from the publisher
Welcome.
With the holidays come expressions of love for those we revere through the joys of gift giving. It is with great joy that we bring you Baribault Jewelers, The LX Magazine. This exciting issue features exquisite jewelry, artistic photography and captivating stories. For travel you’ll find one of the most distinctive, and fleeting destinations the planet affords. Each winter, a different group of artists creates Sweden’s ICEHOTEL from ice and snow—by hand. Christopher Hauser’s photographs brilliantly capture the essence of this singularly desirable experience. Working hand-in-hand with this feature is the “Gelé Château” (Frozen Castle) photo essay’s gorgeous collection of handcrafted gowns and fine jewelry. The allure of the finest men’s fragrances is owed to humankind’s most gifted noses. Naturally, the best fragrances are all blended by hand. In “Scent Of The Man” you’ll gain insights into what it takes to create them. We have an overview about one of the finest cars the world has ever known. On December 23, 1904, Frederick Henry Royce and Charles Stewart Rolls founded Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. Specifically noted for their hand craftsmanship, these automobiles represent the ultimate vehicles in the automotive world. One of the rewards of becoming a master winemaker is the sensory delight experienced when the results of your handicraft are enjoyed. Further, few possessions more completely express the specific tastes of a fastidious individual than a fine wine collection. We’ll show you how to get one started. 81 Rankin Road Glastonbury, CT 06033 860.633.1727 www.BaribaultJewelers.com
As we enter this holiday season, know that you can count on us at Baribault Jewelers to help you choose the perfect gift for that special someone. Whether you choose to commission a custom piece with our in-house jewelers or select from the collections of our marvelously talented designers, we’re here to serve you with all of the grace and joy of the holiday season. As a customer, you will be invited into our space and be treated with genuine respect and a welcoming spirit. It is our honor and privilege to present to you this publication. Warm wishes to you and yours, The Baribault Family
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URBAN DIAMOND, DIAMOND DIAL ON URBAN DIAMOND BRACELET
is a trademark owned by HACHETTE FILIPACCHI PRESSE SA, Paris, France.
Features
inside
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Community 10 The New Brilliance by Baribault Diamonds
Jewelry 15 Michele Watches 36 Gift Guide Photography 24 Gelé Château 43 Behind the Lens of Christopher Hauser: ICEHOTEL
The New Brilliance by Baribault Diamonds
Photo Feature: Gelé Château
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Lifestyle 19 The Story Behind the Rolls Royce 32 The Indisputable Pleasures of Caviar
56 Scent of a Man Fashion 60 Call of the Wild Libation 50 Starting a Fine Wine Collection Holiday 62 Staying on Track During the Holidays
Starting a Fine Wine Collection
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65 Wise Holiday Giving
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Scent of a Man Baribault Jewelers Gift Guide 7
cover on on thethe cover
Publisher LEWIS BARIBAULT III CHRISTINA BARIBAULT-ORTIZ RAEANN BARIBAULT SCHWARTZ Associate Publisher LEWIS BARIBAULT JR PHILIP BARIBAULT III Editor JON ROBERTS Creative Director ANGIE HALTER Photo by Brian Ambrose Photography.
Project Coordinators COURTNEY DRENTH MANDI HALVERSON
LX: a coffee table magazine Baribault Jewelers - The LX® Magazine is published by LX Publications, LLC, 524 North Main Avenue, Suite 110, Sioux Falls, SD 57104. LX® accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts and or photographs and assumes no liability for products or services advertised herein. LX® reserves the right to edit, rewrite, refuse or reuse material, is not responsible for errors or omissions and may feature the same content on lxmagazines.com, as well as other mediums for any and all purposes. Copyright © 2014 LX Publications LLC. All rights reserved. The entire contents of LX® are protected by copyright© and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of LX Publications, LLC. Reproduction in whole or in part or storage in any data retrieval system or any transmission by any means therefrom without prior written permission is prohibited. LX® and LX® Magazine are trademarks™ of LX Publications, LLC. 8
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s in store
BRILLIANCE 10
The New Brilliance by Baribault Diamonds Interview by LX Writer, Lyndon Conrad Bell Excellence, distinction, splendor, elegance, magnificence…all of these words have been used to define brilliance—and justifiably so. Going forward, there will be yet another definition for the word. However, rather than a spoken definition, it is a visual one. Characterized by extreme brightness and exceptional clarity, this new definition is the incomparable Brilliance by Baribault Diamond. Attaching your name to a product is no small feat, nor is it one to be lightly undertaken. The Baribault family, renowned for always lavishing their customers with personal attention and the best possible services, has done so—with absolutely breathtaking results. I recently had an insightful conversation with Christina Baribault-Ortiz to learn more about Brilliance by Baribault Diamonds. Lyndon Conrad Bell: The fire these stones exhibit is astounding. How is this achieved? Christina Baribault-Ortiz: Brilliance by Baribault Diamonds are among the top 1% of all cut diamonds in the world. The specific techniques lie within the hand selection process and Light Performance Testing. The immense ENERGY these diamonds exude is a function of ensuring their brilliance, fire, and scintillation are all at the high end of the scale, and all perfectly in balance with one another LCB: It’s almost as if you’re saying the stones are alive Christina. CBO: Well, in a way, they are. Like people, they exude energy. Seeing a Brilliance Diamond is kind of like meeting a person with a well-balanced life. They too, exude an amazing quality of energy. It’s something others are naturally attracted to. They get a good feeling and want to be part of it. This is also how one feels when they see a Brilliance Diamond. LCB: Where do Baribault’s Brilliance Diamonds fall in terms of the all-important 4Cs (Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat-weight)? CBO: Brilliance Diamonds are ideal cut, shaped to display their maximum beauty as nature intended. We ensure all Brilliance Diamonds meet the minimum color and clarity standards of the GIA, the worlds’ authority in diamond grading. They are GIA certified J color and above, as well as SI1 clarity and above. LCB: You ensure this? How? CBO: First, we (the Baribault family) take time to sort through stones and hand select them with our expert (and highly demanding) eyes to confirm they are truly superior for optical beauty. Then, we put each diamond through a Light Performance Test to verify what our eyes told us. The resulting Light Performance Report guarantees each of these stones displays the maximum brilliance and fire through a perfect hearts and arrows pattern.
Brilliance Diamond Arrows
Most Average Cut Diamonds Arrows
Brilliance Diamonds Hearts
Most Average Cut Diamonds Hearts 11
LCB: So what special treatment do you lavish upon the stones to make them “Brilliance”? CBO: Just like the sun, a diamond crystal is always constant. There are no gimmicks and there is no special treatment applied to the Brilliance Diamonds. We take the time to ensure each stone is the absolute best it can possibly be. Then, we make sure it is handled the best in ideal cutting to bring out the natural beauty already within the diamond crystal. Our goal is for the stone to be seen as nature intended LCB: This brings up another question, how do you ensure the quality is consistent? CBO: That’s exactly the thing, two certified diamonds—identical to one another on paper—often command two different prices. And truthfully, in many ways, diamonds are like six-year old boys; they can look the same on paper, but they behave very differently. You see, even with all other aspects being equal, certain diamonds are cut to make them exude an energy that is indescribable with words. In other words, by making sure our diamonds are consistently first class in Clarity and Color, we can focus on Cut to guarantee—regardless of the Carat weight—the absolute best qualities of each individual diamond are exuded. For us, it put such an excitement into selling diamonds. This collection truly reflects the passion the we The Baribault family has for providing our clients with a level of quality that is unsurpassed. LCB: So, will we eventually see a Brilliance by Baribault collection of diamond jewelry, or will it always be exclusively about loose stones?
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“We just take the time to ensure each stone is the absolute best it can possibly be.” CBO: So far, the loose stones have been really well received; so quite naturally it has us throwing the idea around; though no final decision has been made yet. We do love the idea of coming up with a Brilliance collection of jewelry— earrings, necklaces and bracelets perhaps. It’s definitely on our minds. But it’s just an idea for now. LCB: (Smiling) Suddenly I feel like Jon Stewart asking Hillary Clinton if she’s running for president. OK, so if you did do a collection, how would it work? Who would design it—you know, uh, theoretically speaking? CBO: (Laughs) Well, if we ever decided to do one (laughs again), Raeann, Lewis and I would design the collection together. I imagine it would include finished already set pieces and the idea would be to offer customers already owning a Brilliance Diamond an option for matching pieces of the same quality as their existing Brilliance Diamond. LCB: Sounds pretty fleshed out. Are you sure there are no plans afoot? CBO: Maybe...
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MICHELE WATCHES
The Elegance and Beauty of Time
By Lyndon Conrad Bell
If one is to trace it all the way back to the source, the story of Michele watches actually starts in Belgium in 1946. Maurice Barouh, an exceptionally creative watchmaker, founded the brand based upon two guiding tenets—his timepieces would always mirror both quality and refinement. Barouh was of the conviction a watch was more than a timepiece. For him, the Michele watches were an expression of life. To this end, he crafted fashionable timepieces reflective of an ideal of excellence and style. Maurice eventually handed over the brand to his son, Jack. Based in Panama, and working in both the diamond and watch trades, Jack and his wife, Rita, proceeded to build a company around the timepieces. Some 54 years after the founding of Michele, Jack and Rita officially launched the Michele Watches brand in the United States in 2000. Then based in Miami, its first big hit was the MW Collection, of which its most noted piece was the CSX-Diamond Chronograph. The company’s earliest retail partners were Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales and Nordstrom. From there, the brand also expanded into a number of fine jewelry retailers. Four years later, the Fossil group came calling and Michele became one of the brands underneath that conglomerate’s umbrella. Barouh stayed on as president of Michele and continues to run the company to this day. Even though it is part of the Fossil group, Michele operates as an independent company, responsible for its own day-to-day operations, product development and public relations. In addition to a fifty million dollar cash infusion, the association with Fossil improved Michele’s distribution network and ultimately served to help make the watches even more popular. Tahitian Jelly Beans
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Elegant shapes, colorful bands, diamonds and glowing steel casings characterize today’s Michele watches. Expanding upon Maurice’s original philosophy, Jack has ensured Michele watches are today considered an expression of an individual’s place in life—keeping in mind one’s lifestyle, personality and level of sophistication are all broadcast by the instrument one chooses to measure time. To that end, the Michele timepiece is considered a statement of who one is today and where one will be tomorrow.
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Signature CSX-36, Black Diamond Dial
...the Michele timepiece is considered a statement of who one is today and where one will be tomorrow. Currently offered in eight different styles, as well as a number of special and limited collections, Michele watches range in size from 24 to 42 millimeters. Among the hallmarks of the Michele watch are hand-set diamonds, mother of pearl faces, the signature red MW logo on the dial and crown, Swiss movements and a vast array of interchangeable fashion-driven straps and bracelets. Considered to be a limitless expression of accessory; it is said the wearer creates her Michele watch in a unique way—as she makes it her own. Positioned as a unique American luxury brand inspired by, designed by and created for women, the creative director at Michele is Sara Hinojosa. She and her team of designers take inspiration from their own personal experiences and travels, as well as art, fashion, culture and architecture. While fashion is definitely a consideration, quality and accuracy are important as well. To this end, Michele watches employ movements by the Swiss makers ETA, ISA and Ronda.
Signature Deco Diamond Diamond Dial
While Michele’s primary business is based on timepieces for women, there is also a line of men’s straps for Michele’s Large Sport Sail watches. Boldly masculine, it is a 42-millimeter chronograph with five complications, crafted in hearty steel with either a black or a white face and a highly technical appearance. With an array of 10 interchangeable men’s straps, complimented a stainless steel bracelet, the Large Sport Sail, when configured as a men’s watch, makes an exceptionally bold and definitive statement all its own. And yet, it remains recognizable as a member of the Michele family of timepieces.
Tahitian Jelly Bean Carousel Deco 16 Diamond Blue Diamond
No stranger to innovation, for its product introduction strategy, Michele follows the fashion accessories market and product lifecycle with four seasonal launches. However, evolution is also respected. Much of the Michele product line is built upon reinterpreting its hallmark styles, often through the imaginative use of color and stones. Within those parameters, on average, a brand new Michele watch is introduced once or twice a year, as driven by both inspiration and innovation. Looking to the future, Barouh intends to grow the brand within the United States; largely within his existing distribution network. He wants to be where women shop for themselves and where fashion and style motivate her to accessorize her life. Barouh is also expanding the company’s online business with eCommerce and fashion-based websites. Always looking to build brand awareness, he is additionally working to reach customers digitally through various social platforms and social-based content. As for the international marketplace, Barouh’s goal is to build Michele into a global luxury accessories brand. By all accounts, the company is well on its way to achieving all of these goals. Originally thought of as a “niche’ product, the Michele watch is now firmly entrenched within the mainstream.
Serein Diamond Two Tone Gold
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Urban Mini Diamond Gold Diamond Dial
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the story behind the
Rolls-Royce By Lyndon Conrad Bell On December 23, 1904, two days before Christmas, Frederick Henry Royce and Charles Stewart Rolls inked a deal whereby Royce would design and build the cars, which Rolls would market. With the signing of this agreement, the legendary Rolls-Royce marque was born. With highly disparate backgrounds, the two men would create one of the world’s most prestigious car companies.
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Together, Rolls and Royce established a solid reputation for offering the finest cars the world had ever known.
prep school in Berkshire, followed by Eton College, Trinity College and Cambridge University. His fields of study were mechanical science and applied science. An early automotive enthusiast, Rolls bought the first car to be based in Cambridge—which was also one of the first three in all of Wales—at eighteen years of age. After completing his formal studies at Cambridge, Rolls soon discovered his true professional calling was in salesmanship. With a loan from his father, he started C.S. Rolls and Company—one of the first car dealerships in all of Great Britain.
Charles Rolls & Henry Royce
With but one year of formal education, Royce had to leave school at the age of nine to go to work to help support his family after his father died. His start in engineering came when an aunt helped Royce secure an apprenticeship with England’s Great Northern Railway in 1878. He spent three years working there, honing his mechanical skills. After the railroad, Royce found a situation at a tool making company in Leeds—before ultimately securing a maintenance position with the London Electric Light and Power Company.
Together, Rolls and Royce established a solid reputation for offering the finest cars the world had ever known. Because Royce spared no effort toward building the absolute best cars, in addition to being of very high quality, Rolls-Royce cars were extremely quiet, remarkably smooth running and exceptionally reliable. The Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, launched in 1907, became their flagship. Completing a 14,371-mile drive—virtually non-stop—the Silver Ghost cemented its legendary status as being the best car in the world.
Essentially self-made, Royce ultimately saved enough money to go into business with a partner, Ernest Claremont. The two made electric fittings for homes, dynamos and electric cranes. Originally called F.H. Royce and company, the name was changed to Royce, Ltd. when the organization went public in 1899. The business ran nicely until the end of the second Boer War in 1902. Facing new competition from companies in Germany and the United States, Royce decided to build cars to diversify Royce Ltd’s revenue stream. In 1904, he completed the first three Royce 10 automobiles. One he kept for himself, one went to Claremont and the third was sold to Henry Edmunds, a member of the Royce Ltd. board of directors. When Edmunds showed the car to Charles Rolls, the seeds of Rolls-Royce were sown. Charles Stewart Rolls had been born into a wealthy London family. (His father was a Baron.) Rolls attended
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Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost
Rolls was also an aviation pioneer. A founding member of England’s Royal Aero Club, he was the second Brit to get a pilot’s license from the organization. On June 2, 1910, he became the first to make a non-stop double-crossing of the English Channel. One month later, on July 12, 1910, Rolls was doing a flying show when the elevator on his airplane broke off in mid-flight. Consequently, Rolls also became the first Brit to be killed in an accident in a powered aircraft.
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To honor his memory, the color of the Rolls-Royce logo was changed from red to black. Rolls-Royce models built before 1910 used red logos, those built after Rolls’ death in 1910 use black. Another change after 1910, was the introduction of “The Spirit of Ecstasy” radiator ornament. Adopted in 1911, the piece was sculpted by Charles Robinson Sykes, who had done a similar piece for Lord John Walter Edward Scott-Montagu to adorn his 1909 Silver Ghost. The model for the ornament is believed to be Eleanor Velasco Thornton, Lord Montagu’s secretary and secret lover for more than a decade. To help England mobilize for World War I, Rolls-Royce began producing aircraft engines. Ironically, Rolls had been trying to get Royce to do so for many years. The engines found tremendous success and eventually became the primary revenue stream for the company.
The Spirit of Ecstasy
Meanwhile, the Silver Ghost was proving so successful it was deemed necessary to open another factory—in the United States. Rolls-Royce of America was created in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1921. Some 1700 “Springfield Ghosts” were constructed before the Great Depression severely constricted demand. This ultimately caused the closure of the factory in 1931. The next significant model was the 1922 Rolls-Royce Twenty. Smaller and more affordable, the Twenty served as a bridge model between the Silver Ghost and the first Rolls-Royce Phantom, which was introduced in 1925. Initially, Rolls-Royce built only chassis, which were then shipped to coachbuilders to be completed to customer specifications. The first Rolls-Royce model to be completely built in house was the 1949 Rolls-Royce Silver Dawn. This was also the first model to come out of the company’s factory at Crewe. The Pressed Steel Company produced Silver Dawn bodies. In 1971, when the aviation side of the company encountered difficulties, the financial stability of the entire concern was jeopardized. Considered a strategic asset, the British government bought the company to preserve the manufacture of Rolls-Royce aircraft engines. In 1973, the government created Rolls-Royce Motors and separated the two concerns. Vickers plc bought Rolls-Royce Motors in 1980, then sold it in 1998. Both BMW and the Volkswagen Group vied for control of the company. Volkswagen ultimately out-bid BMW and won. Well, sort of. The deal Volkswagen made got them the then-current Rolls-Royce model range, the Spirit of Ecstasy ornament, and rights to the classic shape of the grille—but not the Rolls-Royce name, nor the RR logo. RollsRoyce plc, the aircraft engine company, had retained ownership of those elements when the British government broke up the company back in 1973. BMW subsequently worked out a deal with Rolls-Royce plc to use the name and the logo—which cost them considerably less than buying Rolls-Royce Motors would have. BMW then worked out a deal with Volkswagen to get the Flying Lady and the grille, before proceeding to build a whole new range of Rolls-Royce motorcars. Today, these include the Phantom sedan, coupe and drophead (convertible). There is a smaller “entry-level” sedan called the Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II, and a two-door fastback version of the Ghost Series II, called the Wraith.
Phantom Coupe
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Wraith
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Phantom Interior
Phantom 22
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One of the most exclusive lines of cars in existence, the Rolls-Royce Phantom family is characterized by outsized presence, overarching prestige, discerning craftsmanship and incomparable comfort. Comprised of four models: Phantom, Phantom Extended Wheelbase, Phantom Coupé and Phantom Drophead; Phantom and Phantom Extended Wheelbase are designed to be chauffeur-driven, while the other two Phantom models are personal luxury cars with a driver orientation. Hand-built at Goodwood in England, it takes some 60 people to construct each Phantom motorcar. Powering the Phantom models is a 6.75-liter V12 engine producing 453 horsepower and 531 ft-lbs of torque. Top speed is limited to 150 miles per hour, while acceleration from zero to 60 is accomplished in just over five seconds. Ghost Series II is offered in two specifications, with two wheelbases (standard and extended). While some aspects of constructing the Ghost models are mechanized, the interior is crafted by hand. The leather for the seats is pre-shrunk and drum-dyed to ensure it never squeaks or cracks. Nine specially-selected hides go into upholstering each Ghost interior. Each Ghost’s hand polished wood veneers comes from one single tree to ensure the continuity of the grain pattern throughout the automobile. An eighteen-speaker audio system promises a reality of sound unrivalled by any other automobile. Power comes from a 6.6-liter V12 capable of producing 563 horsepower and 575 ft-lbs of torque. Top speed is limited to 155 miles per hour, while acceleration from zero to 60 is accomplished in just under five seconds. There is also a more performance-oriented version of the Ghost Series II, called the Ghost V-Specification. Also available in standard and long wheelbase iterations, Ghost V-Specification enjoys 593 horsepower and 575 ft-lbs of torque from the 6.6-liter V12. It also features a more performance oriented suspension calibration, which, while maintaining the smoothness of ride all Rolls-Royce models are known for, improves the cornering abilities of the V-Spec cars.
Ghost Interior
Wraith is the newest addition to the Rolls-Royce family lineage. The most powerful Rolls-Royce automobile ever offered; Wraith’s 6.6-liter V12 creamily generates an aweinspiring 624 horsepower and 590 ft-lbs of torque. With a curb weight of 5,380 pounds, the Wraith nonetheless accelerates to 60 from zero in just over four seconds. Its top speed is electronically limited to 155 miles per hour. As graciously luxurious as it is powerful, Wraith is lavished with all of the amazing craftsmanship and attention to detail as the rest of its stablemates. This is evident in details like the chrome bullet tips on the recessed piping in the seats, as well as the fiber optic headliner designed to mimic the night sky.
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Photographer: Jon Roberts Photographer/Set Design: Jim Brummond Hair & Make Up: Angelique Verver Photo Retouching: Chelsie Roberts Models: Kristen Swan, Alyssa Anthony, Kasey Wamsher, Arquette & Associates, LLC Gowns by: The French Door
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The Indisputable Pleasures of
CAVIAR
By Linda I. Rogers
To those most familiar with the delicacy, the only true caviar is the saltcured eggs (roe) of wild sturgeon from the Caspian and Black seas. Neither red “caviar” nor Salmon roe is true caviar. Just as all cognac is brandy, but not all brandy is cognac, all caviar is roe, but not all roe is caviar. To be precise, there is a delicacy similar to caviar (decreed as substitutes of caviar by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Operation), which comes from other fish—including salmon, trout, whitefish and other species of sturgeon. There are four primary varieties of what is considered true caviar; these are Beluga, Sterlet, Osserta and Sevruga. By far, the most rare, most highly coveted, and the most expensive is derived from the prehistoric Beluga sturgeon native to the Caspian Sea. Large, soft eggs about the size of a pea characterize Beluga caviar, which ranges in color from silver to black. An extremely large fish, Sturgeon can take up to 20 years to mature and can weigh as much as 2000 pounds. The older the fish, the lighter the color of its caviar and the more prized it is. Best enjoyed alone on toast, the preferred method of handling caviar is with a spoon made of mother of pearl, bone, any other non-metallic material. Metallic flatware imparts an undesirable flavor to the delicacy. Thus, many
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epicureans will only eat caviar alone, from the nook of their hands between the index finger and thumb. When serving, it is very important to keep in mind caviar’s affinity for both cold and crystal. Keeping caviar cold is key to maintaining its freshness and flavor. A crystal serving dish will contain the eggs without imparting an untoward taste to the delicacy. Thus, a cold crystal dish will ensure the absolute optimal flavor from the precious eggs. And, while most fish will benefit from the juice of a lemon, you’ll never want to expose caviar to lemon. Further, caviar should always be served raw. The delicacy, when fresh, should smell faintly of seaweed. If it smells fishy, something is; and the caviar shouldn’t be consumed. Also, while many people say caviar tastes salty, fine caviar should taste clean, buttery, and only mildly salty. If it’s heavily salted, there’s something wrong. In your mouth, the eggs should be fairly crisp, with a satisfying “pop” to them. Soupy or sticky caviar should be avoided as it is probably going bad. Caviar doesn’t like sticking around too long, once a tin is opened, you should consume it right away. At best, three days in the refrigerator after opening is as far as you should push it.
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The most expensive Beluga should always be eaten alone. If you’re making appetizers and feel a need to pair caviar with something, use one of the more inexpensive varieties. These pair well with blini, plain bread or unsalted table water crackers. If you’re going with crackers, it might be a good idea to spread a small amount of sour cream on the bread or cracker to hold the eggs in place. Other pairing suggestions include a few crumbs of onion, and a hint of chopped egg. For libations, dry crisp cold champagne is ideal (think Brut). A nice dry vodka works well too. Once reserved only for the world’s most wealthy individuals, caviar today can be enjoyed by anyone of better than modest means. Further, a number of online purveyors will deliver it fresh, right to your doorstep. These include Petrossian Caviar at Petrossian.com; Seattle Caviar Company at Caviar.com; and The House of Caviar and Fine Foods at HouseOfCaviarAndFineFoods.com.
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Cathy’s Top Pick TACORI RoyalT Graduating Diamond Setting starting at $14,240
TACORI Encore Cushion Bloom Diamond Earring Setting starting at $2,910
TACORI RoyalT Yellow Gold Cushion Bloom Diamond Setting starting at $9,590
TACORI Encore Cushion Bloom Diamond Necklace Setting starting at $2,210
TACORI Pretty In Pink Rose Gold Ribbon Twist Setting starting at $3,190
Nichole’s Top Pick TACORI The Ivy Lane Yellow Gold & Diamonds Hoop Earrings $3,990
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Raeann’s Top Pick (stackable rings)
Lew’s Top Pick TACORI Adoration Platinum Eternity Band Variations Available Price Upon Request
TACORI The Ivy Lane Stackable Rings; Silver & Diamonds $790 Yellow & Rose Gold $1,890 each
TACORI Classic Rock Chalcedony Pendant Chain not included $1,230
TACORI Classic Rock Chalcedony Cushion Statement Ring with Rose Gold $1,000
TACORI Sonoma Mist Silver & Diamond Bracelet $1,380
TACORI Sonoma Mist Yellow Gold Bangle $2,530 Sonoma Mist Yellow Gold & Diamond Studs Available in Rose & Silver starting at $1,060 www.lxmagazines.com
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ELLE Sterling Silver Hematite Bracelet $175
ELLE Sterling Silver Hematite Earrings $85
ELLE Sterling Silver Hematite Necklace $150
Christina’s Top Pick MICHELE Urban Diamond $3,295
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MICHELE Urban Diamond Graphite $3,295
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Kylie’s Top Pick DOVE’S Amethyst and Pink Mother of Pearl Freeform Slice Pendant with Diamonds $1,750
DOVE’S Amethyst and Pink Mother of Pearl Pendant with Chocolate Diamonds $2,380
PaviElle’s Top Pick MICHELE Merlot Jellybean $395
DABAKAROV Smokey Quartz Cushion Pendant with White and Chocolate Diamonds $1,500
DOVE’S Amethyst and Pink Mother of Pearl Ring with Chocolate Diamonds $2,450
DOVE Rose Gold Hematite Bangle $1,995
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Martha’s Top Pick DABAKAROV White, Chocolate and Black Diamond Ring $6,000
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ELLE Sterling Silver Lapis & Pavé Earrings $95
Emily’s Top Pick
DOVE Fashion Forward Diamond Drop Earrings $1,650
ELLE Sterling Silver Lapis & Pavé Necklace $175
ELLE Sterling Silver Lapis & Pavé Bracelet $250
DOVE Ivory Sky with Diamond Cuff $5,340
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DOVE Ivory Sky with Diamond Ring $1,750
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For the Men DEAKIN & FRANCIS Who said cufflinks need to be so formal? Treat your sports lover! Baseballs $420, Golf Bags $450
Philip’s Top Pick TACORI Sculpted Crescent Platinum Men’s Band $5,130
TACORI Legend Sky Blue Topaz Over Hematite Stone Ring $940
TACORI Retro Classic Silver Cuff Links $360
Ken’s Top Pick TACORI Legend Tiger Iron Stone and Silver Ring $540
TACORI
Lewis’ Top Pick
Retro Classic Silver Tie Clip $350
MOVADO Derek Jeter Captain Series Limited Edition $795 (while supplies last)
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behind the lens of christopher hauser
photographing
ICEHOTEL
By Lyndon Conrad Bell photos Š Christopher Hauser
Frosty Forest Artists: Lilya Pobornikova & Viktor Tsarski www.lxmagazines.com
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Every winter for the past 24 years there has existed in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden a singularly unique travel experience. Back in 1989, entrepreneur, Yngve Bergqvist, was looking for an intriguing way to use the most abundant resource in his town—ice. Inspired by Japanese ice sculpting, he invited two professional ice sculptors from that country to help him put on a workshop for a group of artists.
Pole Dancing Artists: Christine Close & Natalie Close
That workshop gave birth to ARTic Hall, an especially designed igloo, based on techniques the artists learned during the workshop. Originally intended to be a gallery of ice art, Bergqvist happily discovered people wanted to use it for other purposes as well. He and some associates opened a bar inside, ARTic Hall, and then tried sleeping in the gallery one night as well (no word on whether the two events were somewhat related—but we digress). Here, it is useful to understand the temperature inside the hall was a consistent 23 degrees Fahrenheit. The first party of overnight guests was a team of survival experts from the Swedish armed forces. The first commercial party was a corporate retreat for a group from the Versatel Corporation. Their exhilarated response to the experience was the catalyst for the founding of ICEHOTEL. Today some 50,000 people annually queue to spend the night in this remarkable place between December and April. Each year, ICEHOTEL is built from scratch, with each of its public spaces designed by a different ice-sculpting artist. Based in Munich, photographer Christopher Hauser visited ICEHOTEL as a 12-year old boy with his family. He still has images from that visit shot with his first digital camera. Fascinated by the idea of a hotel created from ice and snow, the memory stuck with him. When he grew up, he returned as a professional photographer to shoot for his portfolio. The ICEHOTEL management team liked his work and Hauser has photographed the hotel every subsequent year for the past four years.
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Whitewater Artists: Elin Julin & Ida M책ngsbo
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Main Hall – Secret Garden Artists: AnnaSofia Mååg & Alessandro Falca
Because ICEHOTEL is built differently every time—based upon the inspiration of the artists chosen to design each suite—the experience is different every time. In a recent interview, we spoke with Hauser about his work at ICEHOTEL. LX: What made you want to go back to the ICEHOTEL to shoot?
Christopher Hauser: I think it is
something extraordinary to design and build a new hotel, bar and church every year from scratch. The ICEHOTEL is a piece of art in itself. It’s an amazing experience to walk through the finished hotel for the first time. It is such a rich pool of creativity. Sometimes I think, WOW, what a room, there can’t be anything better than this and a year later I find something even more beautiful. For me, the ICEHOTEL is a fantastic mix of architecture, art and creativity. It is always an honor, lots of fun and it is very challenging.
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Frozty Flower Artists: Shingo Saito & Natsuki Saito
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“For me, the ICEHOTEL is a fantastic mix of architecture, art and creativity.” - Christopher Hauser
Up There Artists: Luc Voisin & Mathieu Brison
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Tributary Tribute Artists: Arne Bergh, Åke Larsson, Sofi Ruotsalainen, Mikael “Nille” Nilsson, Janne Haglöf & Peter Sörwing 48
LX: What are some of the unique challenges of shooting in this environment?
CH: First, the most obvious one: It is cold, really cold. In addition to being hard on myself, it puts a lot of stress on my equipment, too. Batteries are not holding up very well when it’s that cold, so I carry around twice as many batteries as I would carry under normal temperatures.
Arktikos Artist: AnnaSofia Mååg
From a photographic standpoint, there is the space issue. Everything is quite small, so it is hard to get a good picture of a whole room or area. Ideally, you want to include as many details as possible in one photograph. I have tailored my gear to these special needs so I can work with these limitations very well. Still, it is always a challenge to find the best angle for every room.
Another challenge is the light, or rather the darkness. LED lighting is used to create mood lighting for the ICEHOTEL. You don’t want to bring in external lights, as this would destroy the mood and feeling of the hotel. Some rooms have a romantic feeling (more white, red, orange lights) others are more towards the cool tones. It is important to analyze the light to decide in each room specifically what mood is to be conveyed in the final photograph. LX: What is the foundation of your approach to your ICEHOTEL shoots?
CH: Rather than record a one hundred percent perfect replica of the actual scene in every geometric form and shape, I want to give the viewer the same feeling I had the moment I stood in that spot taking the photograph. I try to convey the stillness, the cold, and the beauty; but especially the effort every artist put into creating his or her unique room. LX: What gear do you use?
CH: For ICEHOTEL I have two different cameras. Most of the images are done in digital medium format. I use a Phase One
IQ180 back on an Arca Swiss Rm3Di. Combined with high quality lenses from Rodenstock and Schneider, this combination gives me great quality and all the options I need to realize my imagination. As a second camera, I use a Nikon D800 on a Roundshot VR Drive tripod head from Seitz. I use this when I have very limited space and can’t take the image with my other equipment. It helps me create very wide panoramic images. LX: Would you ever actually sleep in ICEHOTEL?
CH: (Laughs) Well, yes and no. When I’m working there, I’m already spending eight to 10 hours in the cold, so I do not fancy sleeping in the cold as well. There is nothing better than a hot shower and a cozy room after so much time in the cold. However, when I visited ICEHOTEL with my parents as a child, I did sleep in one of the rooms. It was quite a nice experience. I hope in one of the following years I will be able to stay a few extra days and spend a night in the cold once again.
130 Arctic Sunsets Elin Julin, Marjolein Von & Marinus Vroom
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STARTING A
Fine Wine Collection BUY WHAT YOU LIKE
By Lyndon Conrad Bell Despite the implied sophistication of the endeavor, starting a fine wine collection can be as simple or as complex as you choose to make it. Yes, there are some truly impressive multi-thousand-bottle collections out there, however there are more than a few 50 to 100-bottle collections in existence as well. It’s largely a function of personal preference. With that said, yes, of course there are fundamentals to keep in mind to ensure success. The very first thing to do is make sure you have the proper conditions on hand for storing wine for long periods of time. Depending upon how involved you want to get, it might make sense to construct a purpose-built cellar. In most cases though, a cool basement works quite well. Justin Lorenz, wine and beverage director at the New York Palace Hotel says; “Generally speaking, you want low temperature, low light, high humidity and security. Try to keep the wine at around 55 degrees F. Keep it dark, keep it humid (50 to 80 percent humidity so your corks don’t dry out) and above all, keep the wine’s temperature consistent.”
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“To start your ideal collection, just buy a few bottles of what you like— it’s that simple.” - Herb Karlitz Your next consideration should be figuring out what you like enough to collect. According to Heather Hillman, fine wine consultant at Baroness Wines in Denver, “The best place to start is with what you enjoy. For example, if your passion is French wines, explore all of the wine regions of France to find wines fitting the profile of what you are looking for. Whatever your goals, start by building upon what you already like.” One of the nice things about having a collection is the opportunity it presents to “lay down” some bottles for aging. However, this brings up another important consideration. Jessica Certo, head sommelier at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House in New York City says; “If I were building a cellar primarily to age, I’d make sure at least 25 percent of my collection would be made up of younger “free game” wines in order to avoid the temptation of drinking bottles I wanted to age. If you often host events, or drink wine on a regular basis, you might want to devote as much as 50 percent of your collection to things you want to drink now in order to avoid the possibility of impulsively breaking into your future investment. If you do get into aging wines, keep in mind some varietals age better than others. Matt Kaner, 2013 Food and Wine sommelier of the year, and wine director at Bar Covell in Los Angeles says the three determinants for aging well are; acid, tannin and sweetness. As for specific regions, Kaner suggests Barolo (Italy), Barbaresco (Italy), Burgundy (France), Bordeaux (France), Loire Valley (France), Rioja (Spain), Clare Valley (Australia), Barossa Valley (Australia), McLaren Vale (Australia), Hunter Valley (Australia), Mosel-Saar-Rwar (Germany), Rheingau (Germany), Rheinhessen (Germany), Nahe (Germany), Wachau (Austria), Kremstal (Austria), Napa Valley (California), Porto (Portugal), Madeira (Portugal), Jerez (Spain), Chateauneuf-du-Pape (France) and Champagne (France). Regarding varietals best suited for aging, Kaner recommends Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Semillon, Viura, Chardonnay, Nebbiolo, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Grenache, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Ultimately though, whether you’re collecting for enjoyment, aging or investing, it really comes down to your personal preferences. Says Herb Karlitz, an avid wine collector with over 2,000 bottles in his cellar; “There is no right and wrong. Forget the rules of what to drink with what foods. It’s all up to you. To start your ideal collection, just buy a few bottles of what you like—it’s that simple.”
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Of course, if you have only a rudimentary idea of what you like, you’d do well to befriend a wine retailer to help you broaden your tastes. Each of the experts we consulted recommended learning as much as possible on your own—with the help of someone in the know.
“With so much to discover, the beauty of wine is...there is something for everyone.” - Heather Hillman
Hillman advises; “Some great books to help you get started include: Wine for Dummies, The Wine Bible, Wine Basics, Discovering Wine and my favorite book of all; The Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia. Wine magazines such as Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, Wine Advocate and Wine & Spirits, usually focus on different regions, varietals and wine makers from around the world. These publications offer great tips on wines for collecting and wines for investment.” Hillman also suggests getting out and tasting as much as you can. While it seems obvious, it remains very valuable advice. She says; “There are many classes one can take at a local level, as well as tasting groups. Restaurants are also offering wine tastings/pairings. The best way to understand wine is to taste many different types, step out of your comfort zone, and discover new varietals by expanding upon what you already enjoy.”
Lorenz agrees; “Learn as much as you can on your own first if possible, it’s more fun that way. Taste wine often and figure out what moves you. Along the way, you’ll find some very helpful people at wine shops, restaurants and formal tasting events who can help you identify the things you like about the wines you gravitate toward.” Laughing, Lorenz says; “Some of those people might even be fun to talk to! I’d start by asking them for their advice.” Of equal importance is the stemware from which you enjoy your wines. While there are makers who offer a different type of glass for each varietal, all of our experts agree the main thing someone just starting out needs to focus on is the shape of the glass. For still wines, Kaner advises investing in two types of stems to get started—Burgundy and Bordeaux. The Burgundy shaped glass accentuates the femininity of a wine. The wines you’ll pour into this glass are more delicate and need help bringing the purity of the wine to the drinker’s nose and mouth. The Bordeaux glass focuses wine. The kinds of wines you’ll pour into this glass are more masculine and bulky; wines requiring only flush delivery to the drinker’s mouth and nose. They also work quite well for white wines. Of course, if you enjoy sparkling wines, you’ll also need a set of champagne flutes. Regarding stemware, Lorenz goes on to offer a piece of what might at first be unintuitive advice which, actually makes a great deal of sense once you give it some thought. He says, “Leave your stemware dirty overnight: always clean it the next day. Never try to clean your stemware the night you’ve been drinking—you’ll find yourself having to re-invest in stemware more often.” Wine glasses are fragile, and if you’ve been enjoying your wines all evening, well…
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flute
CHAMPAGNE
wine glass BORDEAUX
wine glass BURGUNDY
Depending upon the size of your collection, and the amount of wine you drink on a regular basis, buying by the case can make sense for a number of reasons. First is price; most retailers offer a discount of 10 to 15 percent when you purchase by the case. Second, buying cases may help ensure the wine was stored properly (although it isn’t a guarantee). The third reason is you can take advantage of the case discount while still introducing variety to your collection. Karlitz says; “Most retailers offer case discounts, regardless of whether the case is all the same or mixed.” Of course, before you buy a case of anything, always try one or two bottles to make sure you like it first. The worst thing you can do is rush to fill your cellar by indiscriminately purchasing cases of wine just so your collection “shows” well. If you’re into aging the wines in your collection, you can employ Karlitz’s tip to buy four different wines simultaneously, and benefit from another piece of Kaner’s advice. If you’re buying bottles to lay down, get at least three bottles at a time. People, by nature, are impatient. Everyone wants to know how the wine tastes right away. If you buy three, you can commit wine infanticide on one to see when it would best make sense to open the second and third bottles. Finally, make enjoyment your primary consideration. Hillman says, “Wine collecting should be fun, it should reflect who you are. As you learn more and explore different regions and varietals, your tastes and your palette will evolve. Just keep it fun and remain true to yourself. With so much to discover, the beauty of wine is...there is something for everyone.”
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SCENT OF A MAN By Linda I. Rogers
While we as a species rely primarily upon our visual acuities, our olfactory glands have a substantial impact upon our emotional responses. Because of this, fragrances have played a significant role in our lives throughout history. Even as far back as 200 years before the birth of Christ, it is said the sixth Babylonian king Hammurabi decreed everyone in his kingdom wash in perfume. While Napoleon Bonaparte is reputed to have gone through an average of 54 bottles of cologne a month, silent film star Rudolph Valentino is credited with the proliferation of men’s fragrances in contemporary American society.
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Comprised primarily of alcohol, water and essential oils; colognes are distinguished by their “notes” of which there are basically three to each fragrance. The alcohol and water carry the oils to your skin and evaporate immediately. The oils then interact with your body heat and the air to emit the fragrance of the cologne. “Top notes” are typically citrus in nature, and diminish within ten minutes of application. The middle notes last up to an hour and are generally comprised of floral scents. The spicy base notes stick with you throughout the day. And yes, your individual body chemistry does come into play. The way a cologne smells can indeed vary on different people. One of the oldest fragrances around is Acqua di Parma’s Colonia. Introduced in 1916 to perfume the handkerchiefs of Italian men, Colonia is today worn by both women and men. Colonia’s top notes are evocative of warm citrus fruits, which then give way to lavender and rose middle notes. Base notes of vetiver, sandalwood and patchouli follow. Another classic fragrance is Guerlain’s Vetiver. Introduced back in 1959, Vetiver places the oil of its namesake root at its heart. Vetiver is also one of the key essential oils found in a number of fragrances. Guerlain’s Vetiver starts with top notes of bergamot, lemon, mandarin, neroli and coriander. It then transitions to vetiver and cedar before settling into tobacco, nutmeg, tonka bean and capsicum.
“Guerlain’s Vétiver” is a fresh woody accord for a fragrance with authentic elegance.
Designer Tom Ford’s Tobacco Vanille is described as being reminiscent of an English gentlemen’s club—with spice. Middle notes of tonka bean, tobacco flower, vanilla and cacao follow top notes of tobacco leaf and aromatic spices. The fragrance finishes with a dry fruit accord enriched with sweet wood sap.
The Colonia formula has remained unchanged for nearly a hundred years. The elegant Art Deco bottle, with its distinct bakelite stopper has been an undisputed style icon since 1930.
Tom’s Ford’s affection for London, inspired “Tobacco Vanille”. A modern take on an old-world men’s club.
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Drawing upon the exclusivity of Bentley motorcars, Bentley fragrances capture the essence of the brand. Lalique for Bentley Crystal Edition is delivered in a crystal flacon featuring the winged Bentley hood ornament. The fragrance leads with top notes of white cedar wood and ores butter, followed by patchouli and papyrus, before finishing with musk and dry amber. Proudly proclaiming itself the world’s most expensive perfume—right on the bottle— Clive Christian No.1 for Men is the flagship fragrance from the Crown Perfumery, which dates back to 1872. With a price of $865 for a 1.6 ounce bottle, its top notes are bergamot, lime, Sicilian mandarin and cardamon; followed by lily of the valley, rose, jasmine and ylang ylang, before finishing with cedarwood, sandalwood, vetiver and ambery woods.
The “Lalique for Bentley Crystal Edition” is a limited special edition (a series of 999 pieces) available only through a small selection of Lalique retailers.
“No1” perfumes were created to be the absolute best in class and have been recognised by the Guinness World Records as The World’s Most Expensive Perfume.
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IN THE SEIKO NATION, SOLAR POWER IS CHAMPIONED.
Practice makes perfect. But winning is also about tapping into your inner power. With over 40 singles titles, tennis champion Novak Djokovic chooses the watch powered by light. SPORTURA SOLAR CHRONOGRAPH. Inside, an eco-friendly breakthrough—a battery that never needs to be replaced. Add in a 6-month power reserve, 1/5th second stopwatch and 100M water-resistant technology and you’re ready, set, powered to progress. SeikoUSA.com
PROGRESS TO SEIKO
THE F O L L THE CA
Be fierce with exotic patterns and textures! Whether it’s spotted or striped, this bold trend fits in seamlessly alongside your favorite solid-colored basics.
Laura Vela JILL TOTE BAG | $430 (www.alekka.com)
Carolinna Espinosa CYPRUSS | $225
ANIMAL ON I T C A R T T A Carolinna Espinosa SUNFLOWER | $255
Carolinna Espinosa SHAPE | $195
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SHAUNS MULL | $240
SHAUNS CRAIL | $240
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Luv AJ CROC EMBOSSED COMPUTER CASE | $250 (www.alekka.com)
Laura Vela BAMBOO CLUTCH | $350 (www.alekka.com) Donni Charm DONNI PARADOX SCARF | $169 (www.alekka.com)
BOLDLY
FIERCE
BLACKSEA STAPLE STREET CLUTCH | $419
Carolinna Espinosa DESTINI | $295 Carolinna Espinosa LIGHT | $255
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photo: Dusan Zidar
Staying On Track During the Holidays
By Nichole Odijk DeMario
The holidays are naturally an over-indulgent time of year, oftentimes centered on food. With the decadent desserts and drinks aplenty, it seems waistline-suicide is just a buffet line away. For those individuals dieting, the holidays can be an increasingly challenging time of year to stay on track. Media and celebrity nutritionist, Lisa DeFazio, MS, RD, says on average people gain between five and ten pounds from Halloween to New Year’s Day and that it takes a disciplined person to continue his/her dieting plan through the holidays. Tanya Zuckerbrot, MS, RD, Founder of the F-Factor Diet and Official Dietician for the Miss Universe Organization says dieting through the holidays is possible, but moderation is key.
“Indulge on treats that you love and don’t waste calories on things you can go without,” Zuckerbrot recommends. “…[Your] best bet: plan your “cheats” so you can make room for things you truly enjoy at holiday time without fearing they’ll wind up on your hips. If it’s Grandma’s caramel bread pudding you can’t live without, indulge while sticking to the ‘three bite rule.’ Take time to savor those bites. There’s nothing so indulgent that three bites will ruin your diet.” She says sometimes all it takes is the right outfit to encourage choosing healthier party fare, “Wear tailored pants or a sexy tight dress when you go out. Wear snug, revealing clothing and you now have a physical and psychological stake in how you’ll eat and drink.” 62
Adjusting your attitude about food and the holidays by making time for non-food related entertaining activities to share with family and friends can make all the difference. Remember to eat a snack before a party and don’t go starving. If hosting an event, give away leftovers to guests to avoid having access to high fat foods post-event. Zuckerbrot says to strategically choose items off the buffet and load up on more filling, low calorie items then choose a healthier protein and lastly a tasting size portion of something more rich or high in fat. Skipping butter, gravy, whipped cream, sauces and the like will also help keep calorie consumption down. Liquid calories can add up quickly, too. “Be smart about alcohol…one glass of wine or spirits at about 100 calories won’t put a dent in your diet, but cocktails made with sugary mixers sure can. Margaritas, for example, can pack upwards of 400 calories or more per glass,” Zuckerbrot says. Both nutritionists encourage people stick to their healthy routines no matter what holiday plans surface and if you stumble, get back up rather than caving completely. DeFazio tells clients enjoy the holidays with family and that maintaining their weight is an accomplishment. “If you gained a few pounds over the holidays just relax, you enjoyed some goodies and now it is the new year. Start walking, keeping a food journal, see a registered dietitian for a meal plan and a calorie level, get rid of all the junk food in the kitchen and don’t be hard on yourself.” www.lxmagazines.com
THE WORLD’S FINEST CUFFLINKS MADE IN ENGLAND
Wise Holiday Giving By Linda I. Rogers
With the holiday season rapidly approaching, the time is right to consider charitable institutions in need of your generosity before the end of the year. One thing to look for when considering giving to an organization is how much of each dollar of donations will go to supporting programs directly related to accomplishing the charity’s mission. Yes, charities have administrators, advertising and other activities to support, however, a well-run charity should be capable of accomplishing them with 25 percent or less of the money donated. Which, of course raises the question, how can you find out if a charity meets this benchmark? The I.R.S requires charities to file Form 990, providing information on the organization’s income, spending, mission and executive salaries. These can be reviewed at the GuideStar.org website for free. GuideStar can also provide additional financial analysis, as well as information regarding an association’s contractors.
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It should be noted however; the GuideStar site is a neutral environment. Rather than evaluations, the site simply serves up the facts and leaves interpretation to the individual. For specific evaluations, the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance will tell you if a charity meets the 20 benchmarks it has established for pronouncing a charity a Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity. Among the benchmarks considered are governance, oversight, and effectiveness. Another site doing similar work is CharityNavigator. org. This website can be used to gain insights to a charity’s financial health, accountability and transparency. It also looks to see how much of donations are spent on the actual mission and how much is spent on administration and fund raising. While neither of these resources make actual organization recommendations, they do make it easy for you to do a back of the napkin evaluation to determine if a charity you’re considering rates a further look—and perhaps your generosity.
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A VA I L A B L E A T