Metropolitan December 2021

DECEMBER 2021

LUXURY MAGAZINE

BRITISH MODEL

VICTORIA

CAIN Cover Photo by Udo Spreitzenbarth

$20.00 USD December 2021 Fashion | Luxury | Profiles | Features | Shopping | Travel | Art | Design | Auto | Food | Health

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The Nature of Jean 2

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chlumberger.

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October 2021 December 2021

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MIDNIGHT PRAYER

By Ty-Ron Mayes

Tis the season to ask for what you want. And designer Georgine has answered all of your prayers. Now you can wear it exactly the way you want. She knows how to deliver that sophisticated look with a rock & roll twist! Off-set the drama of luxury by adding some fresh elements. Show them that you are a downtown girl in this tulle gown, chubby fox and combat boots.

Give them attitude as you dare to wear decadent diamonds with a tattooed velvet cocktail dress. And you’re not afraid to get wild as you layer an animal print trench coat over a graphic print suit. Take that little black dress to the next level with some unexpected hardware, a pom pom stole and gold accessories. And a lavender fox gets paired up with some ultra sexy hot pants. If Victoria keeps breaking all of the rules, she’s never gonna get off the naughty list!

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Victoria Cain takes New York for the holidays in this “bad girl” inspired velvet long sleeve dress with sheer tattooed motif, Georgine. Hooded Fox in mint green, Pologeorgis Furs. Black onyx and diamond bracelet, black onyx and white sapphire bracelet and illusion emerald diamond drop earrings worn with a pink sapphire shaky ring, white gold and diamond filagree rings and square diamond chandelier earrings, Hammerman Jewelry.

Photographer: Udo Spreitzenbarth Fashion Editor: Ty-Ron Mayes Make-up and Hair: Ty-Ron Mayes for Paper Faces Cover Model: Victoria Cain (Next Models) Studio: Loft 29

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Victoria is mad for plaid in this British inspired car length sequin coat worn over tuxedo pants and fox stole, Georgine. Diamond square Chandelier Earrings and diamond Shaker Ring, Hammerman Jewelry.

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Victoria gets wild in this black and white animal print suit with gold pinstripes, Georgine. Leopard print long goat coat with belt, Pologeorgis Furs. Citrine, topaz and brown pearl earrings. Square and diamond filagree ring, round diamond filagree ring, amethyst, diamond, and ruby ring, Hammerman Jewelry.

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Victoria turns up the heat in this lavender fox coat over a black mesh top and leather shorts, Georgine. Amethyst and pink sapphire studs with anesthetist flexible ring, Hammerman Jewelry.

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Victoria is always on top in this sheer beaded shirt dress with patent leather collar, belt and sleeve ties, Georgine. Cashmere goat coat in camel, Pologeorgis Furs.

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Jean Sclumberger bird perched on a Tiffany Diamond

Today, as an emblem of Tiffany & Co. and a figure who changed the world of jewelry, altering the possibilities of what can be designed from nature’s sight and transformed into emblazoning pieces, Schlumberger’s extraordinary wonders have continued.

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Winter Bride Photographs by Jane Sikorski

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

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“Perseverance and Spirit have done wonders in all ages.”

-General George Washington at Valley Forge Happy Holidays! Winter is here. The battle continues. 2021 has brought new hope. Let’s all continue to do our part to persevere and be of good spirit during these challenging times, as we share the blessings of the holiday season.

With great excitement, this year marked the long-awaited launch of Metropolitan Palm Beach. Thanks to the hard work of creative director Margaret Bastick Luce, features editor Jadan Horyn, and the entire editorial staff, Metropolitan Palm Beach’s first year has been an incredible success. We are so grateful to our loyal readers, old and new friends and especially to our advertising and branding partners for their sterling support. The best is yet to come!

We also want to thank and acknowledge the entire Palm Beach Community for your wildly enthusiastic embrace of Metropolitan Palm Beach. From Joe Namath to the Miami Bitcoin Conference to Art Basel 2021, Metropolitan Palm Beach Magazine is committed to bringing our readers industry-leading, cutting edge, luxury-based content. We will continue to provide the same type of critically-acclaimed magazine stories and pictorials that you have enjoyed for over a decade with Metropolitan, and 25A. Speaking of which, the December issues are chock full of music icons like Mick Jagger, Steven Tyler and Jerry Garcia, NFT fashion, luxury travel, cuisine and the arts, for your enjoyment. 25A Cover Star, John Lennon, as photographed

by Brian Hamill, reveals the legendary Beatle in his adopted NYC home. A city that embraced John as one of our own. British model Victoria Cain beautifully adorns our Metropolitan Holiday Cover and provides humorous insight on the real difference between Brits and Americans.

Happy Holidays to you and your family and thanks so much for being an important part of the Metropolitan family!

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Enjoy!

©2021 California Closet Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Franchises independently owned and operated. CT HIC #0657205. Photo: Stefan Radtke.

From simple to intricate designs, California Closets systems are custom designed specifically for you and the way you live.

californiaclosets.com

@caliclosetsnyc

GREENVALE 25 Northern Blvd, Greenvale 516.334.0077 CONNECTICUT 565 Westport Ave, Norwalk 203.924.8444 December 2021

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IF YOU HAVEN’ T, YOU SHOULD Reimage The Art of Staying In

By Margaret Luce

Each issue I want to bring to you experiences both bold and benign, luxe and leisure, for long-time residents and transplants alike. South Florida has much to offer, and I want to be your personal guide. Follow me as we begin this journey together because if you haven’t, you should...

Reimage The Art of Staying In One of my favorite movie lines is “I want to be left alone” said by the great actress and mysterious recluse Greta Garbo - if only she were alive today her wish would be granted. I must confess that Greta and I have that feeling in common sometimes. What better place to find solace than in the comfort of your own home? Given the events of the past nearly two years, you must think I am crazy for suggesting you stay in, but I’ve learned there is a better way to curate your own luxe experience from a good sweat in a portable sauna spa, to getting an at-home blowout, to having your own personal in-home rave you can sweat, get dolled, up, and rock out all without leaving your own home.

Leisure The Higher Dose infrared blanket came at the perfect time. Higher Dose is an incredible company whose sales are soaring. It’s easy to see why, you don't need space just roll out on the floor, the sofa, or bed, and voila! Detox baby and boy can you purge toxins with this blanket. Their motto is "stay high on your own time." I have used infrared technology for over twenty years. I credit it with keeping my skin young, my joints healthy, and a quicker way to purge toxins.

This thing is so, so, convenient! Visit highredose. com no excuses!

Luxe You see I found a way to combat the blues by enlisting a good sweat, now a blow-dry is in order to fix that sweaty hair. Fortunately, Air Bar was only closed for a short time during Covid. Air Bar is my go-to blow dry bar. Nothing like a great blow-dry to perk you up. And they even come to your home.

Perfect for that night in. Now get in that closet and put on your best - those pleather Rick Owen pants 18

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you bought on Net-A-Porter at 2 am (Guilty). After all, no one is looking and you might as well own your look.

Visit theairbar.com Lit Josh aka DJ Supreme has been on the EDM scene for over a decade and is known to bring his infectious enthusiasm to any venue he headlines. He is a naval submarine veteran who loves DJing because it is a solitary experience with a crowd. Josh reinvented how people could experience club music during the Pandemic by hosting virtual house parties. Josh is also available for smaller house parties as we have gotten used to less being more.

Book Josh at supremeeventsfl@gmail.com 561-350-4949 I highly recommend relaxing with your own infrared spa, getting a good blow-dry, and then dancing the night away outside on your lawn. Burn calories, boost your endorphins, blow out your hair, and bust a move in those pleather pants. You have curated your surroundings and those that surround you.

Good vibes is my motto. Reimage the art of staying in and just love yourself.

Monthly Mantra I recently lost a beautiful girlfriend to cancer and my friend Rita suggested we write letters to Franchesca for her husband to read to her. I reflected on how little we can express ourselves to loved ones that are not in our daily lives but mean so much. Write to a friend that is living and let them know that you love them.

Let’s remember to love people while they are here. #MargaretLuceTip

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EDITOR’S NOTE

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“You say you want a revolution.

Well, you know, We all want to change the world.”

- Revolution, The Beatles

2021 is coming to a close as a cold Winter chill descends upon Manhattan still flickering with holiday lights and decorations. Once again, everybody is talking about the Beatles and James Bond when they aren’t conversing about TikTok, crypto-currency, and NFTs. West Side Story is back on the big screen as we all try to stay connected, hopeful, smart, and strong. If we all come together we will put this pandemic behind us sooner than later.

So grateful for the amazing magazine world our publisher Chase Backer has put together. From Fifth Avenue to Worth Avenue. The Hamptons to Art Basel and beyond. Our Metropolitan Magazine staff with superstars across the globe continues to share their considerable talents daily with arguably the world’s leading luxury-arts magazine brand. Yes, Margaret Bastick Luce and Jadan Horyn- I’m talking about you. And yes, Jaime Backer, our brilliant, tech-savvy Associate Publisher, I’m definitely talking about you. From our talented art directors and contributors to our business associates, advertisers, and friends. It’s become an impressive community. Each Metropolitan family member and stakeholder truly helps to shape each new issue. We are so grateful to have the opportunity to inform, entertain, inspire and delight our readers. It’s why we work so hard and do what we do.

We are so proud of how Chase has rolled out Metropolitan Palm Beach in grand style in unprecedented times. Sparing no effort or expense. Chase also makes sure that we always cast our editorial spotlight on meaningful charities, important philanthropists, and inspirational individuals all year round. It’s at the heart of what we do and who we are.

The December magazines offer new insights on music icons John Lennon, Mick Jagger (thanks to photographer Brian Hamill), Steven Tyler, and Jerry Garcia. Not bad. British model Victoria Cain holds court in the Big Apple with Metropolitan’s celebrity stylist extraordinaire Ty-ron Mayes and world-renowned photographer Udo Spreitzenbarth.

While author Edward S. Barkin shares a heart-warming holiday story of love set in the literary world of New York City. To me, the greatest city in the world. Let’s all look after each other.

Happy Holidays!

Adam Kluger Editor-In-Chief

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Manhattan, NYC, Milan, Sardinia

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CONTENTS

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DECEMBER 2021

COVER Victoria Cain

FASHION 28 32 36 42

Tiffany & CO Rebecca Minkoff Mie Iwatsuki Chuck’s Vintage

ENTERTAINMENT

REBECCA MINKOFF - PAGE 30

70 72 73 76 82 84 88 92 94 95 96

No Time To Die Review They/Them/Us Review Critic’s Corner: Company 5 Questions for Rob Shuter IHeart Music Festival 2021 Steven Tyler Jerry Garcia Adam Ant Betty Wright April Rose Gabrielli The Best of Tik-Tok

TASTE 50 Edgy Mocktails 52 B’artusi 53 T-Bar Southampton 54 Nunzi’s Restaurant 56 Churrascaria Plataforma

VICTORIA CAIN - PAGE 58 22

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Wealth.

It’s complicated.

We don’t think your goal in life is to live in constant anxiety over how to preserve and grow your wealth.

Yet for many wealthy individuals and families, it’s an all-too common fate.

Because with your wealth comes complexity.

Perhaps never more so than in today’s market conditions and political realities.

At First Long Island Investors, we understand this better than most. For over 35 years, with us in their corner, some of Long Island’s wealthiest individuals and families have been able to better enjoy what all wealthy people are really striving for.

A wealth of life. Not of worry.

To put First Long Island in your corner, it’s not complicated.

Just give us a call or visit our website.

516-935-1200 w fliinvestors.com

December 2021

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CONTENTS

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DECEMBER 2021

JET SET 44 46 48

Versante Hotel Hotel Croydon The Lodge at Pebble Beach

PROFILE 74 Simply Down 98 Natalie Burdick 108 Dr. Christopher Johnson

ART FORM TIFFANY & CO - PAGE 28

58 66 76 96 98 102 104 105 106

Warhol! Warhol! Warhol!

Katerina Christina Not Drinking With Erin Short Story Rose Hartman Evan Tawil Robin Koffler Art Basel 2021 MvVO Art AD Art Show 2022 Jacques Lieberman

SOCIAL

THE BEST OF TIKTOK - PAGE 110

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110 111 112 116 118 120 122 124 126

Prostate Cancer Foundation’s Gala Dinner Malta’s Intl Humanitarian Works Bitcoin Conference 2021 Miami Young Friend’s of Save Venice Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet Annie Watt Power of Destiny Road Recovery & Lighthouse Guild Event Murano Nights

BLAZING WOOD.

BRILLIANT FLAMES.

AND A PRIMAL SENSE

THE GAUCHO GRILL

+1.866.781.3129

OF

CONNECTION.

K A L A M A ZO O G O U R M E T.CO M

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Publisher Chase Backer

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Editor-in-Chief Adam Kluger Assistant Publisher Jaime Backer Art Director Lonee Telemaque Assistant Editor Willy Nichter Copy Editors Sean Buttimer; Whitney Thompson Lifestyle Editor Elizabeth Langevin Features Editor Jadan Horyn Luxury Editor Stephanie L. Howitt Editor at Large | Art, Culture & Fashion Rachel Vancelette Fashion Photographer Matt Licari; Tara Quinn Profiles Editor Alexandra Appino-Tabone Social Editor Clara Morgan Food Editor Andrea Correale; Maribel Alvarez Digital Media Director Nancy Molina Make-up Peggy Mackey Contributors Rachel Vancelette, D.D. Rice, Paul Prince, Peter Elston, Johnny Angel, Harry White, Victoria Crosby Contributing Photographers Matt Licari, Rene Bernal, tama66, pixel2013, Michael Gaida, Benno Klandt, Michael Paniccia, Jay Mathews, Filip Shobot, Chris Carroll, Lenny Stucker, Patrick McMullan, MA , Tom Fitzgerald and Pam Deutchman, Sandy Ramirez, Jan Klier, Mitchel Gray, Paul Prince, Kristiina Wilson For advertisement info: 646-300-1852 Info@metmagny.com | metmagny.com Facebook.com/metropolitanmagazinepb | Twitter.com/metmagny Writers, models, musicians and photographers, please inquire. © Copyright 2021 by Metropolitan Magazine, All rights reserved. Metropolitan is published eleven times per year. Reproduction without permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publisher and editors are not responsible for unsolicited material and it will be treated as such and unconditionally assigned for publication subject to Metropolitan magazine’s right to edit.

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Manhattan, NYC, Milan, Sardinia

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Tiffany & Co. Celebrates JEAN SCHLUMBERGER FANTASTICAL DESIGNS

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By Nicole Ashley Schubert

ean Schlumberger Sets Paris Elite Afire With His Emblazoned Jewelry, Now Piquing Interest of Today’s Sophisticated In-Circle’s Across Palm Beach

To Jean Schlumberger, Paris was a destination of romantic luster, beguiling with society’s elite whom he dressed in spectacular jeweled statements that were gilded in his creative impulses. It was the 1930s, and the aristocrats of the romantic city, which bore lamp post lit sidewalks and cafes adorned with bundles of pastel-colored tables and chairs, were eager to seek Schlumberger’s designs that were uniquely, and often times audaciously conceptualized. Once, he even famously transformed Messein porcelain flowers, found on an old chandelier, into elegant clips for his sophisticated friend circle. And to his delight, and to everyone else’s, they were an immediate hit. His fantastical jewelry designs, many of which were created from relics picked up from the Marche des Puces, Paris’s then popular flea market, quickly spread through the city, decorating the bon vivants of the in-crowds and soon finding word with designer Elsa Schiaparelli, who was allured by his natural talent, showcasing pieces that reflected dimension and life.

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Here, it was the earrings Schiaparelli saw the Duchess of Kent wearing, which Schlumberger originally designed as a novelty. She was instantaneously mesmerized. And as a rising fashion designer whose fans spanned from conservative women to wives of diplomats, banker tycoons and visionary artists, Schiaparelli saw a perfect fit with Schlumberger, employing him as the lead designer on her accessory collections, including costume jewelry and suit buttons. He succeeded to reign supreme under Schiaparelli, understanding her vision for elegance, however bringing his own dissimilar flair to her already fashionable ready-to-wear that were afire with high society. Synonymous with the ultra-smart designer, who often embraced eccentricity in even the smallest of ways, Schlumberger pinned everything from exotic plants to glamorous displays of birds and hybrids of starfish turned into stars to suit jackets and sport coats. He was especially inspired by forms of animals, vegetables, minerals, fruits and insects and the opportunity of what they can evolve into.

“I try to make everything look as if it were growing, uneven, organic,” said Schlumberger.

“I want to capture the irregularity of the universe.”

“I want to capture the irregularity of the universe.”

From working with Schiaparelli, Schlumberger went on to create deeply imaginative pieces, many of which stemmed from his impressive and now legendary drawings, using ultrafine tracing paper, pen and India ink as his medium to create shapes and motifs that began as natural forms in the environment. However, it wasn’t until 1956, when he became an official icon in his own right, partnering with Tiffany & Co. as Vice President. Here, Schlumberger paved a new chapter for the brand, ushering in poised designs that flaunted unconventionalities and irregularities, all while set on rare-colored diamonds and gemstones, including both his Bird on a Rock and Dolphin clip, which joined Elizabeth Taylor’s revered private jewelry collection as a present from Richard Burton on the night of his 1964 premiere of the film, The Night of the Iguana.

Today, as an emblem of Tiffany & Co. and a figure who changed the world of jewelry, altering the possibilities of what can be designed from nature’s sight and transformed into emblazoning pieces, Schlumberger’s extraordinary wonders have continued.

Presently, they can be seen as a part of Tiffany & Co.’s 2021 Blue Book Collection, Colors of Nature, where his designs are once again united with the natural world, along with technicolor-tinted gemstones.

Much like the sophisticated high-society of Paris that delighted in Schlumberger’s jewelry, Tiffany & Co., suggests Palm Beach in-circles to bejewel themselves alike in The Croisillon bracelets, which were some of Schlumberger’s most desirable designs and remain just as coveted in today’s culture, reflecting the timelessly modern aesthetic that he is continuously celebrated for.

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Tiffany & Co.

HONORS JEAN SCHLUMBERGER’S AFFINITY FOR THE NATURAL WORLD

Where The Imaginable Becomes Attainable In A Symphony of Technicolor Diamonds & Gemstones

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By Nicole Ashley Schubert

n today’s most elite societies and sophisticated in-circles,

brooch that was motivated by an anecdote of his friend who

whether in the historic, pastel-colored tropics of Palm

was stung by a jellyfish while on vacation, enriched Tiffany &

Beach or beyond, the legendary Parisian jewelry maker,

Co. with whimsy and wrote a new manifesto for the brand that

Jean Schlumberger, continues to be revered for his visionary

was unconventionally infused with wit and curiosity. Even the

authority on diamonds and deeply masterful creations

rare gemstones that he used represented provocative scenes of

that originally sparked instantaneous brilliance at Tiffany

nature, from abundant verdant landscapes manifested through

& Co. in the 1960s. Celebrating beauty, glamour and taste

rare Colombian emeralds to azure blue seas and electric color

throughout all of his unabashedly hard chic designs, many of

swatches of underwater fauna realized with aquamarines,

which were dissimilarly audacious yet always baring fanciful

tsavorites and sapphires. In addition, even many of the sapphires

details, what Schlumberger proved to be most powerful among

chosen, baring hues of yellow and orange, captured the sun-

his collections and remains to pique interest with aristocrats

lamped skies above.

today, is his chromatic display of the natural world, bringing form to lush botanicals, underwater fauna and sea animals that

This season, synonymous with Schlumberger’s mesmerizing

were initially inspired by his time spent at his home on the French

statements, Tiffany & Co. is honoring the virtuous designer

Caribbean Island of Guadalupe.

with a collection of bejeweled wonders that were illustriously conceptualized by him and his drawings, including the

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It was here, inside his reimagined oasis that was detailed with

intricately fashioned Floral Leaves Clip, Ladybug Pendant and

naturalistic themes, that Schlumberger imagined some of

Peapod Brooch, each which are reminiscent of the designer’s

his most illustrious pieces, oftentimes escaping his abodes

fascination with the natural world and his time in Guadalupe.

to draw influence from the environment, striking an affinity

Coined Tiffany & Co.’s 2021 Blue Book Collection, Colors of Nature,

for what nature’s beauty can unexpectedly be transformed

Palm Beach bon vivants can now seek the beauty of nature in its

into. According to Tiffany & Co., Schlumberger’s iconic Oiseau

purest form, as seen through Schlumberger’s eyes, transformed

de Paradis clip, which is a mythical bird that glows with the

into diamonds, colored gemstones and rock crystal. Here, four

kaleidoscopic colors of yellow beryl, amethysts, emeralds and

themes are showcased, Earth, Land, Sea and Sky, along with

sapphires, was one of the designers many creations that was

70 creations that elevate the purpose of nature as it seems to

influenced by his leisurely discoveries on the island. It too is an

be, while also bringing it a dose of avant-garde that suggests

example, reflecting his innate ability to find something hidden

the imaginable become attainable. Painted in a technicolor

in the exotism of the outdoors and inject it with an imaginative

symphony, the jewels are playful and majestic, while organized

and always animative spirit. These decadently jovial creations,

in precision and conjuring Schlumberger’s above all willingness

like the Oiseau de Paradis clip and others, including the Jellyfish

to take risks and turn them into elements of the extraordinary.

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"COLORS OF NATURE, PALM BEACH BON VIVANTS CAN NOW SEEK THE BEAUTY OF NATURE IN ITS PUREST FORM..."

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Rebecca Minkoff

REBECCA

MINKOFF Fashion Futurist Heads into the Metaverse

By Jadan Horyn

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esigner Rebecca Minkoff smiles widely when she sees me. She is a formidable maskless presence leading her public relations entourage toward me. “Don’t worry I’ll be back” she whispers then struts over to a terminal for a live TV interview with Yahoo and CNBC. Her 2021 NYFW Capsule celebrates her brand’s 20th anniversary and launches it into the future.

Spring Street Studio’s is once again hosting the bulk of Fashion Week events in its sunken living room surrounded by rich red walls with windows overlooking Tribeca. Minkoff has made the rotation from the Rooftop, to an indoor greenhouse, to the sunken living room. Placed all around the room are images of her capsule. 2D tangible creations, collages featuring model portraits by Cass Bird for her NFT collection.

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Minkoff is the first American female fashion designer to produce NFTs. Her digital collection via The Dematerialised based on those 2D “I Love New York” images sold out in under 10 minutes.

The collection included 4 full looks, exclusive bags, jewelry, and highlighted a signature RM x Limelife

by Alcone Makeup look and custom RM x KISS Nail Designs.

The entire collection is exclusively available in the digital world.

All proceeds fund a grant for Women Owned Businesses Impacted in NYC by the pandemic.

The Female Founder Collective (501c3) will be administering the grant to support these much needed businesses. All revenue from NFT resales will continue to benefit the Female Founder Collective due to the NFTs smart contract structure.

She materializes next to me, and is mobbed by fans and media. I immediately commented on her choice to present a multimedia collection as opposed to an in-person approach. She laughs and says “Yes, we did in-person when no one else would - why not shake it up? Do the unorthodox.”

We grab some quick photo’s and I ask to continue this convo in an interview.

Unorthodox is one word to describe Minkoff.

Fearless is another and is the title of her recently published book. Futurist is the word I use.

Fashion Futurist Rebecca Minkoff has been on the forefront of innovation in an industry known for fastidiously resisting innovation until it becomes financially sensible, yet prone to fads and flashes.

She has nimbly navigated both, setting her own course for success.

I hear her voice on skype, positive and upbeat, a hallmark of Minkoff. She has a sense of eternal optimism. You can hear her smile, her voice is that infectious. What follows is a conversation on her unconventional collection, her fearless approach to life, and her vision for the future of fashion.

JH: What made you choose to release the capsule as a series of NFT’s?

RM: A friend asked me if I was doing NFTs and I thought man I must really be behind. I did some research and saw it was cutting edge. We are known in the industry for being on the forefront of

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technology. I put QR codes in my bags and in my book to get an idea of who my customers were and what they liked.

I did my research and this was coming fast and furious. We created two different types of NFTs: the 2D images and the exclusively digital garments.

JH: Do you believe NFT’s are the future of art? Ensuring provenance of product for consumers and product proceeds for designers and artists?

RM: NFTs are the future.

When it comes to royalties, they only come into play when it is someone who should get a royalty. I don’t know if every NFT commands a value. But it allows for artists and designers to collect on their work. And most people will be ok with that, the way they are for musicians. We are really just at the beginning.

JH: I am impressed by the philanthropic angle you chose - In fact, I was critical of the Met Gala this year because it funded cultural fashion, not humans who work in fashion severely impacted by Covid. No comment on that is needed. But I am curious what led you to want to do what you did philanthropically.

RM: It is really built into the brand’s DNA. When I made the “I <3 New York’’ shirt 20 years ago, I sent it out on September 9th, 2001, and then it got worn on TV. When sales starting rolling in, I said this is disgusting I can’t make proceeds off of this. So I donated all my profits and ate ramen noodles.

Our history is full of charitable moments and on my 20th anniversary in the midst of this global crisis how could I not give back?

JH: The smart contract aspect of your collection ensures perpetual proceeds towards The Female Founder Collection. Do you think this is the future for ensuring funding for charitable causes not to mention artists/ companies/designers? It’s akin to a royalty but tracked and paid through the blockchain.

RM: So I think for the charitable aspect as the market grows for this, I think it’s an incredible way to sort of do something without having to do something, you know, is a very low lift to say, 5% goes and maybe that’s charity, or maybe it’s funding, new designers hack. It could be going back to the designer in perpetuity. People can get really creative with how they choose to use that.

JH: I am curious about your thoughts on the future of NYFW. Many people feel it’s kind of lacking a vision for what it wants to be. You of all people have continued to advance it - do you feel it needs more in-person events, centralized events, or a move towards decentralization?

RM: You don’t get the same kicks if you lose the in-person experience. Even if people are going to be more digitally focused they still want to show up and dress up. They want to have a community experience. If you go solely digital you lose that.

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I think people will continue to augment it and add to it digitally.

During the height of the Pandemic I spent time in Miami striking up conversations with many of those in the creative and intellectual classes self-exiling in a land of relative freedom and normalcy. While there I spoke to futurist Rob Michael, who first put me on the NFT beat. At the time they were a concept. We futurecast together a world filled with NFT art existing solely in the digital space in virtual worlds populated by avatars who would be clothed in one of a kind creations. The NFT Metaverse where value propositions and the blockchain undergird uniqueness and irontrivable provenance.

Rebecca Minkoff fashion futurist has entered the metaverse. There is no going back.

“WHEN IT COMES TO ROYALTIES, THEY ONLY COME INTO PLAY WHEN IT IS SOMEONE WHO SHOULD GET A ROYALTY.” -Rebecca Minkoff with fashion designer Rebecca Minkoff on a 15-piece NFT drop that features clothes and accessories from her latest fashion collection. The NFTs will include 10 photos of models in the outfits as well as five “digital garments,” or virtual, 3D renderings of her clothes that can ultimately be used on an avatar in a number of future metaverses, according to Yahoo’s head of consumer Joanna Lambert.

● “Whenever there are rules in place that don’t totally make sense to her - time to buck the rules” ● “When you have nothing left to lose” ● Um, and I think that if I go back again to our heritage work here in large part, because technology, you know, broke down the barrier between the buyer, the editor and gave me my customer in my lap directly. And so for me, whenever there is uncertainty or change, I go, how can technology keep me afloat?

How can I use and leverage technology to make sure we get out of this? ● Thoughts on the pandemic You can, you can have a business, you can have a show. You said you would safely, like, we don’t need to just become these, these how people. Um, and so for me, it was like a, no, let’s be an example of taking a risk and doing something safe. They can be employing and keeping the economy going. Like, That is, what’s gonna get us out of that. If we get out there and go back to life, I’ll make it safely and

smartly, but it doesn’t need to be that we all just are jailed in our homes forever. And so for me, that was sort of my nightstand in that response. ●Capsule ● Philanthropy ● Built into the brands DNA - I love New York shirt, ● Futurist Rob Michaels ● Futurecast ● Sold out in minutes ● Collectors ● Unlockables - snap chat filter, a filter for other socials, can you take that to zoom and expand the experience ● Gamification ● Future of NYFW Yahoo is getting into the non-fungible token (NFT) space, but is starting off by creating a gallery of NFTs for a brand partner rather than itself. In time for the return of New York Fashion Week this week, Yahoo, the official innovation partner for the event, is working

For now, though, these NFTs will remain collectors items. ● What made you choose to release the capsule as a series of NFT’s? I know they are in vogue - but walk me through the decision-making process ● It takes some knowledge of blockchain to understand them, how did you get into the space? ● Was this collection truly digital-only or did it have a tangible product component? ● Do you believe NFT’s are the future of art? Ensuring provenance of product for consumers and product proceeds for designers and artists? ● Shina sent the release out that this collection sold out in minutes of release - I know we spoke in person at it about pioneering it was to lead with NFT’s especially given how it was expected to do in-person shows (even though you were one of the few to be bold enough to continue in-person shows these last 1.5 years). - did you expect that kind of reception? ● The look of the capsule skewed young - it had a classic Minkoff look - do you think that is why it was a digital MUST Have? ● I am impressed by the philanthropic angle you chose - In fact, I was critical of the Met Gala this year because it funded cultural fashion, not humans who work in fashion severely impacted by Covid. No comment on that is needed. But I am curious what led you to want to do what you did philanthropically. ● The smart contract aspect of your collection ensures perpetual proceeds towards The Female Founder Collection do think this is the future for ensuring funding for charitable causes not to mention artists/companies/designers? It’s akin to a royalty but tracked and paid through the blockchain. ● I am curious about your thoughts on the future of NYFW. Many people feel it’s kind of lacking a vision for what it wants to be. You of all people have continued to advance it - do you feel it needs more inperson events, centralized events, or a move towards decentralization?

Happy to have finally seen each other mask-less!

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MIE IWATSUKI

HIGH FASHION & CELEBRITY PHOTOGRAPHER,

FREDERIC AUERBACH

INTERVIEW BY MIE IWATSUKI

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orn and raised in Zürich Switzerland, Frederic Auerbach is one of the most influential fashion and celebrity photographers of our times. After attending art school in Zürich,he lived and worked in Paris for 28 years and became among the most well-known and established fashion photographers in the Parisian fashion world. He moved to the U.S. in 2014 and is currently based in LA. His photographs have been published in Vogue (UK, France, America, Spain), Marie Claire , Elle, Vanity Fair, and GQ. He has contributed to the success of leading fashion houses, and has created sensual images for renowned brands including Dior, Hermès, Cacharel, Sonja Rykiel to Mercedes. He has worked with celebrities including Sharon Stone, Sophie Marceau and Natalie Portman.

Recently, I was lucky to be photographed by Frederic in LA. It was a truly memorable experience.

In the set of photograph he gave me, Frederic not only adopted methods used in cinematic storytelling but also chose garments that seemed unrefined and very simple.

He challenged the boundary of fashion photography as he cultivated a clear sense of artistic quality with his deliberate use of dim light, minimalistic interiors, and negative space. His work is nostalgic and sensational. They could invoke past memories of a vacation in the south of France or a secret love affair. While I worked with Fredric in LA, I had the good fortune to interview him to uncover the inspiration and philosophy behind his photography.

Mie: Frederic, thank you again this time for the amazing photoshoot opportunity with you, it was really a dream come true. I am curious when and how did you start photography? And why did you choose photography as the medium of expression?

Frederic: It was my pleasure. I started with a camera when I was about eight years old. My father gave it to me because we were making very long hikes, everybody is hiking in Switzerland all the time and I got bored, so he brought me a camera. And that’s why I started to take pictures of everything and anything, and I loved it more and more so I knew very soon that I wanted to be a photographer.

Mie: So, when did you start to take a photograph professionally, and how did you start?

Frederic: I did art school in Zürich, art school in photography, and when that was finished, I went to Paris. And I started to assist photographers, and after assisting I start December 2021

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ed myself, I made a portfolio. I did some test with models, and that work I showed around magazines, until I got my first job. And that’s how I started.

Mie: So, first you got into fashion photography, and that’s what you always wanted to do?

Frederic: Because I’m not very patient. I can’t do stilllife, because it’s too precise and I don’t like precise work and if it takes hours and little finicky work, that’s not me at all. I like things go fast, and also don’t like to be alone, with fashion photography you have a whole team, which is really nice, and I just always thought it’s the most creative professional photography where you actually can earn your living, and that’s why I went to fashion photography and kind of immediately after school.

Mie: You started fashion photography in Paris, and how many years were you in Paris? And can you tell me what was your breakthrough?

Frederic: I was in Paris for 28 years. I think my breakthrough was probably when I started to work for French Elle, which was at that time quite important, that was probably the breakthrough.

After that, things started to work out, like, little snowball effect.

Mie: I think a lot of people are familiar with your picture of Natalie Portman for Dior images, can you tell us the story of making the images for them.

Frederic: I do pictures for Dior and for their faces, and they afterwards mostly give them out to press to French Elle to Australian Vogue to anybody who needs pictures then Natalie Portman, for instance, they use those pictures. When they do an article or something with five pages for instance, then they give them those pictures. So that’s how they keep and can control the image of their faces in the press.

I did pictures for Natalie Portman and Sharon Stone for Dior, it’s mainly for the magazines.

Mie: So, those images were used for the brand and celebrities, because a lot of people have seen the images everywhere, they are so familiar.

Frederic: Yes, they were in Magazines and all over.

Mie: So, you are also a Celebrity Photographer, who was the most memorable figure that you worked with as a subject? And what is your experience like shooting celebrities?

Frederic: I think for me the most memorable was probably Sharon Stone, I shot her several times but the most memorable one was the first one because it was also my first job with an important celebrity.

So, the whole thing was really exciting and at the same time I was really nervous, of course. Yes, I shot her in Los Angeles, it was for French Figaro and that was the first time I had to shoot someone really famous. The shoots with celebrities, they’re

so fast nowadays you don’t really get to know or have a relationship with them after. Everything has to be really, really fast, it has to be extremely efficient. And all these actresses and actors don’t like to take pictures but they have to do it because in 2000, you know, in our time, they have to do pictures. They’re not models and so it’s not their job but also all they want is to look really beautiful, but at the same time to go home as quickly as possible.

When she comes out of the makeup and stuff, and you have to start immediately, and when the six pictures are done, she goes home. There’s nothing happening really, it’s just you have to be really fast.

Mie: It was really wonderful to meet you and really fascinating to have this experience to do a photo shoot with you and then one thing this time’s surprise was that how you direct the subject in terms of pose for every single picture and able to have a vision of how it needs to look instantly.

And do you do this with all the celebrity subjects?

Frederic: Very often they needed to because they don’t really know what to do in front of a camera.

They know what to do in front of a movie motion camera but over stills camera they don’t know what to do. So they really want you to direct, because It’s not their job at all, and moving pictures and still the picture is very different. For them it’s a totally different world, so they need direction, they want direction.

Mie: How do you see the characteristics of your photography? I recall one of your interviews I listened to before, you said what you want to find is “Intensity” and you also said that you like the “Speed”. Can you explain what do you mean by that?

"I LOVE INTENSE PICTURES WHERE THE EXPRESSION IS REALLY INTENSE." -FREDERIC AUERBACH

Frederic: My aim is to show and to bring some emotions out of my subject, even if those emotions aren’t real, it doesn’t matter as long as the picture looks as if it has some kind of emotions, some kind of intimacy, and I think that’s what I like about my pictures and how I really would like to see my pictures today. I also work very intuitively, just see the light and ambience, and almost instantly the image comes to my mind. I love intensity in everything. I think intensity is just what we are looking for in lots of different areas in our life. I love intense pictures where the expression is really intense. And so, I tried to get that, If I can. And I mean that the fashion changes all the time, models change all the time, teams change all the time. And the photography itself is really fast, my photography is fast. I know quite quickly what I want and then I get into it. I try to have the model, getting into it as well. And then I get it very quickly.

And I try to and I like to move on to the next one and so on. I don’t like to just sit around and wait around and think around, I just like to do it fast, and with fashion photography you can do that. And I like that aspect a lot.

Mie: From the photograph you took of me this time, I can definitely sense the artistic quality in your work, and the way you bring out the beauty of a Japanese December 2021

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"MY AIM IS TO SHOW AND TO BRING SOME EMOTIONS OUT OF MY SUBJECT" -FREDERIC AUERBACH

woman in a very simple setting. And this time you chose 2 wardrobes for me that were completely opposite in style, one was a nice but a vintage dress, but the other was a loose, lacy black swimsuit coverup which was what I just bought on the street in Mexico, a very simple item. You take pictures for high fashion houses like Dior with extreme elegance, but also be able to make interesting highly artistic and sophisticated works using such simple garments. I really like this opposite contrast in your works. Do you have any photographers or artists in history that inspired you?

Frederic: There wasn’t any mentor. I was always on my own, but I mean, during Art School, I used to get into looking at other photographers, all the magazines and all the books. My favorite photographer was Guy Bourdin, I also loved Helmut Newton and Steven Meisel. But at that time, what really fascinated me was Guy Bourdin, my favorite.

I love the expressions of the girls, sometimes quite vulgar but without being vulgar he always made it. He got away even with wild vulgar photography, because it was so incredibly well done, it was so creative as well. Every picture tells a story, I mean it was incredible. But I get inspiration from absolutely everywhere, even from a drive, people I see on the street. And I love the challenge of a given work in a given environment, in the given time. So yes, that’s what I think I can express myself the best.

Think he does not do it anymore but he had a brand called OZOK and INDIVI. I’ve worked on quite a lot of his campaigns in Paris. And for architects, I like Ando Tadao. I think there’s no color for all of them, I love his concept, it’s just a great theory.

Mie: I absolutely love Tadao Ando also, for his form of space, the concept connected to nature, light, and its simplicity. It makes sense that you said you get inspiration from many aspects, I love the way you bring beauty from simplicity, the sense of esthetic in the use of space, light and tones in your photographs, it was quite fascinating to be able to see how you do from our collaboration this time, and that was done within just 2 hours. I am excited to know there is your exhibition coming up in Germany.

Can you tell us your upcoming exhibition is when and where?

Frederic: I have an exhibition in Dusseldorf in Germany, and the gallery is called Sander and Son, my solo exhibition opens on November 25th this year and it will last about 3 weeks. And it will be part of my celebrity work, I am working on it now.

Mie: Thank you. And what is next for you?

Mie: Guy Bourdin is one of my favorites also, because of the colors and compositions. In a way I can also sense the duality or contrast in your work in the use of very simple or rough components in high fashion. And do you have any favorite designers and artists from Japan?

Frederic: I’m working on NFT. Oh yes. I think I will try it. I have no idea what comes out of it though.

Is it something that will stay or is it just a trend, but it definitely excites me, so I thought let me try. And, otherwise I just want to keep working. I mean I’m very quick, my work is very eclectic, I don’t want to work just for those certain people or magazines only, you know I can work as well for tequila brands as I can work for underground magazines, or mainstream magazines. I like everything, I just want to continue.

Frederic: The Japanese fashion designer, Atsuro Tayama. He used to have his show in Paris.

Mie: Great, Thank you so much for the interview this time and the wonderful photoshoot opportunity.

Frederic: Thank you, it was my pleasure.

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Frederic Auerbach Frederic Auerbach was born and raised in Switzerland and after attending art school in Zürich. Frederic studied under premier photographers in Milan and Paris. For 28 years he lived and worked in Paris and is among the most well-known and established fashion photographers in the Parisian fashion world today. His photographs have been published internationally in magazines such as Vogue (UK, France, America, Spain), Marie Claire (Italy, France), Elle (Germany, France, Spain), Vanity Fair, and GQ. He has contributed to the success of leading fashion and beauty houses, creating sensual images for brands from Dior, Hermès, Cacharel, Sonja Rykiel, to Mercedes, Comma, Lancaster, Lacoste.

His subjects include A-list stars, world class models and actors such as Sharon Stone, Sophie Marceau, Natalie Portman, Charlize Theron, Jude Law, Eva Green, Naomi Campbell, Mélanie Laurent and John Legend, to name a few. Frederic relocated to Los Angeles in Summer 2014, and continues to live and work in the international stage of high fashion and celebrity photography in the U.S. and Europe.

Model / Author: Mie Iwatsuki Mie Iwatsuki is an artist muse, model, and curator based in New York. She built her career at Christie’s, an established auction house, and an art gallery in SOHO. She also does a wide range of art-related work, including curation and translation. From 2005 to 2010, she was a model for the iconic New York artist Alex Katz, starting her career as an artist’s muse, she was also photographed by the legendary photographer Robert Frank, and quickly became a rising figure in the art world. In her 2012 exhibition, “Mie: A Portrait by 35 Artists,” she collaborated with 35 contemporary artists. A portion of the proceeds from the exhibition was donated to the Japan Earthquake Relief Fund. She is currently writing her memoir. Instagram: mieiwatsuki

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ICONIC

CHUCK’S VINTAGE

MAKES LAVISH NEW YORK CITY DEBUT

By Lillian Langtry

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huck’s Vintage has a new store in Manhattan, and they are offering up the most stylish gifts this holiday season. Since opening on the Upper East Side, fashionistas have been raving about the collection that showcases the best of the past in the present.

Chuck’s Vintage founder​, ​Madeline Cammarata, was always about making people smile through clothing. Honoring her legacy with gifts from this timeless store will stretch the joy on with denim lovers in your life. Even those who like a gift that is not just your everyday department store ordinary will fall in love with a present from here.

Madeline’s career began as a fashion model, where she was soon discovered by the iconic and provocative fashion photographer Helmut Newton, launching Cammarata to the runways of Europe.

Returning to the US, Madeline found a powerful niche in the high fashion world of denim.

In 2006, Madeline started Chuck’s Vintage, which overnight became a true American original. Her abundant collection became treasured wear for celebrities and business elites from Steve Jobs to f​amous musicians such as Dolly Parton, Robert Plant, Morrisey and more. From the famous to just pure classic style lovers, they have all at one point crossed the threshold of Chuck’s Vintage in the California hotspot shop​-​where even once a world-renown​ed​denim archivist saw fit to entrust Madeline with millions of dollars’ worth of collectible denim that she p​ roudly sold.

The new store’s s​ howcase of vintage denim that must be seen to be believed. The blue jeans in the Upper East Side location​will​range from Strongholds found in the California Gold Rush mines to World War II-Era Levi’s, Lees, and Wranglers, as well as 1960’s ladies high-waisted and groovy deadstock Levi’s bells. Chuck’s w ​ ill a​ lso showcase the founder’s sampling of vintage American workwear: rugged military and work boots, buttery leather bomber jackets, and soft, perfectly worn-in vintage 70’s rock tees. Classic American Cool.

Recently Chuck’s Vintage celebrated their New York City debut with a Roaring 20’s themed soiree. The extravagant event was the “bee’s knees” and hosted by Vinnie Cammarata, husband of the late Madeline Cammarata. The evening was a celebration of both Madeline and the iconic business’s new Manhattan location.

Setting up its new flagship retail outlet in North America’s premier luxury district, Chuck’s Vintage will soon become a New York City favorite place to shop for ​time-honored clothing. Visit the flagship retail outlet to shop for ​time-honored clothing at 173 East 91st Street, Basement, New York, NY 10128.

For more information, visit chucksvintage.com

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VERSANTE HOTEL LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL OPENSByIN CANADA Peter Elston

ears in the making and hugely anticipated, Versante Hotel — Greater Vancouver’s first new luxury boutique hotel in years, and the first hotel of its kind in the city of Richmond — finally opened its doors to the public. Every detail at Versante, from leading-edge technology to vibrantly colourful interior design, has been carefully considered to offer the most unique and captivating hotel experience in the region.

“Having spent almost 20 years managing boutique hotels in Canada and the US, I can’t overstate how special a property Versante is,” says General Manager, David Curell. “In a region crowded with branded hotels, we’re proud to be Richmond’s only independent boutique hotel, and locally owned and operated. Our guests are independent spirits who seek out fresh and innovative experiences everywhere they go.”

Here are some of the many reasons why Versante is Canada’s most remarkable new hotel experience of 2021.

ROOMS 100 guestrooms and suites boasting five bold décor themes – developed

by Vancouver-based CHIL Interior Design – evoke a distinct personality.

Wall coverings, fabric selections and furniture colours were customized to create an immersive experience within each room scheme. In addition to either two luxury queens or one king-size bed, each room features: • Contactless check-in/out, room entry and lighting controls via the Versante App. The app also allows for contactless room-service ordering, as well as connecting with the Versante guest-services team • Complimentary high-speed wi-fi with unlimited bandwidth • 24-hour room service • Spa-like bathrooms featuring the Dyson Supersonic hair dryer, large rainforest

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shower with heated floor, and, in most guestrooms and all suites, a freestanding soaker tub with view window • Floor-to-ceiling windows in most rooms, offering expansive mountain and river views • Energy-efficient View Smart auto-tinting windows • State-of-the-art MirrorTM workout technology in select suites •Versante is the only hotel in Canada featuring bath amenities by Red Flower, a women-owned New York City brand whose acclaimed bath and beauty products are biodegradable, vegan, and cruelty-free.

LOCATION Situated in Richmond, Versante is only 20 minutes by vehicle from Downtown Vancouver, and mere minutes from Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The city of Richmond was cited by The New York Times as having the best Asian food in North America — so you can discover incredible culinary experiences just steps away. World-class shopping, golf, recreation, gaming, and much more are also close by.

REJUVENATE In addition to a 24-hour fitness facility with Peloton bikes and Life Fitness cardio equipment, guests may retreat to the serene outdoor rooftop terrace with a saltwater pool and hot tub.

DINING Versante is home to an array of thrilling new dining concepts. Experience Mediterranean flavours at Bruno, or ascend to Alaïa and marvel at sweeping 12th-floor views. Versante Bar is a sophisticated lounge offering delectable small plates and classic cocktails by night.

For reservations and more information, visit: versantehotel.com.

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HOTEL CROYDON

GATEWAY TO WONDERFUL MIAMI BEACH EXPERIENCES

By Norah Bradford

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ith lovely weather and beaches, The Hotel Croydon is the starting point for beautiful Miami Beach experiences.

The 7-story luxury Hotel Croydon dazzles with 104 guest rooms, including a sprawling Penthouse with ocean views, meeting and banquet space, a concept store, a gym, an outdoor pool, a spa, an on-site restaurant and bar, and a rooftop sun deck with 360-degree views of the ocean and Miami Beach.

Hotel Croydon’s guest rooms bring together luxury and relaxation. The Queen Room is a sophisticated and elegantly decorated retreat from a day at the beach or shopping nearby. Earthy tones, a luxurious cooling gel memory foam mattress, luxury C.O. Bigelow bath products, a fully stocked mini bar, a striking dark mahogany porcelain tile floor, an iHome docking station, a hair dryer, and a large flat screen TV characterize their exquisitely furnished boutique room. Their serene Double Room has two inviting queen beds with upscale cooling gel memory foam mattresses, luxury C.O. Bigelow bath products, a mini bar with an assortment of delectable snacks, a mahogany porcelain tile floor, an iHome docking station for your personalized melodies, a hair dryer, and a large flat screen TV with cable.

The Tavern, the on-site restaurant, serves a flavorful mash-up of fresh, zesty, crispy, or succulent dishes hand-picked by an award-winning chef.

Open from 8:00AM to Midnight for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the menu includes burgers, sandwiches, pastas, salads and much more. From shrimp tacos to the classic Cuban Sandwich, The Tavern has something for everyone’s palette. Daily Free Happy Hour 6:00PM-7:00PM (vodka and gin only).

The beach is within 2 minutes walking distance. Dreamy Ocean Drive is about 2.4 miles away or a 10-minute drive away, where iconic beach views, cafe-style dining, and Art Deco architecture set the stage for a funfilled day. This oceanfront street is lined with quaint, pastel-hued Art Deco buildings and hotels, restaurants that spill out onto the streets, festive travelers, boutique beach shops, and more. It’s the place to go for a quiet cup of coffee, an oversized margarita, and some great people-watching.

It’s only natural that such a stunning location has served as the setting for some of Hollywood’s most iconic films and TV shows, including Scarface, The Birdcage, Miami Vice, Reno 911: Miami, Bad Boys, There’s Something About Mary, Dexter, Burn Notice, Magic City, and Moonlight.

For more information, visit hotelcroydonmiamibeach.com.

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The Lodge at Pebble Beach

By Karina Y. Sotelo

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ilently tucked away on the edge of a wildly breathtaking coastline on the scenic 17-mile drive, is this timeless award-winning treasure.

The Lodge at Pebble Beach Resorts is one of the most enduring and desirable hotels on California’s central coast, attracting glamorous guests—famous golfers, notable celebrities and not—since 1919. No question that is, in part, thanks to its distinguished golf courses, rich history, and stunning seascapes, but perhaps it is mostly because nothing else truly embodies the essence of Pebble Beach quite like it does. The centuries old property is unapologetically elegant yet inviting. Guests immediately feel important and pampered the minute they arrive, as they are ushered to the lobby by an attentive white-glove service staff. Interiors are bathed in old time glamour and modern decadent design with a neutral, but regal color scheme of grays, blues and sandy browns. Hallways are lined with an impressive collection of glass encased trophies and distinctive oil paintings that pay homage to the beautiful Monterey Peninsula.

THE ACCOMMODATIONS Guestrooms, all 161 rooms and suites, are opulent and spacious but manage to give off a super cozy and intimate feel—each outfitted in dark-wooden accents, fine decor, leather armchairs, gas-burning fireplaces and picturesque views of lush gardens and the sea beyond. Ocean view rooms are highly recommended especially if you want to wake up every morning to a scenery that is something out of a John Steinbeck novel: majestic cloud formations hovering over the mountain tops and fairways, the sound of waves gently clashing against the seawalls and, if fortunate enough, you’ll spot wild deer peacefully grazing on the pristine manicured greens.

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Truly, a magical sight to behold.

THE FOOD & DRINK There are plenty of dining options to choose from.

For an artful culinary experience in a sumptuous and intimate scene, Stillwater Bar and Grill is the place to indulge. The menu is mostly California coastal with a seared sea bass, yellowfin tuna, and cedarroasted salmon as the highlighted dishes. If you’re looking for something a little meatier, The Tap Room serves high quality, sustainably-raised steakhouse fare in a dimly lit comfortable setting. But for a winedrenched evening under the stars and cozying up next to a warm firepit, The Bench is exactly where you’ll want to be. The restaurant has a chic, relaxed vibe and overlooks the 18th hole and Stillwater cove, the perfect ambience to sip wine or have a proper cocktail. Don’t leave without trying the lavender lemon drop martini, it’s certainly a thirst-quenching treat.

THE THINGS TO DO Though spending all your days golfing on worldclass and legendary links will be very tempting, you’ll want to explore the other side of the green grass, too. The resort has a world of top-notch services and amenities to uncover, including highend boutiques and shops, tennis courts, a heated outdoor swimming pool, and an award-winning spa. For something more adventurous and scenic, opt for the horseback riding excursions or any of the personalized guided tours. But whatever you decide to do, do not forget to take a leisurely ride down 17-mile drive—where you’ll travel through a dreamy forest of Monterey Cypress trees, white-sand beaches, historic landmarks and sweeping ocean views that are simply unforgettable.

25A Metropolitan Magazine | Metmagny.com

THE VINTAGES TRAILER RESORT

By Karina Y. Sotelo

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pend the night in a retro-chic trailer while exploring Oregon’s fabulous wine country. Surrounded by luscious rolling hills, orchards, and beautiful fields of grain, The Vintages Trailer Resort is an old-school American dreamland primely situated in the rich wine-growing region of Willamette Valley, just 35 miles outside the city of Portland. The 14-acre trailer resort, which neighbors an RV Park, is home to a stylish community of 35 refurbished mid-century travel trailers, including the iconic Spartans, shiny metallic Airstreams and candy-coated Shasta Airflytes. Think classic 1950’s style vibes and exteriors, where each trailer lot boasts a wooden deck and patio area that is complete with lounging chairs, striped sunbrellas, fancy propane grills, a designated driveway and perfectly manicured lawns that are randomly embellished with hot-pink plastic flamingo garden ornaments. Design-wise, all accommodations uniquely exude a homey feel but are given personality with era-themed touches and furnishings—honey-toned woodwork and cabinetry, aluminum trimming, overlapping patterns and fabrics, shag accessories and black and white framed photos that all simultaneously transport you

back in time. Needless to say, every trailer comes equipped with all the overnight glamping essentials you could think of: comfortable bedding, wet rooms with flushable toilets and eco-conscious bath products, televisions, air-conditioners, cozy portable fireplaceheaters, kitchenettes fully stocked with cookware, a microwave, and a refrigerator. Thoughtful extras include snug robes and slippers, premium pour-over coffee, hot cocoa, and—well, duh—two bottles of the finest locally produced wine. If you run out of your pinot gris or pinot noir, there is an on-site general store that has some more, they also have snacks and vintage glass-bottled cola refreshments just in case you get a little hungry. For fun, there is a swimming pool (located next to the super clean shower facility) and complimentary cruiser bicycles that guests can freely use to go on leisurely bike rides through the neighborhood. After spending the day wine-sipping at the local vineyards (there are 47 surrounding wineries), you’ll want to bring your mug full of hot chocolate and cozy up next to one of the three fireside pits where wonderful views of prolific vineyards and grain gently swaying in the wind beckon.

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SIPPING IN STYLE WITH AN EDGY MOCKTAIL

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Top Tips for Stepping Up the Classic Mocktail or Cocktail

By W.A. Muller

Nonalcoholic or zero mocktails can be just as exciting and flavorful as having a cocktail! Whether simply quenching your thirst with a beautiful and tasty beverage or enjoying Happy Hour, Chef Ryan Rondeno offers a variety of timeless tips and bonus recipe for mocktails.

Mocktails are building as a nutritious trend that’s beyond an Arnold Palmer or virgin cranberry mocktail. Take a closer look at some valuable tips for transforming a beverage into an experience by using fruit purees, flavored syrups, sodas, and herbs.

1

Don’t shy away from using glassware.

Do away with the traditional glassware for the normal cocktails.

Mix up the glassware.

Use beer glasses for exotic mocktails. Tall Collins glasses and champagne flutes are a great choice as well.

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2

Have Fun with Ice From large squared ice, spheres, or even soft crushed ice makes a beautiful presentation in a glass. If you like to be creative, make ice cubes with sliced fruit and fresh herbs.

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3

Mix It Up with Mixers Dare to be different.

Use mixer that create a great conversation.

Infused juices, syrups, and sodas are great additions to a drink.

Seasonal fruit purees give the mocktail depth and flavor.

4

Add Fresh Herbs & Citrus for Flavor Fresh herbs are essential to giving the drink a unique feel. It doesn’t have to be mint or basil all the time. Explore with many herbs of the world. Citrus zest and juice add a punch that allow the drink to wake up the palate. If you want to create, consult your local farmers market for unique items.

5

Garnish How are you going to finish your drink?

Fruit, herbs or edible flowers are great finishing notes that send your mocktail into completion. Garnishes can give your drink balance. Use fruit to balance the sweetness of the drink. Fresh herbs and edible flowers add a bright touch that’s picture perfect.

* NY food & Wine Fest * Culinary Fight Club- LA, San Diego, Chicago (won 3 times and finished 3rd in national championship) Chef Rondeno is the founder and owner of Rondeno Culinary Designs and the Rondeno Spice Collection (Nola Creole Rub, Citrus Herb Rub, and Ancho-Chili BBQ Rub) designed to help cooks of all skill levels enhance the flavor of the dishes. His culinary focus is on the use of grass-fed organic meats and locally-grown organic produce.

FoodCulture App Chef Rondeno offers simple recipes that will bring unique and tasty experiences to the kitchen table with his FoodCulture App. “FoodCulture was created to embody a personal and unique approach of food and flavor in the kitchen. We wanted to create cost-effective and flavorful scratch recipes that didn’t break the bank. The App was also designed to have a one-on-one feel, as if I’m cooking with you every step of the way,” says Chef Rondeno.

SPARKLING PASSIONFRUIT RASPBERRY LIMEADE Description Try this passion fruit limeade you won’t be satisfied with anything else. Sparkling water makes this a sparkling limeade that everyone loves.

Cook Time: 10 minutes Serves: 1 Ingredients 2 oz. Passionfruit Juice 2 oz. Orange Juice 10 Raspberries, Muddled ¾ oz. Lime Juice ½ oz. Simple Syrup 1 oz. Sparkling Water Lime Slices for Garnish Raspberries for Garnish Mint Sprigs (optional) Instruction In a cocktail shaker, muddle raspberries for 10-20 seconds.

Add ice, passionfruit juice, orange juice, lime juice, and simple syrup. Shake vigorously for 20 seconds. In a glass, add ice. Pour limeade mixture into a glass. Top off with sparkling water. Stir. Garnish with raspberry and limeade. Enjoy!

Find a sweet and savory collection of recipes, such as: brunch, salads, healthy dinners, easy snacks, comfort food, cocktails, plus many more added every month!

Chef Ryan Rondeno Private Chef to the Stars, Ryan Rondeno, is a true master of his trade and is ready to shake up the restaurant industry by bringing elegant dishes, bold flavor, and simple technique to the home front.

His masterful cuisine has been relished at large-scale culinary events, gala dinners, and as a personal chef to some of the most notable names in the industry. * Diddy * Will Smith * Common * Tyrese Gibson * Robert Smith * Xhibit * Mercedes-Benz * Lamborghini * Will McGinest * LA Philharmonic

Chef Ryan is making his lavish recipes available to people across the U.S. as he offers some trade secrets, training through simple technique, tips and tricks, and revealing signature recipes for all ages. With a passion for French, Italian and Regional American Cuisine, his focus remains on local, sustainable cuisine with a strong emphasis on bold flavors—not to mention the love of New Orleans cuisine and fresh California flavors.

Most notably, Chef Ryan has also appeared on the following segments and placed in food competition for the following:

Download the FoodCulture App Today!

Save & Access Recipes Anywhere * Premium Video Recipes * Integrated Shopping List * Shop Our Store * Download the Free App Today Google: https://play.google.com/ store/apps/details?id=com.weapp. recipeapp Apple: https://apps. apple.com/us/app/food-culture/ id1538389448

* World Food Championships (top 10 finish) * The Jam TV Show * Atl & Co * Good Day Charlotte * Good Day San Diego

Join the conversation with the “FoodCulture Community” Page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ groups/310086614010323

Visit https://www. rondenoculinarydesigns.com for a Weekly Delivery Menu & to Purchase Spices & Rubs

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B’ARTUSI OPENS IN THE HEART OF THE WEST VILLAGE

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The team behind beloved West Village destination L’Artusi opens an intimate Italian restaurant and wine bar NEW YORK, NY, OCTOBER 27TH, 2021

’artusi, the new restaurant and wine bar from the team behind beloved restaurant L’Artusi, opens just down the block on a scenic West Village corner [520 Hudson Street, at West 10th Street]. Joe Vigorito, the long-time executive chef behind L’Artusi, oversees the kitchen at b’artusi and offers a seasonal Italian menu with dishes perfect for sharing, all created to complement the extensive selection of Italian wines curated by L’Artusi beverage director Anncherie Saludo. Designed by Carpenter + Mason, the 40-seat space features both bar and table seating with rich woods and vintage mirrors, lush greenery, and a gallery wall of art, as well as cozy and expansive outdoor seating.

TEAM b’artusi is from the team behind L’Artusi, the popular West Village staple that has been drawing crowds for their Italian dishes and wines for over a decade.

Restaurateur and Owner Kevin Garry and Executive Chef Joe Vigorito worked closely on the b’artusi menu, pulling inspiration from some of L’Artusi’s most popular dishes over the years. Vigorito, who has been with the team for over six years, is behind some of L’Artusi’s classic dishes that diners return for time-and-time again, and has been responsible for the restaurant’s robust take-home business that launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

L’Artusi’s longtime beverage director Anncherie

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By Harry Brads & Norah Bradford Saludo, who has been with the L’Artusi team since opening, also joins Garry and Vigorito at b’artusi to help curate the expansive wine list, signature cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages as the beverage director.

with toasted croutons and pine nuts; and red-wine braised Octopus with romesco sauce. Dolci like a Warm Spiced Pear Crostata with maple walnut gelato, PB&J Tart with concord grape sorbet, and Affogato round out the menu.

FOOD Chef Vigorito’s menu consists of shareable plates that are ideal to pair with b’artusi’s breadth of Italian and French wines, beginning with a Crudo section featuring Black Bass Ceviche with melon, basil, and Calabrian chili and Wagyu Tartare with capers, Calabrian chili and shallots; Insalate e Zuppe including a Sicilian Chopped Salad with finocchiona, olives, fried chickpeas, and peaches; and Italian Wedding Soup with veal meatballs, roast chicken, and kale. Additional Piatti include Lamb Meatballs with hazelnuts, salsa verde, and spicy tomato sauce; Cockles in herb butter white wine sauce, served with toasted Pugliese bread; and Braised Short Rib Lasagna with red winebraised short rib seasoned lightly with horseradish and orange zest, layered with fresh pasta and mozzarella cheese. There is also a section dedicated to Verdure and Frutti di Mare, served in groups of one, two, or three and include Broccoli ‘Cacio e Pepe’ with pecorino and lemon; Spiced Carrots served atop cumin yogurt and drizzled with arugula pesto; Baccala with broccoli rabe pesto and farro; Sardines with golden raisins, burnt orange, pickled mustard seed, and endive, topped

WINE Saludo has curated an Italian French-focused wine list at b’artusi, specifically highlighting smaller and family-owned producers, as well as female winemakers, from regions such as Campania in Italy and the Loire Valley in France. Traditional, old world wines are featured alongside exciting selections from less traditional regions, like Biancolella from Ischia and Greco di Tufo from Avellino. Cocktails are named after works from local West Village artists, and include the Eleven AM with Dolin Blanc, Cocchi Americano, Italicus, and prosecco; Reigning Queens with Hayman’s Gin, St Germain, Green Chartreuse, and lime; Earth & Green with Yola Mezcal, Noilly Prat Dry Vermouth, and Suze; and Moon Woman with Old Overholt Rye, Cocchi Torino, and Montenegro Amaro.

There’s also a section for non-alcoholic cocktails, like house-made jasmine and grapefruit tonic, and chamomile lemon shrub. b’artusi is open for lunch and dinner from Noon-Midnight Sunday - Thursday, and until 1AM on Friday and Saturday, walk-ins only.

For more information, please visit bartusinyc.com and follow along at @bartusinyc.

T-BAR Southampton is ready to serve the best classic cuisines with a modern twist.

The menu features a wide range of dishes, ranging from mouthwatering renditions of classics to refined and inventive plates, providing the ultimate dining experience. It is no wonder that the restaurant has loyal followers from Manhattan to the local beach towns.

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FINE ITALIAN DINING MEETS GOOD VIBES AT

NUNZI’S RESTAURANT

By Cecille Langtry

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family’s love for good food and good vibes has created what is destined to be the hottest new restaurant in Farmingdale, New York. Inspired by a grandfather’s passion for bringing people together at a table and a grandmother’s love for food is the launch of Nunzi’s.

Owner and operator Michael Napolitano along with his brother, Vincent Jr, are out to prove that the incredible dishes made in the kitchen are only to be rivaled by the fantastic hospitality of Nunzi’s where everybody is treated like a VIP. Traditions and respect for the good ole days,’ are incorporated into a sleek and modern layout by renowned designer Derek Axelrod.

“Here at Nunzis we plan on keeping my grandfather’s traditions alive. You will eat with us, drink with us and laugh with us. Families and friends will all enjoy delicious food, fine drinks, good music and making memories,” states Napolitano.

The modern take on classic dishes, highlights a menu that incorporates unique twists on old school Italian meals. With superb creations such as Grandmas Meatballs, Pappardelle & Lamb, Heritage Pork Chop, Pan Seared Scallops, and desserts like Cannoli Cream with Biscotti.

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Not to be missed are fascinating interpretations that will satisfy the cravings of adventurous foodies such as one-of-a-kind Limoncello Chicken Wings and a boisterous menu placement of a Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich.

What Chefs Anthony LoCastro and Marc Wisehart have collaborated to produce, are memorable moments on a plate.

In fact, the outstanding time restaurant goers spend at Nunzi’s is considered an immersive cultural experience that warmly embraces the best minute of our lives.

The moment guests walk in the door they are dazzled by a lively environment that is both edgy and delightful.

Both Axelrod and the Napolitano’s worked in harmony to launch a soon to be Farmingdale institution. Nunzi’s seeks to enchant young and old alike by capturing a fresh, contemporary, and sleek look, with nods to the glamour and romance of classic Italian meals.

For more information, please visit nunzis1274.com, and on Instagram at @nunzisfarmingdale.

LOCATION: 125 Secatogue Avenue Farmingdale, NY 11735

HOW TO HOST THE PERFECT EVENT

By Margaret Luce

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evel Rouge is an event planning company owned by the fabulous Hank Stampfl. Hank in his own words is “a curator of the perfect party”. I recently had the pleasure of attending one in the Hamptons. Every detail was so perfect I asked to meet him. I love a perfectionist and Hank who brings with him fifteen years in the Hospitality Industry, certainly is one.

Revel Rouge has even done events with Gucci, Tom Ford, Balenciaga and Chanel just to name a few. One of their signature focuses is the in- home five-star swanky dinner party which has gained major popularity among his clients in the current situation we are in. Recently Revel Rouge created dinner out every night at a client’s home in Jackson Hole, Wyoming with different cuisines every night and different plates and decorations for the table reflecting the heritage of that cuisine.

“WHETHER IT’S A DINNER PARTY FOR 10 OR 250, REVEL ROUGE WILL DELIVER A ONE-OF-A-KIND EVENT.”

Hank often works with a young culinary star, Andrew Molen who is been delighting guests this summer at the Maidstone Inn in East Hampton. Andrew’s food is a delight for the senses, and you can find him this winter manning the stoves at a ski resort in Ludlow, Vermont at the Calcuttas Restaurant.

Whether it’s a dinner party for 10 or 250, Revel Rouge will deliver a one-of-a-kind event. Maybe it’s the texture of the menu, the fragrance of the room when guests enter or the energy of the music Every little thing is thought of so the host can enjoy their own party.

Revel Rouge is happy to curate an event anywhere where you want to be.

RevelRouge.com

Hank Stampfl

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CHURRASCARIA PLATAFORMA THE BRAZILIAN ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT DINING EXPERIENCE

By Peter Elston

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hurrascaria Plataforma is an authentic Brazilian “Churrascaria,” a restaurant that serves mostly grilled meat, that is taking New York City by storm. The Rodizio style restaurant uses the method of serving various cuts of meat that originated in the southern part of Brazil in the early 1800s. The idea is to serve a wide variety of different cuts of meat, such as beef, pork, lamb, chicken, and so on, to each diner individually at their table, so there is no traditional menu as it consist of an all-you-can-eat menu and continuous table-side service.

Their Prix-fixe lunch and dinner is sumptuous meal that has to be seen to believe. The first course is their Gourmet Salad Bar which is fully stocked and deep with many selections. The main course consists of Top Sirloin, their signature cut “PICANHA” Sirloin, Plataforma Steak, Flank Steak, Pork sausage, Pork loin, Chicken Leg, Leg of lamb with even more choices available during dinner hours.

There are plenty of sides to choose from as well like White rice, Fried banana, Fried polenta, Grilled vegetables, Yucca flour, Black beans, French fries, Mashed potatoes, and Vinaigrette sauce.

The bar is an experience within itself. Wind down your day or start your evening with a wide variety of beverages served in a distinctive Brazilian lively atmosphere. Wines by the glass, single malt scotches, Churrascaria Plataforma’s famous “Caipirinha” (a concoction of fresh limes, sugar, crushed ice, and “Cachaça” – a Brazilian liquor made from raw sugar cane), martinis, and a variety of non-alcoholic beverages There is also a new Craft Beer menu available. Also, you can try something from their Food Bar Menu as well. Each plate complements and emphasizes Churrascaria Plataforma’s commitment to serving authentic Brazilian cuisine. This menu was created as an addition to their traditional Rodizio and is only available at the bar. This collection of one-of-a-kind bites will leave you wanting more.

Churrascaria Plataforma’s Happy Hour offers many wine and cocktail specials available Monday through Thursday from 1:00pm to 6:00pm, and Friday from 12:00pm to 6:00pm.

Churrascaria Plataforma is the perfect spot for all occasions, from a small family dinner to hosting large event, and anything in between. Voted the #1 Brazilian Steakhouse in the USA by “The Daily Meal,” Churrascaria Plataforma is THE authentic New York City rodizio-style restaurant.

For more information, visit: plataformaonline.com Churrascaria Plataforma 316 West 49th Street New York, NY 10019

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Essexnyc.com

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WARHOL! WARHOL! WARHOL! & Homage to Pop Art featuring Ray Gross Pop Art Porcelain

By Harry Brads & Norah Bradford

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create highly controversial, yet wildly collectible prints of Marilyn, Mao, and Elizabeth. His later provocative pieces like the Death and Disaster pictures, made the art world practically apoplectic, and the fame that resulted, coupled with his childhood obsession for movie stars, gave rise to a celebrity conscious altsociety that filled his inner circle. Luminaries, including politicians, movie stars, and more than one heiress flocked to him for attention.

In a recent New York Times article, Alice Cooper claimed that although he knew Warhol from the Manhattan club scene, they weren’t friends. “Warhol’s group was too weird for me.” Cooper said.

In 1967 Warhol barely survived a deliberate gunshot at close range. The wounds affected his mental and physical health until his unexpected death 19 years later. By the time “Warhol” was inscribed on his headstone, at 59 years old, he had become the leader of the Pop Art movement. His was a household name, and this fragile kid from Pittsburgh had signature work held in significant public and private art collections around the world.

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equesta, Florida; January 13 – March 23, 2022: The High Priest of Pop Art - Andy Warhol - is on exhibit at Lighthouse ArtCenter in Tequesta, Florida. The show, appropriately titled WARHOL! WARHOL! WARHOL! fills the entire Spencer gallery. This selection of original artwork from the private collection of Beth Rudin DeWoody includes early works that are rarely seen, as well as experimental pieces from later in the artist’s established career. The Schorr gallery features an Homage to the Pop Art Movement with Ray Gross Pop Art Porcelains including a lifesize porcelain Harley Davidson.

The Schorr also shows metalsmiths and jewelers from across the country who responded to a juried nationwide call to artists for Warhol Inspired Pop Art Jewelry made exclusively for this show. These pieces cover one whole wall in the pop-up space while Paper Alchemy, an invitational exhibit, fills one of the smaller gallery spaces with unique works that introduce Thurmanite, a new sculptural medium.

The meteoric rise of Warhol in brief Andy Warhol arrived in Manhattan in 1949, carrying a portfolio filled with artwork from his days at Carnegie Institute of Technology and it wasn’t long before a family friend introduced the 21 year old to the art director at Glamour magazine.

This shy kid with patchy skin and a slight build had artwork that was entirely unlike the polished pieces she normally used. Tina Fredericks gave him his first freelance job creating fresh illustrations to be used in ads for I.Miller shoes.

Warhol grew up in WWII Pittsburgh, the steel town that considered itself the backbone of America, and given this opportunity to work with Glamour Magazine, his work ethic went into overdrive. He bore down on his future with ink and a brush, and painted for eighteen hours a day.

Destined to make a name for himself in the city, Andy’s commercial art career flourished when he reliably delivered high-quality designs ahead of schedule. But, it took over ten years for him to cross over from low to high art. It was 1962, when his first gallery show displayed the 32 iconic paintings of Campbell’s Soup. One for each flavor. The collection originally sold for a total of $1,000, by 1987 the soup cans claimed a page in history when they were purchased by MOMA for $11.7 million.

At the Carnegie he’d been taught to appreciate commercial art as well as fine art. Although Warhol did not invent the Pop Art movement, he certainly joined it in the late 50s and 60s when he made popular culture the focus in his original paintings. During a long stretch of his career he used silk screen as an unorthodox medium to

WARHOL! WARHOL! WARHOL! The art exhibition at Lighthouse ArtCenter, shows a wide selection of his evocative works, from those early I. Miller shoe illustrations to the late career experimental Oxidation Paintings made of urine and metallic pigment on canvas. Visitors can argue over the aesthetic value of his silk screen prints of lips, or they can take a walk on the wild side, back to the Red Hot Chili Peppers as they appear stitched together in six black and white silver gelatin prints created from 1976-86.

The compliment to Warhol’s genius: Homage to Pop Art featuring Ray Gross Pop Art Porcelain Although none of the Warhol pieces on loan will be available for purchase, when guests shift gears in the Schorr gallery they’ll find all of the art on exhibit for sale. This homage to Pop Art includes a life size Harley Davidson made of porcelain by Ray Gross, the celebrated ceramicist, who is known for his hand-built, hand-painted, hyper-realistic porcelain sculptures.

His work depicts 3D items of everyday Americana, including utilitarian art objects such as paint cans, tubes, brushes, pencils, and other artist tools that have seized the attention of collectors, and are collected by private, public, and corporate clients worldwide.

The exciting results of a national call to artists for Warhol-inspired jewelry fills one large wall with oneof-a-kind pieces in a variety of media. The selection will challenge your imagination as it incorporates wit, and humor with fine craftsmanship. Last, but not least, Paper Alchemy, an invitational exhibit features experimental works by top-of-their-field artists who integrate a brand new medium called Thurmanite into beautiful high quality works that are ready to grace the best luxury collections. This exhibition is one for the history books!

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Photographer: Udo Spreitzenbarth Fashion Editor: Ty-Ron Mayes Make-up and Hair: Ty-Ron Mayes for Paper Faces Cover Model: Victoria Cain (Next Models) Studio: Loft 29

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A Cup of Tea with

Victoria Cain Britain’s Hottest Export

by Adam Kluger & Ty-Ron Mayes

Vicky, how were you discovered?

I was discovered while I was working my first job at Hollister (classic) when I was 16, a woman approached me and told me I looked like an extra-terrestrial - questionable start- anyway I signed to her modeling agency, despite the reference to ET, and that’s pretty much where my career started As a model, what was your favorite job to date?

I just can’t choose a favorite as I’ve been lucky enough to work with so many amazing people on so many creative projects... That being said I do love doing jobs that involve changing my hair color to something fun. Pink is my favourite so far.

People may not know that you are really into investments and Cryptocurrency. Tell us more about your side hustle.

I got into crypto about 4 years ago, I do mainly yield farming and liquidity providing, and have been riding the wave/rollercoaster ever since You have perfect skin. What are your beauty routine and your musthave products?

The foundation of good skin comes from diet, I make sure to have a clean diet with lots of healthy fats and no sugar. But my secret weapon if I need my skin flawless for a shoot, I use red light therapy and blue light therapy after I do micro-needling with hyaluronic acid, followed with the Sunday Riley vitamin C oil.

What do you look for in a guy?

Well, first off, they have to bring more value to my life than what I’ve created for myself being single. They must respect my freedom and my life, have drive & ambition. Extra brownie points if they have tattoos & an unfiltered sense of humor, Preferably NOT into boating. No pressure, boys.

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25A What do you do for the holidays?

I am visiting my dad in Arizona, going for hikes, and spending quality family time.

What would you like Santa to leave under your tree?

The Boring Company’s ‘not a flamethrower’ The pyromaniac in me is dying to try, It’s big, but Santa can figure it out.

What was it like shooting in NYC with celebrity stylist extraordinaire Ty-Ron Mayes?

11/10. Ty-Ron’s awesome. We’ve shot together before...

5 years ago... so it was really nice to create together again and to see how far we’ve both evolved.

Ty-Ron told us that your dance card was pretty full this week. Besides gracing the cover of Metropolitan, what else did you do?

I had a few shoots, Harpers Bazaar, then Maxim, I also shot with a couple of photographers when I had some spare time. It was a big squeeze to get everything in.

What’s the biggest difference between Brits and Americans?

The ‘witty banter’ It’s basically the sarcastic humor brits use, which can sometimes be seen as offensive...

Who’s cooler, James Bond or the Beatles?

Whoever I can have the best witty banter with wins.

Lucky they’re all brits.

Let’s discuss the elephant in the room. How has COVID19 affected you as a model, as an American, and as a Brit?

It got really slow for a while, everything in this industry dried up for a while. Although in the grander scheme of things the zoomed-out picture is overall positive, as I used that time productively and started some projects and learned new skills.

What are your plans for the near future?

I will go back to my base in Miami, and back and forth from there to NYC and London. I am also working on a secret new project in the health and wellness space, so stay tuned!

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Is she naughty or is she nice?

Victoria is the epitome of modern glamor in this black sequin single sleeve gown with black fox pom pom stole, Georgine. Champagne diamond open wrap link cuff bracelet, les boules sport rose gold and black diamond earrings, rose gold pink sapphire diamond and amethyst ring, Hammerman Jewelry.

On the cover: Victoria Cain is rocking a black sequin single sleeve gown with black fox pom pom stole, Georgine. Les Boules sport rose gold and black diamond earrings, Hammerman Jewelry. Beauty: Victoria is ready for the new year with Infallible Fresh Wear 24HR Foundation, Brow Stylist Shape and Fill Pencil, Brow Stylist Definer, Bambi Eye Mascara, Colour Riche Satin Lipstick in Fairest Nude and True Match Super Blendable Powder by L’Oreal. Photography: Udo Spreitzenbarth.

Fashion Editor, Make-up and Hair: Ty-Ron Mayes.

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Victoria teeter totters between being an uptown girl with a downtown sensibility in this sheer gown over shaggy halter dress, Georgine. Chubby white fox, Pologeorgis Furs. Black onyx and white topaz bracelet, diamond flexible ring, filagree diamond scroll ring x2, black onyx and diamond cigar band, black onyx and diamond drop earrings, Hammerman Jewelry.

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KATERINA CHRISTINA: EMERGING FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHIC TALENT

By Katherine Sloan

K

aterina Christina’s star is rising in New York City’s

carafe). Even so, we, the audience, immediately think of a young

artistic atmosphere. With a solid portfolio of

girl falling down a rabbit hole and having tea with the Mad Hatter.

work from all over the globe and a personal

It seems as if romance is the pervading theme in all of Katerina

history of survival in the books, she is proving

Christina’s work: whether it’s through animals in nature, classically

to succeed towards establishing herself as a bona fide professional

feminine accessories or a heart-shaped object, the world is a loving

artist. Her work harkens back to the masters of black and white

place despite everything. With her nude self-portrait “Surrender,” we

photography, such as Henri Cartier-Bresson and Brassaï while the

see a diffused visual in the shower, from the back, and the curves of

documentation of beating a benign brain tumor (with unflinching

her derriere.

self-portraits) captures a singular personal journey that could never be duplicated.

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Another graphic memorable and romantic image is that of an oversized ladies’ hat. It can almost be seen as a modern take

Katerina Christina’s photographs that range from African

on the classic black and white fashion photographs of the 1950s. Like

elephants (shot in Nairobi) with entwined trunks to steam pouring

every working photographer, it’s always a challenge to keep the work

from a city manhole in the shape of a heart are both romantic in

new and interesting, rather than prosaic. Her barebones black ink

the best way. The standouts from her “Wild Things” portfolio include

drawings are most affective when fashion is referenced and when

images of these elephants and a giraffe, even a bird in flight. She

comparisons to the likes of master legendary photographer, Alberto

seems to have the goods, with most of her photographs leaving

Rizzo can be made (mainly his ’70s abstract fashion silhouettes

an impression of something special that is captured, the essence of

published in Harper’s Bazaar). Her photographs tell many tales

an emotion rather than just a graphic object. They convey a bit of

outside of fashion as well, with works that fall into series as disparate

whimsy found in two very different natural and urban jungles.

as “Street,” “Studio,” “Youth Hood” and “Wild Things.”

The artist’s work is infused with delicate touches that are as

“Youth Hood” mostly depicts children joyously playing—

romantic as they are nostalgic. With a photograph entitled “Through

mainly on the beach—while balancing on surfboards, running

the Looking Glass,” she is obviously paying homage to Lewis Carroll’s

in the waves and zipping past on scooters. There is a turbulence

classic 1871 children’s novel where Alice walks through a mirror (even

of abstraction complete with bodies in motion against beautiful

though the photographic result is actually of an upside down coffee

backdrops, from Ipanema to Carmel, Manhattan to Paris. She

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prefaces this collection as “A look into the sense of wonder we often lose as adults.” This musing on wonder and childhood is nothing if not nostalgic. The photographs are filled with a bit of hope along with longing, the bitter and the sweet.

Her documentary photo series of women thriving in typically male professions entitled “Shattered Glass” refers to the glass ceiling that’s been broken in a workplace dominated by men. The collection features portraits of female blacksmiths, ranchers, pilots, barbers, truckers, sumo wrestlers, and welders.

According to Katerina Christina “Women around the world are shattering barriers and expectations in male-dominated fields.

‘Shattered Glass’ tells the stories of these women, giving fellow females the role models, exposure, and resources they need to break into these fields, all while unapologetically embracing their femininity.” She knows how to balance her work with female subjects so that it’s serious as well as slightly playful, which is always refreshing.

Katerina Christina is a woman overcoming life and its struggles all while documenting the good and the bad. Her journey—whether it’s artistic, physical, or intellectual—is a joy to observe. She received her Bachelor’s at Stanford in mechanical engineering (then had to go on medical leave for brain surgery) and is now moving full steam ahead at Columbia working on her Master’s in architecture. Her artistic vision is a modern take on many of the masters of black and white photography: from Irving Penn to Avedon, she seems to pay homage while remaining fresh, capturing new and exciting essence along the way. She will be in the next exhibition at the Salomon Gallery in TriBeCa on December 16, 2021.

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DANIEL CRAIG IS JAMES BOND

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By Garry Michael Kluger

T

hey say that there are only two sure things in life: death and taxes. Perhaps that should be rewritten to say: Since 1962 there are only three sure things in life: death, taxes, and a new James Bond movie.

In the nearly 60 years since James Bond first strode across the screen, in time to his classic theme, there have been 7 actors who have portrayed Ian Fleming’s ultimate gentleman spy (8 if one includes Barry Nelson’s James Bond in the 1954 television version of Casino Royal, which no one ever seems to do), and 25 movies. No Time To Die is the latest in this epic series and the final turn of Daniel Craig as the immortal Bond.

What has made this everlasting series so successful, to most observers, is the basic simplicity of the films themselves. From the 110 minutes of Dr. No to the somewhat bloated 163 minutes of No Time To Die, these movies have always been non-stop action surrounding minimal plots. Most times the themes seem to concern some vast criminal organization (the inimitable SPECTRE being the most popular of these groups), bent on world domination -- or a heretofore unknown megalomaniac resolved to either destroying the world or holding it for ransom. Though No Time To Die does have several side stories that deal directly with Bond’s personal life, it ultimately falls in the latter category of plots - though SPECTRE does raise its octopus head long enough to give Bond one last go-round in another failed attempt to kill him.

This particular story revolves around Lyutsifer Safin (Rami Malek), a bioterrorist in possession of a biological poison, so intricately designed, that it can be targeted to specific DNAs. And as most villains in spy movies are wont to do, this weapon of mass destruction is up for sale to the highest bidders. And, of course, it’s Bond’s job to stop the devilish Safin.

What truly seems to set No Time To Die apart from the other 24 films is Bond himself. He seems to have truly evolved from the unfeeling agent with “a license to kill” from 1962 to a full-blown human being, having all the same emotions as the rest of us in 2021, who don’t kill for a living. Though Craig’s Bond has always seemed more fraught with faults, foibles, and feelings, his last spin at this character takes these traits to their most human level in its 60-year history.

If there is one fault in No Time To Die, it would lie with the villain. Malek’s Safin, with his almost monotone delivery, is so cartoonish, that it’s hard not to laugh as the movie progresses and he gets more “evil.” But in Malek’s defense, aside from Joseph Wiseman’s Dr. No, Bond villains have always struggled to surpass onedimensional.

As a whole, No Time To Die is a wonderful addition to the Bond Cinematic Universe, and if there were just one sure thing about this film, it’s that it is one hell-of-a-ride.

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REVIEW

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THEY/THEM/US

STARRING JOEY SLOTNICK & AMY HARGREAVES DIRECTED BY JON SHERMAN

By Robert Philips

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lending a new family will mean working through some kinks,” says the poster and They/Them/Us then delivers an unpredictable hybrid of the Brady Bunch with a slice of dangerous sex. That the film delivers a stronger emotional punch than one might expect is a tribute to director Jon Sherman (also a co-screenwriter along with Melissa Vogley Woods). They introduce us to two middle aged divorcees in Columbus, Ohio who meet through an adult entertainment website and try to make it work.

Charlie (Joey Slotnick) is funny and genuine.

Lisa (Amy Hargreaves) is a cherished local artist and secret BDSM queen. She’s charming and emotional. It’s a new persona for those who knew her from Homeland.

There are memorable scenes at a donut shop and another at a go-kart ride and a few moments late in the film that capture a certain middle-aged wistfulness, of potentially losing a last love. The film also has an excellent, propulsive soundtrack.

They/Them/Us has some awkward segments including a somewhat hurried ending that tries to quickly wrap up multiple plots. The kinky sex delivers some laughs yet does not always align with mood of the remainder of the film.

Yet in the end, the romance works.

They/Them/Us is now playing film festivals.

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CRITIC’S CORNER

“COMPANY”

by Robert Massimi

I

t is rare these days that an actor can stop the show to a thunderous ovation, leaving many of the audience standing and screaming their approval; but that is what happened last night at the musical “Company” when Patti Lupone finished the number, “The Ladies Who Lunch” at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre. Joanne (Patti Lupone) has been married three times and does not suffer fools, or weakness easily. She, like the entire cast, for the most part, is trying to give dating/marital advice to Bobbie (Katrina Lenk). Lenk as an actress did an outstanding job, the movement, the “business” and her all-around performance was a hit (her singing was not first-rate). In different parts of celebrating her 35th birthday, “Company” was funny, poignant, and tuneful.

Stephen Sondheim’s songs were met all evening with thunderous applause at the number’s conclusions. Uplifting and entertaining, this “Company” had a wonderful cast with good old fashion sets

by Bunny Christie (she also did the costumes).

“Company” has been changed from its original... Bobby is now Bobbie, a woman who is in search of a good life, she is in no hurry to get married. Bobbie enjoys her married friends but loves her booze and freedom even more. Easy going and loved, people cannot help but want to help Bobbie find a soul mate to make her happy even though she is happy. It is the couples that make this show enjoyable, they are all comical about their relationships; we see how marriage as an institution is never easy: Sarah’s eating to Harry’s drinking, Joanne’s bossiness to Larry’s Terence Archie) acquiescence to Joanne’s demands, and Jen (Nikki Renee Daniels) and David (Christopher Fitzgerald) who are so different and yet their marriage works. Even when it comes to Bobbie’s gay friends, Jamie (Matt Doyle) and Paul (Etai Benson), she is the maid of honor at their wedding. Bobbie is never judgmental but a good friend to have around.

George Furth’s book and Marianne Elliott’s direction have this show in overdrive as far as pace goes. People popping out of closets and ovens to sing their way to Bobbie’s senses is as lively as Neil Austin’s lighting. Campy at times, the show never leaves its heartfelt fun and enjoyment. Sondheim who has written: “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum”, “Follies”, “A Little Night Music” and “Pacific Overtures” to name just a few, had many smash songs in “Company” as well; “Sorry-Grateful”, “Someone Is Waiting”, “Marry Me a Little”, “Side by Side by Side”, “Barcelona”, “The Ladies Who Lunch” and “Being Alive” are all outstanding.

A stronger voice by Lenk would have made her solos an evening like no other, however, she managed to get through “Someone Is Waiting”, “Marry Me a Little” and “Being Alive” without any real damage to this musical.

“Company” gets by on autopilot because the show never delves very deep in the way of making the plot too psychological or philosophical... We take Bobbie as she is. We don’t even care really about whether or not she wants to get serious in a relationship, the show is too fun to tinker with. “Company” traditionalists may not like this show as many core characters are changed in this new production, but for people seeing it for the first time who know nothing about its plot, “Company is an enjoyable, fun musical that is light and breezy. The sets, Sam Davis’s dance arrangements are all part of the fun at the Jacobs Theatre and this musical should not be missed!

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Photographs by Bernadette Marciniak

SIMPLY DOWN

B

FOR THE WORLD’S MOST LUXURIOUS PILLOWS AND COMFORTERS

By W.A. Muller

orn and raised in Manhattan like the company she heads, Simply Down CEO Barbara Freeman, recognized her love of retail at a young age, when she would shop the fabled NYC department stores with her mother, taking note of inventory, assortments, displays, and featured trend items.

The idea that each retailer had a story – a point of view – greatly influenced Barbara and when she decided to launch Simply Down, she knew that her company’s narrative would be luxury meets responsible sourcing. That something could be unbelievably beautiful and luxurious yet created with accountability and sensitivity to wholesome resources appealed to Barbara, who instantly knew she had a winner

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and began to sketch out and conceptualize her unique product. Her client list includes more than a smattering of bold-faced names and celebrities who turn to Barbara for the most luxurious pillows and comforters available at market today: Betsy Johnson, Bette Midler, Grace Hightower, Keifer Sutherland, James Spader, Sandra Lee, Rachael Ray, Calvin Klein, Blake Lively, Julianne Moore, Jimmy Fallon, and others. Simply Down products are available at HD Buttercup in Los Angeles & ABC Carpet & Home’s Flagship store in Manhattan.

To order online: www.simplydownproducts.com

simplydownproducts.com December 2021

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Not Drinking With Erin

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A Holiday Love Story

By Edward S. Barkin

still had to work the room. She knew twenty or thirty people in the place, so it was a pretty big job. Also, it was only nine or ten o’clock. So who knew how many people she knew might show up eventually. There was no way of telling. She knew a lot of people.

Eric wasn’t sure what kind of time he was having at the party. His last name was Hunt, and people kept asking him if he was related to Helen Hunt, the actress. He kept saying no. He was hoping the conversation would pick up once everybody had had a drink or two. Once he had had a drink or two.

E

rin had been to Bob Ellis’s Christmas party five years running. Eric had been there either two or three out of the last five years. He couldn’t remember which.

He might have been there the year before, but he couldn’t be sure. He thought he might have been there, but there was no way of telling. It was a year ago. Or longer, if he hadn’t actually been there.

Which he wasn’t sure he had.

Erin went to parties all the time. Going to parties was part of her job. She liked going to parties, but like anything fun parties were work.

Eric went to parties occasionally. Usually, when someone invited him.

Eric wasn’t sure if he had been invited to Bob Ellis’s party this year.

Bob had invited Eric’s friend Eric to the party, when the three of them had been chatting briefly a week earlier -- but it was anybody’s guess if both Erics were included in the invitation.

Eric thought maybe he’d been invited, but there was no way of telling. Only Bob Ellis knew for sure.

In a way, it didn’t matter. Eric’s friend Eric invited him to this particular party every year, even though he didn’t have the actual authority to do that.

Eric the friend was perennially invited to Bob’s party. Only he didn’t really need an invitation to show up. He lived in Bob’s building and the man with the clipboard in the lobby who had been hired by Bob couldn’t very easily prevent him from riding the elevator. He paid his maintenance like everyone else.

Erin was having a good time at the party. But not a ridiculously good time. She had just come from another party, where she had had a drink or two, and now she wasn’t drinking. There was no sense in getting sloppy drunk at Bob Ellis’s party. It was only nine or ten o’clock and she

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He was drinking what tasted like Duvel, the Belgian beer. Everyone loved or hated Duvel, because it was so alcoholic.

Eric couldn’t remember if he loved or hated Duvel. He was drinking some, though, so he figured that that would refresh his memory.

Erin first saw Eric loitering in the hall-like foyer area of Bob Ellis’s apartment, directly underneath a gigantic “Lolita” poster. At first glance, she thought she might like to kiss him.

She watched Eric talking to his friend for a moment. They were having a chuckle about something. She looked Eric up and down once. They kept talking to each other, rather intimately.

She hoped he wasn’t gay.

Eric first noticed Erin the first time she passed through the hall-like foyer of the apartment. What he noticed was that she had an unusually pretty face and that her sparkling gray top showed off her figure advantageously. (He also noticed that she had extremely good posture – which showed off her figure advantageously as well.)

Eric noticed Erin a second time when his friend Eric pointed out that she was staring at him from her vantage point in the middle of the hall-like foyer. Actually, what he noticed was Erin walking away, because his friend Eric had been so obvious about telling him that Erin had been noticing him.

talking to a gay guy he knew. That seemed to be keeping him pretty busy.

After Erin and Eric met, Gray talked non-stop for ten or fifteen minutes. Eric had no idea how long the conversation was. He wasn’t looking at his watch. He was drinking his Duvel and looking at Erin. He was also trying to listen to Gray, but Gray was talking so fast he couldn’t keep up with the conversation. Gray was a married guy on the loose for the night, and he wasn’t wasting any time. He was trying to have as much fun as possible before his curfew time, whenever that was.

After Gray turned his attention elsewhere, Erin asked Eric if he wanted to accompany her to the bar. She wanted a glass of water.

“You’re not drinking?” Eric asked.

“I better not drink if I want to get through a whole week of these parties.”

“If I had to get through a week of these parties,” Eric laughed. But the noise level suddenly rose and he didn’t get to finish the joke.

After Erin got her water, she started wandering around the party with Eric.

Erin was the kind of girl who liked to keep moving. That was okay with Eric. He didn’t really care if he was moving or stationary at the moment as long as he was somewhere in the vicinity of Erin.

He was busy just soaking up her ambiance. Her aura. He was busy not drinking with her.

Erin wanted to go out on Bob Ellis’s deck, but it was too cold out. She started to get goosebumps as she neared the sliding glass door.

The previous year, she had let a handsome young movie star kiss her on the deck, and that had been kind of memorable.

Things were different for me last year, she reflected -though the reflection was not completely conscious. Things are always changing. Always different... in big ways and small.

Last year, for example, she wasn’t cheating on her boyfriend.

(The incident with the movie star didn’t count, really.)

Another example: This year, there was no Christmas tree in Bob Ellis’s living room.

Big ways and small.

“Nice going,” Eric said to his friend Eric. “Eric.”

As it turned out, Erin and Eric met several minutes later in the hall-like foyer, right underneath the gigantic “Lolita” poster. Eric’s friend’s Eric’s friend Gray stopped Erin as she passed by and said, “Hi, I’m Gray... We’ve been admiring you from afar.” “We” meant Gray and the Eric whom Erin had been admiring from afar. Eric’s friend Eric was off

After Erin got cold, Erin and Eric moved back into the crowd near the bar. The bar was the party’s source of life.

It kept it alive and warm and festive. Uncoincidentally, it also contained many different kinds of alcohol. Adorning it were huge, gift-sized bottles of Duvel that two French girls were mistaking for champagne. One of the French girls was wearing one of the lowest-cut dresses Eric and his friend Eric

had ever seen.

Gray was trying to get the French girls some champagne, but it was not going to happen. The girls would have to settle for red wine. Bob Ellis wasn’t about to waste his New Year’s Eve champagne on a bunch of free-loading French girls.

Near the bar, Erin ran into a few friends and business associates. She was glad to see most of them. Though she didn’t know all of them that well. For a while, she introduced them to Eric, whom she still had in tow. Eric smiled and said a few things whenever he got the urge. Mostly, though, he was just basking in Erin’s appealing feminine aura. He was on vacation, and everyone else was working.

For a while, Erin talked to Eric’s friends, Eric and Gray. Gray was a non-stop talking machine, though, and he seemed to like talking to Erin, so actually she was doing all the listening.

“What’s Gray doing?” Eric asked the other Eric.

“I don’t know, he doesn’t get out much anymore,” Eric answered. “I’ll tell him to take it easy.”

Erin was getting tired of listening to Gray, so she took Eric by the arm and led him away from the bar. They didn’t get very far, though, before Erin ran into a guy she knew. The guy kissed her on the lips.

“I’m her boyfriend,” he explained to Eric.

“No, he’s not,” Erin said.

Eric just smiled and drank the watery remains of his drink.

After a few more minutes, it became too difficult for Erin to include Eric in her conversations. So she parked him in a corner of the party with a female author she knew and told him she’d be back in a little while.

The author was very intelligent but nowhere near as attractive as Erin.

Eric thought hardly anyone at the party was as attractive as Erin.

It wasn’t anyone’s fault or anything, he knew. It was just the laws of statistics in action.

Eric had once had a girlfriend who used to take him to parties and let him roam free while she did the same, albeit with much greater efficiency.

While he was talking to the author who knew Erin, Eric thought back to the relatively brief time period when he had dated this girl. The relationship had ended when the girl confessed that she had a boyfriend in another state. That had been something like eight years ago. Eric rarely thought about this girl anymore, even though he had been very sweet on her at the time.

Something about Erin reminded him of this girl. Maybe it was her penchant for moving around.

After about twenty minutes, it began to dawn on Eric that Erin wasn’t coming back anytime soon.

This kind of thing happens all the time at parties. People go away and don’t come back.

Sometimes they do it intentionally and sometimes not.

Usually, they do it intentionally.

That’s why there’s a saying: “Promises are meant to be broken.”

Whoever thought of that was a genius.

While Eric was wondering why Erin had deserted him, the author who knew her started talking about the fact that she

had a boyfriend. Erin, that is. She probably assumed that Eric knew this, since he appeared to be pretty cozy with Erin.

But when she saw the look on Eric’s face, she said, “By the way... how long have you known her?”

His eyes scanned the crowd. “An hour or two,” he answered.

The conversation between Eric and the author woman died out pretty quickly after that. Eric went back to the bar and found Eric and Gray. They were talking to the French girl in the low-cut dress in between talking to each other.

“Hey, Huntsy,” Gray said. “Sorry about before, I wasn’t trying to mow your lawn. Honest.”

“I know.”

“So where’s the lady in question?”

“Over there,” Eric said. “I think she ditched me.”

“How come?”

“I don’t know. What did you guys say to her before?”

Gray and the other Eric exchanged a look.

“Nothing, we were just rapping.”

“Well, she has a boyfriend. That might have something to do with it.”

“Sorry to hear that,” Gray said. “But hey, don’t sweat it, right? You have her number.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Didn’t I give you her number before?”

“No.” There was a pause. Then Gray laughed suddenly.

“Oh, shit,” he said. “That wasn’t you?”

Eric started making his way through the crowd toward Erin.

He wasn’t thinking about boyfriends, telephone numbers, or whether or not he was about to embarrass himself. What he was thinking about was talking to Erin. He was planning to do this momentarily.

At the moment, Erin was talking to the editor of a prominent magazine. She was thinking about the subject of the conversation she was having, which was fairly interesting to her. When Eric appeared, she smiled and gave him her attention.

“Hey, listen, did my friends say something that upset you?”

Eric asked.

“No, why?”

“I thought maybe you didn’t want to talk to me anymore.”

“Oh, no, I just have to talk to some other people.”

“Oh... okay.”

They looked at each other. Erin leaned over a bit.

“Don’t worry,” she said in his ear. “I’m not leaving without you.”

Half an hour later, they were on the street.

It was hard to find a cab.

“It’s so cold out,” she said.

He put his arms around her.

“Is that better?”

She thought about it for a moment.

“Yes,” she said.

They started kissing by the curb.

He put his arms inside her coat and felt her waist. She put her hands on his hips. It was cold all around them, but they were ensconced in a warm breathy glow. The glow was coming from their own bodies.

“I have a boyfriend,” she said after an appropriate interval.

He looked at her. Her face was a few inches from his.

“That’s okay,” he replied eventually.

“It is?”

They kissed again.

“Are you drunk tonight?” he asked her.

“No,” she said. “I know what I’m doing.”

After another interval, she said, “Do you want to do the alpha male thing and get a cab?”

“There are no cabs.”

“That’s weird, isn’t it? I wonder why that is.”

“It’s Christmas... Do you want to walk?”

“These shoes are killing my feet.”

“We’ll just walk a block or two.”

As soon as they started walking, she spotted a cab. He ran for it and she caught up with him. They got in.

In the cab, they started kissing again. She slung her legs over his. He kissed her more deeply. Their bodies rested comfortably against each other. The motion of the cab was gentle, almost imperceptible. It was like being on a boat.

When the cab stopped, she got out her purse and said, “Are you getting out?”

He wasn’t entirely sure what she meant.

“Um... yeah,” he responded and reached for his wallet.

Once the cab was gone, he walked her off the street and onto the sidewalk. They turned to look at each other. He put his arms around her again.

She said, “Listen, I really have to warn you. I have a boyfriend.

I love him... I’m having an affair with an Italian bartender. I like men. I’m bad... I’m confused. I’m in therapy.”

He nodded. “It’s okay,” he said. “I was dating a married woman a couple of months ago.”

She looked at him with interest.

“She pursued me,” he explained. He didn’t go on.

She nodded slowly. Wondering a little. Then she gave him her business card. “Call me tomorrow.”

He kissed her goodnight, but the kiss turned into a French kiss and they lingered on the sidewalk another minute or two.

“Okay,” she said finally, and with just enough resolution to be convincing. “I’m going to go up now.”

He hesitated. “Okay.”

They stood there on the street for a few seconds, neither one going anywhere yet.

Then he kissed her one last time and started to walk away.

But she was still looking at him, so he came back and kissed her again. This time very gently.

As their lips separated, he realized that he was stone-cold sober.

Strangely, it was a good feeling.

She took a tiny step back, keeping her eyes on him. Mm, she thought.

Silence swept the street. A breeze picked up and died away slowly, like a sound effect fading out. For a moment, they were hypnotized by each other. Under a beautiful spell and hypnotized.

Then he smiled at her and walked away for real.

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5

QUESTIONS FOR ROB SHUTER

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Rob “Naughty But Nice” Shuter has worked with many of the biggest stars in the world - Jennifer Lopez, P. Diddy, Alicia Keys, Jessica Simpson, Jon Bon Jovi and even British Royalty. Now Rob’s first book, The 4 Word Answer – who are you in 4 words, is out today and it’s already been called “The Best Self-Help Book EVER” by OK! magazine.

By Adam Kluger

1

Explain what The 4 Word Answer is.

Every super-successful person I have ever met can describe themselves in just a few simple words!

It’s the most important question you will ever ask: “Who am I?” Only those comfortable enough in their own skin know the answer. And only those who know the answer will be successful.

I’m going to help you discover who you are in just 4 words!

2

3 4

One of the 4 words you say all your clients have in common is KIND. You don’t often think about celebrities as being kind.

Acceptance is the cornerstone of kindness and no one accepts themselves more than Jennifer Lopez.

Jen taught me how to be comfortable in their own skin.

Nothing is kinder than accepting yourself.

Jennifer doesn’t say cruel things to herself.

She has silenced the voice that tells us that we are “not good enough.”

Another word you say is essential for success is SMART. In fact, you have a whole chapter on being smart and Jessica Simpson.

Jess, like so many other successful people, believes that the only thing that makes anyone smart is their willingness to try.

Smart people think about winning, not losing – it’s a positive mind set.

Watering dead plants never brings them back to life.

Every smart person sets a deadline.

5

You write about how Diddy taught you to believe you are IMPORTANT. Diddy taught me that the most important person in your life is you.

When people don’t like you, leave.

He see’s rejection as a gift that guides him to the path that is right for him.

Most importantly I learned from Diddy that if you are not doing the work, you don’t deserve the results

I love all the celebrity quotes you have in the book. Do you have a favorite?

Diddy told me – “If you are chasing your dreams, you are not running fast enough.”

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WHITE SMOKE

by acclaimed author Itamar S.N U.S. Book Tour in January 2022

I

tamar S.N is an Israeli Author of the new book “White Smoke” as well as a Human Rights Activist who is based in Tel Aviv, Israel. In his literary writing, he combines his education and interest in the history and politics of the Middle East. He is a writer for an Israeli Parliament Member.

About White Smoke: Yonatan Green is a man who will do anything to provoke his right-wing father, Israel’s Prime Minister, who always puts the country before his family. However, Yonatan finds himself proud of him for the first time with the creation of Isratine – a democratic union of Israel and the Palestinian Authority in the small area between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River. When Yonatan meets Meir, a shy High-Tech entrepreneur, he falls in love for the first time, and the couple decide to get married.

The family grows when fate brings Amal into their lives - a Palestinian girl, who is the victim of a family honor acid attack. Their “perfect” love story grows alongside the new state, however, the euphoria of peace and unification is fading, while both Jewish and Arab anti-liberal forces feel strong enough to join hands, putting the democratic heritage in jeopardy and threatening the life of the family.

As smoke spreads over the country, the Prime Minister must acknowledge his mistakes and rethink the ambitious dream of Isratine. Will hope to overcome primal fears and hatred.

website: itamarsn.com 80

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THE FUTURE OF

VIDEO MONETIZATION FOR BUSINESS GROWTH Interview with PJ Taei, Founder of Uscreen, a video monetization platform

By Sarah Peppel

O

n-demand video grew exponentially before COVID hit, as much as 155% year-over-year, according to a 2019 Conviva report. When the 2020 pandemic shuttered live events, gyms, and educational facilities, consumers turned to the Internet for

answers.

Enter celebrity YouTuber Adriene Mischer, Founder of “Yoga with Adriene,” the biggest yoga channel on YouTube. Even before the pandemic, she offered a product and expertise people needed: a way to de-stress and exercise in the comfort of their home.

Instead of using video to simply advertise her business, Mischer realized the potential of using digital technology to generate income through video subscription services, offering virtual classes delivered directly to laptops & smartphones. Through PJ Taei’s Uscreen service, Adriene was able to offer her video series to a global audience. Taei reports that Adriene’s brand and channel “Find What Feels Good” have absolutely skyrocketed.

Smartphones transformed the world into instant videographers but for business owners, there are still a few things to consider. Where will you house your content? How can you organize and charge for valuable expertise? Who is your audience and where are they? Does video work for your business?

According to PJ Taei, founder of Uscreen, a video monetization platform, business owners can and should use video to grow their business.

To the business owners paralyzed by perfectionism, Taei advises “Get started now! Too often we overthink the things we want to do, when instead, we could be out there getting them done.

As for his own beginnings, Taei states, “Video has always been personal for me. I got my first glimpse into the world of video the summer that I graduated from high school. I got an internship with a small video crew that captured wedding content, and it was at that moment that I knew I found something special.”

“Fast forward 15 years, I was browsing the Internet looking for an easy way to help a customer at my previous company to sell their fitness DVD’s online.

“That’s when I had an epiphany--if I couldn’t find an all-in-one solution, what if I were to create one? It was then when I knew I had come up with an idea that would take my business and my customer’s content to the next level.”

At this point in time, business owners in the education, health & wellness and entertainment sectors have been the most successful in monetizing their videos but anyone with a loyal following or dedicated audience can gain traction very quickly.

When asked what the busy entrepreneur does to de-stress, Taei shares.

“Fitness is a big one for me! It helps me think, work smarter and stay happier overall. Spending time with family is also incredibly important. Work is important, but my family is everything.”

PJ Taei has worked directly with influencers, small businesses, enterprises, and creators located all around the world. Brands such as Soul Cycle, Opera of Australia, NBC Sports, BBC, Miss America Pageants, and 10,000 other businesses work with him to build their video monetization strategy.

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THE RETURN OF MUSIC FESTIVALS IHEARTRADIO MUSIC FESTIVAL LAS VEGAS 2021

By Jadan Horyn

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arge music festivals have returned after nearly a two-year hiatus. iHeartRadio held its two-day music festival in Las Vegas with Coldplay, Billie Elish, and Nelly headlining the event. Metropolitan Magazine attended as a VIP with the generosity of Celsius Network to see the return to normal that festivals provide.

Tom Poleman, Chief Programming Officer for iHeartMedia had this to say “After being virtual last year, we’re excited to be able to celebrate the end of the year with artists and music fans across the country in person again.”

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MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

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AEROSMITH’S

STEVEN TYLER

Artist Eric Payson recalls getting up close and personal with the Rock Legend

By Adam Kluger

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Eric, how did these amazing images of Steven Tyler come about?

When I used to work at MTV I became friendly with a bunch of the producers there and many of them went on to work with the biggest names in rock and my friend John Bendis who worked very closely with Tom Petty and Aerosmith invited me up to a recording session where they were doing Just Push Play in 2000 on the eve of the George Bush steal of the election. They put me up in a nice bed and breakfast outside of Worchester they had taken over, there’s a farm up there that’s also a recording studio, and people can stay for a couple of weeks and record their album. The Rolling Stones were up there when they recorded Goat’s Head Soup. So, Bendis brought me up there and Steven Tyler and I just hit it off immediately. We were fast friends. In

had his ups and downs and he’s battled his demons publicly. You almost get the sense that the famous rock star that he is isn’t who he wanted to be. It’s just who he became and he was cool with it but he’s a real artist and a real human being. I’m glad I got to see that.

STEVEN WAS A GREAT PERFORMANCE ARTIST A GREAT PIANO PLAYER, STORYTELLER.

PEOPLE ONLY SEE

THE ROCK STAR VERSION OF HIM BUT HE’S VERY HUMAN AND

VERY ACCESSIBLE AND FUNNY AND WARM AND WELCOMING - Artist Eric Payson

particular, he loved my impersonations he started egging me on to do my German impersonation and we saw a plane barnstorming up in the sky - we were all taking a walk, me, Bendis, and Steven and there was a plane barrel- rolling up above and we just pretended to be soldiers in World War 1 and we just started improvising for three days straight and it was kind of surreal but he really got me, he dug me, Steven was a great performance artist a great piano player, story-teller. People only see the rock star version of him but he’s very human and very accessible and funny and warm and welcoming and he was with me and he really opened himself up to me and I took some nice photographs of him that I’m very proud of. I had my “Almost Famous” moment with Aerosmith and I’ll never forget it. The band treated me liked royalty. They took us to a strip club. They treated me like family. I was really

honored and they loved my work and they were impressed by it. They were not above it. They were really just mensches. A bunch of working-class guys from Boston mostly who were not really fazed by fame and were still working. Funny, on one of the songs they were doing we were in the recording studio with the head of Sony Records, and right when they stopped playing I said, “you got to do that song at the Superbowl,” and they ended up doing it at the Superbowl. I was just dialed in with them it was a really good moment and I sort of captured that in a nice, interesting moment in time with my camera with Steven and there are a bunch of nice shots. That’s a good one. There was another really good one with him outside on a fence and it just looks like your older brother and another one under a tree and his hair looks like an extension of the branches. Steven was the real deal. I know he’s

Has Steven Tyler ever seen these incredible photos?

I really don’t know what he ended up seeing. I didn’t want to push the relationship just like over the years I’ve met celebrities and you have your moments with them and then you just sort of let them go and if they see it they see it. You know Steven Tyler sees a million pictures of himself so to me, they don’t care, their world is not about my pictures their world is about their music but I have those images and I commemorated that time with my own work.

Maybe someday he will maybe someday he has. I don’t know. I have a lot of stuff. I shot a lot of film.

I was shooting 120mm film both print and chrome.

Black and white and color. I brought at least 150 rolls up with me which is a lot. I was just working non-stop and I was really amped and they saw me and they welcomed it and they are real pros and they handled it all beautifully and they were very down to earth. They defied the image of spoiled wacky rock stars. They were like a family and they had their wives and extended family around there and it was very, very real. I don’t know if Steven ever saw the image. I hope he did. He will eventually.

What’s your creative process as a worldrenowned fine art photographer and artist?

I just combine a lot of factors very quickly. There has got to be some energy coming out of something that is still. Whether it’s light, shadow whether it’s human energy, a scene happening between people, or a person juxtaposed against an interesting form. Your daily world and in a 24 hour day there’s a different light. There’s light then there’s darkness. There’s artificial light, but there are all sorts of permutations and combinations of things happening. Understanding film. Understanding digital readings, understanding light, how to manipulate light to create your own voice, a dramatic voice is something that I learned how to do. How to compress the power over the way that light saturates so that it works dramatically and poetically for me. I can take something very powerful and make it very subtle. I don’t like to use the cliché painting by light but there is some of that you’re excavating, you are taking like a sculptor, you are taking rawness and you’re refining it through the various elements I see and I’m able to do that.

I often work on the fly out of a car-- I’m not using heavy studio equipment with artificial settings and I love what those artists do like William Wegman, Cindy Sherman, Bruce Weber. They are all doing that and I didn’t need to replicate that. I was finding December 2021

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YOU ALMOST GET THE SENSE THAT THE FAMOUS ROCK STAR THAT HE IS, ISN’T WHO HE WANTED TO BE.

something that was working for me and I was able to express myself in my own way. I kind of take the mundane from a very fluid world and give it dignity.

What is Paramedia? A theory?

It’s just a barrel of laughs, a lattice of coincidences between me and events in the media not unlike Zelig. Using some of my three-dimensional ESP to read into events. Narrating my own existence that is connected to something larger than myself.

It’s a theory and some people have seen some magic from it. I do fancy myself as somewhat of an illusionist. Everyone has their own ecumenical system that guides them. Mine is Paramedia. That’s the short answer.

How have you evolved as an artist?

I think I’ve taken more chances. Perhaps becoming more abstract while still keeping a very identifiable image. There is something more surreal or abstract as the years go on as the body continues to grow that is still concrete and real and identifiable and it’s important that the work that I’m showing somebody has something that resonates. I’m looking to create abstract forms that almost have human-like qualities to them. That speak, that are funny that are scary that are spooky that are epic even in their simplest form. I’ve shot so much over time, I’ve never stopped. It’s still something I do for hours and hours a day. I understand what the world can give me photographically, how things can come together if I use my intuition if I’m patient if I 86

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take chances if I go out there and look for it a little bit. I love to drive around big, sprawling American cities and I would go out all night long in the center of the city and drive forever and learn cities and learn streets and by doing that I come upon images and by doing that I’m open to seeing how images can evolve and I can bring my own style to the moment and that’s something I’ve mastered I feel over time and that is how the work has evolved.

I think the spirit is the same. I definitely have taken more chances.

You are a larger-than-life figure in the art world. Everybody knows you and gravitates toward you at art shows, festivals, and art parties. Why did you choose the art world?

The energy of all those artists and the smartest most beautiful women in the world elegantly dressed looking for something new. It’s a place for me to perform. I usually go to the biggest openings at the biggest galleries and pretty much steal the show just by showing up. You’ve seen the power players stop what they are doing and come over to me. I always get respect in public. Walk with me through any of the art fairs people stop me every five feet. I’m a New Yorker. These are my streets.

This is my city I come from a creative empire with Warner Bros. and I have nothing to prove. I’m having a good time. The history of art and artists in New York is in those galleries and as buttoned up as they try to be to sell their work, when they are having openings it’s really a public thing and that’s

really where I do my thing. I started shooting and showing at some galleries in New York and they welcomed me. Marian Boesky Gallery and Mixed Greens. I got to learn the art world on my own terms. A lot of these artists are very self-reverential or quiet and guarded and I probably was just a little more accessible and didn’t take it all so seriously and I still don’t. There’s humor in my photography, my performances, and my impersonations. My performance art and persona and characters that I have created are equally as important to me as any of the photography, and people in the art world have noticed that. And people in the art world see me hanging around with the biggest dealers and directors and they know who’s in my circle and I’ve parlayed all that to create a little mystique in the art world.

One of your Steven Tyler photos was featured in a pre-pandemic show in Paris. What was that like to have art critics rave about your Paris show? Is that important?

The world-famous artist Gaetano Pesci got me that show. Gaetano is one of the great designers, architects, and artists of all time. And he became obsessed with my work. He sponsored the show and Basia the curator and I are planning to do another show. I was honored to end up in Paris because I didn’t have an easy time in New York and LA. I’ve had some moments. but I have a home now in Paris at that gallery and it’s all because of Gaetano. There’s a magic to Paris

"I’VE NEVER STOPPED FINDING NEW WAYS TO TAKE PICTURES. I’VE NEVER LOST MY JOY AND PASSION FOR CREATIVITY." from Jim Morrison to Hemingway and so many greats ended up there and showed there. I’ve shown in New York, Paris, Los Angeles, and Berlin.

Just doing it my way.

I’ve always felt from the first time I saw your photography in a New York Museum show that you were destined to go down in history as one of the important contemporary artists/ photographers of our time.

If widespread fame doesn’t happen, at least I’ve lived the life I’ve wanted to live on my terms and I continue to do work and continue to have a cup of coffee in the big leagues of art and I matter to my community I continue to work. I’ve used technology to my advantage I’ve moved with it and I’m ok with my place. Everybody gets a lot of things in life and there are other things that they never get and on balance I have a lot to look forward to. I’m 55, maybe I’m just beginning. But

I’ve had a good run. I’ve never stopped finding new ways to take pictures. I’ve never lost my joy and passion for creativity.

How are media and pop culture an intrinsic part of your art? You have gone from still images to studies of the media itself to photographic sculpture and now video art almost like the films of Stan Brakhage.

I feel like I’ve become a video artist and I love it.

I love the animation. I’ve done still images for 30 years and there’s always a sense of movement in those works but the smartphones and the Google software have allowed me to electrify those still images like Frankenstein and bring life to that stillness in a very subtle way and they are like instant moments of imagination or the subconscious that I am capturing. They are glimpses of reality that people recognize.

What’s your legacy? I’ve heard people in the art world refer to your photography in reverential tones...some artists even call you the Babe Ruth of photography...Do you agree with your diehard fans in the art world that you are, in fact, the best photographer of your generation?

Tough to say. I don’t think anybody has ever scratched what I’ve done. Yeah, I think I’m the best.

I think I’m the GOAT. I do. I don’t think anybody is close. And I hope I get that. I know it’s bold and I know it’s obnoxious but I’ll put my work up against anybody, anywhere, anytime.

If it’s the truth it’s not bragging, right?

I like these GOAT and Mount Rushmore conversations. They are obnoxious and annoying and in your face and they freak you out, irritate you but I like it. I like being in that mix at least. www.ericpayson.com December 2021

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MEETING JERRY GARCIA

By Adam Kluger

Editor’s Note: Jerry Garcia was performing with the Jerry Garcia Band in the early ‘90s at Madison Square Garden and before the show, I was given a chance to tape a sit-down interview with him for CNN. As an entertainment writer/ producer for CNN for over a decade, I was lucky enough to interview hundreds of cool folks. Jerry was one of the coolest. Wearing a brown leather jacket, smoking a cigarette, Jerry laughed easily and told great stories. A golden moment I’ll never forget. Here is a short excerpt.

AK: Jerry, How is the music of the Jerry Garcia Band different from what you do with the Dead?

JG: The Grateful Dead is different. The Grateful Dead is not my invention. The Grateful Dead is equally invented by each member It reflects my taste in music and what I think is the way that music ought to be conceptually.

AK: How do you keep things fresh and interesting when you play with the Dead?

JG: I like for it to be flowing. In the event that it’s not flowing, then I try to throw logs on the fire and when everybody else in on, they throw logs on the fire you know what I mean? We’re all trying to get it to go somewhere AK: Lately you’ve been getting a lot of attention for your paintings and artwork.

JG: For me, it’s a little like music actually, the approach is pretty much the same. I start something and then it starts to turn into something and as it starts to get more complete I see it more clearly AK: You are about to turn 50. What would you like to do for the next 100 years of your life?

JG: I’d like to learn how to play the guitar before I die. Yeah, that’d be good (Laugh) 88

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BROTHERLY DEAD

by Dan Bowen As a kid, I was fortunate to have six older siblings to help mold my musical tastes. At age 10 or so, I remember Santana's "Dance Sister Dance" playing loudly from the third floor bedroom of our big old house, accompanied by a smoky aroma i couldn't recognize. My two oldest brothers were hippie types. My brother Ken was 5 years older than I and was a hard-working guy and a dead head.

At fifteen, he got me some summer farm-type work building fences, throwing hay, falling trees and other cool stuff. He would play the Grateful Dead on the rides to and from work. Bluesy tunes like "Big Boss Man" and "Easy Wind" were my favorites. They were perfect to prep for hard outdoors work and for kicking back when the work was done. The Dead had a tune for every mood and a sound all their own. They were rock and roll, Blues, Country and more wrapped into a single band. They were authentic, playing tunes that could hurt your heart or make it sing.

In 1980, the Dead played Radio City Music Hall, and I was there with Ken. The playlist was a sweet mixture of old and new, and included an acoustic set, which was rare. The whole experience was mind-altering, There were beautiful young girls with painted faces dancing everywhere, free and wild. The cloud of smoke and smell of weed was everywhere, all-consuming. It was electric. For a few hours we were in another world, immersed in slow, sweet ballads like "To Lay Me Down” and rocking tunes like "One More Saturday Night". The outer world ceased to exist, and we were hypnotized by the tunes.

We left the show in a daze of sorts and grabbed a hot pretzel from a street cart. It was an awesome show and a sort of coming of age for me. My brother, and the Dead, made that happen.

MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

THE GRATEFUL DEAD

by Adam Kluger

D

Photography courtesy by Susana Millman

avid Gans, The renowned host of the nationally syndicated, The Grateful Dead Hour radio show grew up in Northern California's San Jose area. Before he became a radio host, respected music journalist, talented musician, and subsequently one of the world's leading authorities on the music of the Grateful Dead, he was a teenager who was taught by his older brother how to put words to music with a guitar. A professional musician since 1970, Gans says his life changed when he started writing songs. In college at San Jose State, he reviewed records for a newspaper called the Red Eye. After following a young lady up to Berkeley in 1976, David wrote critically acclaimed music articles for a San Francisco music paper called BAM. Gans soon became a leading music journalist who was getting flown out to interview rockers like Joe Walsh. According to Gans, he got to interview Leo Fender and Les Paul and eventually signed on to Rolling Stone's Record magazine, and Mix magazine. He interviewed Neil Young, Pat Benatar, and Fleetwood Mac as Stevie Nicks was launching her solo career. BAM also put Gans on the Grateful Dead beat, a long strange trip he has never left.

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25A David, you've had a fascinating journey as a musician, music journalist, author, and radio host. Your life reminds me of Cameron Crowe's movie Almost Famous where your love of music led you to become inextricably connected to the Grateful Dead. Do you remember how that started?

I did an interview with Mickey Hart when he was in the hospital with a broken collarbone. I was sort of the guy covering the Grateful Dead beat for BAM and in August of '77 they flew me to LA to interview Bob Weir who was working on his second solo album at the time and I became friendly with Weir and started hanging out with him so that sort of led to the beginning of my social connection to the Grateful Dead, in addition to the professional connection. In November of '77, I interviewed Robert Hunter. In '81 I did an interview with Phil Lesh for Musician Magazine. Phil was not known for doing a lot of press. The reason that he agreed to do it I think is that they told him I was a musician. I engaged with him as a musician and I understood what he was doing better than most journalists did and there were moments during the interview where Phil would interrupt himself and say "you really have done your homework haven't you?" So, I connected really well with Phil because I think he recognized that I was a journalist who maybe could help the world understand what the Grateful Dead were doing. So, my journalism career and my musical career kind of co-evolved.

When was the first time you saw the Grateful Dead perform?

The very first time I saw them was March 5, 1972, at Winterland. I didn't think I was going to like them.

I thought that they were too loud so I didn't think I was going to care for the Dead. So, we wound up taking an immense dose of LSD. A friend drove us up to San Francisco and we got there late to the show and sat in the last row. I came home with little bits of music etched in my consciousness, little licks and stuff here and there, and then I got the Skull and Roses record and American Beauty and Workingman's Dead, and right around then is when Garcia's Ace had come out.

What is it about a Grateful Dead concert?

Every Grateful Dead performance was honest in the moment of the performance of that song and it depended on everybody's mood that day because nobody was interested in playing it exactly right, they were interested in playing it for real right now. We wanted something new, we wanted a revelation, we wanted an adventure and that's what the Grateful Dead gave us, even as it became less inventive over time even as it became more of a ritual and less of a phenomenon...it still rewarded us enough to keep us coming back.

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What was it about Jerry Garcia that was so special?

Jerry was an absolutely brilliant musician with a great open mind and a tremendous ear for songs. He was a brilliant songwriter himself. He was a brilliant guitarist who was deeply committed to it and a smart and charismatic open-minded guy. I was with him in a lot of situations, with Jerry, and observed him obviously a lot. He loved kids and he loved dogs. He was really an unpretentious guy and unimpressed with himself so much that when you got into a conversation with him, he was really talking with you he wasn't trying to turn the conversation to himself, he wasn't interested in raving about what he was doing, he was just interested in stuff. He was just an open-minded interesting guy, charismatic as hell, and happened to be the focal point of this mind-blowing musical mission. Even though he wasn't the sole reason for it he was the most visible and attractive aspect of it.

Other people attached themselves to Bob Weir and became huge Bob Weir fans but Jerry was the center of this thing and just really a great talker and a pretty good listener as well... Jerry was always very friendly and encouraging to me...he was always very kind to me and encouraging because he recognized that I was a musician and that I understood what they were doing.

When did you first realize that Jerry Garcia was not just some other musician?

I remember sitting in that Berkeley Community Theater in August of '72, I'm not yet 19 years old and I'm a young musician and I am getting my entire genetic code recalibrated by these people and they all seemed like phenomenally magical people. What was coming off that stage was so deep. Immediately I just knew this was something that I had to be part of, that wanted to be part of me. It's hard to articulate what it was. What is charisma?... Jerry had this voice that was not a strong voice but it was an amazingly expressive voice. He was a 100% no bullsh*t guy and there was no pretense in his performance at all. and I think that maybe that's part of it. You just knew that when you were watching him that you would get 100% of the real deal and the music was a pleasure to listen to. And so we begin to attribute great qualities to him because he was the channel for this amazing energy that came into our hearts.

What about Bob Weir and Phil Lesh?

Bobby was really the baby brother in that world for so long that I think it kind of bent him in a certain way. I think in the early days Phil Lesh was very high strung. He was the educated musician in the group.

He was the literate one and I think his personality was such that I think that he was both intimidating and hyper-critical of Bobby. You know there was that moment in 1968 when they kicked Bobby and Pigpen out of the band for about three minutes and part of that was that they didn't think Bobby was working

hard enough and Bobby to his credit went to work. I firmly believe that at that moment they didn't really kick him out of the band cause they never played a gig without him. But I think he went to work that day to make himself a better musician. Bobby developed somewhat of an arguably "overwrought" guitar writing style in a way in a response to having been put down so much by the older guys in the band when he was young I think he needed to prove a point to them and made himself into an amazing musician. He had a difficult job. His job in the jams was to suss out the musical conversation between Phil and Jerry, which was the main thread of Grateful Dead improvisations, and Bobby's job was to figure out something to do between what those two guys were doing that made sense and enhanced the music, and that is not an easy job. And so he made himself into that guy. He boosted himself so that he was qualified to be in that conversation. Phil and Jerry were inarguably musically superior to Bobby when he was a kid and he brought himself up to their level by creating a unique guitar style all his own.

How did you become the host of the Grateful Dead Radio Hour?

My friends from college and I would get together regularly, like most Grateful Dead fans across America, to listen to your broadcasts that are always full of fun surprises, rare Grateful Dead recordings, and interviews.

I appeared as a guest on the KFOG Deadhead hour to promote my book on the Dead, "Playing in the Band". After contributing to the show the radio station invited me to become the host of the KFOG Deadhead Hour. Then a couple of other radio stations from around the country started calling to ask if they could carry the show. I told the band's manager I thought this could have some potential and was invited to a band meeting. I said "look some radio stations want to carry this show and I'd like to do it. It seems like it would be fun to do", and the band said," great do it... we trust you," Phil literally said to me, "you don't have to ask for permission to pay specific things we trust your judgment."

Gans suddenly had become the host of a nationally syndicated radio show, without ever having formed the intention to do so. It also gave him entree into one of the most sacred places in the Grateful Dead universe, The Vault. The place where almost all of the recorded Grateful Dead shows are kept.

What's it like in the Grateful Dead vault where they keep all the taped shows. Sacred ground?

I got to go in the vault a number of times, in fact, the first time I went into the vault it was completely unsupervised it was before Dick (Latvala) had been hired to be the archivist and organized the vault, it was just a room a locked room upstairs. I had the run of the vault for a couple of months and after

Dick became the archivist, we would wait until the band was out of town and we'd get together and I'd bring all my gear and we would set up three or four copying schemes and just get stoned and listen to Dead music for hours a couple of times a year when the band was out of town. Then I'd take all of those tapes home and listen to them and make radio shows out of them. Just walking barefoot through the vault with Dick was really fun.

Are there a lot more Grateful Dead shows still to come from the Vault?

Oh yeah. There are big gaps in various years like 1970. There's a lot of tapes missing and I don't know why. Apparently, because Owsley was in jail for part of that time and there apparently wasn't enough manpower to make sure that the tapes got made, that's my theory as to why some shows weren't recorded. But generally speaking, everything got recorded at least once and they have lots of stuff in there. You'd have to ask David

Lemieux the proportion of unreleased stuff. I have a feeling they've gone through most of their multitrack stuff by now. But there are tons and tons and tons of stereo masters of soundboard tapes.

David just put out his 37th Dave's Picks and he hasn't had one false step. All first-rate choices. The June '76 box set was a great concept. How you slice and dice this music is an interesting question there's so much of it and it's such a subjective thing, how to look at it, how to present it. I've often said I wouldn't want David's job as the pressure is insane. He's got to please this audience and he's got to bring in money for the stakeholders.

I wouldn't want to be the guy responsible for choosing what to put out. I have spent 35 years curating an alternate path with that material.

So great that John Mayer has fit in so well with Dead & Co to keep letting the good times roll. Not surprising that you were asked to co-host some of the concert live streams too. As if you aren't busy enough!

In addition to my syndicated radio show, The Grateful Dead Hour, I am a co-host of Tales from the Golden Road, a Sunday afternoon talk show on SiriusXM’s Grateful Dead Channel. That’s been going on since January 2008, and we have a great time taking calls from fans - stories, questions, rumors… Gary Lambert and I are also hosting the nugs.net live streams of this year’s Dead & Company tour: we introduce the first set, and then come back between sets to do an interview. We call it Dead Air with Lambert & Gans. Our guests to date have included Cameron Sears of the Rex Foundation; Don Was, president of Blue Note Records and the bassist of Bob Weir & Wolf Bros; Mark Pinkus, head of Rhino Records; musicians Branford Marsalis, Mikaela Davis, Jeff Mattson, and lots more. These programs can be seen at https://youtube.com/nugsnet

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By Eileen Shapiro, edited by Adam Kluger

I just sat there and listened, and it sparked off certain directions for me. But what he was talking about in those meetings was pretty much what you hear when you hear the Bow Wow Wow sound. Mine was more…there are timpani drums in “Kings of the Wild Frontier.” There are 30 layers of vocals on it, which I did, so I didn’t fit into that idea that Malcolm wanted us to fit into. I had to put my hand up and say “this really isn’t working for me, I’m not quite getting the vibe off this.” When he got the band to say they wanted to leave, I certainly had the name and I had these threads of ideas, but nothing that fitted in with what they were doing, so I came out of it and went and started again. There was still a competitiveness. I thought, I’m not going to waste all this time sitting, listening to this lot and not use it, because I paid for it. I gave Malcolm £1,000 to manage the band. I think I got my money’s worth.

Adam and the Ants followed on the heels of the punk explosion. What are your memories of the end of punk and the evolution of your band?

When you released Kings in the USA, you changed the tracks. “Making History” was removed and “Physical” and “Press Darlings” replaced it.

Why was that?

A CONVERSATION WITH

ADAM ANT I think punk had become very much a caricature of itself and it got very grey and very political. The kids were wearing the same kind of drab outfits.

I’ve never been a political artist. I keep that out of my work. I’ve never been interested in that. I think it had become quite excessively violent, the gigs were getting more violent because of that, and it was just not enjoyable.

Post-punk brought out some interesting music, but I felt that I just needed a way to suddenly make it a bit more colourful. Up until that point, I’d only used black and white in the graphics, in the handbills and record covers and stuff like that. So I suddenly just wanted to do the opposite of that, something heroic and celebratory, really. That’s where “Kings of the Wild Frontier” came out, I wanted to be like a king; not just some guy hanging on the corner moaning about everything and spitting, and wearing safety pins, which I’ve never been interested in!

Looking back, was Malcolm McLaren’s career advice to you worth the heartbreak of him stealing your band?

At the time it was devastating because obviously we were buddies.

Dave and Mathew, myself, and Leigh Gorman was the new kid who had just joined. There’s one thing a band splitting up, but with that there’s a friendship, and there’s the camaraderie, and that came into question. I think Malcolm saw a situation where he could conveniently get a really good band to back up the idea that he had. A lot of water has gone under the bridge since then, we’ve made up and everything, but it was devastating on a personal level. On a professional level, it turned out to be pretty good for both parties. I couldn’t have seen it happening without that. We were very close doing our thing, and then someone else came in and started casting doubts amongst us. That created a kind of mutiny if you like. But gladly they did Bow Wow Wow which I thought was a really good project and sounded great, and I did “Kings” which was my view of things.

Is it true that when you were going to release “Kings” with your signature ethnic beat, that Bow Wow Wow were trying to steal that sound in recording their album?

We’d all sat around listening to hours and hours of philosophy by Malcolm about taking rock n’ roll back to its basics, and playing us all kinds of records from Django Reinhardt to Charlie Parker, through to various ideas that Malcolm had in his head. He’d talk to you for about an hour on something, and if you were lucky you would understand a minute of it. Making those kind of ideas turn into reality just involves a lot of work.

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I didn’t change them, they were changed for me. I was quite shocked to see various tracks taken off. I know they had a meeting and they decided that they wanted to take certain tracks off, and they did. At the time there was nothing I could particularly do about it. So it was a big shock to me. That was one of the nice things about doing the “Kings” gold boxset is having it in its original form.

They made the decision for me, I wasn’t consulted, there it was.

Why didn’t your label want you to tour “Kings” in the USA At the time?

No they didn’t, I think there was a lot of suspicion about guys wearing makeup and outlandish clothing, etc. They’d seen a lot of the glam thing, certainly

people like T-Rex, who were great. I love Marc Bolan and Roxy Music being two of my favorite bands, big influences, just hit paydirt in America; it was still very “rock” then. Regardless of Alice Cooper and stuff like that, there seemed to be a lot of suspicion from upstairs about what we were doing? There was a lot of excitement about “Kings” when I went to New York and LA, but the actual decision-making upstairs in terms of budgets and commitment to get behind the band…I think there was a decision made where it was not “yo ho ho” as you might say, it wasn’t “the charge” that I thought it would be. That’s how we felt. We didn’t actually tour it, we just went over there and did a few showcase gigs.

We had the New York Dolls, they were pretty flamboyant.

I know, but that’s an American band, it was the stuff coming over from the UK. It’s very peculiar, maybe that’s just my imagination, but I did feel the fact the people that came (to the showcase gigs) seemed to love it, and I remember doing a very serious chat with Tom Snyder as well, which was quite a challenge for my first interview in America. It was a quite straightforward thing. Eventually we pushed on through and kept going. I didn’t tour America with “Prince Charming” either. That was just never going to be on the cards. It was far too expensive a production. “Goody Two-Shoes,” by the time I did the “Friend or Foe” album I went solo, I was able to go ahead and really play live a lot, play a lot of gigs, and I think that’s what you have to do in America.

Did your famous white stripe have a hidden meaning?

Well I’d been studying Native American various tribal makeup, and decorations to the face, and it was more like a war stripe; a declaration of war on all that kind of nonsense in the music business and the political stuff that I didn’t like.

So we felt kind of heroic. I always find that very inspiring, that whole philosophy, to me; I felt it was appropriate just declaring war on the music business really.

That’s what we did.

When “Antmusic” first came out it was revitalising, refreshing, adventurous, exciting, and it still is today. When a pop artist today can’t seem to stay relevant for 35 seconds, how is it that “Kings” is still so relevant after more than 35 years?

You don’t consciously think “this is going to change everything.” I think at that point you’ve got a big mouth and a sharp pencil. The main thing is to get the record out of your head sounding like that sound that I could hear, and not saying it’s completed until you heard it in the mixing room. We all got in there and it was very much an experimental sound. Really the first track that encompassed everything, and I knew “Ah” that was definitely the sound that I think we can take as the blueprint of this whole album was “Dog Eat Dog”.

That was the first track in the studio that all the other vocals, and the kind of crashing sound, and all the arrangements of the TWO drummers. I thought, “ah! oh, ok” that was the blueprint there. So basically from that we applied the same kind of premise to “Kings of the Wild Frontier,” “Antmusic,” and the rest of the album. So having cracked it on one track, you then take it to the other songs. Then fortunately, we were able to produce a record that was done pretty much in relatively one go, going into it with no distractions down in the studio in Wales. We were just more or less going into work every day and really doing it with no distractions whatsoever. So in a way I think it benefited from that certainly. I didn’t say it was finished until it was really finished. It was not a particularly expensive record to make, it was just a lot of energy that went into it. I’d waited a lot of years to get the opportunity to get that done. Chris Hughes was in the band, that’s another thing; he was one of the drummers, so him behind the mixing desk, I think he played an important part as well, as one of the band. It wasn’t like bringing in an outside producer to put their mark on it.

He knew because he was playing drums every night on the songs. We all had a good idea of what we were after. It wasn’t like when you sometimes bring in a name producer who makes some good suggestions and also makes some suggestions that might change the thing completely. We didn’t have that. I think that was why maybe its lasted, because it’s a time capsule.

What do you think it is about “Kings” that caused it to be such a landmark event?

There was an effort to make it look as good as it sounded. There was always this certain element to early punk rock where certainly the work that Malcolm and Vivienne were doing in World’s End: SEX and Seditionaries, their two shops that were very influential. Those clothes were expensive, it wasn’t tacky, there was always a sense of what one would say is a sartorial correctness about it.

I wanted to do something that looked as good as it sounded, so the record having been made, you want to produce something that looks like it was made by the guys onstage so there were certain influences there, that I think we were able to project on the stage, through make up, clothes and attitude.

The attitude was there. On our own, we were like buccaneers. The thing was, you’d docked the galleon, gone in and just grabbed everything you could put on, so the jacket was almost as if I’d taken it, put it on and run off with it. It was all that kind of playful, heroic thing: The Highwayman, The Buccaneer, and The Native American Indian, which I felt was always this glorious, certainly iconic imagery that appealed to me growing up, and still as an adult. It was that kind of feel for me.

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LEGENDARY MUSIC ICON BETTY WRIGHT TO BE HONORED IN UPCOMING BIOPIC “THE CLEAN UP WOMAN”

By Ruthi Davis

PASSING THE TORCH Least known for the pivotal role she played in the early developmental stages of Bob Marley’s iconic career, Wright also served as a pioneer and mentor to many artists, such as: Lil Wayne, DJ Khaled and Sean Puffy Combs to name a few.

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he estate of legendary icon Betty Wright, led by her daughters Namphuyo McCray, Asher Makeba and Patrice Parker have begun initial pre-production of their upcoming biopic “The Clean Up Woman,” which dives deep into the life of the Miami-bred singer Betty Wright, onstage and offstage.

Namphuyo explains that her mother lived and died trying to please her fans, regardless of the pain and stress that family issues and cancer had caused. Wright’s daughters have since remained determined to preserve their mother’s legacy.

HONORING AN R&B LEGEND While the sisters needed to take a year to get the estate affairs in order, they continue to receive a lot of interest from the networks for the legend’s biopic. At present, production and/distribution has not been solidified, and they continue to entertain offers for the project.

President of S-Curve Records Steve Greenberg, who collaborated on several recordings with Wright, coined her “one of the most significant women in the history of R&B music, period.”

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RECORD-BREAKING ACHIEVEMENTS “Tonight is the Night” is an anthem by Wright that has gained over 32 million views. Wright is perhaps best known for her 1971 hit song “Clean Up Woman,” a funky and soulful complaint about a woman who ‘cleans up’ the men of women who neglect them. The song’s signature guitar riff would go on to be a favored sample used by the likes of Afrika Bambaataa, Sublime and Chance the Rapper (source NPR.org).

According to Billboard, Wright earned a top 10 single in 1972 with “Clean Up Woman,” which peaked at No. 6 on the Hot 100, and would go on to be sampled by numerous artists, including Mary J. Blige, Afrika Bambaataa and Sublime. By the mid-‘70s, Wright had scored big with songs “Tonight Is the Night” and “Where Is the Love,” which she earned a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song in 1975. Just over a decade after her Grammy win, Wright would net another achievement in becoming the first woman to have a record on her own label achieve GOLD status.

Another successful composition was the protodisco number “Where Is the Love’’ (co-written by Wright, with producers Harry Wayne Casey and Richard Finch from KC & The Sunshine Band). This peaked at number 15 on the R&B chart, numbertwo on the dance charts and crossed over to the UK, peaking at #25, leading Wright to perform overseas. Wright later won the Best R&B Song Grammy Award for composing “Where Is the Love” (source: Wikipedia.org).

Wright also collaborated with an impressive list of renown music artists, as she was whole-heartedly dedicated to “protecting the integrity of popular music,” according to NPR. She teamed up with legends, such artists as: Marvin Gaye, Bob Marley, Lil Wayne, and The Roots, as well as mentored Jennifer Lopez and Joss Stone.

In a prior interview with NPR in 2011, Wright commented how she believes in legacy. in “making radio sound better.” Rather than “disturbing the peace, getting on the radio and sounding a hot mess,” she would tap into her “mama vibe” to guide and teach without ego.

In 2011, Wright teamed up with The Roots for the collaborative album, “Betty Wright: The Movie,” which featured guest appearances by Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg and Joss Stone.

Paying Tribute Betty Wright’s funeral showcased an incredible display of support—with mega hip-hop stars as Lil Wayne, DJ Khaled, Luther Cambell, and the Marley family—who also plan to show their support of the upcoming biopic.

In an interview with Billboard in 2011, Greenberg explained that “Betty Wright was one of the foundations of S-Curve’s creative family.” Both of them “worked together on so many projects, ranging from Joss Stone to Tom Jones to the O’Jays, to her own album, Betty Wright & the Roots. She was a triple-threat as an artist, writer and producer and she always got something extra special out of the singers she was producing. Her mere presence brought a studio to life, and she had the gift of making everyone feel confident in their ability to create something magical.”

APRIL ROSE GABRIELLI’S SOHO RECORDS DEBUT SINGLE “DO YOU?” ENTERS BILLBOARD AC CHART AT #27

By Adam Kluger

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inger/Songwriter April Rose Gabrielli’s debut single Do You? Released Soho Records & AWAL/Sony makes her Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart Debut at #27, in between Sean Mendes and The Weeknd.

“Do You?” is creating incredible buzz, also reaching #1 on the Mediabase Adult Contemporary Independent Artists Ranking, and is in the Top 25 on the Mediabase Adult Contemporary Chart.

“Do You?” is the debut single from alternative-rock singer, songwriter, pianist, producer and poet: April Rose Gabrielli. “Do You?” is the perfect musical introduction to April as it represents the way she often weaves poetic lyrics, powerhouse vocals and stacked harmonies into a rock track centered around catchy pop melodies. Thematically, using the words “Do You?” in a few different contexts, the lyrics touch upon the ways in which she has mastered the art of emotional deflection and indecision to “keep the peace” with those around her. The track was written and produced

by April Rose Gabrielli, with production, songwriting and engineering help from Kulick (Enci Records) & lifelong friend, Kevin Eiserman.

With her following growing; already at over a half a million song streams, monthly listeners and followers growing at a fast pace, April is growing a loyal band of fans who revel in a creative fresh, authentic approach to music and performance. In lieu of launching her solo music career, April Rose signed an exclusive songwriting deal with BMG Publishing as well as partnering with Casio Music Gear and Avantone Pro.

Watch the “Do You?” music video by April Rose Gabrielli youtu.be/S6ZTkogwDHQ Follow April Rose Gabrielli aprilrosegabrielli.com facebook facebook.com/aprilrosegabrielli

twitter twitter.com/aprilrosegabrie

instagram instagram.com/aprilrosegabrielli December 2021

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BEST OF

TIK TOK 2021

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Most popular person on TikTok Charli D’amelio, 100M +followers

Most colorful MMA fighter on TikTok Suga Sean O’Malley @suga_show

Best daily rants Actor Michael Rapaport @michaelrapaport Weird Celebrity sighting on TikTok-Tom Cruise

Best Cake on TikTok Claire Gerhardstein @claire.gerhardstein.fp

A married couple that is a modern take on Stiller & Meara Moontellthat Best old TV Clips on TikTok The Sopranos Best TikTok Music Mash-Up The BeeGees’ stayin’ alive and 50 Cent’s It’s your birthday cool dance moves- Steezy @steezytour Celebrity we are always happy to see on TikTok Alicia Silverstone Best Dating advice Dana Kuritzkes @the_d_spot Music Legend who keeps on truckin’ in the gym Bob Weir @bobbyweir Coolest Alien @Ishean.alien Funny Girl Shannon Fiedler @shannonfiedler.com Best old friends having fun on TikTok Cheech & Chong @cheechandchong Fun Popstar on TikTok Miley Cyrus @mileycyruseu Funniest impersonations Comedian J-L Cauvin @jlcauvin Hottest Health Influencer on TikTok Jen Selter @jenselter

Best dating coach for Cougars Patsy Mennuti @hellacougar Best family garage cover band The Nightowls @nightowlsband Biggest breakout talent on TikTok Singer-Songwriter Natalie Burdick @natsingssongs Most Effervescent Kat Stickler @katstickler Hilarious comedic actress Delaney Rowe @delaneysayshello Best coffeehouse skit comedian Lorena Jusino @lorenazoejt Best smile/same oft-repeated (yet strangely mesmerizing) old school dance moves Katie Prentiss @katieprentiss Popular sex educator on TikTok Kinky Kitten Heather @definitelynotchippy Must have item TikTok Leggings Cute but corny couple Hailee and Kendra @haileeandkendra Top agent for TikTok chefs Evan Morgenstein, CEO, The Digital & Food Renegades Celebs on TikTok Will Smith, Kylie Jenner, Billie Eilish, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Selena Gomez

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NATALIE BURDICK

TIKTOK BREAKOUT STAR OF 2021

By Adam Kluger

Hey Natalie, your TikTok music videos are always so well-done, hilarious and catchy. What’s your creative process?

Haha, thank you! I almost always start with a hook- a small chunk of lyrics & melody that’s catchy & gets stuck in my head. After that, I sit down at my piano & plunk out the rest of the song. I love using fun percussion elements, so I’ll often record myself tapping pens on my microphone or use samples of water droplets. Once the song is done I record all the visual elements, usually the next day. This takes me the longest. And then it’s off to editing! I’ve gotten used to a pretty solid 24 hour turnaround process from the moment I sit at the piano to the moment it’s posted.

What inspired you to become a content creator? Why is TikTok a good medium for your talents?

I was stuck in a rut doing something I hated for a long time.

I got a degree in Musical Theater, and I was living in NYC auditioning for shows. At one point I was working 5 jobs living paycheck to paycheck, not booking any shows, and I was absolutely miserable. When the pandemic hit, I moved out of my apartment and back to my hometown. I realized that I had spent so much time chasing a dream that I didn’t truly want. So I started writing, which I had dabbled in in college. I used to write silly stuff with my friends, and everything finally clicked. It’s what I enjoy doing most, and I finally had time to do it for the first time in years. Once I started, I couldn’t stop- it’s very addicting. That’s how I 98

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knew this is what I was supposed to be doing. And Tiktok is the perfect platform for short form musical comedy- I mean, we’ve seen so many creators land jobs in the industry because of their work on TikTok. It’s just the best place to be goofy & find people who like what you do.

You combine singing-songwriting, comedy and dance so effortlessly. Why do you think that is?

Haha. That’s the musical theater degree doing its dirty work. Honestly though, I just feel like musical comedy has always been my favorite to watch, and I tried to emulate that. And when I dance I don’t do it well- I just do it loudly. I used to be so insecure about my dancing, because I wasn’t as good as my peers. Now I just let myself flail!

What do you do for fun when you aren’t creating content?

I love games! Smash bros, fortnite, splitgate. I also love to run. I’m not sure why but I genuinely enjoy it. And walking in nature! And mystery/suspense novels. And the Pokémon trading card game.

What’s your plan for the future?

I am going with the flow! My dream is to write & act in a tv show, something similar to Crazy Ex Girlfriend or Community. I love short form sketch comedy as well, so maybe some live performances could be cool in the future!

MARS NIGHTCLUB & LOUNGE BRINGS SOPHISTICATED EVENING ENTERTAINMENT TO THE HAMPTONS

By Harry Brads

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ophisticated nightlife is finally back in the Hamptons with the opening of MARS – East Hampton. Unlike the overcrowded and primarily borderline college-aged Montauk party scene, MARS provides clients with the revered style and distinguished quality that no other Hamptons nightlife venue currently offers. After a purposely curated and unpublicized soft opening earlier this summer, MARS has captured the attention of those in the know who are looking for a more mature and elevated nightlife experience.

Additionally, and what truly makes MARS unique, is that the venue features two distinct nightlife experiences at the same location.

The MARS Lounge offers a dynamic and appealing layout that focuses on the clients desires for intimate party settings which combine to create the feel and vibe of a great living room house party. Both Hampton based residents and city vacationers alike will be greeted with pure class that is one-of-a-kind. And like the planet Mars itself, this is the one venue in the orbit of the Hamptons nightlife solar system that stands out like a bright shining star.

The MARS Nightclub offers a seductive and electrifying nightlife experience for guests and a who’s who of the Hamptons movers and shakers including financiers, models, and many celebrities. Music lovers will also be very pleased as this high-energy nightclub and it has already featured a slew talented and world-class DJs spinning an eclectic mix of tunes provided by such artists as Damian Lazarus, Serge Devant, Tito KOBA and DJ Carnage who blew the doors off over the July 4th holiday weekend.

Currently, DJ MARS FOX rules the beats on Fridays and DJ’S ABI. & TITO KOBA are a tag-team duo banging out the tunes on Saturdays. Expect a stellar line-up for Labor Day Weekend which includes DJ ARTBAT, DJ YOS, and superstar DJ CLAPTONE! In addition to treating guests to both an exceptional lounge and nightclub experience, MARS Events has the unique ability to not only be able to host many types of functions and events, but with several distinct areas including two interior dining & entertainment spaces and two stunning outdoor garden patios, MARS Events has the capacity to host two simultaneous yet completely independent functions at the same time. Some of the venues numerous amenities include the ability to host events as large as 500; a professionally designed commercial kitchen; 3 bars including an outdoor patio bar; a large performance stage for live music or other types of entertainment; 2 separate DJ booths; a state-of-the-art sound & lighting system; as well as ample on-site parking. MARS Events offers numerous options for a fully customizable event such as rehearsal dinners, weddings, anniversaries, sweet sixteen’s, bat mitzvahs, fundraisers, corporate events, and almost any other type of event imaginable and we’re confident that it will surely dazzle and deliver everlasting and gratifying experiences for all.

MARS is conveniently located in the coveted town of East Hampton, NY at 44 Three Mile Harbor Road.

For more information regarding private party & special event inquiries please email Hello@Mars-EastHampton.com or call 631-437-0700.

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ART WORLD SPOTLIGHT: EVAN TAWIL Mega Dealer-Advisor is the Art World Insider’s Secret Weapon

By W.A. Muller

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hen Metropolitan Magazine listed Evan Tawil among the Top Art Advisors in 2020 alongside the likes of hedge fund art advisor Sandy Heller, Tawil was humbly surprised.

Having been an avid collector since the age of twentyone and listed in ARTnews Magazine at the age of 26 as one of the top collectors under 30, Tawil’s roots in the art world run deep. Early memories such as long conversations with Annina Nosei who discovered Jean Michel-Basquiat as they toured her basement stacks of Basquiat inventory. Then, the idea of a Basquiat canvas fetching $150,000 was a fantasy.

Now they can sell for $10 million to $100 million. Tawil is a third-generation American though he shares the same Syrian heritage as other great art collectors/ dealer families like the Nahmads and the Mugrabis.

Tawil was approached by MOMA in his twenties to sell them a canvas he owned by a prominent African artist. He struck a deal with then curator Robert Storr for a promised gift of the painting. He shared the work with MOMA for the next 20 years.

Having grown up in Manhattan in a multi-lingual school and household, Tawil joined his father’s apparel firm at the age of twenty-three. Evan Tawil quickly built an impressive portfolio of relationships with major brands. Manufacturing children’s apparel under a dozen different licenses (Baby Dior, Juicy Couture, Kate Spade, VINCE, UGG, 7 for All Mankind, Marimekko & Disney among others).

Evan Tawil also filled his showrooms with art of all mediums and periods and developed a communitywide reputation as an aficionado of high art.

When the firm was sold in 2016, Tawil decided to pursue his passion for art dealing and advising.

Evan still maintains a strong foothold in consumer products, and brands & acquisition deals, thanks to his enormous Rolodex and an ability to connect and transact honorably and graciously with nearly anybody on the planet. For Tawil, it is all about maintaining focus. What does this kind of intense focus entail?

Genesis Tramaine Witnessing Grace, 2020 Acrylic, Oil Sticks, Spray Paint, Yeshua Private collection Courtesy of the artist and Almine Rech Photographer: Melissa Castro Duarte

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Keith Haring Untitled, 1988 Acrylic on canvas © Keith Haring Foundation

“Trying to remain transactional and transparent with a phalanx of collectors, gallerists, dealers, private sales auction specialists, and art advisors throughout the global art world, “ Says Tawil, “It takes a village. What’s more, you need to meet with those villagers periodically.

If not, it’s out of sight, out of mind. Email, text, and Whatsapp are insufficient. The more face-to-face time and collaboration, the more deals come up.” Tawil has gained the trust of many of the top players in the art and business community. Many of them call Tawil to source material for them or to offer him material that will be handled sensibly and with care. While his average transaction size is around $600,000, his transactions range from $50,000 to $40 million. “I’m hyper-focused on what’s most actionable at any given time. What is someone ready to buy and what’s the amount they are comfortable deploying. It’s a transactional model which has also propelled the auction houses and galleries to break private sales records consistently” Tawil’s artworld colleagues agree that one of Evan Tawil’s greatest talents is his ability to communicate quickly and effectively with immediacy, a strong business acumen, sense of confidence, attention to detail, humility, and sense of humor.

“Evan was as kind to me when I was an entry-level cataloger as he is to me now,” says Christie’s Chairman Alexander Rotter. “We see him as one of the hardest working, people in the industry.”

Miety Heiden, Phillips, Deputy Chairman & Head of Private sales says: “Evan’s a fast learner. Very easy and transparent when needed. One of the people I’m dealing with on a regular basis and happy granting access to.”

Amy Cappellazzo, Chairman of Sotheby’s, “Evan is a passionate player in the New York contemporary art world and has been for more than 25 years. Literally, everyone knows him! His enthusiasm for both art and deals is a huge part of his success in the field.”

Jacqueline Wachter, Senior Vice President, Private Sales, Sotheby’s Los Angeles, “There is no one with a bigger heart or a stronger work ethic in the whole business. He will go to the far reaches of the universe to find you what you need, not sleep until he does, and make you laugh while he’s doing it.”

Photo by Eli Tawil

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Pink Glow. - 48x48, oil on canvas. Featured at Quogue Gallery.

ROBIN KOFFLER Robin Koffler is a New York City-based artist and designer. Her artistic roots trace back to a career in graphic design, illustration, and jewelry design.

Her paintings reflect a distinct style, which blends abstract realism with an imaginative Impressionist color palette. Her subject matter captures the magic and energy of her surroundings including striking landscapes and colorful florals. Robin’s technique of breaking down the forms into shapes, color, and light draws the viewer into her scenes. Robin has studied at The University of Michigan, The School of Visual Arts, the National Academy, and The Art Students League. robinkofflerart.com.

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14 karat gold Bauble Ring with tsavorite garnet and diamonds robinkoffler.com

Vivid Sky - 36x60, oil on canvas.

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ART BASEL 2021

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MvVO ART AD ART SHOW 2022

To Return to New York City’s Oculus Westfield World Trade Center Call for Artist Going on Now until January 10, 2022

By Peter Elston Photos courtesy of Olivia Olsen

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vVO ART, creator of AD ART SHOW, recently announced the Call for Artists for the 2022 edition of AD ART SHOW. Artists working in advertising, design and related fields are invited to apply to participate in AD ART SHOW 2022. The Call for Artists is going on now. Go to www.mvvoart.com for application details and to apply. Artists have until January 10, 2022 to apply.

with the experience of art in AD ART SHOW. Inside a popular shopping and dining destination, it’s a winning combination of audience, art, and platform.

MvVO ART’s AD ART SHOW is a one-of-a-kind experience that brings ART directly to people by transforming an advertising platform—monumental digital screens—into a public gallery space for an entire month. AD ART SHOW’s artists have a background in advertising/design and other related fields. They are following in the footsteps of famous artists such as Andy Warhol, Rene Magritte, and Keith Haring, all of whom had a commercial practice. Some artists have historically made the leap, but the barriers remain; and AD ART SHOW opens the doors for these talented artists with direct connections to the art world in a celebration of artistic discovery open to all art lovers.

“AD ART SHOW bridges the gap between the Art world and advertising by championing the artists working in advertising and showcasing the Art they create” said Maria van Vlodrop, MvVO ART Founder, named a Top Ten Cultural Shaper by ADWEEK magazine in its annual Creative 100 List.

For the 2022 edition, AD ART SHOW will return to the Oculus in the Westfield World Trade Center in New York City—a transit hub, shopping destination, and iconic Santiago Calatrava NYC architectural landmark. From May 1 to May 31, 2022, the AD ART SHOW 2022 will display artworks—paintings, sculptures, photography, and mixed media works—on the massive, high-impact digital advertising screens.

The powerful engagement of an electronic advertising medium is combined

AD ART SHOW artists’ work is also on display on the MvVO ART Artsy gallery page. Artsy, the premier art market site for collectors, provides artists with yet another avenue for exposure.

The selection committee for MvVO ART – a who’s who of contemporary art experts and globally recognized creative pioneers – vets all of the artists in the show. The show’s winners are chosen by a jury of well-known art collectors.

Artists who receive top honors gain additional exposure and prizes in the art world.

AD ART SHOW debuted in 2018 at Sotheby’s New York before going all digital in 2019, 2020, and 2021 at the Westfield WTC’s Oculus. MvVO ART continues to innovate with each show addition, providing new opportunities for artists.

For more information about AD ART SHOW 2022 and to see works by the 2021 artists: Visit www.mvvoart.com and follow MvVO ART on Instagram: www.instagram.com/mvvoart/.

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Photos courtesy of Patrick McMullan, Artwork by Jacques Lieberman

“Beyond The Lines And Colors”

Presented by Artist Jacques Lieberman

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By Lillian Langtry

rtist Jacques Lieberman debuted his exhibition “Beyond The Lines And Colors,” with party amongst family and friends. The event and exhibition were held in the studio at 484 Broome Street, New York City, next to the popular MarieBelle Chocolates. “Beyond The Lines And Colors,” is selection of Jacques original artwork from over the last two decades. Guests enjoyed cocktails and MarieBelle chocolates while taking in Jacques’s artwork that was displayed throughout the studio.

Notable attendees included: Jacques Lieberman, Maribel Lieberman, Andrea Legnani, Paola Rossi, Vanda Tuberga, Ira Cabrele, Gabriel Vallecillo, Pam Chmiel, Vanda Tuberga, Ira Cabrele, Carolina von Humboldt, Christophe von Hohenberg, Ray Starner, Ilene Wood, Adele Nino, Jeffrey Ray Wine, Sara Johnson Kaplan, Rosemary Ponzo, Eric Ross, Natalie Ross, Gracia Borjas, Nadia Martinez, Ruth Miller, Pat Canole, Katlean de Monchy, Nancy Pearson, Maria Elena Christiansen, Maria Monteiro.

Jacques Lieberman the Artist: When Jacques Lieberman moved to SoHo’s Prince Street, he lived in the same neighborhood as artists such as Keith Haring, Andy Warhol, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Jacques divided his large apartment into two sections: a living space for himself and a makeshift gallery space called ‘Al Conic’ where local artists could display their work.

He put up a sign downstairs advertising the gallery space for rent and had a lot of success. He continued to paint and sell his own art, eventually earning enough money to quit his job and become a full-time artist and gallery manager. As demand for his gallery grew, he decided to rent a larger space on Broome Street:

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7,000 square feet of commercial space that he would divide into five separate galleries. He christened it The National Art Gallery and advertised it in the Village Voice. The demand was tremendous, and artists began to travel from all over the world to bring their work to Broome Street. For the next nine years, he ran the gallery and sold his paintings.

Adobe Photoshop, a new graphics editing software, was released in 1988. Jacques decided to buy it so he could do rough sketches for his paintings. However, as he learned how to use the software, he realized that he could use the same color palettes and geometric design capabilities to create colorful works of art in a fraction of the time it took him to create a painting. He started creating hundreds of new pieces each week, with vibrant colors and shapes dancing across the screen. He blew them up, printed them in high resolution, and sold them to the general public with great success. His prints drew the attention of renowned art critics such as Holland Cotter, who is now an art critic for the New York Times and has his own gallery space on Broome Street where he sells his work. As a result, Jacques Lieberman was the first artist to create art in Adobe Photoshop, creating digital art throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.

Jacques and his wife Maribel, Chocolatier, and founder of MarieBelle Chocolates, now live in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood with their young daughter Angelina Lieberman and their pug, Willow. Jacques continues to enjoy skiing in Colorado and travels to Israel on a regular basis to see family.

Of his art, Jacques says “It’s simply me delivering joy to the public. I hope they feel joy.”

HOTEL CROYDON ART BASEL

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DR. CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON EASES THE STRESS OF PLASTIC SURGERY

Coming from truly humble beginnings, Dr. Johnson continuously carries out a warm, heartfelt work ethic. It is why he is known for simple, yet powerful gestures such as holding a patient’s hand during general anesthesia to a ​ t the same time p ​ erforming some of the most groundbreaking methods in reconstructive surgery.

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His highly sought-after advice and unique perspective as a black and gay professional – who also happens to be a single father - in America has led to several featured placements in media, as well as the coveted position of a medical expert on the hit television show Access Hollywood. His upcoming appearances on the program are already booked for the month of July as a testimonial to his popularity.

When it comes to plastic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Johnson knows the choice you make has a lifetime of implications.

It is ​for these​reason​s​and more that the facility is considered one of the top​medical centers​in the nation, as well as the ​most referred place for East Coast residents in need of services. The mission of his practice is to make you look like the best version of yourself. The approach to plastic surgery is unique and grounded in total personal care: mind, body, and spirit.

The practice is well known for facial plastic surgery, Eye Rejuvenation surgery (blepharoplasty), Septo/ rhinoplasty, Body/face liposuction and sculpting, Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) and Faciaal rejuvenation

using the latest products including Botox® and Restylane®.

Dr. Johnson’s aesthetic combines both minimally invasive and surgical procedures to enhance and harmonize the face and body in a natural manner. Moreover, he believes in a holistic approach to patient care.

He also advises his clients that proper skin care and age management are critical to maintaining youth, vigor, and vitality. Because of this, he has formulated and developed his own skin care products unlike anything else available.

An outstanding reputation is paired with a strong background that additionally makes Dr. Johnson one of the top in his field. He is a proud graduate of Harvard Medical School and Oxford University in the UK. He has also traveled the world learning innovative techniques and sourcing novel treatments and medication to enhance how you look and feel.

For more information, please visit www.cljohnsonmd.com

Photo: Tony Valadez Photography

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r. Christopher Johnson is the go-to plastic and reconstructive surgeon for some of the biggest celebrities and high-profile individuals on the planet.

His vast success in the field is equally matched by his incredible bedside manner and compassionate approach to medical work.

Known as a leading advocate who often voices ​the​ needs for underserved communities, his passion for thoughtfulness carries​a​powerful message on​how to bring about peace and understanding within all classes and races.

Notably quoted in Huffington Post on his inspirational journey to becoming a noteworthy ​professional​he stated, “I wanted to make a difference in the world. I wanted to heal people.”

By Lillian Langtry

A HELPING HAND UP A CONVERSATION WITH HENRY BUHL

By Jadan Horyn & Margaret Luce

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or most New Yorkers the ubiquitous sight of people in red ACE shirts cleaning our trashridden streets and public places provides a welcoming sense of normalcy against the background chaos of this metropolis we call home. The helping hand each ACE client provides to our shared city came from a helping hand up provided by one humble man: Henry Buhl, who instead of giving a homeless man twenty dollars, got the man a job instead. An action that became an organization and a movement that continues to resonate across our city today. One that could provide an obvious solution to the homeless crisis gripping urban America.

His inconspicuous home is on a cobblestoned street in Tribeca framed by designer stores and replete with lululemon clad, latte clutching, twenty-somethings chattering incomprehensible unNew York jargon. A different tribe frequents this neighborhood than the one in which Henry recognized a self-evident need so many years ago.

I enter and stride to the elevators, a bit sweaty from the sunny day and collect myself on the ride up. I knock and am asked who I am. “Jadan Horyn - with Metropolitan Magazine, Margaret Luce our Creative Director and a friend of Henry’s sent me.” A brief discussion behind the door, then it opens. Henry greets me with a smile and a look of bemusement.

“Another reporter?” he asks. “Margaret sent me.” I say and he lights up, “Oh, yes, yes.”

“ACE takes homeless men and women who are currently living in shelters all over New York City and works with them with the objective of obtaining a full-time job and finding permanent housing.”

His eyes immediately narrow and he without prompting recounts the origins of ACE like muscle memory. No doubt he has done this countless times. The story begins in 1992 while Henry was still a famed photographer. He had created a burgeoning business in SoHo with twelves photographers sharing the studio that summer. “When a street cleaner asked Henry for $20 bucks. Buhl had noticed the man sweeping Greene Street in the mornings and was often sleeping in a door well after lunch.

Buhl asked why he should give the man $20 since he had a job. The sweeper told Buhl that he had just been fired and was homeless.”

What occurred next was understanding the basic economics behind how stores and businesses fund street cleaning along with how the slammer to streets cycle leads to chronic homelessness and a glaring gap in the support system for humans in need. The issue is that men and women who are released from prison may head to a program that feeds, clothes them, and provides medical care but the government assistance expires for each after two years and many migrate to the streets and become homeless because their criminal records make them unhirable by most employers. This leads to recidivism and cycles of homelessness and incarceration.

Edwina Sandys & Henry Buhl Photos by Jillian Nelson

Henry is advanced in age and moves with the slow gracefulness of someone who has much to do but is fighting the limitations of the years. His mind is no less sharp nor are his observant eyes. He sizes me up. “Margaret said you are smart. Margaret is so lovely.” I nod. “I was just with her in the Hamptons,” he says quickly, “is she not in the city?” I smile and say, “No, she’s back down in Jupiter” He seems disappointed but recovers quickly. I explain to him that I typically write long-form pieces on interesting people. He gives a knowing half-smile and says am I an interesting person? I say well I googled you and Margaret says you are. He laughs heartily, and I laugh saying well you lived a long and interesting life and have done a lot with ACE - The Association of Community Employment.

To break the cycle and provide a meaningful job for the men and women who paid their time and were looking for an opportunity, Henry founded first the SoHo partnership, which spawned the Tribeca Partnership, Hudson Square, Lolita, NoHo, and many others. In 2010 Henry consolidated them into ACE. Sandra Sanches presenting Henry Buhl a surprise award

“Today, ACE has grown to serve more than 600 people each year with workforce development, Adult Basic Education and job readiness/life skills training in our vocational rehabilitation program, Project Comeback, lifetime support services and opportunities for career growth in our aftercare program, Project Stay, and access to affordable housing through one of our most recent initiatives, Project Home. Since 1992, we have helped over 3,000 New Yorkers overcome homelessness, incarceration and addiction to find full-time jobs and start new lives.”

“Its cause is noble,” I say to Henry, but I am interested in a man that lives a colorful life yet gives back so completely to others who most simply ignore or pity.

He looks at me and matter of factly states “the man asked him for money and it would be better for him to work than to beg.”

Opportunity, agency, dignity, and independence.

That is what Henry Buhl has given to countless otherwise forgotten men and women in New York City.

He grabs a beautiful book from the table and opens to a blank page. He tells me to put my hand on the page. He takes out a pen and traces the outline of my hand. He says to me solemnly that hands tell you about a person. He signs his name on my hand and dates it. I close the book, Speaking with Hands: Photographs from the Buhl a pictorial compendium of the works in his hand collection that he donated recently to the Guggenheim. Henry has clearly spoken with his hands, we should all take note.

Anyone wishing to help NYC’s homeless men and women reclaim their lives and are grateful to ACE for keeping SoHo clean may donate to ACE. Contributions may be mailed to ACE, 598 Broadway, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10012. Additional information may be found on the organization’s website, acenewyork.org December 2021

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ANDREA BOCELLI, DAVID FOSTER & KATHARINE MCPHEE

PROSTATE CANCER FOUNDATION’S

ANNUAL NEW YORK GALA DINNER

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By Elizabeth Darwen Photos courtesy of Patrick McMullan

he Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) 25th Annual New York Dinner took place at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. The end-of-theyear benefit supported PCF’s programs and celebrate the millions raised and achievements made in the past quarter-century through PCF. The charitable organization founded by Mike Milken is dedicated to identifying and funding groundbreaking cancer research programs. The memorable evening welcomed leaders in medicine, top research scientists, business leaders and distinguished New York City socialites. The event raised over $6 Million.

The gala began with a lively cocktail reception. During a lavish dinner party, Mike Milken along with celebrity host Whoopi Goldberg gave a special presentation on PCF’s recent accomplishments. There was also a live auction for various unique experiences as well as investment in Young Investigators who are changing the face of medicine with proceeds going towards PCF. The night gave way to a special musical performance from Andrea Bocelli, David Foster, and Katharine McPhee. Andrea’s daughter Virginia Bocelli performed alongside her father for a special rendition of Hallelujah. Musician Kenny G made a surprise performance via big screen next to the main stage.

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Some notable attendees included: Mike Milken, Lori Milken, Whoopi Goldberg, Joe & Ali Torre, Richard & Lisa Cashin, Bennett Goodman, Rob & Cindy Citrone, Stephen & Elizabeth Eisenman, John Paulson, Arte & Carole Moreno, Bonnie Pfeifer-Evans, Leon Black, Larry Leeds, Ginger Feuer, Charles J. Ryan, David & Lisa Simon, Sophie Koven, Jamie Koven, and Todd & Katie Boehly.

About the Prostate Cancer Foundation: The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) is the world’s leading philanthropic organization dedicated to funding life-saving prostate cancer research. Founded in 1993 by Mike Milken, PCF has raised close to $1 billion in support of cuttingedge research by more than 2,200 research projects at 245 leading cancer centers in 28 countries around the world. Thanks in part to PCF’s commitment to ending death and suffering from prostate cancer, the death rate is down by over 50% and countless more men are alive today as a result. PCF research now impacts more than 73 forms of human cancer by focusing on immunotherapy, the microbiome, and food as medicine. Learn more a www.pcf.org.

F: www.facebook.com/PCF.org | T: www.twitter.com/PCFnews

WHITE CROSS BALL RAISES FUNDS FOR ORDER OF MALTA’S INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN WORKS

By Elizabeth Darwen Photos courtesy of BFA

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he White Cross Ball of New York City took place at The Metropolitan Club in Manhattan. The Ball welcomed His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan and Ball patron HSH Prince Charles-Henri de Lobkowicz. The Ball raised money for three of the Order of Malta’s international humanitarian works: The Holy Family Hospital of Bethlehem Foundation; Malteser International, Order of Malta Worldwide Relief; and The Order of Malta’s summer camps for disabled youth.

Guests enjoyed drinks, dinner, dancing with music by DJ Ana Boo, as well as portraits by Deanna First. The auction included luxury items and experiences from Mikimoto, Louis XIII, Group Enate, Vinos Libres, Volley, Li Organics, and IDEO Skincare. Beautiful boxes of chocolate from luxury chocolatier MarieBelle New York were on every table for guests to enjoy throughout the evening.

The White Cross Ball chairs for the evening were Mercedes de Guardiola and Jason Pelletier.

Additional guests include Co-Founder of the White Cross Ball Dr. Michael Espiritu, Co-Founder of the White Cross Ball Niccolò Falez, Lizzie Asher, Francesca Vuillemin, Jessica Markowski, Julia Kananovich, Dr. Michael Espiritu, Casey Kohlberg, Viscount and Viscountess de Vimal, Allison Ecung, Antoine Verglas, Nicholas Kalikow, Claire Ngai, Olga Duchniewska, Major General Tom Wessels, Linda Wessels, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, Rory Kelleher Ravi Tripptrap, Serena Woodward, Alessandra Ojetti, Carlo Vitalini Sacconi, Karina Rabayeva, Anastasia Bondarenko, and Kat Filipovic.

The Ball Committee operates under the aegis of the Order of Malta American Association, which is registered in the United States as a tax-exempt §501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation.

Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowable by law.

For more information, visit: www.whitecrossballnyc.com

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BITCOIN CONFERENCE 2021 MIAMI

By Jadan Horyn

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outh Florida played host to the largest gathering of crypto enthusiasts yet assembled on the planet this summer. Bitcoin Conference 2021 Miami took place in Wynwood amongst the warehouse and hipster vibe one thinks appropriate given both are part antique and part disruptor. Bitcoin seeks to take the world of finance and currency - an old and staid industry - and revolutionize it for the digital world of the future.

Bitcoin Conference 2021 assembled Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency enthusiasts along with the ecosystem of companies that have sprung up in the space to cater to this new

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Miami Mayor Francis Suarez

market. Entirely new modes of thinking have been employed in conceptualizing the companies and their business models. From Decentralized Finance - DeFi for short companies like Celsius and Blockfi, to NFT exchanges that protect the authenticity of a product, to Crypto exchanges - companies that facilitate the conversion of one token to another or out to liquid currency.

The conference was a menagerie of Burning Man types, traditional media and finance types, tech bros, and the countercultured all with vast new sums of wealth. Whole nightclubs were booked out by Bitcoin Whales (those with one thousand bitcoin worth roughly $19Million) Yachts filled the slips in

Jack Dorsey of Twitter

and around Miami as the new wealth flexed its muscle. Ubers, Hotels, and Restaurants were slammed with business. The infrastructure strained to handle the sudden influx of tenthousand people. Yet the conference and what it represents is the future. A future where finance is disrupted and democratized - often the vanguards of change appear different and anomalous to a normal person - yet their oddity becomes the new normal. This virtue of disruption to normalization is how the Bitcoin Conference crowd looks at the world. A world they are reshaping in real-time.

Today, Miami, tomorrow, Bitcoin.

Photos Courtesy of Bitcoin 2021

Each floor was consolidated into a single-tenant 4,650 square foot space. The team reasoned that renters would value privacy as an important attribute in their evaluation of space. Next the spaces were renovated and restored to their original early 20th Century charm. Wide plank tongue and groove wood floors were installed. Brick was exposed and refinished. All dropped ceilings were removed and the original plaster was restored by hand. Leaky old windows were replaced with new metal monumental operable windows to maximize light and air. In short, the spaces were handsome with tall ceilings and reminiscent of loft spaces in SoHo. The lobby was meticulously renovated as well. Midcentury stone was removed to expose beautiful terra cotta. Tasteful touches were added to welcome and entice new tenants into the property.

The roof was renovated to include a gorgeous roof deck that included live plants and all tenants were invited to use it.

RENAISSANCE PROPERTIES RENTS SOHO LOFTS TO BUSINESSES IN POSTPANDEMIC NYC

By Cecille Langtry

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n 2019 the father-son team of Kenneth and Bradley Fishel purchased the 12-story early 20th Century building located at 62 West 45th Street which was almost entirely rented. Then the pandemic hit. Tenants started dropping like flies and the team realized that their newest acquisition was in trouble. So, the family sprang into action with a plan to re-tenant the building.

The building is located in the middle of Manhattan, a short walk to Grand Central Terminal, the Port Authority Bus Terminal and Penn Station. Location was not the problem, rather, the market had dropped significantly, and vacancies abounded around them. The team needed to make their building distinctive among many similar buildings in the area. Thus, the concept of “SoHo Lofts in Midtown” was born.

The JD Cohen leasing team at Newmark then went to work to rent the space. Terrific tenants soon followed, including Max Vanguard Jewelry, Axio Financial, EA Markets, and Super Jeweler (who leased the duplexed 2nd and 3rd floors). “These tenants are survivors of the pandemic. They had plenty of choice in this market, but they recognized the quality and the value of leasing at 62 West 45th Street,” said Kenneth Fishel, President of Renaissance Properties.

Only one floor remains for lease at 62 West 45 Street. Will it rent? “No doubt!” exclaimed Bradley Fishel, confident in the appeal of his hard work.

About Renaissance Properties: With an eye towards distressed assets, Renaissance specializes in value-add investments with a focus on Prewar Prime Properties. From commercial & retail building ownership, to leasing, management and construction, Renaissance has built its reputation on the superior capabilities and efficiency of its people, its most important resource. With an emphasis on quality and attention to detail, Renaissance brings a high level of comfort and modern technology, including the most elegant build-outs and the fastest services to all of their treasured tenants. renaissancepropertiesny.com December 2021

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RENOVATED HISTORICAL SAMUEL SLOAN ESTATE

WITH STUNNING COUNTRYSIDE VIEWS

By Peter Elston

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150-year-old historical mansion, originally built for a railroad magnate, is merging the past with the future in an authentic and impactful way.

Built in 1864, the Samuel Sloan Estate is a 16+ acre masterpiece that provides incredible views of the Catskills, West Point Academy, and the surrounding countryside along the Hudson River. While the breathtaking property has always been noted for its beauty and design, it is now also a real estate treasure with remarkable Silver LEED® certification.

The ingenuity of the modernization is both poignant and dynamic for a homeowner looking for a planet friendly but luxurious setting.

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The storied, fully renovated Philipstown estate is represented by Kenneth J. Moore, President of Classiques Modernes International Realty, who has listed it at $11.25 mil together with Richard Phan of Douglas Elliman. “The first thing that hits you is its impressive scale. The original structure had ballrooms that needed to be adapted to today’s more intimate entertaining style. The volume remains magnificent. But the new residence now enjoys both formal and casual living spaces.”

The new Greek Revival facade features a twostory portico with imposing columns serving as foreground to a full-width second floor loggia. The sprawling interior spans approximately 11,800 of

livable square footage. Additionally, the full-sized cellar and attic offer 10,000 sq. ft. of supplementary amenity, storage, and utility spaces. Six bedrooms, six full and three half baths, and a full floor allocated to entertaining and recreation ensure plenty of room for sumptuous living. The 3500 sq. ft. carriage house may also be transformed into a three-story auxiliary house for guest and staff suites.

Even among best-in-class properties, the home’s innovative Silver LEED® approved upgrades make it a rare gem. “It strikes an ideal periodic balance,” observes lifestyle expert and Classiques Modernes co-founder, Loy Carlos. “This house pays homage to its history, is equipped with the conveniences and

Originally known as Oulagisket, the railroad magnate’s house built in 1864 underwent notable transformations. In 1910 Samuel Sloane Jr. and his wife Katherine redesigned the home (renamed Lisburne Grange) from its original Carpenter Gothic to Italianate. At the same time Fletcher Steele, one of the 20th century’s most glorified landscape architects, was commissioned to augment the surroundings with beautiful gardens and lookouts.

Famous among remaining exterior structures include “The Ruins,” a “Forum-inspired” area complete with columns and a weathered fountain a la “Vestal Virgins,” which now overlook the newly built pool pavilion and the great lawn. But most unique of all is the 100-year-old swimming pool waiting to be restored or repurposed. “The grotto reminds me of Italian fountains and pools with water flowing from the dragon mouths at the top, down the edge over cupped hands, to the pool below,” says Moore.

Adds Carlos, “Some say it reminds them of Hadrian’s pool in Tivoli. It’s not as large, but perhaps just as dramatic and breathtaking considering where we are. It’s unforgettable.”

From entertaining to weekends away from New York City just an hour away, this estate–a stone’s throw away from Bear Mountain, Cold Spring and many other destinations–simply offers so much for the nature-loving, environmentally-conscious homeowner. This historical mansion, modernized with LEED® Certified upgrades, is not just about improvement. It serves as a stepping-stone to the future of real estate.

For more information, please visit www.classiquesmodernes.com.

luxuries of today, while exhibiting great care for the future. It promotes an evolutionary and principled lifestyle.”

Unlike most restored estates, new modifications have made operations both economical and practical.

This includes maintenance free roofing that will last 100 years. In addition, an energy recovery ventilation system optimizes air quality, filters out particulates, and delivers fresh air throughout. A rainwater harvesting system captures water off the roof and retains it for landscape irrigation. Solar panels provide onsite renewable power. The house also has a system that addresses natural radon emissions.

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YOUNG FRIENDS OF SAVE VENICE’S 50 CELEBRATIONS FOR 50 YEARS

By Ann Grenier

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n honor of the 50th Anniversary of Save Venice, the leading American nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the artistic heritage of Venice, longtime supporters are celebrating the organization’s milestone by organizing commemorative events worldwide to support important restorations of masterworks of Venetian art and architecture. In place of the annual Un Ballo in Maschera held in New York each year, Save Venice’s global initiative, 50 Celebrations for 50 Years (50x50), aims to raise critical funds for Save Venice’s mission during its anniversary year at a time when large-scale events are only beginning to return during the pandemic.

The iconic yacht, HIGHLANDER, was the setting for the most recent dinner supporting this initiative by the Young Friends of Save Venice. Host, Mercedes de Guardiola, along with the Host Committee of Casey Kohlberg, Laura Day Webb, Cole Harrell, Clare Ngai, welcomed 24-guests to an intimate evening aboard Malcom Forbes’ most beloved vessel where he entertained dignitaries, Hollywood, and royalty. Designed in 1986 by the visionary Jon Bannenberg for Forbes, HIGHLANDER was relaunched in 2014 following a two-year refit by interior designer Joanne de Guardiola.

Lizzie Asher (Save Venice Board member and Chair of the Young Friends Steering Committee) and Young Friend Steering Committee members Skylar Pinchal, and Silvia Mella also descended to Sag Harbor, NY for a glamorous evening under the stars. Lizzie Asher and Mercedes de Guardiola spoke of the importance the evening and the 50X50 campaign. As Lizzie Asher shared with guests, “Venice is a treasure that speaks of the heights of humanity’s genius and ingenuity. While we have known of the floods that affect Venice, unfortunately climate change in increasing their frequency and devastating effect. It is our responsibility to help protect the best that our individual and

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communal efforts have created in this jewel of a city for our posterity.”

Notable attendees included: Mercedes de Guardiola, Timo Weiland, Lizzie Asher, Casey Kohlberg, Cole Harell and Tai-Heng Chen, Laura Day Webb, Clare Ngai, Kevin Brotman, Skylar Pinchal, Silvia Mella, Bryan Ludwig, Serena Woodward, Alyson Cafiero.

Guests arrived via Donzi to HIGHLANDER for cocktails and an extravagant dinner underneath a resplendent full Buck Moon. Guests were treated to not only custom cocktails provided by Select Aperitivo and Macchu Pisco but also gift bags with rings from BONBONWHIMS, matcha from Sorate, beauty and body treats from Yves Saint Laurent, Santa Maria Novella, and Lili Bermuda. As the evening wound down and the prosecco swirled, Timo Weiland surprised guests with an after-party set DJing as the moon shone over the bay.

The Young Friends of Save Venice is an energetic group of young professionals who share dual passions for art and preservation in Venice.

Initially established in the early 1990s, the group was responsible for sponsoring specific restoration projects and for the growth of what is today known as Un Ballo in Maschera, held annually in New York.

For more information and about Save Venice and 50 Celebrations for 50 years, including how to be involved, please visit www.savevenice.org/50x50.

For more information about Save Venice and to discover the work of the organization, please visit www.savevenice.org.

Photos courtesy of BFA.com

EAST COAST GOLD CUP FINAL AT THE GREENWICH POLO CLUB

By Harry Brads

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he Greenwich Polo Club, one of the premier polo clubs in the world, hosted the East Coast Gold Cup Final. The tournament saw six teams, up to 16 goals, compete in the East Coast Gold Cup leading to the finale. Altaris and Ellipse Polo Teams competed in the high goal tournament. Altaris defeated Ellipse by a score of 12-11. The final was the club’s last match for the June and July East Coast High Goal series. The Greenwich Polo Club also hosted the East Coast Open, the Greenwich Club, and the American Club.

Established in 1981, the Greenwich Polo club is considered as one of the top high-goal venues in the world.

Greenwich Polo Club runs 10 matches almost every Sunday through September.

Nestled in the beautiful backcountry of Connecticut, the Greenwich Polo Club has hosted many of the top tournaments in Polo, including the esteemed East Coast Open. It is also home to the acclaimed White Birch polo team, one of the most successful teams in history, having won the most high-goal polo tournaments of any team over the course of the past 25 years, including the US Open Polo Championship in 2005. Legendary teams and players including Mariano Aguerre, Facundo Pieres, Hilario Ulloa, Nacho Figueras and many others, converge on the club every year to compete for some of Polo’s most prestigious titles.

Each Sunday match is attended by thousands of spectators flocking from New York City, Fairfield and Westchester counties, to witness the highest caliber of polo while enjoying an afternoon with friends and family. Greenwich Polo Club has also hosted many dignitaries and celebrities and in 2013 Prince Harry chose Greenwich Polo Club to host the Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup. For more information, schedule and tickets, visit: www.greenwichpoloclub.com Photo credit Greenwich Polo Club December 2021

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COOKING SPOTLIGHT

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Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet with Grillmaster Russ Faulk

by Kian Stave

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uss Faulk, Chief Designer and Head of Product at Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet, is something of a legend among grilling enthusiasts. A talented grillmaster and cookbook author, he is most known for creating a trilogy of gold standard grills that are second to, well, none. Working as chief designer at Kalamazoo has been a dream job, as his love of cooking and bringing to life the world’s best grills are nearly equal passions inspired by his parents.

Russ attributes his keen ability to tinker to his father, a Navy-trained engineer who instilled in him a spirit of doing things yourself. His mother was an artist, and the reason he went to design school.

Russ's passion for cooking also began at an early age, He remembers the first time his father let him cook the steaks unsupervised for Sunday dinner. Steaks were not frequently on the table growing up, which made him appreciate this ritual all the more. He was twelve at the time and his mother had three boys that she wanted to make self-sufficient. She insisted that the boys know how to cook, and all three embraced it. This enthusiasm for cooking has come full circle for Russ, and at the highest levels. Now, he is the person inspiring others to develop an affinity for cooking and is responsible for the development of products such as the Hybrid Fire Grill, which some have deemed the “Rolls Royce of grills.”

A World-Class Design Philosophy According to Russ, his overall design philosophy combines a beautiful aesthetic and the very best performance to create products that endure the test of time. “We place a high priority on proportions and scale, and we incorporate architectural design cues to help ensure a Kalamazoo outdoor kitchen looks like it belongs as part of the home.” This is evident in the emphasis on horizontal shadow lines and highlight lines, as well as in how curves always terminate in a defined angle. “The other important philosophy is that form and function go hand in hand. We want our products to be beautiful without calling attention to themselves.”

The most popular Kalamazoo product is, of course, the Hybrid Fire Grill. It is what Kalamazoo is best known for, and is still revolutionary even though it was invented

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nearly twenty-five years ago. In Russ’s own words, “we call it Hybrid Fire because it cooks with any combination of gas, charcoal and wood. I firmly believe it to be the most versatile and capable gas grill on the planet.”

When I ask Russ what his favorite product is there’s a dissonant pause. He does have one, however, and it’s the Gaucho Grill. “The Gaucho is a modern interpretation of an Argentinian-style wood-fired grill. I love it because it is so good at what it does, and it is such an engaging way to cook.

In an Argentinian-style wood grill, the cooking grates raise and lower above the fire so that you can control the intensity of the cooking heat. The Kalamazoo Gaucho is unique in that its built-in motorized rotisserie system is designed to travel vertically along with the cooking rack and function at any desired level.

Another engineering feat that you can’t see is the Acme screw mechanism that raises and lowers the cooking rack. Traditional versions of this style grill typically have a simple mechanism for raising and lowering the cooking grate and a ratchet that holds the rack at the desired height. Russ wanted to design a product that overcame the need for two hands (one on the crank and one on the ratchet) and eliminated the need for the ratchet to keep the cooking grates in place.

"Kalamazoo's mechanism eliminates the ratchet, is buttery smooth and rock solid.

The rack is easy to move, simply by turning the wheel, but if the wheel is not turned by the operator, it would take several thousand pounds of force to move the rack down.”

Creating a Better Kamado The Shokunin Kamado Grill is one of Russ's favorites - perhaps because he designed it from the ground up. “It is our most recent design and I am proud of the innovations it represents in the world of Kamado cookers. We basically tore up the notebook for Kamado grills to such an extent that the immediate reaction on social media was a bit of a backlash with many kamado purists exclaiming that our offering was not a true kamado grill.” The Shokunin design emphasizes

and enhances everything that is great about Kamado cookers according to Russ. It uses a full two inches of insulation within the body and lid, making it the most efficient Kamado on the market. The direct result of this is long burn times, which are perfect for traditional American barbecue. During prototype testing, the Shokunin ran for 65 hours straight at 250 degrees Fahrenheit on just twelve pounds of charcoal. "That’s an incredibly long time, and I can’t think of any reason I’d ever cook for that long in one session. But what it means is the Shokunin is incredibly steady in temperature." One independent tester observed that it holds a more consistent temperature curve than an indoor oven, fluctuating less above and below the target temperature over the duration of the cook. Though there are many enhancements to the traditional kamado design, one of the most striking differences in the Shokunin is its appearance.

"The design is totally original and very pleasing.”

Russ’s Grillmaster Secrets According to Russ, the secret to great grilling is to use a Kalamazoo grill (of course!). From a technique standpoint, he suggests working with a multi-zone fire. The easiest way to think about it is in terms of using a gas grill with all three burners set to high, but then adjusting them before cooking. Set at least one burner to low, or even turn it off entirely. This creates a safety zone, where you can place food to slow things down. "For a thick steak, set it over a very hot fire.

In Kalamazoo terms, that means you might be cooking at nearly one thousand degrees Fahrenheit. Ideally, you’ll want to get one zone as hot as you can on whatever grill you’re using. Once your steak has seared quickly on both sides, move it to a zone where there is no fire. Close the lid, and let that steak coast up to medium-rare inside." Russ likes to move steaks frequently while cooking, so he’ll come back to flip it and turn it at least every five minutes. Most often, he’ll sear for only one minute per side, and then move it to what is called the “indirect zone” for at least twenty minutes more.

The Grillmaster clearly loves to share tips with his customers, “I communicate directly with clients all the time. It is a joy to help them get the most out of their Kalamazoo cooking experiences and I find it especially rewarding when I can help a client master a specific technique. We’ve seen in clients time and time again that the capabilities of the products we make really encourage them to raise their cooking game- taking on new challenges and mastering new cooking skills. It is something that makes all of us here really happy and proud.”

Of course, Russ loves to cook for his own family too. “My wife of thirty years (the only one I’ve had) is a Texan. So her favorite thing for me to cook is a ribeye cap steak with grilled asparagus on the side and a grilled bread salad to start. She also likes it when I cook a spatchcock chicken.” This technique opens the whole chicken up flat, then roasts it for thirty-five minutes at 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

It’s a preferred method among many grillers as it turns out with crispy brown skin and succulent meat. Pizza on the grill is also a skill Russ has mastered. “My teenage son prefers Neapolitan-style pizza and will tell everyone that mine is the best. It isn’t, but he is justifiably biased. If I’m not using the Kalamazoo Artisan Fire Pizza Oven, then you’ll find me making pies on the Shokunin Kamado Grill using a two-piece oven stone. It works perfectly because of the way the interior curve of the lid radiates the heat back down on top of the pizzas. I cook them (one at a time) at 750 degrees Fahrenheit for two minutes.”

Discover the Kalamazoo Experience Russ Faulk is a passionate designer who won’t settle for second place. When musing about the legendary line of grills he’s designed, Russ says, “I think of them as tools, the very best tools for people who love to cook.” Now, that is an understatement when you consider the levels of sophistication and performance you get in a Kalamazoo. Don’t believe it? Explore the full outdoor kitchen collection at KalamazooGourmet.com or use the online dealer locator to visit a showroom near you and see for yourself.

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Through the Lens

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ANNIE WATT

I am very excited to become a part of the Metropolitan Magazine Palm Beach family. Photographing events and introducing my associate photographers to these opportunities is what I do. Monthly I will be sharing meaningful images of people experiencing what South Florida has to offer. I’m looking forward to my first time visit to Art Basel in Miami on December 2-4th. If you haven’t been, put it on your calendar.

As a photographer and artist I’m excited to support fellow artists. In this my inaugural column I am introducing noted abstract expressionist J. Steven Manolis, founder of the Manolis Projects, which represents over 40 artists and provides private curation services, offering visitors an immersive behind-the-scenes view of a working studio and gallery.

This year for Art Basel Miami, Manolis Projects is proud to present “Hunt Slonem: The Early Years, An Art Rich and Strange + Manolis Projects Artist Group Show.” Hunt Slonem is an American colorist and figurative painter, best known for his large NeoExpressionist oil paintings of tropical birds, butterflies, and bunnies. Manolis Projects features a large collection of these rare early works, as well as his iconic salon-style Bunny Wall.

Also featured is artist Ron Burkhardt, the founder of Notism, a genre he describes as exalting the power of private thoughts expressed in hand-written text – its style, texture, intensity, dynamism, aestheticism, and the primal exuberance of precious memory recall. His works are easily recognized by their striking colors, bold shapes, and meticulous attention to detail.

anniewatt.com

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ALA VON AUERSPERG KICKOFF FOR THE SEASON

FIVESTORY SOFT LAUNCH

FERN HOUSE BRUNCH

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Photo credit: Jovana Obradovic

“POWER OF DESTINY” SERBIAN STAR SOPRANO MARIJA JELIC SHOWCASED AT CARNEGIE HALL

By Ann Grenier

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erbian rising star soprano Marija Jelic made her American premiere at the legendary Carnegie Hall, presented by New York Artist Management.

Her grand debut in the states highlighted an enchanting evening of music alongside American pianist Anthony Manoli.

“Power of Destiny” showcased Rachmaninoff’s Russian songs, opera arias written by master composers Verdi and Puccini including repertoire from Turandot, Madame Butterfly, Forza del destino, and Otello.

The audience was enamored by Marija’s performance, giving her and Anthony immense ovations between each number. Notable attendees included Serbian consuls Olgica Vlacic and Tamara Vujovic, as well as philanthropist Jean Shafiroff.

Marija has performed with Jonathan Tetelman, and this season has sung alongside Elīna Garanča, Placido Domingo and Jose Cura. Her impressive and emotive sound will be highlighted with her renowned acting abilities as she takes the stage. Classical takes of each song will impress all ages in the audience with relatable movements and stunning renditions by the soprano.

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A beautiful tapestry of music throughout the night will be created by the artist who has a unique background and history. Marija was born in Belgrade, Republic of Serbia. Later in life she completed a Faculty of Electrical engineering at University of Belgrade and learned singing as she finished master studies in opera.

In 2017 Marija passed an audition for an opera studio in the National Theater in Belgrade and started to sing small and main roles in opera productions. Marija was performing in the opening of Ohrid summer festival 2020, Beethoven 9th symphony in Plovdiv summer festival, Micaela in Carmen concert version with Elina Garanca in Ljubljana summer festival 2021, concert with Jerusalem symphony orchestra and production of La Boheme with role of Mimi in Israel and Estonia in 2021.

Later in main halls and concerts in Serbia her talents were witnessed with biggest orchestras in Serbia “Stanislav Binicki” at Kolarac Hall, Radio television orchestra, orchestra of Serbian National theater and she performed in Belgrade summer festival.

Following this stage of her career were performances in the opera gala concert at the German summer festival in Wernigerode. From there she went on to sing a Parisian requiem in Moscow International Music Center. She was singing ten concerts with St. Petersburg Symphony Orchestra and Maestro Darrel Ang (Mariinsky Theater) in National Library in Beijing, Dongying Grand theater, and Liniy Snow Lotus Theater.

Marija debuted with the role of Mimi at the Serbian National Theater in Novi Sad. She performed Micaela at Croatian National Theater in Osijek. She was also singing in Moscow with Bryansk Governor Orchestra and St. Petersburg State Symphony Orchestra in St. Petersburg. She was also singing in the city of Bryansk (Russia) with the Bryansk governor orchestra.

For more information on Marija, please visit: www.agenturmilankov.com/sopran/marija-jelic.

Photo credit Patrick McMullan, and Rob Rich Society Allure

VIENNESE OPERA BALL’S “THE GOLDEN AGE” SWING DINNER DANCE GALA

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By Salome Langvin

he Viennese Opera Ball hosted their Swing Dinner Dance Gala, “The Golden Age” at a private club in Manhattan. Due to the events of the past year, the gala was scaled down from previous years with limited capacity but was a great return of the extravagant affair. The Viennese Opera Ball is a nonprofit association under Section 501(c)(3) and celebrated under the auspices of the US Austrian Chamber of Commerce. The Gala Chairs for the evening was philanthropist Jean Shafiroff, and Denise Rich. Each year, it supports charitable projects that are connected to communities in New York or Vienna. The proceeds of the Swing Dinner Dance benefited the Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research.

The Gala took place with the support of City of Vienna and the Honorary Gala Chair, Governor & Mayor of Vienna The Honorable Michael Ludwig, Consul General of Austria in New York The Honorable Helene Steinhaeusl, and the Director of the Austrian Cultural Forum New York Michael Haider.

Notable attendees included: President of the Viennese Opera Ball Silvia Frieser, event chair and philanthropist Jean Shafiroff, Consul General of Austria in New York The Honorable Helene Steinhaeusl, Director of the Austrian Cultural Forum New York Michael Haider, Hubert Heiss, Yoko Nakamura-Haider, Martin Shafiroff, Malan Breton, Scott Stone, Ana Stone, Eve Brookville, Sabine Riglos, Victoria Whipple, Paula Mahoney, Nelli Hantman, Imke Gerdes, Barbara Wennerholm, David Hochberg, Pamela O’Connor, Sonia Nassery Cole, Michele Herbert, Emily Mohr, Cole Rumbough, Sessa Von Richthofen, Richard Johnson.

The black-tie event was a change up to their traditional Opera Ball with the swing dance party theme. The music for the evening was provided by the Misha Piatigorsky

Trio, with Misha Piatigorsky on piano, Benny Benack III singing and playing trumpet, Sergei Avanesov on Saxophone, and Singer Kennedy.

There was a silent auction during gala with proceeds also benefiting Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research.

About Viennese Opera Ball The Viennese Opera Ball, an annual white-tie charity gala celebrates the cultural and economic relationships between Austria and America, connecting two continents, two cities and two centuries in one glamorous night. It was founded by Austrians immigrating to the United States 66 years ago and is a tribute to both their former hometown Vienna and their host city, New York.

Considered the most prestigious and oldest Viennese ball outside of Vienna, the gala draws an international audience that includes diplomats and dignitaries, international corporations, and professionals. Performances by Metropolitan opera singers, the Viennese Opera Ball orchestra, ballet performances, the West Point color guard, midnight Quadrille and many more surprises contribute to a glamorous and delightful night.

Each year, the Viennese Opera Ball supports charitable projects connected to the communities in New York and Vienna.

For more information, please visit: vienneseoperaball.com.

Facebook: @vienneseoperaball Instagram: @vienneseoperaball December 2021

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ROAD RECOVERY AND LIGHTHOUSE GUILD HONORED SIMON KIRKE AND LAUREN OPLINGER AT “A VISIONARY EVENING & CONCERT”

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September 22, 2021, New York City — The sold-out event, held at The Cutting Room, brought together two noteworthy charities: Road Recovery serving the needs of thousands of atrisk youth in rural and poverty-stricken communities, helping them find a path to productive and fulfilling lives through education and mentorship-based musical and peer support programs; and Lighthouse Guild a leader in providing coordinated vision and health services, skill-building programs, and technological innovations that inspire people who are visually impaired to achieve their goals. Over $250,000 was generated to support vital mental health and vision-related services for thousands of individuals involved in the programs of both nonprofits.

Road Recovery honored Simon Kirke, a long-time board member and Creative Staff Mentor, for his decade of service of “showing up & walking the walk” together with generations of the charity’s youth. Lighthouse Guild honored Lauren Oplinger, a longtime volunteer, supporter, advocate for people with vision loss and VP at JPMorgan.

Rahul Sood, Arek Kurkciyan, Calvin Roberts, Joseph C. Papa

Christopher Starr, Lauren Starr

Ken Dashow, Q104.3 Afternoon Drive Host & Sunday mornings “Breakfast With the Beatles” emceed with performances by: ¡ Simon Kirke, musician/drummer of legendary rock bands FREE and Bad Company; ¡ Darryl DMC McDaniels, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee singer/songwriter, Run-DMC, Road Recovery Board Member Gala Co-Chairs: Joseph C. Papa, Chairman and CEO, Bausch Health Companies Inc.; James Dubin, retired Executive Chairman, Conair Corporation; Eric Maidenberg, Managing Director, Parley for the Oceans; Dr. Christopher Starr, Ophthalmologist, Weill Cornell Medicine.

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Simon Kirke

Calvin Roberts, Lauren Oplinger

Christina Minnis, Howard Neugeboren, Jack Bookbinder

Mark Fable, Kathy Fable, Simon Kirke, Maria Figueredo

DSon McDaniels, Amy Hancock, Darryl -DMC- McDaniels, Thomas Appio

Thomas Appio, Gene Bowen

Arek Kurkciyan, Jack Bookbinder, Simon Kirke, Darryl -DMC- McDaniels, Steve Martin

Eric Maidenberg

Darryl -DMC- McDaniels, Joe Papa

Steve Walter, Rowland Schultz, Marcia McCabe

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“MURANO NIGHTS” Hosted by Young Friends of Save Venice Funds Venetian Masterworks Restoration

By Cecille Langtry

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asey Kohlberg, Lizzie Asher, and the Young Friends of Save Venice hosted Murano Nights, an intimate dinner at Casa Cipriani, the newly opened member’s club and celebrity hotspot in New York City’s landmark Battery-Maritime building. The evening was to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Save Venice, which in lieu of the pandemic related postponement of its usual black tie masquerade gala, is hosting over 50 smaller dinners and parties across the world. Murano Nights included 50 of Save Venice’s fashionable younger supporters from art and fashion to film and media for a cocktail hour, ballet performance by dancers from the Brooklyn Ballet, and dinner. Attire was billed as ‘Glittering Cocktail’, as a nod to the Murano Glass which lent its name to the theme, and the glamorous young people about town definitely delivered on the dress code.

“It’s been a pretty crazy year and a half,” said host Casey Kohlberg in a sparkling Carolina Herrera cocktail dress.

“But I’m honestly so excited to be able to see friends and dress up again. Plus Save Venice is a cause so close to my heart it makes it feel all the more special.” Save Venice Young Friends Chair Lizzie Asher, shimmering in a PatBo dress, followed the welcome remarks by sharing the myriad of restoration accomplishments Save Venice has had during its 50 years: “Save Venice has indeed been saving Venice one masterpiece at a time.”

Notable guests included: Patina Miller, Serena Goh, Krystal Bick, Amir Taghi, Denise Baca, Tai Cheng, Daniel Kibblesmith, Jennifer Wright, Savannah Engel, Alyson Cafiero, Laura Day Webb, Timo Weiland, Mercedes de Guardiola, Clare Ngai, Daniel Howard, Irina Eicke-Krylova, and Maximilian Eicke.

Photos courtesy of BFA

No detail was left uncurated as evidenced by the cocktail list of the evening that featured the classic Cipriani Bellini and a white Negroni (a nother nod to the glass that Murano is known for), with a wine pairing menu provided by Kobrand Wines and Spirits during dinner. The menu featured fall fare of risotto with saffron and dover sole with baby artichokes, grown on the Venetian Island of Torcello where Save Venice is currently restoring the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta. Proceeds from the evening helped fund the restoration.

Guests enjoyed a performance by the Brooklyn Ballet titled Sonic Relief, aka You Had To Be There, before sitting for dinner. The piece by New Orleans-born composer Malcom Parson features a gliding ebb and flow between the sound; the dancers’ movement is reminiscent of a midnight gondola ride through the canals of Venice.

Choreographed by Lynn Parkerson, founding Artistic Director of the Brooklyn Ballet, the performance featured dancers Audrey Borst, James “Floats” Fable, Miku Kawamura, Christine Sawyer, Ladell “Ocean” Thomas.

Remarks by host Casey Kohlberg and Young Friend Chair Lizzie Asher closed out the evening. Gift bags included items from BONBONWHIMS, PatBo, Dior, covid-friendly Save Venice masks, and mini bottles of olive oil from the hostess’ family home near Woodside, California.

About Save Venice & The 50 x 50 Initiative: On the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of Save Venice, the leading American nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the artistic heritage of Venice, commemorative events are being organized worldwide to support important restorations of masterworks of Venetian art and architecture. The Young Friends of Save Venice are an energetic group of young professionals who share dual passions for art and preservation in Venice, having most recently raised funds for the restoration of Pietro Longhi paintings that are part of the Venetia 1600: Births & Rebirths exhibit in Venice to celebrate Venice’s 1600th Anniversary.

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Photos courtesy of Patrick McMullan, and SWCRF

24th Annual

COLLABORATING FOR A CURE GALA “TOGETHER AGAIN” SUPPORTS GROUNDBREAKING CANCER RESEARCH

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By Harry Brads

he 24th Annual Collaborating for a Cure Gala, one of New York City’s much-anticipated Autumn charity events, made its grand return at downtown’s Cipriani Wall Street.

Aptly themed Together Again, the event raised more than $4,000,000 to support groundbreaking cancer research funded by the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF).

This year, SWCRF presented its Fashion Cares Award to Debra S. Waller, Chairman and CEO of Jockey International, Inc. and its first-ever Breakthrough Science Award to Dr. Kevan Shokat, from the University of San Francisco. Waller, who has been personally impacted by cancer in her family, was recognized for her commitment to eradicating cancer and decades of philanthropy. Jockey COO Mark Fedyk and the Jockey team represented and accepted the award on behalf of Waller. Dr. Shokat, an SWCRF-funded investigator, recently discovered a new compound that effectively shuts off one of the most common cancercausing genetic mutations – the overactive KRAS protein - which is a driver in lung, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers. This mutant protein was considered “undruggable” for decades, but after 15 years of research and significant investments from SWCRF, a new FDAapproved medication is now available that shrinks these tumors by up to 50 percent with remarkably low toxicity.

The evening started with a cocktail reception across the street, after which guests made their way to the main dining room where host Michael Nierenberg and emcee Chris Wragge welcomed everyone back.

SWCRF CEO & Founder Dr. Samuel Waxman gave a brief presentation which was followed by a video of the extraordinary work of Dr. Shokat, and then the awards ceremony.

During the gala, SWCRF announced a new collaboration with the Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai to further expand the Foundation’s Aging and Cancer program which already includes partnerships with

the National Cancer Institute, National Institute on Aging, and the Israel Cancer Research Foundation. Additionally, the Foundation is funding breakthrough research to combat breast and ovarian cancer. In the past 10 years, SWCRF has allocated $4 million to its Women’s Cancer Research Program and is currently investing $1,550,000 towards 15 prestigious scientists working on finding new treatments for breast and ovarian cancer.

Known for its history of top-notch live performances, this year’s gala featured a live concert by Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit with very special guest artist Warren Haynes. As in previous years, the Collaborating for a Cure Gala included both a silent and live auction during the night’s festivities. The main prize of the night was 7-day Caribbean cruise aboard a brand new, 80-foot, solar-powered, luxury catamaran. Other auction items included 4 tickets to Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit, Candy the dog, 7 day Tuscany vacation, dinner for 16 at Cipriani vault just to name a few.

Notable attendees included: Dr. Samuel Waxman, Marion Waxman, Dr. Kevan Shokat, Deborah Kamali, Mark Fedyk, Erica Feinberg, Matthew Waller, Michael Nierenberg, Elin Nierenberg, Jonny Nierenberg, Dr. Ethan Dmitrovsky, Tess Dmitrovsky, Chris Wragge, Allie Gorin, Jody Gorin, Matt Gorin, David Ronzenhole, Dena K. Weiner, William T. Sullivan, Dennis Loyola, Ruben Fajardo, Cesar Ricci, Howard Kurz, Nancy Kurz, Vinnie Cammarata, Spencer Waxman, Bettina Waxman, Scott Waxman, Randi Schatz, David Hinkelman, Nick Santoro.

Funding for these projects is raised, in part, from the Foundation’s various events such as the Hamptons Happening summer event, their annual Ladies Luncheon, and the Annual Collaborating for A Cure Gala.

For more information, visit www.waxmancancer.org/gala.

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