Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry Spring/Summer Accent Magazine 2024

ACCENT | THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS | SPRING/SUMMER 2024

ACCENT: THE MAGAZINE OF LIFE’S CELEBRATIONS

LMFJ.COM Style Elevated

Effortless Looks

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LEE MICHAELS •

SPRING/SUMMER 2024

Brenda Berg

Treasures from Her Jewelry Box

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LOVE IN VERONA

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IN THIS ISSUE

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14 Welcome Letter 16 La Cantera Grand Opening 18 An Evening with Roberto Coin 20 Store Happenings 22 Gift Guide 26 Gilded Bonds 28 Timeless Treasures 30 Effortless Style Elevated 34 Store Locations 36 Crafting Legacies 38 Finding Happiness in Helping Others 42 Level Up Your Layers 44 Brenda’s Jewelry Box 48 Lucky No. 10 50 LM Love Story: Rubi and Cleveland 54 LM Brides 56 Lee’s Picks 58 The Reference Among Divers’ Watches 60 In Record Time 64 Precision for the Fearless 66 Watches for the World 68 Planet Yoga 70 Two Hulls for the Long Haul 74 The Briefcase Motorbike 76 Italy’s Surprise 82 Classic, Remixed 84 For Love of Bubbles 86 Smart Power 88 Last Look: Ray of Sunshine

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FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Lee Michael Berg PRESIDENTS Ryan Berg, Scott Berg, Chad Berg EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Johnny Tate CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER Jane Harrington CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Andrew Brown VICE PRESIDENT OF MERCHANDISING AND MARKETING Steve Rennhoff ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING Amy Graham Hughes CREATIVE DEPARTMENT Andrea Barbier, Mariella Brochard, Emma Peneguy EDITOR IN CHIEF Rita Guarna CREATIVE DIRECTOR Stephen Vitarbo SENIOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR Darius Amos ASSISTANT EDITOR Kirsten Meehan CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Christen Fisher, Haley Longman, Leslie Garisto Pfaff, Everett Potter, Donna Rolando

Publishing Staff PUBLISHER Lizette Chin ADVERTISING/PRODUCTION SERVICES Penny Boag, Griff Dowden, Chris Ferrante, Jacquelynn Fischer, Catherine Rosario ACCOUNTING Kasie Carleton, Urszula Janeczko, Steven Resnick PUBLISHED BY Wainscot Media CHAIRMAN Carroll V. Dowden PRESIDENT & CEO Mark Dowden SENIOR VICE PRESIDENTS Lizette Chin, Rita Guarna VICE PRESIDENTS Nigel Edelshain, Thomas Flannery, Noelle Heffernan, Maria Regan, Steven Resnick

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46 Locations BATON ROUGE, LA 7560 Corporate Boulevard 225.926.4644 Mall of Louisiana 225.766.6000 NEW ORLEANS, LA Causeway Blvd. at Lakeside Shopping Center 504.832.0000 SHREVEPORT, LA 6605 Youree Drive 318.222.2929 LAFAYETTE, LA 4235 Ambassador Caffery Parkway 337.981.8071 RIDGELAND, MS Renaissance at Colony Park 601.957.6100 SAN ANTONIO, TX The Shops at La Cantera 210.699.9494 Alamo Quarry Market 210.278.5980 North Star Mall 210.541.9575 ALBUQUERQUE, NM 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 © 2024 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 201.571.2244. Advertising Inquiries: Contact Lizette Chin at 201.571.2227 or lizette.chin@wainscotmedia.com. Printed in the U.S.A. ©2024

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Lee Michaels

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Berg family with Rolex representative at the La Cantera grand opening

dear friends,

AS WE REFLECT ON THE PAST YEAR, we are filled with gratitude for your unwavering support and loyalty. Last year marked a significant milestone for us, as we celebrated 45 years in the jewelry business. This achievement would not have been possible without your trust and patronage. We are deeply thankful for your continued support, which has allowed us to grow and thrive.

In line with our commitment to providing you with exceptional experiences, 2023 brought the expansion of our presence in San Antonio, TX. We opened a new store at the prestigious Alamo Quarry Market, offering you even more opportunities to explore our exquisite collections and find the perfect pieces to cherish. Furthermore, we completely remodeled our location at the Shops at La Cantera, enhancing your shopping experience with a fresh and inviting ambiance. We believe that our revamped space will delight you as you browse through our curated selection of fine jewelry and watches.

In the pursuit of bringing you the finest treasures from around the world, we embarked on journeys to Italy and India earlier this year. Our travels have allowed us to handpick exquisite Italian gold jewelry and source the most beautiful diamonds from India at exceptional values. We are thrilled to share these exquisite finds with you this spring.

At Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, we are more than just a jeweler—we are your partners in celebrating life’s precious moments.

Whether you are commemorating a milestone, expressing love, or simply treating yourself, we are here to help you find the perfect piece that reflects your unique style and story.

As always, our dedicated team is committed to providing you with personalized service and expert guidance every step of the way.

We invite you to visit us at any of our 10 locations or explore our collections online. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey, and we look forward to helping you create cherished memories for many years to come.

Warmest regards,

The Lee Michael Berg Family

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Lee Michaels

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la cantera grand opening

Last fall, we celebrated the grand re-opening of our fully remodeled store at The Shops at La Cantera in San Antonio, TX. It was a beautiful evening celebrating not only the store opening but the holidays with the entire Lee Michaels family, as well as key brand partners.

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an evening with roberto coin

A concert by candlelight and the exquisite jewelry of Italian designer Roberto Coin made for a night to remember in New Orleans, LA, and Ridgeland, MS! Guests also enjoyed meeting Peter Webster, co-founder and president of Roberto Coin who was in attendance from New York.

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store happenings

Follow us on social media and sign up for our emails to stay informed on all of our great in-store events. @leemichaelsjewelry

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Lee Michaels

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{ gift guide }

for mom,

with love

Whether you call her Mom or not, treat that lucky lady to the finest jewelry. It’s a sure way to let her know how special she is.

david yurman

This design house was founded in 1980s New York by two artists, husband and wife duo David and Sybil Yurman. The ethos of their eponymous brand reflects every part of their origin story—each design is articulated with an artist’s eye and love of detail.

These pieces turn that studied approach to the serene beauty of pearls, a timeless symbol of love. The signature twisted helix of David Yurman’s Cable motif cradles these luminous pearls, accented with white diamond pavé for added brilliance. Delicate, elegant and memorable, this is a gift worthy of the mother figure in your life.

Clockwise from top left: Pearl with Cable Halo enhancer, $2,950; Pearl with Cable Halo Button earrings, $3,200; Pearl Classics Station on chain necklace, $1,250; Modern Cable Pearl ring, $350; Pearl with Cable Halo ring, $5,900.

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{ gift guide }

mikimoto

Clockwise from top left: Classic Akoya cultured pearl and diamond pendant, $2,350; Akoya cultured pearl graduated strand necklace with diamond rondelles, $16,000; Classic Elegance White South Sea cultured pearl and diamond pendant, $11,000; Classic Akoya cultured pearl and diamond earrings, $7,800; Cherry Blossom White South Sea cultured pearl and diamond earrings, $18,000; Classic Elegance White South Sea cultured pearl and diamond earrings, $14,000. All set in 18K white gold.

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Some names need no introduction; they simply stand on their own. It’s impossible to talk about pearls without speaking the name Kokichi Mikimoto, who cultured them for the first time in 1893. Mikimoto’s legacy has continued for over a century as the brand constantly defines—and redefines—the way we wear the treasure of the sea.

Browse the Classic Collection, which carefully showcases the Akoya cultured pearls with diamonds and white gold, or the Classic Elegance Collection, which ups the sparkle with a bolder application of diamond. Whether you’re looking for understated elegance or an eye-catching statement piece, with Mikimoto, the possibilities are endless.

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DIVE PRO

PROFESSIONAL DIVING TOOL

W

IVE

YEAR S

F

ISO 6425 certified, water resistant to 300 m, in lightweight titanium.

5+

ARRANTY

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FROM THE MAKERS OF THE ORIGINAL SWISS ARMY KNIFE™ ESTABLISHED 1884

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gilded bonds Building upon two decades of collaboration FOR OVER TWO DECADES, the enduring partnership between Italian jewelry designer Roberto Coin and the Berg Family has been a testament to the fusion of exquisite craftsmanship and unwavering commitment to beauty. Starting in the early 2000s, their partnership became a beautiful fusion of Coin’s stunning designs and the Berg Family’s knack for selecting the finest pieces. Roberto Coin’s intricate creations, famous for their timeless elegance and signature ruby, found a perfect spot in Lee Michaels’ displays, captivating customers with their exquisite craftsmanship and style.

Beyond just business, their relationship has grown into a genuine appreciation for each other’s talents.

This collaboration isn’t just about selling jewelry; it’s a story of mutual respect and a shared love for beauty and craftsmanship.

Clockwise from top left Cialoma small diamond flower necklace, $2,800.

Cialoma small diamond flower ring, $2,900. Princess flower sapphire, diamond and tsavorite ombré flower necklace, 33”, $9,800. Navarra diamond link bangle, $8,300. Venetian Princess diamond floral bangle, $6,100. Love in Verona diamond pavé bangle, $14,700.

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Lee Michaels

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IWC PERFORMANCE CHRONOGRAPH. P I LOT ’ S WATC H P E R FO R M A N C E C H R O N O G R A P H M E R C E D E S -A M G P E T R O N A S FO R M U L A O N E T M T E A M The new Pilot’s Watch Performance Chronograph 41 is the most performance-oriented IWC chronograph ever engineered. It combines our experience in chronographs with our expertise in advanced materials.

This version with a Ceratanium ® case, an elaborate black lacquered dial, and appliqués filled with Super-LumiNova ® is dedicated to our longstanding partner, the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula OneTM Team. The ceramic bezel with a tachymeter scale adds the dimension of speed, making this robust and easily legible chronograph the perfect companion for those who are drawn to the fast lane.

I WC S C H A F F H AU S E N . E N G I N E E R I N G B E YO N D T I M E .

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6.25ctw diamond drop earrings, antique reproduction in platinum, $72,000. Pearl and diamond garland design necklace in 18K white gold, $6,900.

timeless treasures

Clockwise from top Platinum diamond and sapphire antique rings; 2.66ct diamond center, $33,300. 1.5ct diamond center, $23,625. 3.56ct diamond center, $58,500.

Discover the elegance of estate jewelry.

Estate jewelry, with its rich history and undeniable allure, has experienced a resurgence in popularity today, captivating a new generation of admirers. Far from mere accessories, these pieces embody a bygone era, each bearing witness to the stories and memories of the past.

With their intricate designs, exquisite craftsmanship and often unique gemstones, estate jewelry offers a distinct charm and character that sets it apart from modern creations.

Moreover, in an era where sustainability and uniqueness are prized, these timeless treasures hold a special allure, representing a link to the past while also embracing individuality and style. As collectors and enthusiasts alike increasingly seek out these heirloom pieces, estate jewelry continues to reign supreme as a coveted and timeless investment, bridging the gap between history and modernity with effortless elegance.

Platinum and 18KYG diamond Edwardian dangle bow pin, $10,695. Platinum diamond antique bracelet, $24,525.

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Lee Michaels

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grand-seiko.com Evolution 9 Collection Mechanical Hi-Beat 36000 72 Hours Chronograph

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#SLGC001

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Model is wearing a 3.79 Emerald cut platinum diamond engagement ring with emerald diamonds at each side surrounded by a diamond halo, $95,000. Five-row round diamond line bracelet, 15ctw, $23,500.

37.55ctw flexible “v” shaped links diamond necklace, $95,000. 5ctw diamond all around necklace, $12,650. 16ctw oval diamond all around necklace, $59,500.

Styleelevated

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Radiating everyday elegance, these looks effortlessly pair gold and diamonds for a timeless yet versatile style that transcends any occasion.

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Model is wearing Penny Preville emerald cut diamond illusion pendant on paperclip chain, $6,480.

37.99ctw, 45” round diamond by the yard necklace, $67,500. Diamond bezel set bracelets from $3,975$11,500. Bezel set diamond band, $1,850. Octagon shape bezel set diamond ring, $5,500.

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Model is wearing gold and diamond link necklace, 1.36ctw, $4,500.

Cuban link pavé diamond necklace, 9.0ctw, $14,000.

5ctw diamond line necklace, $12,650.

2ctw oval shape solitaire diamond ring, $31,875. Gold and diamond link ring, $1,500.

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giving you an

extraordinary experience

We invite you to visit any one of our 10 locations to experience an extraordinary selection of beautiful jewelry and timepieces.

Corporate at Bocage

Mall of Louisiana

Baton Rouge, LA

Baton Rouge, LA

Youree Drive at East 70th

Causeway Blvd. at Lakeside Shopping Center

Shreveport, LA

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New Orleans, LA

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Ambassador Caffery Parkway

Renaissance Colony Park

Lafayette, LA

Ridgeland, MS

ABQ Uptown

The Shops at La Cantera

Albuquerque, NM

San Antonio, TX

North Star Mall

Alamo Quarry Market

San Antonio, TX

San Antonio, TX

Lee Michaels

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Left to right Lunaria diamond petal necklace, $17,700. Marrakech Onde twist link and diamond necklace, $19,900. Siviglia mother of pearl station necklace, 36”, $5,100.

crafting legacies Marco Bicego and Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry redefine family tradition in luxury.

SINCE CREATING HIS OWN BRAND in the year 2000, designer Marco Bicego has been a breath of fresh air to the jewelry world. Bicego’s designs represent the height of wearable luxury, combining organic textures with vibrant natural gemstones. Each piece, meticulously crafted by skilled artisans in Italy, reflects not only Bicego’s commitment to superior quality, but also his reverence for the natural world and the rich cultural tapestry of his homeland.

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Lunaria satin finish and diamond graduated ring, $3,000. Lunaria diamond drop petal earrings, $8,400. Lunaria two-row bangle, $4,600.

When Lee Michaels first opened its doors to the Marco Bicego brand in 2003, we expected nothing more than a successful business partnership.

While we have long since exceeded this goal, it is evident that the connection existing between the Berg and the Bicego families runs still deeper.

Bicego quips, “I remember sitting at the workbench in my father’s company as a boy. That’s where it all began…It was my father who passed on the passion for this job and gave me the courage to be daring, to believe in my dreams.” In a similar fashion, the Lee Michaels brand is steeped in family tradition, where each piece tells a story of heritage and passion shared with the next generation. Perhaps the success of the Bicego and the Lee Michaels partnership can be attributed to the shared bonds of working together with family toward a common goal, creating and sharing beautiful jewelry to be enjoyed for generations to come.

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Boysie Bollinger

Finding Happiness in Helping Others

By Karen B. Gibbs

“helping PEOPLE who NEED HELP the MOST— and CHANGING their LIVES—is what i REALLY ENJOY doing.”

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LOUISIANA SHIPBUILDING MAGNATE DONALD “BOYSIE” BOLLINGER believes in working hard, never quitting, staying positive and giving back. As a 2023 recipient of the prestigious Horatio Alger Award, he is the embodiment of these virtues.

Let’s start with giving back. Boysie is the philanthropists’ philanthropist. With recent gifts of over $20 million to the WWII Museum and $5 million to the Audubon Institute, his generosity captures headlines and changes lives. But rather than taking a bow for his largesse, Boysie reminds others that anyone can be a philanthropist.

“It’s not about money as much as it is about an attitude toward giving,” he explains.

“Before I wrote checks,” he continues, “I did a lot more giving of my time (and came out better for it). Serving on the church board and on the local private school board, for example. I learned a lot.”

When he began to write those checks, however, Boysie didn’t hold back. “My first big contribution was to Saint Joseph’s Abbey. When I was in high school, I had spent two years in the seminary there so it was an important part of my life,” he adds.

Although it was a struggle for them, his family agreed to give $500,000 toward redoing the dormitory. His sister even hosted a fundraiser at her house. “That evening, the monks and priests raised over one-and-a-half-million dollars—enough to do the whole project. They were shocked.”

No doubt, Boysie has a soft spot for the clergy. Over the past five years, he’s spent millions helping priests in the diocese of Houma-Thibodaux improve their leadership skills with events like the Chicago-based Catholic Leadership Institute’s “Good Leader, Good Shepherds” program. He not only brought this program to Louisiana but is now in the process of going national with parts of it.

Another philanthropic favorite is St. Michael Special School. When the head of the school, Elizabeth LaForge, came to see Boysie for a contribution toward the school’s million-dollar endowment fund drive, Boysie inquired about specific needs of the school. She replied that the main building needed a $300,000 roof.

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“I told ’em I’d give ’em the new roof and a million dollars if they raised another million,” says Boysie, beaming. “To watch their faces when I gave them more than they asked for…” He pauses, smiles, then continues. “They said it was the best day of their life—and it was. They ended up with two million dollars in the endowment plus a new roof!”

“Mr. Bollinger’s love for children and adults with disabilities is overwhelming,” comments Ms. LaForge. “He cares deeply for them and about their growth toward independence. His kind heart, generous spirit, great wisdom and partnership with our learning community is something we value greatly.”

“Helping people who need help the most— and changing their lives—is what I really, really enjoy doing,” Boysie says. “St. Michaels is a school for special needs kids and it’s very dear to my heart because I have a son who has special needs.”

After his first wife tragically died in a car accident in 1982, Boysie became a single father. At the time, he had only two sons, Chris, 10, and Ryan, 2.

“The shock of it is, all of a sudden, there’s nobody on this earth looking after your children but you.

Talk about an eye-opener. I’d come home early to be there after they got out of school and cook dinner—I’m a pretty good cook.” (There’s that smile again!)

Boysie’s family did what they could to help but, at the time, his mother was sick with Alzheimer’s and his dad was her full-time caregiver. His sisters, who had also been involved in the accident, helped by finding the resources their brother needed. “I had enough money to get help. I just didn’t know where to look for it,” he explains.

“My oldest son is very independent, thank God.” Even though he was only 10, he stepped up after the accident, freeing his father to devote more time to his little brother, who had learning challenges.

When his youngest son was 12, Boysie sent him to a special school in New York. Some people questioned the wisdom of the decision but today he’s working, driving and in a relationship.

“There’s no question that he’s so much more accomplished than he would have been.”

But there’s another son—an “adopted” one.

“Kheng was our tour guide when my wife, Joy, and I visited Cambodia,” he says. “We asked if we could see where he lived. He agreed. His house had a dirt floor but was very neat and clean. We met his wife and saw their little baby. When we asked Kheng what his aspirations were, he said he wanted to finish his degree so he could do something else with his life. We told him we’d pay his tuition as long as he got good grades.” continued on next page

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With his degree, Kheng earned enough to buy a rubber plantation, a pepper plantation and a beautiful two-story brick house where he raised a son and a daughter. Here’s the beautiful part of the story: On his own, Kheng created a foundation that drills water wells throughout Cambodia, thus eliminating a big cause of disease. “Because of what you did for me,” says Kheng, “I help other people, but I only help people who are willing to help others as well.”

That leads us to another of Boysie’s favorite causes—unCommon Construction. Founded by Aaron Frumin, this non-profit takes at-risk kids in New Orleans and teaches them skills while they build houses. When the house is sold, the company rolls the proceeds forward. “It is amazing,” says Boysie. “These kids get a chance to see what it’s like to work, earn some money, earn a bonus and learn a skill. When they finish high school, they can work for contractors.”

When Frumin decided to build a permanent location, Boysie gave him a contribution with the stipulation that he raise matching funds. “He sees the value and impact of our mission,” says Frumin, “and is resigned to help us make it happen. He’s got a really generous spirit—and he’s having fun with it!”

“These are the kinds of stories you participate in when you get into philanthropy,” says Boysie.

As for getting thanked, he replies, “If somebody says thank you, it makes a difference but it is not important to me.” Gesturing to his heart, he adds, “I get rewarded right here.”

THE MONEY BEHIND THE MAN Heartwarming anecdotes like these are possible because of the tremendous success of Bollinger Shipyards. True, Boysie Bollinger expanded the business exponentially, but he’s quick to acknowledge the man who started it all, his father, Donald.

During World War II, Donald built oil barges for the Allies at Barker Barge Line in Lockport.

Apprenticing under his dad, he became a skilled machinist. His relentless work ethic so impressed company owner Alex Barker, he left Donald $10,000 in his will. With that seed money, Donald opened a machine shop in 1946 along Bayou Lafourche. When the oil boom hit, he began building barges, work boats and fishing vessels.

Bollinger grew up in the business but formally joined the company in 1971 after graduating with a degree in business administration from University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Five years later, Donald Sr. stepped away from his duties as CEO to care for his ailing wife and later to serve as a cabinet member in Louisiana’s state government.

For the next four years, Boysie says, “I filled the vacuum,” and assumed many of his father’s duties.

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In the late 1970s, he went to Panama and negotiated a contract to build three tugboats for the Panama Canal. That opened the door to a long partnership with the US government that continues today.

Without that partnership, Bollinger Shipyards may not have survived the unexpected downturn in the oil business in the 1980s. As CEO, Boysie doggedly pursued more government contracts, notably with the Coast Guard. “It was like manna from heaven because we had work when nobody else did. That changed the whole company,” he adds.

“That was 40 years ago and we’re still building those boats,” says Boysie. Indeed, since 1985, Bollinger Shipyards has delivered over 180 vessels to the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Navy—“on schedule and on budget. The government isn’t used to that.”

With conservative business practices, Boysie was able to acquire additional shipyards making Bollinger the largest shipbuilder in the country.

When these new acquisitions became the targets of unions, Boysie personally communicated his non-

union rationale to employees—and listened to their needs. The results were so extraordinary that he and the board of directors now talk with all their 4,000 employees every year. It takes six weeks, even working night shifts, but it’s worth it.

What’s more, supervisors receive ongoing training in effective communication, and managers are empowered to recognize important events in employees’ lives with tokens like flowers and birthday cakes. This has even impacted employee safety.

After the company gave every worker the authority to shut down any job if it’s unsafe, workers started paying attention to their neighbor. “Our safety record changed drastically,” says Boysie. “For the past 18 years, Bollinger Shipyards has been the safest shipyard in America.”

After years of giving to others, Boysie received the sweetest gift ever when his sister, Andie, introduced him to his present wife, Joy. When the couple married in 1997, Joy and her son, Hunter Cazes, added even more love to the Boysie family.

Although retired from Bollinger Shipbuilding, Boysie continues as CEO and chairman of Bollinger Enterprises LLC. Continuing his philanthropic work, he serves as national chairman of ACE, a nonprofit that gives scholarships to at-risk kids to go to private schools. “The success rate is unbelievable. Most of them go to college.

These are kids that didn’t have a chance.”

Grinning broadly, Boysie concludes, “I love changing lives. Can I fix ’em all? Hell, no. But can I fix some? Yep.”

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Level Up Your Layers Layering diamond and gold necklaces continues as a trend, effortlessly blending sophistication with personal style. By stacking various lengths and designs, individuals can curate a unique ensemble that radiates elegance and individuality.

This look offers a timeless allure that captivates the eye and elevates any outfit!

Gold and diamond necklaces from top to bottom: Diamond baguette pendant, $675. Circle drop on paperclip chain, $950. Round diamond bezel, 6.44ctw, $8,500. Diamond drops on chain necklace, $2,200. Round diamond all around necklace, 36” length, 8.70ctw, $22,500.

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ways to layer

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brenda’s jewelry box

IN THIS ENCHANTING EDITORIAL SPREAD, catch a fleeting glimpse into the intimate jewelry collection of Brenda Berg, the beloved wife of Lee Michael Berg, who co-founded Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry alongside Lee himself 45 years ago. With each piece carefully selected and cherished, Brenda unveils a treasure trove of exquisite adornments that encapsulate her family’s rich heritage and enduring legacy. From heirloom necklaces passed down through generations to intricately crafted brooches steeped in nostalgia, each jewel tells a story of love, tradition, and timeless elegance.

Brenda graciously shares the stories behind these priceless treasures, offering readers a glimpse into her world of enduring beauty and unparalleled craftsmanship. As the custodian of these cherished heirlooms, she epitomizes the essence of timeless style and the enduring bond between jewelry and memory. Through featured items from her personal collection, Brenda invites us to celebrate the profound connections forged by these stunning pieces, inspiring us to create our own legacy of elegance and grace.

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This family heirloom necklace holds a special place in Lee’s heart, once belonging to his grandmother. Crafted from gleaming gold links adorned with vibrant turquoise and amethyst stones, this unique piece exudes timeless elegance and sentimental value. Each delicate detail speaks to the cherished memories and enduring legacy passed down through generations, making it a truly precious and treasured piece within the family collection. Lee and Brenda later found the earrings overseas on a buying trip, and they were the perfect addition.

These five jewel-encrusted Bee pins collected through the years hold a special place in Brenda's heart as they symbolize the endearing nickname her seven grandchildren lovingly call her, "BB." Each pin intricately crafted with sparkling gems serves as a reminder of the cherished moments shared with her beloved grandchildren.

One of Brenda’s most beloved treasures is this exquisite fancy yellow diamond cushion-cut ring, a heartfelt gift from Lee himself. Radiating with the warmth and brilliance of the rare yellow diamond, this ring epitomizes luxury and enduring love.

Also featured is Brenda’s emerald-cut diamond eternity wedding band.

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Decades ago, Lee gifted Brenda this exquisite Roberto Coin Appassionata Bracelet adorned with diamonds.

Crafted by one of their favorite designers, this bracelet embodies sophistication and luxury with its intricate woven pattern and sparkling gemstones. Worn proudly

by Brenda, it serves as a constant reminder of their shared passion for fine jewelry and the enduring business they've built over the years.

These three diamond-encrusted floral pins, once cherished by Brenda’s mother, are timeless symbols of elegance and grace. Each delicate petal sparkles with the brilliance of carefully selected diamonds. These exquisite pins represent Brenda and her two siblings and carry with them a legacy of love and beauty, infusing every ensemble with a touch of vintage glamour and heartfelt sentiment.

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{ sporting life }

lucky no. 10

With promising terrain and a famous name behind it, the new course at North Carolina’s historic Pinehurst may be 2024’s most exciting debut. By Robert Beringela It’s known as “the cradle of American golf,” fertile ground where the game has grown and flourished. It saw its first stirrings of life back in 1895, when Boston soda-fountain magnate James Walker Tufts acquired the acreage that became Pinehurst Resort in the Sandhills region of central North Carolina. To onlookers, it seemed like a frivolous purchase—a vast expanse of exhausted timberland—and Tufts was roundly mocked by locals for his folly.

Little did they know.

In 1897, Pinehurst opened its first golf course, a modest project that gained momentum three years later, when Tufts hired Donald Ross to run golf operations.

A Scottish-born golf professional, Ross was a gifted player, but his greatest talent was in golf course architecture. After finetuning the first course, he built a second, aptly named Pinehurst No. 2, which he described as “the fairest test of championship golf I have ever designed.”

The golf world agreed.

With No. 2 as its anchor, Pinehurst evolved into a magnet for major competitions, including the U.S. Open and the Ryder Cup, while drawing the greatest talents in the game, from Bobby Jones and Ben Hogan to Arnold Palmer, Babe Zaharias and beyond. As the resort’s reputation grew, so did its arsenal of courses.

A third. A fourth. A fifth. A sixth. Today, Pinehurst is home to nine 18-hole courses.

And now another is in the works, the first new course at the resort in nearly three decades: Pinehurst No. 10, a rollicking design that ranks as the biggest headline course opening of 2024.

Like its nine Pinehurst siblings, No. 10 has a marquee name behind it. Its architect is Tom Doak, a looming figure in his trade. Call him the Donald Ross of modern golf course design. Noted for his work at properties ranging from Bandon Dunes in Oregon to St. Patrick’s in Ireland and Barnbougle Dunes in Tasmania, Doak was given a remarkable canvas at Pinehurst. Situated four miles south of the main resort clubhouse, his routing spills through a sandy wonderland of dunes and ridges, incorporating the dramatic humps and hollows left behind by early 20th-century mining operations. Towering pines fringe the property. Creeks and ponds splice and dot the grounds.

Doak has said the site is “topographically distinct and drastically different from anywhere in Pinehurst. It is bigger, bolder and more dramatic.”

In this inviting setting, Doak has delivered a compelling complement to Pinehurst’s other courses—a brawny, rumpled layout that seizes on striking elevation changes, with holes that dip and

rise as much as 75 feet, giving way to views of the entire property. In keeping with Doak’s fondness for find-your-ball fun, fairways are wide—the architect doesn’t want you hunting through the pines for wayward shots—but strategic placement is central to good scoring. You’ve got to place your drives in the right place if you want to have a chance to attack the flag with your next strike. Large, undulating greens will add another layer of intrigue, as will quirky features that follow the natural tilt of the land. Consider the eighth hole, a wild ride of a par-4 that requires a blind tee shot over a Matterhorn-like dune to a fairway with a moonscape’s worth of wrinkles, which tumbles toward a large, punchbowl-shaped green.

In recent months, No. 10 has been open for limited preview play. But the official ribbon cutting is set for early April, and it is sure to cause a stir, though it’s not the only big news out of Pinehurst. In June, the No. 2 course will host the 2024 U.S. Open, marking the fourth time it has staged the national championship.

And then there’s this: Though the resort has yet to make a formal announcement, word is that plans are in the works for yet another course, by an equally impressive architect, on equally intriguing land.

Pinehurst No. 11? Something to watch out for in the year ahead.

Opposite page, clockwise from top: The Sandhill region of North Carolina provides Pinehurst No. 10 with an abundance of coarse grass, tall pines and plenty of sand; architect Tom Doak and design associate Angela Moser; large undulating greens encourage golfers to attack the flag.

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lee michaels love story

rubi & cleveland From Instagram to Instant Connection

WHO SAYS YOU can’t find love online? After years spent double-tapping Rubi’s posts from the sidelines, Cleveland Spears worked up the courage to send a message to his social media crush, Rubi Brown. The couple hit it off from there, and after a fabulous proposal in the courtyard of The Eliza Jane Hotel, the two tied the knot on November 18, 2023, at the Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans. The newlyweds’ chosen theme, “Love, Authenticity and Fun,” shone through at every level of the celebration, from the romantic candle-lit atmosphere to the jewel-toned floral arrangements.

Mr. and Mrs. Cleveland Spears III (Rubi Brown) November 18, 2023 | New Orleans, Louisiana Jeremy Tauriac Videographer: Jordan Jeanty

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THE DETAILS: Rubi‘s ring was custom designed at Lee Michaels, featuring a stunning 2.03 CT oval shaped diamond. A black-tie affair, the celebration featured a breathtaking candle-lit wall with cascading florals by Distinctive Event Design.

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THE DETAILS: Every detail was carefully thought out, right down to the matching shirt sleeve embroidery for the groom and his son. Boutique wedding planner Elegance

by Ace was there every step of the way to ensure a truly spectacular day for the newlyweds.

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THE DETAILS: Mrs. Spears changed into an embellished ensemble for the reception. In true New Orleans fashion, the party overflowed into the downtown streets accompanied by a brass band for a classic second line celebration to cap off the night.

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forever starts with a

Yes

Lee Michaels has been helping couples say “I Do” since 1978.

Adrian’s Photography

Mr. and Mrs. Justin Mitchell (Courtney Chapman) August 19, 2023 | Gonzales, Louisiana

Lauren Covelli Photography

Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Mitchell

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Capturra & Co

Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Sparacino

(Gabrielle Perry)

(Miranda Newman)

November 11, 2023 | New Orleans, Louisiana

September 30, 2023 | Baton Rouge, Louisiana

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Capturra & Co

Mr. and Mrs. Taylor Richard

Mr. and Mrs. Josh Daum

(Lindsey Webb)

(Brianna Kreditor)

Octobr 21, 2023 | Baton Rouge, Louisiana

October 7, 2023 | Spring Branch, Texas

The Bertrands Photography

Mr. and Mrs. Derrick Martinez

Mr. and Mrs. William Smith

(Melanie Perez)

(Hayley Redrick)

September 2, 2023 | Albuquerque, New Mexico

October 15, 2022 | Lafayette, Louisiana

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lee’s

Serpent rings set with sapphires, rubies or emeralds, $1,800 each. Diamond flower bracelets in rose gold, pink sapphire and diamond, $5,500; All diamond, $5,950. 14K yellow gold pavé diamond bracelets, all butterfly, $1,575; mixed charms, $2,650. David Yurman Madison sterling silver and yellow gold link necklace, $2,700.

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picks

Graduated diamond drop earrings, 4.37ctw, $27,500. Black and white diamond 14K yellow gold bumblebee earrings, $625, Necklace, $550. Gold and diamond bangles featuring lapis or mother of pearl set in rose gold and turquoise set in yellow gold, $3,950 each. Tudor Royal watch, $4,075. Diamond link bracelet, $4,250.

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OYSTER perpetual Submariner

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THE REFERENCE AMONG DIVERS’ WATCHES

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The Oyster Perpetual Submariner and Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date, archetypes of the divers’ watch, epitomize the historic link between Rolex and underwater exploration.

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Unlocking the deep

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The Submariner, created in 1953 for pioneers of underwater exploration, and the Submariner Date, launched in 1969, are universal symbols of waterproofness and reliability. With their rotatable bezels to accurately monitor dive time, they are among the most recognizable, iconic watches ever designed.

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L

aunched in 1953, the Submariner was the first divers’ wristwatch waterproof to a depth of

100 metres (330 feet). The Submariner

Date, with its date function in addition to the time, was introduced in 1969. The waterproofness of both models was later

increased to 300 metres (1,000 feet).

Thanks to their renowned robustness, they have moved beyond the marine depths, becoming watches of choice for a wide range of sports and other activities.

OYSTER PERPETUAL SUBMARINER DATE

41 mm, yellow Rolesor version (combining Oystersteel and yellow gold), royal blue dial, unidirectional rotatable bezel fitted with a 60-minute graduated Cerachrom insert in blue ceramic, Oyster bracelet, calibre 3235.

A true divers’ watch by design

As an underwater survival tool, the Submariner’s design has been entirely dictated by the practical needs of divers.

The model has evolved technically and been endowed with features to improve

Watches in the Submariner range are symbols of reliability and among the most recognizable timepieces ever designed.

overall functionality.

Featuring a 41 mm Oyster case, distinctive dial with large luminescent

which prevents accidental opening, and

Chronometer status is symbolized by

hour markers and hands, unidirectional

a Rolex Glidelock extension system,

a green seal and is coupled with an

rotatable bezel and Oyster bracelet, the

allowing fine adjustment of the bracelet

international five-year guarantee.

Submariner and Submariner Date are

length without using any tools.

among the most recognizable watches

The Submariner and Submariner Date

ever designed. Contributing to the strong

are equipped with calibre 3230 and

The Submariner was created specifically

visual identity, a graduated Cerachrom

calibre 3235 respectively, self-winding

for underwater exploration and diving.

bezel insert made from high-tech

mechanical movements entirely devel-

When it first came out of the Rolex

ceramic is key to their functionality. Its

oped and manufactured by Rolex. Their

workshops, the watch was an immediate

60-minute graduation allows a diver to

architecture, manufacturing and innova-

success with many pioneering deep-sea

A key to the deep

tive features make them singularly

professionals, who were asked to

precise and reliable. Both movements’

test it. One of those trailblazers was

Reliabilit y, robustness and

power reserve extends to approximately

Dimitri Rebikoff, a French engineer

functionality

70 hours.

and underwater photographer. In

monitor diving time accurately.

The Submariner and Submariner Date’s

his 1953 report, Rebikoff wrote that

Oyster case is guaranteed waterproof to

Superlative chronometer

a depth of 300 metres (1,000 feet). The

certification

in trials: “We are able to confirm that

Triplock winding crown – fitted with a

Like all Rolex timepieces, watches in

this watch has not only given entire

triple waterproofness system – screws

the Submariner range are covered by the

satisfaction in diving conditions which

down securely against the case, providing

Superlative Chronometer certification.

were extremely tough and particularly

increased water resistance.

it had performed outstandingly well

This designation testifies that every

murderous for the material used, but

Designed to be both robust and

watch has successfully undergone a

that it has proved an indispensable

comfortable, the Oyster bracelet is

series of tests conducted by Rolex in

accessory for all diving with inde-

equipped with an Oysterlock safety clasp,

its own laboratories. The Superlative

pendent equipment.”

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In Record Time

You’ll fast become on trend wearing one of these luxury wristwatches from Lee Michaels.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40 in 18K yellow gold with a bright black dial, fluted bezel and a President bracelet, $38,500

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Patek Philippe Annual Calendar in 18K rose gold with a twotone graphite black dial on a black alligator strap, $59,508

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41 mm Tudor Black Bay Chrono with black dial and steel and yellow gold bracelet, $7,975

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{ timepieces }

precision for the fearless An intrepid Swiss racing team’s hydrofoil yacht is put together like a Swiss watch—and with a Swiss watch as its partner timepiece. By Christen Fisher

“Between us and the bottom of the sea was less than an inch of wood,” writes Jack London in his seafaring adventure novel The Sea Wolf, “and yet, I aver it, and I aver it again, I was unafraid.”

The hull of the Alinghi Red Bull Racing AC75 hydrofoil yacht is not made of wood, but rather a proprietary blend of carbon, titanium and stainless steel that flies across the water at speeds up to 53.3 knots (about 61.3 mph). In the London spirit of rugged fearlessness, an eight-person crew will put Alinghi Red Bull Racing’s feat of cutting-edge maritime engineering to the ultimate test this year in Barcelona, Spain, where they will compete in the 37th America’s Cup Race.

Tudor has been named a “main partner” in Alinghi Red Bull’s quest to take home the Auld Mug, as the cup is colloquially known, to Switzerland. Tudor CEO Eric Pirson has said: “Tudor has a history of producing high-quality, precision timepieces for generations in Switzerland, and is renowned for its collaborations in the sporting world, with ambassadors such as David Beckham, bigwave surfer Nic von Rupp and free-diving world champion Morgan Bourc’his or the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team. Alinghi Red Bull Racing being a Swiss team with a Swiss boat, we feel it is a natural fit for us, a Swiss company, to join forces, and we are proud to see our watches sailing with the team.” To celebrate this historic partnership, the Swiss watchmaker has unveiled two new Pelagos FXD models: a chronograph and a time-only watch.

The Pelagos FXD and Pelagos FXD Chrono “Alinghi Red Bull Racing Edition” watches embody the daring spirit required to be a contender in the most competitive yacht race in history.

These watches feature high-tech carbon composite cases and bezel inserts with crowns, pushers and bezels made of titanium, as well as 316L stainless-steel casebacks engraved with the Alinghi Red Bull Racing logo. Waterproof to 200 meters, the FXD case design was originally developed with French Navy combat divers and features fixed strap bars that are machined into the main body of the case and give the line its name, as FXD stands for FiXeD. The bidirectional 120-notch rotatable bezel is graduated from 60 to 0 to allow for easy tracking of countdowns such as at the start of a regatta.

While both dials are finished in Alinghi Red Bull Racing

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Team blue with a red-tipped second hand, the chronograph model also boasts red accents around the counters. The words “Alinghi Red Bull Racing” overarch the dial on the 45-degree angled rehaut between 10 and 2. The signature square hour markers and “Snowflake” hands, designed back in the 1960s, are made from a luminescent ceramic composite to optimize legibility in adverse conditions.

Powered by in-house movements, both the time-only and chronograph versions boast a “weekend-proof ” power reserve of 70 hours, enabling the wearer to take the watch off on Friday and put it back on Monday morning without having to wind it. Presented on single-piece fabric straps in blue with red accents and a self-gripping fastening system, the Pelagos FXD and Pelagos FXD Chrono “Alinghi Red Bull Editions” begin at $3,725 and $5,175 respectively.

In addition to these exciting releases, Tudor has debuted a new Pelagos FXD that pays tribute to the brand’s longstanding relationship with the U.S. Navy. As early as the mid-1950s, the Navy was testing and evaluating Tudor diving watches in several different units. By 1958, it had officially adopted and purchased those watches for divers on various teams.

Tudor designed this new Pelagos FXD model to be the spiritual successor to those timepieces.

The Pelagos FXD has a 42mm, satin-brushed titanium case with a steel caseback and features fixed strap bars and a unidirectional rotating bezel in titanium with a ceramic insert. Its matte black dial has applied hour markers and signature “Snowflake” hands, both filled with grade X1 Swiss Super-LumiNova® luminous material. Powered by the self-winding Manufacture Calibre MT5602, this Pelagos FXD, like its Alinghi Red Bull Racing Edition siblings, has a 70-hour power reserve and is waterproof to 200 meters. It is presented on a one-piece fabric strap in forest green with a red stripe down the center and comes with an additional black rubber strap with a woven motif. The U.S. Navy-inspired Pelagos FXD begins at $4,150.

Whether your intention is to sail in a world-class regatta, embark on an ocean adventure all your own, or pay tribute to those who have served there, choose a Tudor Pelagos FXD wristwatch and go forth unafraid.

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Clockwise from top left: red accents around the counters of the the Pelagos FXD Chrono Alinghi Red Bull Racing Edition provide a sporty touch; the Pelagos FXD features a matte black dial and a one-piece fabric strap in green with red stripe; each Pelagos FXD Alinghi Red Bull Racing Edition watch includes Tudor’s signature “Snowflake” hands and a red-tipped second hand inside a high-tech carbon composite case.

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Clockwise from top: The new Ref. 5930P World Time combines a platinum case with brilliant green dial and alligator leather strap; the women’s model Ref. 7130R boasts a bezel set with 62 diamonds, a basketweave motif case in olive green and rose gold; inside the stainless steel case of the Ref. 5935A World Time Flyback Chronograph is a rose gilt dial with carbon motif.

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{ timepieces }

watches for the world Patek Philippe’s World Time models offer luxury plus functionality to a discerning population on the move. By Christen Fisher

Time used to be a local matter. Prior to the mid-19th century, towns and cities around the world relied solely on the relative position of the sun to determine the time of day, which would then be displayed on a centrally located clock on a church steeple, in the town square or in a jeweler’s window. There were no national or international conventions that defined how time should be measured.

While astronomers in Greenwich, England, had established mean time (time measured by a pendulum clock) in the 1670s, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) was of no practical use, except to sailors who used it to calculate their position at sea on transoceanic journeys. For the average citizen, long-distance travel was so slow that standardized time was irrelevant. Then came the railroads.

As tracks began to crisscross entire continents, the need for an international time standard became imperative. In 1876, Sir Sandford Fleming, chief engineer of the Canadian Pacific Railway, spent a night frustrated in an Irish train station having missed the last departure—as well as other connections—because of the time discrepancies between towns. Fleming’s misadventure inspired him to solve what he knew would become a universal problem. In 1884 at the International Prime Meridian Conference in Washington, D.C., he advocated for the adoption of a standard time with hourly variations from it according to a system of 24 time zones dispersed around the globe. Essentially, his system is still in use today.

Ten years after the International Prime Meridian Conference, a man named Louis Cottier was born in Carouge, Switzerland. He grew up to be a talented and sought-after independent watchmaker. Having graduated from the Geneva School of Horology, he won two prizes from Patek Philippe while still an apprentice. He worked as a master horologist for several major brands, and even was entrusted with the restoration of Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf ’s personal watch collection. But Cottier remained humble, working in the backroom of his wife’s book and stationery shop, where he made desk clocks, pocket watches and handmade prototypes including wristwatches without hands, watches with jumping digital hours, and fantastical jacquemarts (mechanized human figures in clockwork) and automata (self-propelled devices). And it was there, in 1931, that Cottier invented the “Heure Universelle,” or the “World Time” mechanism.

Originally created as a pocket watch for a local jeweler, the World Time was the first complication to display the time in all 24 time zones simultaneously. It quickly gained attention from luxury watchmakers. In 1937, Patek Philippe approached Cottier about producing the World Time as a wristwatch, and in 1940 the company launched the World Time Ref. 1415 with a cloisonné enamel dial.

Cottier refined the design in 1953 by uncoupling the time zone mechanism from the movement, so the hour hand could be moved without affecting the regular progression of the minute hand. Six years later, Patek patented the system.

World travel has become ubiquitous in the years since Sir Sandford Fleming pushed to standardize time. The need to know the local time at a glance anywhere in the world is relevant to everyone who dares to venture beyond their front door. Patek Philippe World Time watches fulfill this need in exemplary ways.

The three newest timepieces in the World Time Collection are essential for today’s stylish and discerning world traveler. For ladies, Patek offers the Ref. 7130R World Time in a stunning combination of olive green and rose gold. For gentlemen, Patek has combined two emblematic complications to offer World Time Flyback Chronographs in Refs. 5930P and 5935A. These three timepieces display all 24 time zones simultaneously with the local time prominently displayed for the time zone whose assigned city name is just above the small red arrow at 12 o’clock—in the classic manner with the hour and minute hands. In the other 23 time zones, the times are directly readable on the 24-hour ring that rotates counterclockwise within the city disk. When one travels into a different time zone, the pusher in the case at 10 o’clock is pressed as often as needed to align the respective city name with the red arrow at 12 o’clock.

Each time the pusher is pressed, the hour hand advances one hour, while the city disk and the 24-hour ring move counterclockwise one increment.

The 7130R Ladies’ World Time watch in rose gold is exceptionally refined at 36mm. Powered by the self-winding Caliber 240 HU, an ultra-thin movement that helps keep the case extremely slim, the 7130’s bezel is set with 62 diamonds, while its olive-green dial boasts a finely hand-guilloched basketweave motif and features gold applied hour markers. The watch is presented on a hand-stitched olive-green calfskin strap with a prong buckle set with 27 diamonds.

At 39.5mm, the 5930P World Time Flyback Chronograph in platinum is a combination of technical precision and brilliant aesthetics. Powered by the selfwinding Caliber CH 28-520 HU, the 5930’s green opaline lacquered dial center features a hand-guilloched circular pattern and gold applied hour markers with luminescent coating. The watch is presented on a bottle-green alligator strap with square scales and a foldover clasp.

Also powered by the self-winding Caliber CH 28-520 HU, the stainless-steel 5935A World Time Flyback Chronograph features an opaline rose gilt dial with a carbon motif and charcoal-gray, gold applied hour markers with luminescent coating. At 41mm, the watch has a sporty, vintage look and comes with two calfskin straps, one in grained taupe and the other in beige, each secured with a stainless-steel fold-over clasp.

Patek Philippe’s World Time watches represent the ultimate in luxury and functionality and embody the brand’s deep, longstanding commitment to the needs and values of the world’s travelers.

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planet yoga

{ fitness }

This ancient practice inspires a globetrotting quest for harmonies—between body and mind, people and nature, rigor and release.

Humans have been touting both the physical and spiritual benefits of yoga since the discipline’s earliest days, believed to date back more than 5,000 years. Though much has changed since the beginning (the introduction of such practices as hot yoga and aerial yoga, for instance), what’s remained the same is yoga’s purpose of creating harmony between mind and body, as well as between humankind and nature. In his newest book, A World of Yoga: 700 Asanas for Mindfulness and Well-Being, renowned yoga instructor Leo Lourdes takes readers on a global tour in celebration of this ancient practice.

At-home sessions in the Hamptons with designer Donna Karan, stretches on a secluded island in the Maldives with model Elle Macpherson, downward dog with singer Dua Lipa as the sun sets over the equator: Lourdes has done and seen it all. Perhaps you too will be inspired to connect with natural surroundings in this way on your next journey.

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two hulls for the long haul

With sleek designs and unmatched efficiency, catamarans have catapulted into the luxury-yacht conversation.

Records were broken and headlines written when the San Diego Yacht Club sailed the twin-hulled Stars & Stripes to victory in the 1988 America’s Cup regatta. It was the first time a catamaran sailing yacht had raced in the oldest international competition still operating in any sport—and numerous speed standards were set along the way.

Since grabbing that win, catamarans have vastly changed the world of sport sailing, and they’ve raised their profile in the world of luxury yachting. In decades past, aesthetics limited the popularity of catamaran yachts, which were typically boxy and less sexy than traditional monohull designs. But manufacturers such as Lagoon and Sunreef have dramatically improved the looks of these vessels. And here are other reasons why enthusiasts are talking about catamarans: • Roominess. No matter where you stand, sit or sleep aboard a catamaran, space is rarely an issue. From the cockpit to the cabins to the salon, every area on this yacht feels roomier because the features are spread out over two hulls. This provides ample opportunity to fit in more luxury amenities such as panoramic windows, trampolines, large sunbathing decks and king-sized beds. It’s not unusual for a catamaran to come equipped with four large bedrooms, each with an en suite bathroom. Oh, and no more ducking to walk through halls or pass through entryways—there’s always abundant head space in every room.

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• Efficiency. Science says a catamaran’s two hulls, in general, improve hydrodynamics when compared with a monohull of similar weight. That’s because dividing the total displacement of water between two hulls reduces drag, or resistance. Increased use of solar power also heightens efficiency. Because of the wide design, there’s more surface space to install solar panels—thus increasing energy production—on a catamaran than there is aboard a monohull.

• Speed and maneuverability. As the Stars & Stripes proved, catamarans are usually faster than monohulls—whether they move via power or sail—because of less drag. This makes it a breeze to cruise local rivers and bays—or the Caribbean or Mediterranean. And the design makes the crafts easier to maneuver in close quarters, as when docking. For starters, an engine is mounted on each hull, allowing a catamaran to pivot easily without the use of the rudders. These yachts also often have shallow drafts, meaning that the keel (the vertical piece that extends downward from the hull to provide stability) does not go far below water line. This allows them to anchor closer to the shore and reach places other yachts cannot go.

What’s not to like?

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Manufacturers such as Lagoon and Sunreef have improved the design of luxury catamarans.

Unlike models from decades ago, which many deemed dull and “boxy,” today’s vessels combine sleek aesthetics with the boat’s overall roominess and efficiency.

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PREFERRED FINANCING PROGRAM The Lee Michaels card is issued by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. The LM Preferred Financing Program provides the flexibility to help your dreams come true. Our convenient and fast approval process makes it easy and safe to apply online at LMFJ.com or in store. Let our extraordinary selections, service, quality and values earn your trust for a lasting relationship with us. *Subject to credit approval. Minimum monthly payment required. Initial account activation in store only.

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{ indulgences }

the briefcase motorbike Take along this award-winning compact bike, and it will return the favor.

Portable products are king these days; in 2024 you can take everything from a barbecue grill to a blender to a vacuum cleaner “on the go.” So next time you’re packing up for a camping adventure or a scenic drive, add this electric bike to your list of to-brings—it’s the first full-size motorbike that can transform into the size of a carry-on and inconspicuously blend right in with the rest of your stuff.

The Icoma Tatamel Bike, an import from Japan, is a tiny electric motorcycle that packs a punch despite its petite stature. Its exact specs? Unfolded, the bike is 48.4 inches long, 25.6 inches wide and 39.4 inches tall. Once you fold in the wheels, bars and footpegs, it’s just 27.2 x 10.2, about the size of a briefcase, perfect to keep under your cubicle at work to make your commute more interesting, or in your car’s trunk for spontaneous jaunts wherever your travels take you. It weighs 110 pounds but doesn’t

require heavy lifting, as the wheels in the back help scoot it along with ease.

This bike is intended for short meanderings through inner-city streets or trails—it’s not for embarking on a cross-country biking trip. But it can surely get you from point A to point B seamlessly, with a top speed of 25 mph and a range of 19 miles per charge. It’ll charge to its fullest in three hours if plugged into the wall. And if you forgot your phone charger at home, the optional AC output will allow you to power up those personal devices too. This beauty always provides a worry-free commute, freeing you from the headaches of venturing into narrow city streets and finding parking.

All of these bells and whistles earned the Icoma Tatamel a prestigious “CES Innovation Award” at the Consumer Technology Association’s tech trade show in Las Vegas. Another fancy feature is that if this yellow isn’t your thing, you can customize the replaceable side panels to your liking. Essentially, the Tatamel is a transformable toy for big kids with bucks—it retails for $4,000.

Learn more at icoma.co.jp/en.

The Icoma Tatamel Bike redefines mixing business with pleasure. Riders can easily and playfully scoot around town on the electric motorcycle before folding the vehicle into a briefcase-size carryall for quick transport into the office.

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Italy’s Surprise Yes, Milan is a business and fashion hub, but it’s also an enchanting place to discover art, history and unforgettable dining. By Everett Potter IF ROME IS FOR ROMANTICS and dreamers, Milan is for realists and doers. If Italy has a city where

type As feel at home, it is Milan. Derided by naysayers as a place only for business, it is also a world capital for fashion and design, a place of dynamic and creative energy. Like everywhere in Italy, there is great beauty as well. You just need to look a bit harder for it here.

Modern-day Milan seemed to change overnight in 2015 when it hosted the World Expo. That sixmonth, over-the-top fair welcomed about 20 million visitors and cost more than 2 billion euros.

I visited that year, my first visit since the early ’90s, and the event put the city back on the map. Much of that money went to build or rebuild its infrastructure, reminding everyone that it was a place that excelled in fashion, design, and—yes—business, as it elbowed Rome out of the way. A place of energy and understated luxury, Milan sought to show the world that it was indeed the gateway to modern-day Italy.

It worked. I’ve visited the city every year since 2015, and the old canals are

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The sun rises over Cathedral Square and the statue of Vittorio Emanuele II, who held the title of king of Italy from 1861 to 1878.

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This page, from top: Bedrooms at the Excelsior Hotel Gallia have panoramic views of Milan; Italian Christmas cake is a must-try; cocktails from Camparino in Galleria do not disappoint. Opposite page, from top: There’s no shortage of elegantly dressed visitors at Piazza del Duomo; Acanto at Hotel Principe di Savoia serves creative twists on classic Italian dishes.

now lined with bars and restaurants, the museums are gleaming, and art, fashion and design are the sexy components of any visit. New developments are resurrecting old industrial zones. If you’re here during Fashion Week in September or the Salone del Mobile, the international furniture fair at the center of the annual design week in April, you can almost feel the creative energy in the air.

To explore Milan, it helps to have a plan. For example, visiting Leonardo daVinci’s “The Last Supper” is not something you can do on a whim. Viewing times must be booked in advance, often weeks or even months in advance. Milan, on the other hand, is not Rome. (That inevitable comparison again.) You don’t need a week to do it justice. Spending just two or three days here is perfect. Stay in a great hotel, sip an aperitivo in a different bar each night, dine well, see some art and perhaps catch an opera at Teatro alla Scala, which also must be booked well before you arrive.

The must-sees in Milan make up a short and very doable list. Start with the Duomo, Milan’s Gothic cathedral, which looms over the Piazza del Duomo in the very heart of the city. Plan to see the wonders inside but go the extra mile and buy a ticket to visit the rooftop, going 20 stories up via the stairs or the elevator to see the gargoyles and carvings and the views over the city and, on a clear day, the Alps as well. Flanking the Piazza is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade, which is elegant, much-Instagrammed and still worth a visit, if only for window shopping.

Suppose you arrive in the city by train. In that case, you’ll enter the splendid and awe-inspiring Milano Centrale, the central railway station known for its grand architecture and soaring entry hall, a masterpiece of Art Deco and Fascist art remodeled under the eye of Mussolini. Inside, you’ll find the Mercato Centrale Milano, a two-

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story food hall filled with artisanal cheese and bread, a place to savor some of the best tastes of Milan.

Speaking of masterpieces, it’s worth visiting La Scala even if no opera is being performed. The setting for the first performances of such masterpieces as Madame Butterfly, Nabucco and Turandot has a splendid museum, and admission allows you to at least peek into the famous theater.

That seminal year of 2015 also saw the opening of the Fondazione Prada Milan, an art gallery housed in a former distillery and designed by the architecture firm OMA, headed by architect Rem Koolhaas.

Showing cutting-edge contemporary art, its Bar Luce was designed by film director Wes Anderson.

My other museum favorites include the Pinacoteca di Brera, which ranges from the Renaissance to Italian Futurism of the 1930s. Contemporary Italian painting can be seen at the Triennale di Milano. At the Zona Tortona industrial complex, redesigned by British architect David Chipperfield and opened in 2015, the Museo delle Culture features contemporary art from around the world. Among my favorite small museums is the Villa Necchi Campiglio, one of Milan’s so-called “case museos,” or house museums.

In this case, it’s a 1930s-era house with a private garden, a swimming pool and a tennis court in the city’s heart. Designed by architect Piero Portaluppi in 1935, it shows off the lifestyle of the Milanese upper class of the 1930s. It reminds me of the elegance of a period film by Bernardo Bertolucci.

More time? Wander through the Quartiere Arcobaleno, which is filled with brightly colored houses that may remind you of a visit to the island of Burano. On a lazy Sunday, check out East Market, a combination of flea and artisan markets in an old factory.

Is it aperitivo time yet? The craze for the Aperol Spritz was born here, in the city that birthed the aperitivo hour. It might be a Negroni, an Americano or one of a dozen other classic cocktails.

Where to drink one is the quest. You could start at Galleria, where the cocktail shakers have been shaking since 1915. It is an excellent place to begin because Campari, the company that produces a bittersweet liqueur emblematic of Milan, owns it. It’s elegant and delicious. One story above is Terrazza Aperol, where you can sip your Aperol Spritz at the drink’s birthplace. Other bars are worth exploring—such as Bar Basso, my favorite, a vintage watering hole that claims to be the source of the aperitif, though its cocktail list now stretches past 500 creations.

The food scene in Milan is dynamic, but while you can try restaurants serving cuisine from all over the globe, the food of Lombardy and nearby regions is likely one reason you came to Milan in the first place. I love a splurge at formal restaurants such as Acanto, in the Hotel Principe di Savoia, where Chef Lee Michaels

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This page, from top: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is picturesque any time of day, but it’s a true photo-op destination at sunset; a mosaic bull in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II; Via Mazzini is always teeming with life. Opposite page: Statues atop the Gothic spires of the Duomo overlook Milan.

Alessandro Buffolino interprets classic Milanese dishes. La Véranda in the Four Seasons Hotel Milan is another choice for exquisite fare in an understated setting. For more casual dining, I’ve been to Rovello 18, which offers a brief, handwritten menu of Italian fare with dishes from all over the country and a wine cellar with more than 800 offerings. With various pizzas, Paper Moon draws a crowd leans toward fashionistas. The classic Milan trattoria? I think it just might be Al Matarel, where Veal Milanese and Osso Buco, risotto and polenta are the stars, in a comfortable place that is popular but not trendy, offering a place to eat but not to be seen.

Where to stay? Milan has no shortage of luxury hotels, from the Four Seasons Hotel Milan to the Excelsior Hotel Gallia, a Luxury Collection Hotel. The Park Hyatt Milan and the Bulgari Hotel Milano are also impeccable choices. My favorite happens to be the Hotel Principe di Savoia, a 1927 dowager that is a member of the fabled Dorchester Collection. The hotel’s semi-neoclassical façade dominates the Piazza della Repubblica.

Prized by models, editors, fashionistas and celebrities during Milan Fashion Week in September, this place feels like a boutique hotel yet has 257 rooms and 44 suites on 10 floors. The Art Deco structure was given a $50 million refurbishment in 2009 by architect Thierry Despont. I loved the Il Salotto Lobby Lounge, a long room with high ceilings where cutting “la bella figura” is everything. The spritz I had at the Principe Bar made me feel I’d arrived. Check out the rooftop Club 10 Spa, with its heated swimming pool, hydro-massage tub, and the requisite sauna and steam room.

This is a hotel where even a modest room wraps you in elegance. In a city famed for innovative fashion, design and architecture, an elegant hotel stay is your best bet for tasting the very best. And Milan’s best is very fine indeed.

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{ cocktail hour }

classic, remixed

This refreshing spin on the sweet sip will keep you cool all season.

cucumber kiwi gimlet SERVES 2

INGREDIENTS FOR THE SIMPLE SYRUP n 8-10 kiwis, halved and peeled n 1 cup distilled water n 1 cup sugar

FOR THE DRINK n 2 oz. gin n ½ cucumber, sliced lengthwise n 1 Tbs. lime juice n 2 oz. kiwi simple syrup n 1 cup ice, for shaking DIRECTIONS To make the simple syrup, cut kiwis in halves or quarters and combine with water and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stir then reduce heat to mediumlow for 45 minutes, stirring periodically.

Once liquid thickens, remove kiwis. Use a fine mesh strainer to transfer liquid from saucepan into pouring receptacle.

Allow to cool in refrigerator.

In a shaker, add the gin, lime juice, simple syrup and cucumber slices.

Gently muddle the cucumber to release its flavors. Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 30 to 40 seconds. Strain into a coupe or tall, thin glass. If using a tall glass, create a pretty effect, as in the picture, by lining the inside with a long, thin, spiral cut cucumber slice.

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Recipe courtesy of sugarandcharm.com

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{ wines }

for love of bubbles

People work hard to give sparkling wines such effortless effervescence. By Robert Beringela

Consider sparkling wine, a festive catalyst for countless celebrations. Bright, effervescent and deliciously refreshing, it goes down so easily you may not realize how hard it is to make.

Following the traditional Champagne method, the work begins with what is called a “base” wine, bracing and acidic, not great for drinking, which is put into bottles with yeast and sugar, then stored in a cool cellar, where it undergoes a secondary fermentation, acquiring bubbles and toasty flavors that grow in complexity over time. The finest sparkling wines are often aged for years. And even then the job isn’t complete. A process known as riddling comes next—the gradual rotation of the bottle to nudge any yeast sediment into the neck—followed by disgorging (the delicate removal of that sediment)—and a final topping off with wine and sugar for balanced sweetness.

That’s the dumbed-down version. But you get the gist.

“It is definitely a labor of love,” says Matt Dees, head winemaker at The Hilt Estate, an acclaimed winery in Santa Barbara County, California. “Or, to put it slightly less romantically, a huge pain in the butt.”

Given the toil and time involved, it’s no wonder many sparkling wine producers outsource one or more of the tasks. Some buy their fruit instead of growing and harvesting it themselves. Others pay to have their sparkling wine riddled and disgorged. Not Dees, though. He is one of a small but growing cluster of California vintners who handle every step in the drawn-out process, from the vineyard to the cellar, and beyond.

“It’s not that people who outsource can’t make delicious wines, because of course they can,” Dees says. “And they do. I guess you could chalk the choice up to our being control freaks. We are fiercely proud of making estate wines, of farming and producing and bottling ourselves. For us, doing it any other way wouldn’t sit quite right.”

At The Hilt, sparkling wine production dates to 2012,

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when a cool growing season yielded an unusually lean, electric Chardonnay that Dees and his colleagues felt would make a great base for bubbly. Their first release sparkling wine was tiny, barely 50 cases, but the labor was painstaking, as The Hilt owned little of the requisite equipment.

“We did it MacGyver-style, with duct tape and by the seat of our pants,” Dees says. “Disgorging was excruciatingly slow, and we topped off all the bottles by hand.”

Over time, the property invested in expensive machines, including a disgorger and a gyroscope for riddling, and the production process grew increasingly efficient. But even today it’s a boutique operation, yielding roughly 250 cases of sparkling wine per year, drawing from estate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

In their in-house approach to bubbly, Dees and his team are not alone. Other notable grower-producers of California sparkling wine include Frank Family Vineyards in Calistoga. There winemaker Todd Graff, who began his career in the early 1990s at storied Shramsberg, oversees production of four styles, from a beautifully balanced blanc de blancs to an ethereal brut rosé. Farther west, in Sonoma County, at Inman Family Wines, Kathleen Inman, a pioneering winemaker who helped lead the revival of California rosé, takes a similarly hands-on, artisanal approach. Working with fruit from her organic vineyard, Inman, who started making sparkling wines in 2009, was among the first vintners in the state to produce sparkling wines from single vintages (most sparkling wines are blends), which lends them a distinctive sense of time and place. In the patience and attention required, Inman says the process reminds her of another intensely demanding kind of work that also instills a deep sense of pride.

“To me, nurturing these sparkling wines into existence is akin to motherhood,” she says. “I think of them as my children.” A labor of love, indeed.

Inman Family Wines Russian River Valley Blanc de Noir, 2019, $78 A graceful, balanced sparkling wine, with refreshing acidity and a long berry finish.

The Hilt Estate Estate Sparkling, 2019, $75 Bright and dry, with just the right amount of body, this wine has notes of almond, green apple and nectarine.

Frank Family Vineyards Brut Rosé, 2017, $60 Sunset pink in the glass, this elegant sparkling wine has rose petals and raspberries on the nose, and a complex minimality that lingers on the palate.

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From top, left to right: Todd Graff and Mike Sangiacomo of Frank Family Vineyards; sparkling wines from Frank Family Vineyards; the vineyards at The Hilt Estate in Santa Barbara; selections from Inman Family Wines, The Hilt Estate and Frank Family Vineyards; Kathleen Inman of Inman Family Wines; Inman’s sparkling wine barrel.

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smart power

Two new sports cars from historic makers go hybrid with neither apology nor compromise.

In their beginnings, luxury sports-car manufacturers likely never fathomed adding a usable backseat to their models, let alone designing a family sedan.

An SUV in their lineup? Not in their wildest dreams. But as we know, times change, and the auto industry adjusts. Not only do today’s top European makers create all the aforementioned vehicles, many are also entering the hybrid industry, where they’re combining their robust combustion engines with hushed, battery-powered motors. It’s all in the name of eco-friendliness, but the two hybrids below promise performance plus—and sleek looks to spare.

LAMBORGHINI REVUELTO Achieving the next milestone before anyone else has been one of Lamborghini’s hallmarks throughout its 60-plus-year history.

However, few imagined the luxury sports-car maker would replace the now-defunct Aventador line with its first hybrid entry. Enter the Revuelto, Lambo’s first plug-in hybrid, which started hitting roads and highways late last year as a 2024 model. Three battery-powered electric motors already make it the most eco-conscious vehicle in company history. The battery pack supports an all-electric drive mode when it’s fully charged, but the motors are most impressive when they work with the mid-mounted, gas-powered V12 engine. Combined, all four motors can propel the Revuelto to a top speed of 218 miles per hour behind horsepower of approximately 1,001. In the cockpit, engineers say Revuelto drivers have more legroom and headroom than they would have in the Aventador—and there’s enough room behind the seats for a golf bag as well! Starting at $608,358.

MCLAREN ARTURA Who says a cutting-edge supercar has to cost half a million dollars? British automaker McLaren discovered the formula for an entry-level super sport when it rolled out the Artura. Drivers get the best of both worlds behind the wheel of this two-seater: A twin-turbo V6 teams up with a lithium-ion powered motor to generate 690 total horsepower and a top speed of around 205 miles per hour. Those numbers are enough to rival Artura’s sibling, the mighty McLaren 750S. The sleek, aerodynamic design also aids power and efficiency, so drivers will always feel comfort and speed whether they’re highway driving in hybrid mode or cruising suburban streets in regular mode en route to the country club. There’s more to appreciate inside too, with luxurious leather and microsuede stitched into every crevice of the cabin. An electrically operated top allows drivers to go from hardtop to open air in 11 seconds at speeds up to 30 miles per hour—or go with the electrochromatic top, which can dim to let as much light in (or keep it out) as you want. Starting at $238,000.

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For a personal consultation or more information contact her today at JessieF@LMFJ.com or 225-368-3641.

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rays of

sunshine AS SPRING TURNS TO SUMMER and the sun casts its golden glow, embrace the vibrancy of the season with this diamond and multi-color sapphire necklace, a radiant embodiment of summer’s joyous spirit.

The over 64 carats of gleaming sapphires dance in harmony with a burst of warmth and vitality. Let this necklace be your beacon of sunshine, illuminating your style with a kaleidoscope of colors that capture the essence of endless summer days.

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S C U L P T E D C A B L E C O L L EC T I O N

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