MANN ABOUT TOWN FEBRUARY 2025

DR. JOYCE BROWN

A LEGEND WHO HAS RESHAPED THE FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

The Hamptons Aspen

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President & CEO

Jeff Mann

Editor

Penelope Herrera

Editorial Consultant

Debra Hazel

Associate Editor

Rose Leveen

Communications Director

Penelope Herrera

Graphic Designer

Virginia Sanchez

Cover Image Credit Fashion Institute of Technology

Digital & Social Media

Caroline Thomas

Debra Hazel

Penelope Herrera

Director of Newswire Division

Cheri Phillips

PR Consultants

Kelly Brady

R. Couri Hay

Art Consultant

Avalon Ashley Bellos

Contributing Travel Editor

Magma Global

Aspen

Durée Ross

mann about town contributors

Dr. Joyce Brown

International Fashion Editor at Large London, NYC, Paris

Sofie Mählkvist

Technology Consultant Eric Loh

Distribution Mitchell’s Delivery Service

West Coast Consultant Ilse Metchek

Event Producer Arthur Mandel, Nolcha

East Coast Office 450 Seventh Avenue Suite 2306

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Fashion Institute of Technology

Merging the worlds of fashion, art, real estate and philanthropy, Mann About Town delivers cutting-edge lifestyle content to New York and beyond.

Photo courtesy of Team Samara

one mann’s opinion

Of all the covers we’ve done, this cover feature of Dr. Joyce Brown—who is retiring this year—has us most honored and privileged to have her grace Mann About Town. With Mann About Town, we pride ourselves in getting the most special and amazing stories, and no one more exemplifies these qualities than Dr. Joyce Brown. She has transformed the legacy for FIT, such as being the college’s first woman and African American president, Since her arrival in 1998, FIT has debuted 33 more degree and credit certificate programs and added dozens of academic minors. Also, in 2020, she established the Social Justice Center at FIT with the goal of increasing BIPOC representation in the creative industries. These are just a few of her many accolades.

I’m very excited to mention that my father Irving Mann, started being involved with FIT , along with other legendary names such as Fred Pomerantz. Through this involvement is how I too got involved with the school, although this happened much later in life for me. After I graduated from college, I went to the graduate school of FIT, studying management, engineering and technology.

Another point worth mentioning is that my family has been in the apparel business for over 100 years and I’ve stayed connected with FIT. One of the organizations that I and FIT worked with, through the help of Joanne Arbuckle, made it possible for us to establish a scholarship that we were able to give those most deserving, and I‘m very proud of that.

I also want to take the time to thank our monthly contributors such as Peter Thomas Roth, Avalon Bellos, Mount Sinai, Michele Gerber Klein, Couri hay, Magma Global, among others. Their contributions keeps our magazine one notch above everyone else and we are thrilled to have them be part of our team.

Dr. Joyce Brown is honored on April 1, and she’s so deserving of her recognition for her many remarkable achievements.

Enjoy reading this issue and enjoy the spring

“Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort..”

- Paul J. Meyer

what’s inside

Out on the Town

“Three Amigos” Tackling the Challenge of Prostate Cancer at PCF Palm Beach Gala Dinner 2025 18

Elysian Hosts Private Screening for ‘CatWalk FurBaby 2’ and Unveils Spring 2025 Pet and Philanthropy Issue 20

Nomads of Persia Artist Firouz FarmanFarmaian Hosts Exhibition VIP Reception In New York City 22

UNOde50 Celebrates the Start of NYFW With an Intimate Cocktail Event 24

En Vogue

Comfortably Fit 28

Comfortably Stylish 29

Mann Overboard

Magma Monthly Getaway 32

Passalacqua, a Private Home Transformed Into a Once-In-A-Century Hotel

Cesarine 34

The Game–Changing Food Experiences That Bring You Into Italian Homes

Bal Harbour Shops 36

First-Ever Traveling Luxury Retail Experience

Estate Living

A “Last Chance” Estate 38 In South Florida’s Most Exclusive Community

Beauty & Skincare

Peter Thomas Roth 42

24K Gold–Infused Products Serve up the Perfect Cocktail

Health & Wellness

The Soaak Podcast 44

New Venture Disrupting the Health and Wellness Field

Arts &Affairs

An Odyssey of Hope 48 Samuel Pisar’s Legacy

Museum of Jewish Heritage 50 Launches New AI Installation and Web Resource on International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Surreal 52

The Extraordinary Life of Gala Dalí By Michèle Gerber Klein

Fer Da Silva’s Candy-Coated Alchemy 54 Love in Resin

Photo courtesy of Liz Rosa Photography

Photo courtesy of Team Samara

Photo courtesy of Alex Staniloff

On the Cover 60

Dr. Joyce Brown

A Legend Who Has Reshaped the Fashion Institute of Technology

On the Table

Casa Bond 76

Foodie’s Guide to Tulum

Ishq 78

New Casual Fine-Dining Regional

Indian restaurant

Warm Up Winter 80

Wine Sauce Dishes and Pairings

Fashion Spotlight

Ravella 68

Debuts Luxury Italian Leather Goods Collection

Ouma 70

Presenting the Radiant Reveire Collection

Behind the Camera

Social Safari 84

Couture Culture A Fine Way to Steinway 86

Shopping Pretty in Pink 88

The Stephenson Global Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute 90 Creating Transformative New Programs in a Groundbreaking Search for a Cure to Pancreatic Cancer

Sonal Ambani 94

Launches “Happiness Series” Handbag Collection

Photo courtesy of Fashion Institute of Technology

photo courtesy of William Layton

Photo courtesy of Toma Design Group Inc..

Photo courtesy of Lauren Nemeroff

Concierge Medicine from Mount Sinai

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Most importantly, you gain access to the full resources of the Mount Sinai Health System, for all of your health care needs. This is the health care experience you have been looking for.

Learn more at mountsinaiconciergecare.org To inquire about membership, please call 561-328-7112.

EDITOR’S LETTER

Hello everyone!

Welcome to another issue of Mann About Town. This issue is packed with incredible content that you’re sure to appreciate, enjoy and find useful.

From the very beginning, you find “Three Amigos,” an event that brings attention to tackling the challenge of prostate cancer, with the comedy icons, Martin Short and Steve Martin, at the comedy forefront with their performances. Pancreatic cancer is not left behind, with the biggest donation of $150 million by entrepreneurs and philanthropists A. Emmet Stephenson Jr. and Tessa Stephenson Brand to the Stephenson Global Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute (SGPCRI), the institute creating transformative new programs in a groundbreaking search for a cure to pancreatic cancer.

You’ll also encounter actual holocaust survivors telling their personal anecdotes and leaving it behind with the launch of the new AI installation and web resource at the Museum of Jewish Heritage, as well as a riveting book from Michele Gerber Klein on your not so ordinary woman— Gala Dali. There are locations of travel and purchases that you don’t want to overlook such as the quaint lakeside village of Moltrasio and the pop-up Bal Harbour Shops—which is currently in Charleston—where you can make luxury purchases and enjoy fine dining. There is also a unique Italian culinary experience in Italy that is suited to your convenience. Speaking of food, there are some amazing restaurants such as Casa Bond with an enjoyable ambient flare with the food to match. You’ll read about the libretto written by Samuel Pisar, where his story is music

to your ears. And speaking of for your ears, the Soaak podcast with content such as the power of sound frequencies, mindset shifts and holistic wellness.

There’s a lot more to find in this issue and I hope you love it so much that you want to read more!

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

S VE THE D TE

FIDF WOMEN’S DIVISION

JUNE 5, 2025 11 AM NYC

Tackle the Challenge of Prostate Cancer at the PCF Palm Beach Gala Dinner 2025

The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) hosted their annual PCF Pro-Am Tennis Tournament in South Florida. The tournament was part of a three-day event that combined the 2025 Milken Institute South Florida Dialogues and annual PCF Pro-Am Tournament.

The Milken Institute South Florida Dialogues in Palm Beach took place over three days, which included the annual PCF Pro-Am Tennis Tournament and concluded with three days of events in Miami. The first night in Palm Beach saw a gala dinner at the home of Michele Kang, where there was a discussion of PCF’s efforts to accelerate new life-saving treatment options for prostate cancer patients, followed by a special performance by comedians Steve Martin and Martin Short.

Some notable attendees included: Mike Milken, Gina Carithers, Michele Kang, John Paulson, Howard Cox, Larry Leeds and Ginger Feuer Leeds, Kneeland Youngblood, Serena Williams, Tony Robbins, Dr. Mehmet Oz, Tommy Hilfiger, Dee Hilfiger,

Steve Wynn, Andrea Wynn, Charlie and Ann Johnson, Jeff Skoll, Steve and Lisa Tananbaum, Josh Friedman, Rob and Cindy Citrone, Jim Coleman, Dean and Marianne Metropoulos, and Joe and Michelle Jacobs.

Guests were invited to attend a variety of salons on topics similar to those covered at the global conference but in much smaller, more intimate landmark settings and stunning private homes.

Guests were able to attend more than 20 sessions, with over 120 interesting panelists. All proceeds from the PCF Pro-Am Tennis Tournament funded PCF’s promising and innovative research efforts for the prevention, detection and treatment of prostate cancer, and to help extend and improve the lives of all cancer patients.

• Young investigators: PCF has launched and supported the careers of many scientists whose work has led to 15 new FDA-approved treatments. Since the creation of the PCF, the organization has funded over $82 million to 410 young investigators in 16 countries and counting, and their work has led to four Nobel

Iconic comedians Steve Martin and Martin Short performed at the gala dinner, held at the Palm Beach home of Michele Kang

prizes in medicine.

• The cutting-edge of research: By focusing on immunotherapy, the microbiome and nutrition science, discoveries in PCF-funded research have been highly leveraged in diagnosing and treating more than 70 other cancers.

Following the gala on Friday night, the 2025 PCF Pro-Am Tennis Tournament took place on Saturday and Sunday afternoon at The Breakers. Players as well as spectators enjoyed some great matches. After a competitive day, this year’s winners included Pat Davidson with Johan Kriek (champion, group 1), Herbie Klotz with Mac Shyslinger (runnerup, group 1), Steve Tananbaum with Robert Kendrick (champion, group 2) and Joe Jacobs with Matija Pecotic (runner-up, group 2).

Photos courtesy of BFA/Diana Zapata

Discoveries in PCF-funded research have been highly leveraged in diagnosing and treating more than 70 other cancers.

Serena Williams

Tony Robbins

Tommy Hilfiger and Dee Hilfiger

Dr. Mehmet Oz and Lisa Oz

Event Invite

Photos courtesy of PMC/Bruinooge

Karen Floyd and Loretta Swit

Elysian, a luxury lifestyle brand, celebrated two major milestones at the National Arts Club, unveiling the Spring 2025 Pet and Philanthropy Issue and hosting an exclusive private screening of the upcoming documentary “CatWalk FurBaby 2.” The event drew women from across the globe, including actresses, elected officials, a special delegation from Ukraine and legendary founder of New York Fashion Week (NYFW), Fern Mallis.

The crowd was emblematic of the Elysian woman—global, accomplished, insatiably curious and resolute. And the event was the latest stop on Elysian’s perpetual world tour; the brand launched its last issue at the Vatican this past fall and hosted a panel of women leaders devoted to world peace.

More than 100 people attended the screening, witnessing the incredible story of a small team from South Carolina going against the odds to take NYFW by storm—from Main Street to Manhattan, not once but now two years in a row, pairing charities, fashion designers and models onto teams competing for cash prizes. CatWalk FurBaby has become a signature event of Elysian Impact, the brand’s philanthropic arm, and is fast on its way to becoming a staple at NYFW.

“Elysian Impact has five core areas— women, children, animals, service and the environment—each of which was represented at this milestone event by an incredible charity,” Elysian Founder and Publisher Karen Floyd said, “Our goal was to give the charities that participated in CatWalk FurBaby a tool to raise money in the respective communities.”

The cover of Elysian’s Spring 2025 Pet and Philanthropy Issue features television actress Loretta Swit, who starred in the hit series “MASH” from 1972 to 1983. Swit, who was on hand

for the festivities, was also one of the 21 models who graced the stage at the most recent CatWalk FurBaby. The latest issue of Elysian features stunning photos from the event, as well as in-depth interviews with inspiring women Kelly Nichols and Kimberly Word.

The venerated National Arts Club on New York’s Gramercy Park celebrated women’s accomplishments and gave them full membership privileges two decades before women had the right to vote. It was the perfect venue for a celebration of the lives and accomplishments of notable women here and abroad, not only in the arts, but in health, business and the environment.

Such a busy start to the new year is fitting for Elysian, as the brand will celebrate its 10-year anniversary in May, highlighting the accomplishments of the many women who have been featured in its pages and whose lives reflect the Elysian ethos of “Women Inspiring Women.”

At its core, Elysian connects women, which is an underlying theme at all of the brand’s events—it was true once again in New York, and it will be true in May at Elysian’s celebration in its hometown of Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Word, the founder of the new wellness venture Blissfully Living, also participated in the festivities at the National Arts Club. Blissfully Living, DRC Ventures and the Root Brands sponsored the event, highlighting their ongoing contributions to healthy and sustainable lifestyles.

Notable attendees included: Karen Floyd, Christina Rahm, Kimberly Word, Loretta Swit, South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, Clayton Thomas, John Word, NYFW-founder Fern Mallis, Maribel Lieberman, Lisa Blanco, Rachel Donohue, Devika Gopal Agge, Ashley Plasse and Lisa Taylor.

Lt. Governer of South Carolina Pamela Evette, Karen Floyd, Loretta Swit, Dr Christina Rahm, and Dr Kimberly Word

Karen Floyd and Dr Christina Rahm

Rachel Donohue and Lisa Blanco

Connie Sunday, John Word, Dr Kimberly Word and Lori Taylor

Charlii Sebunya Maribel Lieberman

Artist Firouz FarmanFarmaian Hosts Exhibition VIP Reception In New York City

Nomads of Persia

Multimedia Exhibition in New York City at Salomon Arts Gallery

Firouz FarmanFarmaian presented a string of new works storming Manhattan in a week-long multi-event in NYC, two years after his transcultural movement made its mark on the 59th Biennale di Venezia at the Kyrgyz Pavilion.

The week started with the band Forrm playing their U.S. and NYC debut, where FarmanFarmaian presented Forrm’s new album “Galactica.” The album is strongly influenced by ’60s and ’90s independent rock and tribal, performative, explorative psychedelia. A three-day pop-up, presented by Camilla FarmanFarmaian’s Juncture Gallery, showcased found and archival material through the process of “paintover,” which has been a hallmark of the artist’s work. On Dec. 12, the artist hosted an immersive performance at the Museum of Arts, an audio-visual, AI-generated experience powered by the mutltimedia design studio Interactive Items, which took viewers into the heart of the artist’s ongoing creative process in anticipation of his upcoming arthouse docu-film “Path.”

Salomon Arts Gallery hosted Firouz FarmanFarmaian for a month-long immersive exhibition and installation, “Nomads of Persia.” The show engaged with the endangered heritage of Persian tribal cultures, disrupting established narratives from a position of exile, in combination with the nomadic heritage of the artist’s fatherland. It presented in multi-format form through textile, print, paint, video, sound and AI-powered digital material.

Notable attendees included: Firouz FarmanFarmaian, Camilla FarmanFarmaian, Rodrigo Salomon, Gigi Salomon, Katharina Bosch, Maria Elena Paganini, Abigail Disney, Layla S. Diba, Sharleen Ravishankar and Peter Cap

“Contemporary art is finally revealing itself in nomadic form, mirroring the post-globalized cultural sphere where reconnections of craft and timeless tradition clash with contemporary transformative visions, cultural conjunctions, overlapping borders and the fusion of identities–powerfully interconnecting and creating the base for a planetary journey.”

- Firouz FarmanFarmaian

Photos courtesy of PMC/Sean Zanni

Khorjin Panel Three (limited edition), Nomads of Persia Panel II, Nomads

Khorjin Panel Two (limited edition) by Firouz FarmanFarmaian

Gigi Salomon, Rodrigo Salomon

John Mazlish, Tony Perrottet, Katharina Bosch

Detlef Vormschlag, Maria Elena Paganini

Camila FarmanFarmaian

Abigail Disney

Firouz FarmanFarmaian

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Photos courtesy of Lauren Nemeroff

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UNOde50 Celebrates the Start of NYFW with an Intimate Cocktail Event

Spanish jewelry brand UNOde50 celebrated the start of New York Fashion Week (NYFW) with an intimate cocktail event in its flagship NYC location—their Soho Art Gallery. Influencers, editors and brand friendlies joined the UNOde50 team to view their new SS25 collections. Guests enjoyed the night with DJ sets, drinks and light bites, all while viewing the flagship’s gallery space and new demi-fine jewelry. UNOde50 is a Madrid-based brand that champions itself on authenticity, naturalness and freedom. The brand’s newest collection, showcased in genderless campaign images, encourages its wearers to be expressive, fully present and fearless.

The brand’s newest Spring collection—featuring structural metals, large gemstones, and mixes of silver and gold—were on display for attendees to try on.

Allegory of the Art

Artist: KOZO – Courtesy of DTR MODERN GALLERY

Comfortably Fit

Photo courtesy of Feetures

Feetures, America’s No. 1 Running Sock Brand, Steps Into Apparel With Performance Tees

Feetures, America’s No. 1 running sock brand, is bringing its signature innovation and quality to apparel with the debut of its new performance tee line. Designed with decades of performance expertise, the Stride Flex Performance Tee is built to be your goto tee. It’s tailored to move with you, helping you go the distance without getting in your way.

Featuring ultra-soft moisture-wicking fibers, breathable mesh and anti-odor properties, this tee is engineered to be your go-to so you can take on the day in confidence. The Feetures Stride Flex Performance Tees are versatile for both physical activity and everyday wear, with superior fit and feel, and high-quality fabric. Available in men’s and women’s styles and a variety of colors, the tees are so lightweight and comfortable, you may need to doublecheck you are wearing the shirt!

As a family-owned business, Feetures believes people are meant to move and creates products to help them perform their best. The Stride Flex Performance Tee is the next step in that mission, delivering unbeatable comfort and quality for athletes of all types.

“We’ve been adjacent to the performance apparel category for decades now and have built a brand based on quality and design principles that uniquely position us to be disruptive in the space,” said Joe Gaither, chief marketing officer of Feetures. “This is a big moment: the launch of our first non-sock product. We hope to gain more space not only in the wardrobe but in the hearts and minds of our consumers. We’ve designed a product that we’re certain will fit the modern need for versatility, performance and style. The feedback so far has been the same kind of love we get about our socks.”

“We wanted to deliver the same unmatched fit and feel our customers have come to love in Feetures performance socks,” said Song Nguyen, Feetures’ VP of product design. “We’re delighted to bring this to life with the Stride Flex Performance Tee, which includes all the foundational features, like minimal seams and our uncompromising approach to fit, ensuring the comfort and performance people expect from Feetures. We can’t wait for our customers to experience it and feel the difference.”

Stinaa.J Brings Orthopedic Innovation to the U.S. Market in the Form of Fashionable Luxury Footwear

Stinaa.J, the pioneering Swedish orthopedic footwear brand, announced its U.S. debut late last year with the launch of its Fall collection on bloomingdales.com and nordstrom.com. Redefining the intersection of science, design and whole-body health, Stinaa.J offers a groundbreaking solution to the age-old compromise between comfort and style.

Stinaa.J was founded by Stina Andersson, who recognized the need for a change in the footwear industry after struggling to walk home in heels from a dinner out with her husband. Determined to challenge and redefine an entire industry, Andersson contacted Peter Hedström, a renowned orthopedic technician with over four decades of experience treating top athletes with injuries to the feet, knees, hips and back. Together, they have shaped the fundamental principles of Stinaa.J, creating a brand that stands out for its innovative approach to footwear.

Patented Science: Technology Backed by Millions of Data Points

Stinaa.J’s orthopedically engineered footwear stands out for its proprietary 3D-scanned insole technology, developed using data from over 3 million scanned feet. Each shoe incorporates materials designed for maximum cushioning, stability and relief, supporting the body from the ground up. The insoles are designed to do the following: Restore natural foot function: Supporting the arch to reduce strain and encourage alignment

Minimize rotational forces: Reducing uneven pressure on the feet, knees, hips and lower back

Ensure long-lasting comfort: Leveraging materials with the world’s highest cushioning performance for all-day wear Stinaa.J’s proprietary materials were originally developed by the space industry, ensuring the highest standards of performance and durability.

“Stinaa.J is more than a shoe, it’s a wellness solution,” said Andersson. “We’ve taken orthopedic principles and elevated them with Scandinavian design, crafting footwear that feels as good as it looks.”

Luxury Meets Wellness

Breaking the stigma around orthopedic footwear, Stinaa.J seamlessly blends its patented technology with sophisticated Scandinavian aesthetics, offering a sleek, minimalist design crafted from premium, sustainable materials. Each pair is designed for modern, health-conscious individuals who refuse to compromise on style or wellness.

A Transformational Approach to Foot Health

Stinaa.J is reshaping the conversation around foot health. By addressing how improper footwear contributes to pain throughout the body, the brand inspires consumers to prioritize their well-being without sacrificing fashion. “Our goal is to empower people to feel confident and pain-free,” said Hedström, CEO and chief orthopedic technician. With its entry into the U.S. market, Stinaa.J is introducing its revolutionary orthopedic footwear to an even wider audience. This launch represents a milestone for a brand committed to transforming the way people think about footwear, health and luxury.

1. Otra: Zoya Glasses in Transparent Maple | $65 | otraeyewear.com

2. Agolde: Ren Jean in Disclosure | $238 | agolde.com

3. Lioness: Rendezvous Long Sleeve Top in Onyx | $59 | lionessfashion.com

4. Urban Outfitters: Glynit Brooke Shoulder Bag in Black | $140 | urbanoutfitters.com

5. Madewell: Mini Skirt in Striped Tweed | $98 |madewell.com

6. Violette_FR: Bisou Balm Sheer Matte Lipstick in Bêtise (neutral berry) | $29 | sephora.com

Photo courtesy of Stinaa.J

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Magma Monthly Getaway

For 12 years, Magma Global, an independently owned and globally recognized luxury travel agency, has been dedicated to crafting unforgettable experiences with highly personalized service and unparalleled access to unique destinations. In every issue, we take you to some of our favorite places and share what makes them so special. As an independent company, we are here for you 24/7 via phone or email.

Located in the quaint lakeside village of Moltrasio, just 15 minutes from Como town, Passalacqua—a private home since 1787—has been transformed into a once-in-a-century hotel. Named Best Hotel of the Year, Passalacqua offers an unparalleled blend of luxury, history and natural beauty. Each of the 24 unique accommodations, housed either in the Grand Villa, Palazz or Casa al Lago, embodies the enviable lakeside lifestyle that has made Lake Como so beloved through the ages.

The mansion boasts seven acres of lush gardens across eight scenic terraces leading down to the lake shore. Nestled among the gardens, burbling fountains and centuries-old trees, guests can enjoy a

The mansion boasts seven acres of lush gardens across eight scenic terraces leading down to the lake shore.

panoramic swimming pool, an open-air gym in the olive grove, a lakeside tennis court, movie nights under the stars and much more.

The unique approach to dining invites guests to enjoy Italian delicacies when, where and just the way they like—a variety of relaxed dining spaces indoors and out for a farm-to-table exclusive experience. At Passalacqua, it’s all about reviving the lost art of travel known as “villeggiatura” and making new memories.

Email ellie@magmagt.com to plan your next getaway!

www.magmaglobaltravel.com @MagmaGlobal @MagmaGlobal assistance@magmagt.com

Photos courtesy of Passalacqua

3 Reasons We Love It

Timeless Elegance

With its history dating back to 1787, Passalacqua perfectly blends historic charm with modern luxury. Every detail—from antique furnishings, hidden TVs in each suite, perfected landscaping, to the handcrafted décor—tells a story, making it feel more like a home than a hotel.

Tailored Experiences

Passalacqua’s commitment to personalized service is unmatched. From custom wellness treatments to private dining experiences, every moment feels crafted just for you.

Exclusive Lake Access

Few properties on Lake Como have private lakefront access like Passalacqua. Whether it’s for a refreshing swim or setting off on a boat tour, the waterfront location is truly special.

3 Things To Do While There

Daily Activities

From stargazing movie nights and lakeside tennis to a serene open-air gym in the olive grove, Passalacqua offers an incredible range of activities, all set against the magical backdrop of Lake Como.

Experience World-Famous Spa

Indulge in Passalacqua’s lakeside wellness rituals, where treatments inspired by the serenity of Lake Como restore mind, body and soul. Opt for open-air massages amid the olive groves or personalized spa experiences tailored to your needs, all set in the estate’s lush, tranquil gardens.

3 Magma Insider Tips

Traverse the Lake

Whether you decide to tour the lake’s historic towns and gardens, enjoy an enticing chefprepared “chic-nic” or a romantic Champagne cruise, check out the property’s private vintage fleet of boats.

Room Recommendations

For the ultimate luxury, book a suite in the Villa with breathtaking lake views; for historic charm combined with modern comfort, the rooms in the Palazz are perfect; or, for a more intimate lakeside escape, the rooms in Casa al Lago are for you!

Rise Early for a Stunning Breakfast

Don’t miss the chance to enjoy the daily breakfast served on beautiful Italian plates—wake up early to experience a perfect start to your day surrounded by breathtaking views.

Explore the Terraced Gardens

Wander through Passalacqua’s breathtaking gardens, featuring eight terraced levels cascading down to the lake. Enjoy the olive groves, fountains and hidden seating areas for moments of peace and reflection.

INTRODUCING CESARINE: Italy’s Best–Kept Culinary Secret

The game–changing food experiences that bring you into Italian homes

Foodies and curious travelers looking to go beyond tourist hotspots can now discover Italy in the most authentic way possible: by stepping into the homes of passionate local cooks with Cesarine, Italy’s oldest and most widespread network of home chefs.

With thousands of hosts across the country, from world-famous art cities to hidden villages, Cesarine is a revolutionary platform that offers immersive food and wine experiences—an innovative and sustainable way to explore Italy’s rich regional cultures. Travelers can choose from three types of immersive experiences: hands-on cooking classes, where they learn to prepare traditional dishes under the guidance of a home cook; dining experiences, which allow guests to savor home-cooked meals in an authentic Italian setting; and food and market tours, where travelers explore local markets with their host, discovering regional ingredients before enjoying a meal together.

As a Slow Food community and part of the sharing economy, the platform empowers nonprofessional chefs to turn their passion into an income source while preserving Italy’s culinary traditions. By supporting local hosts, travelers directly contribute to the economic vitality of small communities. Moreover, meals at Cesarine homes reflect the natural, resource-conscious habits of Italian home cooking—where nothing goes to waste and every ingredient is used thoughtfully. Whether making fresh pasta in a Tuscan farmhouse, enjoying a seafood feast in one of the Amalfi Coast villages or tasting local wines in a

Discover Italy’s oldest network of home cooks and experience an authentic, sustainable and immersive way to travel through food.

historic South Tyrolean home, every experience is personal, memorable and deeply rooted in tradition. From bustling metropolises like Rome, Venice and Milan to undiscovered gems such as Matera, Perugia and the borghi of Sicily and Sardinia, Cesarine spans all of Italy. Cesarine offers an unparalleled way to travel through food.

For food lovers, it’s an opportunity to travel from one Cesarina to another across all Italian regions, exploring ever-changing flavors and traditions while experiencing the true essence of Italian cuisine.

For adventurers seeking unique cultural encounters, it’s a chance to venture off the beaten path and uncover the hidden culinary treasures of Italy’s lesser-known areas. Whether visiting iconic landmarks or remote villages, travelers can find a home-cooked experience tailored to their destination. The platform makes it easy to book personalized experiences, whether for solo travelers, couples or groups looking to share a unique food experience with locals. Unlike conventional food tours, Cesarine provides one-on-one interactions with locals who open their homes to share their culinary heritage. Guests learn not only how to prepare traditional dishes but also the personal stories and regional histories behind them. This intimate approach transforms every meal into a cultural deep dive, enriching the travel experience in ways that typical dining can’t.

Photos courtesy of Cesarine

Photos courtesy of Bal Harbour Shops

BAL HARBOUR SHOPS BRINGS

FIRST-EVER TRAVELING LUXURY RETAIL EXPERIENCE TO CHARLESTON IN FEBRUARY

Enviable style and new immersive retail concept arrivesd in the Holy City early February and for eight weeks only

The Bal Harbour Shops Access Pop-up store, the first-ever traveling luxury retail event, made its next stop to Charleston in early February— its sixth location to date. The favorite celebrity destination in the northernmost tip of Miami Beach has set up shop at the Ferry Wharf in Mt. Pleasant near Patriots Point, bringing with it 11 luxury retailers and a dining experience for a limited time to the waterfront property at 101 Ferry Wharf Road, Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina.

The Bal Harbour Shops Access Pop-up comes at a time when Charleston’s shopping booms, with several national retailers opening shops in town.

The arrival of Bal Harbour Shops Access Popup is set to elevate the city’s status even further, bringing an unparalleled, immersive retail experience designed to captivate and engage both visitors and residents. Renowned luxury brands including Tiffany & Co., Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Balmain, Assouline, Etro, Cremieux, Golden Goose and Lanvin are showcasing curated selections of the world’s finest fashion and lifestyle products.

Designed from modular shipping containers and transformed into a lush, tropical oasis, the pop-up embodies the signature aesthetic of Bal Harbour Shops, transporting guests into a Zen gardenlike environment, complete with palm trees, koi ponds, fountains and lush greenery, all set to a curated soundtrack that enhances the ambiance. The pop-up includes covered walkways with cooling fans, a retractable canopy and The Whitman Restaurant, an exquisite dining venue that seats 150 guests, offering a full bar and lounge. “Charleston’s growing luxury retail scene excites us, and we’re thrilled to bring this unique experience to the Lowcountry,” said Matthew Whitman Lazenby, president and chief executive officer of Whitman Family

Development. “With this roving pop-up, we introduce a new and innovative solution at the crossroads of high-touch personal service and high-tech logistics to deliver on our mission and impact and impress our guests with our distinctive level of excellence.”

The Charleston residency started with a week of grand opening celebrations that began on Friday, Feb. 7 and culminated in a grand opening party on Thursday, Feb. 13, bringing a taste of Miami’s vibrant culture to this luxury enclave. Bal Harbour Shops’ signature luxury is set to add to the distinctive charm of Charleston. Look for updates throughout the residency of the tour, which will run daily from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. until April 4, 2025.

The Bal Harbour Shops Access Pop-up was created by LOT-EK and spans 17,000 square feet. The selected luxury brands have custombuilt, well-lit, air-conditioned modern spaces, either small, medium or large, executed in crisp white with glass fronts. Spaces are fully fitted with furniture, panels, shelving and vitrines to highlight merchandise. Boutique sizes range from 250 square feet to 640 square feet or more. Previous stops for the Bal Harbour Shops Access Pop-up tour have included Raleigh, North Carolina; Sarasota, Florida; Walton County, Florida; Greenville, South Carolina and West Palm Beach, Florida, and have proven to be extremely successful.

For more information and to stay up to date on the latest events and happenings, follow Bal Harbour Shops Pop-up on Instagram and Facebook. Visit balharbourshops.com.

A ‘Last Chance’ Estate Rises in South Florida’s Most Exclusive Community

The

34,000-square-foot,

one-of-a-kind family compound comes with his-and-hers everything

One of the last opportunities to purchase new construction on a grand scale in South Florida’s most exclusive enclave is now officially breaking ground. A one-of-a-kind estate, 16745 Stratford Court is nestled within the only gated portion of the coveted Southwest Ranches, a community that’s become synonymous with star power, world-class real estate and equestrianism.

This 34,313-square-foot, 10-bedroom, 11-bathroom designer home will be located on one of the last privately-held lots available in the Ranches. “Southwest Ranches is the Hamptons of South Florida,” says Tommy Crivello, the property’s exclusive broker, noting its convenient location just 30 minutes from the Miami and Fort Lauderdale airports. “Like the Hamptons, it’s an area full of spectacular homes within little neighborhoods. This home is in the Landmark Ranch Estates, a very exclusive gated community.” And just like the Hamptons, the area comes with high-profile neighbors: Gisele Bündchen, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Reggie Wayne,

Rick Ross and Gucci Mane are just a few of the celebrities who have been attracted to the Southwest Ranches’ privacy, security and vast acreage. It’s a neighborhood where 20,000-plus-square-foot homes are becoming the norm, and Crivello says that to raise the standard, the developer, RCR Homes, had to come up with something unparalleled. “Discover the next level of luxury with RCR Homes LLC, in Southwest Ranches’ most exclusive gated community. Where every custom detail is crafted to perfection, creating an experience like no other,” says Richie Burns Sr. The left wing is an envious 2,359-square-foot, two-story man cave offering a garage with 17-foothigh ceilings (room for three-high car lifts), that can easily display and house more than 25 cars. The amenities don’t stop there, with a hair salon, massage room, steam room and exercise studio situated just above. That’s not the only place where the new owners won’t be asked to share. The master suite includes expansive his-and-hers walk-in closets.

Photos courtesy of Toma Design Group Inc.

The kids won’t be left out either with their own four-bedroom wing that includes a study, a TV room, a laundry and a safe room. But the opportunities to come together are just as abundant. The property features a custom home theater with a 120-inch screen, a family lounge, a formal dining room, a 1,200-bottle wine cellar and a sprawling outdoor space built like a private resort, with a large swimming pool and cabana plus a full summer kitchen. To help facilitate the fun, there’s a two-bedroom staff quarters—as well as an additional two-bedroom, two-bathroom guest house. “This house is not for everybody,” says Crivello, who has been one of the Southwest Ranches’ top agents for 15 years running with over $325 million in sales. “It’s for the person who appreciates quality.” He points to the costly materials and luxury appliances (Gaggenau-400-series-everything) found throughout and the thoughtful architecture by Toma Design Group—known for creating many of Miami’s best residences. “We asked ourselves, ‘What does a sophisticated person who is used to the best of everything want?’ And that’s how we created this floor plan. It’s a house designed to have every component, every amenity that you can think of. It checks all of the boxes.”

“Discover the next level of luxury with RCR Homes LLC, in Southwest Ranches’ most exclusive gated community. Where every custom detail is crafted to perfection, creating an experience like no other.”

— Richie Burns Sr.

TENEMENT MUSEUM

S

STANLEY AND SON FINE JEWELERS

Glow FOR THE GOLD

The latest luxury skincare products building buzz in beauty circles are worth their weight in gold—24K gold to be precise. Offering more than just an opulent glow, 24K gold-infused products serve up the perfect cocktail of cutting-edge, high-performing results and a luxurious skincare experience.

To talk about the skincare perks of this precious metal, we turned to skincare guru Peter Thomas Roth. An influential segment leader in the beauty industry, Peter is known for creating clinically stronger

What are the skin benefits of 24K gold?

There’s a reason 24K gold is a precious metal. It’s not only a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory but also an antiaging powerhouse! Known from the time of Cleopatra, the famous Egyptian queen, this potent ingredient helps give you visibly firmer, brighter-looking skin. Cleopatra herself is rumored to have used gold face masks to help preserve her youthful-looking complexion! If you want to look and feel like a queen, I recommend using my 24K Gold Mask Pure Luxury Lift & Firm. It leaves your skin with a gorgeous, opulent glow… brilliant!

formulas and leads all research and development efforts at his state-of-the art lab and manufacturing facility. Innovations from Roth’s lab that have, quite literally, struck gold are his 24K Gold Mask and Hydra-Gel Eye Patches. Here, Roth talks about the skin benefits of 24K gold, what’s behind the recent skincare gold rush, and why his 24K gold products are customer and celebrity favorites.

What’s behind the centurieslater comeback of 24K gold?

The recent trend toward quiet luxury that has been sweeping the beauty world and, most famously on TikTok, has certainly contributed to renewed excitement about 24K gold skincare. These indulgent products embody accessible skincare that’s both effective and luxurious.

Why are your 24K Gold Mask and Hydra-Gel Patches unique?

My 24K Gold Mask Pure Luxury Lift & Firm and 24K Gold Pure Luxury Lift & Firm Hydra-Gel Eye Patches are unique and exquisite because they are formulated with high-quality 24K gold. When formulating my skincare, I always use the most effective ingredients at the maximum strength possible, so it was important to me that my mask and eye patches have only the highest quality gold.

Your 24K Gold Pure Luxury Lift & Firm Hydra-Gel Eye Patches have become a viral sensation. Why do you think that is?

I launched my 24K Gold Pure Luxury Lift & Firm Hydra-Gel Eye Patches over eight years ago, before TikTok even existed! Back then, hydrogel patch technology in the United States wasn’t really a thing yet, but my 24K Gold Hydra-Gel Eye Patches helped change all that. They quickly became a customer favorite, and everyone loved them! The Hydra-Gel material creates a microclimate that helps draw moisture to the skin and optimize absorption of the 24K gold. The results were unbelievable then, and they’re still unbelievable today! My 24K Gold Hydra-Gel Eye Patches are also fun to wear. So many celebrities and influencers have shared photos of themselves wearing my patches on TikTok and Instagram!

Besides 24K gold, what other ingredients can we find in your 24K Gold Mask and Hydra-Gel Eye Patches?

Both my 24K gold products have hydrating hyaluronic acid and energizing caffeine, which helps enhance the firming benefits of 24K gold. My 24K Gold Mask Pure Luxury Lift & Firm also has peridot, a magnesium-rich gemstone that revitalizes the look of skin and helps reduce the signs of aging. The other key ingredients in my 24K Gold Pure Luxury Lift & Firm HydraGel Eye Patches are fabulous too—for example, there’s line-smoothing hydrolyzed collagen and seaweed extract.

When should someone use your 24K Gold Mask and Hydra-Gel Eye Patches?

You can wear these products whenever you want to firm and reinvigorate the look of your skin! My 24K Gold Hydra-Gel Eye Patches are fabulous first thing in the morning or as a pampering midday pickme-up. They’re also great on the go! Beauty editors have told me they swear by them as their must-have travel eye treatment for soothing and hydrating the look of undereyes during long flights. And cool tip— keeping them in the fridge between uses makes for an even more refreshing and cooling treatment. As for my 24K Gold Mask, any time is the perfect time! Just apply to cleansed skin, leave on for 5-10 minutes and rinse. You’re going to look gorgeous!

Photos courtesy of Peter Thomas Roth

SOAAK TECHNOLOGIES LAUNCHES “THE SOAAK PODCAST”

Soaak Technologies Inc., a health-tech company renowned for its clinically proven sound frequency composition therapies, launched a new podcast, “The Soaak Podcast.” This new venture disrupts the health and wellness field by diving into holistic health methodologies and biohacking, welcoming industry experts to explore a wide variety of holistic-based wellness hacks.

Photos courtesy of Soaak Technologies

The first episode, released on Feb. 18, 2025, kicked off a series available via the Soaak Technologies YouTube channel. Recurring segments include

“The Frequency Effect,” hosted by Co-founders and President of Soaak Clinics, Henry Penix and Laura Widney, diving into the power of sound frequencies, mindset shifts and holistic wellness hacks to optimize every area of your life.

“Sound Living with Madi,” hosted by Cofounder and Chief Marketing Officer, Madison Fournier, will explore topics like overcoming wellness fatigue, the power of habit stacking and incorporating microhabits into daily life.

“The Science of Sound,” hosted by Co-founder and President of Soaak Digital, Aaron Fournier, will delve into the science behind sound frequencies, their ability to reduce stress and their impact on overall well-being. Additionally, the podcast will feature notable doctors, naturopaths and thought leaders within the health and wellness space, providing deep dives into explorative topics, health and wellness news, and hot-topic issues. Penix shared his vision: “With ‘The Soaak Podcast,’ we’re stepping beyond conventional wellness and diving into cutting-edge health tech conversations. Challenging the status quo, exploring groundbreaking health hacks and bringing our audience expert-backed knowledge that can transform their lives. Our goal is to make this podcast a trusted source for those seeking to expand their understanding of holistic health and wellness by providing simple steps to biooptimization as we offer in our clinic and on our mobile app. We want to reach as many people as possible to empower individuals to take control of their health in ways they never imagined. Your frequency is what you think about most frequently.”

The debut episode featured an engaging conversation with Michael Bernard Beckwith, renowned author, spiritual leader and founder of the Agape International Spiritual Center, along with Penix and Widney. Beckwith, who has previously collaborated with Soaak, expressed his excitement to deepen their relationship and global exposure. Together, they discussed his background, transformative journey from

“We want to reach as many people as possible to empower individuals to take control of their health in ways they never imagined. Your frequency is what you think about most frequently.”

– Henry Penix, CEO and executive chairman

childhood and the significant role of sound frequency and holistic wellness in fostering well-being, mind, body and spirit. “When an individual has an insight or when they pray and meditate, their frequency is actually being lifted. Their vibration is becoming higher. I always say that frequency is your currency,” stated Beckwith within the first episode of “The Frequency Effect.” He added, “That’s what you are circulating in the universe—your frequency, and then the universal law matches it. Love is the highest frequency, it’s the highest vibration.”

The Soaak app is a proponent of its success as one of the fastest-growing wellness apps, with over a 258% increase in year-over-year growth over the past three years. In November 2024 alone, the app saw over 7,000 new subscribers. Soaak has users worldwide in over 156 countries, with 31 million minutes of digital services delivered.

The podcast comes on the heels of a strong year for the company, where it was awarded two contracts by AFWERX and a grant from the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) under its Industry Innovation Program. Soaak Technologies has garnered numerous awards and accolades for its groundbreaking approach to wellness technology with Airforce contracts, Oklahoma’s Most Promising New Venture award and a successful capital raise.

The full list of potential guests for “The Soaak Podcast” is still under lock and key; however, the next guest on the podcast was Zik, known to his 4.5 million Youtube subscribers as Zias! The popular YouTuber has gained recognition for his often humorous reaction videos to various aspects of pop culture, especially regarding rap and hiphop, but he is also exceptionally dedicated to a strict health, fitness and weight-lifting regimen, resulting in a worthy fitness community following. Previously collaborating with Soaak’s app to produce the “Mindset for Muscle 21 Day Program,” the YouTube phenom has been a vocal supporter of Soaak’s sound frequencies and does not work out without them.

Odyssey An of Hope

“A Dialogue with God,” the libretto written by Samuel Pisar for Leonard Bernstein’s “Kaddish” Symphony, tells a riveting story of resilience through a tempestuous exchange with the Almighty. Its message, conveyed by a survivor of Auschwitz, Dachau and Majdanek, is to caution mankind about future catastrophes that may still lie ahead.

Bernstein’s Third Symphony premiered in 1963 with the composer’s own text, dedicated to the memory of John F. Kennedy shortly after his assassination. Decades later, Bernstein asked his friend Pisar to give it an alternative text:

“You have endured in body and soul the most tragic chapter of our history,” Bernstein said to Pisar. “You must write a new narrative rooted in your suffering and resurrection.”

Pisar demurred, insisting that his poetic abilities were unworthy of Bernstein’s music. A decade after Bernstein’s death, Pisar came around. He sensed that the memory of the Holocaust was fading along with its last survivors. But it was ultimately the shock of 9/11 that prompted him to take on this daring project.

The opening stanza sets the scene: In our age of anxiety, Marked by a century of hot and cold wars, Which began with carnage and ended with terror, The composer wanted my living testimony, Drawn from history’s greatest man-made catastrophe, And the miracle of survival and rebirth, To resonate in Your kingdom with his celestial music.

Pisar premiered “A Dialogue with God” in 2003 with the Chicago Symphony. He performed it close to 30 times with great world orchestras. Since his death in 2015, his wife, Judith, and youngest daughter, Leah, have continued performing it at major venues worldwide.

“If the ‘Kaddish’ Symphony is now imbued with new life, broader scope and greater relevance, it is not only due to my humble lyrics but also to the powerful winds of upheaval that are sweeping our world again,” said Samuel Pisar.

His text anticipated the uncertain state of the world today. What is striking is that he wrote it more than 20 years ago.

A Melded Transatlantic Family

Born in Poland, Pisar survived Nazi death camps and was liberated from Dachau at age 16 by the United States Army. He made his way to live with relatives in Australia, where he earned a law degree at the University of Melbourne and went on to study at Harvard and the Sorbonne. He started his career at the United Nations (UN) and served on President Kennedy’s economic and foreign policy task force, before becoming a renowned international lawyer, author and human rights activist. His 1980 memoir, “Of Blood and Hope,” was an international best-seller. Judith, whom he married in 1971, is a distinguished figure in the cultural world, serving in leadership roles at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the Merce Cunningham Dance Company and the American Center

Photo courtesy of Fadi Kheir for Carnegie Hall

of Paris. In the 1960s, she founded a speakers’ bureau for avant-garde composers. She was named UNESCO’s special envoy for cultural diplomacy in 2017. A commander of the French Legion of Honor, she recently established a prize with Julliard and the Théâtre des ChampsElysées in Paris to recognize emerging contemporary composers.

Together, Judith and Samuel raised four children, who all share a passionate commitment to memory, teaching and civic duty. To them, this loving melded family has been the greatest of accomplishments. In the finale of the “Kaddish,” Pisar spoke of his “new and happy family: A wife, children and grandchildren whose sparkling faces, sterling characters and brilliant minds resurrect every day the memory of those I have lost.”

Their daughter Leah was born and raised in Paris. Educated at Harvard and with a Ph.D. from the University of Paris, she served in the Clinton administration on the National Security Council staff and at the Department of State. Today, she chairs the Aladdin Project, which works to combat anti-semitism and all forms of bigotry through education and intercultural dialogue.

Judith’s son from her previous marriage, Antony Blinken, served as secretary of state during the Biden administration. Blinken has often cited his stepfather Samuel Pisar’s role in shaping his view of the world and underscoring the importance of America’s status as a beacon of freedom.

Samuel Pisar’s daughters from his first marriage are also intensely devoted to their father’s memory. Alexandra, a documentary filmmaker, is working on a movie about her father. Helaina, who teaches and translates between French and English, is also deeply committed to dialogue among humans.

Carnegie Hall

On Jan. 29, Carnegie Hall presented a special performance of the Symphony in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, with James Conlon conducting the Orchestra of St. Luke’s. As he had done on prior occasions, Blinken introduced his mother and sister, and his stepfather’s text. Judith and Leah delivered powerful performances, their very distinct voices melding in a plea for vigilance and human coexistence before an emotional and packed hall. Even though they have performed this work more than a dozen times throughout the world, Carnegie Hall was like nothing else, said Judith and Leah via Zoom from the family’s home in Paris.

“My husband always considered that Carnegie Hall would be the pinnacle,” said Judith. “It was also very personal for me because I grew up in that hall; I was sneaking into rehearsals from the time I was 15.” The fact that it commemorated the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, at such a newly tumultuous moment, made it even more emotional. It was an intense experience for Leah, who said, “What was going through my mind on stage was when my grandmother walked into that Auschwitz gas chamber, could she have imagined that her son would survive? That his words would one day be performed at Carnegie Hall?”

Transmitting Samuel’s Message

Leah went through her own set of challenges, losing her husband to cancer when she was pregnant, and her father a year later. This caused her to reevaluate her priorities, and she decided to devote herself to transmitting her father’s message but in her own voice. “The real challenge is how to transmit, how to teach this somber chapter now that nearly all the survivors are gone. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the world is spiraling as most firsthand witnesses have disappeared.”

Humanity has a short memory, she added, and educational systems struggle with teaching the Holocaust because it’s so ugly. She finds music to be a different way to reach people in an emotional space where they can receive it. “I think it touches the audience because the daughter and wife are narrating,” Judith agreed. “It’s often hard for us to control ourselves without crying on stage because it conjures up so many memories.”

Despite everything he endured, Samuel Pisar remained an optimist. “For him, survival wasn’t just physical, you had to really live,” Leah said. “He raised us with joy and humor. Living life to the fullest was true survival.”

“I think that’s what Bernstein saw in him. It wasn’t only the fact that he survived, but he was such a complete human being,” said Judith. “And both men cared more than anything about their children, about transmission and education. The love they each had for their families was the most powerful of forces.”

Samuel Pisar decorated with Grand Officier de la Légion d’Honneur

Photo courtesy of Jean-Luce Hure

Judith and Leah Pisar with Anthony Blinken

Photo courtesy of Leah Pisar

Developed in partnership with USC Shoah Foundation and USC Libraries, “Survivor Stories: An Interactive Dialog” leverages AI technology to enable conversation with real Holocaust survivors

— Installation launched at museum as more than 200 survivors came together to watch the international simulcast of the ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz; event organized in partnership with Selfhelp Community Services —

New York’s Museum of Jewish Heritage—A Living Memorial to the Holocaust launched a new video installation and web resource titled “Survivor Stories: An Interactive Dialog,” conceived of and produced in partnership with the University of Southern California, (USC) Shoah Foundation and USC Libraries. It leverages non-generative AI technology, devoid of manipulation, to immerse museum visitors and online users in conversation with 10 real Holocaust survivors.

The participating survivors live in the New York metro area and are members of the museum’s Speakers Bureau. All of them, children at the time of the Holocaust, are now nonagenarians, ranging in age from 90 to an impressive 98 years old. They belong to the very last generation of Holocaust survivors, which is rapidly diminishing.

Museum of Jewish Heritage Launches New AI Installation and Web Resource on International Holocaust Remembrance Day

The 10 survivors were filmed at the museum last summer, where they answered an extensive list of interview questions developed by the partnering institutions and informed by the questions most frequently posed by students and teachers when meeting with survivors and Holocaust educators. These recorded interviews form the basis of the new high-tech experience, which enables museum visitors and website users to ask questions and receive corresponding video answers from the survivors.

Inspired by the USC Shoah Foundation’s original “Dimensions in Testimony” and building on the interactive experience, “Survivor Stories: An Interactive Dialog” fuses artificial intelligence (or AI) with oral history, facilitating an immersive experience of conversation. Crucially, it does not make use of generative AI. The technology does not interpret, imagine, manipulate or generate new or composite responses. Rather, in response to natural language with speechto-text input, the AI matches and plays back a previously recorded video answer from a real survivor (or multiple survivors), unedited, to each question visitors ask.

Different from “Dimensions in Testimony,” the new “Survivor Stories: An Interactive Dialog” shifts from a focus on one individual’s testimony to a new, collective storytelling effort. Museum and website visitors can engage with the group of survivors to experience the breadth and diversity of survivors’ experiences—learning more about the vast scope of the Holocaust’s impact from

the poignancy of firsthand accounts.

Visitors to the museum can engage with the installation’s large, interactive screens on-site. In addition, classroom teachers and students, researchers and others outside of New York are able to experience “Survivor Stories: An Interactive Dialog” remotely via the interactive website.

“We are thrilled to partner with the visionary teams at USC Libraries and the USC Shoah Foundation to innovate new ways to educate generations to come about Jewish life before, during and after the Holocaust,” said Jack Kliger, president and CEO of the Museum of Jewish Heritage. “Survivors have been the museum’s North Star since its founding, and we are determined to preserve their testimonies well into the future, along with the lessons they impart.”

“Our Speakers Bureau has played an essential role in the museum’s mission to educate students about the Holocaust. Meeting a survivor and hearing from that person a firsthand account of lived experience has a profound impact on young people. It helps develop their sense of empathy and a deeper level of knowing like no history book can,” said Paul Radensky, PhD, senior director for education at the Museum of Jewish Heritage.

“In our 10 years of experience with interactive biographies, we have seen users absorb history while engaging in meaningful conversations with survivors,” said Catherine Clark, PhD, senior director of programs at the USC Shoah Foundation. “This innovative partnership with the Museum of Jewish

Heritage will keep these connections alive now and into the future.”

“It is especially meaningful for the USC Libraries and the USC Shoah Foundation to collaborate with the Museum of Jewish Heritage on such a thoughtful approach to collective storytelling,” said Sam Gustman, associate dean of technology at the USC Libraries and chief technology officer and senior director of collections at the USC Shoah Foundation. “The exhibit preserves the singular voices of our last generation of survivors in a way that sets each of them apart while conveying the enormity of their shared experiences.”

Museum Board Chair Bruce Ratner and New York City Councilmember Julie Menin, a member of the council’s Jewish Caucus, launched the initiative at the museum on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, as more than 200 survivors gathered at the museum to witness the international simulcast of the ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.

“On this Holocaust Remembrance Day, we come to honor not only the memory of the six million Jews who were taken from us but to honor the countless others whose lives

were forever changed by the horrors of the Holocaust. It is our shared responsibility, our moral obligation, to make certain that these lessons are always remembered and to make certain that we pass on to the next generation our history, committed to ensuring that while the darkest of days have happened that we are not going to forget,” said Ratner.

“As the daughter of a survivor, I know firsthand that opportunities for new generations to learn about the Holocaust directly from survivors are diminishing with time,” said Menin.

“This exhibit, “Survivor Stories: An Interactive Dialog,” plays an essential role in bridging the gap created by the loss of survivors, the plague of misinformation and the complexity of fastmoving, oversaturated news cycles. By using non-generative AI to keep survivors’ stories fresh and accessible, the Museum of Jewish Heritage reaches the next generation where they are, in terms they can understand, while also preserving the integrity of the stories of survivors and the history of the Holocaust. I commend the Museum of Jewish Heritage, Jack Kliger, the USC Shoah Foundation, USC

Libraries for bringing this project to fruition as we mark 80 years since the liberation of the death camps at Auschwitz Birkenau.”

“...It is our shared responsibility, our moral obligation, to make certain that these lessons are always remembered...”

— Bruce Ratner, museum board chair

“Selfhelp Community Services has proudly served Holocaust survivors for nearly 90 years. When Holocaust survivors receive care that respects their lived experience, they have the support needed to age with the dignity they deserve,” said Stuart C. Kaplan, CEO of Selfhelp Community Services. “We are very pleased to partner with the Museum of Jewish Heritage on this historic gathering. It is a privilege to have hundreds of survivors with us, underscoring our shared mission of honoring their experiences, advocating for their needs and educating the public about the impact of the Holocaust, then and now.”

Leading support for “Survivor Stories: An Interactive Dialog” is provided by the Myron and Alayne Meilman Family Foundation.

SURREAL

The first comprehensive biography of Gala Dalí tells the story of the distinctive, enigmatic and forceful woman who drove the Surrealist movement and the brilliant career of Salvador Dalí

The Extraordinary Life of Gala Dalí by Michèle Gerber Klein Brings New Insight to the Mother of Surrealism

“Surreal: The Extraordinary Life of Gala Dalí,” written by Michèle Gerber Klein, unmasks the inscrutable queen of the 20th-century art world, who graced the canvases, inspired the poetry and influenced the careers of her illustrious lovers and husbands with tenderness, courage and agency.

Available from Harper Collins in bookstores and online retailers on April 1, 2025, this vivid, detailed saga brings to life a charismatic figure, who played a pivotal role in cultural history yet never received the full recognition she deserved.

The result of five years of research and writing, Gerber Klein’s narrative draws on previously undiscovered and/or untranslated material, including Gala’s secret diaries, and incorporates exclusive in-depth interviews with many who had never spoken with a biographer about either Gala or Salvador Dalí, including William Rothlein (Gala’s late-life lover), Dick Cavett and her granddaughter, Claire Sarti.

With World War I raging all around her, Gala Dalí (18941982), a penurious, inspired literature instructor, left prerevolutionary Russia for Paris where she lived with her first husband Paul Éluard, France’s most famous poet, and later with the artist Max Ernst as well. By the time the ménage à trois dissolved in 1923, Gala wore the mantle of the Mother of Surrealism. She met budding artist Salvador Dalí, a decade her junior in 1929, and rapidly became his mentor, lover and protector. Marrying him in 1934, with Éluard’s encouragement, Gala subsequently engineered the Dalís’ vast fortune. At a time when artists and poets held the celebrity status of today’s rock stars and film icons, Gala became the ambassador of the Surrealist movement. She

built its popularity across the globe, traveling with style in a wardrobe she co-designed with her husband and either Coco Chanel or Elsa Schiaparelli, including the latter’s shoe hat and lip jacket.

An intellectual, creative force and businesswoman, whose originality and strong character both repelled and captivated, Gala survived two World Wars, the Russian Revolution and the Spanish Civil War. After 1947, she and Salvador lived between France, Spain and the United States, making art that reflected the ongoing social and political changes of the 20th century. Gala’s charismatic life interlaces drama, true love, twisted love, ambition, money, art, defiance and daringness as it unfolds against a background of sweeping social unrest.

About what drew her to the subject, Gerber Klein said, “Surrealism revolutionized art as the world knew it, moving it away from religious or sentimental representation into the kingdoms of intuition and psychic perception, pushing hard against accepted norms. At its center stood Gala—the ‘bad girl’ who not only got away with out-of-the-box behavior but triumphed because of it. Despite her limited education (as a young woman in pre-revolutionary Russia, she could not attend university), she overcame emotional and financial setbacks so successfully that she deeply influenced the cultural history of her decades and beyond. Gala was fierce, tender and intrepid—I find that a compelling combination.”

At the intersection of art, style and history, “Surreal” tells the fascinating story of an unforgettable woman and the undisputable the heroine of her own life.

About the Author:

Michèle Gerber Klein is a journalist and cultural historian focused on fashion and art. Her first book, “Charles James: Portrait of an Unreasonable Man,” was one of the Financial Times’ “Best Books of 2018.” A graduate of Bryn Mawr College, she serves as vice president of the Bertha and Isaac Liberman Foundation, and is a longtime supporter of many arts institutions, including Dia Art Foundation, The Drawing Center, the Museum of Modern Art and the Whitney Museum. She lives in Manhattan.

Book Details:

“Surreal: The Extraordinary Life of Gala Dalí”

Author: Michèle Gerber Klein

Publisher: Harper

On sale: April 1, 2025

Trim size: 6x9 inches

Pages: 336

List price: $32.00

“Echoing her subject’s vim, at a fast clip that never lags and often surprises, Michèle Gerber Klein shows how Gala Dalí put the ‘extra’ in her extraordinary, century-defining life. Designer, author, model, fashion icon, mother, publicist, business partner, architect of her husband’s career—Gala’s ambitions took over whatever room and role she found herself in. ‘Surreal’ is a spirited journey around the world and through a life that was an enigmatic work of art.”

— Prudence Pfeiffer

Author of “The Slip” and director of content at MoMA New York

“Michele Gerber Klein—at long last—gives Gala Dalí the close-up she deserves. When Gala met Salvador, they met their destinies. The more she erased herself in marrying the soon-to-be world-famous surrealist, the more she recreated herself as muse, fan wife, money manager, life coach, artistic collaborator and model for some of the most sensuous portraits of a mature woman ever painted. ‘Surreal’ takes us backstage at the endless performance piece that was the couple’s life’s work and life’s play—a salient ingredient—and reshuffles art history along the way. Pour a stiff Pernod or absinthe, kick back and enjoy this delightfully sparking read.”

— Brad Gooch

Author of “Radiant: The Life and Line of Keith Haring”

Michèle Gerber Klein by Annie Watt

Photo courtesy of the Gala Salvidor Dalí Foundation

Photo courtesy of Getty images

Photo courtesy from the Gala Salvador Dalí Foundation

Fer Da Silva’s Candy-Coated Alchemy: Love in Resin

There are artists who paint to provoke, and then there are artists who paint to heal. Fer Da Silva is the latter, a soft yet powerful force in the contemporary art world, a man who wields his brush not like a weapon but like an embrace. His work is an ode to love—unapologetic, unguarded and unbreakable.

This February, DTR Modern Galleries in Soho hosted Art and Muses, an intimate salon dedicated to the alchemy between artist and muse.

Da Silva was the centerpiece—not in a showy, egotistical way, but in the way a steady heartbeat anchors a body. His presence, much like his work, radiated warmth. But while collectors and admirers gathered to discuss his philosophy of love, it was his newest series—the Candy Crush Series—that left the room buzzing. A departure from his well-known Corazón de Fer paintings, this new body of work encapsulates love’s sweetness and fragility—its way of melting into memory while still leaving behind something tangible, something that lasts.

The Candy Crush Effect: Love, Encased in Resin

Fer Da Silva has always known that love is not just an idea; it’s a force, a presence, a living thing. His Candy Crush Series is a physical manifestation of this belief. Encased in resin, these glossy, vibrant hearts seem to float, weightless yet deeply felt, like recollections of love that remain suspended in time. Unlike the fleeting nature of romance, resin is forever—it holds, it protects, it preserves. Da Silva understands the duality of love: its joy, its pain, its endurance. These pieces glow with soft neon hues and candybright colors, playful yet deeply sentimental, evoking the kind of love that lingers long after a touch has faded. The textures shift as light dances across the surface—proving, once again, that love is never static, never still.

Fer’s Philosophy: Love as a Universal Language

Born in Venezuela and beloved worldwide, Da Silva’s art has never been about ego—it’s about connection. His hearts transcend language, culture and even time. They beat in the walls of Miami’s Elle Residences, in collectors’ homes across the globe, in the hearts of those who understand that love—real, raw and untamed—is the only thing worth holding onto. At Art Basel, his work didn’t just hang on walls; it spoke. It reminded people that love is both a refuge and a revolution. It’s something to be nurtured, to be believed in. And it’s precisely this philosophy that makes Da Silva stand apart. His work is not about the grand gesture but the quiet, constant pulse of devotion—the kind that doesn’t demand attention but gives it freely.

DTR Modern Galleries: Where Legacy Meets Emotion

For an artist whose work is about love, it makes perfect sense that DTR Modern Galleries would be his home. With locations in New York, Palm Beach, Boston and Washington, D.C., DTR has long balanced the weight of artistic legacy with the energy of contemporary vision. Housing blue-chip titans like Warhol, Picasso and Dalí alongside modern voices like Halim Flowers, The Connor Brothers and Houben, the gallery doesn’t just display art—it curates emotion.

The Art and Muses salon was a celebration of that philosophy—a space where art wasn’t just admired but felt. Conversations wove between Dalí’s surrealist dreams, The Connor Brothers’ wry narratives and Da Silva’s soft, sincere declaration that love still matters. Because if art has any purpose at all, it is this: to make us feel something. And in a world that sometimes forgets how, Fer Da Silva is here to remind us.

The Future of Love, The Future of Fer

So where does he go from here? Fer Da Silva will continue painting, creating, believing. His Candy Crush Series is just the next chapter in a story that will never truly end, because love—real love—never does.

And maybe that’s the real magic. Find his work at dtrmodern.com.

info@backalgroup com | backalgroup com | @backalhospitalitygroup

Photo courtesy of Carlos Aponte; street signs: Smiljana Peros

APresident Joyce F. Brown Surveys Her Remarkable Legacy

large indoor tree shares the office President Joyce F. Brown has occupied for nearly 27 years. “The Princess,” as she affectionately calls it, dwarfs its pot, spreading out as it grows in every direction.

It’s a houseplant with a big personality.

“When I go, she goes,” Dr. Brown says wistfully at the start of her final Hue interview before she steps down from her position at the end of the 2024-25 academic year. She is not certain the Princess will tolerate the move. “Or we’ll see. We’re in talks.”

Dr. Brown seems particularly introspective as she contemplates what it will mean to depart this institution after so many years. She has had the longest tenure of any Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) president, much less the college’s first woman and African American at the helm.

She has overseen an extraordinary evolution. Since her arrival in 1998, FIT has debuted 33 more degree and credit certificate programs and added dozens of academic minors. She created the Center for Innovation at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, where faculty can pursue research, and the on-campus DTech Lab, which helps industry partners tackle innovative projects while providing real-world learning opportunities for students.

In 2020, she established the Social Justice Center at FIT with the goal of increasing Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) representation in the creative industries. And this year, a magnificent new academic building opens its doors on 28th Street, with 26 smart, energyefficient classrooms, a state-of-the-art

knitting lab and a soaring atrium. All of this has come thanks to her foresight, persistence and commitment to consensus-building.

In this interview, Dr. Brown discusses her presidency, legacy and hope for the future.

Hue: What accomplishment are you most proud of?

President Brown: As an institution, as a community, we’re having a different conversation than we were 27 years ago. We’re talking about being cutting edge and interdisciplinary. There’s a different dynamism that runs through the conversation and through the community that has changed the focus at FIT. I think it’s driven by a lot of new faculty with different experiences, a different mindset and different intellectual curiosity, with access to resources like DTech and release time to do research. I like to think I can take some credit for these changes. And of course I’m proud of the building, because somehow it became my life’s work.

When did you first realize you wanted to create the new building?

When I was hired, the student dining room was on the sixth floor of a building with one elevator. It was a disaster. We put in the dining room on the ground level with a Starbucks and expanded the student dining experience, but at some

point, it became clear to me that we really did need a new building.

The National Endowment for the Arts held a competition, and SHoP Architects won with their design—which is really gorgeous, I have to say.

And then we began the fight. When we started, we needed $148 million. By the time we finished, we needed $189 million. I mean, what’s a few million dollars between friends, right? Unexpectedly, we were able to get half of the money from the state. The Bloomberg administration decided we had to raise the remaining funds for ourselves. We ultimately got the balance from the de Blasio administration. It took years. I was determined to do it.

Dr. Joyce Brown

FIT’s new academic building.

Photo courtesy of Smiljana Peros

And I am very proud of the new building. Our students deserve an environment that encourages innovation and experimentation and a commitment to do their best. I think it’s going to make a tremendous difference.

The Social Justice Center at FIT is reaching its fifth anniversary. What progress have you seen, and what challenges still need to be addressed?

We’ve been able to create an opportunity for some creative young people, who might not have otherwise been exposed to the industry, to come here and study. What I have not been able to achieve, which was the other important prong, was to have the industries themselves create pathways for real progress, to diversify their ranks, to create the opportunity in their executive suite that ultimately was going to reflect the diversity of their consumer base.

And now there’s a pejorative overlay to the dialogue about DEI [diversity, equity and inclusion]. So, while I’m very appreciative of the companies that are working with us to create those pathways, I can’t say I’ve seen the changes I would like to.

You encourage a synthesis between technical skills and the liberal arts. Do you continue to see that balanced approach benefiting students as they go into the industry?

I have always believed in the value of the liberal arts. Early on, we held a symposium with the industry titans from Ralph Lauren and from Bergdorf Goodman and Macy’s. They talked about what they were looking for in hiring. One of them asked applicants, “What are you reading now?” To me, that was very significant. The people who are employing these young folks are asking them, “How do you make decisions? How do you problem-solve? What are you thinking about?”

It gave me a kind of permission to emphasize the liberal arts at FIT. Now we have minors in the liberal arts, and the students love them. And the whole notion of the Writing and Speaking Studio is very exciting. It makes people think in a different way when they need to articulate their point of view.

President Brown with the 2016 SUNY Chancellor’s Award winners.

P. Cardin and Dr. Joyce Brown

Ralph Lauren and Dr. Joyce Brown

Jay and Patty Baker and Dr. Joyce Brown

What do you see as the next frontier for higher education?

Everything changed after 2020. The isolation, the readjustment of habits, how people dress, how people get information and are entertained. Every aspect of life was affected.

So, I think the next frontier for education really has to recognize this difference in the landscape.

How do you think AI [artificial intelligence] is going to affect the educational experience in the future?

I’m old enough to remember when everyone was scared of the internet. It was going to take over everyone’s jobs. It was going to be this invading force. And now we all walk around with these little appendages that connect us to the internet, and we think we can’t live without it.

In a similar way, people are very nervous about AI. But it is a tool. It’s not a force in and of itself. We need to figure out how to put our arms around this thing and use it to our advantage. We have to not be nervous about it. I don’t think the students are.

What advice would you give to your successor?

The important thing is to be open and listen. You have to dedicate months to really listening and understanding what’s important to the community.

I always say that any idea that’s just my idea is dead in the water. You have to be willing to act on what the community wants, even if you end up honing it a bit. We started out in strategic planning with a lot of ideas that people didn’t agree with. So, we ended up spending a whole extra year on drilling down and understanding what our constituent groups wanted the strategic plan to look like. It was time well spent.

We revisit the plan every five years and ask ourselves, “Do we change our direction? Do we expand our initiatives? Do we say, ‘OK, that seemed like a good idea then, but this is a better direction?’” Again, you need to be flexible and open while having a sense of how to position the institution so that our students can be the next leaders of these industries.

What’s next for you?

I really feel like I could stay and continue doing this. But completing the new building felt like the end of a chapter. And the college will benefit from new leadership, someone with new visions and different capabilities. I think my skill set is working with people and figuring out how to collaborate and create a complex environment that is productive on a lot of different levels. So, we’ll see. I don’t intend to ride off into the sunset. President Brown through the years. Find out who’s who at hue.fitnyc.edu/DrBrown.

B. Michael and Dr. Joyce Brown

Carl McCall and Dr. Joyce Brown

Karl Lagerfeld and Dr. Joyce Brown

Brooke Astor and Dr. Joyce Brown

Dr. Joyce Brown

Leonard Lauder, Jane Hudis, Dr. Joyce Brown

Vallette and Dr. Joyce Brown

Michael Kors and Dr. Joyce Brown and Nina Garcia

Dr. Joyce Brown and Brandice Daniel

Calvin Klein, Dr. Joyce Brown, and Carolina Herrera

Georgianna Wells, Paige Walker, Sooyoung Yun, Ashna Moogi, Annette Stone, Dr. Joyce F. Brown, Yelayny Placencia, Ruby SeoHee Shin, Baoqing Yu, Eunhye Jo and Marianna Gonzale. (Photo by Lars Niki/Getty Images for Disney on Broadway X FIT)

NJ Bradeen, State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal , Lieutenant, now Governor Kathy Hochul, Dr. Joyce Brown, and former assembly member Richard N. Gottfried

Morris Goldfarb, Dr. Joyce Brown, and Jeanette Nostra

RAVELLA DEBUTS LUXURY ITALIAN LEATHER GOODS COLLECTION: A

STORY OF PASSION AND CRAFTSMANSHIP

Ravella, the distinguished luxury brand known for its timeless style and exquisite craftsmanship, introduced the launch of its Italian leather collection, featuring two exclusive pieces: the Leather Zip Wallet and Leather Card Holder, both masterfully crafted in Italy using the finest leathers and time-honored techniques that define Ravella’s dedication to luxury.

Ravella’s leather story begins in Italy, the cradle of artisanal mastery, where leather is not merely crafted but born from passion, tradition and an unrelenting pursuit of perfection. For over two years, Ravella’s team journeyed through Italy’s most revered tanneries, scrutinizing every hide and refining every technique to create a leather collection that embodies the true essence of luxury and timeless beauty. “Quality first, always” is the guiding compass shaping Ravella’s every decision, every detail and every creation.

In a small commune just outside Florence, skilled artisans breathe life into this Ravella leather collection. With unwavering precision and craftsmanship, they transform aged leathers into modern heirlooms, using time-honored techniques to stitch, cut and refine every piece to perfection. From the first delicate incision to the final embossed insignia, each piece in this collection is a testament to Italian artistry at its finest.

Crafted in Italy with passion and artistry, the Leather Card Holder, priced at $195, and Leather Zip Wallet, for $425, are designed for those who appreciate and understated luxury, and enduring craftsmanship. Both pieces feature a distinctive suede and grained leather combination, and are debuting in timeless, classic colors including black, beige, cognac and taupe. Crafted from the finest 100% calfskin leather, each Ravella leather piece is designed to age beautifully, reflecting Ravella’s dedication to perfection, an ode to “la dolce vita” and the art of living beautifully.

Available now at shopravella.com, the Italian leather collection is a timeless essential, offering understated elegance and lasting luxury.

“Ravella’s launch into luxury leather goods is a journey of passion spanning several years. Our debut collection—made in Italy—is a manifestation of every one of our brand’s core values. Born of a vision to create timeless modern classics with the finest materials in the world, crafted in the hands of true Italian artisans, with an uncompromising promise of quality first, always.”

— Jason D. Rose, executive director

Photos courtesy of Ravella

RADIANT REVERIE COLLECTION

The 2025 Ouma bridal collection centers around Ouma brides, evoking imagery of a bride who is not only radiant with beauty but also deeply connected to her inner self. The term “reverie” suggests a dreamlike state of reflection and introspection, emphasizing the journey of self-discovery and acceptance that the bride undergoes.

Drawing inspiration from the sophisticated couturiers in fashion history, Ouma has woven together a tapestry of designs that celebrate the beauty of embracing oneself wholly and unapologetically as brides embark on a new chapter of their lives.

Each gown in the collection is a tribute to the strength and elegance of the modern woman, echoing the refined silhouettes and intricate craftsmanship of bygone eras while infusing them with a fresh, modern twist. From delicate taffeta ruffles to flowing silk tulle, every detail has been meticulously curated to evoke a sense of confidence and radiance. It’s about embodying a feeling, a mindset of loving oneself fiercely and authentically.

Photos courtesy of Liz Rosa Photography

Intrinsically artistic and vividly expressive, artistic director and designer Ou Ma is the Beijingborn, Fashion Institute of Technology-educated, couture-trained, passionate force in creative expression and exquisite tailoring at Ouma.

TREE OF LIFE ® AWARD GALA

SIMON J. ELKHARRAT

Partner, Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP Tree of Life® Award Honoree

JAY MILLER

Managing Partner, BayBridge Real Estate Capital

Gregory A. Davis Leadership Award Recipient

TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2025

6:00 pm

Midtown East, Manhattan

RSVP to jnf.org/NYtreeoflife

CHAIRS

Glen Weiss, Vornado Realty Trust

Neil J. Goldmacher, Newmark

HONORARY CHAIRS

David R. Greenbaum, Vornado Realty Trust

Jeffrey E. Levine, Douglaston Development

More information

Sarah Azizi, Tristate Director, Manhattan sazizi@jnf.org • 212.879.9305 x505

JEWISH NATIONAL FUND - USA builds a strong, vibrant future for the land and people of Israel through bold initiatives and Zionist education.

BENTLEY MIAMI

BENTLEY MIAMI

Tomorrow’s strategies, today.

In shifting markets, we’re taking the long view, so you can seize the moment — now and for years to come.

CASA BOND A Foodie’s Guide to Tulum

Casa Bond, set on the Bowery, is a passport to an inspiring culinary adventure serving the best regional Mexican flare by Owner Mike Khuu and led by Managing Partner Luis Villanueva and Executive Chef-Owner Rodrigo Abrajan.

The kitchen focuses on traditional dishes from the Pacific Coast to the mountains of Sinaloa. The Casa Bond experience is based on Tulum’s vibrant art and burgeoning culinary scene.

Executive Chef-Owner Abrajan first achieved neighborhood acclaim with El Paso Taqueria in Harlem. He began his culinary journey in 1993 with a humble taco pushcart on the corner of Third Avenue and East 104th Street, which eventually grew into a full-service restaurant with three locations. El Paso was perennially lauded as one of the best restaurants in East Harlem by the media and locals alike.

Since Casa Bond’s opening a year ago, Chef Abrajan has added new menu items. Starter courses to share include the lobster guacamole with habanero, jícama, cilantro macho, baked heirloom tomatoes and a side of totopos. Signature ceviche dishes include shrimp ceviche in lime juice, cucumber, red onions, avocado, chile habanero and cilantro; and fluke tiradito in cucumber, fresh lime, cilantro, árbol chile fresco and sea salt. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the fresh fish’s flavor to shine. The spiciest of the ceviche is the aguachile negro, sliced prime ribeye seared to a tender medium-rare in yuzu, salsa negra, marisquera and avocado foam. This unique style of beef ceviche originates from Sinaloa and is the city’s first offering of its kind. A trio tasting of all three is available, served with a plate of plain and chia seed-baked tostadas.

Small plates include the gobernador taco, shrimp and marinated steak on a house-made flour tortilla with Chihuahua cheese, tomato and poblano; the quesadilla de costilla with negra modelo braised short-rib, Morita adobo, atop aged cheddar cheese-filled, house-made, hand-pressed tortillas; and the quesadilla verde, with spinach, jalapeño, epazote and cremini mushrooms, atop crispy, hand-pressed Oaxacan cheese-filled spinach and corn tortillas.

Entrées selection are pescado zarandeado, broiled and butterflied branzino marinated in annatto-guajillo and

Photos courtesy of Casa Bond

served with hand-pressed tortillas; duck confit mole mixteco served in the house signature mole made from 24 ingredients, including pumpkin, sesame and sunflower seeds ground to a paste with white chocolate, hoja santa and pine nuts, with a side of rainbow carrots and grilled asparagus.

“For two” options are available, including cochinita pibil, Yucatan-style pork shoulder, wrapped and slow-roasted in a banana leaf with achiote paste, cured lime onion, habanero and chile tetemado; mixiote de cordero, slow-braised Hidalgostyle lamb shank, with aromatic avocado leaves and a salsa verde cruda. The “for two” plates are served with a bowl of equites, Mexican street-style corn with lime and chile piquín, wild rice and a side of tortillas. Sides may also be ordered a la carte, along with options of grilled asparagus and refried beans for a balanced meal.

Finish with the pastel mixteco, a molecular dessert option filled with Oaxacanita mole chocolate and topped with white sesame seed ice cream; cinnamon-dusted and cajeta-coated churros drizzled in chocolate, or mango jalapeño sorbet.

The revamped cocktail list is a testament to the artistry of Beverage Director/Managing Partner Villanueva. He has created classic and innovative cocktails by balancing spirits and liqueurs perfectly.

The Smokey Room is made with mezcal joven, silver tequila, passionfruit purée and pomegranate juice and topped with a flamed orange peel. The Señor Bond is made with Clase Azul reposado tequila, barrel-smoked maple syrup and a mix of orange and aromatic local bitters. The Downtown is made with pineapple-infused pisco shaken with a mélange of lemon juice and grapefruit syrup and topped with Angostura bitters. The enzymes in the pineapple create a thick, frothy foam atop the cocktail. In addition to the curated cocktail list is a gold beverage cart in the dining room outfitted with 15 premium tequilas to be served tableside.

The “bonding hour,” from 5-7 p.m. Monday through Friday, offers signature cocktails priced below $13 and happy hour small bites: oysters, guacamole and select tacos and ceviches. The 5 O’Clock Margarita is priced at $40 and serves five glasses in an oversized coupe.

Interior designer Michael Arguello has designed restaurants, bars and residences in Miami, Los Angeles and New York. Casa Bond blends his luxury residential background with hospitality design to create the ambiance of an exclusive private dinner party. He employs a timeless black-and-white theme throughout the restaurant, and exotic plants create an urban tropical vibe. Diamond crystal chandeliers hang from woodbeam ceilings. The high-quality sound system and carefully curated art reflect the vibrant downtown culture of Tulum and New York City with a mix of modern and contemporary styles featuring colorful murals by local artists.

Location: 334 Bowery, New York, NY 10012

Website: www. casabondnoho.com

Phone: (917) 639-3009

Instagram: @ casabondnoho

ABOUT THE CHEF

Executive Chef/Owner Vamshi Adi attended the Culinary Academy of India in his hometown of Hyderabad, Indian from 2013 to 2016. After immigrating to the United States, he completed his culinary internship at the newly-awarded Michelin Key hotel, The Dewberry in Charleston, South Carolina. He then moved to New York and began working at Baar Baar restaurant under Executive Chef Sujan Sarkar. Following that, he secured a position as Chef de Partie at Michelin-starred Junoon. Upon relocating to California, he honed his skills at Rooh in Palo Alto. At just 25 years old, he returned to New York to open his first restaurant, Gazab, in 2021, which was met with enthusiastic acclaim, making him the youngest Indian chef to own and operate a restaurant in NYC.

Photos courtesy of Alex Staniloff

Ishq—Meaning Love in Hindi

Ishq is a new casual fine-dining regional Indian restaurant by Executive Chef/Owner Vamshi Adi. Just one month after opening, Ishq was added to the Michelin Guide and recently awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand title. Guests can expect stunning plating and innovative presentations that reimagine classic dishes, all while preserving their authentic flavors and ingredients.

Chef Vamshi leads a team of skilled chefs who have trained extensively in India and New York to showcase a plethora of regional Indian options all meant for sharing. Small plates include: dudhiya kabab, a traditional street food from the Awadh region, which is made with house-made marinated paneer, stuffed with a mixture of potato, beetroot and carrots and garnished with caramelized figs; venison varuval, traditionally made with goat or lamb in southern India, reimagined by Chef Vamshi and prepared with tender pulled venison artfully topped with pickled shallots and dried coconut, and served with a side of malabar parotta (flaky, layered, unleavened flatbread); and soya malai chaap, a vegetarian dish from northern India and an alternative to chicken, made with malai jhol (creamy curry), house-made Amul cheese, nutmeg and elegantly garnished with crispy fenugreek tulie.

Entrées are generous in portions and meant for sharing. Highlights include: dum ka gosht, a historical Hyderabad dish from Chef Vamshi’s hometown, which is a slow-cooked bonein baby goat prepared using a pressure-cooking method, dum ka gravy and fried onions; lobster malaikari, from the Bengali region, a lobster tail served in creamy mustard, onion and coconut gravy; paneer laung latta, a nut-stuffed paneer lasagna with cloves and lababdar gravy; and Himachali gucchi, a rich dish stemming from the western Himalayas, where morel mushrooms are grown, with spicy onion and tomato-based gravy to compliment the rare mushroom.

For larger parties, there is a pre-order sikhandari raan, a slowcooked whole baby goat leg served with two selections of naan bread of choice, dal makhani (yellow lentil), mint chutney, and laccha pyaaz (onion salad). This shared entrée serves four people and requires 24-hour advanced notice.

Sides feature a selection of classic Indian breads, including naan, classic, butter, garlic, sesame and chili cheese; and tandoori roti (a thick, chewy flatbread cooked in a tandoor oven for a smoky flavor). Recently launched is a new brunch menu, where dishes are plentiful in selection and served a la carte style.

Beverages are a tribute to the vibrancy of India’s diverse cities. The cocktail list features craft cocktails including: Jubilee Affair, with rum, Rockey’s Liqueur, Irani chai (local to chef Adi’s city of Hyderabad), salted butter and creamy clarification, topped with Little Hearts cookies from Chef Adi’s childhood; and Pink City, featuring coconut fat-washed bourbon infused with rose water, gulkand bitters and royal Ishq rose nectar and garnished with a rose petal. Other beverages include mocktails, beer and a well-curated wine list featuring reds, whites and sparkling.

Ishq’s interior showcases a 30-seat pink quartz bar, illuminated by soft off-white floral lighting. The dining room features custom floral wallpaper and soothing peach tones, accented by pops of vibrant red and rattan-covered recessed lighting, creating a relaxing, elegant environment.

Location: 202 Avenue A, New York, New York 10009

Website: ishq.nyc

Phone: 646-559-4747

Instagram @ishqnyc

Dinner hours: Tuesday through Thursday: 5 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Friday and Saturday: 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Sunday: 12 p.m. - 3 p.m., 5 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Brunch hours: Saturdays and Sundays: 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Total seating capacity: 74 | Dining room: 44 | Bar: 30

Warm Up Winter With These Wine Sauce Dishes and Pairings

As winter prevails, there’s something incredibly satisfying about preparing a warm, comforting meal that simmers slowly on the stove, filling your home with rich, inviting aromas. One of the best ways to capture that cozy feeling is by cooking with wine sauce.

Wine-based sauces add depth and complexity to your dishes, making them a perfect choice for cold winter nights when you want something indulgent and comforting. Whether you’re using up leftover red or white wine, these dishes transform simple ingredients into mouthwatering, restaurant-worthy meals. Wine sauces not only elevate the flavors of your food but also help create a truly satisfying dining

1Coq au vin: A French classic with a bold red wine sauce

Coq au vin is the ultimate winter comfort food. Imagine tender chicken, slowly braised in a velvety red wine sauce that’s brimming with the flavors of mushrooms, onions, bacon and herbs. The dish is a warm hug on a plate, each bite a perfect balance of

experience. By incorporating the richness of red wine or the brightness of white wine, you can create an array of dishes that range from hearty to light, all with a gourmet flair. From rustic stews to delicate seafood, wine sauces can be surprisingly easy to prepare and will impress both your palate and your guests. Plus, it’s an excellent way to avoid wasting that leftover wine from last night’s dinner!

Now, let’s explore three classic dishes that feature wine sauces, break down how to prepare them and suggest the perfect wine pairings to take your meal to the next level. These dishes will not only warm you up but also make winter feel a little more luxurious.

earthy, savory and slightly sweet notes. Traditionally served with potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the sauce, it’s the kind of meal you’ll want to linger over on a cold night.

How to prepare:

To make coq au vin, gather chicken, red wine, carrots, onions, mushrooms, garlic and fresh herbs. Start by browning the chicken until its skin is golden and crisp. Then, add a full-bodied red wine and simmer it all together with the vegetables and herbs, letting the flavors meld as the wine reduces into a thick, luscious sauce. After a few hours, the chicken will be so tender it practically falls off the bone, enveloped in a deep crimson gravy that’s nothing short of indulgent.

Wine pairing: Classic Burgundy red

For a truly decadent experience, pair coq au vin with a classic Burgundy. The wine’s earthy, mushroom-like notes complement the dish’s rich flavors beautifully, making it a luxurious choice for a candle-lit dinner.

Krystal Wen is a vinicultural expert with the “VinoVoss”—an AI Sommelier smartphone app and web-based semantic wine search and recommendation system developed by BetterAI. The user-friendly online platform picks the perfect wine every time, for any occasion courtesy of a highly advanced artificial intelligence assist. VinoVoss uses AI-powered machine learning that is guided and trained by human sommeliers and wine experts from around the globe, working alongside engineers and data scientists, to assure highly tailored and relevant wine discovery. Reach her at www.vinovoss.com.

Oeufs En Meurette: Rustic Elegance on a Plate

If coq au vin is a warm hug, oeufs en meurette is a cozy fireside chat. This lesser-known French classic is a dish of poached eggs served over toasted bread and topped with a rich red wine sauce made with onions, bacon and mushrooms. It’s rustic yet elegant, with flavors that feel both indulgent and comforting—the perfect brunch or light dinner option for winter.

How To Prepare:

To make oeufs en meurette, start by poaching eggs to a soft, runny perfection. In a separate pan, create a flavorful sauce by sautéing shallots, garlic, bacon and mushrooms in red wine. Let the sauce reduce until it thickens, becoming a rich, savory blanket for the eggs. Serve each poached egg on a slice of toasted bread, ladle the wine sauce over the top and watch the yolk mingle with the wine sauce for a dish that’s pure comfort on a cold day.

Steamed Clams With White Wine and Garlic: Light, Bright and Delicious

For something lighter but equally packed with flavor, try steamed clams with white wine and garlic. This dish is simple, fresh and irresistibly aromatic, perfect for those evenings when you want something comforting without the heaviness. Plus, it’s an ideal way to use up that leftover white wine in your fridge.

How To Prepare:

Steam fresh clams in a broth of white wine, garlic, butter and herbs. The clams release their briny essence into the broth, creating a light, savory soup that’s begging to be sopped up with crusty bread. The garlic and herbs add depth, while the wine brings a gentle acidity that enhances the clams’ natural sweetness.

Wine Pairing: Village Burgundy Red

A village-level Burgundy is the classic choice for oeufs en meurette. Its earthy tones and balanced acidity enhance the savory elements of the sauce, while its elegance complements the delicacy of the poached eggs.

White Rhone

For a fresh twist, try a white wine from Côtes du Rhône. The wine’s crispness cuts through the richness of the sauce, adding a bright contrast that brings out the complexity of flavors in a new way. It’s an unconventional pairing, but one that highlights the dish’s nuances beautifully.

Red Jura

Feeling adventurous? Try pairing oeufs en meurette with a light red wine from the Jura region, made from the Poulsard grape. Poulsard wines are delicate and slightly smoky, with subtle red fruit and earthy, forest-floor notes. This pairing brings an intriguing, rustic character to the dish, highlighting its French

Wine Pairing: Portuguese Vinho Verde

For a spritzier pairing, go for a Vinho Verde from Portugal. Its zesty citrus notes cut through the richness of the broth, adding a refreshing, almost effervescent contrast to the dish.

Rueda White

A white wine from Rueda, Spain, made from Verdejo grapes, offers herbal notes and fresh acidity that align beautifully with the clams and garlic. Its grassy undertones elevate the dish, making for a pairing that feels lively and sophisticated.

Rosé From Long Island

If you want to try something with a twist, grab a crisp, dry rosé from Long Island. It is a delightful pairing, with bright acidity that balances the garlicky richness of the broth. It’s a light, refreshing option that won’t overshadow the delicate flavor of the clams.

As winter deepens, let your kitchen fill with the comforting aroma of slow-simmering wine sauces. Whether you’re savoring the rich, indulgent flavors of coq au vin, enjoying the rustic charm of oeufs en meurette, or keeping things light with steamed clams, these dishes are the perfect antidote to a cold winter’s night. Pair them with a thoughtfully chosen wine, and you’re not just making dinner—you’re creating an experience worth savoring. So, don’t let that leftover wine sit idle this season. Pour it into a pot, invite in the warmth and let these classic dishes turn your winter evenings into moments of pure indulgence.

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Aspen Snow Ball Week

The Children’s Oncology Support Fund (COSF), founded by film producer and philanthropist Thomas Pierce, celebrated its third annual Aspen Snow Ball Gala at the St. Regis Aspen. Jay Leno hosted the benefit. The “black tie fantasy” event, titled “Oh The Places You’ll Go,” raised $3.5 million for pediatric cancer research. Christie Brinkley was honored with the Philanthropic Impact Achievement Award, and Rollie Jordan was posthumously honored with the Community Leadership Award.

PHILANTHROPY

By R. Couri Hay

Guests included best-dressed board member Monica Elias; Ryan Murphy’s “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” star Nicholas Alexander Chavez; “Reacher” actress Serinda Swan; Hunter Doohan; Julieth Restrepo; “Orange is the New Black” actress Jackie Cruz; “Glee” actor Nolan Funk; James Packer; and Princess Natalya Elisabeth Davidovna Obolensky—who splashed out $160,000 for a sculpture by Anthony James. ClinConnect, a company that connects cancer patients with clinical trials across the country, along with Velocity Black, a concierge app service, were the evening’s co-presenting sponsors.

ClinConnect Founder Robert Maxwell and COSF Co-Chair Lacey Nicole were among the crowd on the dance floor during Swedish pop star Zara Larsson’s concert.

Aspen Art Musem

Also in the mix from LA was In the Groove Music Co-Founder Darren Drew, a musician and producer who wore a drop-dead black-andwhite ensemble from Balmain. The night also featured a performance by platinum recording artist Parson James. Aspen Snow Ball Gala, the signature benefit, marked the end of five days of events known as “Aspen Snow Ball Week,” which included a kick-off benefit concert hosted by Honorary Chair Brooke Burke, with performances by Robin Thicke and rising talents Luke K, Chloe Jane and Alexis Silva in partnership with the Aspen Art Museum. The curated week of events began with a “pregame” takeover at Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro atop the Aspen Highlands, followed by an educational panel at the Wheeler Opera House. Pierce hosted a benefactor dinner with DJ Julia Sandstorm at Jayma Cardoso’s Snow Lodge.

Children’s Hospital Colorado

The after-party and Sunday’s closing Super Bowl party were held at the brand-new ZigZag Bistro, owned by COSF’s founding board members, Carly and Scott Weber. The Snow Ball Gala raised funds for Children’s Hospital Colorado. COSF supported the pediatric cancer center to fuel sustainability for the Center for Cancer and Blood

Thomas Pierce and Jay Leno

Christie and Sailor Brinkley

Robert Maxwell

Lexi and Keni Silva, Robin Thicke

Adrien Arpel and Isaac Mizrahi

COSF provides grants and pledges funding to donor-dependent patient programs across the country

Disorders’ Wellness Program for families. These funds increased the number of licensed social workers providing psychosocial support and licensed art and music therapists. Dr. Bob Casey, director of the Wellness Program, said, “COSF has been like winning the lottery for us.” Snow Ball Gala chairs and co-chairs included Thomas Pierce, who is also the executive producer of this year’s Oscar-favorite “The Brutalist,” starring Adrien Brody, along with Carly and Scott Weber, Carla Maresca Eichler, Julianne Keil, Michael Orcutt and Ashley Wyndham. Honorary chairs were Christie Brinkley, Brooke Burke and Rachel Zoe. Committee members on the scene included Peter Brant Jr., Gavin Brodin, Kelley Brodin, Janaina Devieira, Monica Elias, Bryan Fogel, McKaelyn Guidry, Courtney Ivey, Clemence Janin, Bobby Kunkle, Kasey Lemkin, Janet Mandell, Savanna Mothner, Lacy Nicole, Cami Orcutt, Koehl Robinson, Landen Saks, Katherine Schelbert, model and author Keni Silva, and jeweler Julian Polak—whose company, Maison Spoiled, donated the “Celestial Graduating Charm Bracelet,” which was featured in the auction. Other items were donated by photographer David Yarrow, Mr. Brainwash, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Versace, Delvaux and Alice + Oliva.

The Children’s Oncology Support Fund (COSF) raises money for programs, development and research for less toxic therapies for pediatric cancer patients across the nation.

COSF provides grants and pledges funding to donor-dependent patient programs across the country. The organization works directly with hospitals and established non-profits to build partnerships with its core values in mind: transparency, community and relevance. cosffoundation.org

Hearing the Ovarian Cancer Whisper

Time is of the Essence Luncheon in Palm Beach

Hearing the Ovarian Cancer Whisper (H.O.W.) Florida held its 23rd annual Time is of the Essence Luncheon at the Beach Club in Palm Beach. The event honored American fashion designer and performer Isaac Mizrahi and featured a conversation with beauty industry trailblazer Adrien Arpel and Co-Chair Andrea Stark. Arpel shared both her beauty secrets and entrepreneurial insights. Other chairs included Eddy Taylor, Judy Snyder and Roberta Kozloff. Honorary chairwomen included Frances Fisher, Betsy Matthews and Christine Schott. The luncheon is dedicated to raising awareness for ovarian cancer research, care and education. Executive Director Jennifer McGrath also greeted the guests.

Stark addressed the reality of ovarian cancer—a disease known as the “whisper killer” for its subtle yet devastating symptoms—within the United States. H.O.W. was founded in 2002 by the late Jacquie Liggett, whose own battle with ovarian cancer fueled a mission to inform and empower women. H.O.W. funds vital research, supports medical students in gynecologic oncology and provides financial aid to women undergoing treatment.

Mizrahi was interviewed on the stage by Pamela Fiori, the former editor of Town and Country magazine. The dynamic Q&A delved into Mizrahi’s storied career, from his acclaimed “Unzipped” documentary to his years as a “Project Runway: All-Stars” judge. The afternoon also included remarks by those personally impacted by ovarian cancer, including Board President Patrica O’Connell and Samantha Amaral, a survivor diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer last year. Amaral delivered a heartfelt speech about her battle and the crucial assistance she received from the Jacquie Liggett Angel Fund. “This organization was a lifeline during the hardest time of my life,” she shared.

Remarks were also made by Yordan “Dancho” Penev, a medical student at the University of Florida and recipient of the Dr. Robert C. Knapp Medical Student Award funded through H.O.W. The silent auction featured an exquisite Tiffany watch. Sponsors and benefactors included Betsy Matthews, Eddy Taylor and Inlet Private Wealth. Attendees left with a colorful area rug from Ashley Stark. For more information on H.O.W., visit ovariancancerpbc.org.

Janna Bullock, Couri Hay and Monica Elias

Jennifer McGrath and Andrea Stark

Betsy K. Matthews and Natalie Betteridge

A FINE WAY TO

Treat a Steinway

Before award-winning perfume bottle designer Marc Rosen’s late wife Arlene Dahl was a full-fledged film star, Van Cliburn loved to serenade her on the grand Steinway he had given her family. So when the beautiful instrument, which Rosen had retuned and restored, was returned to him, he decided to honor that memory by inviting friends to a musical evening where virtuoso Russian concert pianist Ilya Ramlav performed Rachmaninoff and Debussy, both famous in Cliburn’s repertoire.

The rapt audience included aficionados Barbara Tober, Jamie Saakvitne, Susan Gutfreund, Yanna Avis, Matthew Tirschwell, Saundra Whitney, Denise Schwartz, Jessica Herzberg, Terence Healy, Will Roseman, Hianjie Yuan, Michele Gerber Klein, Peter Bacanovic, Danilo Santoboni, Kathy Sloane, Lautaro Tambutto, Aeros Wang and Laetitia Adams.

Marc Rosen and Ilya Ramlav

Denise Schwartz, Huanjie Yuan and Cornelia Bregman

Marc Rosen and Michele Gerber Klein

Peter Bokanovic and Yana Avis

Peter Bokanovic and Yana Avis

Photos courtesy of Peter Bokanovic/ Marc Rosen

Pretty in Pink

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The Stephenson Global Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute

Launches

First-Of-Its-Kind

Global Scientific Awards to Advance Breakthrough Discovery in Pancreatic Cancer

The Stephenson Global Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute (SGPCRI) is creating transformative new programs in a groundbreaking search for a cure to pancreatic cancer. Fueled by the extraordinary $150 million gift announced in September 2024 from entrepreneurs and philanthropists A. Emmet Stephenson Jr. and Tessa Stephenson Brand, this is an innovative, multifaceted approach to accelerate the extinction of one of the deadliest cancers by recognizing visionary scientists and catalyzing game-changing research. The Stephenson family selected City of Hope, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States—with its cancer center in Duarte, California, named top 5 in the nation for cancer by U.S. News & World Report—as a key partner to facilitate this lifesaving work.

“Our vision has always been to gather intel and ideas from the smartest people in the world, regardless of medical research institution affiliation, location or background,” said Tessa Stephenson Brand. “We want this to be a call for action and motivation to think outside the box. And for those who have already moved the needle, we want them celebrated.”

“Our goal is to ignite interest and trigger research around the world,” said A. Emmet Stephenson Jr. “Despite years of effort, only incremental progress has been made so far. We want to bring brilliant researchers and provide vital resources to the cause to generate the best chance of finding a cure for this terrible disease. That is why the prize, the grants and our annual symposium are open to every scientist anywhere who is focused on pancreatic cancer. We want results sooner rather than later.”

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancer types worldwide. According to the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Facts and Figures 2025 report, the five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer in the United States is 13%. Globally, the survival rate is even lower. By bringing the best minds together, across different sectors and

Photo courtesy of City of Hope

industries, SGPCRI is transforming research with the ultimate goal of finding a cure.

SGPCRI is launching a call for nominations for the inaugural $1 million Stephenson Global Prize, along with a call for Letters of Intent for the Stephenson Global Scholar Grants.

Stephenson Global Prize of $1 million:

This is the largest privately funded initiative and most prestigious award to an individual or team, recognizing past and current achievements that have significantly advanced pancreatic cancer research. By honoring innovative contributions in early detection, prevention, treatment, translational research and scientific discovery, the prize celebrates transformative progress and fosters continued collaboration among researchers to improve patient outcomes and drive future breakthroughs. SGPCRI is also partnering with the prestigious American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), and the Stephenson Global Prize winner will be announced and presented at the AACR Advances in Pancreatic Cancer Research Special Conference on Sept. 30, 2025, in Boston.

Stephenson Global Scholar Grants:

These awards support investigators at all career levels with the most innovative ideas, cutting through bureaucracy and red tape to foster a culture of true innovation. This transformative approach drives breakthrough research with the potential to significantly improve pancreatic cancer survival and outcomes.

“At a time when funding for pancreatic cancer research is increasingly scarce, the Stephenson Global Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute is stepping up to bridge the gap by fueling innovation, accelerating breakthroughs and equipping scientists with the resources they need. SGPCRI is more than just research; it is a calling to serve—

bringing hope, healing and transformative progress in the fight against pancreatic cancer. Through innovative collaboration and cutting-edge science, we are committed to reshaping the future of this disease for generations to come,” said Jennifer Chun Kim, the newly appointed executive director of SGPCRI.

The inaugural Stephenson Global Prize and Stephenson Global Scholar Grants aim to drive progress toward a future without pancreatic cancer by recognizing visionary scientists and catalyzing transformative research. The evaluation process for the prize and grants is led by the newly formed Stephenson Scientific Advisory Board (SSAB), a group of distinguished investigators with extensive experience in combating this devastating disease. Learn more about the SSAB members at cityofhope.org/sgpcri/advisory-board.

“Our patients and their families obviously need a greater effort against pancreatic cancer,” said Dr. Daniel D. Von Hoff, chair of SSAB and distinguished professor at Translational Genomics Research Institute. “The Stephenson Global Pancreatic Cancer Research Institute will provide the much needed ‘shot in the arm’ against the disease. This Stephenson initiative will deliver it!”

To learn more and/or apply, please visit: cityofhope.org/sgpcri

Crowned as the highest-rated golf collection in all of Florida, Streamsong is home to three Top 100 U.S. courses. With customizable stay and play experiences, year-round warm weather and three distinct layouts from golf architecture’s most iconic foursome (Coore/Crenshaw, Doak, & Hanse), Streamsong rivals the greatest golf venues in the world.

THE ULTIMATE LUXURY GOLF CAR HAS ARRIVED

Crafted from only the highest quality automotive materials, and through the most revolutionary design in the industry, Garia creates vehicles that perform even better than they look. Recognized as much for its functionality and usability as for its modern Scandinavian aesthetic, the Garia is not just your average golf cart. It’s a golf car.

25% of the proceeds will be donated to organizations supporting women’s health initiatives, amplifying the impact of Ambani’s mission

Sonal Ambani Launches “Happiness Series” Handbag Collection Promoting Wellness and

Empowerment

Renowned artist and entrepreneur Sonal Ambani has unveiled her latest creative endeavor, the “Happiness Series” handbag collection, blending artistry with a message of wellness and empowerment. The collection, launched in early 2025, redefines luxury by integrating purpose, passion and social responsibility.

The “Happiness Series” reflects Ambani’s dedication to creating not just beautiful accessories but also meaningful conversations around women’s health. Each handbag is an exquisite work of art, meticulously designed to embody joy, positivity and individuality. What sets this collection apart is its unique approach to blending fashion with advocacy. Inside every bag, customers will find a heartfelt note from Ambani urging them to prioritize their health by scheduling an annual checkup. Ambani’s dedication to this cause stems from the personal loss of her mother to cancer, which has deeply shaped her passion and commitment.

“This collection is deeply personal to me,” Ambani shared at the launch event. “Women often put themselves last, juggling responsibilities and caring for others. Through these handbags, I hope to remind women that their health and happiness matter. It’s a small gesture, but it has the potential to spark life-saving actions.” 25% of the proceeds will be donated to organizations supporting women’s health initiatives, amplifying the impact of Ambani’s mission.

Each handbag in the “Happiness Series” is a testament to Ambani’s artistic vision and attention to detail. Drawing inspiration from nature, global cultures and human connections, the designs feature vibrant colors, intricate patterns and high-quality craftsmanship. The collection incorporates sustainable materials, underscoring Ambani’s commitment to ethical practices in fashion.

Photos courtesy of Team Samara

The handbags are designed to evoke feelings of joy and empowerment, with their innovative use of texture and form representing the multifaceted beauty of life. Ambani’s artistic philosophy shines through in every piece, encouraging women to embrace their individuality and express themselves unapologetically.

Beyond their artistic appeal, the handbags carry a mission: to inspire women to prioritize their health. The note inside each bag is a personal touch that distinguishes the “Happiness Series” from other luxury collections. By encouraging women to schedule their annual health checkups, Ambani aims to promote awareness about preventive care and early detection of health issues.

This initiative aligns with her broader vision of empowering women to take control of their well-being. “Health is the foundation of happiness,” Ambani emphasized. “Through this collection, I want to remind women that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity.”

Ambani is no stranger to innovation. With a rich background in art, design and entrepreneurship, she has consistently used her creativity to make a difference. From her celebrated sculptures to her philanthropic initiatives, Ambani’s work reflects her unwavering commitment to enriching lives through creativity and compassion.

The “Happiness Series” is the latest chapter in her journey of blending art with advocacy. By encouraging meaningful action through a fashion-forward medium, Ambani continues to challenge conventions and inspire change.

The “Happiness Series” handbags are now available for purchase through select boutiques and online.

For more information about the “Happiness Series” or to explore the collection, visit www.sonalambani.com/store

“This collection is deeply personal to me.” – Sonal Ambani

Each year, world-renowned artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, and Shantell Martin have their work emblazoned on our iconic tequila bottles. These limited-edition bottles, FIlled with 1800 Silver Tequila, become instant collectors’ items. www.1800tequila.com