Ridgefield, CT September 2023

STYLE + BEAUTY ASHLEY ALT, FASHION ENTREPRENEUR

HEALTH + WELLNESS

DR. SCIARRINO’S GIFT TO RIDGEFIELD

REAL ESTATE

Dazzling Dining Rooms

LIFESTYLE LETTER

The Style Issue

The bite in the air is only days away and with that ushers in a season of bold, beautiful colors accompanied by the sensational styles of autumn. This issue highlights some of the rising entrepreneurs and established businesses who bring striking style to life and to Ridgefield.

The cover is a beautiful capture of the editor of this magazine who is also a fashion entrepreneur. Ashley Alt has a luxe clothing line, VALT that she has presented on New York City runways and beyond. We talk to Ashley about her thoughts on fall fashion and her clothing line that was born right here in Ridgefield.

We invite you to meet a jewelry designer who has set up his studio at the Executive Pavilion at 90 Grove Street. We give you insights into his design philosophy and what inspires him to create gorgeous, custom jewelry.

We share some exquisite dining rooms with a range of aesthetics to take in and perhaps even emulate in your own dining area for the upcoming holiday season and beyond. Top designers from Ridgefield and the Connecticut coast share trends and ideas for you to consider.

We are especially excited about the curated selection of local styles that range from an on trend marble, colorful custom necklaces, robes and sustainable kitchen design that are sure to capture your attention. Also, we invite you to meet Dr. Sciarrino whose passion and pedigree are integral to the exquisite service his clients receive at his Gift Med Spa.

Finally, photography is an art form that we very much appreciate here at Ridgefield Lifestyle Magazine as it is this captivating medium that is central to our success. Imagine a world without polished photography. We can't!

We feel fortunate to have some of the most innovative artists in the business contribute their vision on the pages of our magazine every month. They each have their own unique style and specialty. They each bring their life experiences and personalities to their work and to the pages that follow. We are honored to share with you their inspiration, vision and of course some of their captivating captures.

We hope that this issue sparks an appreciation for the impeccable style that surrounds us and most importantly the creative entrepreneurs who continue to deliver striking, functional designs that make Ridgefield an attractive mecca filled with an abundance of unique beauty and talent.

September 2023

PUBLISHER

Mary Dougherty | mary.dougherty@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Ashley Alt | ashley.alt@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Ashley Alt

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

New Light Creative Services, Jennifer Zarine

Photography

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @ridgefieldcitylifestyle

1: Daniel C. Levine, Artistic Director of ACT of CT, accepts the CT Critics Circle Award for Best Director of a Musical 2: Kim Tuccio at “On the Runway Fashion Show Benefiting Ann’s Place.” 3: Lisa Bloch, Niro Feliciano, Christine O’Leary at “On the Runway Fashion Show Benefiting Ann’s Place.” 4: Trudy Lendvai at “On the Runway Fashion Show Benefiting Ann’s Place.” 5: Guests attending the Visiting Artist Reception at Jill Rae Designs 6: Andrea Rowen and Jill Rae at The Visiting Artist Reception at Jill Rae Designs 7: Andrea Rowen’s painting from The Visiting Artist Reception at Jill Rae Designs

BRYAN PERRI

HERMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

The Greenwich Med Spa Introduces Groundbreaking Treatment

GMS introduced a groundbreaking treatment that exponentially reduces healing and increases collagen rejuvenation. The Generator is known as a “supercharger”. It is the most cutting-edge scientific biotech breakthrough for skin rejuvenation and regeneration in years. It promotes a more radiant youthful appearance. “Oftentimes, patients are concerned with the healing time and now with “The Generator” our clients will look and feel better than ever in less than 48 hours,” states Marria Pooya, Founder, GMS.

connecting women with a local flair and a global reach.

exist to help entrepreneurial women thrive.

Register for Fall Classes at The Ridgefield School of Dance

The Ridgefield School of Dance is now accepting registrations for the 2023 - 2024 fall season which begins September 6. Renowned for its professional dance instruction in the classical ballet discipline, the school has a complete schedule of day and evening classes for ages 3 to adult. The Ri dgefield School of Dance offers intensive instruction at all program levels and dance disciplines. For more information, go to  theridgefieldschoolofdance.com or call 203-894-5957.

Ridgebury Farm to Host

Second Annual Farm Fete

Join Ridgebury Farm for the party of the year raising funds for Ridgebury Riders. The evening will take guests on a journey around the world with experiences from different cultures, incredible food, lots of exciting auction items to bid on, and of course dancing all night! Don’t miss out on our pre-event farm to table dinner by Chef Paulie G of Hayfields with sommelier curated wine pairings for each of the 5 courses.

Are you looking for help booking your next trip? We can help with that!

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ALT

SENSATIONAL LOCAL STYLES

"When a potential customer comes to us, the first thing that happens is a site meeting to determine the scope of work," Musolino states. "From that point, I usually recommend one of the local architects in our area to develop a plan and determine the cost of the potential project."

VENEZIA MARBLE

Venezia Marble is a family-owned business that specializes in fabricating and installing natural stone and quartz surfaces including marble and granite countertops, fireplaces, and outside kitchens.

The stone on the black fireplace is called Graphite Black Soapstone. Soapstone has a distinctive appearance with a smooth, matte texture. It often comes in shades of gray, black, or green and may develop a patina over time, adding to its aesthetic appeal. Soapstone is also relatively low-maintenance compared to other materials used in fireplaces. It is less prone to staining and doesn’t require frequent sealing or polishing.

DANNICK CARPENTRY

Dannick Carpentry LLC, founded and operated by Dan Musolino, is a carpentry and general contracting business that "handles any project, large and small." Their professional services include excavation, foundations and concrete work, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical. Musolino explains the company is involved in high-end renovations, stating the team works closely with Trillium Architects in town for energy-efficient and green buildings. Materials are sourced locally from the Ridgefield Supply Company, Rings End Lumber, and other local suppliers.

A project Musolino most recently worked on involved a High Performance / Net-Zero home, a tightly-built home designed to function more efficiently, have lower energy loads, and operate healthier for the people residing in them. "I have gained a world of knowledge about the building and function of this type of construction," he said, noting doing that type of work is one of his favorites.

GIADA BLU JEWELRY

Giada Blu Fine Jewelry designs one-of-a-kind wearable art pieces. Everything is handmade in America using semi-precious and precious Gemstones, Antiquities, and 18k gold. “Our signature look is our bold and colorful statement necklaces, each uniquely carved from thousands of carats of premium Gemstones,” the brand’s founder and designer, Danielle Todoro, explains.

Todoro launched the brand in 2020, naming it after her daughter — her true inspiration to start the brand. “I worked diligently through Covid and spent the lockdown photographing product, creating new collections, and building my website,” Todoro says.

Spending years in corporate fashion as a Gemstone Buyer and Senior Manager of DY Signature for David Yurman, she realized two things: she wanted to be more present for her daughter, and she wanted to start a business that would allow her to do what she loves with the people she loves. “The power a piece of jewelry has when you put it on can be transformative,” Todoro states. “It can bring a source of empowerment and spirituality to its wearer.”

Venezia Marble

Her goal with the jewelry label is to make impactful pieces that embody her appreciation of natural gems and minerals, transforming them into wearable jewelry. Also, to connect with a special clientele who shares the designer’s passion and love of Gemstones.

"The thought of one day being able to work alongside my daughter and grow something magical together is what keeps me going," she says.

VALT

VALT is a luxury clothing brand specializing in statement-making robes. Utilizing limited edition fabric from New York City's Garment District, each robe is one-of-kind, made to make the wearer feel like her most fabulous self whether she's wearing it each morning to get ready in, over slacks for work, or with jeans for cocktail hour.

VALT signature robes are designed by Ashley Alt and brought to life by her small team of seamstresses in NYC. Showcased several times in New York Fashion Week among other runway shows, VALT exists to show women the incredible power that dressing up has on their mindset health. Luxury, sustainable fabrics used include silk twill, silk charmeuse, Italian Pima cotton and cotton brocade. Real feather and fringe trimmings are added for a final glamorous touch.

Dannick Carpentry, LLC Jill Rae Designs, Franca Group

Giada Blu

Dr. Sciarrino’s Gift To Ridgefield

ELEVATING HEALTH AND BEAUTY AT THE GIFT MED SPA

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ALT PHOTOGRAPHY BY NEW LIGHT CREATIVE SERVICES

When you enter The Gift Med Spa located in the heart of Ridgefield’s historic Main Street you are instantly struck by the well designed lobby featuring bright blue walls and a smart, modern aesthetic. This striking entrance parallels the facility’s promise — to provide the highest quality aesthetics and wellness treatments using leading-edge technology and medical expertise, all under the leadership of Dr. Joseph Sciarrino.

Dr. Sciarrino, a Maxillofacial Surgeon has been doing facial reconstruction for over 30 years. He initially went to dental school as a self prescribed prerequisite to surgical training, as he was advised that ‘ you can not rebuild a face without the understanding of functionality of moving parts.’ He then became a surgeon. In 2021 he brought his extensive experience and pedigree to Ridgefield and opened the Gift Med Spa.

A passionate professional whose mission it is to “change the aging paradigm and help people live their best life’ he offers a host of aesthetic and wellness offerings including luxe skincare procedures, injectables, body contouring, and IV Nutrient Therapy, among others.

Dr. Sciarrino

It’s important to remember that your skin is the largest organ of your body. “Your skin is your protector, your barrier to the outside world,” Dr. Sciarrino reiterates. He explains you can see many diseases simply by looking at the quality, tone, texture and discoloration of the skin, noting it is “vitally important” to keep yourself and your skin healthy.

“While working to erase the appearance of aging, we can actually empower an individual’s health span,” Dr. Sciarrino said of the health of the skin and body. “Because I am a facial surgeon, there is a natural exactness to what I do, even in the simplest of things.”

Using a combination of IV Therapy, acupuncture, and HBOT (Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy), his team also treats a wide array

of neurological deficits, metabolic diseases, and dysfunctional mitochondria, which Dr. Sciarrino claims are the “disease of all chronic diseases.” He points out that most of the chronic diseases today did not exist in prior generations.’ “Life expectancy is actually dropping in the United States,” Dr. Sciarrino declares. “I call that frightening, and we must fight independently, yet together.”

Dr. Sciarrino’s Gift Med Spa is a place to experience custom, high end facials and treatments that he offers with the support of his vibrant team of professionals to help people look and feel their best. Attend one of his monthly seminars to learn about aging and why his clients return for top tier treatments over and over thegiftmedspa.com

Dazzling Dining Rooms

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ALT

Top interior designers give us their take on making your dining space extra luxurious

We have the inside scoop on what's trending for dining rooms this fall. Interior designers Andrea Romeo, Jill Rae, Beth Krupa, and Jennifer Lanna provided their individual takes on what makes a dining room this season, adding in their tips for making your dining space extra lush.

Jill Rae

ANDREA ROMEO OF ROMEO + BAGLIO DESIGN

"We are seeing these formal spaces in warm, neutral, earth tones with small pops of color infused for Fall," interior decorator Andrea Romeo said. "I think we will continue to see more formal looks and furnishing with unique and formal lighting, spaces that will be used more for special occasions and entertaining."

Romeo states most clients want to create a backdrop where they can host family and friends for holidays and dinner parties, but "nothing too formal that they can't enjoy," adding the chandelier is often used as her clients' "wow moment."

As for ideas to make your dining room extra luxurious, Romeo suggests using good-quality furnishings, draperies

Andrea Romeo

and accessories. "Spending a little extra elevates the room," she says.

Another tip Romeo gives is to embrace mixing old furniture with new. "Don't buy a set," she advises. "Varying the furniture makes it interesting and adds character." Examples are vintage couches mixed with newer end tables and a stylish bar cart that adds character.

Website: romeobaglio.com

JILL RAE OF JILL RAE DESIGNS

Interior designer Jill Rae says that we can expect to see an emphasis on eco-friendly and sustainable materials for dining rooms' furniture and decor, such as reclaimed wood tables, recycled glassware, and energy-efficient lighting.

Rae notes that many of her clients are looking for a "fun and unique space," providing examples of wallpaper on the ceiling, custom built-in furniture and pops of color where it's not expected.

She suggests not to be afraid of layering in textures, stating textures add warmth and character to any space. "You can add texture by adding some amazing window treatments, a fun area rug under the dining table, wallpaper on the walls or several pieces of art," she encourages.

Rae agrees with Romeo's mixing vintage and contemporary tip, stating this is a fun way to decorate your table or fill any glass cabinet. "Sourcing some fun pieces of china in a local thrift shop or some vintage silverware can complete the look to any diner setting," she adds.

Rae's final tip? Bring the outdoors in! "Clip some branches as they start tuning their vibrant red and oranges. Place them in a vase and display on a sideboard or the center of the table."

Website: jillraedesigns.com

BETH KRUPA OF BETH KRUPA INTERIORS

Greenwich-based interior designer Beth Krupa demonstrates her calming, elegant style of work through her corresponding photos. "A classic design while using modern elements, a tonal dining room sparkles with a striking chandelier and varied textured fabrics as wall-coverings are shown here. A custom built wine wall is also a chic space saver," she says.

Website: bethkrupainteriors.com

JENNIFER LANNA OF JENNIFER LANNA DESIGN

Fairfield County-based interior designer says she is seeing exciting wallpaper and interesting lighting from her clients, the kind of design that "sparks conversation."

"A popular trend with my clients is that they want a gorgeous dining room they can entertain adults in, but with materials that are also kid-friendly," Lanna states. "We are able to provide both with beautiful performance fabrics including luxe velvet or leather, and durable rugs that stand up to spills but look fabulous."

Website: jenniferlannadesign.com

Beth Krupa

FASHION ENTREPRENEURSHIP WITH ASHLEY ALT

ARTICLE BY INTERVIEW BY DANIELLE TODORO

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NEW LIGHT CREATIVE SERVICES

THE POWER OF AUTHENTICITY IN FASHION AND BUSINESS

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR CLOTHING BRAND, VALT?

I was inspired to launch a label by many things. I had the entrepreneurial itch to claim something as my own, I had always been obsessed with clothes and fashion, and I wanted my brand to have meaning behind it — that was the biggest thing.

After taking several business, fashion, and personal branding courses, I learned that you are best suited to serve an old version of yourself. For me, this was a painful period in my life where I struggled with postpartum depression. After re-realizing the power that getting dressed held, that was the lightening bulb moment —I wanted to make new moms feel seen outside of motherhood.

HOW DOES YOUR CLOTHING EMPOWER WOMEN?

I hope it does that. So much of my inspiration comes from watching “regular people” start their own companies and product lines. And there is an abundance of that here in Ridgefield, which is one of my favorite things about this town. The creativity and entrepreneurial energy of women here are extremely inspiring and push me to keep going. The whole idea behind my Getting Ready Robes is to “dress your mind right” — aka wrap yourself in glamour and luxury each morning to get you into an “I’ve got this” mindset.

Ashley Alt

WHY DOES FASHION FASCINATE YOU?

Fashion holds more power than any of us realize. It dictates how we represent ourselves and how we treat people. It’s an industry full of history, scandal, entertainment and awe. We can use fashion and style as tools to get us to where we want to go or we can let it hold us back. Plus, fashion is just fun, period.

WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FACED WHILE BUILDING A BRAND?

Most of them are financial. Taking financial risks when you aren’t sure if it’s going to work out or not is a scary feeling. Aside from that, I have learned that you are typically the only one getting in your own way when it comes to moving forward. It can be a constant battle of self-worth and imposter syndrome that will drive you crazy if you don’t have a clear “why” to your business and brand.

WHEN IT COMES TO FALL FASHION, WHAT TRENDS DO YOU ANTICIPATE US SEEING MOST THIS YEAR?

Definitely the Back-To-Basics trend. Labels like Ralph Lauren, Max Mara and The Row do an incredible job of keeping things fresh and interesting while still sticking to their roots of classic and clean design, which is what I predict the smaller brands will be doing.

I think people are going to embrace this no-fuss, foundational way of dressing via classic denim, crisp white button downs, and leather loafers. Other trends shown on the runway included Corporate Cocktail and Scarf Dressing, with hues of canary yellow, red orange, and olive oil reigning supreme.

“My hope is for women to be reminded that they serve a purpose when they’re wearing VALT.”

WHAT ARE SOME STYLING TIPS YOU CAN SHARE WITH US?

However you can incorporate your personality into your look, do it. Dressing in a way that is chic yet unexpected is a tried and true way to go. Pairing a sweater with a midi skirt and mules is a good example of this. As is a sleek and tailored blazer paired with denim shorts. These juxtapositions make functional sense — at the same time, they are allowing you to be who you are without conforming to your environment or boxing you into an of-the-moment trend.

I would also say never underestimate the power of a bold lip. Swiping on a hot pink or deep red will instantly transform you into boss mode when you’re in need of a little power play.

photo by stevewhite.photography

Leading Local Photographers Inspiration and Style

THE LOCAL TALENT IN PHOTOGRAPHY LIES SOMEWHERE IN-BETWEEN STUNNING AND SMART

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ALT

Photography is a stunning form of artistic expression. The art of photography becomes more sophisticated and appreciated with time.

We are grateful to have the highest level of photography talent contributing to Ridgefield Lifestyle Magazine. We are proud to feature five local photographers who have poured their time, effort and talent into each issue. Here are each of their takes on what makes their work unique.

Kristen Jensen Productions, LLC

New Light Creative Services

Jennifer Zarine Photography

Jennie Carr Photography

JENNIFER BARRETT OF NEW LIGHT CREATIVE SERVICES

I specialize in providing businesses, brands, creatives, and entrepreneurs with premium, compelling imagery. I draw inspiration from all of my clients. I watch, I listen, I help my clients find what makes them unique. I have been behind a camera for 30 years now, allowing my technical skills to evolve along with my passion. Whether I’m working with a multinational brand like Hellmann’s Mayonnaise or a brand new business owner, I give each client the attention they deserve. I look at every person, business and project through the lens of what differentiates them. I’m inspired every day by local business owners that pour everything into what they do, and I’m grateful that they entrust me to tell their stories.

Website: newlightcreativeservices.com

KRISTEN JENSEN OF KRISTEN JENSEN PRODUCTIONS, LLC

I officially became a photographer in the summer of 2003 when I started working from my home/photo studio in Ridgefield. I specialize these days in “Lifestyle” photo and video assignments for businesses, advertising, editorials, celebrities and entrepreneurs to help increase their overall visual branding. What makes me unique is over two decades of being on the other side of the lens modeling and acting. I basically grew up in the business. My style that has been created is that I only see the best in people, places, and things. My clients say “It doesn’t feel like they’re being photographed” when I’m happily snapping away. I make them feel at ease, which is a huge compliment and blessing.

Website:  kristenjensen.com

KATE WARK OF KATE WARK PHOTOGRAPHY

I’m a lifestyle photographer who captures professionals and families in their natural element. My specialty is personal branding photography that sparks confidence and business growth. I’ve operated KWP in the community for five years. I love my style of photography because showing up for your business and audience builds trust, propels business growth, and brings clients who want to work with YOU. The transformative power of showing yourself as part of your business strategy cannot be underestimated.

Website:  katewarkphotography.com

JENNIFER ZARINE OF JENNIFER ZARINE PHOTOGRAPHY

I specialize in maternity, newborns and baby milestone sessions with an artistic and editorial vibe. Formerly a NYC singer/actress in a past life, a flair for the dramatic often shows in my photos, whether I’m obsessing over a dramatic sky or a large flowy gown.

I especially love working with pregnant women, understanding how insecure they can feel during this stage of life and will become their biggest hype girl! I also offer a unique client closet with over 100 gorgeous maternity gowns and accessories to choose from, and have been known to stop mid-session and start cutting pieces of fabric to fashion my own dress for a client. I photograph love, genuine connections and real moments in hopes that someday, when you look at your images, you’ll be taken back to that moment in time.

Website: jenniferzarinephotography.com

JENNIE CARR OF JENNIE CARR PHOTOGRAPHY

My photos and paintings are my response to what I see and feel. They are my attempt to share some of that magic, truth and emotion. I have been making art since the beginning. I have always been like this, but now am even more so.

Instagram: @jenniecarr

Kate Wark Photography

A Day with a Local Jewelry Designer

Customize your jewelry with hidden gem, Cardinal Gems

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ALT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER ZARINE

Located at the prominent Executive Pavillion at 90 Grove Street in Ridgefield is Cardinal Gems, a custom design jewelry business headed by an educated and experienced entrepreneur with a true eye for style.

Kevin Fournie started out as a business major at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York. After gemology caught his interest, he switched to Art with a focus on metal design. Learning the ins and outs of how a jewelry business worked from his friend’s father’s jewelry business, Fournie became immersed in the design process, while getting his gemology degree in New York City.

“That’s where I came to love colored stones which has shaped how I do things,” Fournie said of his studies. From there, he began working for a high-end jewelry company called Grant Peacock, unknowingly with a (literal) Ridgefield neighbor. “I worked with her for five years and she taught me how I wanted to conduct my own business,” Fournie said. "She had been considering retirement, so it was the ultimate kick in the butt I needed to start my own business."

Now operating his personal serviced jewelry business as a customer-focused jewelry firm, the jewelry designer specializes in custom design and gemstones, stating “The stones themselves are definitely my area of expertise.” If someone wants to choose the shape they want from a set of rough stones that Fournie has in stock, the easiest way to go about that is sourcing the stone first and then building everything around it. “I give them everything they need to make an informed decision they will be pleased with for years," he said. "It makes the process fun, collaborative, and completely customizable.”

When Fournie began designing engagement rings, he realized how much couples  love and

appreciate  creating custom jewelry. “When a couple is wanting to create a custom piece of jewelry, they want someone to work with them hand in hand on something they will have forever,” Fournie said. “I love helping them create custom pieces because it’s so much more special."

He mentions opening Cardinal Gems has given him the opportunity to spend more time with his family, a big reason why he didn’t want a traditional retail store. His niche is custom designed pieces.

His values are aligned with his clients, as he makes it “as easy as possible” to accommodate them, meeting them at their office, home, after work hours or on weekends. “Whatever they need,” Fournie said. “They’re welcome to bring their kids to my studio, I’m flexible for anyone.”

That family friendly aspect is one of Ridgefield’s biggest perks, whereas Fournie has felt the Ridgefield charm of being part of the community — sponsoring events, coaching his kids’ soccer games, and helping out at book fairs at school.

In addition to custom rings, Fournie also designs custom bracelets, necklaces and earrings, either starting from scratch or repurposing old pieces of jewelry. “People are buying jewelry to celebrate the birth of a child, so I’ll work with a husband looking to create a necklace with a pink or blue stone in it for his wife,” he cites as an example.

As for redesigns, he’ll help someone repurpose their grandmother’s brooch, for example, making it into a necklace or taking the stones out to create a grandiose ring. “You’re giving people wearable jewelry they can wear every day and that has built-in sentimental value and special meaning to it,” Fournie said. “I love redesign for that reason.”

“You’re giving people wearable jewelry they can wear every day and that has built-in sentimental value and special meaning to it,” Fournie said. “I love redesign for that reason.”

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

SEPTEMBER 11TH

Ridgefield A Better Chance Golf Outing

RIDGEWOOD COUNTRY CLUB |

10:30 AM

In addition to a day on the links with a golf cart, you will enjoy a delicious lunch, refreshing cocktails, and dinner at the Club. Exciting prizes and raffles and a chance to meet our outstanding scholars await you at the end of the day. In addition, a hole-in-win wins a BMW lease for one year! ridgefieldabc.org/ events

SEPTEMBER 16TH

Second Annual Farm Fete

RIDGEBURY FARM AND STABLES 484 RIDGEBURY RD, RIDGEFIELD | 6:00 PM

Join Ridgebury Farm for the party of the year raising funds for Ridgebury Riders. The evening will take guests on a journey around the world with experiences from different cultures, incredible food, lots of exciting auction items, and of course dancing all night! Attend our pre-event farm to table dinner with sommelier curated wine pairings for each course.

SEPTEMBER 23RD

Ridgefield Farmer’s Market

JESSE LEE CHURCH 207 MAIN STREET, RIDGEFIELD CT 06877 | 10:00 AM

Connecticut’s best vendors, some friendly locals, family activities and some solid music on a grassy field on our beautiful historic Main Street. You’ll find farm fresh produce, baked goods, and specialty items.

SEPTEMBER 24TH

Ridgefield’s Annual Giant

Pumpkin Weighoff & Festival BALLARD PARK 485 MAIN ST, RIDGEFIELD, CT 06877 | 9:00 AM

This is a free event that is open to the public! Pumpkins from the New England region compete for cash prizes. Attendees visit the park to view the pumpkins, meet the growers, listen to music, and shop the farm stands and other vendors. There will also be musical entertainment, farm animal exhibits, children’s activities, and more.

SEPTEMBER 30TH

RVNAhealth’s Autumn Dinner

SILVER SPRING COUNTRY CLUB 439 SILVER SPRING ROAD, RIDGEFIELD CT | 6:00 PM

Join us for a lively evening and help raise critical funding for RVNAhealth’s Community Health programs. Help our non-profit agency further its mission to provide care for underfunded patients across 35 Connecticut communities. The evening will include cocktails, live music, an impact speaker, dinner, raffle tickets for our back-by-popular-demand “Date Night for a Year” package, a live auction and more.

SEPTEMBER 30TH

American

ANNE S. RICHARDSON

AUDITORIUM AT RIDGEFIELD HIGH SCHOOL 700 NORTH SALEM ROAD, RIDGEFIELD, CT | 7:30 PM

The Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra’s commitment to world-class performances of marvelous music is our history and our future! Under the direction of Maestro Yuga Cohler, the orchestra, along with renowned soloists and special guest artists, presents extraordinary evenings of music sure to engage, entertain and inspire all music lovers!

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Ridgefield

The Art of Fashion Design

Fashion is many things. It is both an extension of our personalities and a representation of who we want to be portrayed as. Fashion is also history. Whether you are well-versed in the fascinating world of fashion or not, any individual can understand that at its core, from mass-market products to custom couture, fashion is art.

Speaking with several local fashion experts, you can see how fashion design meets the eye of the beholder, but that the design process is anything but subjective.

Sonya Abrego is an independent scholar specializing in the history of design and 20th century fashion, holding a PhD in decorative arts, design history, and material culture studies.

Abrego eloquently explains that fashion connects with everything from business to economics and of course, design and style, stating the best part about her job as a professor is “combining the visuals and putting them in their historical concepts.”

SHOWCASING THE DESIGN PROCESS FROM RENOWNED EXPERTS IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ALT

She provides the example of a man’s classic three-piece suit, a look that came to the fore at the turn of the 17th century, and is lasting well into modern-day, indicating an astute and remarkable signal of what exactly the three-piece suit signifies.

“There being a push for the three-piece suit to be an unchanging constant that ends up following these standard garments of the business attire for the gentleman who is masculine, serious, and business-like, is much of what we explore,” Abrego states of her lectures.

If you think about the cultural and historical implications of why the vest, jacket, and pant became so standardized for such a long period of time, it speaks volumes of societal norms and pressures, bringing into question why we don’t have that same standardization for women.

“It’s a really rich way to see how people exist with the past,” Abrego states. “It tells a lot about the relationship someone has with a certain period of time.”

Kim Nelson, Assistant Chair over the Jewelry Design Program at The Fashion Institute of Technology, provided insight into his work as a high jewelry designer including the arduous process that designing an exquisite, life-lasting piece can entail.

“What I love is the mastery of the high jewelry world,” Nelson states confidently. “Keeping the traditions and skill-sets alive, we insist on doing things by hand at FIT, as well as design on the computer.”

Speaking in conjunction with the fashion industry, Nelson confirms that the high jewelry (or fine jewelry) world “moves to different cycles,” as fashion, for the most part, is seasonal.

“It has a very different relationship with its customer,” Nelson compares. “People buy high and fine jewelry with the intent of wearing it for the rest of their lives. It fluctuates very little within a decade.”

Working in illustration for eight years with publications like Business Week and Forbes, Nelson’s pivot to designing jewelry felt somewhat seamless. He credits his infatuation with jewelry to his grandmother who liked to wear black diamonds.

Viewing jewelry largely as sculpture, Nelson has worked with some of the finest gemstones in the world that have been around since the 15th century. Much of his work is stone intensive, centering around precious sapphires, rubies, diamonds, and emeralds, and exploring more esoteric stones such as tourmalines, garnets, and heliodor.

Working digitally allows Nelson to draw and paint his designs with 100% precision. After CAD modeling, the parts get cast into metal, to which he contracts a jeweler to do the final fabrication. From there, the piece gets fabricated and polished, then delivered to the customer.

“You want it to be permanent,” he concludes of the design process. “You're taking natural materials and setting them up in precious metals and using a tremendous amount of labor. It's about longevity and uniqueness.”

Wedding and evening gown designer Lara Knight matches dress design to being like a paint and paintbrush — “from the fold of the fabric to the shaping of a dress, you’re creating different draping and beading that results in a wearable art form,” Knight says.

“You say fringe, you think flapper. You say black turtleneck, you think Steve Jobs. It’s an identifying trait that transports you to the time period of your choice.”

— Lara Knight

Designing wedding and evening gowns for 20 years, Knight acknowledges that fashion is created with imagination and skill, attributing her talent to an innateness she feels she was born with.

“The biggest thing I use is the human form, manipulating it with my corsetry and bustling,” Knight commented. “I once made a corset out of copper (a full metal corset), playing with the shape of the human, getting to manipulate the lace and the beading. Right now I’m making a dress with a delicate chain mail which has a warrior sense to it.”

Alongside art, Knight reveres fashion design as a representation of time, history, and people. “To me, fashion is almost a timeline,” Knight says. “You say fringe, you think flapper. You say black turtleneck, you think Steve Jobs. It’s an identifying trait that transports you to the time period of your choice.”

She interprets design as telling a story. “From working with the muslin to seeing the gorgeous fabric show up and fitting it to their bodies, it’s such an intimate form of design that has an indelible mark on an unforgettable time in their life,” she states. “Being able to create that kind of beauty is unlike anything else.”

“Being able to create that kind of beauty is unlike anything else.”

Jennifer Zarine Photography