ONE OF MY FAVORITE MOVIES IS SOFIA COPPOLA’S “MARIE ANTOINETTE,” WITH KIRSTEN DUNST AND JASON SCHWARTZMAN. COPPOLA PAIRED THE EPIC PERIOD PIECE WITH A MODERN SOUNDTRACK FOR AN UNEXPECTED TWIST IN AN ERA THAT OTHERWISE GAVE US THE JANE AUSTEN MOVIES AND DOWNTON ABBEY. I HAVE PROBABLY WATCHED MARIE ANTOINETTE 25 TIMES IN MY LIFETIME, SO YOU CAN IMAGINE MY ENTHUSIASM FOR THIS MONTH’S COVER OF KYLIE JENNER AS THE DOOMED QUEEN OF FRANCE.
Since summertime begets early morning bakery and coffee runs before the heat of the day sets in, we thought it would be fun to pair our Marie-Antoinette cover with the sweeter things in life: best patisseries, pastry chefs, amazing sugar substitutes (if you’re off the original good stuff) and a tour of the best salons de thé in Paris.
In fact, between Marie-Antoinette, the salons de thé, patisseries and la saison de polo en France, the whole issue started to get a little French-heavy. Timing, as always, was divine and during the middle of our discussion about how much French to use, a teenager from Texas named Faizan Zaki won the Scripps National Spelling Bee with – are you ready? – eclaircissement (the other editors insist I admit that, though I can use it in a sentence, I couldn’t spell it on the first four tries). Eh bien, voila. We went with the French spellings. Here’s your key to survive this issue:
Salon de thé – an upscale French tearoom
Patisserie – pastry shop, we might say bakery more generally in English
Patissier – pastry chef
Saison Française de Polo – French polo season
And now, dear reader, you are ready for the June issue of Polo Lifestyles.
A collection that honors the unique bond between you and your cherished companions
Frank Family Vineyards has removed more than 25,000 pounds of plastic and trash from the world’s waterways
Elevate your game this summer
Nordstrom recently made a major move by hiring Catherine Bloom to become its first Director of Luxury Styling
Discover the new boutique and Café Dior by Dominique Crenn in the heart of Highland Park Village in Dallas
The ‘Garnet Nimbus’ necklace lights up the night in Taormina, worn by the incomparable @violadavis
Mister Univers France is a horse-loving, son of the French countryside
Baccarat jarviscomm
Click and comment on our choices... Tag @pololifestyles . We will share noteworthy comments with you next month.
Audemars Piguet is celebrating 150 yearsnow that is impressive and I could not
Iconic rivals Kylian Mbappe and Lewis Hamilton face off at the launch of F1 25
Quarterfinals bound at Guards Polo Club for the @sujanindiantigers
Enjoy a yacht day on La Mer with 90-foot yacht Deep Blue from Miami Exotic Rentals
In Monaco for GP 25 as one does, naturally
The hot air balloons have returned to the Italian Gardens at @beaverbrook for another unforgettable summer
dior
Maria Grazia Chiuri is set to depart her role as Dior's creative director of women’s haute couture, ready-to-wear, and accessories
Longines Global Champions Tour of Ramatuelle, St. Tropez we’re on our way
jazmingrimaldi
THE FRENCH SEASON IS WELL-UNDERWAY AT THE POLO CLUB DE CHANTILLY WHERE THE PGH AND BOURBON CUPS HAVE BEEN PLAYED BACK TO BACK. HERE ARE THE RESULTS FROM THE TROPHEE PGH AT PRESS TIME.
PGH CUP – DAY 1
The PGH Cup kicked off with a tightly contested match between Animales and Octogone. Without ever managing to pull away, it all came down to a last-second goal by Pancho Macloughlin, saving his team and securing the win for Animales Polo Team.
Animales Polo Team progression: 1-3 / 3-3 / 5-4 / 7-5 / 8-7
PGH CUP – DAY 2
Two games took place today in the PGH Cup — and both were won in the last moments! After a first tournament where
LA SAISON FRANCAISE TROPHEE PGH •
POLO
DE CHANTILLY
teams were still figuring each other out, they now clearly know each other’s strengths and weaknesses: things are tightening up!
In the first match, La Berta claimed the win thanks to a deflected goal by Tomi Oviedo just before the final bell. In the
second, Tédélou edged out Eternal J, with a decisive last goal from Simon Zavaleta.
In the race for the PGH Cup, only one match could be played today due to heavy rain — La Berta vs. Mustang. And from the second chukker on, La Berta made it clear they were out for revenge
LA SAISON FRANCAISE TROPHEE PGH • POLO DE CHANTILLY
after their defeat in the Trophée Bourbon final against that same team, Mustang Polo Team!
The team gradually gained control of the game, holding strong despite Mustang’s highly offensive play. But
this time, nothing could stop La Berta’s pillar, Matias Torres Zavaleta, who scored 7 of his team’s 10 goals, including just one penalty!
The fifth game of the PGH Cup took place this evening on Field No. 1 (Yves Delorme) at the Polo Club de Chantilly, with a tightly contested match between Octogone and Eternal J.
Octogone dominated the first half but saw the all-French Eternal J team fight their way back to equalize the score by the end of regular time.
It took nearly three minutes of uninterrupted overtime, in a tense and hard-fought battle, for Octogone captain Alexis Morange to break the deadlock converting a superb pass from Chulo Corti Maderna to clinch
BY FROYLÁN CABALLERO / PHOTOGRAPHS BY DIANA NAVAS & REBECCA FOLTZ
QUINTO SOL RANGE ROVER
THREE-TIME AGUA ALTA CUP
CHAMPION IN CAREYES
COSTA CAREYES, JALISCO – WITH A DISPLAY OF INTERNATIONAL TALENT, EXCITEMENT, AND ELEGANCE, THE 25TH EDITION OF THE AGUA ALTA POLO CUP, MEXICO'S MOST PRESTIGIOUS INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT, WAS HELD WITH GREAT SUCCESS.
In the idyllic setting of the Costa Careyes Polo Club, history was written in gold letters thanks to the Quinto Sol Range Rover team's three-time championship.
A HIGH-FLYING FINAL
After a vibrant week of competition in Costalegre, the Quinto Sol Range Rover team once again lifted the cup after defeating the Agua Alta UBS team in the final.
The winning team was made up of a multinational lineup: Portuguese Manuel Matos Gil, Mexican Martín Vidrio, and Peruvians Rodrigo Vieljeux and Guillermo Málaga, who defeated the rival quartet consisting of Italian Milo Ardissone, Mexican Diego Solórzano, and Colombians Matías Uribe and Pablo Sarmiento.
In the duel for third place, Mast Marine Hublot—with Diego Aguilar, Mariano Gómez de Parada, Guillermo “Chino” Li, and Federico Uribe—took the podium after defeating San Acasio-RenewisChivas Regal, a team led by Guillermo Jiménez, Diego González, Valerio Aguilar from Mexico, and Martín Huertas from Colombia.
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS AND BEST PLAYING PONIES
Individual talent was also recognized. Guillermo Málaga was named professional MVP, while the amateur MVP award went to Milo Ardissone, who
AGUA ALTA CUP IN CAREYES, MEXICO
stood out not only for his skill but also for his composure in key moments. Young Colombian Matías Uribe took home the tournament›s top scorer, and the award for Best Professional Playing Pony went to Rodrigo Vieljeux' «Estafa.» In the amateur category, the best horse was «Punta,» ridden by Milo Ardissone.
LA PERLA-CAREYES SHINES IN THE AGUA BAJA CUP
At the same time, the Agua Baja Cup, a 4-goal handicap tournament, was held, where La Perla was crowned champion after a perfect tournament. The team, which included players from Guadalajara and Careyes, featured the only woman in the tournament—Coco Sandhu (USA)—along with Juan Pablo Gallegos (Mexico), Conrad Kissling (Germany), and Joel Acosta (Mexico), defeated the fierce Costalegre Los Hermanos - Four Seasons Tamarindo team in the final,
comprised of Chris and Will Falk (USA), Vale Aguilar (Mexico), and David Buller (Canada).
Third place went to the 100% Mexican team Eiro Bravo Viparmex, with José Ramón Fernández, Santiago Fernández, Alejandro de Souza, and Miguel Gómez de Parada, who defeated the young Sotogrande team, made up of emerging talents such as Shah Safi (Can), Fausto Otharán, Bauti Elliot (Arg), and Dante Munguia, supported by Sony Safi (Can) and Tommy Elliot.
Among the individual awards, Joel Acosta was named professional MVP, while Will Falk earned the amateur MVP award. Conrad Kissling was the tournament›s top scorer. Regarding the equines, Coco Sandhu's «Luminoso» was named best amateur pony, and Vale Aguilar›s «Mamba» took the title in the professional category.
A QUARTER-CENTURY OF LEGACY AND PASSION
The awards ceremony was emotional not only because of the level of competition, but also because of the posthumous tribute paid to Kari Ardissone; Special recognition was given to Alberto Ardissone, founder of the Agua Alta Cup, who was recognized for his tireless work during these 25 years of tradition and for the celebration of his 80th birthday. A fitting tribute to someone who has been a pillar of the development of Mexican polo.
With this anniversary edition, the Agua Alta Cup in Careyes reaffirms its place as the most important polo event in the country, combining sporting excellence, cultural diversity, and the incomparable atmosphere of Careyes in Costalegre, Jalisco.
AGUA ALTA CUP IN CAREYES, MEXICO
AGUA ALTA CUP IN CAREYES, MEXICO
AGUA ALTA CUP IN CAREYES, MEXICO
PHOTOGRAPHY BY PABLO RAMIREZ FOR GUARDS POLO CLUB
CARTIER QUEEN'S CUP 2025
PHOTOGRAPHY BY PABLO RAMIREZ FOR GUARDS POLO CLUB
CARTIER QUEEN'S CUP 2025
PHOTOGRAPHY BY PABLO RAMIREZ FOR GUARDS POLO CLUB
LA SAISON FRANCAISE TROPHEE BOURBON 2025
LA SAISON FRANCAISE TROPHEE BOURBON 2025
LA SAISON FRANCAISE TROPHEE BOURBON 2025
LA SAISON FRANCAISE TROPHEE BOURBON 2025
HIGH SOCIETY
LORO PIANA BETS BIG ON SAILING REGATTAS
LORO PIANA HAS REAFFIRMED ITS DEEP TIES TO THE WORLD OF SAILING BY SPONSORING THE TRE GOLFI SAILING WEEK (MAY 7–22) OFF SORRENTO, FOLLOWED BY TITLE SPONSORSHIP OF THE 72ND GIRAGLIA REGATTA IN JUNE.
For the Italian Maison—whose own family passion manifests in events from
Valsesia lake to Sardinia—sailing is more than a sport; “it is a lifestyle” rooted in “tradition, obsession for excellence, passion for perfection, and joyful moments of sharing with friends.”
Beyond competition, the open sea has long served as Loro Piana’s outdoor laboratory for “experimenting with the best performing and most innovative fabric solutions.” As the official backer of the IMA Maxi European Championship and classic Tre Golfi Regatta, the house will award its bespoke “Loro Piana Challenge
Trophy” to the Group 1 winner, symbolizing the brand’s commitment to “artisanal savoir faire with exceptional performance.”
Loro Piana’s sailing sponsorships also highlight garments born at sea—like its Windmate® bomber, White Sole shoes, and linen André shirt—underscoring a seamless transition from deck to city. In steering these prestigious events, the Maison continues to craft a refined, versatile lifestyle as timeless as the Mediterranean itself.
CREATINE AS GOOD FOR THE BRAIN AS IT IS FOR MUSCLE MASS
A treatment for memory and mental health?
Creatine may help our minds as much as our muscles.
CREATINE IS MOST COMMONLY KNOWN AS A SPORTS SUPPLEMENT TO ENHANCE PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE. NEW RESEARCH INDICATES THAT CREATINE IS ALSO IMPORTANT TO BRAIN FUNCTION, AFFECTING MOOD AND COGNITION AND EARLY TRIALS SUGGEST CREATINE SUPPLEMENTATION CAN IMPROVE STRESS RESILIENCE, DEPRESSION, AND BRAIN FUNCTIONS SUCH AS MEMORY.
If you’ve ever heard of creatine—a powdery nonsteroidal supplement sold in most health food stores—you likely link creatine to bodybuilders or weightlifters. Both of the latter groups often consume creatine to increase strength and muscle
size. If a swole gym bro was the first mental image the mention of creatine conjured for you, you’re correct: Creatine is arguably the most effective legal performance supplement for athletes.
Although small amounts of creatine can be obtained directly from food (primarily fish and beef), our muscles also readily absorb creatine from oral supplementation (e.g., mixing creatine in drinking water). Why? Because muscles can use creatine to create adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the life-enabling energy source vital to cellular and muscular function. In brief, muscle cells containing more creatine can produce more energy for activities such as running, jumping, and lifting. With thousands of studies supporting the safety and efficacy of creatine for muscle function, creatine use by recreational and competitive athletes has been common for decades.
BY DR. THOMAS RUTLEDGE
BRAIN CREATINE
In 1999, a paper showed something that was at the time surprising even to scientists: Creatine was also present in the human brain. Further, oral creatine intake increased brain creatine levels (suggesting that at least some creatine passed through the notoriously finicky blood-brain barrier).
Like muscle, human brain function is highly energy intensive. Therefore, it makes sense that the brain would also use creatine as a supplemental energy source. In fact, research revealed that creatine is so important to human brain function that the brain even synthesizes its own creatine.
The knowledge that creatine was a bioactive substance in the brain inspired a new generation of research questions: Could creatine supplementation, proven to improve muscle function, also im-
prove brain function? If so, which brain functions and people are most likely to benefit?
With nearly two decades of creatine research on brain function now complete, the initial results appear promising.
A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis of placebo-controlled clinical trials indicated that creatine supplementation moderately improved memory function in healthy adults. Memory benefits described in this review were, on average, larger for older adults and smaller for younger adults.
There is some evidence from creatine reviews that supplementation may be more beneficial for people experiencing acute/ chronic stress or who consume smaller amounts of creatine through diet (e.g., vegans and vegetarians).
Because anxiety, PTSD, and depression symptoms are associated with metabolic dysfunction and impaired energy levels in the brain—mechanisms improved by creatine—it is plausible that creatine supplementation can be beneficial. Population studies reliably show higher depressive symptoms among people with lower creatine levels. Initial human creatine interventional trials indicate small to moderate symptom improvements for individuals with these mental health conditions.
Animal studies and initial human trials likewise indicate potential benefits of creatine supplementation in people with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Impaired metabolic function is a common side effect of TBI. This process could potentially be improved by higher creatine intake.
At this point, the optimal dosing schedule (i.e., how much creatine/how often to take/how long to take) for brain benefits remains unclear. Most brain creatine trials borrow from protocols established for studies testing creatine for physical performance, where consistent regimens of 5 grams of creatine/day are consumed or “pre-loading” regimens of 10-20 grams of creatine/day for 1-2 weeks followed by a 5-gram/day “maintenance” dose are used.
Once limited to populations seeking better athletic performance, creatine has come full circle as a health supplement. Although additional clinical trials are required to optimize dosing patterns and to identify persons most likely to benefit, evolving creatine research is showing promise as a supplement potentially helpful for a range of mood and cognitive symptoms.
SECOND PASSPORT YOUR GUIDE TO A
The rich and famous are acquiring second passports, citing the potential for instability
THE WEALTHY ARE BUILDING “PASSPORT PORTFOLIOS” — COLLECTIONS OF SECOND, AND EVEN THIRD OR FOURTH, CITIZENSHIPS — IN CASE THEY NEED TO FLEE THEIR HOME COUNTRY. RECENT HIGH-PROFILE EXAMPLES OF SECOND CITIZENSHIPS INCLUDE BILLIONAIRE TECH INVESTOR PETER THIEL, WHO ADDED A CITIZENSHIP IN NEW ZEALAND, AND FORMER GOOGLE CEO ERIC SCHMIDT,
WHO APPLIED FOR CITIZENSHIP IN CYPRUS.
Wealthy U.S. families are increasingly applying for second citizenships and national residences as a way to hedge their financial risk, according to a leading law firm.
The wealthy are building these “passport portfolios” — collections of second, and even third or fourth, citizenships — in case they need to flee their home country. Henley & Partners, a law firm that specializes in high-net-worth citizenships, said Americans now outnumber every other nationality when it comes to securing alternative residences or added
citizenships.
“The U.S. is still a great country, it’s still an amazing passport,” said Dominic Volek, group head of private clients at Henley & Partners. “But if I’m wealthy, I would like to hedge against levels of volatility and uncertainty. The idea of diversification is well understood by wealthy individuals around what they invest. It makes no sense to have one country of citizenship and residence when I have the ability to actually diversify that aspect of my life as well.”
Of course, the wealthy aren’t packing up en masse and ditching their American citizenship. While a relatively small number of Americans do renounce their
A secondary passport can facilitate cross-border financial transfers
citizenship every year to declare a new home country, mainly due to tax-filing requirements, the so-called “exit tax” required to renounce citizenship makes it financially prohibitive for most except the ultra-wealthy to simply renounce and declare a new citizenship.
Instead, many wealthy Americans are shopping around for an added visa or citizenship program to supplement their U.S. passport.
According to Henley, the top destinations for supplemental passports among Americans are Portugal, Malta, Greece and Italy. Portugal’s “Golden Visa” program is especially popular since it provides a path to residency and citizenship — with visa-free travel in Europe — in exchange for an investment of 500,000 euros (roughly $541,000) in a fund or private equity. Malta offers a Golden Visa for 300,000 euros invested in real estate, which Volek said has become “especially popular with Americans.”
“With Malta you become a European citizen, with complete settlement rights across Europe,” he said. “So you can live
in Germany, your kids can go and study in France and you have the right to live, work and study throughout Europe.”
There are three main reasons for the rise of American passport portfolios, or “domicile diversification.” An alternative passport makes travel easier for Americans venturing to parts of the world that are less friendly to the U.S.
“For American, British, and Israeli citizens suddenly unsure of their welcome abroad, supplementary passports provide vital flexibility,” according to a Henley report. “With rising global instability, holding citizenship in another country, particularly one that is considered more neutral or politically benign, now provides a valuable back-up or alternative option.”
Another reason is business travel, which can be safer and less conspicuous with a non-U.S. passport in many countries. U.S. business leaders could be targets for “resentment, hostage-taking, or random terrorism in the chaos of collapsed states or high-risk countries they need to travel to for business purposes,” according to
the report, which says interested parties range from hedge-fund managers who meet with global clients to mining company executives who visit operations sites.
Using a secondary passport can also help cross-border financial transfers or deals within the new country.
Finally, some wealthy Americans simply want a back-up residency for possible retirement, to be closer to their families who live abroad or for lifestyle reasons in the new age of remote work. For others, U.S. politics is the driver.
“We all live in uncertain times, not just in the U.S., but in all nations globally,” Volek said. “Who knows what’s going to happen next. It’s really about having not only a Plan B but Plan C and D in place as well.”
Globally, millionaire migration is expected to hit a new high in 2024, as wars, government crackdowns on wealth, and political uncertainty drive more wealthy residents to other countries. An estimated 128,000 millionaires are forecast to move to a new country this year, up from 120,000 in 2023 and up from 51,000 in 2013, according to Henley.
The U.S. remains a top destination for global millionaires leaving other countries, with a net inflow of 2,200 millionaires in 2023 and a projected inflow of 3,500 in 2024, according to Henley.
China remains the biggest source of millionaire out-migration, losing a net 13,500 millionaires last year.
“The wealth-creation opportunities in the U.S. are second to none globally,” Volek said.
HIGH SOCIETY CAVALLINO CLASSIC MODENA '25
LIFE AT FULL THROTTLE
CAVALLINO CLASSIC MODENA '25
LIFE AT FULL THROTTLE
UNDER THE GOLDEN SUN OF MODENA AND AMIDST THE LUSH SURROUNDINGS OF CASA MARIA LUIGIA—THE PRIVATE ESTATE OF THREE-MICHELIN-STARRED CHEF MASSIMO BOTTURA— THE 2025 CAVALLINO CLASSIC MODENA UNFOLDED AS A MASTERWORK OF ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE.
Now in its fifth edition, the event firmly etched its place as a crown jewel in the global celebration of Ferrari, not only as a marque but as a symbol of Italian identity and enduring innovation.
ICONS
CROWNED AMID TIMELESS
BEAUTY
This year’s Concorso d’Eleganza delivered a triumphant spectacle of design, history, and restoration mastery. The Best of Show Competition was awarded to the 1954 Ferrari 250 Monza #0442M,
draped in Ferrari red and adorned with the famed decals of the Carrera Panamericana—an emblem of the Prancing Horse’s golden age of endurance racing. Its heritage and commanding presence moved both jury and audience, who also named it this year’s People’s Choice.
The Best of Show Gran Turismo went to the 1960 Ferrari 250 GT Pinin Farina Cabriolet, chassis #2381, resplendent in Abete Metallizzato green with a refined beige leather interior, masterfully restored by Bacchelli & Villa. Meanwhile, the Best of Show Ferrari Classiche Certified was awarded to the 1966 275 GTB4 “long nose” #09021, the very model first displayed at the Paris Motor Show, representing a sublime convergence of rarity, provenance, and aesthetic perfection.
A record 26 Platinum Awards were presented, affirming the exceptional caliber of the entries. Additional honors included:
• 1953 250 MM Spyder Vignale #0390 MM – The Ferrari 250 Award
• 1967 275 GTB4 #10025 – The Ferrari 275 Award
• 1973 Dino 246 GTS #06354 – The Ferrari Dino Award
• 1992 F40 #93864 – The Ferrari Supercar Award
• 2013 458 GTE #2862 – The Ferrari V8 Racing Award
• 1989 F40 #82709 – The Ferrari Vintage Preservation Award
• 2009 F430 GTC #2640 – The Best Ferrari Sound Award
• 1951 212 Export Vignale #0106E –Dual recipient of The Ferrari Restoration Award and Cavallino Magazine Award
• 1962 330 GTO #3765 – The Chairman Award
• 365 GTB4 “Daytona” #14061 – The
Spirit of Sally Award
Two model anniversaries were also celebrated in style. The Ferrari F50 Anniversary Award honored example #102474 from Trust Piero Ferrari, while the Ferrari 308 GTB 50th Anniversary Award went to the fiberglass-bodied #20275 owned by Japanese collector Shunji Hasumi.
ENZO’S HOMETOWN, FERRARI’S HEARTBEAT
What makes Cavallino Classic Modena so unique is not only the cars, but its
soul. “The style of Cavallino Classic Modena is widely recognized as unique,” remarked Luigi Orlandini, Chairman and CEO of Cavallino Inc., who underscored the event’s heightened refinement and growth. “A rigorously selected roster of world-class cars, a knowledgeable international audience, and an atmosphere that can only be found in Modena.”
Indeed, the intimacy and heritage of the region—birthplace of Enzo Ferrari— enrich every moment. Guests were welcomed on Friday with an alfresco evening affair: Chef Bottura’s culinary
creations, Champagne by Moët & Chandon, and music from Alessandro Ristori, who revisited hits from Ferrari’s defining decades. The weekend culminated in a parade through Modena and a visit to the Museo Enzo Ferrari, where the past and present of Maranello’s finest converged.
CURATED LUXURY AND CULTURAL IMMERSION
The event’s partners added further prestige. RM Sotheby’s served as Presenting Sponsor, while Riva displayed its re-
stored Aquarama Special among the cars. Bang & Olufsen provided refined auditory ambiance, and the Azimut – Automobile Heritage Enhancement Fund, the world’s first regulated classic car investment fund, underlined the seriousness of collectible automotive assets.
Saturday’s concours judging was interwoven with tastings, artistic experiences, and storytelling—all curated to deepen the emotional link between car and collector.
The final gala dinner by Osteria Francescana transformed gastronomy
into a tribute, as only Bottura could conceive.
A NEW BENCHMARK FOR AUTOMOTIVE EXCELLENCE
As the 2025 Cavallino Classic Modena drew to a close, it left behind more than polished chrome and accolades. It reaffirmed Ferrari not only as an automotive legend but as a living symbol of Italian artistry, innovation, and passion. It reminded attendees—especially those privileged enough to be invited—that true excellence is born not just of horse-
power or provenance, but of experience, intimacy, and emotion.
Cavallino Classic Modena 2025 was not just a concours, it was a celebration of life at full throttle.
TAKING TEA WITH THE PARISIANS
TO TAKE A BREAK FROM THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF PARISIAN LIFE, WHAT’S BETTER THAN A GOOD TEA ROOM? THE CAPITAL IS FULL OF GREAT PLACES THAT HAVE MADE THIS THEIR SPECIALTY, OFTEN COZY AND COMFORTING.
Plus, tea time is sometimes the opportunity to enter «through the back door» into the most beautiful Parisian palaces... So we crisscrossed the city and consumed many teas, hot chocolates and delicacies to share with you this top of our favorite places!
Au Bar Charles du Burgundy
If you’re looking for a refined afternoon tea, head to the Burgundy Hotel, to Le Charles bar. This afternoon tea has become a true phenomenon in Paris! Pastry chef Léandre Vivier, a true globetrot-
ter, creates creations where travel and pastries are brilliantly intertwined. Each bite is an invitation to discover flavors inspired by his adventures around the world, while showcasing French products. While the pastries change regularly, they always promise a truly indulgent moment in a dream setting. All accompanied by a delicate tea or a glass of champagne, of course! A true must for lovers of fine Parisian afternoon tea.
À la Petite Manufacture Cluizel
Chocolate lovers, take note: this tea room is entirely dedicated to chocolate and is located in the heart of a chocolate factory. Here, you can enjoy it in all its forms... right down to cocoa shells in an infusion! Welcome to the Cluizel family, who have been passing down their secrets of excellence from generation to generation since 1947. Initially pastry chefs, then chocolatiers and confectioners, today they are also Cacaofèviers: that is, they work from the bean to the finished creations. Selecting the best plantations around the
world, Cluizel makes its chocolates from noble ingredients, and it shows! We particularly love its San Martín candy with a 71% cocoa organic dark Grand Cru chocolate ganache, its Crémier Salant and its milk caramel and Guérande salt ganache, or its Robinson praline with a delicate touch of coconut...
Le Jardin de Mademoiselle
Blending the powdery ambiance of a French boudoir with the romanticism of an English cottage, Le Jardin de Mademoiselle is a chic and refined tea room, just the way we like them!
Nestled a few steps from Les Invalides, its girly decor evolves with the seasons, while retaining its beautiful, delicate vintage tableware. Here, each recipe has its own story: from the tea, whose blends are created on site, to the homemade pastries. Right now, we’ve completely fallen for the Pumpkin Spice Latte with a chestnut fondant... Simply exquisite!
Le Jardin Secret de Bontemps
Located at the end of a small country courtyard, Jardin Secret is the restaurant-tearoom of the Bontemps pastry shop, renowned in the Marais district. Powder pink walls, velvet sofas and armchairs, opalines hanging from the ceiling, fine porcelain tableware and bouquets of flowers… Here the retro-chic setting is doubled with an adorable and very photogenic boudoir spirit! At tea time, we meet around a homemade hot chocolate in the old-fashioned style and seasonal pastries, including shortbread, which are the house specialty. The pastry is very lightly sweetened, light, crumbly, with a delicious hint of fleur de sel and available
in several shapes and sizes… Which we all want to try!
L’Officine du Louvre
At teatime, Julien Delhome, the pastry chef at the Hôtel du Louvre, revisits afternoon tea in a prestigious setting.
This establishment is indeed the very first luxury hotel in Paris, created as part of the 1855 Universal Exhibition! It’s hard to choose between his soft Piémont crisp and hazelnut praline, his Saint-Honoré with Viennese-style whipped coffee, or his chocolate cookies and caramelized peanuts... Everything is a delight, which you really take the time to savor.
Angelina
Ranked among the world’s best desserts, the famous Mont Blanc at Angelina Tea Room is a teatime staple. To celebrate the 120th anniversary of this historic establishment, founded in Paris in 1903, the delicious pastry has even been reinterpreted by Peggy Frey and chef Christophe Appert as a Mont-Bisou with raspberries and pink biscuits from Reims! Here, you’ll appreciate the magnificent, legendary setting beneath the arcades of Rue de Rivoli.
Le Dali – Meurice
Afternoon tea at Le Dalí restaurant at the Hôtel Meurice is the perfect opportunity
to discover the creations of the “World’s Best Pastry Chef.” You’ll find the irresistible desserts of the famous Cédric Grolet presented on a trolley: mini-sandwiches, scones, and pastries of the moment…
With hot drinks or a champagne option! If you’re lucky, the chef might even come to your table to present these delights himself. And all this, in a historic setting designed by the famous Philippe Starck.
It’s clearly the most popular chic tea room in the capital, and to find a spot on the weekend, we recommend booking in advance!
BOOST BRAIN HEALTH ONE STEP AT A TIME
RESEARCH SUGGESTS YOU SHOULD LACE UP YOUR SHOES AND HIT THE ROAD
IN EARLY 2020, COVID-19 BROUGHT AN END TO MY WORKOUTS AT THE GYM. I WAS SELF-EMPLOYED AND RECENTLY WIDOWED, AND MY NEW NORMAL FELT LIKE SOLITARY CONFINEMENT. THEN, ONE MORNING, I MADE A BREAK FOR IT AND WENT FOR A WALK.
I did it again the next day, then the next. Soon my new daily habit began to make me feel happier and my mind sharper, both of which I could only credit to my daily treks.
Curious about what was occurring, I did some research. It turns out there’s a mountain of scientific evidence that indicates walking — especially walking outdoors — is powerful medicine for your brain. Here’s what the data shows.
1. WALKING MAY HELP YOU GROW NEW BRAIN CELLS
Moderately paced walks stimulate the release of a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF, that is key to the survival of existing brain neurons and the generation of new ones. “Perhaps the most exciting finding is that aerobic forms of exercise [including walking] likely help facilitate the growth of new neurons,” says Patrick Smith, associate
professor of psychiatry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
2. WALKING MAY BOOST YOUR CREATIVITY
Walking increases the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the brain, which can open the gates to enhanced creativity. The brain uses “about three times as much oxygen for healthy neuron function as muscles do” and is extremely sensitive to decreases in oxygen levels, according to Advanced Neurotherapy, a neurofeedback wellness clinic in Needham, Massachusetts. Creativity is a cognitive skill that is part of problem-solving. Studies show that the simple act of getting up from your desk and taking
BY MARTHA MURPHY/SPECIAL TO POLO LIFESTYLES
a short walk can help trigger ideas. A Stanford University study found “creative output increased 60 percent when participants were walking,” even on a treadmill facing a blank wall.
3. WALKING MAY ENHANCE YOUR MOOD
When you walk, increased blood flow to the brain initiates a “cascade of changes,” says Marie Pasinski, M.D., assistant professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School. “A cocktail of feel-good neurotransmitters — serotonin, dopamine, endorphins — is released.” Forty-two percent of American adults suffer a vitamin D deficiency. Our bodies manufacture vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, furthering the production of serotonin, a hormone benefiting memory and mood. Even on a cloudy day, “exposure to light elevates the mood,” says John Ratey,
M.D., associate clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.
4. WALKING MAY REDUCE THE RISK OF COGNITIVE DECLINE
Participants who walked more than 4,000 steps per day had healthier brain tissue in the area responsible for memory, learning and cognitive function than those who did not, one study found. That brain region, called the hippocampus, typically begins to shrink in late adulthood, leading not only to impaired memory but also an increased risk of dementia. The research revealed that aerobic exercise increases the size of the hippocampus.
5. WALKING MAY DECREASE BRAIN-DAMAGING STRESS
Repeated exposure to stressful situations impairs memory, attention and cognitive flexibility. Walking in nature has been
shown to be particularly effective at reducing stress levels. The impact of being outdoors may have to do with “optic flow” — the perception that objects are moving past us as we walk, which quiets the circuits responsible for stress, says Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist in the Department of Neurobiology at Stanford Medicine.
“Self-generated optic flow — by walking, running or cycling — shifts the brain into a state of relaxation that’s not seen when you’re stationary,” he says. Scientists have seen walking reduce levels of cortisol, which surges during fight-orflight situations. Elevated cortisol levels may damage cognition and contribute to Alzheimer’s disease, according to a 2019 review of studies in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. Just a 20-minute walk has been shown to reduce stress.
REGROWING TEETH ENTERS TESTING PHASE
SCIENCE IS ON THE VERGE OF A DENTAL MIRACLE
WHILE BONES CAN REGROW THEMSELVES WHEN THEY BREAK, TEETH AREN’T SO LUCKY, AND THAT LEADS TO MILLIONS OF PEOPLE WORLDWIDE SUFFERING FROM SOME FORM OF EDENTULISM, A.K.A. TOOTHLESSNESS.
Now, Japanese researchers are moving a promising, tooth-regrowing medicine into human trials. If the trial is successful, the researchers hope the drug will become available for all forms of toothlessness sometime around 2030.
The average adult human body contains 206 bones—the hardened mixtures of calcium, minerals, and collagen that provide the biological scaffolding that walks us through our day. While we may not think of them much, bones are incredibly resilient. But if they do break, they have this nifty trick of regrowing themselves.
Teeth, however, are not bones. Although they’re made of some of the same stuff and are the hardest material in the human body (thanks to its protective layer of enamel), they lack the crucial ability to heal and regrow themselves. But that may not always be the case. Japanese researchers are moving forward with
BY DARREN ORF/SPECIAL
an experimental drug that promises to regrow human teeth. The drug targets a protein known as USAG-1, which inhibits natural tooth development. By blocking this protein, scientists aim to stimulate dormant biological pathways and reactivate the body’s ability to grow new teeth.
If successful, this experimental therapy could become available by 2030 for anyone who has lost teeth due to injury, decay, or disease.
The researchers believe the technique, previously proven in animals like ferrets, could unlock a permanent, natural solution to tooth loss.
POLO LIFESTYLES
WHY WE CAN'T FORGET BAD THINGS (& WHY IT'S OK)
IT’S TEMPTING TO WANT TO ERASE BAD MEMORIES, EVEN THOUGH I SUSPECT MOST OF US KNOW THAT IT’S BETTER TO MAKE PEACE WITH THEM THAN TO DESTROY OR SUPPRESS THEM.
Memories of early childhood are usefully considered myths or folk tales, not about a culture’s purpose, hurdles, and
origins, but about an individual’s. A set of myths that are all positive—well, like America’s—leaves us ill-prepared to recognize and address what needs improving.
(Early memories are also usefully considered allegories, as are dreams, but that’s a topic for another post.)
For example, a woman’s simple memory of mom calling her to the kitchen to lick
the spoon when she was making cake might be a myth about plenty. Someone with this memory may not need to remind herself to engage in self-care. She’s likely to use extra energy and spare time for what I call the Lauper principle (“girls just want to have fun”).
Of course, there may be complications. The same woman might have a childhood memory of being yelled at for asking if the family can give the new baby away.
BY DR. MICHAEL KARSON/SPECIAL TO POLO LIFESTYLES
WHY WE CAN'T FORGET BAD THINGS (& WHY IT'S OK)
If so, it’s starting to look like the myth is still one of plenty, but of the sort you find in paradise—that is, devoid of aggression since this other memory seems to say that aggression (in the form of sibling rivalry) ruins things. The individual may be good at making herself a snack or hanging out with friends but bad at selfcare when it comes to competition and ambition.
Now, the point of interpreting early memories is not to guess how she manages competition or snacking. The point is to illuminate what’s going on psychologically when we observe problematic behavior, like when she gets so flustered if her friends propose a game night rather than a wine-tasting. Memories can indeed be used to predict behavior, but their power in clinical work is their ability to illuminate. In this example, her getting flustered can be considered the external result of internally yelling at herself for the proposal of game night awaking a desire to win.
Generally, clinicians consider it problematic when a memory includes malevolent forces because these imply their allegorical presence in contemporary functioning. This post is about two exceptions to the tendency of malevolent memories to indicate pathology. The first is the memory of trauma. When something terrible happens, we try to make sense of it by constructing a narrative around it.
In a trauma memory, the presence of death or an earthquake or an abusive figure does not necessarily reflect on the individual’s current psychology. The memory may instead depict the meaning of a bad event. The main question in understanding a trauma memory is whether the malevolent force is manageable rather than whether it is present. (This is yet another example of why it’s not always a good idea to tell trauma victims that it
wasn’t their fault, since that attitude also communicates that there was nothing they could do about it.)
The other sort of malevolent memory that does not indicate chaotic functioning is what I call the caveat memory. Like the notation on old maps, “There be dragons,” these memories stand as warnings, cautionary tales about what can go wrong. They often depict sexual and aggressive urges in bad terms, because there be dragons within us, not just at the edge of maps. For example, a memory of a neighbor child killing a frog may solidify the association between aggression and sadism, and it may stand as a cautionary tale against expressing aggression directly.
A memory of childish sexual exploration gone horribly wrong may be similar. A woman recalls masturbating in the bath at age 3 and getting physically punished for it. As per usual, the question is not what really happened—eyewitnesses can’t be relied on as adults recalling events from a day ago, so they certainly can’t be relied on when recalling events decades ago when they were children. The question, instead, is what myths are captured in the memory and how they illustrate the way the person sees the world and treats herself. This individual may be self-punitive when feeling sexy. Or, she may be using the memory like a traffic sign warning her not to feel sexy lest she lose her friendly relations with others.
A gay man recalls in psychotherapy a time in kindergarten when he kissed a boy and was humiliated for it. A good therapist will invite him to consider a few possible meanings in light of whatever their mutual understanding is about the internal conflicts they are doing therapy to resolve. (If they are not meeting regularly to resolve the patient’s internal conflicts, then they are doing something
else besides psychotherapy.) The most obvious is the question of whether the therapist will react poorly if the patient expresses affection. Next is whether the memory is an allegory representing the patient’s own disapproval of his sexual orientation, depicted by those humiliating the boy in the memory.
Third, treating it as a caveat memory, the patient may retain the memory to remind himself that his sexuality—accepted and approved by himself—is not always accepted and approved by others. In most therapies (that is, in light of the most common case formulations that organize the work of therapy), the therapist will want to help the patient relax the caveat and make it more context-specific. When is his sexuality best deferred, and when is it best indulged? A therapist who insists that the patient’s sexuality always be championed is like a parent who doesn’t tell a masturbating boy to do it in his room.
The healthy nature of some memories with hostile forces, and of retaining bad memories in general, is yet another way in which psychological health—in an individual or in a society—is not a blissful absence of conflict but an energetic, engrossed, welcoming coordination of conflicting forces.
THE SECRETS OF FRENCH PASTRY CHEFS
WHEN IT COMES TO PASTRIES, FEW PLACES CAN COMPETE WITH PARIS. THE FRENCH CAPITAL HAS LONG DAZZLED TASTEBUDS WITH ITS SELECTION OF DESSERTS, FROM MACARONS TO MILLEFEUILLE. BUT IN RECENT YEARS, THERE’S BEEN A GROWING APPETITE FOR NEW PERSPECTIVES, FLAVORS, AND INNOVATIVE PÂTISSIERS THAT CHALLENGE THE STATUS QUO.
Today, Paris’s best pastry chefs are increasingly breaking the mold, and glass ceilings, of an industry historically lacking diversity. In 2023, Paris-based Nina Métayer made history as the first woman to win the coveted World’s Best Pastry Chef award from the International Union of Bakers and Pastry Chefs. And in 2024, Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme’s pastry chef Naraé Kim, originally from South Korea, became the first non-French woman to win the title of Best Pastry Chef of the Year by Gault-Millau.
Spotlighting fruit through lighter interpretations of French classics, Naraé Kim’s desserts appeal to the evolving tastes of Parisians. The chef’s proclivity for
BY JULIA ESKINS/SPECIAL
produce is innate—growing up in South Korea, her childhood was punctuated with market-fresh cherries and apricots, and aspirations of living in France. After setting out to become a pastry chef at age 15, she eventually made her way to Paris, overcoming the obstacles of learning a new language and the nuances of a different culture.
Le Royal Monceau has long been known for its restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Il Carpaccio and the atmospheric Le Bar Long. Now, thanks to pastry chef Yazid Ichemrahen, who joined the Parisian palace hotel in April 2024, there’s even more reason to stay for dessert. Creating art through pastry has always been a form of escapism for the chef, whose childhood hardships fueled his culinary dreams, as chronicled in his autobiographical film, “Sugar and Stars.” Discovered and trained by Pascal Caffet, a Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF) and World Pastry Champion, Ichemrahen
won the world championship for frozen desserts at 22.
Recently nabbing the title of World’s Best Pastry Chef 2024 by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, Nina Métayer is one of France’s most exciting culinary talents. While the success of her pastry shop, Délicatisserie, is undeniable, her foray into confections wasn’t without its challenges. Métayer was told early on in her career that a woman’s place was frontof-house, selling products. After cutting her teeth at five-star hotels and overseeing the desserts at high-end restaurants, her major turning point was opening her own pastry business in 2020, which now has an outpost at Printemps du Goût.
When Yu Tanaka moved from Japan to France at age 18, he wanted to have coffee at Le Bristol Paris but was too shy to set foot inside the five-star hotel. More than a decade later, he’s now the palace’s pastry chef. Following in the footsteps of his father, a chef who honed his skills at the Michelin-starred Restaurant Paul Bocuse in Lyon, Tanaka always knew he wanted to explore the culinary traditions of France. He first learned the art of fusion creations under Sadaharu Aoki, a Franco-
Japanese pâtissier, and later became the head of pastry at the triple-Michelin-starred Epicure.
“Aleph” is the first letter of the Arabic and Hebrew alphabets. And in Paris, it’s become synonymous with creative sweets that freely draw inspiration from Levantine flavors and textures. At Myriam Sabet’s pastry shop, Maison Aleph (which has locations in the Marais and Montmartre neighborhoods), you’ll find crispy phyllo nests featuring pistachio and ice cream enriched with za’atar, honey, and apricot, Originally hailing from Aleppo, Syria. Sabet began her career in finance but took the plunge into the world of pastry after the birth of her daughter.
J.P. MORGAN'S ANNUAL SUMMER READING LIST FOR THE ELITE
THE TOP SUMMER READING LIST FOR THE WEALTHY THIS YEAR INCLUDES BOOKS ON HAPPINESS, RESILIENCE, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND THE FUTURE OF THE U.S. DOLLAR.
J.P. Morgan’s annual summer reading list, which has become the go-to selection of beach books for the wealthy, offers up 16 titles this year — from Suzy Welch’s career guide and Melinda French Gates’ reflections on her life and philanthropy to Palantir CEO Alex Karp’s predictions for AI and Kenneth Rogoff’s treatise on the dollar.
The list, now in its 26th year, was compiled from more than 1,000 suggestions from J.P. Morgan’s client advisors and whittled down by a special review com-
mittee. “Our focus was around the power of curiosity for this year’s list,” said Darin Oduyoye, chief communications officer for J.P. Morgan asset and wealth management, who oversees the list. “You can think of it from a reflection standpoint or transformation standpoint.”
Oduyoye said J.P. Morgan also received input from family offices — the private investment arms of wealthy families — and many cited the need to guide the next generation of wealth holders. With more than $100 trillion expected to pass from older generations to spouses and their children, family offices have made educating and teaching the next generation a top priority.
“From our family office survey, what we heard loud and clear was that values are very important to the next generation,” he said. “As they’re thinking about the
adult leadership of the next generation for the family operating committee or business, they want to make sure these people are prepared. It’s about how to think about that from a psychological perspective as well, to make sure you’re balancing, not just the prosperity of wealth, but also the things that you can do to make impact both within your community and within your business.”
Along with the list of 16 books, and increase from prior lists, which had 10, this year’s summer reading list also includes suggested summer experiences, from the Dataland exhibit at The Grand LA, to the SailGP racing series and the Hill Family Estate in Napa, Calif.
The full list can be found at pololifestyles. com
Luxe Headphones from Hermes
HERMÈS IS LAUNCHING ITS FIRST PAIR OF HEADPHONES, A CHUNKY OVERHEAD DESIGN CREATED BY THE EXPERIMENTAL HERMÈS ATELIERS HORIZONS.
If you’re looking for a custom Hermès cricket bat, disco ball, or portable cocktail bar, Hermès Ateliers Horizons is who you speak with. It is the French luxury house’s bespoke division, responsible for the most ambitious Hermès creations imaginable (such as rare cars lined in top-grade Hermès leather).
But beyond its bespoke work, Hermès Ateliers Horizons also creates capsule collections. And the latest of those collections features the first-ever Hermès headphones.
Over two years in the making, the headphones feature the typical high-end handiwork expected from Hermès such as hand-stitched cowhide leather and metallic finishes inspired by its storied Kelly bag.
From the engineering to the leatherwork, it’s entirely the work of the team at Hermès Ateliers Horizons, which comprises around 50 people. The headphones
will be available in a range of colors — ranging from chocolate to Prussian blue — expected to arrive only at select Hermès boutiques retailing for $15,000.
This isn’t the first time Hermès has worked with audio equipment, previously having created custom bags for AirPods and collaborating on headphones with Bang & Olufsen. Plus, Hermès Ateliers Horizons has previously worked on jukeboxes and a boombox.
However, this is the company’s first pair of headphones, marking a considerable shift further into the world of technology.
BY TOM BARKER/SPECIAL TO POLO LIFESTYLES
Summer's Travel Trend that Says "Au Revoir" to Crowds
DESTINATION DUPES
TRAVELERS ARE SEEKING “DESTINATION DUPES” — A TERM POPULARIZED ON SOCIAL MEDIA FOR ALTERNATIVES TO THE MOST POPULAR PLACES.
If you’re looking to avoid the crowds and discover hidden gems, consider these overlooked locations from our A-List travel advisors.
Travel advisors offer their alternatives to popular destinations.
IF YOU LOVE MYKONOS TRY PAROS, GREECE
“Go to Paros for the same Cycladic atmosphere, nightlife, and architecture as Mykonos, but at more affordable prices. I also recommend Naxos for a unique island stay in the spirit of Santorini. In Croatia, Cavtat is a quiet alternative to
Dubrovnik for a Mediterranean atmosphere, and Brac island has excellent boutique properties and a Croatian island lifestyle similar to Hvar.” — Mina Agnos, Travelive
IF YOU LOVE PARIS TRY BORDEAUX
“This smaller and very friendly version of the City of Light not only offers a gateway to the greatest wine region in the world,
BY GERRY JOHNSON/SPECIAL TO POLO LIFESTYLES
DESTINATION DUPES
but is also a destination in its own right.”
— Jonathan Alder, Jonathan›s Travels/ TravelStore
IF YOU LOVE TUSCANY TRY ISTRIA, CROATIA
“For wine lovers seeking an alternative to Tuscany, Croatia’s Istria region offers a range of experiences. As in Tuscany, you can spend time visiting hilltop villages, tasting fantastic wines and olive oils, and truffle hunting. From the same home base, you can easily reach the coast for boating and beach time. The hotels have come a long way in recent years as well.”
— Sarah Groen, Bell & Bly Travel
IF YOU LOVE THE MAASAI MARA, TRY LAIKIPIA, KENYA
“I recommend going to Laikipia in Kenya. The Maasai Mara is iconic be-
cause of the Great Migration. Laikipia also has amazing wildlife viewing, and isn’t as well known. Travelers can see the Big Five here, and there are endless activities to choose from.” — Shaun Stanley, Stanley Safaris
IF YOU LOVE ISTANBUL TRY IZMIR, TURKEY
“One city to consider in Turkey is Izmir, located on the Aegean. Besides being beautiful with amazing sites, it’s also the most progressive city in Turkey, and more affordable than Istanbul, Cappadocia, and Bodrum. Ephesus is only about an hour away and so is Sardes, capital of the Lydian Kingdom, where money was first invented. The summer resort towns of Cesme and Alacati are also accessible by car, as is Urla, the famous wine city.” — Engin Kadaster, Turkey At Its Best
IF YOU LOVE THE GREAT BARRIER REEF, TRY NINGALOO REEF, AUSTRALIA
“Ningaloo Reef runs along Australia’s northwest coast and is the continent’s other great reef. It offers unique experiences such as swimming with gentle whale sharks or humpback whales. The fabulous coral reefs, brimming with fish and turtles, can be accessed straight off the coast. Guests at Sal Salis stay in luxury, safari-style tents directly on the beach and can swim out to the coral reefs on their own.” — Stuart Rigg, Southern Crossings
IF YOU LOVE SICILY, ITALY TRY CORSICA, FRANCE
«While Sicily basks in the afterglow of The White Lotus, Corsica remains a secret paradise in the Mediterranean. This mountainous island boasts stunning landscape diversity, including dramatic coastlines with hidden coves, lush green valleys, and snowcapped peaks. But Corsica’s charm goes beyond its beauty. The island has a rich culture with ancient traditions and a unique language. Foodies will delight in Corsica’s distinct gastronomy, featuring fresh seafood, local cheeses, and charcuterie. Corsica offers the perfect blend of nature, culture, and authentic experiences.” — Mark Bonte, French Side Travel
IF YOU LOVE SOUTH LUANGWA
NATIONAL PARK TRY LOWER ZAMBEZI
NATIONAL PARK, ZAMBIA
“Beautiful, less-visited, and bursting with wildlife, Lower Zambezi — Zambia’s ‘second park’ — sits between the Zambezi River and the Zambezi Escarpment, which forms its dramatic backdrop. On my most recent trip, I was enchanted by the sight of elephants bathing and frolicking in the river. The river is at the heart of what makes Lower Zambezi so special, including lunches on submerged sandbanks and getting up close to hippos and crocs. Another advantage is the access it gives to other parts of the park, with many lodges ferrying guests on boats. — Samantha Gordon, Red Savannah
IF YOU LOVE THE COTSWOLDS TRY TEWKESBURY, ENGLAND
“Make a stop in the handsome town of Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire. The city is outside the boundary of the Cotswolds, so you’ll still be able to see lots of original black and white half-timbered buildings here.” — Nicola Butler, NoteWorthy
DESTINATION DUPES
IF YOU LOVE MACHU PICCHU TRY CHOQUEQUIRAO, PERU
“Choquequirao, an entrancing archaeological site hidden in the spurs of the Salkantay mountain ridge, is the more obscure sister to Machu Picchu. It was likely one of the entrance checkpoints to the Incan Vilcabamba empire, and can only be reached by a 20-mile hike. Being off the beaten track means you have a good chance of sharing the site with only the resident Andean condors.” — Lily Bunker, Jacada Travel
IF YOU LOVE THE SAHARA TRY THE AGAFAY DESERT IN AFRICA
“The Sahara desert in Morocco is spectacular and worth the long drive each way, but if you’re short on time or not keen on road trips, the Agafay offers a taste of the desert experience with a stay in luxury tents and dinner by firelight, though without the expanse of soft-sand dunes. Caravan by Habitas Agafay is an
immersive experience, a secret playground set amid the rocky dunes.” — Susan Neva, Alluring Africa
IF YOU LOVE DUBAI TRY RAS AL KHAIMAH, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
“Ras Al Khaimah is the next hot spot in the UAE. The area is rapidly growing as travelers seek to expand beyond Dubai for something a little more out of the norm. Ras Al Khaimah is amassing praise for adventure travel and the first gambling approved destination in the region.” — Mo Noubani, The Travel Box International
IF YOU LOVE MELBOURNE TRY ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA
“Swap the hustle of Melbourne for a more intimate city escape in Adelaide. With its compact size and boutique charm, Adelaide offers all the excitement of a big city, but in a more relaxed and personal setting. Stroll through the city’s quaint
laneways, home to an eclectic mix of bars and restaurants and a vibrant arts and culture scene. [You can also] indulge in world-class wine within an hour of the city. It’s also a gateway to Kangaroo Island, Eyre Peninsula, Flinders Ranges, and premium vineyards.” — Drew Kluska, The Tailor
We Tried the $160,000
WELLNESS CHAMBER
That Pro Athletes and Biohackers are Obsessed With
AT A PASSING GLANCE, YOU MIGHT THINK THE AMMORTAL CHAMBER WAS A SET PIECE MADE FOR THE DUNE CINEMATIC UNIVERSE. THE BRUTALIST LOOK OF ITS TWO HALVES, WHICH ARE BISECTED BY A LIGHTNING BOLTSHAPED SHEET OF ACRYLIC THAT GLOWS RED WHEN ACTIVATED, HAS THE AIR OF A CONCRETE RELIC FROM THE DISTANT FUTURE.
But the growing class of champions for this machine—which combines photobiomodulation, pulsed electromagnetic frequency, molecular hydrogen, guided meditation, and vibroacoustic therapies into a single treatment—claims it has myriad real-life benefits.
“Very quickly, I started regrowing hair,” says Jonathan Krieger, co-founder of Padel United Sports Club, a high-end racquet facility in Cresskill, N.J., that houses the only Ammortal Chamber near
New York City, of his experience using it. He credits the red-light component of his three or four weekly sessions with improving the appearance of his skin, too.
The other benefits he’s seen are even more impressive. “Inflammation? Down 70 percent,” he estimates. “My sleeping, which was always a little whatever, just became much more consistent. My energy and my general state of stress, I would say, just shifted.”
And while, in my experience, one session can be uniquely calming, restorative, and even fun, Ammortal’s CEO Brian Le Gette has observed that regular use has compounding benefits.
“This is a wellness product, not a clinical, medical device,” he says as a caveat before sharing anecdotes about user feedback. “We have hundreds and thousands of people who’ve had tremendous pain reduction. We’ve had people who’ve had trauma releases inside this thing, and they’re weeping afterwards,” he says.
One collegiate lacrosse player used the chamber before a game and scored five of her team’s six goals. Before that, Le Gette
adds, “She’d never come remotely close to two.”
So what is it like to use? The device dispenses all of its treatments simultaneously, in 15-, 25-, or 50-minute sessions. It’s recommended that you use it in your underwear so that most of your skin is exposed to the red light, and so that the near-infrared light can help treat your joints. (Some people use it in the nude.) Covers are provided to shield your eyes from the light, and a sterile cannula is attached to a tank so that you can breathe in the hydrogen during the session.
When you’re settled in, a touch screen allows you to select from a range of voices to guide you. Like a meditation instructor, the voice gives different instructions about breathing and visualization, depending on the user. The more sessions you log, the more personalized such directions become, but in any case the goal is to help you reach a state of calm before the top half of the chamber lowers and the lights come on. “You have to be really calm,” Le Gette says, in order for your body to be receptive to so many treatments at once.
SUGAR CRAVINGS ARE DEEPLY INGRAINED IN OUR BIOLOGY, EMOTIONS, AND DAILY HABITS. WHEN BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS FLUCTUATE OR STRESS LEVELS RISE, THE TEMPTATION TO REACH FOR SOMETHING SWEET CAN FEEL IMPOSSIBLE TO RESIST. BUT HERE’S THE TRUTH: YOU DON’T HAVE TO QUIT SWEETNESS ALTOGETHER TO REGAIN CONTROL.
The secret? Smarter, more satisfying alternatives that give you the flavor you love without the crash, guilt, or excess sugar.
WHY WE CRAVE SUGAR (AND HOW TO STOP THE CYCLE)
Understanding why we crave sugar is the first step toward breaking free. Sugar cravings often stem from:
BLOOD SUGAR SPIKES AND CRASHES
High-sugar foods give you an initial boost, but the rapid spike is followed by an equally sharp drop, leaving you tired,
irritable, and craving more sugar to bring your energy back up. This roller coaster keeps your body hooked on sugar.
How to fix it: Choosing foods with stable energy release, like those high in protein, fiber, or healthy fats, helps prevent the drastic highs and lows that fuel cravings.
STRESS AND EMOTIONAL EATING
Sugar triggers the brain’s release of dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical, providing temporary relief from stress or anxiety. But this only lasts for a short while before the cycle restarts.
How to fix it: Instead of relying on sugar for comfort, choose naturally rewarding foods that satisfy your cravings while keeping blood sugar stable.
HABITUAL CONSUMPTION
If you’re used to adding sugar to your coffee, reaching for a sweet snack in the afternoon, or ending dinner with dessert, these behaviors become second nature. Over time, your taste buds become less sensitive to sweetness, making you crave even more sugar.
How to fix it: By replacing sugar with tasty, sugar-free alternatives, you can retrain
your taste buds to enjoy sweetness in a healthier way.
NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES
Your body might be craving sugar because it’s missing key nutrients. Magnesium, for example, plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism, and a deficiency can make you crave sweets.
How to fix it: A well-balanced diet rich in essential nutrients helps curb cravings naturally.
SIMPLE SWAPS THAT ACTUALLY WORK
Cutting sugar doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the joy of food. The best way to reduce cravings without feeling deprived is by swapping, not eliminating. Here’s how to enjoy all the flavors you love
FOR YOUR MORNING COFFEE: A FLAVORFUL BOOST WITHOUT THE SUGAR
Your morning coffee sets the tone for the entire day, but sugar-laden creamers and syrups can send you into an early crash. Instead of starting your morning with unnecessary sugar, try a zero-sugar, zero-calorie alternative that delivers the
indulgent sweetness you crave.
Why This Swap Works:
• Delivers the rich, buttery caramel flavor you love—without sugar
• Zero calories, zero guilt—so you start your day feeling great
• No artificial aftertaste—just pure, smooth sweetness
Bonus Health Benefit: Regular coffee creamers and syrups contain 5g+ of sugar per tablespoon, adding up to over 150g of sugar per month if used daily. Making the switch saves you hundreds of grams of sugar annually!
AT SNACK TIME: A SATISFYING
SWEET CRUNCH
Afternoon cravings can feel overwhelming, especially when energy levels start dipping. But instead of grabbing a processed candy bar loaded with refined sugar, try fresh apple slices dipped in chocolate. This simple yet delicious swap satisfies your sweet tooth while keeping blood sugar levels steady.
Why This Swap Works:
• Apples provide natural sweetness and fiber—keeping you full and satisfied
• Chocolate dip delivers a rich cocoa flavor—without the sugar overload
• No sugar crash—just steady, sustained energy
Did You Know? A single processed snack bar can contain 15g+ of sugar, which leads to a rapid energy spike followed by an inevitable crash. Choosing fruit with a sugar-free chocolate dip keeps energy levels stable, helping you stay productive and focused.
FOR YOUR BREAKFAST: DITCH THE SUGARY CEREALS
A sugar-heavy breakfast sets you up for failure. It spikes your blood sugar early in the day, leaving you hungry and craving more sugar by mid-morning. Instead, switch to Greek yogurt drizzled with Pancake Syrup, a high-protein,
low-sugar alternative that keeps you satisfied longer.
Why This Swap Works:
• Greek yogurt is packed with protein and probiotics, supporting gut health and digestion
• Pancake Syrup delivers maple sweetness without the sugar spike
• Prevents mid-morning hunger and energy dips
Health Upgrade: Some cereals have up to 20g of sugar per serving, which is nearly your entire daily recommended intake before 9 AM. A simple swap to Greek yogurt and sugar-free syrup keeps cravings in check and energy levels steady.
4. IN YOUR COOKING: ADD FLAVOR WITHOUT THE SUGAR CRASH
Many store-bought dressings and sauces sneak in sugar to enhance flavor. The problem? Even “healthy” sauces can contain 4g+ of sugar per tablespoon. Instead, switch to zero-sugar dressings and sauces to keep your meals both delicious and healthy.
Why This Swap Works:
• Adds bold flavor to meals without added sugar
• Eliminates hidden sugars from your diet effortlessly
• Makes healthy eating more enjoyable and sustainable
Pro Tip: BBQ sauces, ketchup, and salad dressings are often unexpected sources of sugar. Reading labels carefully and swapping for sugar-free alternatives makes a huge difference.
5. FOR DESSERT: A SWEET TREAT
You don’t have to give up dessert to reduce sugar! Instead of reaching for ice cream or cake, enjoy a bowl of fresh berries topped with Chocolate Syrup. This swap gives you the sweet, indulgent flavors you want without the excess sugar.
Why This Swap Works:
• Berries provide natural sweetness and are packed with antioxidants
• Chocolate Syrup gives you a decadent chocolate taste
• Leaves you feeling satisfied without the sugar crash
Swap and Save: A typical dessert can contain 25g+ of sugar, while this swap keeps sugar intake minimal without sacrificing flavor.
THE HIDDEN BENEFITS OF CUTTING SUGAR
Within just a few days of reducing sugar, you’ll start to notice:
• More consistent energy levels throughout the day
• Fewer mood swings and cravings
• A sharper mind and better focus
• Naturally reduced desire for sugar over time
And as your taste buds adapt, you’ll appreciate the natural sweetness of foods more, making long-term sugar reduction easier and more enjoyable.
W20 across America Best Patisseries of the
HETHER YOU’RE LOOKING TO SWEETEN SOMEONE’S BIRTHDAY, CELEBRATE A BIG WIN, HONOR A LOVED ONE, OR JUST WANT A TASTY WAY TO SAY THANK YOU, BAKERIES ARE ONE-STOP SHOPS FOR ALL THINGS DELICIOUS. HECK, YOU DON’T NEED A REASON TO SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BAKERY. YOU JUST HAVE TO HAVE TASTE.
If you’re ready to treat yourself and the ones you love to a food hug, we’ve got the bakery for you. Our national editors compiled lists of the best bakeries in their cities, and we’ve highlighted one from each to create a big, bold list of the best bakeries across the United States. From Los Angeles to Miami, New York City, Chicago and Houston, these are the bakeries you’ve got to try.
ATLANTA
SAINT GERMAIN FRENCH BAKERY & CAFE
Saint Germain French Cafe & Bakery has taken the city by storm since its first location debuted at PCM in 2016. The bakery has since expanded to three other locations, bringing delicious Parisian delicacies to all of Atlanta. In addition to incredible tarts, mousses and macarons, this favorite boasts delicious specialty coffees and wines. Multiple locations
ASPEN
PARADISE BAKERY & CAFE
Locally owned and operated since 1981, Paradise Cafe is a true Aspen staple for all things sweet. Bestselling cookies like their caramel pecan and oatmeal chocolate chip can be bought by the dozen. Behind the counter, blueberry cream cheese croissants, blondies, pumpkin nut muffins and an assortment of gelato await. The cafe’s signature raspberry mo-
cha latte is best enjoyed with a raspberry bar fresh from the oven. 320 S. Galena St.
BOSTON
CLEAR FLOUR BREAD & BAKERY
Specializing in making breads and pastries of France, Italy and Germany, Clear Flour Bread & Bakery scratch mixes and hand shapes fermented doughs before baking them in a stone hearth. Since opening in 1982, they continue to use the best ingredients, including freshly milled, stone-ground grains sourced from Maine. Their large, doughy German-style pretzels are sure to curb any carb craving. Available Saturday and Sunday, they are served with a mustard butter dipping sauce and dark German beer. 178 Thorndike St., Brookline
CHICAGO
LOST LARSON
Formerly the pastry chef for Chicago’s three-Michelin-starred restaurant Grace, owner Bobby Schaffer has channeled
that culinary passion into this delightful neighborhood destination. The cardamom buns are justifiably crave-worthy, and the double chocolate croissant is the best we’ve had in Chicago. The windy city is home to a wealth of fantastic bakeries, though. Multiple locations
DALLAS BISOUS BISOU PATISSERIE
Owner and executive pastry chef Andrea Meyer brings her passion for French baking to this charming West Village spot. Complement your daily cup of coffee with a pain au chocolat or a blueberry scone—and don’t leave without a box of the bakery’s signature macarons. 3700 McKinney Ave., Ste. 150
EAST BAY OF SAN FRANCISCO SUSIE CAKES
Charming, seasonal and reminiscent of another era, Susie Cakes whips up a limited menu of cake and frosting combinations daily. Sold by the (oversized) slice or whole cake, they prize themselves on presentation and care. Don’t ask for personalization or something off-menu;
that’s not their modus operandi; instead indulge in seasonal offerings, including their popular-with-the-kids cookies. Multiple locations
HAMPTONS CARISSA’S THE BAKERY
The bread expertise here is no joke. Since 2011, this local favorite has been shaking and baking in the kitchen to produce the flakiest sourdough and baguettes in the area. Sandwich fans know to come to this bakery for lunch, a picnic treat, or any of your sandwich needs. The famous pickle bread is definitely worth a try, and since the menu is available for domestic shipping, you have no excuse to go Carissaless. 221 Pantigo Road, East Hampton
HAWAI’I BREADSHOP
While the made-from-scratch focaccia and brioche bread are clear fan favorites, the remaining baked goods also boast a made-fresh guarantee. The world-class bakers make this possible by baking in small batches throughout the day and donating leftovers to various food pan-
tries at the end of each night. This is but one of 10 incredible bakeries across the islands. 3408 Waialae Ave., O‘ahu
HOUSTON SINFUL VEGAN BAKERY
Welcome to Houston’s first vegan bakery! The exceptional menu constantly has guests asking, “Is this vegan?” Yes, everything offered is 100% vegan. Indulge in bars, cookies, pies, breads and assorted quality baked goods made from scratch, with all-natural, mostly organic ingredients by founder and head chef Dylan Carnes. 1714 Webster St.
LAS VEGAS BOUCHON BAKERY
Thomas Keller’s iconic Napa Valley pâtisserie has become a Las Vegas icon as well, with not one but three locations inside Venetian, serving everything from confections to delectable pain au chocolat to reinterpreted childhood favorites such as the Nutter Butter and the Oreoesque T.K.O. Cookie. 3355 S Las Vegas Blvd.
LOS ANGELES FAT + FLOUR
The small-batch bakery on Broadway has gained a cult following for its artisanal approach to baking and use of only the finest ingredients, including locally sourced flours and premium fats, to create exceptional baked goods. While known for its signature croissants, Fat + Flour also offers an array of mouthwatering cookies, scones, cakes and other confections within the charming atmosphere of Grand Central Market. 317 S. Broadway
MIAMI
FICELLE BOULANGERIE & PATISSERIE
Delivering a taste of Paris to Miami, Ficelle offers passion-driven, simple, sweet and delicious baked goods baked fresh every day. Reminiscent of a cafe in France, try the award-winning baguette and croissant. 1440 NW N. River Drive
NEW YORK CITY LEVAIN BAKERY
With many locations all over the city, Levain is an NYC staple. They have pretty much any sweet you could possibly crave, from their classic chocolate chip cookie, to their sour cream coffee cake, to their cinnamon butter brioche and walnut sticky bun. Can’t make it to the bakery? They also sell frozen cookies in select grocery store freezers. Multiple locations
ORANGE COUNTY C’EST SI BON
C’est si Bon, like its name’s English translation, “is so good.” Since 1979, C’est si Bon has been a neighborhood staple in Newport Beach and for good reason. Bread may be the star of the show, but the shop offers plenty of other goodies as well, ranging from sheet cakes and tarts to cookies and truffle cups. Be sure to try a filled croissant or an apple puff—they won’t disappoint. 149 Riverside Ave., Suite A
PALM BEACH EARTH AND SUGAR
Founded by self-taught baker Janderyn Makris, Earth and Sugar has been delivering works of confectionery art from its West Palm Beach studio since its opening over a decade ago. From cookie cakes and meringues to brownie bars and whimsical cakes, this bakery’s treats are a feast for the eyes. Don’t skip on its pre-packaged baking mixes, including classic, vegan and gluten-free cakes; or its Bake at Home box, which includes all you need to whip up seasonal cupcakes and cakes. 5505 S. Dixie Highway
PHILADELPHIA VELVET SKY BAKERY
Velvet Sky Bakery is taking a creative approach to its cakes by making three-dimensional sculpted custom cakes for any occasion. Owner and head designer, Jordan Harvey is helping you make the most of your celebration with cakes in the form of animals, books, musical instruments and more. 307 Leedom St.
SAN FRANCISCO TARTINE BAKERY
A Bay Area cult classic, Tartine has multiple locations all over San Francisco
and has been putting out some of the best bread the city has to offer since their opening. Founders Chad Robinson and Elizabeth Prueitt created all of their signature bread and pastry recipes with the idea of bringing over intricate, handcrafted baked goods to the West Coast. Multiple locations
SCOTTSDALE BUTTA CAKES
If you’re seeking out a buttery, melt-inyour-mouth treat, look no further than Butta Cakes. These bite-sized butter cakes—two inches to be exact—are packed with the finest ingredients to create a moist, decadent dessert. Welcome the fast-approaching summer season with refreshing flavors like lemon, key lime, and strawberry. These little cakes are the perfect way to impress at your next occasion, but careful, they’ll go quick! 20801 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 107
SILICON VALLEY ALEXANDER’S PATISSERIE
Alexander’s Patisserie is a one-stop destination for pastries and desserts of all kinds, from croissants to chocolates to macarons, but the gems that shine brightest are its full-size cakes (mousse cakes, opera cakes and Black Forest cakes) often done up with icing in eye-catching jewel tones. Chef Phuong Quach Fung not only knows and works with California’s bountiful fruits, but brings an Asian influence to her modern French cuisine. 9379 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino
WASHINGTON, D.C. BAKED & WIRED
Established in the heart of Georgetown in 2001, Baked & Wired is the place to find the best local cupcakes. With a mission to create familial connections through their food, all of the small-batch goods are inspired by family recipes. Including their infamously enormous cupcakes, the bakery serves tasteful baked goods, pound cakes and breakfast options like their oatmeal with apples and a berry compote. 1052 Thomas Jefferson St. NW
Kylie HAVINGJenner HER CAKE AND EATING IT, TOO
KYLIE JENNER MAY BE A POLARIZING FIGURE IN POPULAR CULTURE, BUT LOVE HER OR NOT, THE YOUNGEST KARDASHIANJENNER SPARKS CONVERSATION — AND DELIVERS RESULTS.
The data tells the story. Crowned Spring/Summer 2025’s most impactful influencer by influencer marketing platform Lefty and brand agency Karla Otto, Jenner generated $20.3 million in earned media value (EMV) from just three appearances last fashion season. (Based on Instagram impressions and engagement, EMV is calculated as $1 per like.)
At the end of Paris Fashion Week last year, Jenner closed Coperni’s Disneyland show, emerging from Sleeping Beauty’s Castle in a gothic-Cinderella taffeta gown. She shared videos of the moment, plus peaks behind the scenes, in three Instagram posts to her almost 400 million followers, generating 14.4 million in EMV. Her appearance alone drove $17.9 million — or 66 percent — of Coperni’s total media impact value (MIV places value on posts, mentions and interactions), according to data analytics provider Launchmetrics. “We wanted to craft a moment that was not only about fashion but also about a magical experience, and Kylie’s presence brought that to life,” say Coperni’s co-founders, creative director Sébastien Meyer and CEO Arnaud Vaillant. “The level of virality was impressive; the video of her closing the show reached almost 18 million views on [our] Instagram the day after.”
Meyer and Vaillant describe Jenner as “risk-taking, free, authentic and innovative”, explaining that these shared values make her the ideal brand fit. Jenner is a frequent Coperni collaborator. In 2022, she posted Kylie Cosmetics products in a glass, devil-horned Coperni Swipe bag — an endorsement that, as Valliant told British Vogue at the time, “changed everything”. And for the brand’s robot dogs AW23 show, while Jenner wasn’t in attendance, she starred in a campaign released on show day wearing a look from the collection, which garnered hundreds of thousands of likes across her and the brand’s Instagram accounts.
During Paris fashion week, Jenner also attended emerging Parisian label Atlein’s SS25 show (aligned with the launch of Atlein’s collaboration with her fashion brand Khy). Annika Baer, marketing manager at Lefty, notes that Atlein’s show — the first since partnering with Khy — reached $11.6 million in EMV, a “remarkable” 5,079 per cent year-on-year increase in visibility.
Outside of shows and red carpets, Jenner has been busy this year. From expanding Khy — her year-old label that collaborates with emerging designers on accessibly priced drops — to Kylie
Cosmetics, Kylie Skin and drinks brand Sprinter, as well as gracing recent covers of British Vogue and Elle, Jenner is omnipresent in the fashion landscape. The thing is, she has been an influencer since her early teens. Rukiat Ashawe, junior strategist at marketing agency The Digital Fairy, says: “Kylie defined what it means to be an influencer long before the creator economy was a thing.”
But why is she so resonant in 2024? And what does her impact mean for brands?
KYLIE’S BRAND IMPACT
MaryLeigh Bliss, chief content officer at Gen Z and millennial research agency YPulse, attributes Jenner’s lasting appeal to her talent for making the unattainably aspirational feel surprisingly relatable. “While Kylie may not have been the star of her family’s reality TV show [Keeping Up with the Kardashians, now The Kardashians], she made herself the star on social media, where she was — at least at the start — more approachable and relatable than the rest of her family.” Acne Studios creative director Jonny Johansson says that “despite being part of the world’s most famous family, [Kylie] has this underdog quality that’s unexpected”, speaking to her endearing candidness, even as her image and lifestyle have become increasingly refined.
The most digitally savvy of the Kardashian-Jenner clan, she’s embraced early social platforms like Vine and Snapchat, setting the blueprint for social media stardom by balancing authenticity with aspiration. In her 2015 to 2016 self-titled ‘King Kylie’ era, defined by bold hair colors and heavy, matte beauty looks, Jenner resonated deeply with her predominantly Gen Z, always-online fan base through her a relatable portrayal of teenage life, and later motherhood, even against the backdrop of celebrity.
Alongside her aspirational fashion week content and campaign shoots, Jenner leans into popular social media formats like #GRWMs, daily vlogs and cooking videos. Or comedic carpool videos with her best friend and influencer Anastasia Karanikolaou (or ‘StassieBaby’), where they try menus at The Cheesecake
Factory (garnering 6.2 million views on TikTok) or drive to popular LA fast food chain In-N-Out. “Many Gen Z and millennial fans experienced life stages with her,” says Bliss, describing their strong parasocial bond. Simar Deol, foresight analyst at strategic consultancy The Future Laboratory, adds: “This performed authenticity is precisely what appeals to younger audiences, especially Gen Z.”
“Despite being part of the world’s most famous family, [Kylie] has this underdog quality that’s unexpected.”
Later on, in a departure from her previous ultra-glam campaigns, Jenner embraced a characteristically Scandinavian, stripped-back look to front Swedish label Acne Studios’s AW23 ‘Dirty Denim’ collection. Captured by Dutch photographer Carlijn Jacobs in distressed, ‘muddied’ denim, Jenner shared a behind-the-scenes video on her Instagram, valued at $1.5 million MIV, according to Launchmetrics. The campaign was very successful. Within two weeks, her influence generated $9.4 million in MIV for Acne. Acne Studios CEO Mattias Magnusson noted that “customers still ask for the ‘Kylie bag’ (the multi-pocket style launched via the campaign),” confirming it as a top seller. “Kylie’s global appeal boosted sales across the US, Europe and key Asian markets — a rare cross-market success.” Creative director Johansson adds: “For someone so powerful, she still carries a sense of being underestimated, partnering with someone like her, who embodies both status and spirit, is truly unique.”
BUILDING HER EMPIRE: FROM KYLIE COSMETICS TO KHY
Back in 2019, Jenner sold a 51 per cent stake in Kylie Cosmetics — the makeup brand she launched in 2015, years before Gen Z celebrity brands like Rhode or Rare Beauty emerged — to beauty giant Coty for $600 million. The sale valued Kylie Cosmetics at around $1.2 billion. According to Circana data, its 2024 fragrance topped the US women’s fragrance ranking from January to March (though
Coty declined to provide specific sales data).
And then there is Jenner’s latest venture: Khy. Leveraging her influence to spotlight independent designers, the label has so far partnered with five international luxury brands — Namilia, Entire Studios, Natasha Zinko, ioannes and Atlein — on exclusive drops, alongside creating its own capsules. Though Khy hasn’t disclosed sales figures, the brand shares that its collaborations are Khy’s “most financially successful” drops, highlighting the pivotal role of its incubation model.
Acting as a disruptive, influencer-driven take on traditional fashion incubators, Khy merges Jenner’s signature style — sexy, clean-cut, figure hugging — with collaborative designer drops.
“The exposure Khy brought to my brand was tremendous,” says Londonbased designer Natasha Zinko, who collaborated with Khy in April on Drop 005, which consisted of everyday denim and deconstructed tees. The collection sold out at Selfridges, where it debuted in a physical pop-up space. Following the collaboration, Zinko saw a 27 per cent combined increase in business across her Soho flagship and online store, along with “significant Gen Z follower growth”.
In September this year, Berlin based brand ioannes collaborated with Khy on its first print collection. Available in two colorways — black and hot pink — the 10-piece drop combined a bold peony flower graphic with minimal silhouettes. “While traditional incubators often cater to niche audiences, Khy helped us create a collection that felt authentic yet accessible globally,” says creative director Johannes Boehl Cronau. For ioannes, Cronau says Jenner’s influence “didn’t just increase awareness”, but “allowed connection with a broader, more diverse audience”.
Los Angeles-based label Entire Studios drove the highest engagement (10.4 per cent) among Khy’s collaborators,
with demand for its first release — a functional outerwear drop consisting of puffer jackets and versatile base layers — so high, it prompted a second. “We were inundated with restock requests,” says co-founder Dylan Richards-Diaz. “Working with someone who truly understands our vision made the collaboration feel natural.” Co-founder Sebastian Hunt says, “Having any A-list celebrity wear your brand is impactful. But Jenner’s choice to not only wear our pieces, but collaborate on a collection and market it herself, is invaluable.”
Interspersed between collaborations, Khy’s own collections range from fleece loungewear (Drop 003: Sweats & Tees) to sleek two-piece sets (Drop 004: Day to Night), lightweight summer milkmaid dresses (Drop 007: Poplin), and holiday-ready micro bikinis with mesh cover-ups (Drop 008: Vacation Shop), balancing a mix of neutral and vibrant color palettes.
Khy’s Instagram is driving the bulk of the brand’s impact, according to Lefty. “It has an impressive engagement rate of 12.84 per cent on a business account with one million followers, far exceeding the 1 to 2 per cent average,” Baer says.
For all her achievements, Jenner remains a divisive figure. For all the positive comments on her recent Coperni Disneyland posts, there were negative opinions, too. This was mirrored following the reveal of Jenner’s British Vogue cover, where thousands of reactions online ranged from admiration to scrutiny. The core criticism is that the mega-influencer has set unrealistic beauty standards. It’s something she’s acknowledged on The Kardashians and in her most recent interview with British Vogue, where she confirmed using lip filler in the 2010s.
Yet, her relevance endures. Rather than Jenner’s success creating a
barrier between her and her fans, it’s her openness that has kept millions closely engaged. “Jenner’s openness about her insecurities is what helps audiences find her relatable,” says Deol from The Future Laboratory. Meanwhile, YPulse’s Bliss observes that “being named the youngest self-made billionaire is aspirational.
Though she may not be as relatable as she once was, there’s still much for Gen Z to admire.” Entire Studios’ Hunt adds: “She’s not only kept her fan base; she’s also tapped into new audiences — in beauty and now in fashion. She has all the essential factors to resonate with today’s consumer.”
FASHION & STYLE
GUCCI CRUISE 2026 IS FLORENCE-INSPIRED
YOUR UPGRADE IS HERE: MISSONI X DELTA ONE
GUCCI CRUISE 26
Gucci Cruise is Florence-Inspired
FLORENCE, ITALY - WITHIN THE STORIED WALLS OF THE 15TH-CENTURY PALAZZO SETTIMANNI— HOME TO THE GUCCI ARCHIVE—THE HOUSE’S CRUISE 2026 COLLECTION UNFOLDED IN A LUXURIOUS DISPLAY OF EXPERT COLOR PAIRINGS, RETRO TAILORING, AND EXTRAVAGANT ACCESSORIES.
The styling was impeccable, delivering look after look destined for the red carpet. Though officially credited to the inhouse studio team behind the fall/winter
2025 season, the collection bore traces of Demna’s aesthetic. From neon pink satin bags to boldly structured shoulders and fuzzy coats worn as minidresses, his influence was both nuanced and undeniable—subtle enough to pass under the radar, yet instantly recognizable to the trained eye.
Overall, the collection was wearable and fun, featuring playful yet luxurious pieces like rhinestone stockings adorned with Gucci’s classic interlocking Gs—a nod to last season’s logo catsuit. A candy-striped bag paired with a matching coat and oversized sunglasses added a dose of drama. Handbags remained a focal point throughout, with models casually clutch-
ing chain-strapped styles from the side, adding an air of effortless cool. Making its debut on the runway—and available to shop now—was the Giglio bag: an oversized tote cleverly styled as a foldover clutch.
Jewelry lovers were treated to a landmark debut: the first-ever Monili high jewelry collection co-created by Pomellato and Gucci, unveiled on the runway alongside the looks. These one-of-a-kind pieces combined Gucci’s leather craftsmanship with the jeweler’s signature Iconica link, culminating in a design entirely encrusted in diamonds and centered around a nearly 20-carat green tourmaline. As the show came to a close, models
GUCCI CRUISE
made their way out to the Piazza, where trattoria diners looked on over their aperitivi, momentarily blurring the line between runway and real life. Looking back, the jewelry felt like the perfect finishing touch to the collection’s delicate silk chiffons, intricate lace, and sequin eveningwear.
While hinting at what may lie ahead in the fall, this collection served as a
thoughtful homage to Gucci’s rich design legacy. Spanning decades of house codes—from the provocative glamour of Tom Ford to the eclectic maximalism of Alessandro Michele—it showcased the brand’s rare ability to draw from a lineage of visionary creative directors while charting a new course forward. As the echoes of the past mingled with hints of the future, one question lingered in the air: what comes next?
MOCHA MADNESS
Comforting, sophisticated, earthy, and timeless, brown is never out of style, but it was especially trending on the runways of Fall 2025. From coffees and caramels to mahoganies and mushrooms, the color was never far away.
Endlessly versatile while bringing its own rich sense of character, brown comprised both fully
monochrome looks and brought its distinct flavor to unique color combinations, in which it can have a more palpable and quirky impact than other neutrals like black or gray. The trend may also be seen another indicator of a shift away from minimalism and quiet luxury and toward a more expressive, organic take on luxury. In this connection, brown
shares some crossover with the fur revival that characterized so many of the season’s runway shows, bringing refinement and rawness as designers channeled organic animal energy into visions of luxury that blurred the lines between classic and contemporary.
MOCHA MADNESS
MOCHA MADNESS
THE LUXURY FASHION HOUSE RE-IMAGINES
DELTA ONE WITH CUSTOM BEDDING, AMENITY KITS, AND SIGNATURE DESIGNS
Delta and Missoni are expanding their collaboration with a luxurious new Delta One collection, debuting this summer on international flights. The capsule includes custom-designed bedding, upgraded amenity kits, and signature accessories from the Italian fashion house.
The updated Delta One bedding set includes a Missoni duvet and pillow with subtle zigzag designs and navy trim, alongside a white sleeping pillow
and Delta’s popular mattress pad—now available on all Delta One flights. A new memory foam cuddle pillow will also be introduced on long-haul routes, and Missoni-branded slippers will roll out later this year.
The refreshed amenity kits, launching in the fall, reflect the colors of the sky with Missoni’s iconic zigzag exterior in blue or cream and gold hardware. Inside, passengers will find Missoni socks and eye masks, Grown Alchemist skincare, an upgraded pen, a bamboo toothbrush, Marvis toothpaste, and earplugs. Delta and Missoni co-developed an exclusive pattern that blends the airline’s 100-year heritage with Missoni’s visual storytelling.
“In travel, every moment matters — not just where you’re going, but how you get there,” said Mauricio Parise, Delta’s VP of brand experiences. “We are intentional about each detail…which is instantly elevated with Missoni’s signature designs.”
Missoni creative director Alberto Caliri added: “In crafting the next generation of our amenity kit we embraced our signature artistry, blending patterns, textures and hues to create a kit that’s distinct, enduring, and designed to suit your lifestyle beyond your time on the plane.”
The full Missoni collection will be available across all Delta One flights by year’s end.
In a high-end building, on the second floor, this reception apartment boasts a floor area of 320 sqm (3,444 sq ft) and has undergone exceptional renovation.
It comprises an entrance gallery, a spacious living room with a continuous balcony offering breathtaking views of the Elysée Palace, complemented by a bar, a corner office, a dining room, two suites with walk-in closets and bathrooms, a third children’s bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, an eat-in kitchen, a second professional kitchen, and a laundry room.
This offering is further enhanced by a 20 sqm (215 sq ft) service studio, a storage room and a parking space. Secure, fully air-conditioned, and equipped with a home automation system. Features highly luxurious amenities.
Virginie de SAINT LEGER
Victor Hugo Agency Director
+33 7 55 56 11 12
MANSION OF THE MONTH
MANSION OF THE MONTH
MANSION OF THE MONTH
FRENCH DESIGN IN D.C.
6431 GEORGETOWN PIKE, MCLEAN, VIRGINIA
$22,500,000 USD | | 10 BEDROOMS | 14 BATHROOMS
22,000 SQ FT.
Timeless architecture, unparalleled scale and one of America’s most prestigious addresses in McLean, Virginia just minutes from Washington, DC. 6431 Georgetown Pike encompasses nearly 4 acres and spans 22,000 square feet across 4 levels with 10 en suite bedrooms.
French design has made a significant impact in the United States, particularly in the Washington D. C. region, Palm Beach, Bel Air and Beverly Hills, reflecting classic elegance and sophistication.
A sweeping private drive leads to stately wrought iron gates revealing a breathtaking approach to the center of the home within a large motor court. Captivating iron work carries through to the double front doors. It’s a first impression that radiates enduring sophistication that transcends trends.
What you’ll find inside this Langley Farms home are interiors designed for modern living at the highest level. A gleaming Italian marble foyer offers front-toback views from the moment you enter. Exquisite floor-to-ceiling millwork, white oak hardwoods and hand forged iron railings are thoughtfully integrated throughout the home, creating a subtle continuity reflecting the highest quality craftsmanship and design.
An oversized living room is tailor made for large scale entertaining as well as intimate gatherings featuring full height windows with panoramic garden views, a wet bar and a trellis plaster ceiling. The graceful moldings are showcased across the main level including the dining room currently set for 12 guests, a handsome paneled fireside library, and a coffered
ceiling in the great room. The principal kitchen features multiple satellite work areas, including an adjacent catering kitchen and butlers pantry.
The second level primary bedroom retreat spans an impressive 3,300 square feet, with it’s own sitting room and a private terrace, each elegantly appointed with fireplaces. The suite features a double vanity bathroom with a standalone soaking tub as a central design component, and a spacious shower, enveloped in beautiful tile work and luxurious fixtures. An extraordinary two-story primary bedroom closet redefines luxury, showcasing top-of-theline Italian cabinetry meticulously crafted to optimize space and style.
Every detail invites homeowners to display their wardrobes and accessories in an elegant, thoughtfully designed environment.
The builders are offering an opportunity to add an additional two-room closet with kitchenette and full bathroom by seamlessly incorporating a passageway from the bathroom into the currently designated separate second-floor apartment.
The second level includes 3 elegantly appointed en suite bedrooms, and the third level also features 3 en suite bedrooms. The lower level offers 2 more en suite bedrooms, ensuring privacy and ample accommodations for large families, guests and staff, with each floor thoughtfully equipped with its own kitchen and
laundry room. The lower level is a spectacular haven for leisure, featuring a tiered screening room, a dedicated spa with dry sauna and steam room, a wellness relaxation room, a massage room, a glam room, a gym, and a stylish lounge with a gracefully contoured wet bar and direct access to a private outdoor area that beautifully mirrors a serene park setting.
The rear grounds are anchored by a swimming pool adorned with elegant waterfall and fountain features, complemented by a floor to ceiling waterfall. This outdoor retreat also features a retractable 200 inch
television, and a covered dining area with a built-in grilling kitchen. Behind the scenes, the entire property is self-sufficient with smart home technology controlling lighting, sound, HVAC and security systems.
The residence includes 5 deep garage bays and enough secure hardscape for 30 cars. Additionally, furnishings can be included in the purchase offering an attractive opportunity for an effortless transition. 6431 Georgetown Pike showcases meticulous craftsmanship, infusing warmth throughout and accentuating its classic beauty.
WEISSENHAUS
SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN, 23758 GERMANY
A85,000,000 EUROS
GERMANY’S MOST EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE COASTAL ESTATE A MASTERPIECE OF HERITAGE
ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY TO OWN ONE OF EUROPE’S MOST EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE ESTATES— WEISSENHAUS, A FULLY GATED, ULTRA-PRIVATE COASTAL SANCTUARY SPANNING 180 ACRES ALONG THE PRISTINE BALTIC SEA.
With over two miles of private beachfront, this historic noble estate has been meticulously re-imagined into a trophy property, world-class resort, and investment opportunity.
The estate features 40 restored historic buildings, 70 exquisite suites, villas, and grand residences, a 27,000 sq. ft. award-winning spa, and four Michelinlevel dining experiences. An exclusive recording studio and event venue comple-
ment its limitless potential—whether as a legacy estate, luxury retreat, or visionary business project.
Weissenhaus is a masterpiece of heritage and innovation, offering unmatched privacy, security, and prestige. A rare asset designed for connoisseurs, creators, and global investors.
In Search of Solace Polo Lifestyles Vine Finds
Livermore Valley's Re-Emergence
as a Wine Powerhouse
WILLIAM SMITH
@willismith_2000 COPY EDITOR & CONTRIBUTOR
FOR MOST VISITORS SEEKING A WINE ADVENTURE AND COMING INTO THE SAN FRANCISCO
BAY AREA, THEIR JOURNEY IS OFTEN NORTH –INTO THE FAMED SONOMA AND NAPA VALLEYS. IT’S UNDERSTANDABLE.
Some of the world’s best wines can be accessed there and with wine tourism taking a hit since the pandemic and many tasting rooms shuttering their operations entirely or curtailing hours, every visitor is needed. Go!
But visitors to Northern California wine country are missing out if they don’t journey further abroad, adding on a day or two to explore the regions other incredible and diverse wine regions –including the still-bucolic and ever-pioneering Livermore Valley.
The Livermore Valley
Under an hour’s drive west from San Francisco lies one of the oldest wine regions in the state – and maybe even the oldest – where Spanish missionaries first planted wine grapes in the mid1700s. In the 1840s, Robert Livermore, the valley’s namesake, planted the first commercial vineyard and was creating table wine for the bustling transit of settlers and gold seekers who stopped over in what would become known as Livermore. By the 1880s, other entrepreneurs saw opportunity in viniculture.
One such pioneer in the area’s wine making was Charles Wetmore, who founded Cresta Blanca Winery in 1882
with, among other sources, Sauvignon Blanc cuttings from France’s Château d’Yquem – that makes for not too shabby a start-up. His success was almost immediate. Nearly a century before the Judgment of Paris, which is largely credited in the contemporary narrative for putting Napa Valley wines at the pinnacle of a wine lover’s pursuit, Wetmore’s 1884 vintage of Cresta Blanca Sauvignon Blanc won the Grand Prix at the 1889 Paris International Exposition.
Along with Wetmore, two wine legends in the Valley also started around this same time – Carl H. Wente and James Concannon. Both the Wente and Concannon wine making enterprises exist to this day, with each, respectively, being the largest and second largest present-day producers of wine from the Livermore Valley. Even more interesting, is that wine as we know it in California would not exist without the efforts of these two winemakers.
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First, there is Chardonnay which, as the reigning king of white wines in northern California, might not be the case were it not for the Wente family’s propagation of a clone developed on their property in Livermore, including through Prohibition when Wente was one of only a few winemakers authorized to continue operations for the purpose of sacramental wine production. That clone, which produces small-yields of high-quality, bold and fruit-forward grapes, came to dominate and today accounts for 75 percent of all Chardonnay grown in California. That California chardonnay style – that’s Wente.
And second, there is Cabernet Sauvignon. In 1965, third generation vintner Jim Concannon worked with UC-Davis and undertook the development of clones of the varietal that would be more resistant to attacks of phylloxera. From that effort emerged Clones 7, 8, and 11 which now account for an estimated 80 percent of all Cabernet Sauvignon grown in California.
The legacy and history of wine in California is one profoundly influenced by the Livermore Valley and its producers. And from a recent trip to the area, it feels evident that the future of California wine is also front and center in the Valley’s contemporary wine scene. From glorious, historical estates to plucky and talented vintners creating craft bottlings, there is a vibrancy and optimism in Livermore that is infectious in the best of ways.
The Livermore Valley was designated an American Viticultural Area (AVA) only in 1982 and largely to elevate and differentiate itself from other areas within California’s Central Coast appellation. Additionally, sprawl and gentrification into the valley was threatening the existence of the area’s viticulture. With a designated importance as a viticultural area, a plan was subsequently adopted for the region that protects and stewards the Valley’s rich past as a wine making region into the present. Today, more than 50 wineries call the Livermore
Valley home. It’s a place with a unique climate, where summer days can be blistering, but where much of the planted vineyards are situated in such a way as to benefit from coastal breezes and morning fog that control temperature and ripening.
In advance of a recent outing to Livermore Valley, I did something unusual – I crowdsourced recommendations from a wine aficionado group on Facebook. That yielded a dozen or so recommendations that, with additional research, I whittled down to four – Wente Family Vineyards, Omega Road Winery, Steven Kent Winery, and Darcie Kent Estate Winery (the latter two having no familial relationship to one another).
Wente Family Vineyards wentevineyards.com
Wente Family Vineyards’ main tasting room is a stunning property – purchased in 1981, it was the historic Cresta Blanca Winery estate and Niki
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Wente, who played an excellent host, showed me one of the large historic, artfully carved barrels used at Cresta Blanca nearly a century earlier. The contemporary elegance of the estate and its tasting room meld effortlessly with Spanish Colonial-inspired architectural elements. There is also an adjacent golf course where at several times throughout the summer, guests can participate in “Swing Sip Barbecue” and play seven holes of golf while enjoying wine and a barbecue buffet dinner at the property’s restaurant, The Grill.
As enthralling as the property and its history can be, of course the real reason to visit Wente is the wine. What was once a fully operational and posh restaurant on property now serves as the “Tasting Lounge” that offers seated tastings throughout the day both inside and on the patio. Reservations are recommended (and can be made on the website) but they also welcome walkins. Many of Wente’s wines can be found everywhere and are in wide distribution. But several can only be found at the Tasting Room or by ordering directly
from Wente and in last month’s Vine Finds in Polo Lifestyles, I reviewed one such wine, the 2024 Niki’s Rosé. It’s the perfect summer wine. Other standouts included the 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, which I will be reviewing later this summer, and the 2020 Limited Release Cabernet Franc.
Omega Road Winery
omegaroadwinery.com
Omega Road is a favorite of Livermore Valley wine lovers and for good reason. The place and its wines ooze a welcoming and informal playfulness coupled with an artisan’s approach to small production bottlings. In total, Omega Road produces around 800 cases a year. The tasting room and production facility sit inside a modest storefront in Livermore’s Vasco Row, where craft breweries, distillers, and winemakers have gathered together to create a burgeoning entertainment venue.
Omega Road is a family venture, founded by father-daughter team Ken and Alexandra Henkelman. If you’re lucky,
as I was, Alexandra will be your host in the tasting room and Ken may pop in as well. Ken learned wine making from Michael Grgich of Chateau Montelena and the eponymous Grgich Hills Estate. His love of the craft has rubbed off on Alexandra, who shares a wealth of knowledge about what she does in the most unpretentious style.
Settling into a couch in the tasting room felt like the warmth of a living room –and good thing since I stayed way past closing and had to taste every unique and delicious bottling possible. The 2023 Sparkling Alvarinho, with fruit sourced from the Silvaspoons Vineyard in nearby Lodi, was crisp and citrusy and a total surprise from a varietal finding its expression in California’s warmer climates. The 2020 Tempranillo, with fruit sourced from a Wente property in Livermore, was exquisite, with a nose of leather and moss, and lush on the palette with lots of dark fruits and well-balanced tannins.
Darcie Kent Estate Winery darciekentvineyards.com
Established in 1996, the family owned and operated winery is helmed by winemaker Darcie Kent, a fifth-generation vintner whose Swiss great, great grandfather journeyed to America in the late 19th century to pursue a career in wine. Darcie is also an artist, so there are visual cues to her dual identities everywhere, including a brightly painted shipping container and holding tank. It’s a bit of whimsy that also makes its way to the colorful artistry of each and every label on the estate’s wines.
Reservations can be made online through the winery’s website with both indoor and outdoor options available. On the day of my visit, several walk ins were also welcomed and easily accommodated. Indoor tastings occur in Bing’s Barn, which was part of Cedar Mountain Winery that Darcie acquired
in 2013. It’s a homey space with a glass door front that creates opportune gazing at the vines stretching to the horizon.
Various tasting flights are offered. I loved the 2024 Victories Rosé of Malbec. Darcie Kent uses Malbec in blending various reds, but here it stands on its own, with tart strawberry, ripe melon, and bone dry minerality. Delicious. As a bonus, $2 from the sale of every bottle goes to support breast cancer care for lower income neighbors in the community. Locals love the Darcie Kent Firepit Red. The 2020 vintage is a blend of 80 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 20 percent Petite Sirah and as the name indicates, is the perfect red to open with friends around a firepit or over an evening of camaraderie with friends and grilled anything.
Steven Kent Winery
stevenkent.com
Of all the recommendations received from my crowdsourcing, the Steven Kent Winery rose to the top. I undertook some additional research, and it was clear there was something to pursue here. Accolades were aplenty for Steven Kent and his heightened level of craftsmanship toward his Cabernet Sauvignon and even more so, toward his Cabernet Franc bottlings. When Steven
himself greeted me at the door of his tasting room – also on Vasco Row – he was all smiles and immediately led us to an impeccably arranged tasting set up. What became immediately clear was that I wasn’t just here for a tasting, I was here to leave convinced that the Livermore Valley’s future lies in creating world class Cabernet Franc. This is a man on a mission. I met no one in the Valley more tenacious than he in the pursuit of elevating the Livermore Valley to the upper echelons of the world’s top wine regions.
Kent, a sixth-generation winemaker, hails from the Mirassou family, which has been making wine in California for more than 160 years and were pioneers of Pinot Noir cultivation in the state. In 1996, and with his father, they started the Steven Kent Winery. “Our first wines were very well-received and were proof of our feeling that the Livermore Valley was as ideally suited as any growing area in the world to produce world-class Bordeaux varietals,” he wrote. In 2007, he launched the Lineage line of wine under the Steven Kent umbrella, a singular bottling each year of a Cabernet Sauvignon dominant blend. The 2018 vintage received a stellar 97 score from Wine Enthusiast. In 2017, he launched L’Autre Côte, a Cabernet Franc
dominant blend – the yin to the Lineage yang in Kent’s world of viticulture – a delicious and dark fruit-forward wine with herbaceous and spice notes and fine-grained tannins.
Kent believes that to increase the visibility of the Livermore Valley, producers need to focus in on doing one or two things exceptionally well. With his Cabernet Franc wines, he’s going all in. Several favorites of his wines – the 2023 Elements and the 2023 Rock Cabernet Francs – are from select blocks in the prized Ghielmetti Vineyard in the Livermore Valley where Kent has homed in on terroir and clonal selection toward extracting excellence. Both are only available in the tasting room and are small production.
Tasting through a half dozen of Kent’s Cabernet Franc bottlings had the feel of both a master class in the varietal and the most compelling sales pitch for the future of the grape in the Livermore Valley. Had his wines not been up to the task, I would have walked away amused. As it is, count me in Steve, as both a convert and a member of the cheering squad.
As always, Salud!
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ASCENDING THE RAINBOW BRIDGE TO RESTORE OUR SPIRITUAL SENSES
Erected in the heart of the ancient city of Thebes, the Luxor Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that represents the largest and most significant religious center in the ancient Egyptian kingdom. One of the richest and most important cities in ancient Egypt, Thebes, the city of the god Amon, was the capital of Egypt during the period of the Middle and New Kingdoms. With the temples and palaces at Karnak and Luxor, and the necropolises of the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens, Thebes is a striking testimony to Egyptian civilization at its height, an empire extending from the Euphrates to northern Sudan.
Constructed over hundreds of years by Amenhotep III, Ramses II, Tutankhamun, and other pharaohs, Luxor Temple was “the place of the First Occasion,” where the god Amon experienced rebirth during the Pharaoh's annually re-en-
acted coronation ceremony. Today, the remains of this vast complex include the colossal Great Colonnade Hall, almost 61 meters long, with 28 twentyone-foot-high columns; its decoration largely undertaken by Tutankhamun around 1330 B.C.
The Luxor Temple, along with the Avenue of Sphinxes, served as a pathway to divinity for the ancient Egyptians, particularly during the Opet Festival. The temple is a sacred space dedicated to the Theban Triad, which consisted of Amun, his consort Mut, and their son Khonsu; the avenue connected it to the Karnak Temple, another important temple complex. The Opet Festival involved processions of the gods’ statues from Karnak to Luxor, symbolizing divine rejuvenation and the Pharaoh's divine connection, linking the celestial and Earthly realms.
In addition to honoring the Theban triad, the Opet Festival
was important to legitimize the power of the pharaoh. In the ancient Egyptian worldview, kings were divine. They were not gods themselves; but physical manifestations of the divine, serving as the link between the people and the gods of Egypt.
Luxor Temple has a very significant purpose in our own Ascension journey for the rainbow light body activation. It is not only the solar plexus chakra of Egypt, but the Etheric Ascension Temple that is overlayed upon the physical temple. Here, the sacredness of the temple demonstrates the importance the ancient Egyptians had of solar worship. The sun symbolizes life, illumination, and divine power, just as the solar plexus is associated with personal power, confidence and transformation, helping us to connect with inner strength and vitality.
As the Ascension temple, it is here that initiates are tested in
how to move through the inner chaos and into harmony with ourselves and our environment. The Luxor Temple, mirroring the human form, as the body of the Pharaoh, is thought to represent our spiritual evolution toward the perfect human being. As humanity ascends beyond the fifth dimension, we strive to embody this spiritual archetype as a crystalline bridge between realms.
In preparation of our Ascension journey, to access the powerful spiritual energies at this ancient, sacred site, it is crucial to both appreciate, with an in-depth comprehension of the fundamental purpose of these temples, and to prepare our minds, bodies and souls to receive the resonant transmission available. As we remember, we are called, and as we answer, we receive all that we need to rise above the darkness which is being cleared from the lower dimensions of our collective energy.
THE POWER OF EMOTIONAL RESILIENCY
A“Common actors upon this stage of cosmic illusion, what thread of truth is there to provide a sense of permanency to illumine our collective confusion with memory of our own grand dynasty?” -
AMRITLAL अमृत
SPIRITUALITY
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S FEAR-TACTICS FILL THE MEDIA WAVES, WEAKENING OUR STANCE BY FILLING OUR MINDS WITH UNNECESSARY DREAD, DISTORTING OUR SENSE OF WHAT TRULY LIES AHEAD, A JOURNEY TO OUR ANCIENT ROOTS IS SURE TO AWAKEN OUR MEMORY OF THE POWER THAT STIRS WITHIN. EVER DORMANT, YET ANXIOUS TO UNRAVEL, MASTERING THE ART OF ASCENSION REQUIRES PRACTICE AND PRUDENCE, DEVOTION AND DETERMINATION TO GENERATE THIS SWEET CURRENCY OF LIFE’S IMMORTAL SENSE AWARENESS.
A true Monarch Visionary stands like a spiritual king, in need of nothing, for
he guides his consort of souls into the Cosmos through the vision he holds valiantly, wielding the cosmic power of the Kundalini serpent energy. As an embodied vessel of the universal fire of purification, it is through the rainbow radiance of our reflection that reality bends to the magnetization of the divinely charged senses.
In this month’s Ascension contribution, we return to Ancient Egypt with a modern-day view of the science of piezoelectricity, the divine fire that bridges souls across space and time, merging the past and future in the present mission, common to us all. When the stressors of our era activate our spiritual memory of our infinite potential, our illumined sense shall bridge us beyond the limitations of the mind then shall we be driven to realize what we are truly capable of becoming.
In partnership with Healogy5, Monarch Visionary invites you to take a quantum leap into self-belief, harnessing your divine frequency to live a life inspired by your eternal pursuit to master your spiritual energy. Resurrected beyond
the slave-mind paradigm, as we clear the fear from our flesh, our soul can be free to rest, harmonized beyond the destructive frequencies of worry and despair to soar to new planes of blissful manifestations.
THE POWER OF EMOTIONAL RESILIENCY
“Life’s greatest reward is the ever-evolving sense awareness of our collective soul”
Do you truly know who you are? Or do you feel lost in the weight of the news? In ancient cultures, initiation was a process through which future rulers and spiritual leaders overcame their most horrifying fears to liberate their consciousness for travel through the astral realms where they received the necessary lessons from masters and guides beyond the veil.
Facing the depths of darkness to realize their original essence, they returned from this spiritual quest with the illuminated sense to lead their people as Enlightened masters prepared to face the dire, and, many times, sacrificial
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consequences of leading a mighty empire into new heights.
The power we all seek lies within the ever-expansive radiance of our heart; however, we can only access this potential when we face our challenges with transformative resilience. While we may feel disconnected from the ancient practices that birthed men into gods, the teachings of our ancestors remain dormant still within our genetic code.
When our minds are under attack, and our emotions are used to drag us down, the greatest tool is finding our breath and attuning our senses to clarity and
depth for the resonance of our expression to guide us through the many deceptive shades of illusion. Mastering this simple ancient art of emotional resiliency unveils the inner teacher, the future self, that guides us upon our higher path of self-mastery to crystallize our light body, our Merkaba.
Through the power of breath alone, we can charge our cells with the power to carry us into a new reality, establishing a bridge home for others to follow. The legacy of our genetic impression, as we deliver our souls to Heaven, is the greatest gift of awareness that we can ever know – such is the currency of the soul.
EMBODY A MISSION THAT EXPANDS YOUR VISION
“When you live to set your spirit free, your life becomes a wish fulfilling dream for all within circumference of your heart’s radiant frequency,” - अमृत
The Luxor Temple is a prime example of initiation into the great mystery that spans lineages in embodied pursuit of the teachings of divinity, of liberating the soul to realize its place in the cosmic hierarchy. The temple was created for the primary purpose of preserving and expressing continuity in order, culture, and tradition of kingship, through the
concept of the Royal Ka. For its part, the concept of the Ka was manifested in an imposing display of power and authority through the energetic conduit of the temple’s grand architectural design.
A source of inspiration for both commoners and royalty, Luxor Temple is the metaphorical embodiment of a king’s Ka. It is the Ka that grants the king the right to rule the Two Lands and bring about Ma’at, which is fundamental to the ideological foundation of ancient Egyptian society, representing Truth, Justice and Harmony.
The Luxor Temple is not dedicated to the cult of a specific deity, which would have its own orthodoxy, but to an abstract concept of kingship, and the Royal Ka itself. Constructed over the span of two hundred years with the oversight of various kings from both the eighteenth and nineteenth dynasties, the temple’s spiritual impetus bridges a powerful vision for god-realization, Ascension, that inspires us to reach for a dream that sparks the fire within to generate divine electricity.
In its most basic form, the ancient Egyptian concept of the Ka was an abstraction of an individual’s identity. Egyptians believed that each person was composed of six parts; as one part, the Ka is a spirit’s effective power – spiritual fire. The Ka gave an individual a sense of belonging in their family, their clan, their gang or any other form of collective identity found within the social strata of Ancient Egypt.
The Royal Ka of the king, however, was considered divine and thus manifested itself differently than the Ka of a commoner. The Royal Ka was thought to pass from king to king, maintaining the
continuity of kingship through various royal lines. According to the doctrine, kingship was ordained by the gods at the beginning of time in accordance with Ma’at. The integration of politics and religion had been divinely prescribed, and the sovereign wielded both temporal and spiritual power. There was a clear and conscious attempt by the kings who built Luxor Temple to tie themselves irrevocably to the continuity of tradition and kingship that Egyptians found so important to their existence.
When you live to serve, unconditionally, for the sight birthed before your very eyes, only then will you truly experience life. That is, when you rise to realize unity with the force that sees from behind your eyes, only then does the cosmos reveal her divine plan, as the fire you churn burns away your false skin.
THE PIEZOELECTRIC FIRE REVEALS THE HEART’S DESIRE
“While long-term stress is fatal, shortterm stress inspires the senses to unravel,”
The piezoelectric effect is most widely known for its application through crystals. Piezoelectric crystals are crystalline materials that exhibit the piezoelectric effect, where mechanical stress can generate an electrical charge or vice versa. This effect is used in various applications, including sensors, actuators, and energy harvesting. These crystals are used in various devices like filters, oscillators, pressure transducers, and ultrasound imagers.
In fact, the city of Wenzhou, China has launched a road proposal that uses piezoelectric power generation to support roadside transport infrastructure
through this unique application of using piezoelectric technology to harvest energy from pavement stress.
Using the power of mechanical stress to harness the power of piezoelectric fire is not a modern realization, as it was, in fact, intelligently used by the ancients in the formation of megalithic structures, including pyramids and ancient temple sites. In addition to harnessing mechanical stress to generate electrical currents and even quartz crystal within the building material to further enhance the charge, ancient sites also mastered sacred geometry within the architecture to amplify the electromagnetic field, generating a profound effect upon the senses, altering the state of consciousness for access into higher dimensional states of reality.
Mechanical stress within stone and crystals is not the only material conducive to generating the piezoelectric fire. We also generate piezoelectricity within our bones. Human bone is a piezoelectric material due to the arrangement of collagen fibers within the bone, which, when moved under force, create a flow of charge. This effect plays a role in bone remodeling, healing, and repair. Ancient arts such as yoga, qigong and martial arts harness act to cultivate this divine potential, known as the Kundalini fire, to support us in birthing our higher selves.
Even more astonishing is the capability of the piezoelectric effect to generate ultrasound waves. The piezoelectric effect within the body’s skeletal system has a direct effect on perception by raising the vibration of the perceivable frequencies – to see into the rainbow cosmic spectrum of the planetary chakra system.
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In addition to the piezoelectric effects within the bone structure, the pineal gland also contains calcite microcrystals that generate an electrical charge when subjected to mechanical stress.
Under the proper conditions, with arduous training in ancient practices to stimulate the harmonic resonance of the human cosmic antennae, the ability to pierce into the field of the radiant self grants us access to immense subtle energy power and cosmic potential. It is through the Ascension of the Kundalini fire which pierces into the heart chakra for a natural expansion of self-radiance that the higher senses are realized.
Through stress and emotional resilience, we gradually emerge from the carbon compression of universal pain and into the light body body vessel of our soul that is crystallized into form with every breath that we train to redeem our souls upon the path to salvation. What greater value is there, than the work we put into ourselves that drives the universal evolutionary forces? By unlocking the heart’s true potential, we gain access to the heavenly kingdoms, escaping our prisons by delivering the light held inside.
Our true wealth is the work we commit to realize ourselves. The fire of our souls is the immortal currency of the Divine Mother Universe.
THE TIMELESS VALUE OF RENEWED HOPE
“Within the eternal ember of self is a spark of remembrance, charged into creation with each breath of deliverance,” -
When we attach our sense of self to the distractions of the material world, what we lose is our sense for the magnificent. Yet, as the infinite expanse of eternal creation pushes outwards at the boundaries of our mortal identity, what appears to be suffering is nonetheless a calling to let love guide the way for our senses to expand into the gift of a new day.
RENEWAL
Through the purifying Kundalini fire, the piezoelectric spark that leads our touch, all sense of past and present dissolve in the blessing of a new state of embodiment within this now moment. Within the art of our very existence, which evolves through the very sense of knowing, gnosis, is buried the greatest treasure imaginable, HOPE.
As we prepare to work with the ancient star gates, portals for souls to be restored to their divine luminosity, we must pay homage to the ancient deities who guard these sacred bridges to the Heavens. Only by attuning our senses to the calling that ripples through the planetary forces, can we remember our mission to uphold the balance of this sacred cosmic guardian. For only through our valiant embodiment to uphold our sacred value system, will the eternal waters ascend from root to crown, uniting Shiva and Shakti upon their cosmic dance of eternal ecstasy.
Liberation of the inner self, the cosmic orgasm of eternal rebirth, is the pursuit of all life, whether conscious of the draw of sense or lost in the ignorance of suffering. To bestow such a gift of hope upon those robbed of sense is the honor of every artist.
The Age of Aquarius represents a renaissance of beauty, science, compassion and unity, whereby the all-penetrating soul of Divine Mother Universe guides her children through the self-fulling prophecy that fuels our most elaborate imaginative endeavors. That which we believe as true, is never a complete view, until we step through.
RECHARGE YOUR SPARK OF DIVINITY WITH HEALOGY5
“The longing for true value that lies be-
neath our anger and frustrations is what compels us to trust in a vision that unites us with the source of creation,” - अमृत
When we breathe into the emptiness of our hearts, the spark that we create is an all-attractive and magnetizing piezoelectric force. Keeping this ember of hope alive is critical to the longevity, vitality and vibrancy of our spirit. With every thought, word and deed, as we train to realize our cosmically harmonized view of the world, we inspire transformation on both the inner and outer planes of reality. This is the legacy that we pass on, epigenetically, as we return, continuing our spiritual work, spanning our many lives.
Healogy5’s healing oil, AHO, is designed to activate the release of the spiritual radiance that shines forth from the body’s cosmic energy centers, Chakras in Sanskrit. With a proprietary blend of five essential oils that activate the five chakras, AHO inspires a balance of the five elements of: Earth, Air, Water, Metal and Fire, that initiates the inner fire to activate the endocrine system as our inner guiding light.
There is no greater gift than to experience the fullness of our true presence. Through self-massage practices, we can begin to prepare ourselves for the long journey that awaits, placing our dreams before the dread to liberate ourselves from the chains in our heads.
The ancient Vedic practice of Abhyanga expands the pranic energy channels for the divine life force to flow freely to source organic healing and blissful relaxation, preparing the body to receive higher vibrations for intuitive guidance and divine connection to the higher planes of existence. Activating the inner
sun to shine, we naturally expand into our solar sense awareness as our heavy, toxic emotions are purified into the radiant rainbow light of our cosmically attuned selves.
By activating this inner fire to move through the nervous system, AHO supports us in empowering our perceptions to resonate with a higher path that enables us to preserve our sacred life force energy in the face of tactics conspired to drain us of our potential for transformation.
To further activate the healing intention of the soul and the connection with the cosmic Mother, Healogy5 is partnering with Monarch Visionary for the illumination of the planetary seals, as each planetary chakra emits a beacon of celestial radiance that directly resonates with the mass collective at large – a truth we all feel within the depths of our bones. Through this endeavor, Healogy5 is further blessed with the spiritual energy to restore peace and harmony within the soul of the Universe which we all resonate.
When you use the code CHAKRAS at www.Healogy5.com, 40% of proceeds from your purchase will be donated to the Agroecology Fund to support the restoration of our spiritual connection to the Earth and establish a spiritual impact that shall be felt by generations as we uphold our connection to the Earth and receive the blessings of our lineages.
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GRATITUDE: PRACTICING - AND PERFECTING - THE KEY TO LONGEVITY
ILOVE THE INTERNET. IT HAS ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING YOU COULD ASK FOR. IF I NEED A QUESTION ANSWERED, A QUICK SEARCH WILL HELP ME FIND IT. IF I WANT TO GO SHOPPING, THERE IS A BRAND THAT HAS AN ONLINE STORE I CAN BROWSE. IF I NEED A GOOD LAUGH, THERE IS A LIBRARY OF FUNNY VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE THAT CAN ENTERTAIN ME FOR THE NEXT HOUR.
However, what the Internet also provides is a platform for negativity. Due to this, the human mind is being more and more conditioned to highlight all the bad things that happen around us. While bringing light to these things
can help you work through them, you should not sacrifice noticing the good things that happen along the way. Being able to acknowledge the good things in our lives, just as much as the bad things, in our lives can lead to a more fulfilled and satisfactory life.
IMPORTANCE OF GRATITUDE
The practice of gratitude is acknowledging the good things that are taking place in your life. Life is full of road blocks and challenges, and due to this, what often grabs your attention are your weaknesses or the things you are doing wrong.
While these areas are important to focus on so that you can improve, solely focusing on them may lead to a more pessimistic style of thinking. Practicing gratitude builds optimism, which is more than just thinking positively, it is maintaining hope and confidence that things can get better in the future, while acknowledging and accepting your current situation.
Consistent gratitude practice leads to a plethora of benefits: enables flexibility in
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both your cognitive capabilities in your actions, improves quantity and quality of sleep, leads to more positive emotions, creates a better opportunity for learning and personal development, and strengthens relationships and connection with other people.
How you go about practicing gratitude is a simple process and can look a couple different ways. One way is to ask yourself what you are grateful for, what you appreciate, and/or something that makes you smile. This process allows your mind to bring to light the things you enjoy or are going well in your life.
This process give the notion that “not all is bad”, which may be enough for you to keep going and move onto the next thing. Another way to practice gratitude is by asking yourself what went well and what did not go well following a performance.
If your performance was good, this process allows you to stay humble and motivated because you can still improve; if your performance was poor, this process maintains confidence because you still understand the good aspects that took
THOUGHTS MATTER
place and gives you strategies on how to fix what needs to be improved.
One thing to keep in mind is to add an additional 1-2 sentences about how to continue doing the good things and how to improve on the bad things. Not only does this provides more sustenance, but also provide you with direction on how exactly to move forward.
PRACTICING GRATITUDE
I practice gratitude every day before work and there are a few things that pop up periodically that I am grateful for. First and foremost, I am extremely grateful for my family. Moving out of state has made things more challenging in terms of communication and connection, but each time I talk with them they make me feel like I am right at home.
They are always there for me no matter what I need. Whether it be advice on how to navigate specific situations, things I need to be aware of living on my own (e.g. buying a home), but also helping me out financially when I need it without asking any questions.
Another thing I am grateful for is my dog, Kobe. I rescued him during Covid,
had always wanted my own dog, and felt there was no better time than being quarantined and in a new state far away from my family. He provides me with so much joy that I did not expect to be possible. No matter what type of day I am having, when I come home, he is waging his tail ready for me to rub his belly.
Developing the companionship with him over the years has made me so happy and also helped me realize that no matter how the day goes, it always ends on a high note with him, which makes it seem like the challenges I experience through out the day are not that big of a deal.
Another thing I am grateful for is the game of golf. I have gotten a lot better over the years, so that has been helpful, but I am grateful for what the sport does for me.
It allows me to get outside and be in nature, it provides a much needed break from the chaos that life often provides, and it challenges me mentally. From figuring out the distance, what club I want to use, how the wind will effect my shot, and it requires me to be present because if I am not, then I will not give myself
the best chance of success.
There is no greater joy than hitting a perfect shot, and even with bad shots, it provides me with an opportunity to overcome adversity and think about how to make the best of the situation.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Gratitude is something you can practice at any time throughout the day. Practicing gratitude is also something you can do with other people.
For example, as the day draws to a close, you can talk with your significant other or your children about what went well that day and what made you experience a sense of gratitude. In this way, not only will you experience the benefits of the practice, but you're also sharing it with others who can, in turn, benefit from the practices. Ultimately, what gratitude can tell you, is that it is never as bad as it seems or that there is still some good that happens, even when it feels like everything around you is going bad. Take a couple of minutes to find the good and start the mental shift to a greater, healthier lifestyle.
