Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry Fall/Winter Accent Magazine 2020/21

ACCENT • THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS • FALL/WINTER 2020/21

ACCENT: THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS

LMFJ.COM

CUFF ’EM STATEMENT BRACELETS

ROLEX

•

CAN THEY SAVE THE SEA?

LEE MICHAELS •

FALL/WINTER 2020/21

LEE MICHAELS & THE JUNIOR LEAGUE

LEE MICHAELS

PARTNERS FOR GOOD

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ISSUE 1. 2020 FOUNDER AND C H A I R M A N O F T H E B OA R D Lee Michael Berg PRESIDENTS Chad Berg Ryan Berg Scott Berg

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VICE PRESIDENT Greg Johnson

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SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT A N D G E N E R A L M A N AG E R Johnny Tate CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Jane Harrington A DV E RT I S I N G M A N AG E R Amy Graham Hughes C R E AT I V E D E PA R T M E N T Andrea Barbier Mariella Brochard EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Rita Guarna C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R Stephen Vitarbo S E N I O R A S S O C I AT E E D I T O R Darius Amos LIFESTYLE EDITOR Haley Longman

4 Welcome Letter 6 Our Brighter Gem 8 Store Locations 10 Partners For Good 14 Just Reward 20 Corporate Gifting 22 Cuff ’Em 26 Insta-Worthy 28 Classic Blue 30 Blue in the Face 34 Oh Happy Day! 38 A Capital Affair 44 Vino’s Partners 46 Well Watched 48 Craftsmanship’s New Home 52 In The Kitchen, Timing Is Key 56 Can Rolex Save the Sea? 58 6 Dream Tours 62 There’s Just One Taos 64 Haute Couture Comes Home 76 U.S. Muscle 80 Ring Leaders

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Christen Fisher, Karen B. Gibbs, Darcey Gohring, Everett Potter

P U B L I S H I N G S TA F F PUBLISHER Shae Marcus ACCO U N T M A N AG E R Lisa Menghi

58 LO C AT I O NS BATON ROUGE 7560 CORPORATE BOULEVARD 225.926.4644 MALL OF LOUISIANA 225.766.6000

N EW OR LEAN S LAKESIDE SHOPPING CENTER 504.832.0000

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Susan Windrum A DV E RT I S I N G S E RV I C E S D I R EC TO R Jacquelynn Fischer GRAPHIC DESIGNER, AD SERVICES Violeta Mulaj P R O D U C T I O N A R T A S S O C I AT E Christopher Ferrante ACCO U N T I N G Kasie Carleton, Megan Frank, Steven Resnick, Katie Torre

SHR EV EPORT 6605 YOUREE DRIVE 318.222.2929

LAFAYETTE 4235 AMBASSADOR CAFFERY PARKWAY 337.981.8071

JACKSON, MS RENAISSANCE AT COLONY PARK 601.957.6100

SAN ANTON IO, TX NORTHSTAR MALL 210.541.9575 THE SHOPS AT LA CANTERA 210.699.9494

ALBUQUERQUE, N M ABQ UPTOWN 505.208.4500

Jewelry has been enlarged to show detail. Due to the fluctuating prices of diamonds, gold and platinum, prices are subject to change without notice and may vary depending on size, quality and availability. While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information in this magazine, we are not responsible for errors or omissions.

ACCENT is published by Wainscot Media, 1 Maynard Drive, Park Ridge, NJ 07656, in association with Lee Michaels. Copyright © 2020 by Wainscot Media LLC. All rights reserved.

Editorial Contributions: Write to Editor, Lee Michaels, 1 Maynard Drive, Park Ridge, NJ 07656. The magazine is not responsible for the return or loss of unsolicited submissions.

Subscription Services: To change an address or request a subscription, write to Subscriptions, ACCENT, 1 Maynard Drive, Park Ridge NJ 07656, or by telephone at 201.573.5541.

Advertising Inquiries: Contact Shae Marcus at 856.797.2227 or shae.marcus@wainscotmedia.com Printed In The U.S.A. Volume 18, Issue 1. ©2020

PUBLISHED BY Wainscot Media CHAIRMAN Carroll V. Dowden PRESIDENT & CEO Mark Dowden SENIOR VICE PRESIDENTS Shae Marcus, Carl Olsen VICE PRESIDENTS Nigel Edelshain, Thomas Flannery, Rita Guarna, Steven Resnick, Diane Vojcanin

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dear friends, As

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LEE MICHAELS

we write this holiday letter, we find ourselves dealing with conflicting emotions. On the one hand, we are saddened for those who have been affected by the pandemic, the recent devastating floods, the wildfires and the wrath of hurricanes that have impacted our region. Our prayers and thoughts are with you as you struggle to regain a semblance of normalcy in your lives.

On the other hand, we are approaching the happiest time of the year—and we want to shout it to the world! Somehow, just the thought of spending time with family—through real or virtual visits—lifts our spirits. We can’t wait to hear the laughter and see the smiles of those we love as we share meals, unwrap gifts and celebrate our blessings together.

Despite all that has happened, we believe that “good” comes in every season—and recognizing that “good” is the key to rising above our circumstances. Indeed, we want to count our blessings.

First, we at Lee Michaels treasure our fine family of more than 150 associates who have stayed with us through thick and thin.

Because of their extraordinary dedication to us and to you, their customers, not a single associate was laid off during the pandemic. They

are so important to our success, and we couldn’t do it without them.

Second, we are grateful for you, our fabulous family of clients.

Your generous spirit confirms that the surest way to happiness is to make someone else happy. And you’ve shown us that one of your favorite ways to do that is with a gift from Lee Michaels.

Perhaps there is a bit of magic in that red Lee Michaels box! After all, there’s no better way to celebrate someone you love than with the gift of jewelry. It’s the gift that touches the heart—regardless of social distancing—and creates lasting, happy memories.

Remember, Lee Michaels is in the business of making people happy. If you need help finding that special present, our experienced associates are delighted to show you an array of gifts to fit every budget. Mindful of safety guidelines, we offer the following shopping options: in-store, by phone, virtually via FaceTime or Zoom and online at lmfj.com.

May your holidays be blessed with love, peace and happiness.

With warmest wishes, Lee, Ryan, Scott and Chad Berg

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our brighter gem

Our Bocage location in Baton Rouge was renovated in the spring, and we couldn’t be prouder of how exquisitely this, our flagship store, turned out. It is more than a place to shop—it’s a 10,000-square-foot Extraordinary Experience. …an Extraordinary Experience of unparalleled assistance and thoughtful attention by our knowledgeable and caring associates—something that’s always in style at Lee Michaels. …an Extraordinary Experience of fine jewelry, personally selected by the Berg family for quality, fashion and value. Every piece is specially chosen with you, our customers, in mind. …an Extraordinary Experience of our elegant Rolex boutique and stunning David Yurman store-within-a-store. No need to search the world. We bring the finest brands to you!

Stop by and indulge yourself with the Lee Michaels Extraordinary Experience.

While it’s the trademark of every one of our stores, we must admit we worked exceptionally hard to make it even more so at this location, our flagship store.

After all, Baton Rouge is our home—the place where the Lee Michaels Extraordinary Experience was born 40 years ago.

store locations CORPORATE AT BOCAGE

MALL OF LOUISIANA

AMBASSADOR CAFFERY PARKWAY

Baton Rouge, LA

Baton Rouge, LA

Lafayette, LA

LAKESIDE SHOPPING CENTER

YOUREE DRIVE AT EAST 70TH

RENAISSANCE AT COLONY PARK

New Orleans, LA

Shreveport, LA

Jackson, MS

THE SHOPS AT LA CANTERA

NORTH STAR MALL

ABQ UPTOWN

San Antonio, TX

San Antonio, TX

Albuquerque, NM

FEATURE

partners for good

By Karen B. Gibbs

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Chad Berg at Junior League of Covington event

veryone knows that Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry is in the business of celebrating life’s special events. But not everyone knows that Lee Michaels also celebrates the communities we serve. That’s right. We do this by partnering with organizations that work to improve these cities and the lives of those who live there. One such organization is Junior League.

“Junior League is a group of women whose mission is to develop members into effective catalysts for positive change in the community,” says LaKeysha Greer Isaac, president of Junior League of Jackson, Mississippi.

Such a mission impresses Scott Berg, LMFJ president. “Junior League’s greatest contribution to the community is the training it gives its members. I remember when my wife, Leslie, was inducted as president. It made me proud to see how she’d grown throughout her years with the League, how much training she received and the leadership roles she’d undertaken. At Lee Michaels, we’ve always been believers in women.”

“Women are the backbone of the community,” adds Chad Berg, LMFJ president. “Junior League allows women to get involved and make a difference.”

Indeed! Here’s just a sampling of the impressive activities undertaken by Junior League members and sponsored by Lee Michaels in Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Covington, Louisiana and Jackson, Mississippi.

“women are the backbone of the community” JUNIOR LEAGUE OF GREATER COVINGTON “Junior League of Greater Covington has become one of our most important partners when it comes to community relations,” says Chad Berg. “We’ve been involved with them since we opened in New Orleans over 24 years ago. They get things done. Without them, the Northshore Children’s Museum would have never been built.”

In addition to the museum project, the League also has provided peanut butter for summer food programs; supplied showers for the Girl Scout camp; offered health screenings for Girls Health Day; and provided prom dresses, shoes and accessories through Project Prom—and much more.

Shelley Winstead, president-elect of Covington’s Junior League, lauds Lee Michaels’ 24-year sponsorship of the League’s main fundraiser, the Harvest Cup Polo Classic. “We love Lee Michaels. Without them, we couldn’t do what we do. When we ask for support, Chad Berg personally meets with us to determine our needs and to find ways for Lee Michaels to help us meet them. In addition to donating fine jewelry for the main raffle, Lee Michaels brings value to our events with their deluxe products and style.”

LAKEYSHA GREER ISAAC President, Junior League of Jackson

LEE MICHAELS

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF JACKSON Last year, the 2,400 members of Junior League of Jackson supported 30 projects, including the Mississippi Children’s Museum and the Children’s Cancer Center, through their principal fundraiser, Mistletoe Marketplace.

“Lee Michaels is a longstanding partner of Junior League of Jackson,” says Ms. Isaac. “As a sponsor of Mistletoe Marketplace, Lee Michaels donates jewelry every year, and always comes with new, fun and exciting ideas to enhance the event.”

“I’ve never worked for a company that gives back to the community like Lee Michaels does,” says Tony Sanders, manager of Lee Michaels in Ridgeland. “We give to many civic organizations but we especially like helping Junior League of Jackson because the money it raises helps the children of Mississippi.” These projects include helping 923 children through projects and week-long summer camps promoting literacy, nutrition and healthy lifestyles and distributing 5,400 backpacks filled with food to feed students over the weekends and holidays.

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Kathy Victorian and Leslie Berg with League member and Lee Michaels executives

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF LAFAYETTE Lafayette’s Junior League and Lee Michaels share a triple bond: Kim Henry, Gretchen Varnell and Tricia Fontenot. All three are members of Junior League and employees of Lee Michaels—and each has her own favorite project.

“The Berg family has always encouraged me to give back to the community,” says Ms. Henry, manager of Lee Michaels in Lafayette. “The SMILES project is near and dear to my heart.” SMILES offers support for children ages 5-18 who are affected by cancer. Fun activities include painting, movies, Build-a-Bear workshops, Kart Ranch, bowling and zoo trips.

Varnell has been with Lee Michaels for 22 years and Junior League for 21 years. “I chose Junior League community projects because they touched my heart and had the greatest impact on kids. My placement with the Grief Center (now called the Healing House) was special,” she says. “I was a facilitator for young children whose parent or parents died.”

A first-year member with Junior League, Fontenot says, “I have always wanted to find a way to give back to the community, but did not really know how to go about it. Through Lee Michaels and the Berg family, I’ve been given an avenue to explore which organization I can serve best. Knowing someone is better off because of something I’ve done is truly an accomplishment.”

Lafayette’s Junior League offers many opportunities to lend a hand, including teaching Boys & Girls Clubs about healthy food and nutrition and educating girls about living active, healthy lifestyles. Another vital project is the Diaper Bank, which supplies 1,500 diapers a month to local organizations serving the less fortunate.

“This is a quality of life issue,” says Angelle Adams, president of Junior League of Lafayette. “Mothers cannot send children to daycare without diapers; and without

daycare, mothers cannot work.”

These and other projects are financed through benefits like Tinsel and Treasures, a Christmas-themed shopping event and the League’s biggest fundraiser.

Lee Michaels donates the prizes for the raffle each year, hosts the kick-off party and sponsors a champagne raffle the night of the preview party.

Angelle Adams, president of Junior League of Lafayette, with League member

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF BATON ROUGE “Lee Michaels has been involved with Junior League of Baton Rouge for 30 years,” says Scott Berg. “We support our community partners for the long term. We stay involved and develop a friendship, a bond.”

One testament to this bond is Donna Saurage, who’s worked with Lee Michaels on community projects since she was president of Junior League in 1978. “Lee Michaels was the first and biggest sponsor of Hollydays, the Christmas market and biggest fundraiser for Junior

Namisha Patel, president of Junior League of Baton Rouge, with League member

League of Baton Rouge,” says Ms. Saurage. “The Bergs have philanthropic hearts. It’s a family value that carries into the business and permeates the communities where they have their stores.”

Namisha Patel, current president of Junior League of Baton Rouge, echoes these sentiments. “Lee Michaels has worked with the Baton Rouge Junior League for a very, very long time. The value of having Lee Michaels as a sponsor is priceless. In addition to their donations of Rolex watches, beautiful jewelry for door prizes and food and beverages for the event, Lee Michaels employees bring experience, knowledge, passion and dedication to the League. Plus, Scott is a visionary with amazing ideas.”

Kathy Victorian, 2016-17 president of Junior League of Baton Rouge, remarks, “I consider Lee Michaels a community champion for many causes, not just Junior League. We are elated to have such a jewel in our community.”

So, how does Junior League of Baton Rouge help the community? By providing hundreds of thousands of diapers over the years to needy families through the Diaper Bank; partnering with YMCA to teach exercise and healthy nutrition; revitalizing school playgrounds by painting game designs on blacktop and providing new equipment; and facilitating music therapy, art therapy and a hospital school program for children at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital.

Impressive, isn’t it? And this is only a sample of the many programs each Junior League undertakes with the support of sponsors like Lee Michaels. “Junior League has become one of our most important partners when it comes to community relations,” Chad Berg says. “Partnering with them is one small way for us to support our customers and friends—and to empower women.”

Our Harmony Collection is a modern take on classic diamond jewelry. These delicate designs are the perfect harmony of gold and diamonds. From layering necklaces to stackable bracelets and rings, each piece in this on-trend collection is the definition of effortless, chic style.

COLLECTIONS

14K GOLD AND DIAMOND NECKLACES STARTING AT $325.

LEE MICHAELS

THE HARMONY COLLECTION

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GIFT GUIDE

just reward

IN A YEAR LIKE THIS, WHAT YOU GIVE HER SHOULD BE MORE THAN A TOKEN OF YOUR LOVE. IT SHOULD CONVEY YOUR ADMIRATION FOR EXACTLY WHO SHE IS.

ROBERTO COIN

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LEE MICHAELS

Roberto Coin epitomizes Italian luxury, blending modernity with the classical in each handmade design. The new Love in Verona Collection features the iconic four-petal flower pattern along the surface of each piece, which represents the architecture of the City of Gold and pays homage to Roberto Coin’s notable Princess Collection. New additions to the Princess Collection include necklaces featuring beaded strands of gold tassels, which elevate any look.

And of course, each and every special piece features the designer’s signature: a tiny ruby placed by hand inside.

Clockwise from left, Venetian Princess locket necklace in 18K yellow gold with tassel and diamond accents; Barocco diamond tassel necklace in 18K yellow gold; Royal Princess Flower flexible bangle in 18K yellow and white gold with diamonds; Love in Verona earrings in 18K yellow gold with diamonds; Love in Verona ring in 18K yellow gold with diamonds.

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#SQUADONAMISSION

GIFT GUIDE

DAVID YURMAN New for 2020, David Yurman is launching a silver line of its beloved Novella collection. These new designs view the brand’s storied Renaissance Cable bracelets—one of the first collections designed by David and Sybil Yurman—through a contemporary lens. Perfect for both every day and special occasions, the pieces merge bold, architectural shapes with magnificent gemstones.

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LEE MICHAELS

Clockwise from left, Novella Y Necklace with blue topaz, Hampton blue topaz and lolite; Novella Three-Stone Bracelet with blue topaz and diamonds; Novella Ring with blue topaz and diamonds; Novella Chain Drop Earrings with prasiolite and diamonds; Novella Mosaic Pendant with blue topaz, Hampton blue topaz, Iolite and diamonds; Novella Three-Stone Ring with blue topaz, Hampton blue topaz and diamonds; Novella Ring with prasiolite and diamonds.

GIFT GUIDE

MIKIMOTO

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LEE MICHAELS

The queen of your family deserves the queen of gems. Pick a perfectly posh Mikimoto gift set, which includes an Akoya cultured pearl 18” strand necklace, a 7” bracelet and a pair of studs, all set in 18K white gold. A second set, a demure pair of Akoya pearl, white gold and diamond studs and an airy 7” bracelet, will become the go-to jewels of season.

From top, Mikimoto Akoya cultured pearl three-piece set: 7x6mm A1 18” strand; 7x6.5mm A1 7” bracelet and 7x7.5mm A studs set in 18K white gold; Akoya cultured pearl station bracelet in white gold: 5mm Akoya cultured pearl 7” length 18K white gold; Mikimoto stud earrings Akoya pearl 7.5mm white gold and diamond: 18kt white gold stud earrings with Akoya pearl in 7.5 mm with 0.20ct of diamond.

Our Reserve Collection brings beauty to life with select, unexpected pieces ranging from graduated diamond necklaces to fashion bracelets and from diamonds-by-the-yard necklaces to the extensive collection of earrings.

The Reserve Collection represents iconic styles to wear for generations.

COLLECTIONS

FEATURED PIECES ALL IN 18K WHITE GOLD STARTING AT $28,500.

LEE MICHAELS

THE RESERVE COLLECTION

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CORPORATE G

“

It has been a great pleasure to get to know and work with Lindsay Guerin and the corporate division of Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry. LSU and the College of Science have a “go-to” partner when we are looking for just the right thing – that special remembrance that will let our donors and supporters know how much we appreciate them!

When it comes time to select a milestone gift for an alum or a promotional item for a prospective student, we can count on Lindsay and the LMFJ team for that special combination of class and cache. The excitement of that red box and beautiful black bow is a thrill for everyone!

CYNTHIA B. PETERSON, PH.D. Dean, College of Science Louisiana State University 2018 Influential Women in Business Honoree

By Karen B. Gibbs

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xperts on the “what” and the “why” of gift giving, Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry has built a business on recognizing people for our faithfulness, contributions, milestones and service anniversaries. That is ingrained in the company’s philosophy and integral to our business model—and it is something we take pride in sharing with the corporate world through our corporate gifts division.

For 12 exciting years, Lindsay Guerin has been director of corporate gifts for Lee Michaels—a position that suits the Baton Rouge native and LSU alumna perfectly.

Given her passion for pleasing people and her previous experience in retail, it comes as no surprise that, under her direction, this facet of the company has grown significantly.

E GIFTING

with Lindsay Guerin ers. Lee Michaels also offers custom-made awards like Raising Cane’s crystal Labrador (their 10-year service award), a one-of-a-kind crystal “to-go” box for an outstanding supplier and homecoming crowns and scepters for LSU and Tulane royalty.

Speaking of royalty, one of the first clients that Lindsay wooed for Lee Michaels Corporate Gifts was Mardi Gras royalty—specifically a king of the fabulous Washington, D.C. Mardi Gras Ball. “My college roommate was working for a Louisiana senator who was named ball captain that year. One of the captain’s honors is to choose the king for the Mardi Gras ball.”

The king’s wife, unfamiliar with the gift-giving procedure, needed help selecting presents. Lindsay’s friend referred her to Lindsay and Lee Michaels Corporate Gifts, and the rest is history. Since then, Lee Michaels is the first choice for D.C.’s Mardi Gras Ball gifts. In fact, it is now a tradition for a Lee Michaels executive to present prestigious Mikimoto pearl earrings to the ladies of the court each year.

Another high profile client was a Louisiana governor who entrusted Lee Michaels Corporate Gifts to coordinate the design and manufacture of the state’s official china. “We wanted to recognize a couple of facts about Louisiana,” says Lindsay. “Since we were the 18th state to enter the United States, we included 18 fleur-de-lis on each cup; since there are 64 civil parishes in Louisiana, we included 64 fleur-de-lis on each dinner plate. These are small but significant details that most people won’t notice, but this attention to details is what makes our work outstanding.

“We want you to be as happy with your Lee Michaels experience as your clients are with their gift—and they will be! When they see our trademark red box and black bow, they’ll know there’s something exceptional inside. At the end of the day, that makes you—the giver—the hero. And that makes the folks at Lee Michaels very happy.”

Lindsay Guerin, a lifelong resident of Baton Rouge, is married to Eric, her college sweetheart (the one who introduced her to the magic of the Lee Michaels red box through his gifts to her) and is the proud mother of their son, Harris, and their Havanese, Brooks.

For customer service, please contact Lindsay Guerin at 225-368-3641 or lindsayg@lmfj.com.

Victorinox Swiss Army Alliance ladies timepiece, $550

Engravable silver plated jewelry box, $40

LEE MICHAELS

One reason for her success is that she understands the emotional component of corporate gifting. “Cash is impersonal and soon disappears,” says Lindsay, “but a gift—like a Rolex watch or a David Yurman bracelet— holds sentimental value for years to come.” Plus, awarding a prestigious gift instead of cash has other benefits.

It tangibly acknowledges outstanding performance and singles out the recipient. This, in turn, motivates employees and boosts company morale.

While corporate gifting is one aspect of Lee Michaels Corporate Gifts, another is promotional products—smaller gifts that companies give to customers as a form of advertisement. The track record of such giveaways is impressive. Items like mugs, pens and T-shirts leave a longer lasting, more cost-efficient impression than TV, magazines, internet and other major marketing efforts. With 3,000 suppliers, Lee Michaels is able to supply companies with every possible promotional product.

Clients value this insight and variety, and appreciate Lindsay’s commitment to making Lee Michaels the first choice for corporate gifting. To that end, she works hard to maintain the company’s proven history of excellence.

“I am, by nature, a detail-oriented person—something that is necessary when pairing the wishes of the customer with Lee Michaels’ exceptional selection of gifts and custom-design options.”

With 12 years’ experience in corporate gifting, Lindsay is definitely on top of her game. She is dauntless when it comes to taking care of her clients and provides gift list management, elegant gift presentations, efficient gift tracking and guaranteed timely arrival to all clients, regardless of the size or cost of the gift.

With gift-giving inextricably woven into the Lee Michaels culture, Lindsay also knows the gift market inside and out. “Due to our long history and excellent relationship with vendors, we have access to the entire gamut of corporate gifts which we offer at reasonable and comparable prices,” she says. “Organizations, clubs, law firms, nonprofits, hospitals, teams, government institutions, schools—tell us what you want to spend, and we’ll work with you to find or create the perfect gift or promotional product.”

Corporate gifts range from simple promotional items like koozies and key chains to recognition items like lapel pins, etched glassware and crystal decant-

Montblanc Meisterstück Platinum Line mid-sized ballpoint pen, $460

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JEWELRY 22

LEE MICHAELS

YOU’LL BE WELL ARMED IN EYECATCHING STATEMENT BRACELETS WITH A VARIETY OF TEXTURES, TONES AND STONES. NO WRIST TAKING NEEDED!

Roberto Coin Pois Moi Collection 18K white gold and diamond dot bangle, $26,500. 18K yellow gold and diamond satin finish bangle, $25,000. 18K white and yellow gold damond leaf design bangle, $39,500. David Yurman Pavé Flex Collection 18K yellow, white and rose gold multi-row diamond cuff, $49,000.

David Yurman Wellesley Collection sterling silver and diamond cable link cuff, $1,850. Konstantino sterling silver and 18K yellow gold diamond accented cuff, $1,300. Ippolita sterling silver hammered cuff, $695. David Yurman Origami Collection sterling silver and 18K yellow gold crossover cuff, $2,900.

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JEWELRY 24

LEE MICHAELS

Marco Bicego Lunaria Collection 18K yellow gold satin finish cuff, $8,480. Roberto Coin Primavera Collection 18K yellow gold crisscross cuff, $2,750. Ponte Vecchio Nobile Collection 18K yellow and white gold diamond wrap bracelet, $9,000. Roberto Coin Golden Gate Collection 18K yellow gold oval hinged bangle, $3,700.

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ROBERTO COIN 18k yellow gold medallion Zodiac reversible necklace, $4,000 (both sides shown)

4ctw 14k gold diamond leaf drop earrings, $9,850 each

insta-

WORTHY

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LEE MICHAELS

FROM DELICATE DIAMONDS TO YELLOW GOLD LAYERS, THESE ONTREND PIECES ARE INSTAGRAM-WORTHY.

CARTIER Ballon Bleu 36mm steel and diamond ladies timepiece, $11,900

MARCO BICEGO Masai Collection 18k yellow gold and diamond open circle pendant necklace, $1,990 MARCO BICEGO Masai Collection 18k yellow gold and diamond double open circle pendant necklace, $3,830

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ROBERTO COIN Princess Flower Collection 18k white and yellow gold flower diamond necklace, $4,500

74 14k gold and diamond flexible bangles, $650 each

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classic

BLUE 2020 PANTONE

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LEE MICHAELS

A timeless and enduring blue hue, PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue is elegant in its simplicity.

Imprinted in our psyches as a tranquil hue, Classic Blue highlights our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era.

18k white gold aquamarine and diamond pendant, $15,000 18k white gold aquamarine, blue sapphire and diamond earrings, $10,250 DAVID YURMAN Stax Collection sterling silver, London topaz and light blue topaz cuff, $2,400

An experience elevated in the San Antonio Hill Country for those seeking soulful reflection, joyful celebration, mindful movement and vibrant living. It’s an escape that’s yours and it’s all within reach. lomadevidaspa.com | 210.558.2252

TIMEPIECES 30

LEE MICHAELS

THESE THREE CLASSIC PRECISION WATCHES WON’T MAKE YOU HOLD YOUR BREATH. THEY’LL JUST MOMENTARILY TAKE IT AWAY.

Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight Navy Blue 39mm watch with a steel case and fabric strap.

LEE MICHAELS 31

TIMEPIECES 32

LEE MICHAELS

TAG Heuer 44mm Carrera Chronograph Sport, blue dial, stainless steel bracelet.

Breitling Chronomat B01 42: Steel and 18 karat red gold case, blue dial on a steel and gold Rouleaux bracelet.

LEE MICHAELS 33

LOVE STORIES LEE MICHAELS 34

oh happy day!

LEE MICHAELS HAS BEEN HELPING COUPLES SAY “I DO” SINCE 1978.

MR. & MRS. ERICK KNEZEK (Elena Arcos Pecoraro) November 22, 2019 | Saint Helena, CA Danny Dong Photography

MR. & MRS. MILTON CROSBY III

MR. & MRS. LODEN SNELL

(Ashley Webb) June 12, 2020 | Metairie, LA

(Milena Sebuktekin) May 11, 2019 | Ridgeland, MS

MR. & MRS. CHAD STRANAHAN

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LEE MICHAELS

(Elida Cervantes) November 2, 2019 | Elmendorf, TX

Elle Frances Photography

MR. & MRS. CHRISTOPHER AMOS

MR. & MRS. MARK ALBARADO

(Andrea LeCompte) September 28, 2019 | Lafayette, LA

(Rae Trahan) November 9, 2019 | Lafayette, LA

Our Estate collection is like taking a trip around the world and a journey back in time. Each exquisite piece in this collection is one of a kind and has been hand selected by Katheryne Mauldin, who has over 25 years of experience procuring antique jewelry.

COLLECTIONS

PLATINUM DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RINGS STARTING AT $2,950.

LEE MICHAELS

THE ESTATE COLLECTION

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SPOTLIGHT

a capital affair

A GRAND WASHINGTON, D.C., WEDDING DRAWS INSPIRATION FROM THE FRENCH GARDEN OF IMPRESSIONIST PAINTER CLAUDE MONET.

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LEE MICHAELS

By Darcey Gohring Photography By Kate Headley Event Planning By Pineapple Productions

When you get engaged in one of the world’s most idyllic settings, it’s easy to understand why you would want to bring some of that magic into your wedding day. Kyle Crosby and Caroline Kettler were visiting impressionist painter Claude Monet’s garden in Giverny, France, when he got down on one knee and asked her to be his wife.

It was a dream location for Caroline, a lover of art and history. And back home, as the wedding planning began, elements of the locale were woven into every aspect of the event.

For the venue, the couple selected Washington, D.C.’s trendy Union Market. Directly above the artisanal marketplace, the large space provided the capacity they needed for all their guests. Caroline saw it as a blank canvas; she adds, “Kyle is a mountain man, and I knew that the more we made it feel like the big outdoors, the more comfortable he’d be there.” Details such as local foliage, small-batch blooms and twinkling lights brought their vision to life, and with the help of event planner Pineapple Productions, the KC-CK nuptials became a work of art.

This page: At Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church, guests were treated to a sneak peek of the wedding’s theme as the bride walked down the isle, which was lined with lanterns surrounded by a stunning assortment of greenery.

Opposite page: The bride’s bouquet featured blooms of white with emerald accents.

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Clockwise from left: The happy couple shared a kiss outside the bride’s hometown church in northwest Washington, D.C.; Bridesmaids wore elegant lace dresses in a subdued neutral palette, which perfectly complemented their bouquets; The bride added a pair of bedazzled pumps to her wedding day glam.

Clockwise from top: From the attire to the dÊcor, no detail was overlooked. The bride’s Monique Lhuillier dress and her veil were both adorned with delicate floral accents; Amaryllis Floral and Event Design set up buckets of blooms to create a flower market experience; Cocktail hour featured signature artisan drinks that echoed the garden theme.

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SPOTLIGHT

This page, Maggie Austin Cake created stunning desserts featuring the couple’s proposal spot, artist Claude Monet’s garden in France. Opposite page, archways, greenery and twinkling lights transformed the space into a warm, whimsical secret garden; The couple’s cake incorporates Monet’s signature Impressionist style and chic florals.

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WINE

ENTERTAINING AGAIN? A WORLD-RENOWNED SOMMELIER AND WINEMAKER SUGGESTS DISTINCTIVE PAIRINGS FOR A DINNER’S FIRST MOMENTS—AND ITS LAST.

Perhaps it’s been a while since you’ve hosted a get-together for an evening meal. So, now that COVID-19 restrictions have for the most part been lifted and you can celebrate again with family and friends, you want your occasion to be special. The wine you serve with your main course will be chosen to be compatible with the entrée, certainly. But will it also suit your appetizer and dessert courses?

To make a dinner truly memorable, says Rajat Parr, founder of Sandhi Wines in Santa Barbara, California, think about giving these opening and closing chapters of your dinner’s story their own pairings.

The sommelier-turned-winemaker recommends ideal varietals for the first and final courses of your meal.

WINE AND CHOCOLATE

These two dessert-time aphrodisiacs have a lot in common—both contain antioxidants and are often go-tos after a long day, for instance—but finding the perfect combination and balancing of flavors can be difficult. “Some people like red wine with chocolate, but it’s not easy [to pair them] unless the red wine has residual sugar,” Parr says. He recommends a dry or off-dry “reddish brownish” Bual Madeira alongside milk chocolate, and a colorless white port— that’s a sweet varietal made in Portugal— for its white chocolate counterpart. If you’re serving dark chocolate that contains more than 75 percent cacao (and thus tends to have a more bitter taste), the higher alcohol content in a red zinfandel or the “off-dry ripe style” Italian-made Amarone are both great and surprising options.

Hors d’oeuvres, anyone? The type of dip you serve before a meal alongside raw vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and celery, should not determine what type of wine you present with it, Parr advises. No matter what, “you want light, fresh white wines with an herbaceousness to them,” he says. His picks? A vinho verde from Portugal, a sauvignon blanc or a light-bodied chenin blanc, derived from France.

Bottle to try: Habit Chenin Blanc 2018, $30

WINE AND CHEESE

There are two universal tips to keep in mind when pairing wine with cheeses, Parr says. One is that very few cheeses work with a heavier red wine due to the competing and complex flavors. And two, “young cheese goes best with younger wine, and more aged cheese pairs with slightly older white wines.” With that said, our sommelier suggests serving an exceptional chardonnay alongside cow’s milk cheeses, whereas fresh goat cheese goes nicely with the more herbal-toned sauvignon blanc. Aged goat cheese is best with a vintage bottle of sauvignon blanc or a white Bordeaux, which is essentially sauvignon blanc blended with gold-skinned grapes found in France and Australia called Sémillon. Another important thing to keep in mind? “Wines that are too oaky can cause bitterness with cheese,” Parr adds.

Bottles to try: Fresh goat cheese: Vacheron Sancerre 2018, $40 Aged goat cheese: Domaine de Chevalier 2012, $60 Cow’s milk cheese: Louis Michel Chablis 2017, $90

WINE AND DESSERT TREATS The sweeter the dessert, the sweeter its accompanying wine should be, our expert says. “As an overarching rule, dry wines won’t work with sweet things.”

For cake, he loves a sparkling or still moscato or, if it’s a chocolate cake you’re indulging in, a sweet rosé such as Italian varietal brachetto is an unexpected pick. The French wine sauternes is an ideal companion to fruity pies, Parr says, and there is only one type of vino he’ll consider when eating cookies or biscotti. “That’s a vin santo, a sweet Italian wine,” he declares.

Bottles to try: Cake: Vietti Moscato 2018, $12 Fruit pies: Château Climens 2016, $82 Biscottis/cookies: Felsina Vin Santo 2007, $40

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Bottles to try: Milk chocolate: Barbeito Bual Madeira 1982, $130 White chocolate: Dow’s White Port, $15 Dark chocolate: Tommaso Bussola Recioto Classico 2015, $54

WINE AND CRUDITÉS

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well watched

WHAT GIVES THESE FIVE FAMOUS WOMEN SUCH EXQUISITE TIMING? CHECK THE WRIST.

RIHANNA

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R&B star and Fenty Beauty founder Rihanna has quite an impressive collection of watches, but she is most often photographed in the classic 36mm Rolex LadyDatejust. RiRi’s model is two-toned yellow gold and steel with a champagne dial and diamonds on the hour markers, a natural choice for a stylish music icon.

MICHELLE OBAMA

In her official White House portrait, the First Lady wore her 25mm Cartier Tank Française with a steel bracelet and white dial. The timeless and elegant timepiece, with its trademark rectangular case, is the most fitting accessory for such an iconic portrait (and such an iconic wearer).

Other fashionable women who owned this classic Cartier style include Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Princess Diana.

MILEY CYRUS

Wild child Cyrus is a Rolex Daytona kind of girl—she is often seen in an Everose men’s version of the famous watch originally designed for racecar drivers. But the singer-actress is also a fan of this Rainbow Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, which portrays a bolder fashion statement with 56 diamonds set into its lugs and a bezel featuring a gradation of sapphires in a spectrum of colors.

SELENA GOMEZ

The celebrity-adored Rolex Day-Date in Everose may be an unconventional choice for the young and petite Gomez, but the triple threat wears hers well, both at red carpet events and on more casual hangs around town.

KATE MIDDLETON

Cartier has long been the timepiece of choice for the British royal family, so it’s not surprising it’s Kate Middleton’s fave too. She almost exclusively wears the brand’s curved round steel 33mm Ballon Bleu, which was a third-wedding-anniversary gift from husband Prince William in 2014. Fun fact: The mom of three’s watch has a blue spinel set into its crown, which not-so-coincidentally matches her sapphire-and-diamond engagement ring.

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ACQUIRE THIS PHENOMENALLY PRECISE CALENDAR WATCH NOW AT AGE 30, AND YOU WON’T NEED TO ADJUST IT—EVEN ON FEBRUARY 29TH—TILL YOU’RE 110. By Christen Fisher According to the modern Gregorian calendar, February 29 comes only once every four years—except in a year that is evenly divisible by 100 but not by 400. (Got that?) Still, extra days known as leap days were added quite frequently to the previously used Julian calendar.

These additions inspired an array of traditions and sayings dating back to Roman times that still survive.

For example, in Ireland, February 29 is Bachelor’s Day, a tradition that originated in the fifth century when St. Brigid of Kildare struck a deal with St. Patrick to allow women to propose to men on leap days. It was intended to balance the traditional roles of men and women the same way the addition of a leap day balances the calendar, and the penalty for refusal was a fine ranging from a silk gown to 12 pairs of gloves.

A far less divisive leap day tradition is the Leap Year Cocktail invented in 1928 by Harry Craddock, barman at the famous Savoy Hotel in London. Into an ice-filled shaker, pour 2 ounces of gin, ½ ounce of Grand Marnier, ½ ounce of sweet vermouth and a dash of fresh lemon juice. Shake well for 10 seconds. Then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon peel and, if you are so inclined, a maraschino cherry. Serve once every four years.

In Scotland, leap year concerns are agricultural. There they have a saying: Leap year is never a good sheep year. In Germany, despite a lack of meteorological evidence, it is always said that “leap year will be a cold year.” And all over the world on February 29, watch collectors say, “Time to adjust the date”—except for the fortunate few who own a Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar.

An incredibly intricate complication, the perpetual calendar displays and automatically adjusts the day, date and month, tracks the lunar calendar and accounts for leap years. In order to accommodate February 29 in a leap year as well as months with 31, 30 and 28 days, the movement must have a mechanical “memory” of four years—or 1,461 days. This function requires a highly sophisticated mechanism based on a complex system of levers and cams pivoting around their axes. If the watch is wound daily, the perpetual calendar will not require any manual corrections before February 28, 2100—a year that is divisible by 100 but not by 400. The complexity of the moon-phase mechanism is equally astonishing: It remains accurate for 122 years and 45 days, and then only has to be corrected by one day. (Remind the grandkids.)

Originally invented in 1762 as a pocket watch complication by English watchmaker Thomas Mudge, this timepiece was first put into serial production as a wristwatch by Patek Philippe in 1937. During the 1940s and ’50s, Patek created both a chronograph version and one with a sweep second hand, all with manual wind movements. Then, in 1962, the maison introduced the first-ever self-winding perpetual calendar. Today, Patek Philippe offers several versions of the perpetual calendar, including references 5320, 5327 and 5496.

The 5320 is a self-winding perpetual calendar with a contemporary “vintage” style inspired by exhibits in the Patek Philippe Museum from the ’40s and ’50s.

It features a white 40mm gold case with three-tier lugs and a lacquered cream dial graced with luminous numerals and hands. Water-resistant to 30 meters, it comes with interchangeable solid and sapphire-crystal case backs. Its heart is the caliber 324 S Q movement with double apertures for the day/month and an analog date. Presented on a hand-stitched alligator strap with a fold-over clasp, the 5320 is offered at $85,510.

The 5327 comes in a yellow, white or rose gold 39mm Calatrava case with scalloped lugs and applied Breguet numerals. The yellow and rose gold models feature ivory lacquered dials with recessed counters. The white gold version has a blue sunburst dial. Each has an ultra-thin mechanical self-winding movement, caliber 240 Q. Displaying the day, date, month, leap year and 24-hour indication by hands, the 5327 is worn on a chestnut alligator strap with a fold-over clasp and priced at $88,450.

The 5496 has a retrograde date hand and is available in a platinum or rose gold 39.5mm case. The platinum version features a silvery dial with a vertical satin finish that highlights the hands, hour markers and minute scale with frames of the display apertures in rose gold. The rose gold watch boasts a silvery opaline dial with gold applied hour markers. Both have a selfwinding mechanical movement, caliber 324 S Q R, feature a center-sweep second hand and display the day, date, month and leap year in apertures.

Worn on a dark chestnut alligator strap with a fold-over clasp, the 5496 goes for $110,570 in platinum and $87,890 in rose gold.

When you’re ready to make the leap, consider Patek Philippe’s Perpetual Calendar wristwatch. It’s a tradition worth keeping.

Y Clockwise from top left: The Ref. 1526 wristwatch with a perpetual calendar went into series production in 1941; released in 2008, the Grand Complication wristwatch Ref. 5207 had a patented instantaneous perpetual calendar featuring aperture displays and a minute repeater; this self-winding perpetual calendar in white gold with royal blue sunburst dial has a Calatrava case featuring scalloped lugs and applied Breguet numerals; the vintage-style look of the Ref. 5320G belies its very modern mechanics—a newly developed caliber 324 with double apertures for the day/month and an analog date.

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TIMEPIECES

craftsmanship’s new home

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THE RECENTLY FINISHED PATEK PHILIPPE PRODUCTION FACILITY WAS PUT TOGETHER LIKE A SWISS WATCH. By Christen Fisher In April 2020, Patek Philippe officially completed construction on a new, state-of-the-art manufacture. This flagship production facility on the outskirts of Geneva unites all of the company’s Genevan ateliers under one roof and provides abundant space for rare handcrafts professionals, as well as employee training facilities and a restaurant. While Patek does not anticipate that the new premises will “noticeably increase the volume of watches produced from the current 62,000 pieces per year,” it does expect them to accommodate production operations for the next two to three decades by streamlining manufacturing and assembly.

The Geneva architectural firm Frisk de Marignac Pidoux created the highly contemporary building design, while Frei & Stefani SA in Thônex was responsible for its interior architecture. A work of art in itself, the $633 million structure brings to mind a luxury ocean liner and yet complements the surrounding landscape of the municipality of Plan-les-Ouates. Occupying almost 1.5 million square feet over 10 floors, six above ground and four below, the building contains more than 14,000 tons of rebar steel—enough for two Eiffel Towers—and almost 300,000 cubic feet of concrete. Its basement volume is about the same as 90 Olympic-sized pools, while that of the entire building is the equivalent of approximately seven Airbus A380 planes.

The building’s 10 floors are divided into five segments and reached by 20 freight and passenger elevators and four staircases. The ground and first floors are dedicated to watch production, as well as the finishing of moving parts, including plates, wheels and bridges. The second floor is reserved for machining, manual polishing, the assembly of exterior parts, such as bracelets and cases, and gem-setting. The second-floor ateliers also craft spare parts required by customer service.

Antique timepieces are restored here as well. The third floor is allocated to research and development endeavors, while the fourth floor is dedicated to Patek’s famous rare handcrafts, including manual engraving, enameling, guilloching and wood micro-marquetry. The fifth floor

contains a penthouse restaurant with seating for 880 as well as four VIP lounges, all with panoramic views of the spectacular Swiss landscape.

It’s a Patek Philippe tradition to mark key events in the corporate history by launching limited-edition commemorative watches. So in tribute to the commissioning of the new production building, Patek released a limited-edition Calatrava. The new Reference 6007A-001 features a 324 SC caliber self-winding mechanical movement in a 40mm polished stainless-steel case, a rarity in the Patek collection. The display back boasts an imprint of the Calatrava cross and “New Manufacture 2019” inscription to commemorate the year the first work groups moved into the new building. The gray-blue dial has a white-printed five-minute scale at the periphery, a white-printed railway scale with triangular markers around the center and applied Arabic numerals in white lacquered 18K gold. Pierced baton-style hour and minute hands in white lacquered 18K gold, a white lacquered bronze sweep second hand and a date aperture at 3 o’clock complete the piece. This symbol of Patek Philippe’s new chapter is presented on a matte gray-blue calfskin strap embossed with a delicate textile motif.

As only 1,000 pieces were made, you might instead consider a classic Calatrava, which with its pure lines and traditional sensibilities embodies the same spirit as the commemorative edition. The Calatrava is the very essence of the round wristwatch and one of the finest symbols of the Patek Philippe style. First introduced in 1932, the Calatrava is available as a manual-wind, time-only watch or a mechanical self-winding watch in platinum, rose gold or yellow gold with various dial and embellishment options. Calatravas are sized from 37mm to 39mm for men and 34.6mm for ladies, and each has a sapphire crystal caseback and is water-resistant to 30 meters. Supremely elegant, the Calatrava charms each new generation of watch lovers with its timeless, understated perfection. And if the new Patek production facility lives up to its promise, it will be good news for watch connoisseurs yet unborn.

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SPOTLIGHT

in the

kitchen, timing is key

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FOUR CELEBRITY CHEFS TRACK THE MINUTES AND SECONDS WITH TIMEPIECES OF TRUE DISTINCTION. By Darcey Gohring

An exquisitely crafted watch, like a delicious meal, calls for a precise combination of elements to combine beauty with function. Maybe that’s why so many of the world’s greatest chefs apply their exacting standards of taste not just to the ingredients they choose to cook with but also to the timepieces they wear. Here, meet four culinary masters who always know what time it is—and check out recipes from three of them that are timed to perfection.

EMERIL LAGASSE’S CARAMELIZED SALMON DEVILED EGGS

Yield: 12 servings INGREDIENTS: n 1 (6 oz.) salmon fillet n salt n freshly ground pepper n ½ cup sugar n 1 dozen hard-boiled eggs, halved n ½ cup mayonnaise n 1 Tbs. minced shallots n ½ fresh lemon, juiced n 2 oz. Sevruga caviar or American bowfin caviar DIRECTIONS: Season the salmon with salt and pepper. Dredge the salmon in the sugar, coating well. Heat a small sauté pan over medium heat. When the pan is hot, add the salmon and sear for two to three minutes on each side, until the salmon is caramelized on both sides. Remove from the pan and cool completely. Flake the salmon into small pieces. Place the egg yolks in a mixing bowl and the whites on a serving plate. Season the whites with salt. With a fork, mash the egg yolks.

Add the salmon, mayonnaise, shallots and lemon juice. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper. Fill the egg whites with the salmon mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and chill completely, at least two hours. Remove from the refrigerator and garnish the eggs with the caviar. Serve immediately.

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As one of The Food Network’s pioneer chefs, Lagasse single-handedly coined the phrases “Kick it up a notch!” and “Bam!” He has been a kitchen staple for decades with his New Orleans-influenced cuisine. He has had popular shows over the years on The Food Network, Bravo and TNT and has made frequent appearances on Good Morning America. Lagasse has also written nearly 20 cookbooks, is a James Beard Award winner and the owner of several popular restaurants in New Orleans, Las Vegas and other large cities.

Along with his crisp white chef ’s uniform, Lagasse is seldom seen without one of his Rolex watches. A fan of the brand, he has amassed an impressive collection. One of his most-worn pieces is a Yacht-Master, which he wears on the covers of some of his cookbooks.

Watches he loves: Rolex platinum and steel Yacht-Master, two-tone Datejust with a Jubilee bracelet and GMT-Master “Pepsi” with the classic red and blue bezel

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TYLER FLORENCE

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Having graduated from the prestigious culinary program at Johnson & Wales University, this Southern-born chef originally made his mark at the helm of several New York restaurants. As buzz about the young chef grew, The Food Network took notice. Today, Florence has been a fixture on the channel for more than 14 years. Now living in California, he helped develop three restaurants in the San Francisco area, including Wayfare Tavern, and has written several cookbooks. In 2017 he directed a documentary called Uncrushable about the devastating effects of the California wildfires on the Napa and Sonoma wine regions; the film debuted at the New York City Wine & Food Festival. “The entire story just started to unfold in front of us,” Florence told Wine Spectator in 2018. “I think it’s my best work.”

His appreciation for watches began at age 15, when Florence bought his first one. It was a Timex with “a gold-colored face and a fake alligator strap,” he says. Now the chef has a collection of 16 timepieces, including a Panerai Luminor he bought in 1997 to celebrate signing his first network contract. Florence sees watches the same way he sees chef ’s knives: “I think things that are more difficult to make are to be cherished for their humanity and craftsmanship.”

Watches he loves: Rolex Deepsea SeaDweller, IWC Big Pilot, Panerai Luminor and Panerai Radiomir

ALTON BROWN

Chef Brown is known for his humor and his ability to translate even daunting recipes into terms any layperson can understand. The winner of two James Beard Awards, he has been appearing on The Food Network for nearly 20 years. He has also served as a culinary commentator and host on such shows as Good Eats, Iron Chef America and Cutthroat Kitchen; written eight books on food and cooking; and toured with his live show, Eat Your Science. And to top it off, after a seven-year hiatus, Brown’s hit show was just revived with the title Good Eats: The Return.

Over the years, fans of his programs may have noticed that his watches change almost as often as his menus. A self-identified timepiece addict, Brown admits he’s been a watch geek his entire life. “It’s like crack,” he says. “It’s bad. I have a problem and cannot stay away. I have to very much limit myself.” And a quick scroll through his Instagram account confirms this: among images of food and his beloved dog, there are snaps of several watches he’s added to his collection. Brown particularly appreciates vintage pieces, but he’s no hoarder. Instead, he trades, usually keeping about a dozen at any given time.

One piece that he will never trade is his father’s Omega Seamaster.

As he explains it, the watch meant a lot to him because his father died wearing it when Brown was a child, and he was heartbroken when it was stolen when he was in college. Remarkably, just a few years ago and after 20 years, he located his father’s exact watch— confirmed by matching movement numbers— on eBay, being offered by a company that sold scrap watches. “Quite an odyssey for that watch, and I will never ever, ever, ever, ever part with it,” he says.

Watches he loves: Omega’s Blackout Ceramic Edition of the Speedmaster, Rolex GMT-Master Reference 6542, Rolex Submariner Reference 1680 “Red Sub,” Rolex Submariner Reference 6205, Nivada Grenchen Depthmaster, Tudor Submariner Reference 7021 “Snowflake” and Omega Seamaster Chronostop owned by his father

DANIEL BOULUD’S MOULES POULETTE

DANIEL BOULUD

Born into a farming family in Lyon, Boulud knew at 14 that he wanted to be a chef. Today he is recognized as one of America’s culinary authorities. Trained in Europe, he made his mark in New York City with his namesake restaurant, Daniel.

Located on Park Avenue and considered one of the pillars of the Big Apple’s dining scene, it opened in 1993. Its success has led to a worldwide restaurant empire as well as several books and television appearances. Boulud is known for bringing a contemporary edge to soulful dishes rooted in French tradition. Next fall, the chef will be opening another restaurant at one of New York’s newest skyscrapers, One Vanderbilt. “It will be in the heart of Manhattan at one of the finest locations in Midtown and will have striking views,” he says.

Chef Boulud shows the same passion for watches that he does for cooking. “I have been a watch aficionado for a long time, but I don’t collect for the sake of reselling,” Boulud says. “I collect for keeping, often to celebrate a milestone or special event.” He has about 20 pieces in his collection today—but he’s not thinking just about the present. “When I buy a watch, I really think, ‘This is for my son,’” he says. “I make sure that it’s a classic watch [that] 20, 30, 40 years from now will still be wearable and have a timeless feel.” His son is still young; Boulud jokes at this point his son’s favorite would most likely be his recently acquired Rolex Batman with its striking black-andblue design.

Watches he loves: Rolex Daytona, Panerai Ferrari Granturismo Chronograph, Cartier Santos 100 Carbon, Panerai Radiomir and Panerai Luminor GMT, Panerai Radiomir Black Seal (2007/8), Panerai Radiomir 8 Days GMT (c. 2012), Van Cleef & Arpels Pierre Arpels (2012), Audemars Piguet 41mm (2017)

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Yield: 2 servings INGREDIENTS: n 1 Tbs. olive oil n 3 oz. slab bacon, cut into ½-inch batons n 1 shallot, peeled and sliced thin n 1 stalk celery, sliced thin n 1 leek, white part only, sliced thin and rinsed n 3 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced thin n salt and freshly ground white pepper n ¾ cup dry white wine n ¾ cup crème fraîche, or substitute heavy cream n 2 lbs. fresh mussels, cleaned* DIRECTIONS: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil and add the bacon. Sauté for four to five minutes, or until the bacon starts to brown. Add the shallot, celery, leek and garlic. Season with salt and pepper, and continue to cook another five minutes, stirring occasionally. Then increase the heat to medium-high and add the white wine. Bring to a boil, and add the crème fraîche and the mussels. Cover immediately with an airtight lid and let the mussels cook three to four minutes before removing the lid.

When ready, the mussels’ shells will be open and the flesh just slightly firmed. With a large spoon, split the mussels between two wide, shallow bowls and spoon any remaining sauce over the top. Serve immediately with fresh, crusty baguette. *Discard any mussels that are cracked or open and will not close with a tap on the counter. Place mussels in a container and cover with cold water for 20 minutes, allowing them to filter out any sand.

Lift the mussels from water, leaving the sand behind. Remove the beards (the fibrous threads between the mussel and its shell) by grasping the mussel with a dry towel and pulling toward the hinge end. Scrub the shells with a brush and rinse in cold water.

TIMEPIECES

can rolex save the sea?

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THE LUXURY BRAND WITH A HISTORY OF SUPPORTING INTREPID EXPLORATION NOW STRIVES TO MAKE OUR ENDANGERED PLANET “PERPETUAL.” By Christen Fisher A trusted instrument of discovery for nearly a century, the Rolex chronometer has accompanied explorers and adventurers into the planet’s wildest, most challenging realms—from its deepest oceans to its highest peaks, its remotest caverns to its lonely poles—unfailingly keeping track of time and helping to advance our knowledge about the world we share.

The founder of Rolex, Hans Wilsdorf, saw the world as a living laboratory. He used it as a testing ground for his watches throughout the 1930s, sending them to the most extreme locations, supporting explorers who ventured into the unknown. But as the world has continued to change, exploration for pure discovery has given way to exploration as a means to preserve the endangered natural world. Through the Rolex Awards for Enterprise, Rolex is continuing the legacy of its founder, supporting the explorers of today on their new mission: to make the planet perpetual.

Since 1976, the Rolex Awards for Enterprise have supported and championed exceptional individuals who take on the major challenges of our time, sharing a spirit of enterprise and a desire to make the world a better place. These awards are designed to stimulate new ways of thinking about common problems and to celebrate those who embody the belief that anyone can change everything. Associate Rolex laureate and marine bio-geochemist Emma Camp, Ph.D., is one such individual.

With Rolex’s support, she is working to repopulate coral reefs ravaged by a warming climate, acidifying water and other human-inflicted damage. In 2016, Camp led a dive team to New Caledonia that documented, for the first time, 20 species of coral thriving under conditions previously considered by science to be too hot and too toxic for them to survive. Most corals prefer clean, crystal-clear waters low in nutrients and sediment, stable in temperature and rich in oxygen, but the corals Camp and her team found thrive amid hostile conditions, in the murky waters around mangroves where “conditions are comparable to, or even exceed, what is predicted for the open ocean under climate change in the year 2100.”

By identifying similar hot spots of resilience along the 2,000 kilometers of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral assemblage, and studying the behavior and genetics of these ultra-tough coral

survivors, Camp hopes to uncover the mechanisms supporting these corals’ unique ability to tolerate stress, to establish a network of hot spots of reef resilience, and most importantly, to understand how the “super corals” can be used in adaptive reef management. She plans to partner with ecotourism companies to further these aims. Camp is, in essence, striving to make our coral reefs perpetual.

If you share Camp’s enterprising spirit to make our planet perpetual, then consider one of Rolex’s extraordinary dive watches: the Submariner, the Sea-Dweller or the Deepsea.

Launched in 1953, the Submariner was originally created specifically for underwater exploration and diving, but over the years, it has become a go-to watch across all walks of life in, on and out of the water.

The Submariner’s Oyster case is waterproof to a depth of 1,000 feet and provides optimal protection from water, dust, pressure and shocks. The Submariner’s unidirectional rotatable bezel is key to the functionality of the watch. Its engraved 60-minute graduation allows a diver to monitor diving time and decompression stops accurately and therefore safely.

Manufactured from a hard, corrosion-resistant ceramic, the Cerachrom bezel insert is virtually scratchproof, and its color is unaffected by ultraviolet rays, seawater or chlorinated water. Beginning at $7,900, the Submariner and Submariner Date are available in Oystersteel, Oystersteel and gold, and gold with a variety of dial and bezel colors.

For the dedicated diver, Rolex offers the Sea-Dweller, launched in 1967, and the Deepsea, unveiled in 2008. They are the fruit of decades of collaboration with diving professionals. Rated to a depth of 4,000 feet and sized at 43 millimeters, the Sea-Dweller’s 60-minute graduated, unidirectional rotatable bezel enables divers to safely monitor their dive and decompression times. For those who want to go deeper, the Rolex Deepsea is waterproof to a depth of 12,800 feet. Housed in a 44-millimeter Oyster case reinforced with the patented Ringlock System, the sleek black dial features large Chromalight hour markers and hands filled with luminescent material that emits a long-lasting blue glow for legibility in dark conditions. Beginning at $11,700, the Sea-Dweller is available in Oystersteel and yellow gold or Oystersteel. The Rolex Deepsea is available in Oystersteel and begins at $12,600.

Opposite page, middle: Through the Rolex Awards for Enterprise, associate Rolex laureate and marine bio-geochemist Emma Camp, Ph.D., is working to repopulate coral reefs that have been impacted by climate change and other human-inflicted damage. She and her team have been studying coral found throughout the globe, including New Caledonia in the South Pacific and the Great Barrier Reef of Australia.

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TRAVEL

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NOT READY TO TRAVEL YET? PERHAPS THIS IS YOUR YEAR TO BE A VIRTUAL VAGABOND. A HALF-DOZEN OF THE WORLD’S UNFORGETTABLE ATTRACTIONS ARE AS CLOSE AS YOUR COMPUTER SCREEN. In this coronavirus era, some travelers have understandably chosen to postpone major trips out of an abundance of caution. For them—and maybe for you—it’s a perfect time to plan ahead instead, to take a break and check out destinations for possible future journeys. Happily, the internet is eager to help.

No one claims that screen images are the equal of being present in the flesh, but they’re great for inspiration. And you may be surprised how dramatically and intimately an online virtual tour can show you a travel destination you’ve always dreamed of seeing. That you can take such a trip in your pajamas is just one of those small pandemic pluses we’ve all learned to find.

Here are a half-dozen virtual tours we recommend for travelers who have temporarily become the armchair kind:

CLIFFS OF MOHER, COUNTY CLARE, IRELAND

This spectacular site is one of the Emerald Isle’s most visited tourist attractions—and the most visited natural one.

You’ve seen it if you’ve caught the movies The Princess Bride, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince or Leap Year. The cliffs span nine miles across Ireland’s beautiful west coast, also known as the Wild Atlantic Way, rising as high as 700 feet over the ocean. They’ve been noted in records as far back as the first century A.D. The virtual tour provides the full Cliffs of Moher experience, offering a glimpse of the shimmering Atlantic as well as the fields back inland from all the most popular vantage points, including O’Brien’s Tower, a round stone structure near the midpoint of the cliffs that was built in 1835, and the dome of the Visitor Center (that’s “Centre” if you’re Irish).

Where to watch: cliffsofmoher.ie /virtual-visit-tour/

THE DOGE’S PALACE, VENICE, ITALY

The elected leaders (or doges) of the Venetian republic lived in this Gothic-style castle and ruled there for more than 1,000 years, and it has long been one of Venice’s most notable landmarks. Also known as Palazzo Ducale, it has now been a public museum for almost a century.

The online tour is just as extensive as one on foot would be (though undoubtedly less exhausting), as you’ll begin in the sprawling interior courtyard through the Porta del Frumento and make your way to the Institutional Chambers, the New Prisons of the Palace and the Chamber of the Council of the Ten. Along the way, you’ll marvel at the architecture and paintings adorning the walls and ceilings from Tintoretto, Veronese, Titian and more.

Where to watch: palazzoducale .visitmuve.it/en/virtual-tour/

CARLSBAD CAVERNS NATIONAL PARK, NEW MEXICO, U.S.A.

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Stalactites hold “tite” to a cave ceiling, while stalagmites are on the ground where you “mite” trip over them. Got them straight now? You’ll see these and much more when you virtually visit this national park, located in southeastern New Mexico’s Guadalupe Mountains. The park contains more than 100 caves or limestone chambers, including the wellknown Carlsbad Cavern, featuring paved walking trails, elevators and lights. The virtual tour takes you into the cavern’s Big Room, which is about 4,000 feet wide, and along for the ride with a tour guided by a park ranger. It even lets you soar through the calcite formations as if you were a bat. (Seventeen species of bats call the park home.) Those on foot can’t do that. Of course, there are 61 other U.S. national parks waiting to be virtually toured too, from Hawaii Volcanoes (with an up-close look at the lava tubes in the Klauea and Mauna Loa active volcanoes shown here) to Yosemite to the Great Smoky Mountains.

Where to watch: artsandculture.google .com/project/national-park-service

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MUSEUM OF UNDERWATER ART, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA

Ever think you’d find a work of art under—or just above—the deep blue sea?

This recently opened museum on the famous Great Barrier Reef, three years in the making, seeks to entice divers and snorkelers, draw in sea creatures and inspire ocean conservation. Above sea level sits Ocean Siren, a sculpture of a young native girl that changes color according to the ocean’s temperature using data collected by the Davies Reef weather station. Submerged under water are three more exhibits, including the expansive Coral Greenhouse, which has 20 sculptures within it designed to withstand waves. More exhibits are coming in 2021. While taking your virtual swim of MOUA, feel free to wear flippers to make the on-screen experience feel more authentic, and humming that catchy “Under the Sea” tune from The Little Mermaid is OK too.

Where to watch: moua.com.au

GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS, ECUADOR

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Fun fact: Charles Darwin’s visit to the Galápagos Islands at age 26 reportedly helped inspire his theory of evolution by natural selection. Who knows what theories you’ll discover when you pay an (online) visit to this international treasure of 20 or so islands, located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador?

It’s where wildlife and sea creatures, many of them found only here, take center stage, and where human visitors can get up close and personal.

Diving, snorkeling, hiking and kayaking are popular activities on these islands as well. The virtual tour won’t allow for any of that, of course, but you’ll still get an underwater look at the islands and an up-close glimpse of these creatures in their natural habitats.

Where to watch: google.com/maps /about/behind-the-scenes/streetview /treks/galapagos-islands/

GREAT WALL OF CHINA, HUAIROU DISTRICT, CHINA

One of the seven wonders of the world, this is a fortified structure in the northern part of the country that, with all of its branches, runs more than 13,000 miles. Its original use some 2,000 years ago was as a military defensive system, but now it is China’s most popular tourist spot and one recognized the world over. Spectators come to admire its scenic views and magnificent architecture. The most visited section of the Wall is Mutianyu, which is fully restored, but more adventurous folk may prefer the hiking trails of Jinshanling. You don’t have to choose if you go the virtual route, as the 360-degree online tour gives you a first-person view of the whole thing.

Where to watch: youvisit.com/tour/doilan

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GOOD SPORT

there’s just one taos

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THIS RECENTLY ENHANCED (BUT STILL BLESSEDLY QUIRKY) NEW MEXICO SKI RESORT IS HARD TO GET TO—AND EVEN HARDER TO FORGET. By Everett Potter Taos Ski Valley Resort may be America’s best-kept mountain secret. This high mountain resort in northern New Mexico near the Colorado border has long been off the radar of time-pressed skiers, who are more likely to board a nonstop to Denver or Salt Lake City and hit the nearest slopes an hour or so after their arrival.

Such a quick ski getaway is not what Taos is about, which is one reason it’s never crowded. It takes time and work just to get there. You fly to Albuquerque then drive north for three hours to the town of Taos, with its lowslung adobe buildings and laid-back air. The resort lies another 30 minutes away, high in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, a southern subrange of the Rockies.

I’ve always sensed something almost quasi-mystical about Taos. Perhaps it’s the proximity to the Taos Pueblo, a thriving, 1,000-year-old settlement of the Puebloan people. Maybe it’s that the town became a haven for writers and artists a century ago, home to novelist D. H. Lawrence and the painters who became known as the Taos Society of Artists, followed a few decades later by Georgia O’Keeffe. By the 1960s, the hipper side of Hollywood arrived in the person of Dennis Hopper, who shot part of Easy Rider here. The town morphed into an early counterculture lair, and well into the 1990s you might find yourself sharing a chairlift with a longhaired local who’d light up a joint.

So why do skiers make all this effort to come to Taos?

Because it offers one of the most challenging inbound ski experiences in the country. It has 14 lifts, 1,294 acres of varied terrain and 3,271 vertical feet. Oh, and it receives an average of 300 inches of snow a year.

Taos has dramatically steep runs, plenty of tree runs and gnarly chutes. The wall of moguls you see as you ascend the first chair can make you think twice. It doesn’t help that there’s a sign that says, “Don’t Panic!

You’re Looking at Only 1/30 of Taos Ski Valley.”

Most famously, there’s Kachina Peak. It has long been a rite of passage to climb for 45 minutes to the top of this 12,500-foot peak, gasping for breath, and then descend through what could be thigh-deep powder on one of the most famous hardcore runs in

North America. The ragged Buddhist prayer flags at the top suggest prayers are not a bad idea before you start your descent. The first time I tried it, I managed to partly somersault my way down.

Taos is spectacularly beautiful, and it may literally take your breath away. The base village lies at over 9,200 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest U.S. ski resorts. It also has a strong European influence. The resort village was founded in 1954 by Ernie Blake, a German who had worked for U.S. intelligence during World War II, and his wife, Rhoda. He recruited Frenchman Jean Mayer, a former ski patroller with the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division, to start a ski school. In 1960, Mayer opened the Hotel St. Bernard, a place that still looks and feels like an Alpine lodge.

A classic day at Taos can mean skiing the Walkyries Chute or navigating a passage through the Lorelei Trees—names that suggest an epic Wagnerian ski experience. For years, the ski village could be described as a crazy quilt of A-frames and old ski lodges, family-owned places with a fiercely loyal following. Chic it wasn’t.

Then, in late 2013, Louis Bacon, a hedge-fund billionaire, bought Taos Ski Valley Resort from the Blake family. It seemed a peculiar choice. Why wouldn’t a Wall Streeter invest in a brand-name resort like Park City, Whistler or Vail? But Bacon, a lifelong conservation philanthropist, apparently saw a diamond in the rough. In fact, he was a dedicated skier who’d owned property in Taos for more than two decades. He understood the town and its vibe.

He also saw that this world-class ski mountain could be a lot more than it already was, since it lacked the amenities prized by 21st century skiers. So he unleashed a $300 million plan to make big changes.

One of Bacon’s first decisions was to build a lift up Kachina Peak, replacing that daunting 45-minute hike but thereby opening up the slope to many more skiers.

(The descent, I should add, did not get any easier.) High winds and blowing powder can close the new lift, so a steep climb may still be your only option on some days.

Bacon added a new high-speed quad chairlift from

the base and a state-of-the-art Children’s Center. He made changes to certify Taos as a Certified B corporation, the only ski resort in the world with that designation, commiting it to the highest standards of social, economic and environmental actions.

But Bacon’s biggest change brought style and creature comforts. He built the new 80-room Blake Hotel, centerpiece of the revived Taos Ski Village. Named for the resort’s founder, this hotel has been carefully designed to reflect the elements of Taos’ history. Picture traditional Native American blankets hanging alongside Georgia O’Keeffe lithographs. The guest rooms are bright and airy, and there are niceties, such as outdoor hot tubs, a spa, a ski shop—even a ski valet. The restaurant, 192 at the Blake, has a kiva fireplace and serves wood-fired pizzas, tapas and shared plates of German and Italian fare. The property was named the best U.S. ski hotel by USA Today at the start of the last ski season.

Still, traditionalists love the venerable Hotel St. Bernard, known for its reservations-required dinner, where French-inspired venison, duck, lobster tails and cheeses appear on the menu. The hotel is a European throwback, offering an all-inclusive Ski Week that includes lodging, meals and ski lessons. Owner Jean Mayer is still there, 60 years after he opened the place and started the ski school, and it’s still the go-to place for German fare. There are other options as well, and given the mixed metaphor that is Taos, casual fare can range from a buffalo bratwurst and a German pilsner to Mezcal and burritos with green chile.

The village, despite the improvements, is still a welcoming mix of locals who love the ersatz European ski culture married to the local New Mexican ethos. No cookie-cutter ski village this.

Is Taos busier than before? Yes, but it is rarely crowded, certainly not by the standards of major popular Western resorts. And there is nothing frantic about the ski experience here, because there is a welcome dearth of type As. Bacon’s measured approach seems to be working: Taos remains wild and quirky, marching to its own beat.

Opposite, clockwise from top right: With 1,294 acres of varied terrain, Taos Ski Valley Resort is one of the most challenging ski destinations in the country; the many steep trails of Taos; Hotel St. Bernard; jumping down Kachina Peak; nearby Pueblo Village.

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TRAINED IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY, PIERRE SAUVAGE NOW USES HIS ARTISTIC EYE TO MAKE BEAUTIFUL INDOOR SPACES—LIKE HIS OWN APARTMENT IN PARIS.

The dining room of Pierre Sauvage’s 18th-century townhouse perfectly illustrates his style of classic elements mixed with bright splashes of color.

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Upon their arrival at the wedding, this Beantown bride and groom’s guests walked the Boston Public Library’s marble staircase topped with glimmering candles and gorgeous greenery.

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We all know Paris as the world’s mecca for fashion, and that same je ne sais quoi can be found in the interiors of many of the City of Lights’ homes.

One of the standouts is the home of Pierre Sauvage, who began his career in fashion working for Christian Dior and Jean-Charles de Castelbajac.

It was there he developed an appreciation for the art of mixing rich varieties of fabrics, colors and motifs. Upon leaving the world of haute couture, Sauvage made his mark on the collections of Casa Lopez, the interior design accessories company he leads, adding glassware, tableware, lamps and furniture to its wide range of rugs and carpets.

The space’s unique patterned rugs were inspired by 1970s designs of metalwork and wickerwork.

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Situated on the second floor of an 18th-century townhouse, Sauvage’s Paris home incorporates touches of jewel-toned velvets, and intricate paneling offers the perfect palette for hues of intense color. When designing interiors, Sauvage’s go-to is always a base of blue and green. He says the two colors “go well together. I love playing with them, and the effect is different every time; I find their palette and nuances offer an infinite variety.”

Another design staple is his use of eye-catching patterned rugs. Here the floor coverings, with their 1970s-inspired designs of metal- and wickerwork, have been specifically chosen for the sake of contrast. Sauvage believes it is often the juxtaposition of bold colors and classic elements that elevates design to create rooms that are timeless but that still feel fun.

When selecting fabric and material, Sauvage knows what works best in his

This page: Soft gray walls serve as a backdrop for bright pops of color in a second living space. Opposite page: A Thomas Lerooy painting, which resembles the bust of a bird, ties the palette together. Fresh seasonal flowers are always on display to complement the design.

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This page: Bookcases designed by Franz Potisek and made by a cabinetmaker line the walls. In them, Sauvage expertly mixes books with accessories. Opposite page: A Louis XVI cylinder desk and an empire chair offer an attractive and practical workspace.

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spaces. For upholstery fabrics he prefers a matte finish and curtains made of linen or velvet.

“I dislike taffeta and satin, as they are too shiny,” he says. For rugs, he prefers a jute-and-wool mix. His goal is to weave all the materials together to create a harmonious feel with no one element jumping out to distract the eye.

One of Sauvage’s favorite things is to cluster similar items together to create interest. “I adore things in groups,” he says.

“I think it’s so chic when you see a kitchen wall smothered in plates, or paintings hung close together up to the ceiling.” This can be seen throughout the space, from the mantels and tabletops to bookshelf displays. Along with a collection of Wedgewood, he

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has an array of Chinese porcelain and glass palm trees. The majority of those pieces were lovingly located in junk shops or on the internet. “They aren’t classic, just fun,” he says. “At the moment, I’m rather obsessed with opaline.

I’ve just bought some orange vases that are milky and vivid at the same time, but there are all sorts of colors, from pale yellow to blues and powder pink. I’m going to put together a whole service of it.”

Sauvage manages to seamlessly marry the past and the present and still maintain a fresh, original feel. The result: Even with one of the world’s most beautiful cities just outside, this is an apartment anyone would be happy to come home to.

This page: The bedroom incorporates bold indigo with splashes of emerald green. The bed is draped in panels of fabric for a dramatic look. Opposite page: In the bathroom, Sauvage created a boudoir feel.

All photos are reprinted with permission from The Parisians: Tastemakers at Home by Catherine Synave. Photos by Guillaume de Laubier © Flammarion

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The Cornerstone Collection offers a foundation in beauty and class, anchored by elegant baguette diamonds in white gold. These rings, pendants, earrings and bracelets build upon the qualities of our most precious gemstone.

Its classic design offers longevity of style that can easily be added to or complemented.

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THE CORNERSTONE COLLECTION

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AUTO

u.s. muscle

THESE THREE AMERICAN-MADE SPORTS SUPERCARS WILL LEAVE RIVALS IN THE DUST. AFTER ALL, EUROPEANS CAN’T HAVE ALL THE FUN. By Darius Amos FORD GT

The pride of Detroit boasts Italian supercar statistics, but make no mistake: The new GT is 100 percent American ingenuity, power and style.

For starters, the twin turbo V-6 produces 660 horsepower and can generate speeds in excess of 215 mph. For luxury inside, the driver’s gauge cluster and center stack are wrapped in suede. The most recent incarnation (which starts at $500,000) is a design throwback to the GT40, Ford Motor Company’s legendary model from the mid-1960s that inspired the film Ford v Ferrari. One of two appearance options is the Heritage edition, which comes with a paint scheme reminiscent of the Le Manswinning 1968–69 racecar. For a modern look, there’s the Liquid Carbon package, a $250,000 add-on featuring a clear paint coat meant to showcase the intricate carbon-fiber weave of the GT’s body.

CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8

Maybe there’s nothing as American as apple pie, but the Corvette comes darn close.

Chevy’s legendary sports car has gone through various makeovers since its 1953 debut, but its eighth iteration is the most dramatic. Beginning this model year, the ’Vette is now equipped with a mid-body engine, joining the upper echelon of European exotics such as Porsche, McLaren and Lamborghini.

The 6.2-liter V-8 yields supercar performance (490 horsepower, 2.8-second 0–60 time) without the accompanying supercar price (it starts at $59,995). And it’s filled with innovative tech: a front-axle lift system that can lift the body two inches in three seconds, cameras that monitor curb clearance and a rear camera that displays on the rearview mirror.

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HENNESSEY VENOM F5

Driving enters a different stratosphere when you pass the $1 million price level: This is the world of Bugatti, Pagani, Koenigsegg and America’s own Hennessey. In 2017, the track-only Hennessey Venom F5 claimed the “fastest car in the world” title when it conquered the 300-mph barrier, and now it’s ready for the roads. The first production Venom F5 will be available in limited quantities in November at a hefty $1.8 million price tag. Named after the highest-category tornado, the Venom F5 is shaped similar to the McLaren Senna but is powered by a good old, made-in-the-U.S.A. V-8 engine with a 1,817-horsepower output.

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