las Vegas headquarters and will move more than 600 employees to a new 180,000-squarefoot campus in Summerlin in 2018. Downtown Summerlin’s first office tower, One Summerlin, offers 200,000 square feet of Class-A office space with a tenant list that reads like the who’s who of the city’s leading professional services and legal firms. Now under construction is Two Summerlin, the area’s second Class-A office tower that will open next year and recently announced its first tenant, the international law firm of Greenberg Traurig. As a golf community, Summerlin has no equal in Southern Nevada. The community is home to courses designed by Jack Nicklaus (Bear’s Best); Arnold Palmer (Red Rock Country Club Mountain and Arroyo courses); Tom Fazio (The Summit); the state’s only two Tournament Players Club courses: TPC Summerlin and TPC Las Vegas; and four public courses. TPC Summerlin is

104

LADREAMS.COM

Jack Nicklaus’ Bear’s Best Las Vegas is one of ten golf courses in Summerlin. It provides a ribbon of green throughout The Ridges village, home to nine custom home enclaves and elegant production home neighborhoods.


the host of the PGA TOUR FedEx Cup Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, the only PGA TOUR event in Nevada. While the community has a heavy focus on sports, Summerlin also claims the state’s only professional ballet company. Nevada Ballet Theatre (NBT), a cultural institution founded nearly 50 years ago, makes its home in Summerlin alongside the Summerlin Library and Performing Arts Center in the Donald W. Reynolds Cultural Center, a gorgeous facility built on land donated in part by The Howard Hughes Corporation and boasting no fewer than eight dance studios and rehearsal halls. Foundational to the community’s development and attraction as a great place to live and raise a family are its schools. Considered the heart of the community, Summerlin schools number 25 and include 16 of the valley’s top-ranked public and charter schools, along with nine private schools, many considered among the best in Southern Nevada. And this number doesn’t reflect four institutions of higher learning in the community, including Roseman University of Health Sciences, in planning to establish a new medical school. “From the community’s inception, we knew quality schools would attract families,” said Orrock. “Land for schools is always built into the master plan to provide residents with a level of educational choice and opportunity they can’t get elsewhere.” According to Orrock, Summerlin is as exciting as it was when development first began nearly three decades ago. And with more than 6,000 acres left to develop, the community offers many more opportunities for landmark development. “With an abundance of beautiful homes in all styles and price ranges, stunning natural surroundings, unbeatable city and mountain views and more amenities than any other community, Summerlin has easily sustained and will continue to claim its distinction as the best place to live in Southern Nevada, just as Las Vegas will continue to celebrate its trademark as the Entertainment Capital of the World.” ◆

LADREAMS.COM

105




108

LADREAMS.COM


Rare Opportunity O N L AS VE GAS W E S T S I D E ONE-OF-A-KIND ESTATE COMPOUND SITS ON 7+ ACRES & HAS 4 PARCELS PRICE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: RON MILLER & DAVRON BOWMAN

THIS INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY FEATURES A 16,400+ SQUARE FOOT HOME THAT SITS ON 4.3 ACRES AND HAS THREE ADDITIONAL HOMES ON THE GROUNDS. A 10-CAR GARAGE, FITNESS CENTER, INDOOR AND OUTDOOR POOLS, ELABORATE MASTER BEDROOM SUITE, AND MULTIPLE ENTERTAINMENT ROOMS ARE JUST A GLIMPSE OF WHAT THIS ESTATE HAS TO OFFER. INSIDE A WONDERFUL GATED, SECURE COMMUNITY JUST MINUTES FROM THE STRIP!

LADREAMS.COM

109



PARTNER

ROSHI MAHBAN Co-Listing Agent Phone: (702) 400-4694 RoshiMahban@gmail.com


SPECTACULAR CUSTOM SMART HOME

List Price: $2,995,000

S

pectacular custom smart house with energy efficient green home concepts throughout. Incredible features include: breathtaking golf course views; gated driveway; grand foyer with floating staircase and cathedral ceilings; Brazilian cherry flooring; gourmet kitchen with exotic granite tops; home theater; gameroom; fabulous interior courtyard with fireplace; dramatic no-edge pool and spa; downstairs bedroom with separate entry. Quality throughout!


PARTNER


CONTEMPORARY TRANSITIONAL ART DECO A CAR COLLECTOR'S DREAM GARAGE & A CHEF'S DREAM KITCHEN

List Price: $3,975,000

T

his exceptional home encompasses elegance, beauty and sophistication with lavish detail and amenities that include circular drive with porte-cochere and a grand entry with soaring ceilings. Multiple entertainment rooms and areas. Some of the property’s highlights include: interior is 11,271 sq. ft.; lot size is 25,265 sq. ft.; 7 bedrooms; 7 full and 4 half-baths; great room; 9 car garage attached; office; wine cellar; nanny suites; resort style pool and cabana; outdoor kitchen; and an indoor elevator.


PARTNER


EXCLUSIVE LAS VEGAS OASIS SPANISH TRAIL ESTATES

EILEEN PETTENGILL Phone: (702) 813-5235 espettengill@gmail.com www.urbannestrealtylv.com

116

LADREAMS.COM

T

his spacious estate is located in the prestigious enclave of Spanish Trail. The 7,000-square foot two-story home overlooks the private golf course with resort style pool and backyard. Multi-generation family living with indoor and outdoor entertainment areas. 6 bedrooms, 7 baths, private theater, with an open floor plan. Custom upgrades and designer furniture included.


LADREAMS.COM

117


PRIVATE POKER PLAYER ESTATE

LORI HYLAND Phone: (702) 606-6869 lmhyland@yahoo.com www.urbannestrealtylv.com

118

LADREAMS.COM

T

List Price: $4,750,000

his exquisite 8 bedroom custom estate in Spanish Hills is the ultimate in luxury living. Accentuated by one of the best Strip views in all of Las Vegas, this home is an entertainer’s paradise. Amenities include a state-of-the-art theater, upstairs and downstairs laundry rooms, elevator, 28’ high ceiling in the foyer with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Strip, and a highly upgraded kitchen with Wolf range and Miele coffee system.


LADREAMS.COM

119




122

LADREAMS.COM


La Cañada Flintridge Real Estate

The Crown Jewel Estate O F L A CAN ADA FL IN TR I D G E A HISTORICAL MASTERPIECE OFFERED AT $12.9M PHOTOGRAPHY BY: RON MILLER & DAVRON BOWMAN

T

here are few times to purchase a historical Masterpiece Estate in the heart of Flintridge - that opportunity exists today. Known as the “Crown Jewel of Flintridge,” this estate was originally built for the founder of Flintridge, Senator Flint. This mission revival mansion is situated on two-acres of park grounds with 18,190 square feet of living space. Recently renovated and updated for the Pasadena Showcase House, each room is spectacular with a majestic foyer, sweeping staircase, wood paneled formal living room, library and dining room along with fireplaces.

The over-sized kitchen with butler’s pantry, a separate breakfast room, family room, two-powder rooms, cloak room and guest suite complete the majestic first floor. The large outdoor front porch and many balconies enhance the 360-degree views of the beautiful Flintridge community and San Gabriel mountains. An elevator can take you to the secondfloor living quarters with an expansive master suite, large sitting area with fireplace, massive closet/dressing room and fireplace, and two separate bathrooms. The upstairs family room leads to the west wing of the house with yet another

LADREAMS.COM

123


La Canada Flintridge Real Estate

OFFERED AT $12,995,000 FEATURES: Home Size: 18,190 sq. ft. Lot Size: 2 acres

MIKE KOBEISSI Call: (818) 949-7575 mike@lacanada.com www.lacanada.com BRE# 01011211

master suite with a private bath and sitting room. Two additional bedrooms, a bathroom and an office complete the second floor. Every room in this house has complete privacy. The upper floor of the mansion is perfect as either an artist studio or game room. The lower level has a catering kitchen, laundry room, an original speak-easy, home gym, maid’s quarters and bathroom. There is direct access to the backyard, barbeque, pool and spa from both the lower and the main level of this magnificent home. The guesthouse is 2,035-square feet on its own parcel of land, and surrounds the estate’s four-car garage. It has 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a kitchen, dining room, living room, office, laundry room and an outdoor patio. Its backyard is home to the estate’s vegetable garden and ushers you to a third parcel of vacant land complete with a horse corral. For more information on 700 Berkshire, contact Mike Kobeissi at mike@lacanda.com.



West Los Angeles Real Estate

List Price: $29,500,000

HOLMBY HILLS CHATEAU

S

teeped in Hollywood history, the Paul Williams-inspired French Chateau that once belonged to Marcia Israel-Curley, and was a regular Hollywood hotspot for preeminent parties with presidents, politicians and celebrities, has hit the market for $29.5 million. Known for more than her elaborate cocktail parties and roster of VIP guests including President Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, George Bush, Former California Governor Pete Wilson, Joan Collins, Tony Martin, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Connie Stevens, among many others, Marcia Israel-Curly is often referred to as a retail innovator, founding the first women’s specialty boutique, Judy’s, in 1946. Beyond the private driveway, the six-bedroom, nine-bathroom estate, built in 1937, is comprised of nearly 7,500-square-feet, and boasts a grand formal dining room, spa-like baths, a spacious living room, library, bar, and indulgent eat-in chef ’s kitchen. The 1.7 acres of lush grounds include a private park, grassy yard, garden, walking paths, expansive terraces, and a grandiose pool. Designed with exquisite crown moldings, beautiful arches, mahogany floors, and pristine marble, the residence exhibits the finest details and craftsmanship. Located in the prestigious Holmby Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles known for its affluent and notable residents, this Gatsbyesque chateau is the epitome of Old Hollywood glamour and elegance.

SALLY FORSTER JONES

BRYCE LOWE

KIRBY GILLON

John Aaroe Group Phone: (310) 691-7888 Email: Sally@sfjgroup.com LIC #: 00558939

John Aaroe Group Phone: (310) 691-7898 Email: Bryce@sfjgroup.com LIC #: 01918939

John Aaroe Group Phone: (310) 691-7899 Email: Kirby@sfjgroup.com LIC #: 01960253


LADREAMS.COM

127


West Los Angeles Real Estate

DOHENY ESTATES TOUR-DE-FORCE

I

List Price: $36,985,000

n a tour-de-force of the owner’s distinct creative vision, this approximately 12,000-square-foot residence sits on just under an acre of land and claims one of the most spectacular homesites in the city, a culmination of a four-year planning and design process. Perched on a promontory above Hollywood’s famed Bird Streets, with views stretching to the Channel Islands, in the prestigious Sunset Strip enclave known as the Doheny Estates, sits this exquisitely designed architectural custom home. A model of sophistication, it showcases unprecedented European craftsmanship and bespoke details which elevate the property to a true work of art. A masterful achievement of concept and design, this 5 bedroom, 8 bathroom, singular residence presents a harmonious confluence of pristine, natural elements, unbridled craftsmanship, and European sensibility, offering an elevated and artful lifestyle experience. To learn more about 1677 N. Doheny Dr, please visit www. 1677dohenyestates.com.

BRANDEN WILLIAMS

RAYNI WILLIAMS

PAUL LESTER

Williams & Williams Phone: (310) 691-5935 BRE: 01496786

Williams & Williams Phone: (310) 925-9281 BRE: 01774287

The Agency Phone: (310) 488-5662 BRE: 01338925

128

LADREAMS.COM


LADREAMS.COM

129


Downtown Los Angeles Real Estate

5-STAR LIFESTYLE AT THE RITZ-CARLTON DTLA

CINDY AMBUEHL Phone: (424) 321-4947 Cindy@TheAgencyRe.com www.TheAgencyRE.com CalBRE# 01821934

130

LADREAMS.COM

E

List Price: $6,800,000

njoy a luxury lifestyle and spectacular views in the preeminent RitzCarlton Residences at L.A. Live. This southeast corner residence features panoramic views, capturing the downtown skyline, Hollywood Hills, and California coast. Rarely does a residence in this prestigious building feature views to the north, east, west and south. A welcoming entry leads to inviting formal and casual living spaces, and an open remodeled kitchen, ergonomically designed with high-end Italian cabinetry and an impressive array of Gaggenau appliances. This residence also features three ensuite bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms, a separate study, in-residence laundry and custom Swarovski lighting fixtures throughout. Luxury amenities abound. This five-star building offers nothing less than superior service with 24-hour valet, concierge, complimentary breakfast, rooftop pool with private cabanas, a fully equipped fitness center, and a full-service spa and salon. This resplendent, contemporary condominium is at the epicenter of L.A.’s premier entertainment and sports venues including The Staples Center, Microsoft Theatre, Grammy Museum, and L.A. Live, and provides convenient access to world-class restaurants, clubs, and all that DTLA has to offer.


Photography by: seangarrisonstudios.com

LADREAMS.COM

131


Downtown Los Angeles Real Estate

Rising Above

THE EXCLUSIVE METROPOLIS PENTHOUSE COLLECTION

R

ising above LA’s newfound cosmopolitan epicenter, Metropolis is bringing its signature Penthouse Collection to market. Situated in DTLA among leading restaurants, renowned museums, pro sports teams and a flourishing urban cultural lifestyle, each penthouse is designed to offer vertical California living coalesced with the understated luxury desired by many of today’s discerning affluent buyers. With only eight penthouses – considered by many the finest residential units available in all of Downtown – available for purchase, we sat down with the developers to find out why you should choose to live at the top of the world.

Q: What is the driving vision behind the Penthouse Collection? A: The design guidelines for the Metropolis penthouse collection were influenced by our desire to create clean, modern residences that could best take advantage of the building’s unique geographical location. Our team spent many weeks working out layouts that could most efficiently utilize the amount of space each unit was allotted, and focus the residents’ attention on the dramatic surrounding views. Stairs are located to maximize the feeling of openness in each apartment, and to serve as a custom

132

LADREAMS.COM

design feature in these luxurious duplexes. Even secondary areas, such as the upper lounges near the corner unit stairs, were rationalized to maximize the usage of space and storage, as well as to provide a sense of openness and light on the bedroom floors. The material palette in the stairs, kitchens and bathrooms reflect why people want to come to Los Angeles: light in tone, not sombre, and indicative of the California lifestyle known to all, but with a touch of cool, understated luxury. A variety of finishes were utilized to differentiate spaces with different uses — the powder rooms, for example, were detailed as more jewellike, with small scale mosaics, and decorative fixtures and custom mirror designs. The master bathrooms project more gravitas, with custom bronze supports holding deeply veined monolithic counter surfaces. Above those are custom bronze integral mirror cabinets. Sculptural, stand-alone tubs, located near oversized windows, spotlight the sensation of floating above it all. The kitchens, custom designed by us in collaboration with Poliform, maximize the utility and functionality expected in a modern, high-end residence.


Q:

Metropolis has attracted all different types of buyers. Who is the ideal clientele for the Penthouse Collection?

A:

The Penthouse Collection will attract worldly buyers that seek a rare and unique residential offering that is commensurate with their sophisticated lifestyles. Offering an exclusive collection of only eight penthouses, The Penthouse Collection will be attractive to buyers as both a primary and secondary residence. These buyers will value the ability to entertain friends and family from high above the energy of Downtown Los Angeles - all while living in the heart of the most exciting neighborhood in Southern California.

Q: Why should the most discerning buyer live in a Metropolis Penthouse?

A: As a signature offering at Metropolis, The

Penthouse Collection represents the pinnacle of residential design. Situated high above the city with panoramic views, expansive floor plans and refined finishes, these homes are designed with the most discerning buyer in mind. It’s the height of luxury, and it’s only offered in eight exclusive penthouses.

Q: DTLA has seen a renaissance in recent years, but many affluent buyers still prefer to live in West LA. In what ways does DTLA cater to the affluent Angeleno?

A:

Downtown Los Angeles has elevated culture, cuisine, arts and entertainment to new heights. With Angelenos shifting their preferences to vertical living, Downtown Los Angeles is becoming increasingly walkable and cosmopolitan. Leading restaurants, renowned museums and top sports teams convene to create the most unique lifestyle that Los Angeles has to offer. It’s a place that caters to affluent audiences; audiences that value a dynamic array of experiences, all right outside their front doorsteps.

Q: Anything else our readers should know about?

A:

The penthouses offer an extraordinary experience of luxury living at “the top of the world,” yet only minutes from the vibrant cultural scene of downtown Los Angeles and two blocks from Staples Center and LA Live. There are more than 600 units in the first two residential towers, but only a small handful of penthouses, truly the best among the best. Just as buyers have different needs, all of the penthouses are different – from their layouts to square footages to individual components. Each has a different view – whether northward to the San Gabriel Mountains or westward to the Pacific Ocean – yet all are stunning and incomparable. ◆ For more information on the Metropolis Penthouse Collection, visit www.metropolislosangeles.com. LADREAMS.COM

133


Coastal Real Estate

CONTEMPORARY OCEANFRONT MASTERPIECE

THE GERONSINS Genelle, Carole & George Phone: (949) 241-4188 Genelle@TheGeronsins.com www.31921coasthwy.com

134

LADREAMS.COM

T

List Price: $17,700,000

his magnificent custom estate offers breathtaking views from every room, infinity pool and spa, commercial grade elevator, and private beach area with sand front cabana and grassy lawn rarely seen in oceanfront living today. Contemporary lines and gorgeous design elements define this exquisite home with walls of glass and expansive terraces showcasing the astonishing coastline, ocean and Catalina views. Highlighted by a breathtaking formal clerestory floor-to-ceiling glass entry and dramatic central glass staircase, this 8,000 sq. ft. residence boasts an elegant living room with entertainer’s bar, immense open concept great room anchored with professional dual island kitchen, wine room, executive office, media room and two master retreats. Truly a rare offering as no other residence has the size, privacy, quality and amenities of this extraordinary oceanfront piece of paradise in Laguna Beach.


LADREAMS.COM

135


ED SCHUCK, PETER BOLI, PETER POPOFF

L-R: SINDEE RIBOLI, SHARON TAYLOR, HELGA SHERMAN, LIZ POPOFF, DONNA PIERSON

OKTOBERFEST PRESENTED BY THE COTTAGE GUILD OF ROSEMARY CHILDREN'S SERVICES

S

upporting the efforts of Rosemary Children’s Services, the Cottage Guild held their annual fundraiser earlier this year themed “Oktoberfest” at the University Club in Pasadena. This special evening brought together many caring and compassionate individuals in traditional German attire who gave to an organization that provides so much back to the disadvantaged young Foster girls in our community. This year’s fundraising event was highly successful, and significant funds were raised which go towards providing these girls personal items, as well as self-improvement and self-esteem building experiences; all of which aim to help the girls learn social and life skills that will help them better cope in the world outside of their Foster group home. The Cottage Guild is a force of women volunteering their time, skills and efforts to help the teenage Foster girls of Rosemary Children’s Services rebuild trust in people and see a future beyond the crippling emotional pain they are suffering. They are one-on-one with the girls twice a month hosting activities that

L-R: ROBERT DECK, MICHAEL KUNZIK, TEENA KUNZIK, ANDREA KUNZIK, JESSICA THORELL, JOSHUA KROLICKI

expose them to new and healing experiences. The Cottage Guild celebrates holidays and birthdays with gifts, parties and fun, because when you are a Foster child there is very little celebration. Going beyond just special events, the ladies of the Cottage Guild provide the girls with essentials such as books, laptops, suitcases, and more. Each year, a large portion of the funds raised goes toward refurbishment of the Cottage, the largest group home of Rosemary Children’s Services. Current renovations include building a computer and study lab for the girls, a meditation room, and a locker room. Rosemary Children’s Services was founded in 1920 and has 5 group homes dedicated to helping adolescent girls who are victims of sexual, physical and psychological abuse. The ultimate goal of Rosemary Children’s Services is to heal these wounds and send forth healthy and productive members into our communities. For the last 95 years, Rosemary Children’s Services has touched thousands of families throughout Los Angeles County.


Social Gatherings

KATHERINE MOLONEY, LARRY SARTORE, TERRY MOLONEY, JON KARASEK WITH AUCTIONS IN MOTION

JEFF THROOP, RON TAYLOR, STEVE RIBOLI

L-R: JULIE HERNANDEZ, COREY & JULIE PACHOREK, DONNA PIERSON, HELGA SHERMAN, JILL BOLI, SINDEE RIBOLI, LIZ POPOFF, SHARON TAYLOR, ANGEL THROOP, ALINE BAKEWELL

SCOTT HERBERS, AMANDA FOX, LARRY PROVDER, SABRINA LESLIE

L-R: PAMELA BAKEWELL, JAMIE BROOKS, SUNNA BROOKS, DANNY BAKEWELL III, TAELOR BAKEWELL, DANNY BAKEWELL SR., ALINE BAKEWELL, KRISTINA SMITH, DANNY BAKEWELL JR., BRANDON BROOKS

L-R: BOWDIEN DERBY, VALERIE KNOWLES, MATT LEWIS, CHRIS KNOWLES, JULIE PACHOREK, PETER HOFFMAN, SARA CARRENTINO, JOSEPH KLOTZLE, VANESSA CRUZ

ANGEL THROOP, RICHARD & CHARLOTTE HALE, PETER BOLI

JOSE SOTO, AUCTIONEER, WITH AUCTIONS IN MOTION

JULIE & SCOTT JONES

MIKKI PATEL, GARY SHERMAN, JOHN BEED, JAY PATEL

L-R: PAUL RUSNAK, RON TAYLOR, NATALIE FRIBERG, TY FISCHER, STEVE TOBIA

LADREAMS.COM

137


Social Gatherings

CORAZON CUBANO Film Premiere at Harmony Gold

T

he red carpet private premiere of CorazÓn Cubano was held at the Harmony Gold Theater in Hollywood and played host to stars of entertainment, film critics, and close friends and family of the executive producers. The highly-touted short film documents one man’s decision and subsequent journey back to Cuba after almost forty-years in exile here in the United States. Devastated by the news that his brother in Cuba was dying, Armando Blanco was faced with the decision as to whether he would stay true to his moral duty, thus refusing to set foot again on the communist island, or to embrace the love he had for his dying brother. The film is directed by Jake Ajamian, a sixteen-year-old rising star in the film industry, and was produced by Adriana Blanco. Learn more about the film by visiting esplendidoproductions.com or follow them on social media @CorazonCubanoMovie. (Photos by: M.Kobe Photography)


Brightest Holiday Wishes

Modern Lighting QUALITY•SINCE•1946

Mon-Fri 8:30am-5:00pm Sat 9:00am-4:00pm 9034 E. Las Tunas Dr. | Temple City (626) 286-3262


Social Gatherings

NOOR x Bentley Pasadena Scotch & Cigar Experience

I

n early November, Bentley Pasadena and Noor invited VIP guests to a Scotch, Cigar, and Kilt Experience featuring Whisky from six Scotch Whisky producing regions of Scotland. Each Scotch was paired with three awardwinning cigars. The event was curated by renowned Cigar and Scotch Aficionado, Stanley Cooper. The guests enjoyed a bagpipe serenade, then J.T. Centonze from Off Kilter Kilts, shared “kilting in style” featuring leather accessories and other Tartan “must-haves” for today’s stylish Scotsman. (Photos by Raphael Maglonzo).

140

LADREAMS.COM



Social Gatherings

ASEAN PEOPLE'S ASSOCIATION

50th Annual Gala

T

he ASEAN People’s Association (ASEAN PAC) – Los Angeles, is a non-profit organization based in Los Angeles. Its primary objective is to be the center place for the South East Asians in the United States to come together and advance. Founded in 2016, ASEAN PAC has received an official support from the ASEAN Secretariat and many more community and industry leaders. They’re excited to promote ASEAN’s culture through various events and serve as a community destination for ASEAN people to seek new opportunities, enhance unity and encourage involvement in learning and spreading the vast culture that ASEAN provides.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES KIN HUI CEO of Singpoli Group and Chairman of Invest L.A. Regional Center. He leads Singpoli companies that specialize in real estate investment and development, general construction, property management, and architectural and building design. DR. GINGER LAI Her passion for skincare led her to the formation of Marketing Fundamental, Inc., a company devoted to the importation and exploration of the highest quality raw materials for use in skin care and nutritional products. NICOLAS DHARMAWAN A very successful Indonesian businessman born in Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia. In 2000, Nicolas established DHASATRA Money Transfer and TEBEINDO MANDIRI. BOBO NG The current Director of Operations at Complant Macau Employment Agency Company Limited, a leading employment agency in Macau.

142

LADREAMS.COM

FABIAN PASCOAL Partner and one of the founding members of HANAFIAH PONGGAWA & PARTNERS. Joining HPRP in 1992, he was made a partner in 1999. ROSSANA KONG The Executive director of SY Luxury. Prior to that, she was the Director for Gold Touch Jewelry, Shang Yi Jewelry & Watch, as well as Shang Yi Investment & Development Company. NELLSEN YOUNG The Founder and President of ASEAN People’s Association, Los Angeles. Nellsen strives to bring the finest identity of ASEAN across the United States and has been devoting his time to initiate the first cultural based ASEAN center in Los Angeles. AUNG M. NAING President and Co-Founder of the Network of Myanmar American Association founded in 2006 with a new vision for the Myanmar Americans community to promote education, social issues, and arts and culture in the United States.


WHEN INVESTING IN LAS VEGAS REAL ESTATE

WORK WITH LAWYERS TITLE OF NEVADA 投資拉斯維加斯的房地產時 請選擇 LAWYERS TITLE OF NEVADA 產權過戶公司

We work with many foreign investors and have local Chinese speaking representation.

我們與許多外國投資者合作, 當地並有講中文的服務專員

Lawyers Title of Nevada provides full title and escrow services on residential and commercial properties in Las Vegas and the surrounding areas. LAWYERS TITLE OF NEVADA 產權過戶公司, 提供拉賭城拉斯維加斯及周

邊地區住宅, 商業的房地產過戶,產權保險全方位的服務.

For property research and fee quote, email LawyersNVSales@LTIC.com 在開始房地產交易時, 請你的房產經紀人和我們聯絡 LawyersNVSales@LTIC.com


Social Gatherings

AFP LOS ANGELES National Philanthropy Day

T

he Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Greater Los Angeles Chapter held its annual National Philanthropy Day at the JW Marriott in DTLA November 2nd to honor several outstanding people and organizations for their dedication to various philanthropic efforts. Notable award recipients included the Rusnak Family, who were named Outstanding Philanthropists. Other recipients included Bank of America, Kaiser Permanente, Stephanie Campbell, Charlotte Jackson, and the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking. AFP advances philanthropy by enabling people and organizations to practice effective and ethical fundraising. The Greater Los Angeles Chapter fulfills its mission through education and training, promoting credentialing, providing resources, networking, mentoring, advocacy and recognition. National Philanthropy Day (NPD) began over 32 years ago in Los Angeles. In November 1986, NPD Founder Doug Freeman stood at the podium with President Reagan as he signed NPD into law. Since then, the Association of Fundraising Professionals has promoted and coordinated the event, which is now celebrated around the world. To learn more about the AFP, please visit www.afpglac.afpnet.org.



IWC PILOT. ENGINEERED FOR ORIGINALS.

Join the conversation on #B_Original.

Big Pilot’s Watch Edition “Le Petit Prince”. Ref. 5009: The little prince tells the pilot he will give him a friendly laugh from the countless stars in the night sky. The sight of this watch inspires similar sentiments, for every single detail is a joy to behold. The timepiece is not only an imposing 46 millimetres in diameter but also impresses with classic elegance that sets off the midnight blue dial to perfect advantage. Technical perfection, on the other hand, is guaranteed by the IWC-

manufactured 51111-calibre movement with its seven-day power reserve. Time enough to forget time and follow the dream-like journey of the little prince. IWC . E N G I N E E R E D FO R M E N . Mechanical movement, Pellaton automatic winding, IWC-manufactured 51111 calibre, 7-day power reserve when fully wound, Power reserve display, Date display, Central hacking seconds, Screw-in crown, Sapphire glass, convex, antireflective coating on both sides, Special back engraving, Water-resistant 6 bar, Diameter 46 mm, Calfskin strap by Santoni




Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.