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PLETTENBURG POLO CLUB
Plett Polo Festival
SA Open
Ladies Polo
POLO CLUB DE CHANTILLY
Polo Nations Cup
Inaugural Women's Polo Nations Cup
Arena Polo World Championships
French Women's Open
Barnes French Open
COWDRAY PARK POLO CLUB
British Ladies Open Championship
Challenge Cup
U.S. OPEN
VENICE FILM FESTIVAL
SANTA BARBARA POLO & RACQUET
CLUB
Silver Cup
Robert Skene Trophy
America Cup
Pacific Coast Open
LIFESTYLES
Repairing enzymes that could stop aging, page 92
Looks for fall, spring and more, page 108
What to buy now before prices explode, page 132
crew-less, fuel-less plane, page 98
OUR ANNUAL LATE-SUMMER HEAT WAVE HAS STRUCK NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, AND MY STARBUCKS CAFÉ FRAPPUCCINO CONSUMPTION HAS EITHER DOUBLED OR TRIPLED DEPENDING ON MY PROXIMITY TO – AND WAIT TIME FOR – A LOCAL ‘BUCKS.
I hate ordering a Frappuccino in person, but honestly it’s basically just a blended ice coffee as far as I can tell, so the Order Ahead feature in the app is a lifesaver. Maybe some day I’ll be bold enough to walk into a coffeeshop and look a barista in the eyes and order an unironic Frappuccino, but today is not that day. Tomorrow’s not looking great, either.
Our digital world has changed the way to interact with other humans: dating apps, order ahead, this magazine that you’re more likely to read on your phone than from a physical copy. Our Jetsons-Futuristic-Life seems to be loading at quantum speed sometimes. Further evidence of that is in one of our stories this month. Would you let a robot carry your child to term? Is the question we chose for the headline, because – get this – in China, scientists have developed a robot that can and it will cost around $13,000. In the United States, the average surrogacy costs between $100,000-200,000, so that’s just something to think about.
Luckily, polo seems wildly unaffected by the rise in AI and technology. This summer has given us some amazing polo from around the world, capping off this end-ofsummer run in Gstaad before the French Open begins this month. All the players, patrons, photographers, coaches, grooms and families deserve this upcoming break prior to the start of the Argentine season. Next month is our annual fashion issue… we have some incredible content we’re working on and can’t wait to show you.
It is almost time for the semi-finals and finals of the 2025 @uspoloassn Pacific Coast Open!
For the final toast of the season, make it iconic.
Celebrating Phantom's enduring connection to the world of music, Rolls-Royce brings rock ‘n’ roll legend to life, reimagining an iconic moment in its century of history.
From hitting the beaches to see Bad Bunny in concert, Taylor and friends livestreamed much of
Double RL Ranch, sits on about 17,000 acres in Ridgway, Colorado, near the San Juan Mountains. It’s about the size of Manhattan.
Pink summer mode activated with Champagne Laurent Perrier
The Latin Quarter draws crowds to the Panthéon and cafés where the ghosts of Hemingway and de Beauvoir still linger.
In exquisite Duck Egg Blue, Spectre Inspired by Primavera gracefully embodies the promise of new beginnings.
Oscar stretches his lead to 34 points, as a new face joins the top 10!
their Puerto Rican vacation
Click and comment on our choices... Tag @pololifestyles . We will share noteworthy comments with you next month.
Forget beige and bland—private-jet cabins are finally getting a personality. Designers are swapping out the usual corporate palette for bold statements
Swift and Travis
announced their long-expected engagement
I had an opportunity to photograph one of the best Polo players in the world.
Whether you’re after a classic espresso or a modern pour-over, the city’s buzzing coffee scene promises a top-notch cup wherever you are.
The Hamptons just got a new crown jewel. London Jewelers’ 4,800-square-foot Rolex boutique in East Hampton marries historic charm with modern luxury
Taylor
Kelce
U.S. Open on our mind (and tv). Who are you rooting for?
Tradition on the field, Americana spirit at heart.
rolex
porsche
chopard
Posing for a photo in Paris with Porsche
Throwback to some of the best moments from Chopard's evenings during the Cannes Film Festival
GSTAAD HUBLOT POLO GOLD CUP 2025
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JUSTINE JACQUEMOT, KATHRIN GRALLA & PASCAL RENAULDON
IN THIS SPECTACULAR SETTING, NESTLED IN THE IDYLLIC SWISS ALPS, THE 28TH EDITION OF THE HUBLOT POLO GOLD CUP ENDED THIS SUNDAY WITH A FINAL FULL OF FLAIR. FOUR SWISS PLAYERS TOOK TO THE FIELD, INCLUDING TEAM CAPTAIN MARKUS GRAEFF, WHO LED GSTAAD PALACE TO A MEMORABLE VICTORY.
At 1:30 p.m., the subsidiary final set the tone with open, fastpaced play between two teams determined to leave Gstaad on a positive note. Less tense than Saturday’s semifinals, the match unfolded in a spirit of true sportsmanship, with each team freely expressing their game.
NICOLÁS PIERES FINDS HIS RHYTHM
More comfortable on the field than in the semis, Nicolás Pieres (4 goals) found his rhythm and steered Team Kielder Agro Group to a narrow but meaningful 8–7 win over Adrian Laplacette Jr. (5 goals), ever inspired in his game reading.
“This was my first time in Gstaad and I hope it won’t be the last!” said the Argentine star after the match. “It’s just fabulous here, so beautiful… But the field is quite unique. To be honest, on the first day, I felt out of sorts;I couldn’t play my usual polo. But then I realized I had to play more directly. Now that I’ve adapted, if I come back next year, I promise I’ll play a very different game!”
The former 10-goaler will fly out to Buenos Aires tomorrow to prepare for the highlight of his season: the Argentine Open and the qualification of his Kazak team for the Triple Crown. “I’m pretty optimistic,” he adds. “It’s a team I really like, and this year with Pelón Stirling joining, I’m quite confident.”
GSTAAD PALACE: A FAMILY AFFAIR AND A PODESTÁ MASTERCLASS
The final started off cautiously, with players understandably showing a touch of nerves. But momentum quickly shifted in favor of Gstaad Palace, who took control and dominated throughout. Albinati Aeronautics struggled to break through a rock-solid defense orchestrated by Martin “Min” Podestá (7), with every teammate executing their role to perfection starting with captain Markus Graeff:
GSTAAD HUBLOT POLO GOLD CUP 2025
“It’s such a pleasure to play here. I’m the oldest player on the field at 73, and as far as I know, the next oldest is 20 years younger and most of them are between 20 and 30! I’m thrilled I could contribute… a little. I put this team together, and I’m proud of what we achieved. Playing here in Gstaad is wonderful. Each of my teammates played their part. I had my role to play, and I think I did it well. Like football, polo is a team sport. If I’m invited again next year, I’d be delighted to return.”
The captain’s son, Thommy Graeff, certainly did more than play his part, delighting the crowd with a stunning golaso
DOMA SIMOCA, QUEEN OF THE DAY
No horses, no polo. Most players will tell you that 70% of their performance depends on their horse. For this tournament, Min Podestá brought six of his top horses from the UK. Among them, Doma Simoca, a nine-year-old gray mare, was awarded the Best Playing Pony of the Final.
And it wasn’t her first trophy: “She’s already won several BPPs, including in the Copa Cámara final and the playoff match for the Argentine Open,” explained Podestá, who was also named MVP (Best Player of the Final). “She’s generous, tireless — I can bring her back into the game two or three times without issue. She’s easy to ride and always gives her best.”
A touching tribute to an exceptional mare, bred at the prestigious La Irenita stud. For connoisseurs: she is by Clarín out of Irenita Nazarena, both outstanding polo horses in their own right.
TEAMS, SCORES & STATS
Subsidiary Final
Team Kielder Agro Group: Antonio Manzano (0, 1 goal) – Juan Pepa (2 penalty goals) –Bautista Bello (4, 1 goal) – Nicolás Pieres (8, 4 goals)
vs.
Team Hublot: Jürgen Schröder (0) – Antonio Grabosch (3) – Adrian Laplacette Jr. (6, 5 goals) – Juan Esteban Uribe (5)
Best Playing Pony: Doma Simoca, 9-yearold gray mare bred by La Irenita, ridden by Martin Podestá Jr.
MVP: Martin Podestá Jr.
Best Amateur Player of the Tournament: Juan Pepa, Kielder Agro Group
Top Scorer of the Tournament: Martin Podestá Jr. – 10 goals
Referees: Charles Seavill and Oliver Ellis
GSTAAD HUBLOT POLO
GOLD CUP 2025
GSTAAD HUBLOT POLO GOLD CUP 2025
GSTAAD HUBLOT POLO GOLD CUP 2025
GSTAAD HUBLOT POLO GOLD CUP 2025
DEAUVILLE INTERNATIONAL POLO CLUB
COUPE D'ARGENT / TROPHEE DIANE BARRIERE
DEAUVILLE INTERNATIONAL POLO CLUB
COUPE D'ARGENT / TROPHEE DIANE BARRIERE
SANTA BARBARA POLO SEASON
SANTA BARBARA POLO SEASON
SOTOGRANDE POLO SEASON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATERINA MORGAN / POLO LIFESTYLES
SOTOGRANDE POLO SEASON
AYALA POLO CLUB
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATERINA MORGAN / POLO LIFESTYLES
SOTOGRANDE POLO SEASON
AYALA POLO CLUB
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATERINA MORGAN / POLO LIFESTYLES
SOTOGRANDE POLO SEASON
AYALA POLO CLUB
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATERINA MORGAN / POLO LIFESTYLES
SOTOGRANDE POLO SEASON
AYALA POLO CLUB
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATERINA MORGAN / POLO LIFESTYLES
SOTOGRANDE POLO SEASON
AYALA POLO CLUB
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATERINA MORGAN / POLO LIFESTYLES
VENICE FILM FESTIVAL
Ciao! The 82nd annual Venice Film Festival is underway and the stars have hit the canals, with this year’s world premieres including Yorgos Lanthimos kidnap thriller “Bugonia,” Noah Baumbach’s showbiz dramedy “Jay Kelly,” Guillermo del Toro’s lavish adaptation “Frankenstein,” Luca Guadagnino’s college campus thriller “After the Hunt” and Benny Safdie’s UFC biopic “The Smashing Machine.”
New films from Mona Fastvold, Kathryn Bigelow, Paolo Sorrentino, Jim Jarmusch, Park Chan-wook, Gus Van Sant, Lucrezia Martel, László Nemes and Kaouther Ben Hania are also in the lineup. This year’s jury is headed by Alexander Payne, the director of films like “The Holdovers,” “Election” and “Sideways.”
VENICE FILM FESTIVAL
HIGH SOCIETY: A 10-DAY OVERTURE INTO
SPEED, STYLE AND SPECTACLE AT MONTEREY CAR WEEK
HIGH SOCIETY: A 10-DAY OVERTURE INTO
SPEED, STYLE AND SPECTACLE AT MONTEREY CAR WEEK
BY MICHAEL SNELL, PHD. / LUXURY CONTRIBUTOR
EACH AUGUST, THE MONTEREY PENINSULA TRANSFORMS INTO THE GRAVITATIONAL CENTER OF THE AUTOMOTIVE UNIVERSE. WHAT BEGAN AS A MODEST WEEKEND CONCOURS HAS GROWN INTO A TEN-DAY ORCHESTRATION OF AUCTIONS, CONCEPT DEBUTS, VINTAGE RACING, AND BRAND-HOSTED SPECTACLES.
Monterey Car Week 2025 may go down as one of the most ambitious and dazzling editions yet—a kaleidoscope where century-old coachwork, futuristic electric prototypes, and record-breaking auctions all shared the same stage.
THE AUCTION BLOCK: WHERE LEGENDS TRADE HANDS
Few events in the automotive calendar rival the intensity of Monterey’s auctions, and this year’s results silenced any whispers of a cooling market. RM Sotheby’s set the tone with a thunderous $26 million hammer price for a charity Ferrari Daytona SP3 ‘Tailor Made.’ Cloaked in iridescent crimson and gold carbon fiber, it was not only a celebration of Maranello’s craftsmanship but also an emblem of philanthropy, with every cent donated to global relief charities.
The bidding wars continued with a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Competizione Alloy Spider in deep silver livery commanding $25.3 million—proving that the California Spider remains the dream machine of collectors world-
wide. A 2020 Bugatti Divo, still smelling of delivery leather, crossed the block for $8.55 million, hailed by bidders as a “modern unicorn.”
Other highlights included multiple LaFerrari coupes surpassing $5 million, a Jaguar XJ220S LM roaring past $2 million, and a flurry of Shelby Cobras and Aston Martin DB4GTs that fueled latenight transatlantic bidding wars. For a market rumored to be cooling, Monterey 2025 told another story entirely: the appetite for rarity and provenance is as ravenous as ever.
THE CONCEPT LAWN: A GLIMPSE INTO TOMORROW
Pebble Beach’s famed Concept Lawn is noted as ‘Monterey’s crystal ball,’ and the view into the future was both electric and electrifying.
Chevrolet stunned the crowd with its Corvette CX and CX.R Vision Gran Turismo concepts—2,000 horsepower of all-electric fury. The fighter jet–inspired cockpit featured an augmented reality HUD projected directly onto the windshield, merging esports innovation with motorsport heritage. Cadillac unveiled its Elevated Velocity Concept, a sci-fi EV crossover with biometric driver recognition and an adaptive “halo wing” that shifted for aerodynamic balance. Insiders whispered that elements of this showstopper will appear in Cadillac’s next flagship production model.
Bentley’s EXP 15 struck a romantic chord in the luxury market, marrying 1930s Speed Six inspiration with modern sustainability. Its three-seat arrangement,
walnut-trimmed interior, and silent electric drive embodied an old-world elegance re-imagined for the future. Lamborghini, meanwhile, drew five-deep crowds around its Fenomeno, a 1,065hp hybrid V12 hypercar limited to just 29 units. With roof-mounted intakes and exposed forged carbon, it carried Sant’Agata’s bravado into an era of emissions-conscious engineering.
Also making waves: Lucid’s GravityX SUV, Ford’s Bronco Roadster prototype, and Shelby’s Super Snake-R—all underscoring a key theme of the 2025 Lawn: sustainability, personalization, and sheer performance are now vying neck-andneck for dominance in the decade ahead.
THE QUAIL: ELEGANCE MEETS EXCESS
No ticket is more coveted during Car Week than the one to The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering—a place where manicured lawns, champagne flutes, and private Patek Philippe showings frame the world’s most exclusive automotive salon.
This year, technology stole the show. Bugatti unveiled its ethereal Brouillard, a Chiron-based grand tourer with bodywork inspired by Art Deco glasswork. Its pale-blue lacquer shimmered translucently under the California sun. Ford drew gasps with the Mustang GTD Liquid Carbon, a track weapon wearing exposed weave carbon and bristling with
aero hardware—street legal but born for GT3 circuits.
Hennessey shocked even the most jaded enthusiasts with the Venom F5 Revolution F, boasting an unfathomable 2,031 horsepower and a 320-mph target. General Motors doubled down on its presence, presenting both Corvette’s CX/ CX.R and Cadillac’s halo EV, turning Monterey into its unofficial global auto show stage.
Beyond the unveilings, The Quail retained its hallmark lifestyle aura. Guests strolled between ceviche stations and caviar bars, swapping tales of Alpine garages and private racetracks in Texas. As ever, The Quail balanced cars, culture, and lifestyle—but this year, the cars undeniably
stole the spotlight.
RACING, RALLIES, AND REALITIES
Away from concours lawns and champagne flutes, the visceral roar of engines remained central to Car Week.
The Tour d’Elegance stretched 70 miles down Highway 1, turning Big Sur cliffs into a living automotive mural. Locals lined the roadside as Duesenbergs, Bugattis, and Porsche 917Ks paraded past—a living link to Monterey’s history.
At Laguna Seca, vintage Can-Am and IMSA machines thundered through the Corkscrew, evoking the raw spectacle of 1970s racing. Forums buzzed with debates over originality versus restoration, highlighting a new truth: in today’s
market, patina is increasingly as prized as concours shine.
Not all was perfect—drama struck when a rare Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster LP 640 was damaged in a three-car incident near Laguna Seca. Thankfully, injuries were minor, though egos weren’t as easily repaired.
PEBBLE BEACH CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE: THE GRAND FINALE
The week crescendoed, as always, at Pebble Beach with the Concours d’Elegance. On the emerald fairways overlooking the Pacific, the Concours d’Elegance once again reaffirmed its role as the world’s ultimate automotive pageant.
Best of Show went to the Hispano-Suiza
H6C Nieuport-Astra Torpedo, with its aircraft-inspired wooden coachwork restored to perfection. Judges praised its authenticity and rare elegance, calling it “a rolling sculpture of early 20th-century imagination.”
Other standouts included a 1937 TalbotLago T150C SS Teardrop Coupé, a 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 NART Spider, and an Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato, each cele-
brated for provenance and purity.
BEYOND THE MACHINES
Monterey Car Week isn’t simply a celebration of automobiles—it is a meditation on their meaning. The auctions proved that history still carries enormous emotional and financial weight. The Concept Lawn showed us how the industry envisions a post-carbon future, the Quail reminded us of the inseparable
link between motoring and lifestyle, and Pebble Beach’s Concourse brought it all full circle, with timeless elegance crowning the event.
In an era of digitization and autonomous driving, Monterey Car Week 2025 reaffirmed one timeless truth: passion for the automobile remains analog, visceral, and deeply human.
2025'S SLEEPOVER REAL ESTATE TREND TRY IT BEFORE YOU BUY IT
“Houses are a huge expenditure. For $60 million, you should try it before you buy it. It’s a smart thing to do.”
WHEN ERIC ALBERT PUT HIS 11,095-SQUAREFOOT NEWPORT COAST, CALIFORNIA ESTATE ON THE MARKET FOR A COOL $60.2 MILLION LAST YEAR, AN OVERSEAS COUPLE CONSIDERING THE PURCHASE HAD AN UNUSUAL REQUEST: BEFORE SIGNING, THEY WANTED TO MOVE IN TEMPORARILY.
Albert, a veteran of the aluminum industry, didn’t hesitate.
“Houses are a huge expenditure,” he told the Wall Street Journal. “For $60 million, you should try it before you buy it. It’s a smart thing to do.”
The parties agreed to a two-month lease at $250,000 a month, which covered the fully furnished residence, staff and cars. Although the couple ultimately bid below his asking price, Albert still came away satisfied. “They paid me a nice price for their stay,” he noted, adding that the pair purchased another house nearby through his agents.
For some brokers, the idea is an emerging sales strategy. “If you can drive a car off a lot, why not test-drive a home?” asked Compass agent Ari Afshar, who once arranged a one-night stay in a $14.6 million Hollywood Hills spec house.
The trial came at no charge, though his
client carried a renter’s insurance policy. Afshar was amused by the practical challenge that cropped up: “The house didn’t have toilet paper,” he told the Journal.
In the end, the buyer walked away, realizing he preferred a smaller footprint, but soon bought elsewhere in the neighborhood.
Other markets are seeing similar requests. New York–based Douglas Elliman agent McKenzie Ryan worked with clients eyeing a Hudson Valley retreat priced around $600,000.
The couple, used to apartment living, wanted reassurance about space and maintenance. Ryan helped arrange a onenight stay in the empty house.
“Small but rather major aspects when you live with them everyday,” she told The Journal, describing how her clients tested utilities, listened to the crickets at night and gauged the light in the morning. They closed on the property soon after.
Retired teacher Connie Howell, hosting a garage sale at her four-bedroom house in Holly Lake Ranch, Texas, suggested prospective buyers spend the weekend. “I said, ‘Why don’t you bring your family here and spend the weekend?’” she recalled to the Journal.
The visitors adored the place, though the costs of renovating their existing home ultimately kept them from buying. Her listing remains active.
The practice has long been common
among the wealthiest buyers, according to Compass agent Carl Gambino, who said requests are nothing new.
Still, not all brokers embrace the concept. Coldwell Banker’s Jade Mills called the idea unusual: “You have to have an agent who can be a good judge of people. I can’t imagine letting anyone in.”
Yet even she acknowledged a recent case where a client’s sleepover led directly to a full-price deal before the holidays.
Others are more wary. Douglas Elliman’s Ruthie Assouline said, “I get it in theory, but it’s Pandora’s box for liabilities.”
She recalled one Miami property where a prospective buyer’s brief dinner on the deck turned into an eight-hour stay, uninvited guests and a fire alarm. The seller went on to sell to someone else.
Some buyers, though, want longer trials. John Serra, a New Jersey resident working with Elliman’s Alejandro Sulser, hopes to rent for months before buying in Florida. “A day, three days, a week — that’s not enough time to get the vibe of a place,” he told the Journal. “You need to stay there for a season.”
Serra added he is willing to pay a premium for the privilege. “I’m not looking for a discount. I’m willing to spend money to get what I want.”
REPEL MOSQUITOES AND PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST MALARIA WITH ONE PILL WHEN YOU'RE ABROAD
BED NETS AND INSECTICIDES ARE COMMONLY USED TO PREVENT MALARIA TRANSMISSION. BUT INSECTICIDE RESISTANCE IS MAKING THOSE TOOLS LESS EFFECTIVE.
There’s a growing interest in ivermectin, an antiparasitic normally used to treat neglected tropical diseases such as river blindness or scabies, that is also capable of killing the Anopheles mosquitoes that transmit malaria.
In a new study in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers from ISGlobal, an institute in Barcelona, investigated whether ivermectin given to at-risk populations en masse – in a policy of ‘mass drug administration’ – might supplement the use of insecticides to reduce malaria transmission.
In Kwale, a coastal county in Kenya where malaria is present year-round, nearly twenty-nine thousand people took part.
Half were given ivermectin at 400 micrograms per kilogram of bodyweight.
The other half were given 400mg of albendazole, not an antimalarial drug, but an anti-worming drug comparable to ivermectin.
Each group took the drug once a month for three months. The study looked at both the efficacy and safety of the two interventions.
Both drugs proved safe, but ivermectin had a greater impact, leading to a 26% reduction in malaria cases – higher than the 20% efficacy benchmark set by the World Health Organization.
A QUARTER CENTURY IN STERLING A SILVER JUBILEE CELEBRATING THE ART OF HEIRLOOM ENTERTAINING
IN A WORLD INCREASINGLY DRIVEN BY FAST FASHION, FLEETING TRENDS, AND MASS PRODUCTION, LONGEVITY HAS BECOME A RARE AND PRECIOUS CURRENCY.
And yet, for Raymond Sasson, longevity is not merely a byproduct of success—it is its very essence. This year, the celebrated purveyor of antique and estate silver commemorates their 25th anniversary—a milestone as symbolic as it is sentimental. A Silver Jubilee, in both name and nature, Sasson Fine Silver’s 25-year journey reflects the enduring beauty, artistry, and traditionalism of sterling silver in the modern age.
FROM A CHILDHOOD SPARK TO A STERLING LEGACY
Raymond Sasson’s fascination with silver was sparked not in a museum or marketplace, but at the family dining table. As a child, he was captivated by the ritualistic presence of silver cutlery and serving pieces—items polished with care and used not only for function, but for tradition. That early enchantment seeded a lifelong appreciation for objects that tell stories—artifacts that outlive their owners and bear witness to generational memory.
Years later, while pursuing graduate studies, Raymond began collecting antique silver on weekends, waking before dawn
to comb through flea markets, antique fairs, and estate sales. What began as a pastime soon revealed itself to be a calling. In 2000, he opened the doors to his storefront in Brooklyn—modest in scale but rich in intention. That storefront, and the reverence behind it, became the genesis of what is now recognized as one of the most respected sterling silver businesses in the country.
WHY SILVER? A MATERIAL THAT REFLECTS MEANING
It’s no coincidence that silver is the traditional symbol of a 25-year celebration. Beyond its inherent beauty and value, silver reflects something deeper—it is a mirror of refinement, longevity, and
resilience. It tarnishes with time, yes, but can be revived with care—restored to its former brilliance with gentle hands and patient expertise. For Sasson, silver is more than a metal. It’s a metaphor.
To honor this Silver Jubilee, Raymond didn’t seek grandeur. Instead, he chose reflection. As he notes, “In a world that’s moving faster and faster, slowing down to preserve something—an heirloom, a craft, a relationship—feels almost radical. But that’s where the real value is.” His passion is not just for selling silver but for stewardship—of objects, of their stories, and of the culture they represent.
MORE THAN OBJECTS: CURATING LEGACY
Each piece that enters Sasson Fine Silver is more than inventory—it is a chapter in a larger story. His inventory includes
flatware, hollowware, and one-of-a-kind objects dating from the 18th through 20th centuries, hand-selected for quality, weight, design, and provenance. But more than their materials or makers, it is their character that Raymond prizes.
Many arrive tarnished or dented, their luster dimmed by decades of neglect. In Raymond’s workshop, they are patiently revived—not stripped of their history, but restored with care that respects the passage of time. He famously avoids removing monograms or inscriptions, believing that they are ‘testimonies of lives lived, of celebrations held and love shared.’ Every piece that finds a new home has first passed through Raymond’s discerning eye—and often, his restorative touch.
ENDURANCE THROUGH ADVERSITY
The journey to 25 years has not been without its challenges. The events of September 11th, the Great Recession of 2008, and the COVID-19 pandemic each brought unprecedented uncertainty. Yet through each crisis, Raymond’s business endured—sometimes pivoting, often adapting, always remaining true to its values.
He attributes his resilience not to scale or strategy, but to authenticity. “People come to me because they know they’ll get the truth,” he explains. “Whether it’s a $40 fork or a $4,000 centerpiece, I treat every piece and every person with the same respect. That’s how you build trust. That’s how you last.”
His clientele includes museum curators, stylists, brides, designers, collectors, and everyday romantics looking to elevate their rituals. Some buy to complete
collections; others to start new traditions. All are drawn by the rare blend of expertise, transparency, and devotion that defines Raymond’s approach.
A PHILOSOPHY THAT DEFIES CONVENIENCE CULTURE
Perhaps the most radical aspect of Raymond Sasson’s mission is its insistence on care. In an age of disposability, where even the finest goods are often designed to be replaced rather than repaired, Raymond offers a counter-cultural message: that true luxury is maintenance.
Caring for sterling is not a chore but a practice—one that rewards the attentive and deepens the connection between object and owner. A newlywed learning to polish her grandmother’s candelabra. A chef setting a holiday table with heirloom ladles. A collector discovering a perfectly weighted tea set. These are not just transactions—they’re moments of beauty reclaimed from oblivion.
Raymond believes that teaching his clients how to care for silver is as important as sourcing it. It’s a philosophy rooted not only in preservation but in sustainability, connection, and grace.
REACHING THE NEXT GENERATION
As Raymond looks ahead, one of his
greatest hopes is to inspire the next generation to embrace silver—not just as décor, but as a lifestyle. He recognizes the challenge: today’s younger consumers may have little context for formal dining or heirloom traditions. But he sees in them a hunger for authenticity and meaning.
By reframing sterling silver as a symbol of intentional living—slow, elegant, sustainable—he believes it can once again find its place in modern homes. And with every piece he restores, every story he tells, he invites his audience to reconsider what is truly timeless.
With the additional rise in popularity generated from shows like HBO’s The Gilded Age, a new generation has become more familiar with traditional home practices, service standards, and what it once looked like to entertain at an elevated level. Because of this, a sure in interest continues to grow as young 20-somethings and those up into their 40s have readopted the ritualistic applications if these heirlooms like utilizing a toast holder for example, or perhaps selecting the correct serving utensils and platters, and even finding delight in restyling an epergne to hold bar snacks for entertaining. The intentions of the younger generations are pure, much like sterling, and have a newfound dedication, and dare we say excitement for preservation.
CELEBRATING THE JUBILEE
The Silver Jubilee is not a capstone. It is a cornerstone. As Raymond looks toward the future, his mission is to continue elevating antique silver, both as a collector’s pursuit and a living tradition. Plans for expanded education, digital storytelling, and collaborative design are already in the works. This also includes a newly launched online store, which now allows collectors and admirers alike, global access to his extensive several-thousand piece inventory.
But at its heart, the promise remains unchanged: to offer the most extensive, carefully curated collection of American antique and estate sterling silver, to share knowledge generously, and to treat every client—new or returning—with unmatched care.
“Silver chose me,” he says with a smile. “I was meant to do this. As long as I am able, I will,” said Sasson.
Sasson Fine Silver’s Silver Jubilee is a celebration of many things: of objects lovingly restored, of values long held, of a life’s work done with integrity. It is a reminder that beauty need not be new to be extraordinary, and that preservation is itself a creative act. Here’s to 25 years of brilliance—and to a future that shines just as brightly.
INQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW... WOULD YOU LET A ROBOT CARRY YOUR CHILD TO TERM?
CHINESE SCIENTISTS HAVE JUST UNVEILED ONE OF THE MOST UNBELIEVABLE PROJECTS IN MODERN SCIENCE, A PREGNANCY HUMANOID ROBOT DESIGNED TO CARRY AND GIVE BIRTH TO HUMAN BABIES USING AN ARTIFICIAL WOMB.
Yes, you read that right. By 2026, this technology could become a reality, with an estimated cost of $13,900 for those who want to explore this radical leap in reproduction. The robot will simulate the entire pregnancy process, from conception to delivery, raising massive questions about the future of childbirth, parenting, and humanity itself.
Is this the answer to fertility struggles? A solution for couples who cannot con-
ceive? Or is it crossing an ethical line by replacing natural motherhood with machinery? Supporters hail it as a groundbreaking innovation that could save lives, reduce pregnancy risks, and give hope to families worldwide.
Critics, however, warn of dangerous consequences: the loss of natural connection, emotional bonding, and the possibility of treating life itself as a manufactured product.
BY KAREN K. HO / SPECIAL TO POLO LIFESTYLES
PREMIUM EARBUDS THAT SOUND AMAZING
BOTH PAIRS – MY PRIMARY AND BY BACK UP –OF MY APPLE AIRPODS DIED THIS WEEK. THE PRIMARY PAIR IS OVER FIVE YEARS OLD, FAR SURPASSING APPLE’S OWN ESTIMATE SHELF LIFE OF 2-3 YEARS, SO I GUESS I COULD MYSELF LUCKY. THE BACKUP PAIR HAS BEEN PROBLEMATIC SINCE THE DAY I UNBOXED THEM AND I ACTUALLY SMILED AS I TOSSED THEM IN THE RECYCLING BIN.
In any case, I find myself in the market for new in-ear headphones—or as they’re more commonly known, wireless earbuds—because of one single convenience: They’re easier to wear and carry around than a pair of full-sized, over-ear headphones. This has only become more evident with the advent of Bluetooth technology, which has helped the industry dispense with wires and the inevitable tangles.
But another thing happened over the last decade: Earbuds started to sound a lot better. Thanks to smaller speaker drivers, active noise-canceling technology (ANC) and other developments, you can now buy a pair of in-ears with sound
JOSH JAKOBITZ AND BRIAN HOOD
quality that rivals traditional cans. We’re at the point where there are a number of earbuds—not just one or two—that deliver a premium listening experience.
Finding the right pair can still be a challenge. You’re going to want ones that fit tight but are light enough so you don’t get an earache. Of course, sound is paramount—whether you want studio-quality playback or a pair that accentuates what you already love about a song (such as bass that really booms). Then there are extra features to think about—ANC and touch and voice control. Battery life is significant, too, though that’s less of a concern than it used to be thanks to the charging cases that come with most pairs.
THE ADVENT OF BLUETOOTH TECHNOLOGY HAS HELPED THE INDUSTRY DISPENSE WITH WIRES AND THE INEVITABLE TANGLES. BUT ANOTHER THING HAPPENED OVER THE LAST DECADE:
EARBUDS STARTED TO SOUND A LOT BETTER
Below, a breakdown of crucial characteristics and the best wireless earbuds to buy right now.
WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING THE BEST WIRELESS EARBUDS
Battery Life: There’s nothing worse than putting in your earbuds at the gym or on the way back from work and realizing they’re dead. Because of that, you’ll want a pair that will last you the duration of your day. You’re unlikely to be listening to them for a full 24 hours, which means at least six hours of battery life should suffice (anything less isn’t on this list). A pair that comes with a smart charging case—something almost all top-notch earbuds offer at this point—can triple or quadruple the time, too.
Noise Canceling: Our day-to-day lives can take us through some noisy environments. If you want to be able to actually hear what you’re trying to listen to, you’ll want a pair of earbuds with noise-canceling abilities to block out, say, your co-workers’s chatter. Some wireless earbuds even have active noise canceling (ANC) that, depending on the volume of your surroundings, will change the levels of white noise used to shut out outside sounds.
Multipoint: All Bluetooth devices can connect to at least a single device, but those with multipoint can connect to more than one at the same time. This may seem unnecessary, but it’s useful for people who switch between, say, a phone and computer regularly. Multipoint isn’t a common feature yet, but that’s changing quickly.
Water Resistance: Most of us stay inside when it’s raining, but sometimes you can’t help it. That’s why almost all premium earbuds have some sort of water protection. IPX4 protection, which means a device can withstand splashes of water, has become the industry standard over the last few years. Even better is IPX7, which protects against a brief dip in liquid.
BEST OVERALL EARBUDS
BOSE QUIETCOMFORT EARBUDS II
We loved Bose’s first pair of QuietComfort earbuds, but the second version is a huge improvement. The first generation of the brand’s flagship wireless earbuds were big and clunky—they looked like a decade-old Bluetooth earpiece—but the second is nice and sleek. They’re easily one of the more discreet pairs on this list. What hasn’t changed is the set’s gorgeous audio quality and even more impressive (and customizable) noise-canceling abilities. Call quality could be better and the lack of pre-set transparency feels like an oversight at this point, but there might not be a better all-around pair of earbuds on the market right now.
Battery Life: 6 Hours (24 hours with case)
Noise Canceling: Yes (ANC)
Multipoint: No
Water Resistance: IPX4
Price: $299
BEST EARBUDS FOR APPLE USERS
There’s a reason why the AirPods Pro and their trademark stems are ubiquitous:
They’re incredibly easy to use, especially if you’re already using Apple products. Connecting the earbuds to the brand’s phones, computers or tablets is a breeze, and once you’ve added them to a device’s Bluetooth list, they’ll connect automatically once you put them in your ears (as long as they’re not connected to anything else). Their call quality can’t be beaten, either, which has been the case for all of Apple’s earbuds. The one area they’ve lagged behind is audio quality—something that has finally been addressed on the second-generation model, which was released this past fall. No, they may not win over audiophiles, but for almost everyone else they’ll be more than up to snuff.
Battery Life: 6 Hours (30 hours with case)
Noise Canceling: Yes (ANC)
Multipoint: No
Water Resistance: IPX4
Price: $239
BEST EARBUDS FOR GOING TO THE GYM
BEATS FIT PRO WIRELESS EARBUDS
The AirPods Pro may be Apple’s most popular headphones, but that doesn’t make them its best. Instead, that title belongs to the newly released Beats Fit Pro. The Apple subsidiary’s newest pair of in-ears is basically the same earbud but with two key exceptions: First, they sound better than the AirPods Pro, producing music that is fuller and more vibrant. Second, they feature rubber wings that allow you to get an even more secure fit,
a godsend if you plan on wearing them while working out. They’re not perfect, of course. The microphone is a tad sensitive and having more than one noise-canceling level would have been preferable. Still, if you are an Apple-only sort of person, they’re currently the best pair for the fitness-focused.
Battery Life: 6 Hours (24 hours with case).
Noise Canceling: Yes (ANC).
Multipoint: No.
Water Resistance: IPX4
Price: $200
BEST EARBUDS FOR FLIPPING BETWEEN TASKS
JABRA ELITE 85T EARBUDS
The Elite 85t’s noise-canceling abilities may not be the strongest, but they are the easiest to use. Jabra’s top-tier wireless earbuds give you plenty of ANC flexibility and the best transparency mode out there. That allows you to go from listening to your favorite music or buzzy podcast and a conversation with another person at the simple tap of the left bud. But that’s far from these beauties’ only strength. They also have strong audio quality and are comfortable, though the oddly shaped ear tips may not be for everyone. Regardless, you’re unlikely to find a more well-rounded pair of in-ear headphones.
Battery Life: 5.5 hours (25 hours with case)
Noise Canceling: Yes (ANC)
Multipoint: Yes
Water Resistance: IPX4
Price: $140
BEST EARBUDS FOR MUSIC LOVERS
SONY WF-1000XM4 EARBUDS
If audio quality is your top priority, Sony WF-1000XM4 are the earbuds for you. Although you’ll need to play around with the equalizer on the company’s app, no in-ears on this list offer sound quality that matches these. In fact, from our testing, the sound quality and noise cancellation matches their over-ear counterparts, the WH-1000XM4. Like the Bose QuietComforts, they’re pretty big. Because of this, fit can be an issue, especially if you have small ears. The included memory foam ear tips do make getting a tight seal possible, though— something that isn’t always the case with other earbuds.
Battery Life: 8 hours (30 hours with case).
Noise Canceling: Yes (ANC).
Multipoint: Yes.
Water Resistance: IPX4
Price: $199
MOST STYLISH EARBUDS
BANG & OLUFSEN BEOPLAY EX EARBUDS
Most earbuds are small enough to be ignored, but if you want a pair that stand out, consider the Beoplay EX. Like all of Bang & Olufsen’s audio gear, they feature a sleek design—the stems that actually look good—and are made from premium materials. They pack plenty of substance, too, including detailed and sumptuous sound, high-quality noise cancellation and solid battery life. Their unique shape may be big for those with smaller ears,
but for everyone else they’re an excellent choice.
Battery Life: 8 hours (28 hours with case)
Noise Canceling: Yes (ANC)
Multipoint: Yes
Water Resistance: IP57 (protects against dust and temporary submersion in water)
Price: $399
BEST EARBUDS FOR LONG LISTENING SESSIONS
SONY LINKBUDS S EARBUDS
As we wrote above, Sony’s range-topping WF-1000XM4 in-ear headphones are basically a dream come true for audiophiles. For everyone else, they could be a little too bulky and heavy. Luckily, the brand also sells the LinkBuds S, which might be the most comfortable earbuds out there at the moment. They’re so light and have such an effective transparency mode that it’s easy to forget that you’re wearing them. Despite this, these earbuds still offer solid audio and noise-canceling performance, making them a more streamlined version of the brand’s flagship Bluetooth ‘buds.
Battery Life: 6 hours (20 hours with case).
Noise Canceling: Yes (ANC).
Multipoint: No.
Water Resistance: IPX4
Price: $112
THE JEWEL OF NEW YORK REAL ESTATE
IAT HOME IN NY'S PRICIEST ENCLAVE BRIDGEHAMPTON
THE EQUESTRIAN CENTER OF THE HAMPTONS NATURALLY BOASTS THE HIGHEST MEDIAN LISTING PRICES AND LARGEST ACREAGES ON THE COAST
N THE HAMPTONS, NEW YORK’S 50-MILE STRETCH OF COMMUNITIES ON LONG ISLAND’S SOUTH FORK, IS THE COASTAL HAMLET OF BRIDGEHAMPTON.
The enclave boasts the state’s priciest residential real estate, with a median listing price of $8.5 million in July 2025, according to Realtor.com. (News Corp, owner of The Wall Street Journal, also operates Realtor.com.) Part of the town
of Southampton, Bridgehampton has a central location within the broader Hamptons area, making it an increasingly sought-after choice for homeowners. Residences south of Montauk Highway, especially on Ocean Road, are in demand due to their prime beach access. North of the highway, larger acreages are more common. Housing stock is a blend of old homes and new construction, the latter encompassing aesthetics ranging from modern barn to contemporary and edgy. This gives the community, which is rooted in equestri-
an and farming traditions, a historic yet fashionable feel.
Bridgehampton isn’t as traditionally village-like as some of other Hamptons communities. But it does have a small downtown, just a couple blocks long, with restaurants and stores along Montauk Highway.
CANDY KITCHEN
This old-fashioned luncheonette has been dishing out comfort food and homemade ice cream for a century,
seemingly unchanged since 1925. The Laggis family has owned and operated it since 1981. Fresh peach ice cream is a favorite order in the summer.
LOAVES & FISHES COOKSHOP
Opened in 2003, this shop sells locally, and internationally, sourced kitchenware and home goods—think dishes, silverware, glasses and linens. It is part of the van Kempen family’s portfolio of Hamptons businesses, which also includes a foodstore, restaurant and inn.
BRIDGEHAMPTON FLORIST
This flower shop, owned by Michael Grim and Jim Osburn since the 1980s, is more than just a place to snag a bouquet. It also offers custom floral
arrangements, often made for special events being hosted at clients’ homes.
CHANNING DAUGHTERS WINERY
This winery has around 30 acres of vines and wines made from more than two dozen grape varieties. The first vines were planted in 1982. It opened to the public in 1997. Its tasting experience offers flights, wines by the glass and picnic-style snacks.
BEACH ACCESS
The Hamptons has more than 50 public beaches. In Bridgehampton, Mecox Beach is popular for being family-friendly, with lifeguards, restrooms, rinse-off showers and an occasional snack truck. Whales can sometimes be spotted from Mecox, and families can host catered sunset dinner parties at the beach. Walkable from Mecox is W. Scott Cameron Beach, which is more secluded and often has better surfing waves.
EVENT OF THE YEAR
In its fifth decade, the Hampton Classic is one of the largest outdoor horse
shows in the country. It is an annual event that takes place toward the end of the summer and attracts top equestrians from around the world.
ADVICE FOR THE BUYER
Bridgehampton has significant oceanfront homes south of the highway, says Angela Boyer-Stump of Sotheby’s International Realty – Bridgehampton Brokerage. Here, a teardown house on 1 acre might start at $7 million; new construction on 2 acres might start around $19 million. “But the main Bridgehampton buyer wants more acreage—the bigger house, the bigger land, the bigger vibe, the bigger life,” she says, noting Bridgehampton is one of the few Hamptons communities where some buyers might prefer north of the highway. “We have a lot of north of the highway inventory priced similarly to south of the highway because of the equestrian and farm field beauty,” she says. In this area, a teardown house on 1 acre might be $5 million and up; new construction on 2 acres might start around $13 million.
GET CRYSTAL-CLEAR VISION WITH EYE DROPS
VIZZ (ACECLIDINE OPHTHALMIC SOLUTION) IS A NEW PRESCRIPTION EYE DROP APPROVED TO TREAT PRESBYOPIA, A COMMON CONDITION THAT MAKES IT HARDER TO SEE THINGS UP CLOSE AS YOU GET OLDER.
It's the first and only eye drop in the U.S. that uses aceclidine, a new type of medicine for this purpose.
Vizz works by gently narrowing the size of your pupil. This creates a pinhole effect that helps you focus better on nearby objects without blurring your distance vision. A single daily dose can provide a quick improvement in your near vision that can last for up to 10 hours.
Presbyopia usually starts in your mid40s and affects nearly 128 million adults in the U.S. Many people use prescription reading glasses or contact lenses to manage it. Vizz offers a new nonsurgical option that doesn’t require glasses.
WHY WAS IT APPROVED?
The FDA approved Vizz after reviewing results from three clinical studies that looked at how well it worked and how safe it was. In these studies, people who used Vizz once a day were able to see things up close much better within 30 minutes, and the effect lasted for up to 10 hours. These results were seen across different groups of people.
Vizz was generally well tolerated. No serious side effects linked to the treatment were reported during the studies, which included more than 30,000 days of use. The most common side effects were mild and went away on their own. These included irritation at the site where the drop was applied, dim or dark vision, headache, and red eyes.
What do I need to know?
Vizz is a once-daily eye drop that comes in single-use vials and doesn’t contain preservatives. You apply it directly to your eye. It’s expected to be available in the U.S. starting October 2025, with wider access by the end of the year.
You shouldn’t use Vizz if you’re allergic to any of its ingredients. After using the drop, your vision may be dim or dark for a short time. Don’t drive or use machines until your vision returns to normal.
If you wear contact lenses, take them out before using Vizz and wait at least 10 minutes before putting them back in. If you use other eye drops, wait at least five minutes between each one.
While putting in the eye drops, make sure that the tip of the bottle does not touch your eyes or any other surface. This will help avoid infecting or injuring your eyes. Throw away the opened vial right after you use it.
Call your eye health care provider right away if you notice flashing lights, floaters, or sudden vision loss after using Vizz. These could be signs of a more serious issue. Vizz may be a good option if you want to manage presbyopia without glasses, but it’s not the right choice for everyone.
BY JOYANI DAS, PHD AND MARY WINDLE, PHARMD
TAYLOR ZAKHAR PEREZ
“F AILURE WASN’T AN OPTION,” SAYS ACTOR TAYLOR ZAKHAR PEREZ OF HIS DECADE-PLUS-LONG JOURNEY THROUGH HOLLYWOOD.
The actor, 31, moved away from his seven siblings in the Midwest to attend UCLA—in part so he could moonlight as an assistant at creative agency Art Department, where his uncle worked at the time. That was in addition to a few other gigs and, of course, attending class. “I was working three or four jobs at one
time: school, Art Department, production assisting, acting classes, and I was also a cater waiter,” says Perez. “I didn’t move here to not do what I wanted to do.”
Perez has all the makings of a Hollywood heartthrob: a solid work ethic, an undeniably magnetic charm and a passing resemblance to a young Cary Grant (so says his grandmother). And if that isn’t enough to get you swooning, he’s also a man of character who cares deeply about social and environmental issues. Don’t expect this bright star to gravitate towards fame for fame’s sake (he’s worked
too hard for that). Perez knows full well the power of the platform onto which he’s about to step. The only question is: what will he do next?
You recently visited a diamond mine in Botswana. What did you learn there?
Taylor Zakhar Perez: I visited the Karowe Diamond Mine in Botswana. It’s female-led and 99% of its employees are from Botswana. But the really cool thing is the mine works to provide lasting and sustainable benefits in the communities. Not only does the mine support the people who are working in the mine, but it supports the communities around the mine in terms of education, roads and infrastructure. Using the minerals they own to develop their country is incredible—and they’re taking a large amount of these profits and investing them into the country and the people. Revenue from diamond mining contributes to a school system providing free primary education to every child in Botswana.
That must have been such a great lesson in sustainability.
TZP: Yes, sustainability—but real sustainability. Not a company using the color green to make it seem like they’re sustainable. There is so much greenwashing out there. Sustainability starts with social sustainability. With the people.
What did you learn from that trip?
TZP: Do your own research, and don’t believe everything you see on TikTok. Start asking “why,” again. We’re in a position where a lot of information has become democratized and open-sourced; it’s for everyone. It’s up to us to want to know more.
Tell us about where you grew up.
TZP: It’s the duality of growing up in Chicago but also growing up in Northwest Indiana. We grew up on the
Southside of Chicago, a very urban, multicultural, dangerous place, but that’s where my mom and dad’s families grew up. Then we moved to Northwest Indiana which had horses, cows and cornfields. So, I had this duality of city life grounded in country life.
Did you come from a creative family?
TZP: I have seven siblings, but oddly enough, I didn’t. The only creative in my family was my grandmother on my dad’s side. She loved Hollywood, old films and she always said I reminded her of Cary Grant. As a kid I was like, “I don’t know who that is,” and now as an adult, I’m like, “Oh, a great actor, thank you!” My dad was enamored by Hollywood but never had the luxury of exploring
the arts because he had his first kid at 17 and took over my grandfather’s auto body shop. My parents always brought the arts and theater around us because they didn’t have it as kids. My dad always had a sparkle in his eye when it came to shows. He would become the consummate coach in anything. I chose sports that he didn’t play because I didn’t want his notes. That’s why I chose swimming in school—my dad doesn’t know how to swim to this day. I did musical theater, and he has no idea about musical theater. That’s my relationship with my dad. You kind of want to do stuff yourself.
I love projects that are emotionally connected and that will maybe change the way people look at something for the rest of their life.
Do you accept your dad’s notes now?
TZP: When it comes to business things, nobody knows business better than my dad. He’s a self-made entrepreneur. When he stops making deals, that’s when he’ll die because that’s what keeps him going. He lit my fire when it came to being your own business person and advocating for yourself… Nobody is going to fight harder for you than you.
Has your family dynamic shifted now that you’re in the public eye?
TZP: It hasn’t changed. I have a really big family. We recently lost my oldest sister, so I’m at a place in my life where the importance of everything has shifted. Family is most important to me.
Yesterday, I was on the phone with my sister, and then my little brother called, so I brought him in, and my [other] sister was also at my place, so all four of us were on the phone strategizing for family trips: Thanksgiving, birthdays. My sister said, “You kind of went MIA for ten years and now you’re talking to everybody!”
What do you think was the most valuable thing you did during that period?
TZP: For me, when people ask me how I “did it,” or what the journey was like, I say: get a group of friends you trust, get into class and work your butt off and be crazy honest with each other. There
are no other options. Failure is not an option. You have to make your own opportunities.
What about acting fulfills you?
TZP: Being able to tell stories that move people and change people’s perceptions. I travel around the world for work, and wherever I am, people come up to me and tell me how my characters have influenced them and made them feel. I go to Mexico and kids are like, “I see myself in you and you’re my favorite character.” I think that’s the most fulfilling thing. I love projects that are emotionally connected and that will maybe change the
way people look at something for the rest of their life.
What is your most treasured possession?
TZP: Anything sentimental. Anything that when I glance down it reminds me of my family. I have this diamond bracelet that I got for my 30th birthday, and I have this stainless-steel ring that used to be my mom’s that I wear on my middle finger.
POLO LIFESTYLES PRESENTS EMERGING ARTIST
SILA ŞEHRAZAT YÜCEL IS A TALENTED ARTIST BASED IN ISTANBUL. HER BACKGROUND IN LANDSCAPE AND INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE SHAPES HER CREATIVE VISION. WITH EXPERIENCE AS AN ART DIRECTOR IN CINEMA AND THEATER, SHE HAS A DEEP PASSION FOR DECOR AND COSTUME DESIGN.
Her interest in Ottoman miniature art adds a unique touch to her work, which mainly features surreal imagery. This blend of influences helps her create striking pieces that encourage viewers to explore the connection between reality and imagination.
Yücel is known for her colorful and vibrant mixed media creations that celebrate the beauty of horses. With a unique approach, she combines various materials and techniques to produce aesthetic images that capture the essence of these majestic animals. Yucel enhances
her artwork by incorporating geometric patterns and bold colors, infusing each piece with her distinctive artistic flair. Her work not only showcases her love for horses but also invites viewers to experience the dynamic interplay of form and color, creating a lively visual narrative that resonates with joy and energy.
Yücel’s art and designs are available on her ArtStar store: https://www.artstar. com/collections/sila-sehrazat-yucel
Polo Lifestyles’ editor-in-chief Josh Jakobitz found Yücel’s work on Pinterest,
SILA ŞEHRAZAT YÜCEL
which connected him to her Instagram. He DM’d her about a feature to which she enthusiastically agreed and he was lucky enough to get to ask Yücel some questions.
Polo Lifestyles: When did you start expressing yourself artistically (at what ages and how)?
SSY: Since childhood, I have always been immersed in creative activities: music, photography, art, crafts, and writing. Transforming existing things and adding my own touch to create something entirely new has always excited me. As I grew older, I kept creativity at the center of my life. I earned a bachelor’s degree
in landscape architecture and a master’s degree in Interior Architecture; I worked as an art director in cinema, and I also practiced computer-aided architectural visualization.
Alongside these, I engaged in crafts such as herbarium-making and jewelry-making, painted in the style of Ottoman miniature art, and pursued photography. Over time, I began blending the knowledge and experiences from these diverse creative disciplines with my artistic vision, and AI software became a medium for me, a way to create original images that synthesize everything I have learned.
PL: What is your connection with horses?
SSY: I’ve always felt that horses hold something beyond their physical presence; a quiet strength, a kind of wisdom that seems to exist outside of time. When I look at them, I don’t just see animals; I sense a depth, a reminder of something essential that we often lose in modern life. In my work, I approach them less as subjects to capture and more as living symbols: representations of freedom, mystery, and our enduring connection with nature. Through their imagined forms, I try to explore that balance between what is real and what is dreamt, between the world we inhabit and the one we long for.
POLO LIFESTYLES PRESENTS EMERGING ARTIST
SILA ŞEHRAZAT YÜCEL
PL: What is your inspiration for your work?
SSY: Inspiration can come from anything at any moment. It may be folkloric motifs from different cultures, the works of classical and contemporary artists, films, songs, or fashion. Sometimes it appears in the smallest details of daily life, like a few objects casually placed in a basket, a fleeting color, or a texture that catches my eye. Everything has the potential to spark a new direction in my work.
PL: What is your process?
SSY: My process begins with an image that forms in my mind, which I translate into detailed words for the AI to interpret, a practice known as prompt engineering. The software transforms these descriptions into visuals, and I refine them through countless iterations until they capture the essence of my vision. From there, I curate, edit, and often rework the images digitally, sometimes pixel by pixel in Photoshop. The final works are printed on fine art paper as limited editions, giving them both a physical presence and a sense of permanence.
PL: What was your breakthrough moment when you thought, Ok people really like what I’m doing?
SSL: When I began sharing my works on Instagram, they quickly resonated with a wide international audience, and I sensed that the imagery I was shaping touched something shared and collective. Later, as my prints were collected internationally, and as I began receiving invitations to exhibitions along with collaboration offers from people across very different fields and geographies, this realization deepened into a true breakthrough for me.
PL: Do you show your work in galleries and if so where?
SSY: Yes, I have exhibited internationally in Turkey, Germany, Italy, Brazil, Argentina, and the United States, both in solo and group shows. Most recently, I had a solo exhibition at Park House Dallas, which ran throughout the summer and will conclude on September 15.
PL: How does geography tie into your work being from Turkey?
SSY: Living in Istanbul means living between continents, cultures, and histories. This in-between space, where East and West meet, deeply influences my visual language. The city’s layered textures, myths, and contrasts often appear in my work, even when abstracted.
PL: Where can we see more of your work?
SSY: You can find my latest works on Instagram (@silasehrazatyucel). Limited-edition fine art prints from my horse series are also available through ArtStar and can be accessed directly from my page: artstar.com/collections/ sila-sehrazat-yucel
PL: Whom do you admire artistically?
SSY: My admiration spans centuries and mediums. I admire Hilma af Klint for her mystical abstraction, Ottoman miniature artists for their layered storytelling, Yayoi Kusama for her commitment to creating entire universes, and Schiaparelli for transforming fashion into a dreamlike spectacle.
FASHION & STYLE
A BAG AFICIONADO'S DREAM JOURNEY
THROUGH JAPAN
LUXE LEATHER LOOKS
IT’S A NOT-SO-WELLKEPT SECRET THAT TOKYO FASHION WEEK HAS SOME OF THE BEST (AND DEPENDING ON WHOM YOU ASK, THE BEST) STREET STYLE ACTION IN THE GAME.
Of course, no look is complete without a bag, and the city’s reputation for eclectic style that blends an eye for
silhouette, national and global influences, and avant-gard playfulness fully extends across accessories.
Throughout it all, five leading trends emerge: over-theshoulder styles, men’s bags, big texture, classic appeal, and whimsicality.
OVER THE SHOULDER BAG
Both practical and stylish, Tokyo’s style leaders made the
A BAG AFICIONADO'S DREAM JOURNEY THROUGH JAPAN
over-the-shoulder bag a go-to staple, keeping both hands free for whatever may come their way.
MEN
While men’s bags may still be taking a while to catch on in Europe, the fellas in Japan’s fashion capital don’t shy away from increased storage space and style statements. Still, many men’s looks leaned towards bag styles that could be called typically masculine, offering intriguing new takes on the evolving status of menswear.
TEXTURE
Hyper-texture was a trend that emerged on the European runways of Fall 2024, and it reared its voluminous head across Tokyo street style as well – from ruffles, fringe, and funky knits to even less familiar amalgamations of form.
CLASSIC
One of the exciting things about Tokyo fashion week is seeing how the city’s reputation for the avant-garde enters into conversation with the more chic and conservative mindset of its European
counterparts, and one way this conversation manifested was how young creatives put their own spin on classic styles from handbag titans like Gucci, Dior, Bottega Veneta, and more. Often the most classically minded street stylers had the most classic handbags, but other instances saw some daring experimentalists anchor a bold look with a more subdued and timeless handbag.
WHIMSICAL
The pendulum swings in both directions at once in Tokyo, and the vivacious, playful pop styles associated with the city’s
terize this trend, underscoring that when it comes to street style, you’re only as old as your bag feels.
Harajuku district spilled out across the city during fashion week. Unexpected construction and bright details charac-
LUXE LEATHER
At Paris Couture Week Fall 2025, leather was less about rebellion and more about reinvention. The material appeared everywhere— from sculpted corsets trimmed with lace to oversized jackets softened with wear, from biker staples to flowing dresses cut in supple skins.
It moved beyond its usual connotations of toughness, instead flexing between romance, elegance, and casual ease. Whether worked in sharp black, rich brown, or warm caramel, each look spoke to leather’s adaptability: both a shield and a canvas.
On the streets, the fabric became a language of contrast—structured yet fluid, rebellious yet refined—signaling that leather this season isn’t just armor, it’s attitude.
LUXE LEATHER
MANSION OF THE MONTH
HISTORIC NYC
135 EAST 19TH STREET
GRAMERCY PARK, NYC
$35,000,000 USD
6 BEDROOMS | 5 BATHROOMS | 1 HALF BATH
This historic Gramercy Park townhouse, originally built in 17th-century Amsterdam and re-imagined in 1910 by architect Frederick J. Sterner, spans nearly 7,000 square feet and showcases striking Gothic Revival architecture
with stained-glass windows, intricate stonework and grand, character-filled interiors.
Once home to prominent owners and a hub for New York’s social elite, it offers six bedrooms, dramatic entertaining
spaces and thoughtfully crafted renovation plans, making it a rare opportunity to own one of the city’s most architecturally significant private residences.
MANSION OF THE MONTH
DOUGLAS ELLIMAN
Eleonora Srugo esrugo@elliman.com 917.833.9453
Bernardo Metsch bernardo-beni.metsch@elliman. com
212.243.0717
Gina Giles gina.giles@elliman.com 518.755.3776
Learn more here: elliman. com/23547803
MANSION OF THE MONTH
$23,000,000 USD
BEDROOMS 6 | BATHROOMS 6 FULL AND 2 PARTIAL | INTERIOR
Located in the gated Gros Ventre North subdivision, in the heart of Jackson, Wyoming, is this newly constructed architectural masterpiece. Boasting exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail, this home offers an unparalleled living experience amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the Teton Range.
At the heart of the main level is the expansive Great Room adorned with vaulted ceilings and exposed steel beams. Gather around the floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace or express your culinary creativity in the chef’s kitchen, outfitted with top-of-theline appliances, tailor-made finishes, and a butler’s pantry.
Floor-to-ceiling windows and telescoping doors flood this room with natural light and provide seamless access to the expansive deck, complete with a covered outdoor dining area, a built-in grill, and an outdoor fireplace, perfect for entertaining against the backdrop of Wyoming’s natural splendor.
Step into opulence as you enter the spacious Primary Suite. Featuring his and her walk-in closets and a spa-like bathroom complete with a double vanity, double showers, a freestanding bathtub, and an outdoor shower, this retreat boasts privacy and comfort.
Relax and unwind on the private deck, offering a sweeping panorama of the Teton Range, or enjoy the warmth and comfort of the double-sided fireplace perfectly situated in front of a built-in reading nook. There is a private office located between the Primary Suite and the Great Room, designed for productivity and inspiration. With a private covered deck offering sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, this office becomes a private retreat within the expansive home.
Adjacent to the office is the mudroom, a transitional space crafted with custom millwork and thoughtful design elements. Here, gear, jackets, and shoes find a styl-
ish home, keeping the main living area pristine and clutter-free. Adjacent to the mudroom, is the upstairs laundry room and an additional coat closet to meet all your storage and cleaning needs. At the center of the home where the main level and lower level meet is a causeway flanked by expansive two-story windows which saturate the home with natural light while providing endless views of the surrounding wilderness.
Located on the lower level is the entertainment and media room. Unwind in the sprawling Media Room, equipped with a full-sized wet bar featuring a wine fridge, ice machine, and dishwasher.
Built-in shelves offer ample space for entertainment, books, and art. Indulge in recreation and relaxation within the gym and sauna, with seamless outdoor access to the meticulously landscaped backyard and built-in hot tub, creating an oasis of luxury and relaxation.
Additionally, attached to the Media Room is a spare Flex Room with an en-suite bathroom that is perfect for supplementary accommodations for guests. The south wing of the lower level is the dedicated guest wing, with four en-suite bedrooms, each offering incredible wilderness and mountain views.
The garage is a haven for recreation enthusiasts, with expansive storage solutions ensuring that every vehicle, tool, recreational equipment, or seasonal gear finds its designated place. This six car garage bay designed to provide maximum utility and with over 1,500 square feet this space can easily house all of your standard and recreational vehicles.
BLENDED WITH NATURE IN THE HEART OF SAGAPONACK
A STORYBOOK ESTATE IN THE HEART OF SAGAPONACK
Set on three enchanting acres in Sagaponack, “Whimsy Farm” is a one-ofa-kind estate blending Hamptons farmhouse charm with French countryside elegance and Palm Beach flair. From the
original barn-turned-great room to the lush, sculpture-filled grounds, saltwater pool, dual kitchens and separate guest quarters, every detail invites relaxation, celebration and timeless style.
PROPERTY DETAILS
790 Sagg Road, Sagaponack, New York
5 Bedrooms | 6 Bathrooms
$6,995,000
Listed by Douglas Elliman Adam Hofer adam.hofer@elliman.com 631.236.8659
In Search of Solace Polo Lifestyles Annual Crystal Feature
WILLIAM SMITH @willismith_2000 COPY EDITOR & CONTRIBUTOR
EVERY FALL, I RELISH WRITING MY ANNUAL COLUMN ON CRYSTAL, STEMWARE, AND GLASSES. TO BE HONEST, I HAVE A BIT OF A PROBLEM WHEN IT COMES TO STEMWARE AND MY COLLECTION NOW REQUIRES NOT JUST A DISPROPORTIONATE AMOUNT OF CABINET SPACE IN MY KITCHEN BUT ALSO OVERFLOWS INTO MY STUDIO (WHERE IT COMPETES FOR SPACE WITH MY AFFECTION FOR TABLEWARE).
I feel no shame and love having the perfect glass at hand for whatever elixir finds its way into my abode.
Yes, one can drink wine from any old vessel, but certain glasses are tried and true. Such glasses embrace the philoso-
phy wherein form follows function and, when enrobed with style and artistry, elevates the very nature of the wine and one’s experience of it. Perhaps no glass represents this dynamic better than the champagne coupe.
The origin of the coupe is not entirely clear, but there seems to be some agreement that it emerged in 1663, designed by a Benedictine Monk in England. Other origin tales attribute its unique shape to being molded after the breast of Marie Antoinette or the mistress of King Louis XV of France, Madame de Pompadour. Though the timing doesn’t quite work out for the breast-inspired design tales, it’s a titillating tidbit of lore.
What we do know is that the coupe was widely used in the French courts of several monarchs as champagne’s popularity soared following its debut in 1668. Thereafter, it was the glass for partaking in champagne for several centuries.
There are many opinions and preferences for what constitutes the ideal glass for enjoying champagne and other sparkling wines. Some prefer a glass with a
large enough bowl to truly experience the aromas of the wine, something a flute typically does not yield. Others argue that larger bowls, including the saucer style of a coupe, utterly fail in appreciating the nuances of bubbles, which quickly dissipate in the larger bowl.
Here is my take: drink your bubbles in whatever feels elegant and elevated. For me, that is sometimes a flute (Tiffany and Co.’s discontinued Hampton line is a bold and sublime statement of classic style), but more often than not, I reach for a coupe. Its saucer-like bowl provides ample opportunity to appreciate the color and bouquet of a sparkling, although, admittedly, one loses a bit of the magical effervescence. For my taste, the price is well worth it for the statement of distinction that results from a gracefully and gleefully cradled coupe.
This month, we profile four gorgeous coupes from the world’s top glassmakers. They represent an evolved approach to the coupe, where longer stems and therefore greater height are dominant, which in turn, feels more natural to hold them not just by cradling the bowl, but
holding them by the stem as well, much like one holds a flute. Some of this evolution is also powered by the role that coupes play as the glass of choice for the emergent cocktail culture, a trend reminiscent of 100 years ago when coupes also reigned.
Make no mistake – coupes are back and when executed properly, they are high fashion crafted in crystal and deserve space in your collection of stemware. So make room, celebrate like a monarch, and consider these immaculate examples for your collection and your next celebration.
As Always, Salud!
WATERFORD LISMORE ESSENCE CHAMPAGNE SAUCER
Waterford Crystal dates back to 1783 when George and William Penrose started the Waterford Glassworks in the city of Waterford in Ireland. That company was shuttered in 1851, and the company would not be revived until 1947 in the economic promise that emerged after the Second World War.
In short order, Waterford Crystal products became the definition of postwar luxury and several fine designers began to make their own mark within the House. Among these was Miroslav Havel, who in 1952, launched the iconic Lismore design. As the company de-
scribes it, “(t)he pattern was an ode to the Gothic architecture of the 800-year-old Lismore Castle, inspired by the symmetry of the towers, pointed arches and elegant curves of the windows.”
Although entrenched in Irish history and design, the contemporary take on the Lismore pattern is entirely modern. I kept thinking to myself, “this isn’t your grandmother’s Waterford set.” And yet, even the contemporary interpretations are resonant with Havel’s original aesthetic. Signature hallmarks of the design, such as diamond and edge cuts, have been scaled back in volume, creating a sleeker, more understated expression.
The Lismore Essence Saucer is a statuesque glass at just over seven inches tall, nearly three inches taller than the traditional Lismore coupe. The stem is slender and elongated and the bowl, at 4.6 inches in diameter, is generous in its proportions with a 9-ounce volume capacity. Another departure from the traditional design is the absence of cuts into the underside of the glass’ base – another nod to a cleaner and more modern style.
In the hand, this is a grand, yet balanced glass that feels more comfortable being held by the stem. The large bowl allowed for bubbles to emerge from the bottom and then float and congregate to the sides and the thin walls of the glass create a refined mouthfeel when drinking. A set of two currently retails for $220 at waterford.com and other fine stores, including Bloomingdales and Nordstrom.
WATERFORD COPPER COAST MASTERCRAFT COUPE
The majority of Waterford Crystal’s products are now made outside of Ireland, but the House’s Mastercraft collection continues to be handmade and mouth-blown in Waterford. The Copper Coast Coupe is part of this collection and, whereas the Lismore Essence coupe feels entirely contemporary in style, the Copper Coast coupe feels classic and wonderfully of another era in time, yet updated for today’s tastes.
Waterford’s description of the glass anchors it in the company’s Irish roots,
saying it “beautifully captures the essence of the rugged Irish coastline. The wide central band of tight refracting caro cuts imitates the ocean’s movement, while the deep cut rings symbolise the horizon. The olive cuts at the base reflect the minerals extracted from the rocks by the ancient miners, making this piece a conversation starter.”
The bowl itself is large with a volume of 10.5 ounces, and the glass stands at 7 inches tall with a 4.7-inch diameter. The olive cuts at the base of the bowl are a stunning element in how they capture the light through the golden hue of a sparkling wine. The glass is elegant and
a true marriage of cuts in the traditional style (including to the underside of the base) with a more modern and curvaceous design to the bowl. What differentiates it entirely from older designs of the House is the upsizing which creates both a classic and an on-trend statement.
Waterford’s website currently offers at least nine different styles of coupes, including the higher end Copper Coast coupe (a set of two is $460) to Waterford’s affordably priced Marquis line where coupes are offered at $20 a stem.
RIEDEL VERITAS COUPE/ COCKTAIL
Austrian glassmaker Riedel is prodigious in their designs and production and can be found nearly everywhere and at a wide variety of price points. Some of my favored stemware for both everyday and entertaining is from Riedel.
It was odd then, when I ventured into research on coupes, to find only a single coupe in Riedel’s entire line up of currently available products. I found the answer on their website in a blog post about the history of the champagne glass (https://www. riedel.com/en-us/blog/education/ evolution-of-the-champagne-glass):
“While it may help you live the life of a flapper, its shape is completely ineffective when it comes to expressing wine’s
profile…The open design causes both bubbles and aroma to dissipate almost immediately and, if you consider that 70% of our perception of flavour comes from aroma, you’re losing a lot of your experience for fashion’s sake.”
To quote the inimitable Vivienne Westwood, “Fashion is very important. It is life-enhancing and, like everything that gives pleasure, it is worth doing well.” And doing well with drinking champagne is finding the appropriately fashionable glass, including the coupe. This is very important.
And while Riedel prefers stemware for champagne that stylishly leans deeply into the appreciation of the wine itself, their Veritas Coupe/Cocktail glass is a work of refined, minimalist art. When our publisher at Polo Lifestyles first saw the glass, he said it reminded him of
Naomi Campbell on the runway. Now that… is fashion.
Of all the glasses tested for this feature, the Veritas coupe did marvelously on being able to visually appreciate the bubbles. This is in large part due to the entirely clear and unencumbered view through the bowl’s delicate, thin walls. The glass stands at 6 ¾ inches tall and visually, the most interesting feature is the large diameter base which feels almost as large in circumference as the bowl itself. It creates a splendid balance to the piece, and a long, slender stem harmoniously marries the two discs.
The Riedel Veritas line debuted in 2014 and is a precision, machine-made glass and is available at www.riedel.com. The Coupe/Cocktail retails at $89 for a set of two.
BACCARAT TALLEYRAND BY STARCK
Established in 1764, Baccarat is the epitome of luxury and style in crystal. My own collection of coupes includes both the discontinued Provence and Capri lines of Baccarat, but several coupes are currently available from existing collections.
The Talleyrand collection dates back to at least the 1930s, but in 2023, the Talleyrand line was re-imagined through the artistry of designer Phillipe Starck, whose history and collaboration with the House goes back two decades.
The Talleyrand coupe is magnificent in every respect. It’s weight and clari-
ty – hallmarks of Baccarat – impart an elegance from the moment you hold the glass (which, for me, was holding it by the underside of the bowl as opposed to the stem). It’s luminous, with sculpting to the underside of the bowl creating a depth of visual interest. The hexagonal base, etched with a modern “Talleyrand by Stark” underneath the iconic “Baccarat” etching, contrasts with the rounded, flared bowl. More than a statement piece, this is a generational heirloom of perfection.
As we go to press, the Talleyrand Coupe is sold out on Baccarat’s own site, but is available at Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, among others, and retails for $1,500 for a set of two.
ASTING IS THE MEETING POINT OF BIOLOGY AND DIVINITY, WHERE SCIENCE AND SPIRIT CLASP HANDS.
Do you feel you trapped inside, scrambling to set free all that you are meant to be? Aware of your potential for evolutionary impact upon the planet, yet drained in endless mental loops, constantly curtailed by waves of distraction – do you seek alignment with your soul’s pursuit?
Are you frustrated with your perceived failures in life, as you seek deeper meaning to carry you through the strife?
Realizing that we are our own greatest enemy inspires us to overcome our own inner foe – torching the weight of our transitory state, unwavering devotion to self-liberation sources the ultimate breakthrough.
The ever-purifying fire of ever-evolving intelligence exists to realize its own
“In fasting, the body’s hunger reveals the soul’s true appetite.” — Mahatma Gandhi
brilliance mirrored in the reflection of life’s divine matrix. The yearning to experience the highest forms of love births us across the threshold of our cosmic self, and into the arms of one another’s accepting embrace. To become the experiencer of the dissolving fire of the egoic container of one’s reality, freed from the lower Self through service of our budding collective consciousness— such is the ultimate path of grace.
All that you shall ever desire can only be delivered through the inner fire. Cleansing your Self of the distortions that manifest disease and ignorance is crucial to realizing your true nature. Fasting is one of humanity’s oldest practices, appearing across cultures, religions, and healing traditions. The practice of fasting has a long and deeply symbolic history in the initiation processes of ancient mystery schools, and it was considered much more than a simple physical cleanse - it was a profound spiritual, mental, and energetic preparation. Fasting was seen as a key prerequisite for admission, study, and transformation within these esoteric traditions.
As an ultimate lesson in self-preservation, one of the greatest teachers of all times, Pythagoras, required a 40-day fast before full acceptance into his ancient mystery school. This was not just a physical trial - it was an intentional period for aspirants to confront their own fears, impulses, and attachments, emerging stronger and more aligned with the school’s high ethical and spiritual standards. The 40-day fast in Pythagorean initiation, therefore, was far more than ritual—it was a transformative crucible designed to align the student with cosmic principles, moral rigor, and heightened awareness necessary to grasp the mysteries of number, harmony, and universal law.
Today, modern science validates what ancient mystics established within the record of consciousness: fasting offers profound benefits for both body and spirit. From cellular repair to heightened states of awareness, fasting serves as a gateway to physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual illumination.
What does it take, for an artist to create a message to inspire the transformation needed to set this world aflame? In this
Ascension guidance, Monarch Visionary explores the scientific and spiritual dimensions of fasting, focusing on autophagy, neuroplasticity, and neurogenesis, as well as how the illumination of the senses dissolve dis-empowering psychological chains for spiritual resurrection from the negative-consciousness matrix into a role of radiant leadership as an embodied messenger of true Earth.
As a special gift, present code EMPOWER at SonoBellezza.com for 10% off your purchase of the entire collection of plant-infused beauty products, including the latest Self Love Collection.
PART I - THE SCIENCE OF FASTING
“Fasting is the body’s built-in mechanism for renewal. By resting from digestion, the body turns inward to repair itself.” - Dr. Yoshinori Ohsumi, Nobel Laureate in Medicine (2016), for discoveries on autophagy
Through fasting, we remember our wholeness, within and beyond the body. Fasting is more than abstaining from food; it is a sacred act of renewal through which the cultivated fire of our breath reveals our interconnection to the cosmic tapestry of our soul’s mani-
festation. Science validates fasting as a powerful tool for cellular repair, brain health, and longevity. Spiritually, it clears the mind, purifies the heart, and awakens the senses to the subtle dimensions of life. When embraced with reverence and intention, fasting becomes a bridge between biology and transcendence, body and soul, self and cosmos.
AUTOPHAGY: THE BODY’S CELLULAR RENEWAL
Autophagy, rooted in Greek to mean “self-eating,” is the body’s natural process of cleaning out damaged cells and recycling them into building blocks
ASCENSION
HEAL YOURSELF AND HEAL THE WORLD
SPIRITUALITY FAITH
QUESTIONS GROWTH · FOCUS
for new cells. Autophagy is triggered by fasting and promotes both self-repair and rejuvenation. The scientific benefits of autophagy include: reduced risk of chronic disease (cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease), enhanced longevity through cellular maintenance, and improved immunity and reduced inflammation.
NEUROPLASTICITY: REWIRING THE BRAIN
Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to form new connections and pathways throughout life. Fasting enhances brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports learning, memory, and resilience. The benefits of neuroplasticity include: improved cognitive performance, enhanced stress adaptation, and potential therapeutic effects in neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
NEUROGENESIS: BIRTH OF NEW BRAIN CELLS
Neurogenesis is the creation of new neurons in the brain, especially in the hippocampus (memory and emotional regulation center). Periods of fasting stimulate neurogenesis, enhancing brain health. Benefits of neurogenesis include improved memory and emotional regulation. Protection against age-related cognitive decline. Increased creativity and problem-solving abilities.
Hormesis: Stress that Strengthens
Hormesis is the beneficial adaptation to short, manageable stressors. Fasting is a form of hormetic stress that strengthens the body and mind, empowering initiates with the mental perseverance to penetrate through the daily pressures of living and into the depths of flow. The benefits of hormesis include heightened resilience
to stress, improved energy regulation, sharpened focus and mental clarity.
PART II - THE SPIRITUAL DIMENSIONS
“Fasting is the first principle of medicine; fast and see the strength of the spirit revealed.” – Rumi, Sufi Mystic
Mystical traditions across Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Sufism, and Indigenous traditions require fasting as a practice to awaken the subtle senses, essential for esoteric learning. Ancient teachers understood that the human body carries both physical toxins and subtle energetic impurities. Fasting was viewed to detoxify the physical body, purify the mind, and elevate the spirit.
ILLUMINATION OF THE SENSES
Hunger serves as a catalyst to detach from the destructive attachments of the material plane, reducing attachment to sensory pleasures and obstructions to the natural draw of the higher path, to open the initiate to subtler realms of consciousness. Experiential benefits of the illumination of the senses include heightened perception of sound, light, and intuition; sharpened inner vision and expanded awareness; and a sense of communion with nature, cosmic consciousness and the spiritual realms for access to hidden wisdom.
EGO SHEDDING AND INNER PURIFICATION
As the body releases toxins, the psyche releases attachments, desires, and mental clutter. The outcome of the dissolution of the toxic ego include greater humility and compassion, detachment from material and ego-driven pursuits, and a return to simplicity and essence.
FASTING AS A PORTAL TO TRANSCENDENCE
When the stomach is empty, the heart is full of light. Fasting is known to induce altered states, opening gateways to mystical experiences. Reported spiritual effects of transcendence include lucid dreams and visions, deepened meditation and prayer, and union with the divine or universal consciousness.
Alignment with Natural Rhythms
To fast is to remember the rhythms of the Earth within the rhythms of the body. Fasting resets biological rhythms, aligning the individual with natural cycles of day and night for natural circadian Harmony. Many traditions fast with lunar or seasonal cycles, deepening the connection with Earth’s rhythms to experience sacred resonance with the natural cycles of the cosmos.
JOIN
MONARCH VISIONARY ON A SACRED JOURNEY TO REVEAL THE COSMIC POWER OF YOUR SENSES
“The Wound Is the Place Where the Light Enters.” – Rumi, Sufi Mystic
For any awakening creator, the innumerable scientific benefits of fasting are too overwhelming to ignore. Through the disciplined process of long-term fasting, stored pain and trauma, diving into childhood trauma, ancestral pain, and universal cosmic conflict, are liberated to surface as trapped energies are released from the body and birthed into the light of consciousness.
Through the 3/6/12-month sacred containers offered through Monarch Visionary Ventures Society, initiates are
guided through the soul-integration process to support the natural emergence of purpose, or Dharma, and restore psychic connection with the empowering forces of natural law.
Rooted in the ancient yogic wisdom of the sacred Vedas, which are the foundation for Quantum Science, facilitators guide you through the restructuring of your nervous system and acceptance of your natural spiritual gifts, or Siddhis. By combining fasting with sacred breathwork, your radiant awareness is seamlessly delivered to the stored pain within your subtle energy body systems, for the natural dissolution of your spiritual chains and the organic rebirth of your nervous system and blossoming of evolved mental and emotional intelligent faculties.
YOUR TRUE SENSE FOR WEALTH AWAITS YOUR COMMITMENT TO SPIRITUAL REBIRTH.
Apply for Monarch Visionary’s Rainbow Body Initiation:
Share your name, intention, the desired length of your sacred container and a note about your spiritual path to: Amritlal@MonarchVisionary.com with the subject line: “I Am Ready to Ascend with Amritlal.”
This is not a program you join. It is a soul agreement you feel is real. Only 12 seats per container. The fire has been lit. Your sacred oath is remembered. Step forward.
Sign up for additional Ascension guidance through Monarch Visionary’s Newsletter: www.monarchvisionary.com
MOLD YOUR MIND
NAVIGATING UNCERTAINTY
THRIVE IN DIFFICULT TIMES
“NOT EVERYTHING THAT IS FACED CAN BE CHANGED, BUT NOTHING CAN BE CHANGED UNTIL IT IS FACED.”
- JAMES BALDWIN
UNCERTAINTY IS A FUNDAMENTAL PART OF LIFE AND WORK. SOME PHILOSOPHERS SUGGEST THAT MUCH OF WHAT WE PERCEIVE AS CERTAIN IS AN ILLUSION; YET WE NATURALLY DESIRE STABILITY, SECURITY, AND A SENSE OF CONTROL.
There is no mistaking the uncertainty of our current era. Whether from acute crises like the COVID-19 pandemic or chronic stressors – societal, political, environmental, and beyond – many illusions of stability have been stripped away. In recent months, academic medicine has faced a new source of uncertainty: efforts to reduce programs and policies that support many of our basic activities – clinical care and research – while also challenging our foundational values like diversity, equity, and the long-standing principles that have shaped progress over decades.
THE
CHALLENGE OF UNCERTAINTY
In organizations, uncertainty can trigger fear-based reactions such as analysis
paralysis, reactive decision-making, rigidity, or clinging to the familiar simply to maintain a sense of stability. The term “unproductive uncertainty” describes overly narrow thinking and missing the possibilities which exist in even the direst circumstances.
For many of us, uncertainty activates fear and anxiety, leading to rumination, black-and-white thinking, catastrophizing, and feeling unmoored. As change and crisis often threaten the loss of things we hold dear, the ongoing stress of unmanaged uncertainty can additionally contribute to emotional exhaustion and burnout. This compounds the challenges already characteristic of our healthcare environment and further impairs our ability to respond in generative ways.
Fortunately, tools exist to help us all navigate uncertain times, regardless of one’s role or position. These approaches can safeguard our mental health and sometimes yield even better outcomes than we might have anticipated, by allowing us to engage productively with our fullest capacities available.
In challenging moments like these, considering such tools becomes valuable –not to diminish the threats or potential
losses, but to navigate our circumstances as effectively as possible.
THE OPPORTUNITY IN UNCERTAINTY
Although crisis and unwelcome change are never desirable, they can create space for new opportunities. When the answer is unknown and the situation painful or uncomfortable, there is a new stimulus for change and more latitude for creative problem-solving. Because uncertainty is unsettling, it can stimulate action and encourage breaking down barriers – both personal and bureaucratic – that, in stable times, tend to preserve the status quo. The early days of Covid – precisely five years ago – remind us of the speed with which we can engage in positive collective action in the face of a new and urgent threat.
What is the difference between despairing and availing ourselves of the opportunity created by uncertainty? It is in having the tools, mindset, and approach.
PRACTICAL TOOLS FOR NAVIGATING UNCERTAINTY
Whether you are directing a unit, leading a research team, providing clinical care, or teaching the next generation
of physicians, these tools can help you navigate uncertainty more effectively:
CHECK YOUR OWN PULSE, BEFORE TRYING TO CARE FOR OTHERS
Reactivity is not the same as grounded responsiveness; the former can lead to poor decision-making and increased anxiety among colleagues. Threat and fear responses can result in paralysis (“deer in the headlights”), rigidity, and erratic actions.
Conversely, measured and grounded responses are characterized by being open to a situation – seeing both the threats and opportunities – and having a poised readiness to be adaptable and action-oriented in more helpful ways.
DISTINGUISH BETWEEN ACUTE AND CHRONIC UNCERTAINTY
Acute crisis warrants a different approach than prolonged, sustained difficult situations.
While acute crises benefit from more authoritative, decisive, centralized action, using this approach in chronic situations often backfires. Instead, prolonged crises are best managed with a more thoughtful approach, broader engagement, idea generation, and decentralized experimentation that energizes, rather than exhausts, people.
Knowing the difference between acute and sustained situations can help adjust expectations and our approach accordingly. Of course, the current landscape presents both ongoing and immediate challenges, making it important to consider both short-term concerns as well as the long game.
THOUGHTS MATTER
SEEK AND PROVIDE CLEAR COMMUNICATION
Many people understandably tend to avoid difficulty during times of uncertainty, but staying informed and connected is crucial. Seeking out factual information, asking questions, and staying engaged with evolving updates can help mitigate feelings of helplessness. Similarly, sharing concerns, thoughts, and potential solutions with colleagues or leadership can foster a sense of agency and community.
For leaders and others in a position to communicate with others, it can be tempting not to communicate because of the high emotions and lack of clarity in periods of great change or uncertainty. While communicating poorly can be harmful, a communication vacuum is also counterproductive.
Providing factual information and clarifying what is known and unknown are the first steps. Emphasizing that information is evolving helps prepare people for the likelihood of changing information. Communicating how people will receive updates and having clear, predictable communication channels augments the sense of stability.
ENGAGE IN SENSE-MAKING
The next step is to manage meaning, which can also be thought of as sense-making. In chaotic situations, we all seek the answer to the question: what is the story? And what does it mean for me and the people and work I care about? Sense-making requires the creation of new mental models that offer plausible explanations of the changing landscape and a shared understanding that acts as a springboard for action.
Importantly, under conditions of uncertainty, these mental models and “stories” work best as adaptable prototypes that continue to be tested and modified as new solutions are tried and new information emerges.
LISTEN AND SHARE
As uncertainty can bring about strong emotions, one of the most powerful things we can do is create space for open, supportive, and psychologically safe conversations. Acknowledging fears and concerns without judgement– both our own and those of our colleagues – helps build trust and connection. Recognizing emotions, rather than dismissing them, can help foster a sense of community and support.
CONNECT TO CORE VALUES
When the path forward is not clear, returning to what truly matters in our core values can provide stability and direction. In our environment, these might include commitments to evidence-based practice, high-quality, compassionate, and ethical patient care, the well-being of the communities we serve, the pursuit of scientific knowledge, educational excellence, diversity, and health equity. Orienting to these values serves as a compass when maps are unavailable.
EMBRACE FLEXIBILITY AND ADAPTABILITY
Uncertainty requires a shift from rigid plans to flexible frameworks. Rather than clinging to one fixed outcome, it helps to remain open to evolving solutions. The ability to adapt to new circumstances (such as policy shifts or changes in funding) while not losing
MOLD YOUR MIND
sight of core objectives and values can make navigating uncertainty more manageable.
PARTICIPATE IN LEARNING, EXPERIMENTATION, AND INNOVATION
Uncertainty often creates opportunities to rethink outdated practices, making adaptation essential for progress. After acknowledging potential losses, we can focus on creative problem-solving to minimize harms and maximize gains. Innovation thrives in spaces that encourage collaboration, diverse ideas, and experimentation toward shared goals. When answers are unclear, staying flexible and continuously reassessing as new information emerges allows for more effective solutions.
SMALL DAILY PRACTICES TO NAVIGATE UNCERTAINTY
While we can’t eliminate uncertainty, we can build the following habits that make
it easier to manage:
Maintain effective self-care practices that work for you, especially during times of greater stress. This isn’t selfish –it’s necessary for sustainability.
Stay connected to your personal and professional support networks. Look out for colleagues who may be struggling and not be able to ask for support themselves.
Limit unhealthy coping mechanisms like excessive news consumption, doomscrollling, emotional numbing, or completely detaching from challenges.
Focus on your sphere of influence by recognizing what you can and cannot control.
Practice reframing uncertainty as potential opportunity and working with others to develop solutions.
Stay open to different perspectives with a “beginner’s mind” to foster creativity
and innovation. Be open to aspects of the situation you may not yet know, or solutions you have not yet considered.
Accept change as constant rather than exceptional, even in more stable times. Being prepared for the inevitability of change makes it less destabilizing.
Take small steps by focusing on shortterm actions within your control.
When rumination feels excessive, focus on planning as an antidote to anxious feelings. Feeling prepared for different scenarios can help.
Practice self-compassion by acknowledging difficult feelings without judgment rather than suppressing them.
Provide grace when people are not at their best around you during difficult times.
