Sophisticated Living Chicago November/December 2018

{Chicago’s Finest}

Nov/Dec 2018

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{Chicago’s Finest}

Nov/Dec 2018

Nov/Dec 2018

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on the cover: Faded photograph on matte paper (20” x 30” with a 2” white border), $400, by Chicago photographer Jason M. Peterson and available at warholkids.com. For more must-have art, interior design and fashion finds, turn to “Sophisticated Source.”

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BOLD PLATED From speckled mugs and spice bowls to midnight-black plates and planters, Grey Remedy’s handcrafted stoneware sets a stunning table

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SO CLUTCH Haute handbags designer Jeffrey Levinson takes our rapid-fire Q&A—and leaves us in stitches

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CURATIVE PURSUITS With clients ranging from chic hotels to blue-chip companies, Chicago art consultant extraordinaire Daniel Kinkade shares the secrets to his success

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THE SOPHISTICATED SIDE OF SOUTH BAY The westdrift hotel in Manhattan Beach brings a boutique-inspired approach to its design and amenities

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IT’S A MOD, MOD WORLD From lighting and loungers to luggage and luxe wallpaper, check out our chic midcentury picks

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CHEERS! Eight trending tomes for keeping up with the cocktail movement

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FASHIONABLY LATE Rolls-Royce unveils its super-luxury SUV, Cullinan— and utility has never looked so good

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GIFTS FOR PAMPERED PETS AND THEIR PEOPLE On the hunt for presents for your four-legged friends?

Look no further than our must-have list

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LONDON BY NIGHT (AND DAY) The Milestone Hotel in Kensington gives us more than a few reasons to leave home for the holidays

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Grey Remedy ceramics artist and Chicagoan Melissa Chin opens our eyes to the peaceful properties of pottery. Shown here: 8 oz. morning mug, $32, and breadand-butter plate, $26, both in Salt & Pepper and available at greyremedy.com.

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Award-winning interior designer Darcy Bonner brings high style to a penthouse in the 10 East Delaware building. Shown here: A Maison Baguès chair upholstered in a leopard print by Mattaliano, an ebonized bookcase, a desk designed by Bonner, and a striated linen wall covering come together in the study. Photo by Tony Soluri

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HOW CHARMING Tony talismans and tokens for upping your pendant game

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THE CORK BOARD The portfolio and harvest news you need to know now from Napa to the Loire Valley

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AUDI ELECTRIFIED Audi introduces the e-tron, the German automaker’s first fully electric production model

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THE TIMES, THEY ARE A CHANGIN’ The coolest watches to wear in the new year

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SALON PRIVÉ Blenheim Palace hosts Britain’s most exclusive automotive garden party

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SOPHISTICATED SOURCE Eight pages of the season’s chicest fashion, art and interior design looks you can’t live without

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THE MIDAS TOUCH The Golden Triangle celebrates 30 years as Chicago’s go-to resource for Asian and European antiques, artifacts and modern art

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PENTHOUSE ENERGY Architect and interior designer Darcy Bonner turns a gut reno in the Gold Coast into a dreamy and dramatic penthouse abode

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SEASON’S GREEN-INGS Too busy to take on trimming? Leave it to Mariani Landscape to deck the halls—and the front porch, Christmas tree, mantlepiece and more

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GOING WITH THE GRAIN From fruit tarts and almond cakes to artisan breads, Lost Larson in Andersonville is a hidden gem for baked goods and so much more

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PRESERVE AND PROTECT The 100 Club of Chicago brings hope, heart and financial support to the families of fallen first responders

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CALENDAR SL’s not-to-miss list of events for giving back and good times

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SOPHISTICATED SOCIETY Chicago’s coolest parties, from philanthropy to fashion

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SOPHISTICATED WOMAN Chicago artist and spiritual gangster Francine Turk talks to SL about new projects, inspiration and her collab with Bob Dylan

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PUBLISHER Alison Victoria CREATIVE DIRECTOR Bridget Daley EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Elise Hofer Shaw DIRECTOR OF LUXURY BRANDS Mandy Laneve ——————————————— ART DIRECTOR Jason Yann CONTRIBUTORS Writers Marissa Conrad Ruth Crnkovich Colin Dennis Chloe Geller Anita Heriot Andre James Amelia Jeffers Tina Kourasis Matt Lee Caylee Matthews Sally Meyer Taylor Morgan Marissa Nelson Lisa Shames Bridget Williams Photographers Adam DeTour James Gustin for Fig Media David Miller Maria Ponce Zach Pontz Anthony Tahlier Y.O! Photography Photo Editing Stephen Luxem ADVERTISING SALES OFFICE 937.672.6448 ——————————————— SOPHISTICATED LIVING MEDIA Eric Williams - CEO Bridget Williams - President Sophisticated Living® is published by AVMM Media Group, LLC and is independently owned and operated. Sophisticated Living® is a registered trademark of Williams Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Sophisticated Living® is published six times a year. All images and editorial are the property of AVMM Media Group, LLC and cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission. Annual subscription fees are $25.00; please add $5 for subscriptions outside the US. Address all subscription inquiries to the website slmag.net. Telephone 937.672.6448.

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From the Publisher

Portrait by Maria Ponce

As much as I love fall foliage and the holiday season, I love sunshine and warm weather even more. Which is why I’m on the first flight to my second city, Las Vegas, as soon as Chicago starts freezing over. But this year is a little different… I plan to power through the snow and bone-chilling wind, and embrace the gray days ahead—and for good reason. My new HGTV show is in the final days of production for Season 1; my partner and I are closing on our next round of properties; and our new website, SLMAGCHICAGO.COM, is launching this month! Check it out, and let us know what you think. From beauty and wellness to interior design and fabulous fashion finds, from faraway travel hotspots to the best local coffeehouses, it’s your new go-to digital source for living your best life in Chicago and beyond.

Midwest winters—the silence that comes after a fresh blanket of snow, the otherworldly ice formations along the lakefront—can actually be quite beautiful. It’s all about perspective.

Take, for example, the crisp and clear starry night captured by Chicago photographer Jason Peterson that’s gracing this issue’s cover. I’ve been following Peterson’s career for a while now.

(He has more than 1 million followers on Instagram!) Not only is he amazingly talented behind the lens and celebrated for his stunning black-and-white images, he’s also the chief creative officer for Havas North America, the award-winning, global advertising company with offices in River North. I have mad respect for people who can use both sides of their brain, those who have a creative mind and a head for business alike.

Although I’m not looking forward to navigating three-foot snowbanks, I’m definitely looking forward to the holidays. I’m heading to the White House over Thanksgiving to spend two days decking the halls with the awesome Nick Watts, one of HMR Designs’ crazytalented event designers. This will be our second year working together to style the White House with tinsel and boughs of holly for HGTV’s White House Christmas 2018 special, which I’m delighted to be hosting again this year. I also recently wrapped filming for the HGTV Dream Home special that airs New Year’s Day—the same day that my new show, Windy City Rehab, premieres.

I have so much to be thankful for. I’m grateful to be able to do what I love with the people I love. I hope your holidays are filled with laughter, joy, family and a few snow days— and perhaps a flight out to someplace warm and sunny!

Alison Victoria Owner & Publisher alison@slmag.net

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From the Editor-In-Chief

Portrait by Y.O! Photography

Here come the holidays—in like a lion (ordering Christmas cards, planning menus, decking the halls, frosting cookies) and out like a lamb (watching old, black-and-white movies in our pajamas and stoking the fire). What am I most looking forward to? I should say quality time with my family but, if I’m being honest, the first thing that popped into my head was the food: my grandma Kay’s sugar cookies with orange zest, my dad’s pheasant jubilee with shotgun sauce, and my cousin Kim’s breakfast casserole on Christmas morning.

However, after reading contributing writer Lisa Shames’ piece on Lost Larson bakery in Andersonville (“Going With the Grain”), I may need to outsource some of my baking. From lingonberry almond cakes and hearth-baked breads to tarts with hazelnut praline, chocolatepassionfruit ganache and a caramel swirl, chef Bobby Schaffer mills, molds and bakes everything on-site—and it’s all delicious. In the spirit of fika (the Swedish custom of making time to enjoy coffee or tea and something small to eat with one another), order a latte made with Stumptown Coffee and infused with lavender to wash down your treat of choice.

Age and experience have taught me that trying to take on too much over the holidays is the quickest way to suck all the fun out of the most wonderful time of the year, which is why I’m making a beeline to Mariani Landscape’s Holiday Shoppe in Lake Bluff for all of my decorating essentials. From wreathes and garlands to centerpieces and fresh-cut trees (some soaring 16 feet high!), they’ve got it all. Just hang, position and enjoy—and wait for the oohs and ahhs from friends and neighbors. Bespoke holiday decor more your speed? Make sure to read writer Marissa Conrad’s story, “Season’s Green-ings,” for how Mariani can custom-trim your home inside and out.

Thinking about holiday shopping already has me spinning. Thankfully, for procrastinators like myself, this issue’s “Sophisticated Source” pages are packed with the season’s coolest gifting ideas, from fashion-forward finds for the sartorialist on your list to cutting-edge design ideas for your eternal nester. And we’re excited to introduce Grey Remedy artist and Chicagoan Melissa Chin, whose handcrafted stoneware plates, mugs, planters and more will definitely be topping my gift-giving list this year (“Bold Plated”). ’Tis the season for stealing a second cookie, snuggles with your littlest loves and, perhaps most importantly right now, taking some time to reflect on the last year and how we can all lead with our hearts in 2019. I hope you like the new issue, and find some joy (and a few holiday time-savers) between its covers.

Elise Hofer Shaw Editor-In-Chief elise@slmag.net

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It’s impossible to walk into the penthouse condo at 10 E. Delaware St. without stopping to ask: Who made this place so beautiful? We put journalist Marissa Conrad on the case. The answer: Chicago architect and interior designer Darcy Bonner and custom-build firm BGD&C. “The fireplace alone is unlike anything I’ve ever seen—it’s made almost entirely of mirrored glass,” says Conrad, who wrote about the dwelling for this issue (“Penthouse Energy”). “And that’s just the beginning. Every detail of this place, down to a secret door leading into a dressing room, is unreal.”

“Sophisticated women are defined in so many different ways. Some are classy and some are elegant—and others are Francine Turk,” says SL mag Creative Director Bridget Daley, who interviewed the Chicago artist for this issue’s Sophisticated Woman column. “Turk is one of my soulmates. She takes no bullshit and is edgy AF. Yet, when you peel back those dark corners, she is just a girl who loves puppies and a great cup of tea. ‘Frankie’ (as her inner circle calls her) is my muse for the new issue. From her days on the south side of Chicago to her upcoming project with Bob Dylan, she is as sophisticated as they come.”

Teaming up with Sophisticated Living’s Creative Director Bridget Daley on set to shoot artist Francine Turk at her home in River North is what photographer and Fig Media owner James Gustin calls a rockin’ good time. “Francine brought this raw, smoldering vibe to the set,” says Gustin. “She has boundless self-acceptance and confidence that shines through in this portrait.

It’s no surprise that Chicago’s top designers clamor for her work, and that she has been tapped to do a project for Bob Dylan and his Heaven’s Door whiskey brand.”

Writer Matt Lee met up with art consultant Daniel Kinkade at a Logan Square coffee shop for this issue’s feature, “Curative Pursuits.” “I’ve written about art, among other things, for a long time, and I was half expecting a conversation exploring the subtleties of art and artists,” says Lee. “But Daniel was refreshingly succinct, and the conversation ended up being about both art and business—very Warholian! That’s one of the pleasures of writing though—having great conversations with fascinating people. Daniel’s a very impressive guy.”

Writer Lisa Shames was so excited to write about pastry chef Bobby Schaffer’s Lost Larson, she asked if she could arrive before the Andersonville shop opened so she could watch the pastries being made. “I usually don’t set up a story interview for 6:30AM, but it was totally worth it to see Schaffer and his staff work their magic before the doors opened,” she says, although most of them had been there already for hours. “Once the doors did open, it was fun to sit back and watch people’s eyes light up when they saw all the lovely pastries on display.” But her favorite part of the day? “Getting to try a cheddar and kale scone still warm from the oven.”

For this issue’s restaurant feature, Chicago photographer Anthony Tahlier got behind the lens to capture all of the fresh-baked goodness at Lost Larson, chef and owner Bobby Schaffer’s bakery/ restaurant/coffee bar in Andersonville (“Going With the Grain”). “I love Bobby,” says Tahlier. “I’ve been working with him since his Peninsula Chicago days. He’s an incredibly smart baker, and his simplistic and delicious approach to his personal restaurant is beyond impressive.”

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BOLD PLATED

Edgewater artist Melissa Chin’s stoneware brings balance to the table.

By Sally Meyer

Small dish, $18, bread and butter plate, $26, and entree plate, $32, all in New Moon and available at greyremedy.com.

We first stumbled upon Grey Remedy’s handcrafted, stoneware plates, mugs and more at West Lake Market. Equally elegant and striking in their minimalism, they inspired us to ask Chicago artist Melissa Chin about her process. “Working with clay tests my discipline, persistence and patience,” she says from her studio at Bridgeport Art Center, where she has been turning out her wares since 2017. “Ceramics allows me to explore mindfulness in a way that I had never tapped into, inspiring me to pursue more balance in my life outside of the studio.”

All Grey Remedy pieces are made with stoneware clay and are handcrafted—think forming the clay on the pottery wheel, air-drying it for several days, firing it in a kiln, glazing it, and then firing it again. From speckled spice bowls and jars to planters for succulents and salt spoons, each takes several weeks to make from start to finish. But for Chin, it’s a labor of love. “I hope these pieces turn each part of your daily routine into a beautiful and peaceful moment.” Couldn’t we all use a little more of that? sl slmag.net

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SO CLUTCH

By Tina Kourasis / Portrait by Zach Pontz

Jeffrey Levinson isn’t your typical designer. He wears buttondowns and lives in the suburbs outside of Philadelphia. His response to his lifestyle choices? “Please don’t judge all Philadelphians by that guy who ate horse manure in the street after we won the Super Bowl.” But style—and smarts—he has in spades. In 2014, Levinson leveraged his science, marketing and finance background into a line of technologically innovative and sculpturally bold handbags. How so? Each one of his clutches

is edgeless, hingeless, lined with Italian lambskin and adorned only with a patented ring-bale mason’s clasp. Celebrity clients include Olivia Palermo, Jessica Seinfeld and Ashley Graham, but Levinson remains humble: “In all seriousness, every client is a dream. I love what our product represents, and I truly enjoy creating each one. In that context, the opportunity to continue building and creating for every one of our clients really is a dream come true. Sound cliché? Guilty.” sl

What is the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?

Read the news. Then watch Million Dollar Listing reruns until lunchtime.

What’s your favorite country to visit?

California.

Name one thing that you can’t live without?

Good friends. Is that more than one thing?

Most sophisticated city…

Philadelphia is the home of the cheesesteak (and Eagles fans), so maybe let’s leave this one alone?

What is your favorite piece in your closet?

My green-and-white Adidas Rod Laver classics. I’ve worn out the soles.

Place you go for utter peace…

Definitely (mostly) any place with my family. We have a lot of fun together. Especially when the kids are asleep. You know who you are.

What is the most elegant gift to give or to receive?

Honest, thoughtful encouragement is the best thing to give or to receive.

That said, if I happen to be on your list right now, then please also include a pair of green-and-white Adidas Rod Lavers. Size upon request.

Name your top three vacation must-haves.

Time. Love. Delusions of freedom.

Who or what inspires you?

The 1954 Jaguar D-Type, which was revolutionary for its time. With three victories at Le Mans, it is, in my eyes, the most beautifully formed man-made object on earth.

Most sophisticated structure or building?

Fallingwater by Frank Lloyd Wright. It is a simple, masterful design with a seamless connection to its natural surroundings; a combination which, in my opinion, reaches one of the highest ideals of human civilization.

Who is your muse?

I like to design with strong, confident women in mind.

Where is your favorite place to go when you come to Chicago?

Pequod’s. If you leak this to anyone in Philadelphia, I’ll deny it.

Most sophisticated person ever?

Abraham Lincoln. He simultaneously navigated the basest tribal impulses of man and the highest moral ambitions of humanity. Also, #Illinois.

No one should ever wear… …out their welcome.

Proudest career moment?

Hands down, creating the Elina clutch and launching this business.

Everyone should own…

Their own destiny. And an aerospace aluminum clutch with Italian lambskin lining.

What are you reading right now?

Emails.

Most universally flattering color…

Black.

What is your favorite cocktail?

I’m easy (that’s not a drink name), just please hold the olives.

Current must-have from your collection?

Anything in the new, larger-sized Plus style.

Coffee or tea?

Yes.

Describe your line in three words.

Pure, modern luxury.

Guilty pleasure?

In order: 1) having my dream job; 2) making fun of New York Giants fans; and 3) Amish country crème doughnuts.

How do you define ‘sophistication’?

Sophistication to me is the simplicity discovered after the confusion and complications have been removed.

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JEFFREY LEVINSON

Elina clutch in iridescent Evening Pearl Gloss, $1,250; Elina clutch in Black hand-laid with floral patina, $4,250; and Elina clutch in Black hand-laid with sterling silver foil and silver leaf, $4,250; all by Jeffrey Levinson and available at jeffreylevinson.com.

Select styles are also available at Barneys New York stores.

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RV2 carbon fiber sculpture (39” x 24” x 26”), $37,000, by Kris Lamba

CURATIVE PURSUITS

Daniel Kinkade Fine Art has carved a niche as the go-to art consultancy for many of the most compelling design projects in Chicago and beyond. Luck had little to do with it.

By Matt Lee Throughout our conversation at a Logan Square coffee shop on a recent afternoon, the only quote art consultant extraordinaire Daniel Kinkade asks me to include in the story is this: “Don’t take entrepreneurial advice from someone who works for someone else,” he says. “Until you have the weight of the world on your shoulders knowing that you are the business, that you don’t get sick days, you don’t know what it’s like. The phone rings all the time, you’ve got to be available, you’re responsible for people eating—that’s your job. They can’t teach that in school.”

It’s a telling request and, while he answers each question thoroughly, candidly and with more than a touch of wit, Kinkade only intermittently stops working during our conversation—he’s still plugging away on his laptop answering emails, taking in artwork, and crossing the infinite Ts that come with running a successful international business. He sleeps, he says, about four hours a night, 26 slmag.net

often getting his best work done in the wee hours as Sex and the City, Golden Girls and American Horror Story reruns rotate on the tube. As of this year, he’s traveled to 72 countries on business—but he can’t even tell you a hot bar in one of his favorite destinations of all, Paris.

“I could tell you about the business centers and the hotels, but that’s about it,” he says with a wry smile, plucking away on his laptop.

The result of this unceasing toil? Still a young man, Kinkade already counts as clients some of the biggest blue-chip companies in the country. Acting as a liaison between artists and interior designers, architects, and anyone else who aspires to adorn a space with gorgeous creative work, Kinkade has earned a reputation that precedes him in the most flattering of ways. Among others, notable clients include Starbucks, Nordstrom, Nate Berkus Associates, Neiman Marcus and Loews Hotels. What was that Henry Ford said about 99 percent perspiration?

Charlotte underwater photograph printed on aluminum overlaid with resin, minerals and diamond dust (45� x 30�), $5,000, by Anna Sweet

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2056-Cndy, 2,056 wooden dowels in architectural plywood (23” in diameter), price upon request, by Matthew Bilfield

To be sure, the Kentucky native received a few breaks along the way. One of the luckiest, he says, was an internship with Nate Berkus while in grad school at Harrington College of Design. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for that,” he says, noting that he pretty much moved to Chicago for the internship. After graduation, he wound up doing commercial design work—but it wasn’t for him.

“The art part was what really spoke to me,” he says. “So I answered an ad on Craigslist for an art gallery that said, ‘Can you sell, and are you fabulous?’ Well, yeah!” He landed the job after three interviews, cutting his teeth at the gallery for three years before striking out on his own. “My whole family is made up of entrepreneurs,” he says.

“Nobody works for anyone else.”

In addition to his Herculean work ethic and longtime relationships with the likes of Berkus and the staff at Harpo Studios, both of whom he credits with encouraging him in the early stages of his career, Kinkade picked up a few savvy tricks of the trade along the way. He may not have reinvented the

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wheel in this business, but he’s forever grinding to make it more perfect—and he’s keenly aware that it’s the countless little things that add up to the grand achievement. All of his associates, for example, hold interior design degrees. “Most of our clients are interior designers and architects, so that really helps us speak the language, understand timelines and deadlines, how the budget on a project went from $1 million to $10 million,” he says. “There’s no learning curve. We can anticipate clients’ needs.” Additionally, he says, Daniel Kinkade Fine Art is the rare—perhaps only—art consultancy that spends money out of its own budget to promote the artists it works with. “We’ve done the River North Design District’s Fall Gallery Walk three years in a row,” he says. “We promote on social media, put the artists out there. I think that all helps set us apart. And we don’t mark up like a gallery; the price a client gets from us is the same they’re going to get from the artist—sometimes less. We provide all the services for free. We only get paid by the artist.”

Fluidity mixed media and digital alteration on metal (40� x 40�), $4,000, by Alex Osborne

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Thawed Fortress photograph (48” x 48”), price upon request, by Miss Aniela.

Other sizes available

Red Head oil and acrylic on canvas (47” x 39”), $3,500, by Patricia Derks

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Big City Lights photograph (50” x 40”), price upon request, by Meg Cowell

Left In the Dark mixed media on canvas (30” x 30”), $1,920, by Casey Matthews

Ah, the artists—the most important ‘It’ factor of all.

Kinkade looks for those rare talents who not only inspire him, but who also are good businesspeople—those who have a strong website, answer correspondence promptly, and have good images and accurate information ready to go. This disciplined approach, addressing the head and the heart, has led to a tight, talented roster of about 100 artists he continually works with on any given project. About half are from Chicago, with the rest sourced from around the world.

It’s that professionalism and sharp eye for talent that has attracted clients such as Free Rein, the restaurant in the new St. Jane Hotel on Michigan Avenue designed by Simeone Deary Design Group. “I’m really proud of it,” he says. “We’re featuring five pieces from Australian artist Meg Cowell. Her work centers on dresses from the 1700s-1800s floating in black water. They’re sort of ghostly and really sensual.” Other creatives currently on his radar are celebrated Bridgeport artist Sally Ko, who he’s been working with for years; Anna Sweet, a Hawaii- and Florida-based

photographer whose stunning photos of women underwater are textured with materials such as beach sand and diamond dust; and abstract painter Casey Matthews. Still, his barometer for whether a piece is likely to resonate with the public is as unaffected as he is: “The best sign is if my husband likes it,” he says. “He doesn’t have an art background, but if it impacts him, I know it will usually go over well with other people.”

Tellingly, when we discuss dream projects, Kinkade inadvertently alludes to being more than halfway through his list: His long-term relationships with Nordstrom, the St. Jane Hotel and Loews Miami Beach Hotel, celebs like Oprah, and working with designers such as Donna Mondi and Tom Stringer, have all been huge milestones.

Who else is on the wish list? “Maybe some other people I really admire,” he says after a moment of thought. “Martha Stewart, Madonna, Anna Wintour… terrifying people. I’d like to make them happy. I like a challenge.” sl Daniel Kinkade Fine Art, 312.802.2754. danielkinkade.com

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home is where life happens

THE SOPHISTICATED SIDE OF SOUTH BAY westdrift Manhattan Beach makes it easy to take advantage of one of Los Angeles’ best beach communities Written by Caylee Matthews Los Angeles is a land of contradictions. It’s a place where dreams are made and summarily crushed, where the aura of Old Hollywood glamour is juxtaposed with gritty post-industrial neighborhoods, and where endlessly gridlocked roads lead to beaches teeming with surfers and hillside trails offering an escape from the hustle and bustle.

The newly opened westdrift hotel in Manhattan Beach fits into this paradigm. The vast expanse of sand dunes that once defined this LA suburb have been supplanted by some of the priciest real estate

in the United States. From the outside, the design of the hotel is in keeping with the other similarly-scaled office buildings that surround it, but once you step inside, any parallels between its neighbors quickly vanish. Stepping into the soaring lobby, the eye is drawn to the vibrant greens of a nine-hole golf course in the hotel’s backyard, a literal oasis in a concrete jungle. There is a pared-down punchiness to the open-concept lobby, where vibrant paintings by Eric Zener are the real star. His photorealistic interpretations of vintage beachgoers are rendered in technicolor hues that would make Hollywood proud.

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Artwork by Eric Zener is the focal point of the lobby.

The terrace at Jute overlooks the golf course.

The first luxury Marriott Autograph Collection hotel in Los Angeles, this destination-focused property takes a boutique-inspired approach to its design and amenities and melds it with the proven protocols and service standards that are hallmarks of a respected brand. In addition to the aforementioned golf course, the property boasts 393 spacious guest rooms (112 with private balconies); Jute, a knock-your-socks off indoor-outdoor restaurant that celebrates farm-to-table freshness; unique meeting and banquet facilities; an outdoor pool; and, a CrossFit-inspired fitness center.

The westdrift moniker is derived from the area’s history.

Before the area was part of the LA metropolis, it was known for the fine sand that would get whipped up by coastal westerly winds. The sand was so coveted, that for two decades tons and tons of it were shipped to Waikiki, Hawaii to help build up their beaches. A coin flip at the dawn of the 20th century decided Manhattan Beach’s name. “Manhattan” is a reference to 34 slmag.net

A Gather Suite bedroom

The open floorplan lobby is a hub of activity.

developer Stewart Merrill’s New York City borough, and “Beach” was added two decades later at the urging of the postmaster.

Design elements throughout westdrift incorporate an East Coast-meets-West Coast theme. In the skylight-lit lobby, exposed concrete pillars have been treated to resemble pier posts. They are ringed with gold bands that hold mid-centuryinspired sconces at the mid-point, and leather sleeves near the base. Decorative gold screening sugests lobster traps. Board and batten on the wall behind the bed in guest rooms is an idea culled from the East Coast, while the design of the leather headboard is a nod to a vintage Louis Vuitton golf bag from the early 1900s. The neutral, driftwood-colored palette selected for case goods, wallpaper and window treatments in the guestrooms is reminiscent of both the haze that often greats early morning surfers in nearby South Bay, as well as weathered shingles endemic to homes on the East Coast.

Beet Wellington at Jute

Talking craft beer at El Segundo

Incorporating a central bar, various seating and working areas welcoming to both solo travelers and groups, and Jute restaurant, the lobby is always buzzing with activity. The inventive and impressive cocktail menu includes tequila-based cocktails on-tap. Being LA, the traditional happy hour is appropriately named “Rush Hour”.

NanaWalls at the back of the space disappear to take advantage of the mild SoCal climate.

Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, the cuisine at Jute is quintessential California: fresh, hyper-local, colorful and beautifully plated. Head chef Octavio Sabado had planned on being a rocket scientist and was accepted to the Naval Academy before a failed visual acuity test prompted him to take a different path. Super enthusiastic and intensely creative, he changes the bi-coastal inspired menu “more than seasonally,” and places heavy emphasis on being vegetable forward (his Beet Wellington is a must-try).

Night golf at westdrift

Complimentary beach cruisers make it easy to explore the area; Redondo Beach and its related attractions are just 4.5-miles away via a woodchip trail. Reward your efforts with lunch at The Strand House (thestrandhousemb.com), which offers 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean and award-winning coastal California Cuisine. For newbie surfers, El Porto is a chill place to learn the "hows" and "whys" of surfing (onewaysurf.com). Toast your surfing success with a cold beer in the taproom at El Segundo (elsegundobrewing.com). Even if you walk in as a stranger, I guarantee you’ll leave with new friends and a greater appreciation for craft brewing. After dark, be sure to sign up for a glow-in-thedark golf experience back at westdrift. The pros are outstanding and made the experience a blast for a non-golfer like me. Cap off the day with a nightcap by the hotel’s outdoor fireplaces. sl Located just four miles from LAX, room rates at westdrift start at $229/night. For more information or reservations visit westdrift.com.

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Of Note... It's a Mod Mod World

Compiled by Colin Dennis

This page top to bottom: Renovatio swivel rocker from Hancock & Moore (price upon request; hancockandmoore.com). The Balzo accent chair from Bellini Modern Living boasts a walnut veneer with Italian leather upholstery ($3,100; bellinimodernliving.com). Originally conceived in 1958 by Poul Henningsen, the iconic PH Artichoke celebrates 60 years with the limited edition release of a brushed brass colorway (from $11,800; louispoulsen.com). The Belmont media stand from Gus Modern is designed to accommodate Hi-Fi and media components ($1,450; gusmodern.com). A timeless classic, the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman is shown with a white ash shell and Mohair Supreme upholstery in Slate ($6,795; store.hermanmiller. com). The Apollo Table Lamp was originally designed in 1977 by Vico Magistretti ($1,310; dwr.com). The D.156.3 armchair, originally designed by Gio Ponti in 1956, and reissued

by Molteni&C in 2017 ($5,500; molteni.it/en)Created by Upcycle Studio using a vintage suitcase and reclaimed house speakers, the Boom Mojo is compatible with any device with a standard 3.5mm stereo headphone ($315; upcyclestudio.com.au). Kathleen washed oak cocktail trolley from Jonathan Charles Fine Furniture ($2,500; jonathancharlesfurniture.com). The Oscar cat rest from Davies Decor pays homage to the architecture of Eero Saarinen ($99; daviesdecor.com). First appearing in France in the 1950s, the Daybed, designed Pierre Paulin functions as a small settee, large banquette, or occasional bed by simply adjusting the configuration of the cushions (price upon request; ligne-roset.com). Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Luna is a repositionable and removable wallpaper from Tempaper ($98/double roll; tempaperdesigns.com). Wabi Sabi trays from Notre Monde (from $175; notremonde.com). The Verdu cocktail table from Dmitriy & Co. is made to order in New York from walnut in a natural finish (price upon request; dmitriyco.com). Eames desk unit in a Mondrian-inspired finish ($1,700; store.hermanmiller.com). The lines of the Trays series sofa from Baleri Italia are inspired by 1950s design ($6,300; baleri-italia.it/en).

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Bibliotaph... CHEERS!

Compiled by Victoria Chase

Authors Pajat Parr and Jordan Mackay share decades of experience tasting wine in the first definitive reference book to describe, regionby-region, how the great wines of Europe should taste. Rabat Parr and Jordan Mackay—The Sommelier's Atlas of Taste: A Field Guide to the Great Wines of Europe—hardcover, 352 pages (penguinrandomhouse.com)

A followup to their seminal cocktail book Death & Co., Alex Day, Nick Fauchald and David Kaplan reveal their six "root recipes" that allow cocktail-crafters of all levels to understand, execute and improvise libations ranging in style from classic to nonconformist.

Alex Day, Nick Fauchald and David Kaplan—Cocktail Codex: Fundamentals, Formulas, Evolutions—hardcover, 320 pages, Ten Speed Press (penguinrandomhouse.com) This multiple award-winning box set includes a pullout tray with a set of seven vintage vineyard maps by Louis Larmat. Using extensive grower and vintner profiles, American author Peter Lime explores the legendary wine of Champagne, France. Peter Lime—Champagne: The Essential Guide to the Wines, Producers, And Terroirs Of The Iconic Region—hardcover, 238 pages, Random House (penguinrandomhouse.com).

This highly acclaimed book by award-winning journalist Bianca Bosker takes readers on a journey into underground tasting groups, exclusive New York City restaurants, California mass-market wine factories, and even a neuroscientist’s MRI machine as she attempts to answer the question: what’s the big deal about wine? Bianca Bosker—Cork Dork: A Wine-Fueled Adventure Among the Obsessive Sommeliers, Big Bottle Hunters, and Rogue Scientists Who Taught Me to Live for Taste— paperback, 352 pages, Penguin Books (penguinrandomhouse.com)

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bib 'li' o 'taph, [bib-lee-uhtaf, -tahf ]: a person who caches or hoards books

Ron Cooper, founder of Del Maguey mezcal, is widely credited for popularizing mezcal in the United States. In this deeply personal book Cooper profiles various producers of the distinctively smoky Mexican liquor, made from the agave plant, and details the nuances of mezcal's varietals. Ron Cooper and Chantal Martineau—Finding Mezcal: A Journey into the Liquid Soul of Mexico with 40 Cocktails—hardcover, 272 pages, Ten Speed Press (crownpublishing.com).

Organized by spirit, each chapter presents creative and fresh cocktails that only require a sole spirit paired with fresh ingredients easily sourced from the grocery. Maggie Hoffman— The One-Bottle Cocktail: More Than 80 Recipes with Fresh Ingredients and a Single Spirit—hardcover, 192 pages, Ten Speed Press (crownpublishing.com)

For those who've had the experience of aimlessly wandering a wine shop, bewildered and overwhelmed by what to choose, this book is for you. Curated by a wine expert, this easy-to-follow guide presents 36 bottles (three per month) to try, and explains in laymen's terms why each is worth drinking. Paul Zitarelli—36 Bottles of Wine: Less is More with 3 Recommended Wines Per Month Plus Seasonal Recipe Pairings— hardcover, 208 pages, Sasquatch Books (sasquatchbooks.com) In Wine Food, natural wine bar and winery owner Dana Frank teams up with author Andrea Slonecker to showcase 75 recipes expertly paired with delicious wines and the reasons the flavors complement one another.

Dana Frank & Andrea Slonecker—Wine Food: New Adventures in Drinking and Cooking—hardcover, 256 pages, Lorena Jones Books (crownpublishing.com)

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FASHIONABLY LATE With Cullinan, Rolls-Royce charges confidently into the luxury SUV segment.

Written by Bridget Williams Invincible. It is the word that sprung to mind when Alex Innes, bespoke designer for Rolls-Royce, asked me to sum up in a singular term, my initial impression after a day behind the wheel of Cullinan, the super-luxury SUV that made its global media debut in Jackson Hole, Wyoming a few weeks ago. From our base camp at the Amangiri resort, we spent two days immersed in all things Cullinan.

During a welcome reception, Richard Carter, Director of Global Communications for Rolls-Royce, explained that Cullinan was borne from both client demand as well as the potential to increase market share with a foray into the SUV segment. As part of a careful quest to discern whether or not an SUV was right and proper for the Rolls-Royce brand, an examination of the company’s archives illuminated the fact that owners had been taking their cars off-road for more than 100 years; from alpine trials staged at the dawn of the 20th century, to armored Rolls-Royces that were developed for use on the battlefield beginning in 1914 and continuing up to the 1950s.

With its hulking front end and a massive elevated grill of handpolished stainless steel, this is a vehicle that demands attention.

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“The silhouette of a Rolls-Royce is sacred,” stated Innes during a presentation on the design process. “We had to understand how to transfer this familiar form to an SUV while conveying a sense of capability and maintaining the feeling of elegance.”

Key to the creation of Cullinan is the “Architecture of Luxury”, Rolls-Royce’s proprietary all-aluminum architecture.

Engineering Project Leader Caroline Krismer explained that Cullinan was engineered from the ground up in such a way as to be scalable to the size and weight requirements of different future Rolls-Royce models. As the first “three-box” car in the SUV-sector, Cullinan’s rear partition wall creates a distinct environment for passengers, separated from the luggage compartment, ensuring that utility will never supplant luxury.

Cullinan is the first Rolls-Royce with four-wheel drive, and maintaining the brand’s signature driving experience across a multitude of challenging road conditions was of paramount importance to the engineering team. “The drivetrain system we engineered for Cullinan had one key job to do,” explained Krismer. “To bring the famed Rolls-Royce ‘Magic Carpet Ride’ to all other terrains possible, while ensuring class-leading

on-road behavior in the SUV sector.” This was accomplished via a thorough re-engineering of the existing air suspension system, and a complete reworking of the 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12 engine to deliver just the right level of torque (850Nm) at the lowest possible revolutions (1,600rpm). When driving off-road, the electronically controlled shock absorber adjustment system uses air compression to actively push down any wheel it detects losing traction, thereby ensuring that every wheel is constantly in contact with the ground and maximum torque is being provided to all wheels. “Put simply, what makes the car great on-road makes the car great off-road,” said Krismer.

When it came time for a name, the company eschewed what Carter called the tradition of selecting “ethereal and slightly spooky” monikers that have included Dawn, Wraith, Phantom and Ghost, in favor of something completely different. “Cullinan” is derived from the appellation given to the largest diamond ever mined.

The 3,107-carat stone was unearthed in South Africa in 1905 and eventually sent in a biscuit tin via Royal Mail to King Edward VII for his 66th birthday. When the rough diamond was finally cleaved, the two largest pieces made their way into some of the

most significant pieces that comprise the British Crown Jewels: the Sovereign’s Scepter and the Imperial State Crown.

In all, there were more than a dozen Cullinans cavorting over the river and through the woods in Jackson—not to mention the fleet of other members from the house of Rolls-Royce that were on hand for use as shuttles and support vehicles—and it was a site to behold, even in a county that boasts the highest income per capita of any the United States. “For Rolls-Royce, this is a seminal and phenomenal moment,” said Carter. “Cullinan is so completely different to anything we’ve done before, which called for a launch location that is completely different, but links with the car and tells the story of where we are as a brand.”

The Cullinan entrusted to me for the 147-mile test drive boasted a Smokey Quartz exterior. The cabin was a thing of absolute beauty and craftsmanship. Befitting a couture handbag, the two-tone leather (Armagnac and Dark Spice) with contrast stitching was exquisite, as was the Mimosa Negra wood veneer used extensively throughout, including the central console and secondrow tables that fold out to reveal a touch-screen entertainment system. Underfoot were plush lambs wool floor mats.

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I was understandably anxious about taking a three-ton, $325k SUV up narrow and twisty gravel mountain roads, complete with deep ruts and hairpin turns. Further, Cullinan is so aesthetically pleasing inside and out that I (almost) felt bad about getting it dirty.

“That’s what it’s designed for,” Carter assured me, before citing the “It is Effortless, Everywhere” apothegm.

Reaching out to the stainless-steel door handle, the SUV lowered slightly for ease of entry. Both front and rear passengers can close the iconic Rolls-Royce coach doors at the push of a button; once they shut, there is an immediate sense of being securely ensconced in the luxury confines, thanks to more than 220 pounds of sound-deadening insulation. All four doors wrap low under the sill to ensure that dirt remains outside. Once the start button is depressed, Cullinan returns to its commanding ride height.

Our first challenge of the day was ascending Snow King Mountain, the steepest overall slope of any ski hill in North America. A simple push of a button on the center console activated Off Road mode. From there I used the Spirit of Ecstasy controller to select the road condition I was expecting, and away we went.

What I was immediately struck by was the shock absorption.

In a lesser car, I almost assuredly would have needed to visit a chiropractor following the incessant jostling. Confident in the Cullinan’s agile handling, my senses switched to focus on the sound, or rather lack thereof. You could discern the muffled pop and 42 slmag.net

crunch of pebbles and larger stones as the SUV’s 22-inch wheels powered along, but there was no audible indication that the engine was being taxed in the least by the steep climb.

Steering was a breeze, and having to wrangle the steering wheel to stay on course was never an issue. I was amazed by the way the substantial SUV seemed to bow around tight corners. In fact, I was so relaxed in the off-road environs that I found myself stealing glances of the Tetons splayed out before us. Having to undertake a three-point turn on one particularly sharp curve with a sheer drop, I was immensely grateful for the 4-Camera system with Panoramic View, all-round visibility and helicopter view, as well as the impressive torque that delivered me authoritatively from the edge.

At the top of the mountain, our entourage took a break to admire the snow-capped peaks, compare notes with our fellow drivers, and check out some of the other features of Cullinan.

The SUV’s two-part ‘D-Back’ format tailgate is designed as a nod to an era when luggage was mounted on the exterior of the motorcar. ‘The Clasp’ opens and closes in two sections with a touch of the key fob button. Another push of a button in the boot or rear door pocket enables the rear seats to fold flat and create an impressive amount of cargo space.

After exhausting every photo opportunity presented by the picturesque precipice, our group loaded back up for the descent. I couldn’t help but remember the last time I was in a similar situation

here more than three decades ago. Back then, my father manually downshifted our VW camper van into a lower gear and then waged a battle with speed and gravity as my sister and I whimpered and hid our heads under pillows, quite certain that a plunge off the side of the mountain was imminent.

In stark contrast to my past experience, Cullinan takes the uphill battle out of going downhill. Depressing the hill descend button on the center console automatically adjusts speed and breaking; using up and down buttons on the steering wheel allows you to adjust speed in 1 mph increments. At no point did I detect even a hint of slippage on the exceptionally steep gravel road.

While we didn’t forge any streams, I was told that Cullinan delivers the deepest wading depth of any super-luxury SUV. While driving was certainly exhilarating, it was equally satisfying being a passenger. Skirting the boundary of Grand Teton National Park was ideal for the large side windows and panoramic glass roof. During a pit stop to ogle a moose and her calves as they munched on vegetation in the Snake River, the presence of Cullinan was enough to divert attention away from the natural wonders to a manmade one.

Cullinan offers two rear seat configurations: Lounge Seats or Individual Seats. The Lounge Seat configuration in “my” Cullinan is presented as the more functional of the two options, providing space for three passengers in the rear. Other journalists

experienced the opulence of the Individual Seat configuration; the striking Optic White leather in this variant obviously geared towards customers prioritizing luxury over practicality. The two individual rear seats are separated by a fixed rear center console that incorporates a drinks cabinet with Rolls-Royce whisky glasses and decanter, champagne flutes and refrigerator (the velvety ‘Magic Carpet Ride’ nearly ensuring that nary a bead of bubbly will bubble over on bumpy roads).

Speaking at a post-drive champagne reception with RollsRoyce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös, his eyes seemed to sparkle as he recounted glancing up and seeing the Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament silhouetted against the equally majestic Tetons. “It is my first time in Jackson and I can’t imagine a better place to introduce Cullinan to the world,” he commented. He went on to state that orders from existing Rolls-Royce customers began to come in as soon as the SUV was announced, but before design sketches were even made public. “Our clients are very loyal and trust us completely.” He added that the goal of Cullinan is to broaden the customer base of the 114-year-old marque by evolving to meet the demands of adventurous, well-traveled and well-heeled patrons of true luxury.

While Rolls-Royce didn’t invent the SUV, with Cullinan they have certainly redefined and refined the sector. “We didn’t come to the party first,” said Carter. “We came when the time was right.” sl

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Gifts for Pampered Pets and their People

Compiled by Victoria Chase

Left to right, top to bottom: Whippet flower vase (from $35; fetchandfollow.com). Ceramic dachshund menorah from Jonathan Adler ($128; jonathanadler.com). CrownJuwel Gem-Water pet bowl by VitaJuwel ($78; gem-water.com). Chase and Wonder Flower Cat 10-inch bone china plate ($46; chaseandwonder.com). 96-ounce dog treat canister from Spode's Hunting Dogs collection ($110; spode.com). Belle Étoile Cheval bangle ($450; belleetoilejewelry.com). Maxine French Bulldog minaudière from Judith Leiber Couture ($5,695; judithleiber.com).

Lolita cat minaudière from Judith Leiber Couture ($5,495; judithleiber.com). LALIQUE's Golden Retriever Dog Sculpture in gold luster crystal ($575; lalique.com). Caviar Collection Beluga cat collar ($63.50; cheshireandwain.com). Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Artel Crystal Dogs Collection Double Old Fashioned set ($1,086) and Bull Dog decanter ($724; artelshop.com). Libertine dog-print cropped jean jacket ($1,625; neimanmarcus.com). Cloud 7 waterproof foldable pet travel bed ($150-$180; fletcheroflondon.com). Howlpot Howly Dog Bed ($309; niecpaws.com.au). The Dog Room by Michael Ong ($429; madebypen.com). Posh pooch pink pet bed from The French Bedroom Company (frenchbedroomcompany. co.uk). DOOG Home dog bed & bowl collection ($89.95; doog.com). Graduate Collection Bulldog wallpaper ($145/roll; limelace.co.uk). Charley Chau Snuggle Bed in velour ($100; charleychau.com). Annabel James Camello leather and grey tweed dog collar and leash ($60/each; annabeljames.co.uk).

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LONDON BY NIGHT (AND DAY) The Milestone Hotel, The Red Carnation Hotel Collection’s flagship property in London, wows with high design and service that only a family-run business can deliver.

Written by Elise Hofer Shaw

The Milestone Hotel, located in the Royal Borough of Kensington, is comprised of three houses, the oldest of which dates back to the 1700s.

Ridiculous, inconvenient, consuming, can’t-live-without-eachother love… It’s life’s most awesome promise and sweetest reward.

And just sometimes, when two people come together in love and creative pursuits, magic happens. Such is the love story of Stanley and Beatrice “Bea” Tollman—and, by all accounts, the story of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection.

You can’t tell the tale of one without the other. Stanley, a distinguished hotelier, met Bea at the Oyster Box Hotel on the coast of South Africa near Durban in the 1950s. Stanley was wearing a red carnation in his lapel; Bea was a vision who melted the room with her smile. Fast-forward 60-some years later—and six children and 10 grandchildren—and the pair have amassed a selection of 17 award-winning, family-owned boutique properties from Guernsey to Cape Town. Eleven are five-star properties, the rest four-star. They’re 46 slmag.net

named, of course, after the red carnation Stanley so proudly donned on that day when he first met his bride-to-be.

Today, The Red Carnation Hotel Collection (RCH) is the No. 2 Top Hotel Brand in the World according to Travel + Leisure, and a brand that has become synonymous with high design, exceptional locations, celebrated cuisine and above-and-beyond service. And with accolades like The Leading Hotels of the World Leading Legend and the Lifetime Achievement Award at The Cateys, the most prestigious awards in U.K. hospitality, under her belt, “Mrs. Tollman” (as she is lovingly referred to by the some 2,400 Red Carnation employees) has indeed herself become a legend in the hotel and restaurant world. And the secret to her lifelong success is no secret: “To create something truly extraordinary,” says RCH’s matriarch, “you have to do it with all your heart and soul.”

The Kensington Palace Residence is a duplex with the new living room area redecorated in mint green and rich pink, the only 3-bedroom Residence of the house.

The Milestone's new Signature Master Suite, The Venetian, is breathtaking, offering a one-bedroom suite with separate lounge, full bathroom, shower room and dressing room.

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The spectacular Art Deco bathroom of the Meghan Suite

The proverbial bloom in the company’s boutonniere is The Milestone Hotel in Kensington, London—the city the Tollmans call home. And yes, the entire staff sport red carnations on the lapels of their bespoke uniforms, starting with the jolly doormen who are quick to give directions, open the door, find you a ride or even walk your dog (all of the Red Carnation hotels are dog-friendly).

Heart and soul are also spot-on descriptors for the Milestone’s hallmark design approach. From the deluxe guest rooms and luxury suites to the recently renovated long-stay residences, no two rooms are alike. My room during my stay earlier this year, the Tudor Suite, can hardly be referred to as a room at all. A study in creamy whites and rich golds, all 667 square feet from its private den to the original, hand-carved stone fireplace, is appointed with a mix of Victorian antiques and more modern furnishings like silk, fleur-de-lis-printed wall coverings and a gilded, four-poster bed. Signature touches like oversize candy jars, fresh flowers and turndown presents (think a mini tome of Oscar Wilde quotes)

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evoke that “no request is too large and no detail too small” vibe that all of the RCH properties are known for.

Always curious about where I hang my hat, I asked for a history lesson from Andrew Pike, general manager of the Milestone. Dating as far back as 1689, the original dwelling that stood where the Milestone stands today was home to Foot Onslow, a Commissioner of Excise under King William III. His son, Arthur Onlsow (1691-1768), was Speaker of the House of Commons for 30 years. From ambassadors and barons to a countess and one braggadocios officer who claimed to be William Shakespeare’s grandson, the address of 1 Kensington Court has had quite the storied history—which the Tollmans planned to honor and uphold when they purchased the Milestone property in 1998. Thus, the hotel underwent a year-long restoration before opening in 1999 with Mrs. Tollman’s stamp of approval.

My visit was timed quite perfectly around the completion of an elegant refurbishment encompassing two of the Milestone’s largest suites (106 Grand Master Suite and The Meghan Suite)

The menu at Cheneston’s has some local favorites including Cured Loch Fyne salmon with horseradish and dill as well as some of Mrs. Tollman’s own family recipes.

The Carousel cocktail is just one of the magical creations that barman Angelo Lo Greco stirs up in The Stables Bar.

The Carousel cocktail is just one of the magical creations that barman Angelo Lo Greco stirs up in The Stables Bar served atop a toy carousel.

The Conservatory is the perfect place for a light lunch, evening cocktails or even Afternoon Tea service.

and six of its luxury residences. Housed in what was once a private Victorian mansion behind the hotel, the residences are ideal for large groups, families and long-stay guests, and all now boast handwoven carpets, exquisite fabrics, antique or custommade furnishings, handcrafted chandeliers, and rare artwork. My personal favorite was the Kensington Court Residence, a splitlevel apartment complete with a mezzanine bedroom upstairs and access to a private terrace overlooking the rooftops of Kensington.

(Full disclosure: While up there, I broke into song, belting out “Chim Chim Cheree” from Mary Poppins.)

“Our newly designed long-stay Residences are a home away from home for business travelers spending an extended time in London, or families seeking comfortable yet stylish accommodation for their visit to the city,” says Pike. “Offering guests their very own address in one of London’s most desirable neighborhoods [Kensington], the Residences combine the value, space and authenticity of renting a private home, with the service, facilities and security of a five-star hotel.”

That same formula extends to the Milestone’s food and beverage program, which is as decadent as its decor yet extremely approachable. At Cheneston’s restaurant, contemporary British cuisine is elevated under the artful direction of Executive Chef Rob Creaser. Dishes like his Suffolk rack of lamb with sweetbread croquette, baby gem lettuce and spring peas have a devoted following, and his use of seasonal ingredients sourced from around the British Isles keeps the menu fresh. But it was Bea’s chicken noodle soup and pot roast Dover sole that were a comforting surprise to me when spied on the menu. After I’d tasted both, it was no surprise to learn that Mrs. Tollman’s cookbook, A Life in Food, is in its fifth edition. Après dinner during the holidays, head to Stables Bar for a Carousel cocktail made with barrel-rested Patron tequila, Old J Tiki Fire Spiced Rum, coffee liqueur, orgeat syrup, lime juice and orange bitters served atop a tiny crystal carousel. Or warm your bones by the fire in the Park Lounge with a flight of whisky, including one pour that’s been barrel-aged for 60 days in Canadian maple syrup and vodka.

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The Signature Grand Master Suite

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The newly designed Park Suite (Junior Suite) is appropriately named given its direct views of Kensington Palace and Gardens.

Usually when I’m in London, I’m inflicted with a bit of a Goldilocks complex—either trying to cram too much into too little time, or doing little more than exploring my corner of the city like a local. On this trip, the latter was just right—but I did enlist some help. Only the top-level tour guides in the U.K. get to don a Blue Badge, and mine, Russell Nash (guiderussell. co.uk), pinned his to a three-piece khaki suit and a quick wit.

My private, 90-minute walking tour of Kensington under the guidance of Nash was both entertaining and informative. I now know where Mick Jagger baptized all of his children (St. Mary Abbots Church), how to distinguish a wealthy borough from London’s more “dodgy ends” (coal holes in the sidewalks and defunct gaslights), exactly where T.S. Eliot’s former flat is, and why the iron balconies in Kensington Court bulb out at the bottom (hoop skirts, natch). Needless to say, it was my kind of tour. On another day on my own, a brisk, 15-minute walk to Portobello Market for some antiquing, and then on to Notting Hill for a spot of Monmouth coffee and a slice of banana bread at Lowry & Baker, was blissfully low-key.

For those who are more culturally inclined than I, Royal Albert Hall is a short, eight-minute walk from the Milestone, and the aforementioned St. Mary Abbots Church is but a block away. And across the street from the hotel at Kensington Palace you can stroll the gardens where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their engagement, then take in the Diana: Her Fashion Story exhibit (running through Feb. 17,

2019). During the holidays, definitely speak to the Milestone’s concierge team about planning some festive fun. A horse ride in Hyde Park? Caroling at Covent Garden? Ice-skating in the shadow of Somerset House? The Milestone’s V-class Mercedes can whisk your family wherever you’d like to go. (Don’t miss the Birmingham Royal Ballet performing The Nutcracker at Royal Albert Hall, Dec. 28-31.) And for a day trip to Windsor Castle, the site of Harry and Meghan’s nuptials in May, ask the hotel to organize a custom-curated Evan Evans tour complete with a chauffeured drive and private guide to unravel the history from the magnificent State Apartments to the beautiful St. George’s Chapel (evanevanstours.com).

Heading to Gatwick Airport in the Milestone’s chauffeured, midnight-blue Bentley—a lunchbox full of Mrs. Tollman’s chicken salad sandwiches rolled in chopped almonds placed neatly on my lap and a carry-on concealing a Powell Craft nightgown for my daughter and bits and bobs from Portobello Market for my husband at my feet—my heart was far from heavy about leaving. That’s the thing about a truly remarkable hotel stay: You know it won’t be long until you return. Next time, I’ll bring my own ridiculous, inconvenient, consuming, can’t-live-without’em loves along with me. sl The Milestone Hotel & Residences, 1 Kensington Court, London W8 5DL, +44 (0)20 7917 1000, milestonehotel.com and redcarnation.com. Norwegian has direct flights to Gatwick Airport from 12 major U.S. airports including Chicago, Los Angeles and New York (prices from $159.90 including taxes for Economy to $714.90 including taxes for Premium Flex). norwegian.com

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HOW CHARMING Gifting gets personal with statement charm jewelry Compiled by Bridget Williams

Left to right, top to bottom: 14k gold snake fangs on an 18" 14k gold chain ($1,200; laurenwolfjewelry.com). 18k yellow gold Rainbow charm with precious gems from Andrea Fohrman $3,600; andreafohrman.com). Adina Reyter 14k yellow gold Hamsa necklace with pavĂŠ diamonds ($485; adinareyter.com). 14k yellow gold and diamond tusk pendant necklace from Anne Sisteron ($2,200; annesisteron.com). Tara Hirschberg Kiss charm (tarahirshberg.com). Sylva & Cie ruby Woman charm ($4,400; musexmuse.com). Aron & Hirsch Hamar pendant with Gemfields rubies and shell ($1,515; musexmuse.com). Jiminy Cricket dangle charm with blue enamel from Pandora ($65; us.pandora.net).

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Left to right, top to bottom: Disco Dots 18k yellow gold and diamond ball charm necklace from Carelle ($3,300; carelle.com). Georg Jensen Offspring pendant in sterling silver and 18k rose gold ($235; georgjensen.com). Jacquie Aiche large bone feather charm with pavĂŠ diamonds ($2,315; jacquieaiche.com). Monica Rich Kosann 18k yellow gold Intuition octopus charm necklace ($7,565; monicarichkosann.com). Yasmine sterling silver openwork filigree charm by Korite Ammolite ($285; korite.com). 14k yellow gold and diamond hand charm by Michelle Fantaci ($1,825; musexmuse.com). Rare Gems of India Hand carved coral artifact mounted in 18k gold set with diamonds onyx and pearls ($12,500; raregemsofindia.com). Konstantino men's Minos Collection sterling silver and 18k gold lion pendant ($2,200; konstantino.com). Sanjay Kasliwal diamond elephant charm (price upon request; sanjaykasliwal.com).

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Left to right, top to bottom: Chopard's Happy Clown charm is attired in an 18k white gold costume entirely set with diamonds (price upon request; chopard.com). King Baby men's carved jet Wing pendant ($615; kingbabystudio.com). Jewelmer Mother & Child pendant with two South Sea pearls and diamonds (jewelmer.com). Marrow Under the Perfect MoonGibbous Moon pendant ($1650; marrowfine.com). Gumuchian B Collection 18k yellow gold charm bracelet ($24,000; gumuchian.com).

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Left to right, top to bottom: 18k rose gold and diamond RĂŞve charm from Nouvel Heritage ($4,330; nouvelheritage.com). Pyrrha Jewelry Power to Heal talisman in bronze ($222; pyrrha.com). Pamela Zamore teardrop star pendant with moonstone ($540; pamelazamore.com). Mikado Candy charm bracelet from Tamara Commoli ($5,510; tamaracomolli.com).

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Dawn greets an early-morning picking crew in the Napa Valley.

Photo by Jason Tinacci.

THE CORK BOARD Noteworthy news from the wine world Compiled by Chloe Geller 2018 Loire Harvest: An Early Harvest with Favorable Quality At the start of the 2018 harvest season, the Loire Valley Wines Council announced that the total volume of the 2018 vintage is expected to exceed last year's production. Ideal weather conditions have put a smile back on the faces of Loire winegrowers.

The 2018 harvest started two weeks earlier this year, similar to 2011 and 2017. The early maturity of the 2018 vintage, acquired in spring, was preserved thanks to this year's historically fine summer.

The amount of sunshine in July and August was indeed remarkable, with 600 to 625 hours of sunlight, which is as much as 30-percent higher than normal in some areas. Unlike 2017, the vines were spared from hail and frost. The rainy month of June, as everywhere else in France, led to mildew attacks. Overall, the disease was controlled by the know-how and vigilance of winegrowers, even if some farms suffered significant crop losses.

Winegrowers follow the grapes' evolution and taste them regularly to determine the optimal harvest date, according to wine profiles required for their different markets. Some Loire Valley winegrowers also employ high-tech tools, including Prévimat, a web interface developed by the Loire Valley Wines Board to predict the evolution of Cabernet Franc grape maturity up to 14 days.

The five distinct wine-growing regions dotting the Loire's banks feature no less than 4,000 wineries, 170,000 acres of vineyards and 61 appellations of origin, thus making the Loire 56 slmag.net

Valley the third largest French winemaking region. Producing 380 million bottles per year - be they red, rosé or white; still or sparkling; dry or semi-dry, supple or sweet - the Loire Valley is France's leading producer of white wines and ranks second for rosés. The region as a whole exports 68 million bottles every year to 157 markets.

Napa’s 2018 harvest builds balance at a steady pace According to the Napa Valley Grapegrowers, 2018 has been an exciting year so far. In February, rain was abundant, and when the skies cleared, endless days of sunshine followed. Then tiny buds emerged from the dormant vines, marking the beginning of the 2018 growing season. Looking across the valley floor in the early spring, it was a sea of bright, strong growth. In the spring, vines flowered uniformly, which paved the way for even cluster development.

"A very even bloom was followed by a rapid veraison this year, and to date, our ripening period has been void of extreme heat, which will allow for some extended hang time and great phenolic maturity in the fruit," said Paul Goldberg, director of operations at Bettinelli Vineyards and president of the Napa Valley Grapegrowers.

2018's first picks occurred mid-August, about a week or so later than 2017. These were primarily for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier for sparkling wine. Other white varieties, and those for still wines, began coming off the vines in late August.

Napa Valley Harvest.

Photo by Bob McClenahan

Harvest in Anjou-Saumur, one of the five wine-making areas of the Loire Valley in France.

Photo by Interloire.

As growers enter October, activities will speed up, as the majority of red varieties ripen and begin to come in. Viticulturists closely monitor grape phenolics to ensure that harvest occurs at exactly the right time and once the pick date is set, vineyard crews spring into action. It's a well-choreographed operation that Napa Valley growers wait for the entire year – it's show time.

Napa Valley Vintners board member and Favia winemaker Andy Erickson, who works in multiple nested appellations throughout the Napa Valley, said that after a month of picking white varieties, reds like Cabernet Sauvignon are just starting to come in and that the recent cool weather has been extremely beneficial.

"The first reds that we're seeing, the color, the aromatics, the acidity, it's all there," said Erickson, who added he is delighted about the potential for even further development of fruit still on the vine. "Now that it's officially fall, that's when you get some really interesting late-season flavors." Erickson and several other NVV members have also reported strong yields.

Overall, a very balanced growing season has vintners extremely optimistic about the 2018 harvest.

A new vision for Mouton Cadet Philippe Sereys de Rothschild, Chairman and CEO of Baron Philippe de Rothschild SA recently announced that Mouton Cadet is reimagining the way it selects parcels for grape production, the taste

Philippe Sereys de Rothschild

of the iconic Bordeaux, and also the look and packaging of the famed bottles. He visited New York, Miami, and Las Vegas to herald the relaunch the new Mouton Cadet portfolio in the United States, more than sixty years after it was first introduced to American wine lovers.

The company aims to make the richness of the prestigious Bordeaux terroir accessible to a wider audience, offering both authenticity and quality with the Rothschild name as the hallmark of French savoir-faire.

“The process of reimagining the Mouton Cadet portfolio encapsulated years long efforts that will now result in a new chapter for the brand,” said Philippe Sereys de Rothschild. “While consumers know the dedication of our winemaking family to excellence, the recently renovated Mouton Cadet portfolio will provide the opportunity to experience our family’s heritage in an accessible way, while taking a new terroir-driven approach for the grape selection that we are convinced Americans will rediscover and love.”

Reinvigoration initiatives, coupled with Philippe Sereys de Rothschild’s vision for the next chapter of Mouton Cadet, which was created in 1930 by his grandfather, have helped to refine the wine’s signature style, making it even more smooth and round while remaining true to its origins, as elegant and refined as ever.

The portfolio will be featuring both red, white and rosé wine underlining the skills of the Mouton Cadet winemakers in the art of blending, capturing the ideal balance between fruit and freshness on one side and elegance and structure on the other. sl slmag.net

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AUDI ELECTRIFIED Unveiled in combination with a comprehensive range of available charging solutions for home and away, the spacious five-seater Audi e-tron offers fully electric driving without compromise.

Written by Andre James / Photos courtesy of Audi A bold step in Audi’s commitment to achieving approximately 30 percent of US sales from electric vehicles by 2025, the German automaker formally introduced its first fully electric production model—the e-tron—in San Francisco this past September. The e-tron will be the first of three battery-electric vehicles the company plans to debut by 2020 A new concept with a familiar face, the e-tron is unmistakably Audi in its appearance, which will likely help in wooing on-thefence electric buyers. Measuring 193-inches long and a touch over 76-inches wide, the five-passenger, performance-oriented SUV is only slightly smaller than Audi’s latest Q8 flagship SUV. The all-wheel drive e-tron is powered by two electric motors capable of accelerating the vehicle from 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds and on to a respectable top speed of 124 mph. The rear motor handles most of the driving, but Audi reports that the front axle 58 slmag.net

can be engaged in a fraction of a second to achieve optimum traction and directional stability in a variety of driving conditions.

Seven driving modes are available via the Drive Select system.

Depending on road speed and driving style, the suspension adjusts the body’s ride height by up to 3 inches.

An innovative recuperation system encompassing both motors boosts efficiency when coasting and breaking; Audi engineers estimate that this system is responsible for as much as 30 percent of the e-tron’s range. The driver has the ability to select the degree of energy recovery in three stages by means of paddles on the steering wheel. US range estimates weren’t available at press time, although Audi’s European testing reported a range of approximately 249 miles.

The e-tron is engineered for both AC and DC charging. In an industry first to-date, the e-tron has announced a DC fast charging

capability of up to 150 kW available at select high-speed public charging stations capable of delivering up to an 80 percent charge in just 30 minutes. Audi and Electrify America have pledged to have 500 of these fast-charging facilities either under construction or completed in 40 states by July 2019. E-tron customers will receive 1,000 kWh of free charging at the Electrify America sites over four years of ownership. For residential charging, a standard 9.6 kW AC capsule charger is provided, and can deliver a full charge overnight utilizing a standard 120-volt household outlet.

A partnership with Amazon Home Services will allow Audi e-tron buyers to set up a fully-digital experience for in-home electric vehicle charging installations. Using the myAudi app, customers can plan, control and monitor the charging and preheating/cooling of their electric SUV. The app also displays charging and driving data. Amazon’s Alexa has been fully

integrated into the MMI system, and allows the driver/passengers to access many of the same features and services in their e-tron as they can in their home or through other Alexa-enabled devices.

Outfitted with all the comfort and high-tech accoutrements befitting an Audi, the driver-oriented cabin boasts a central Audi virtual cockpit with a slim, visually free-standing display, two MMI touch response displays, a standard Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System, and a phone box for inductive smartphone charging. Customers are able to choose from a host of comfort, driving and technology amenity packages for a fully customized driving experience.

Base price for the Premium Plus trim level e-tron is $75,795.

Customers can now configure and reserve their e-tron with a fully refundable $1,000 reservation fee in advance of delivery in mid2019. For more information visit audiusa.com. sl slmag.net

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the TIMES, they are a-CHANGIN’

Clockwise from top left: Diva Finissima Minute Repeater from Bulgari is the thinnest minute repeater for women. The 18k rose gold 37mm case is accentuated by brilliantcut diamonds. The watch face is crafted from Urushi lacquer ($220,000; bulgari.com).

Baume et Mercier Petite Promesse ladies watch with wrap-around steel bracelet and mother-of-pearl dial set with diamonds ($2,850; baume-et-mercier.com). Released as part of their 280th anniversary celebration, the Grande Seconde Skelet-One from Jaquet Droz is the first time the company has presented a sapphire dial integrated within a skeleton composition. 18k red gold case and self-winding mechanical movement with a power reserve of 68 hours ($33,600; jaquet-droz.com). Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Voutilainen's 217QRS features a in-house designed movement with a 65-hour power reserve. The retrograde date mechanism is entirely integrated in main plate; to set the date one just presses the crown down ($129,000; voutilainen.ch). Double Balancier Sapphire from Greubel Forsey boasts a case entirely crafted from sapphire crystal. The hand-wound movement incorporates 284 components. Limited-edition of 11 pieces ($695,000; greubelforsey.com). Holding four patents for its remarkable construction, the mechanical movement of Bovet's RĂŠcital 22 Grand RĂŠcital is comprised of nearly 50 hand-polished components. The striking hand-painted globe rotates on its own axis and shows the hours in 24-hour format. Offered in 18k rose gold or platinum, only 60 pieces will be produced ($469,800; bovet.com). RGM reissued its popular William Penn model 18 years after its original release. The tonneau-shaped movement is available in stainless steel (shown) or 18k rose gold rectangular case (from $7,900; rgmwatches.com).

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WHAT to WATCH in the NEW YEAR

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Clockwise from top left: An icon since it was released in 1950, the Polaris Memovox has been the source of a long line of Jaeger-LeCoultre mechanical watches equipped with an alarm. A 1968 model inspired the latest release, which is being issued in a limited edition of 1,000 pieces ($12,600; jaeger-lecoultre.com). TAGHeuer Carbon Aquaracer with a 41mm black PVD-covered titanium case that houses the carbon bezel. Waterproof to 300m ($3,000; tagheuer.com). The Petoskey Runwell 41mm from Shinola is a special-edition piece with a dial crafted from a polished Petoskey Stone ($650; shinola.com). The Manero Flyback from Carl F. Bucherer is inspired by company models from the 1960s and 70s and features a kudu-leather strap with a suede finish.

The automatic movement boasts a power reserve of 42 hours and features a flyback function that allows for the recording of consecutive times in quick succession. ($6,900; carl-f-bucherer.com).

Bell & Ross BR-X1 Military features a case made of high-resistance titanium and is available in a limited edition of 250 pieces ($23,000; bellross.com). Opposite page, clockwise from top left: The Audry women's watch from Gomelsky with a malachite dial, alligator strap and case with 90 full-cut diamonds ($2,000; gomelskywatches.com). Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona in 18k Everose gold, and accentuated with gemstones, including 36 baguette-cut sapphires in rainbow hues on the bezel (price upon request; rolex.com). The dial of the DB Starry Varius from De Bethune can be customized to show the nighttime sky as seen from a specific geographical location on a given date (from $66,000; debethune.ch).

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Best Hat finalists at the Boodles Ladies Day Photo by Stephanie O'Callaghan and Nicole Hains

Dendrobium D-1 electric hypercar

Best of Show: 1933 Bugatti Type 55 Roadster Photo by Stephanie O'Callaghan and Nicole Hains

Boodles Ladies' Day

SALON PRIVÉ Blenheim Palace opens its gates to the world’s finest motor vehicles.

Written by Andre James Salon Privé reaffirmed its position as Britain’s most exclusive automotive garden party following three-days of events held this past August on the cricket pitch and lawns at Blenheim Palace, the principal residence of the Dukes of Marlborough, and the only nonroyal country house in England to hold the title of palace.

First day Salon Privé guests were able to revel in the event’s unique, relaxed atmosphere and stunning Palace backdrop, while admiring many of the finest motorcars and bikes in the world. More than 50 cars, 17 of them international entries, and 20 motorcycles, were graded during the day as part of the Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elégance by an expert panel of 17 judges, chaired by five-time Le Mans winner Derek Bell. The Best of Show Trophy was awarded to a 1933 Bugatti Type 55 Roadster, with a 1937 Delage D8-120 and a 1971 Lamborghini Miura S rounding out the top three.

In addition to the Concours d’Elégance, visitors ogled many of the finest and fastest modern supercars and hypercars, some being seen in public on British shores for the first time. Included on this 64 slmag.net

rarified roster was the new Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, the highperformance Brabham BT62, the Aston Martins DBS Superleggera, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV, a fully exposed black carbon fiber Bugatti Chiron, and the Dendrobium D-1 electric hypercar.

A champagne and lobster luncheon awaited patrons in attendance at the popular Boodles Ladies’ Day. Fourteen of the most fashionable guests were chosen to vie for the Best Hat award, presented by Jane Taylor, Creative Director and Founder of Jane Taylor London. The finalists were given the opportunity to be passengers in Concours’ entrants cars as part of the Final Parade at Salon Privé.

Rounding out the event was the Concours Masters, a more relaxed version of a traditionally-judged Concours. The 2018 rendition paid tribute to Porsche’s 70th anniversary year. The overall Owner’s Choice Award was presented to a 1988 Porsche 944 Turbo Cup, just one of just 150 examples built.

The 14th edition of Salon Privé is scheduled for September 5-7, 2019. For more information visit salonpriveconcours.com. sl

84rockwell.com

photo production: Schawk Studios Account Director: Tearle Calinog Photographer: BETHANY PUTERBAUGH Styling: Aimee Ventura / Maggie Jarecki Art Director: Tomoko Nagle Model: Colleen Kloster -- Factor Chosen

SOPHISTICATED SOURCE

Killer neutrals, cozy knits and golden hues usher in a new season of dressing and design.

by Elise Hofer Shaw

From top: Legacy twist ring $13,775; Legacy double diamond wire ring $7,800; Legacy crown ring $8,100; and Legacy emeraldcut ring, $38,000; all in 14K white or yellow gold by Lana Jewelry at Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue, 312.642.5900.

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Velvet horse tee, $550, by Chloé at Nordstrom stores.

Terho large pendant with natural alder wood and hand-blown opal glass, $900, by Mater Design at Lightology, 312.944.1000.

Elongated color block platform sandals, $1,190,

by Gucci at Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue, 312.642.5900.

Sharo 4 acrylic on heavy paper (19” x 14”), $500,

by KEF at Daniel Kinkade Fine Art, 312.802.2754.

Iconic faux leather pouch, $495,

by Givenchy at Nordstrom stores.

Cable Car round sunglasses, $325,

by Vuarnet at Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue, 312.642.5900.

Karin Dec linen pillow, $315, by V Rugs & Home at Bedside Manor, 773.404.2020.

Harbor low-back armchair, $3,317-$6,074, ottoman, $1,463$2,418, and high-back armchair, $4,317-$7,811, all designed by Naoto Fukasawa for B&B Italia at WPA Chicago, 312.335.3855.

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Catia stone tile with veining pattern (available in two finishes: Brushed and Electron), price upon request, by Ann Sacks at LuxeHome in theMART, 312.923.0919.

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Faux shearling crossbody bag, $705, by Dries Van Noten at Nordstrom stores.

Show boot, $995,

by Givenchy at Nordstrom stores.

Dress, price upon request,

by Zimmermann at VMR, 312.330.3778.

Floral lace triangle bra in Yellow, $39, by & Other Stories at stories.com.

Open-inset cat eye mirrored sunglasses in Yellow, $1,105, by Linda Farrow at Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue, 312.642.5900.

Yellow diamond ring set in platinum, price upon request, at Harry Winston, 312.705.1820.

Elizabeth Speaks photograph and digital on paper (32” x 24” to 50” x 40”), $1,200$5,000, by Robert Carlos Childress at Daniel Kinkade Fine Art, 312.802.2754.

Delphine chair in macro-citrine velvet, $1,836, at Jayson Home, 773.248.8180.

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A For Chicago photograph of Chance the Rapper printed on matte paper (20” x 30” with 2” white border), $400, by Chicago photographer Jason M. Peterson and available at warholkids.com.

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Baxter weekender in Grey Heather, $180, by Deux Lux at deuxlux.com.

Merino wool throw blanket, $498,

by Lane & Mae at Nordstrom stores.

Sandstone exaggeratedsleeve sweater, $345, by Jonathan Simkhai at VMR, 312.330.3778.

Orla throws, $248 each and available in five colors,

by Matouk at Bedside Manor, 773.404.2020.

Chunky knit pouf, $149, by Treasure & Bond at Nordstrom stores.

Staghorn cable-knit hat with fur pompom in Beige, $200,

by Sofia Cashmere at Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue, 312.642.5900.

Olympia merino wool-blend sweater, $450, by Jason Wu Grey at Nordstrom stores.

Ellis sock knit boot, $575$595, by Rag & Bone at Nordstrom stores.

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Ottoman armchair, from $1,885, designed by NoĂŠ Duchaufour-Lawrance for Ligne Roset, at Ligne Roset, 312.846.1080.

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Mona pendant with Glossy Smoke Grey glass shade, $2,108, by Brokis at Lightology, 312.944.1000.

Over-ear headphones, $450, at Shinola stores.

Silver coat with black fur, $2,990, by MM6 Maison Margiela at VMR, 312.330.3778.

Polarized rimless shield sunglasses, $520, by Fendi at Nordstrom stores.

Oyster Perpetual 36 in Oystersteel, $5,400 by Rolex at Razny Jewelers locations.

Rouge Interdit vinyl lipstick in Noir Révélateur, $34, by Givenchy at Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue, 312.642.5900.

Flame metallic leather sandal, $1,100, by Prada at Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue, 312.642.5900.

Extra-small glitter triangle leather bag, $1,800, by Balenciaga at Nordstrom stores.

La Cornue x Kongo “USA” limited edition La Cornue Château 150 model custompainted by Parisian street artist Kongo, $300,000, at Middleby Residential in LuxeHome at theMART, 312.374.3091. slmag.net

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micheleGUSTIN.com

Pa i n t e d P r a y e r s a n d T h e A r t o f I n t e n t i o n #4 Cherry Blossom Chrysanthemums from the James’ Prayer Series OIL + GOLD LEAF ON STRETCHED LINEN 66” sq., 2018

The new Chiang Mai gallery’s center courtyard is flanked by two of its three buildings. “Our minimalist, modern architecture is a perfect counterpoint to the richly carved and textured antique elements,” says owner Douglas Van Tress.

THE MIDAS TOUCH

The Golden Triangle celebrates 30 years as Chicago’s destination for Asian and European antiques, artifacts and modern art—and the opening of a second store in Thailand.

By Lisa Shames / Chiang Mai store photography by Beer Thanet Walk along Clark Street—south of the Riverwalk in the shadow of the shiny skyscrapers along Wacker Drive—and you’ll stumble upon what first appears to be an optical illusion. There, just beyond a tranquil garden, you’ll see a storefront decked out with an enormous hand-carved teak façade flanked by two Foo Dog statues.

The sign “Art & Rare Furnishings” above it barely tells the whole story of The Golden Triangle, but it’s a good place to start.

Celebrating 30 years in business, The Golden Triangle has become Chicago’s go-to destination for unique Asian and European antiques. It’s also the place where big-name designers know to come to find that one-of-a-kind piece for their discerning clients, whether it’s a British Colonial bookcase circa 1930 from Thailand, a pair of art deco-style curved-armrest chairs from Hungary or a green-glazed hill jar from the Han dynasty (220-280 AD). Stylesavvy folks or those looking to improve their interior design IQ also visit to check out the numerous room vignettes housed inside the 18,000-square-foot space. They pair furniture, art, lighting and accessories that by all logic shouldn’t work together because of their varied ages and provenances, but magically do. There’s also a 76 slmag.net

workshop tucked away in the back where pieces are custom-made to order and others lovingly restored.

“Golden Triangle is no longer just an Asian antique store,” says Douglas Van Tress, who started the business along with partner Chauwarin Tuntisak inside a small storefront on Chicago Avenue in 1989 (it was originally called Thai Imports Ltd.). “It’s now a global sort of meeting place for things from different places and times for people who have very different interests.”

Therein lies the secret to the store’s longevity and success when so many brick-and-mortar shops are giving way to online shopping: its ability to change and grow with the world around it. Or, as Van Tress puts it, “I always have to know where the herd is going, and a lot of that has come from listening to our customers.”

That attentiveness initially helped change the focus of their business from small gifts and artifacts to larger, rarer pieces the duo found on their numerous shopping excursions to Thailand, Northern China, France and Eastern Europe. With the name change in 1993 also came a move to West Hubbard Street, followed by another move in 2007 to their current location.

Van Tress calls this vignette the “Game of Thrones dining room.� The big teak table is positioned beneath a Chinese architectural enclosure from a 200-year-old house. Chinese armchairs, a Burmese shrine and a modern painting complete the scene.

An installation of doorway arches from India and Pakistan. Visitors can walk through them, admiring the intricately carved decorations.

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A “British India” vignette in the Chiang Mai gallery. “The chairs are all teak with cane seating for comfort,” says Van Tress. “Back in the days of the Raj, there was no air conditioning—just fans, louvers and Pimm’s Cups.”

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Clockwise from top left: A pair of restored and reupholstered H269 Kreslá chairs by Czech furniture designer Jindrich Halabala. A pair of custom reclaimed teak wood table lamps from Thailand. 19th century Bongo tribe funerary post from South Sudan, Africa. Looking Through Trees IV acrylic on canvas (72”W x 48”H) by Chicago artist Adam Siegel.

Contemporary blue and white ceramic vase from Thailand. Sunburst teak wood mirror from Thailand.

It didn’t take long for local designers, including Donna Mondi, Brian Snow and Cookie Weber, to catch on that something interesting was going on at The Golden Triangle.

“Chicago’s designers have taught us so much,” says Van Tress. The feeling is mutual. “Projects have to be aesthetically attractive but also have to show that we have addressed many other details to impact the clients’ lives in positive ways,” says John P. Cialone, partner in Tom Stringer Design Partners. “One of the ways we can do this is to create layers and contrast, and

the pieces at The Golden Triangle are a great resource to achieve a collected look.”

Also, rather than fight it, The Golden Triangle has learned to play nicely with the big-box stores dominating the scene today with their catalogues filled with muted-color furnishings. “Our pieces actually make their pieces look awesome,” says Van Tress, who is quick to acknowledge that the days of the snooty antiques dealer are over. The Golden Triangle welcomes kids, dogs and photo-taking. “It’s more fun now,” he adds.

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“Our new gallery has many installations using old elements in very modern ways,� says Van Tress.

Shown here, for example, is a wall installation made up of hundreds of wooden printing blocks.

A small Hindu shrine from Rajasthan that was once used for meditation.

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Covered walkways connect the three buildings of the new gallery in Chiang Mai, offering protection from sun and, sometimes, monsoonal rains.

This wall—made from a collection of Indian stone cooking forms encased in concrete and framed in wood—would make for a dramatic installation at a restaurant or hotel, says Van Tress.

About 10 years ago there was another significant change for The Golden Triangle: the inclusion of furniture and artwork from local designers. While Van Tress admits he’s the last guy you’d expect to be selling locally made things, it’s something he and Tuntisak have embraced.

Metal and hardwood furniture from Jacob Wener, creator of Chicago-based Modern Industry, sits proudly next to items from opposite ends of the world and the time spectrum. Local artist Adam Siegel, whose work can be found in well-known galleries as well as top restaurants such as Roister, has been a longtime collaborator with The Golden Triangle with a number of his large abstract paintings found throughout the store. “Generally, we work together to choose works that either fit naturally in the space,” says Siegel, “or, on occasion, we install works that offer strong contrasts and create points of view that are unfamiliar and fresh to the palette.”

This year also marks another evolution of The Golden Triangle with the recent opening of a store in Chiang Mai,

the largest and most culturally significant city in Northern Thailand. Having had a warehouse in that area for 15 years as a place to store their purchases and repair items before sending them to Chicago, Van Tress and Tuntisak say opening a second location there was a no-brainer. Like its older sibling, this one will be much more than a retail space, eventually housing a marketplace, restaurant and a village of sorts for artists. The building itself is beautifully designed, inviting the outdoors in with uniquely placed skylights.

But more importantly to their clients in Chicago, it also will support the original location by allowing the duo to buy more items.

“These antique pieces are like slow food versus fast food,” says Van Tress. “They aren’t just about saving old wood. We’re saving knowledge, techniques and cultures. There’s a whole philosophy behind these pieces, and if you learn how to decode them, they’ll make you smarter.” sl The Golden Triangle, 330 N. Clark St., 312.755.1266. goldentriangle.biz

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PENTHOUSE ENERGY

Chicago design powerhouses Darcy Bonner and BGD&C team up to create a penthouse perfect for entertaining.

By Marissa Conrad / Photography by Tony Soluri “I hate hallways,” says Darcy Bonner, the architect and interior designer behind one of the most elegant condos on the Gold Coast, a penthouse in the 10 East Delaware building by Lucien Lagrange. “The floor plan is the real bones of any project, and the one thing I always try to do is create the most efficient space possible, which means getting rid of almost all hallways.”

The result: a home where guests can circulate from room to room, with functional—and beautiful—spaces between. At the 10 East Delaware project, that meant creating a handsome cerused oak bar between the kitchen and dining room, and a stately study between the family room and master bedroom. “It’s much more of an 18th-century attitude,” says Bonner, whose designs have been exhibited at the Smithsonian, the Walker Art Center and the Art Institute of Chicago. “Think of Versailles. The rooms are interconnected suites, which eliminates hallways, creates vistas between rooms and makes spaces feel expansive and grand.”

Custom furniture throughout is made to entertain. In the family room, Bonner executed two areas to gather for drinks and conversation. In one grouping, an elegant custom sofa, curved into a slight kidney shape, sits behind three tables by Hervé Van der Straeten, a Parisian jewelry artist turned furniture designer whom Bonner has worked with for more than 15 years. The Van der Straeten pieces are particularly compelling: Each is amorphous in shape, boasting a white stone top held up by cast bronze legs that slim to a point that’s just a quarter-inch in diameter. “Like a stiletto heel,” Bonner says. “Very elegant.” In the opposite corner of the room, a rich chocolate sofa by Mattaliano, the furniture company Bonner founded in 1985, and two antique armchairs (discovered in one of Bonner’s favorite antique stores in Atlanta, Georgia) surround a mirrored coffee table that can break apart into an ensemble of four.

The table’s mirrored surface is a small detail, but a key one. It works to accent the focal point of the room, a stunning fireplace made almost entirely of mirrored glass. Bonner gilded the edges of the glass slabs with copper leaf, which reflects light to give off a soft peach glow. He outlined the firebox with a thick frame of black wrought metal. Bronze rosettes screw the entire assembly together.

“Contemporary work is so much more interesting when you can add some interesting details that were born out of the ’20s and ’30s,” he says.

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The living room delivers glamor and gravitas courtesy of an eclectic mix of furnishings, including a custom-cast glass mantel designed by Bonner and vintage fauteuils by Mattaliano.

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For the kitchen, Bonner opted for a La Cornue range, custom cabinets faced in highgloss wenge and topped with white statuary stone, subway tiles fabricated out of French limestone, and a stainless steel Mattaliano pot rack fitted with custom light fixtures.

Designed by Bonner and executed in stainless steel and tempered glass, the kitchen’s open storage system soars ceiling-high and sports exquisitely wrought structural discs at its base and top to keep the unit’s tensile pressure in check.

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The study boasts a Maison Baguès chair upholstered in a leopard print by Mattaliano, an ebonized bookcase and desk designed by Bonner.

Bonner reconfigured the original layout to eliminate halls, maximize square footage and create a room-toroom circulation pattern.

Bonner selected custom-build firm BGD&C as the contractor for the gut renovation of the penthouse, tasked with handling many of the painstakingly executed finishes. One of the biggest challenges, says BGD&C President Rodger Owen, was a surprising one: installing the hood in the kitchen. The homeowner didn’t like the look of a typical hood—“the lines can be abrupt; he wanted it to be more sleek,” Owen says—and instead went with a custom 12-foot-long hood designed by Bonner that stretched over the La Cornue range and adjoining white marble countertops. “It didn’t fit in the elevator,” Owen says. Ultimately, it didn’t fit in the stairwell, either. The last leg of the journey required some maneuvering up a fire escape.

BGD&C also executed the high-gloss finishes on the kitchen cabinetry and the custom frieze molding around the bedrooms, study and family room, a tricky detail as each row of scallops had to be planned and measured perfectly—no room for error—to meet seamlessly where walls touch. Details are everything, Owen says of the molding designed by Bonner. He points out the desk in the study, which BGD&C rigged with a hidden, keyless lock that opens with an electronic fob per Bonner’s request.

Bonner designed the desk, and had it made through Mattaliano (Bonner’s Mattaliano pieces have also furnished the Obama White House, Four Seasons hotels, Neiman Marcus and the offices of Architectural Digest). It sits facing a matching black built-in bookshelf, also designed by Bonner. Both items were inspired by the House of Jansen, a French furniture company that did all the finest homes in Paris in the 1930s. “We love their timeless pieces,” Bonner says. He even found some original Jansen chairs for the study, which he reupholstered in a leopard-print fabric, again mixing traditional with modern.

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Bonner transformed what was the apartment’s third bedroom into a formal dining room with an adjoining service area that functions as a butler’s pantry and wine cellar.

Custom dining table and stained walnut buffet both by Mattaliano

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In the master bedroom, a stately macassar ebony bed with a rust silk-velvet headboard anchors the space. The matching nightstands are topped with Nero Portoro marble.

(All furnishings by Mattaliano.)

For formal dinners, a dramatic dining room boasts midnight green walls and a table lacquered in a high-gloss, black-green color “based on the work of French designer Jean-Michel Frank,” Bonner says. “Dark colors add a lot of personality and drama to the spaces, and we were able to use such rich, inky hues because there’s so much natural light throughout the apartment. The building has very large windows.”

And, of course, the personality of the homeowner shines throughout the penthouse. He used to own a flower business, so the final design includes a sink and cutting area just for floral arranging. Today, he runs a clothing business. “So in the foyer, we installed a hidden door that leads into this amazingly luxurious dressing room,” Bonner says, featuring mahogany custom cabinetry, again inspired by the House of Jansen, and two lanterns hanging over a central island.

The dressing room also has a visible entrance from the bedroom, but the secret door, under a bronze-gilded, cylindrical chandelier from Van der Straeten (“the Tornado—one of the most interesting chandeliers Van der Straeten makes,” says Bonner), is an unexpected, and exciting, design touch. “It blends in completely with the paneling in the foyer,” Bonner says. “There’s no visible suggestion that it’s a door. But push on it and you’ll feel like you just walked into Bergdorf Goodman.” sl

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SEASON’S GREEN-INGS

Traditional—with a few twists—is back, says the holiday decor dream team at Mariani Landscape.

By Marissa Conrad Decorating for the holidays is like getting dressed for a party—what was in fashion last year might seem a little dated this season. But give a style time off, and it will stage a comeback. Take, for example, the lights on your Christmas tree.

“In the old days, everybody used big, colored bulbs,” says Frank Mariani, the second-generation owner of Mariani Landscape in Lake Bluff. “Then everyone went to the small, clear white lights, which were fun. But now I see colors coming back.”

Wreaths, too: “A beautiful red bow, pinecones, red berries— it worked for years and years,” Mariani says, until a few restless folks started experimenting with purples, greens, dried artichokes, dehydrated pomegranates. “Now, I see people going back to more traditional red bows and berries. Things fade away and then come back. It’s just like fashion.”

Few people know this cycle better than Mariani, whose experience in holiday decor started as a child, picking pinecones that his grandfather would use to make wreaths and swags out of a small shop in Lake Forest. The holidays—a cap on a long season of designing, planting and tending to everything from penthouse gardens to sweeping country estates—continue to be special for Mariani. Each year, he and his team convert a greenhouse at company HQ to a market called the Holiday Shoppe, home to all the flora of the season: wreaths up to 60 inches in diameter, garlands designed to cascade over mantels, lush dinner-table centerpieces and pots bursting with Fraser fir branches, ready to grace a front stoop or walkway. Outside the greenhouse, a makeshift forest boasts roughly 500 just-cut Christmas trees, some towering 16 feet high.

Buy your home’s ready-to-wear, if you will, straight from the Holiday Shoppe, or go custom, choosing the greens, ribbons and extras you’d like arranged by design-savvy Mariani staffers hard

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at work in a neighboring greenhouse. “We call that the elf shop,” says Andrea Vena, materials manager for the landscaping firm.

Whether you’re designing a wreath, mantel decoration or frontporch bouquet, Vena suggests mixing several evergreens—Fraser fir, winterberry, eucalyptus pods—for the prettiest look, and opting for mint-green ribbon for a subtle twist on the traditional. Or, you can succumb to the ultimate luxury: Let Team Mariani survey your home and make the decisions for you.

“It’s a lot like our landscape architecture,” Mariani says. “We talk about your guidelines. Do you entertain? How many people?

Dinner? An outside fire?” From there, the team develops a design proposal to suit your space and needs. One look Mariani loves to execute: a tree with each individual branch wrapped in lights.“That means in a tree that’s 20 feet tall, you could use over 100 strands of lights,” he says. “It’s a lot of labor. But a tree lit properly is unlike anything you’ve ever seen.”

Alongside welcoming back colorful lights and pineconestudded wreaths, Mariani suggests “shaking things up” by incorporating orchids, aloe vera or even small cacti, all lowmaintenance plants, into decor. At a dinner, perhaps place one at each setting, in a small clay pot. “It’s a wonderful gift,” he says.

He also encourages everyone in the holiday spirit to get a ticket to Planting Seeds of Hope, an annual party to benefit the Ferrer Foundation, a Chicago nonprofit that offers educational programs to kids in communities with high rates of violence.

Mariani Landscape wreaths and centerpieces will be for sale at the event taking place on Dec. 4 at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, with 100 percent of profits supporting Ferrer. As Mariani says: “Giving back to the community is good for the soul.” sl Mariani Landscape’s Holiday Shoppe, 300 Rockland Rd., Lake Bluff, is open Nov. 16-Dec. 18, 9AM to 5PM daily. Tickets for Planting Seeds of Hope are available at ferrerfoundation.org. marianilandscape.com

From modern to traditional, Mariani Landscape elevates holiday dĂŠcor to an art form. Shown here: mixed evergreen garland accented with lights and ornaments for a home in Lake Forest, Ill.

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Hearth-baked breads at Lost Larson in Andersonville

GOING WITH THE GRAIN

From cardamom buns and ganache-filled tarts to hearth-baked breads and gourmet coffees, Lost Larson in Andersonville is a hidden gem for escaping the cold this holiday season.

By Lisa Shames / Photography by Anthony Tahlier Have you fika-ed yet today? If not, you really should, especially if it involves a visit to Lost Larson. At the new Andersonville bakery, chef/owner Bobby Schaffer is on a mission to help us embrace this Swedish ritual, which roughly translates to “a coffee and cake break,” but more importantly is about slowing down, putting away our phones, and connecting with friends and colleagues. References to fika can be found on playful signs in the bakery’s restrooms and on its back patio. (Full disclosure: I had to look up the word, too.)

That’s not Schaffer’s only objective. He also wants to pay homage to the time-honored craft of baking utilizing traditional culinary techniques and high-quality ingredients, including flour that’s freshly milled on-site from whole grains. And with previous experience at fine-dining restaurants Grace and Blue Hill at Stone Barns in upstate New York, he’s just the guy to pull it off.

If this all sounds a bit stuffy, trust us, Lost Larson is anything but.

Floor-to-ceiling front windows give way to a charming, intimate space, filled with happy patrons and a passionate staff, including Schaffer’s sister, Bree, and all are eager to explain all of the delicious details about 96 slmag.net

the pastries offered. On one side, there’s a long powder-blue banquette paired with round marble-topped tables. The dark hardwood floors and shelving on the opposite side of the room offset the white-tiled counter and the glass-enclosed pastry case on top of it. But, truth be told, the dozen or so baked good inside it that rotate throughout the day need no design embellishments to make them stand out.

Take, for example, the lingonberry almond cake. Topped with a dusting of powdered sugar and toasted almond slivers, it’s pretty to look at and even better to eat, its buttery moist texture balanced by the tart berries. Nearby are kouign-amanns (a round, crusty cake made with bread dough, containing layers of butter and sugar folded in), one of the many laminated-style pastries you’ll find at Lost Larson favored by Schaffer for the challenge required to make them. “We’re always striving to get perfect layers and the beautiful honeycomb texture inside,” he says. Take a close look—or, better yet, bite into one—and you’ll see what he means. To further drive home that point, at least one of the kouign-amanns is served upside down to show off its beauty from all angles.

The chocolate raspberry tart is filled with raspberry ganache and topped with red and black raspberries

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Schaffer’s Duchess cake—raspberry, vanilla spongecake, a dome of white chocolate marzipan mousse—is Lost Larson’s take on the Swedish princess cake.

Lost Larson’s chocolate passionfruit tart boasts a hazelnut praline, chocolatepassionfruit ganache and a caramel swirl.

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Pumpkin seed kelp bread made with whole grain spelt flour freshmilled in house.

Blueberry lemond curd tart with fresh blueberries from Seedling Farms in South Haven, Mich., and purple basil

Chef Bobby Schaffer adjusting the granite stones within his glassencased mill room

There are croissants, too, but there almost weren’t as Schaffer toyed with the idea of only doing Danish. He gave in to popular demand, but befitting of a pastry chef of his caliber these aren’t just any croissants, especially the chocolate one, which has chocolate not only inside it but in the dough as well. As with any great croissant worth its copious amounts of butter, the ones here are tender on the inside and shatteringly flaky on the outside, producing crumbs that patrons can’t help but use a moistened fingertip to rescue when they inevitably land on their plates. “I have to sweep all the time,” says staffer Leo Chappell proudly.

The Scandinavian vibe can also be found in the pastries at Lost Larson, including the very popular cardamom bun. The exotic spice adds an intriguing flavor to the spiral-shaped pastry that’s topped with crunchy pearl sugar crystals. Tebirkes, a poppy-seed-topped laminated pastry found all over Denmark, is represented, too.

Lost Larson also pays its respects to the Swedish Bakery, a longtime mainstay in the hood that recently closed, with its

Duchess cake. The riff on the former shop’s Swedish Princess cake includes a layer of raspberry jelly in between vanilla sponge cake and is encased in a dome of lime-green-hued white chocolate marzipan mousse. A few fresh raspberries and a single gold leaf give it the royal touch it deserves.

Perhaps the pastry that best demonstrates what Schaffer is doing at Lost Larson, though, is his cinnamon roll. Made with cinnamon-spiked croissant dough, the roll is spread with a not-too-sweet cream-cheese icing. “It’s representative of my background—being American and having Swedish heritage and also being trained in French pastries,” he says.

The shop’s name, however, is a tribute to Schaffer’s ancestry, including a distant Swedish relative and his grandfather, both of whom shared the last name Larson. “My grandfather was a bit of a con man and actually stole the name from his boss,” says Schaffer. Hence, the story behind Lost Larson’s logo: a mask of a bearded man resembling papa Larson. slmag.net

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“Fika—the Swedish custom of making time to enjoy coffee or tea and something small to eat with one another—is what we’re all about,” says Schaffer.

Lingonberry hibiscus lemonade

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The lavender latte is made with Stumptown Coffee and infused with lavender

Pickled herring open-faced sandwich. “We serve this Nordic treat on our sunflower seed, 100 percent whole grain rye bread, smother it in lingonberry jam and top it with radish and dill,” says Schaffer.

But Lost Larson is much more than sweet treats and fun stories. Its extensive bread program is an equal part of its charm.

Schaffer initially dabbled in breadmaking while at Grace and furthered his skills at Blue Hill. At Lost Larson, he continues what he calls his “never-ending quest for perfection,” which includes milling the whole grains from Midwest farms with a stone mill that’s beautifully displayed in its own glass case. In addition, throughout the day patrons can watch the breadmaking process via the open kitchen. “I wanted transparency,” says Schaffer of the baking at Lost Larson.

The eight or so baked-fresh-daily, European-style breads range from potato and pumpkin seed kelp to the more traditional whole wheat and baguette. Samples of the breads are always on the counter just in case patrons might be put off by the loaves’ dark color, the result of being hearth-baked. The breads also make their way into the shop’s selection of open-face sandwiches, including green onion and avocado, and smoked ham with havarti. I’m

partial to the pickled herring even though I initially scoffed at its inclusion of lingonberry jam (it’s delicious, by the way, with the slightly sweet jam a perfect foil to the funkiness of the fish).

But Schaffer is just getting started. Holiday pies are in the works, including apple and a curried squash, and he wants to sell the shop’s artisanal flours at Lost Larson soon. And, fingers crossed, a liquor license will hopefully become a reality in the coming months—along with savory flatbreads to complement the wine offerings.

In fact, a pour of wine would have been lovely with the seasonal duck brioche I tried on my visit. “The goal has always been to get customers to trust us and try things, and from there get them to choose items that are a bit more progressive and adventurous,” says Schaffer, never afraid to nudge culinary comfort zones. “I have a whole notebook of ideas.” I, for one, can’t wait to see and taste what’s in it. sl Lost Larson, 5318 N. Clark St., 773.944.0587. lostlarson.com

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PRESERVE AND PROTECT 100 Club of Chicago provides hope, heart and support for the families of fallen first responders.

By Marissa Nelson / Photo by David Miller On the evening of Jan. 14, 1983, Ashburn, Chicago, brothers Jay and Tony Vincent, and their expectant mother, Marilyn, came face-to-face with their worst fear. Their father, Larry Vincent, a dedicated Chicago police officer and three-year veteran of the force, was shot and killed in the line of duty during a gun battle with two burglary suspects— and their family’s world was turned upside down in an instant.

Nothing can replace a loved one. And no one can prepare you for the heartbreak. But within a matter of hours, the 100 Club of Chicago (100clubchicago.org), a nonprofit organization devoted to supporting the families of fallen first responders in Cook and Lake Counties, knocked on the Vincents’ front door— and extended a helping hand. During their darkest hour, the 100 Club of Chicago was by their side, offering both financial and emotional support to the Vincent family, relieving some of the burden they would carry in the days and weeks to come.

“We rely on our police officers and firefighters whenever we need help, and they come running to help us,” says Joseph Ahern, CEO of the 100 Club of Chicago, now in its 53rd year of providing first-response assistance for the families of the brave men and women who serve in Chicago’s public safety, police and fire departments.

“When, sadly, one of them goes down, we step into action.”

In 2017, 250 U.S. law enforcement officials, paramedics and firefighters died in the line of duty, according to a report by the International Public Safety Organization. Each and every one of these families could potentially be waiting for up to two years before they begin to see any form of financial support from their city government. The 100 Club of Chicago bridges that gap, stepping in with immediate financial assistance. “In 2017, the 100 Club of Chicago assisted three families of fallen heroes who were killed in the line of duty,” says Ahern. “And this year already, we have assisted another three families.”

The 100 Club of Chicago upholds the values of the original 100 Club organization (100club.org) that began in Detroit.

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the officer’s wife. As word spread about the Hundred Club, as it was first called, and its efforts to help families of fallen heroes, cities across the country grabbed hold of the mission and began replicating its work. There are now more than 100 chapters across the nation, providing help and hope to families in the midst of unthinkable tragedies. Ralph Scheu, a Chicago businessman, brought the nonprofit to Chicago in 1966.

Packer and Scheu understood that the sudden loss of a family member can be financially devastating, especially if the first responder is the primary provider for the family. Within the first 24 hours of a first responder’s passing in the line of duty, the 100 Club of Chicago provides a $15,000 check to the family to cover urgent financial needs like funeral costs and monthly bills. A few weeks later, the family is presented with an additional $35,000 to help cover any outstanding debts. (The Vincents used the financial support they received to cover their home mortgage.)

In total, the 100 Club of Chicago has provided more than $10 million to more than 260 families since its inception.

But the lifeline doesn’t end there. Acknowledging that an unexpected death disrupts a family’s entire life, not just their finances, the 100 Club lends emotional support, too, connecting families with its Gold Shield Partners. Powerhouse partners like

The 100 Club Chicago provides for the families of first responders who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Shown here: a candid photo from the organization’s annual Family Day at Brookfield Zoo.

Mesirow Financial, Motorola Solutions, Clifford Law Group and healthcare provider CuraLinc extend additional resources and services such as financial advising, legal support and counseling.

“It’s not only about the financial help,” Ahern says. “It’s the fact that these families know that people care about them, that their loved one didn’t die in vain, that there’s literally thousands of people out there that really care. The 100 Club is a family.” And it’s a relationship and support system that extends far beyond the first few weeks. As the children of fallen first responders grow up, the 100 Club of Chicago offers financial assistance to help them further their education. Currently, 30 students are pursuing a higher education with the support of the 100 Club of Chicago’s Educational Assistance program, and there are 69 more Chicagoland youth who will be eligible for the assistance once they graduate from high school.

Jay Vincent, who attended Marquette University and Notre Dame with financial aid from the 100 Club of Chicago, will never forget the organization’s kindness. “The 100 Club of Chicago had a profound impact on my views of what it means to be a citizen in this country and to be a provider for my family,” he says. “I have an obligation to help where help is needed. Generosity ought to be blind, and that’s one of the things I have come to believe as a result of the generosity that was extended to my family.”

Today, Jay remains closely connected with the 100 Club of Chicago. In 2013, on the 30th anniversary of his father’s death, Jay and his family established the Larry J. Vincent Scholarship with the 100 Club of Chicago for students attending private schools in need of financial assistance for supplies and services such as books and tutors. And in 2015, Jay became a member of the org’s board of directors to further carry out its mission.

A key part of the mission is awareness and fundraising. Each year, the 100 Club of Chicago hosts more than 100 events to raise awareness and money for its programming. One of its biggest fundraisers is the Chicago Auto Show First Look for Charity event held annually in February on opening night of the Chicago Auto Show. When guests purchase tickets through 100 Club of Chicago’s website, a portion of the proceeds goes back to the organization.

Additionally, on April 25, 2019, the 100 Club of Chicago holds its Valor Awards at the Chicago Cultural Center, recognizing first responders who have performed extraordinary acts of bravery. This ceremony isn’t a fundraising initiative—it’s a moment to show gratitude. “Police and fire departments in Cook and Lake County nominate first responders and then we honor them,” Ahern says. “It’s our opportunity to give back to these families and acknowledge what they do and their bravery and courage.” sl

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SOPHISTICATED SOCIETY Presented by

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Jackson Chance Foundation’s Ping Pong Ball, jacksonchance.org LuxeHome presents Chill: An International Wine & Culinary Event, chill.luxehome.com Allendale Shelter Club second annual Wine Tasting and Shopping Night benefitting the Allendale Association, allendaleshelterclub.org Taste of Hope benefitting the American Cancer Society, tasteofhopechicago.org 17th annual PAWS Chicago Fur Ball, pawschicago.org UCCRF Women’s Board Breakthrough Ball, cancerboard.org Holiday Gift Market and Champagne Tasting at The Golden Triangle (market runs through Dec. 22), goldentriangle.biz Hyde Park Art Center Gala, hydeparkart.org Randolph Street Holiday Market, randolphstreetmarket.com The Woman’s Board of the Chicago Horticultural Society 13th annual All Aboard! gala, chicagobotanic.org

An Evening with David Sedaris 7:30PM on Nov. 20 at Paramount Theatre in Aurora, Ill. David Sedaris, author of the bestsellers Naked, Me Talk Pretty One Day, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, and regular National Public Radio contributor, will be appearing for one night only at Paramount Theatre (23 E. Galena Blvd. in downtown Aurora) following the release of his newest book and New York Times No. 1 Best Seller, Calypso. Sedaris will be offering a selection of all-new readings and recollections, as well as a Q&A session and post-show book signing. Tickets are $49-$59. paramountaurora.com Photo by Adam DeTour

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Children’s Ball benefitting the Children’s Research Fund at the Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute affiliated with the Ann & Robert Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, childrensresearchfund.org Planting Seeds of Hope event benefitting Ferrer Foundation, ferrerfoundation.org The Service Club of Chicago Holiday Luncheon, theserviceclubofchicago.org Randolph Street Holiday Market, randolphstreetmarket.com Ski + Dine with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Wilmot Mountain, wilmotmountain.com

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SOPHISTICATED SOIRÉE: GARDEN PARTY

Sophisticated Living Chicago magazine welcomed more than 200 guests to Tied House restaurant in Lakeview for a gardenparty-themed evening to fete the launch of the magazine’s July/August issue. Hosted by SL owner and publisher Alison Victoria, partygoers were greeted on the patio by a beautiful botanical display created by HMR Designs as well as adult beverages courtesy of Solemn Oath Brewery, Almighty Spirits and Diamond Importers. Upstairs, more creative cocktails and bites by Tied House circulated while guests enjoyed beats

by Fig Media owner and DJ James Gustin and posing for ShutterBooth pics. –Taylor Morgan

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1) SL magazine Creative Director Bridget Daley and Ji Suk Yi 2) Jennifer Wisniewski, Guy Meikle, Tiffany Johnson Meikle, and Ryan Beshel 3) Alexandra Sabbag, Jessica Dunne and D.C. Crenshaw 4) Andrew Hart, Sarah Raskey and Tim Manning 5) SL magazine Editor-In-Chief Elise Hofer Shaw and Marshall Erb 6) Arica Newman and Shawn Frank 7) Fig Media owner James Gustin provided the tunes.

Photos by Jeff Schear/Getty Images for TAO Chicago

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TAO CHICAGO GRAND OPENING TAO Group unveiled its renowned dining and nightlife experience to the Midwest with the grand opening party of TAO Chicago in River North. The celeb-studded evening included cocktails and bites like passed sushi, Tuna Pringles and satay of Chilean sea bass before partygoers headed to the second-floor nightclub for a dance set by DJ Vice. VIP guests included Kourtney Kardashian, Behati Prinsloo and Taraji P. Henson (who was surprised with a cake to celebrate her birthday), not to mention cast members from Chicago P.D., Chicago Fire and The Chi. –Sally Meyer

1) Taraji P. Henson 2) Jonathan Cheban and Kourtney Kardashian 3) Actors Marina Squerciati, Jesse Lee Soffer and Tracy Spiridakos 4) LaRoyce Hawkins and guest 5) Tinsley Mortimer 6) Kelly Rizzo 7) Taylor Kinney 8) Former NFL player Israel Idonije

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Photos by Claudio Vergara Henriquez and Roberto Lopez

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RNDD 4TH ANNUAL FALL GALLERY WALK

Spanning two days in September, the River North Design District (RNDD) hosted the fourth annual River North Fall Gallery Walk. Participating showrooms exhibited vignettes styled by Chicago’s top interior designers, who collaborated with artists and galleries to highlight work created by some of the brightest stars in the art world. The walk’s events lineup began with a VIP kickoff party featuring new works by artist Linc Thelen at Jesse Chicago and concluded with an afterparty hosted by Studio41 that boasted dramatic disco-themed interiors by PROjECT.interiors. –Elise Hofer Shaw

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1) Stephanie Turner and Michael Crowley 2) An entertainer at the Studio41 after-party 3) Amy Lusher and Katie Trudell 4) Mike Cao and Mitchell Channon 5) Denise Nava 6) Nora Schneider and Erin Shakoor 7) Stacey Kallenback and Amber O’Leary

Photos by Alison Victoria

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DIVINE FLOORING x SL MAGAZINE DESIGN CHICAGO EVENT Divine Flooring welcomed a group of design-savvy guests for an intimate gathering at its showroom in LuxeHome at theMART during Design Chicago—the Midwest’s largest residential design conference featuring two days of events for kitchen, bath and home furnishings. During the special morning event, entitled Scratching the Surface, attendees took in Divine Flooring’s latest collections, from wirebrushed white oak and exotic maple planks to exquisitely engineered wood floors. They also heard from Sophisticated Living Chicago magazine publisher and HGTV star Alison Victoria, who talked about interior design trends, and sampled fare from Heritage Restaurant & Caviar Bar amid floral decor by Pistil & Vine. –TM

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1) Karen Stewart and Christine Denault 2) Carrie Giannoulias and Alison Victoria 3) Carrie Giannoulias, Kristy Yarbrough, Cortney Vaughn and Bridget Daley 4) Guests attending the Divine Flooring x Sophisticated Living Chicago event during Design Chicago at theMART 5) Christopher Kent and Chad Fuko 6) Bites by Heritage Restaurant & Caviar Bar 7) Florals were styled by Pistil & Vine 8) Abby DeAtley and Joanna Roumanis

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Photos by COS/Kirsten Miccoli

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COS x MCA CELEBRATION

London-based fashion brand COS partnered with the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago to celebrate the opening of its first store in the city. Luminaries from Chicago’s fashion, art and design spheres joined COS Managing Director Marie Honda for a celebration highlighting the store’s elevated design and the brand’s Autumn/Winter 2018 collection. Guests enjoyed cocktails and canapés while exploring the three main levels of the store. Notable guests included Michael Darling, Chief Curator at the Museum of Contemporary Art, and MCA trustees Anne Kaplan and Sara Albrecht. –EHS

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1) Jessica Moazami 2) Dr. Julius Few 3) Toni and Rick Canada 4) Michael Darling 5) Christopher Kent 6) Monika Pardala and Ceta Walters 7) Steve Traxler, Danielle Goodman and Sarah Markman 8) Marie Honda

Photos by John Reilly Photography

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LAFAYETTE 148 NEW YORK EVENT AT NEIMAN MARCUS Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue and fashion label Lafayette 148 New York welcomed more than 50 guests for a formal presentation of the Autumn/Winter 2018 collection by Creative Director Emily Smith and entitled Fall at Fallingwater. Attendees gathered and mingled on the third floor, meeting fashion expert and Today Show contributor Brooke Jaffe. A fashion show led by Jaffe allowed guests to explore the gorgeous collection—think brushed cashmere turtleneck sweaters, striped blouses with split-rounded hems and corduroy flared pants—inspired by architectural icon Frank Lloyd Wright’s design of the famous Fallingwater house in Mill Run, Penn. –SM

1) Emily Hull Martin and Amy Larue 2) Models wearing Lafayette 148’s Autumn/Winter 2018 collection inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater house in Pennsylvania.

3) Model wearing a look from Lafayette 148’s Autumn/Winter 2018 collection 4) Model wearing a look from Lafayette 148’s Autumn/Winter 2018 collection 5) Model Dominique Jordan and Ceta Walters 6) Jackie Bender and Brooke Jaffe 7) Model Anastacia and Tali Kogan

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SOPHISTICATED WOMAN

By Bridget Daley / Portrait by James Gustin for Fig Media

FRANCINE TURK

Chicago artist, entrepreneur and creative consultant to the estate of Miles Davis

What are you working on right now? This winter I’m unveiling my firstever limited-edition print series, called “The Paris Salon.” It’s a curated, three-volume boxed set series of signed and numbered prints that can be framed and hung as a gallery wall or simply kept as a collector item.

The 16” x 20” linen-covered wooden boxes sit like a large coffee table book or stack with the other volumes on a shelf as a triptych display.

The works that were chosen for each collection are images from the history of my career and were carefully composed to tell a story as a whole or allow for smaller groupings to be placed throughout an interior space. In 2019, I will begin a project for Bob Dylan and his Heaven’s Door whiskey brand that is similar in context to the Miles Davis collaboration I did in 2016, but on a much larger scale.

Looking back on your career, what are you most proud of? I am proud of the fact that I established myself as a collected artist on my own and before social media existed. I am proud that I’ve perhaps shattered the notion that artists need to “starve” in order to be true. And I am proud that my path has inspired (so I have been told) others to live and work creatively.

What is your favorite quote or motto? “The realest people don’t have a lot of friends.” –Tupac

What sets your soul on fire? Witnessing greatness. Standing before a painting or musical performance that was or is undoubtedly channeled from a pure and sacred place. Connecting to source.

Creative genius. Language. Color. Texture. Handling oil paint on a blank canvas. A creative challenge. Nature. The smell of Paris streets and the way the light bounces off the River Seine at midnight in the rain.

What is your biggest regret? I regret not calling my mother one last time to tell her all the things.

Who is your mentor or muse? My mentor is my intuition. My muses are many: Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo, Joan Mitchell, Miles Davis, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Patti Smith and Jack White, to name a few.

What is your biggest challenge—professional or personal—that you work on every day? Not compromising my well-being to meet others’ expectations. Protecting myself. Healing past trauma.

Breathing through heartache and loss. Letting go. Finding selfconfidence in a world that beats women to a pulp. Standing up for myself. Saying the word ‘no.’ Knowing that I am worthy.

Tuning out the noise. Listening deeply.

Name your No. 1 life-changing, aha moment. The day my mother told me she would die a happy woman knowing that she left an artist on the planet.

Give us one word that describes how you aspire to live your life?

One word: Gratefully. And three adjectives: kind, generous and stealthy [winks]. sl

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