Sophisticated Living Chicago September/October 2016

{Chicago’s Finest}

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Sept/Oct 2016

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{Chicago’s Finest}

Sept/Oct 2016

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Sept/Oct 2016

on the cover: Artist Ch Chicago hiccag aFrancine Francine go in interior nter Turk or ddesigner ephotographed photographed siggner aand nd aartist rt in st her LinPrairie LinccPrairie The Th Thelen’ elens Avenue s llatest atees project pro District ojecct in studio n LLittle itt with e IItaly. talytwo y The Thofe her great gre eat large-scale rroom oom boasts boa paintings astss black blacfrom from k qquartz uathe the rtzz from Tra TransCeramica Next Next Level BadAss: ansC Level Ceram BadAss: micca oonnMiles th the he fir fireplace, Davis replaceFrancine &eFrancine ssconces conceTurk Turk s froexhibit, from m exhibit, A Arteriors, rtterio debuting ors, a rrug u by this Hyde, Hyyde month and and aatNoguchi N No Chicago oguchiIlluminating Illuminating coffee cooffffeee table taableCompany.

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On Turk: Claude décolletage dress in black, $1,460, by Ellery at VMR, 312.649.6673. Diamond lariat necklace set in platinum and diamond link earrings set in platinum, both priced upon request at Harry Winston, 312.705.1820.

Photography: Anthony Tahlier Styling: Mark Gill for VMR Hair and makeup: GLAM’D

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WALK THIS WAY Six Chicago interior designers dish on their favorite artists exhibiting at the RNDD Fall Gallery Walk

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ROCK STAR Channel Hollywood icons like Greta Garbo and Howard Hughes with a stay at the timeless Eden Rock Hotel on St. Barths

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THE WRITE STUFF

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BEHIND THE MUSIC

Make a style statement with our fetching finds for the modern office Fine artist Francine Turk gives us a peek into her creative process for Next Level BadAss: Miles Davis & Francine Turk, her much-anticipated exhibit opening this month

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STARGAZING

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MEMOIRS OF AN INTERIOR DESIGNER

Our favorite coffee-table tomes for celebrating celebrities in portraiture A look back at the curious life of designer and antiques dealer Jay Suiter

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OENO-FILES A brief primer on two great Old World wine regions: Alsace and the Rhône Valley

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CARPOOL COOL The latest luxury SUVs for your most precious cargo

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SOLITARY REFINEMENT Oregon’s wine country wins us over with its activities and amenities for fall visitors

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Wicked, photograph on watercolor paper or canvas (36” x 48”), $1,700,

by Chicago artist Robert Carlos Childress. Check out more work by Childress and other prominent artists exhibiting at the River North Design District Fall Gallery Walk.

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TINY BAUBLES

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SOPHISTICATED SOURCE

Earrings, rings and more in petite proportions Fall in love with our favorite trends for the season, from smoky hues to fierce animal prints

Sept/Oct 2016 73

PRETTY IN PINK La Cornue’s Château 150 range pulls at our heartstrings thanks to a donation from Pirch for breast cancer research

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HOME, SWEET HOME Alison Victoria, the adorable host of HGTV’s Kitchen Crashers, gives us the grand tour of her fixer-upper in Wicker Park

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PLAYING WITH FIRE Gearing up to celebrate its one-year anniversary, Maple & Ash continues to raise the bar with fire-roasted steaks and a whole ’lotta personality

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AWE, SHUCK! Shaw’s Oyster Fest anticipates a big crowd for freshly shucked oysters and good times

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TAKING DOWN THE BIG C The Conquer Cancer Foundation closes the gap on finding a cure by getting funds directly to the front lines

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One of many cozy nooks on the third floor at Maple & Ash, the Gold Coast’s stellar steakhouse for food and libations from the winning combination that is Danny Grant and Belinda Chang Photography: Eric Kleinberg

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DESIRÉE INTERRUPTED The CEO of Johnson Publishing, Desirée Rogers, speaks candidly about civic organizations that are close to her heart

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CALENDAR Sophisticated Living’s lineup of not-to-miss fall events

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SOPHISTICATED SOCIETY Chicago’s top fundraisers, gatherings, gallery openings and more!

Come and discover our ne w Chicago store during the Design Summit on September 14th

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OWNER AND PUBLISHER Bridget McDermott EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Elise Hofer Shaw LUXURY BRAND MANAGER Mandy Laneve ——————————————— ART DIRECTOR Jason Yann CONTRIBUTORS Writers Hilary Boyajian Victoria Chase Ruth Crnkovich Abigail Hamilton Scott Harper Anita Heriot Korey Huyler Andre James Amelia Jeffers Jeff Jeffers Zlata Kozul Naumovski Sally Meyer Taylor Morgan Arianne Nardo Alexandra Sabbag Bridget Williams Photographers Carasco Photography Marcin Cymmer Fig Media Nathan Kirkman Eric Kleinberg Alissa Pagels Anjali Pinto Derek Richmond Anthony Tahlier Tom Van Eynde Editorial Assistant Chloe Leuthaeuser ADVERTISING SALES OFFICE 773.263.9288 ——————————————— SOPHISTICATED LIVING MEDIA Eric Williams - CEO Bridget Williams - President Sophisticated Living® is published by Ashford Windsor Media, LLC and is independently owned and operated. Sophisticated Living® is a registered trademark of Williams Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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From the Publisher

Portrait byy Carasco Photography

I am over-the-moon in love with this issue. It’s jampacked with girl bosses and I have a crush on each and every single one of them. In my opinion, there’s nothing more attractive than a sophisticated woman who’s a power player in business, a professional juggler at home or a force to be reckoned with on the philanthropic scene—and we are honored to tell the stories of a few of our favorites making their mark on Chicago.

One dynamic lady who has my heart is fine artist Francine Turk. The first time I stepped into her studio in Chicago’s historic Prairie Avenue District, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. To be completely honest, I was never overly drawn to art, or maybe I just never paid close enough attention. It was Turk who turned me on for the first time with her provocative paintings. And, as our friendship grew, so did my appreciation for fine art. I learned that it’s a very personal connection—what one person may see in a particular piece could be a totally different experience for someone else. But, that’s what makes it so special. Flip to page 40 and read our feature on Turk and her new exhibit, Next Level BadAss: Miles Davis & Francine Turk, launching this month at Chicago Illuminating Company (“Behind the Music”).

Seriously, how lucky am I to be able to step into the lives of this issue’s featured cast of characters? Or, as was the case with HGTV’s Alison Victoria, to step into her 100-year-old home in Wicker Park. We spent the day roaming from room to room, photographing all of its cool details, from the turn-of-the-century jewelry safe that Victoria repurposed as an accessories closet to her spectacular collection of salt and pepper shakers that serve as tokens of her travels. Of course, as might be expect of an afternoon hanging with the host of Kitchen Crashers (the show where Victoria surprises shoppers at a big-box retailer with a fabulous kitchen makeover), we ended up in the heart of the house, eating bagels, drinking coffee and laughing over girl talk.

The last six months—my first as publisher of Sophisticated Living Chicago—have been a labor of love on many levels. It has been exhausting at times and, to tell you the truth, a little scary stepping into my new role. But the rewards, like meeting so many magnetic women, make it all worthwhile. I was recently asked, if I had to do it all over again, would I take on the role of owner and publisher of the Chicago market. My answer? One hundred percent, yes. I feed off the challenges ahead (like a boss, if I do say so myself ) because they will only make us better. A heartfelt thank you to all of our partners for their support. We hope you enjoy the new issue—and crush on a girl or two.

Bridget McDermott Owner, Publisher & Girl Boss mcdermott@slmag.net

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VMR chicago

34 east oak street, floor 7 tuesday-saturday 11am-6pm 312.649.6673 info@vmrchicago.com

From the Editor-In-Chief

Portrait byy Sean Henderson

Recently someone told me that I’m an old soul. Naturally I asked why he thought so, fishing for an explanation. “I don’t know,” he said. “I think it has to do with the way you pause before dispensing advice or how you rarely sit still unless you are writing, always finding one more chore to be completed. You know you are a perfectionist, right?” Flattered (and a bit unnerved), this got me thinking.

I’m as consumed as the next person by modern-day conveniences—I have apps for food delivery and shoe repair, shuttling myself around Chicago and tracking calories. I’m empowered by the efficiency of it all. Yet, on the other hand, little pleases me more than a long, start-to-finish project done with care. Case in point: This week I finished an entirely random task that I had given myself—sewing and hanging curtains for a bonus room we have off of our den. Truth be told, I’d never so much as sewn a button, but from sourcing the hand-dyed, Moroccan textiles from the Randolph Street Market to stitching them together to hanging them myself perched on a stepladder, I can honestly say that I was visibly brimming with pride at their completion.

I wonder if a similar sense of accomplishment is a part of what drives artists like Lynn Basa, Robert Carlos Childress and Adam Siegel, just a few of the talented folks exhibiting their work at the River North Design District Fall Gallery Walk this month (“Walk This Way”). When they finish a painting or develop a photograph, do they step back and survey their work with a sense of satisfaction and respect for the process as much as the result? I like to think that they do. Does chef Danny Grant—the man behind the flavor-forward menu at Maple & Ash, the subject of this issue’s restaurant feature (“Playing With Fire”)—rub his hands across his apron and smile when one of his Tomahawk steaks, roasted to perfection, leaves the kitchen? After recently dining at the Gold Coast steakhouse to celebrate the opening of its Eight Bar & Patio, I can say firsthand that not a filet, chop or T-bone makes its way to a table without meeting his high standards, something that I’m sure gives him immense pride.

I walk by my new curtains every day and say to myself, “Look. I made those.” And with every issue of Sophisticated Living magazine that we put to bed, I eagerly await its delivery, excited to stroke the glossy cover, hold it up and say, “Look, I made this.” Don’t misunderstand me; I know I’m not on the same creative plane as a Siegel or Grant, but I do consider the business of magazine-making to be an art form. I respect my trade and I take it seriously, and I hope that it shows. I hope that my love for the written word and the stories that unfold here embolden people to have new conversations and to create new experiences centered on shared values. If that happens, then I have done my job.

When that happens, I am happy.

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

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www.anthonymichaelinteriordesign.com

Contributors “I knew from the moment we sat down at Maple & Ash—our server standing tableside with a brass cocktail shaker ready to pour us a pair of their signature Amuse Booze gin infusion—that we were in a for a very hospitable and fun night,” says contributing writer Hilary Boyajian of penning this issue’s restaurant feature on the sexy Gold Coast steakhouse (“Playing With Fire”).

“The menu is playful and doesn’t disappoint. It was a joy to experience such a superb meal turned out by people who truly love what they do. Do yourself a favor and share a plate of Chef Danny Grant’s house-made ricotta agnolotti with shaved truffles. You won’t regret it.”

When given the opportunity to interview the former special assistant and social secretary to President Obama and current CEO of Johnson Publishing, you don’t hesitate. “I have been in awe of Desirée Rogers for years,” says contributing writer Korey Huyler, who caught up with the dynamic Chicagoan for this issue’s rapid-fire Q&A (“Desirée Interrupted”). “She’s stylish, smart and so inspirational. I had no idea that she had battled cancer—which is remarkable since she is such a public person—and that she is the honorary co-chair of the Conquer Cancer Foundation’s The Campaign to Conquer Cancer. As a woman who lost her mother to cancer, I know firsthand the importance of oncologists in the cancer experience. CCF is an incredible organization.”

When asked about her experience interviewing Chicago fine artist Francine Turk about her new exhibit, Next Level BadAss: Miles Davis & Francine Turk, contributing writer Arianne Nardo replied with one, all-encompassing word: “badass.” “Francine has such a soulful, honest vibe,” adds Nardo, who wrote this issue’s feature on Turk’s tribute to the iconic jazz musician (“Behind the Music”). “Asking any artist about their work can sometimes lead to beautiful but overcrafted replies. Francine was totally immersive and real. It was clear how profound this project is to her, and that she was no doubt fated to do it.”

“Alison Victoria is one cool chick,” says contributing writer Zlata Kozul Naumovski about interviewing the host of HGTV’s Kitchen Crashers for this issue’s home feature (“Home, Sweet Home”). “From the well-stocked bar carts and jars of candy to the cozy seating nooks and provocative art, her Wicker Park home is brimming with things that define her trend-forward style. Victoria took a 100-year-old fixer-upper in the hippest of neighborhoods and turned it into a brighter, better-accessorized version of itself. There’s even a darling little bistro set out front for coffee or cocktails!”

“Research saves lives—period,” says contributing writer Alex Sabbag, who wrote this issue’s philanthropy column, which shines a spotlight on the Conquer Cancer Foundation (“Taking Down the Big C”). “Sadly, cancer will take the lives of 7 million people this year alone. CCF gets funds directly to the skilled practitioners that are defining the future of care that will undoubtedly save millions of people. Knowing that CCF is funding the front lines for the battle against this disease brings me a great deal of hope for a cure.”

Considering we had about 10 people crammed into artist Francine Turk’s Prairie Avenue District studio for this issue’s cover story shoot (“Behind the Music”)—think makeup artists, stylists, two videographers and a pair of fine jewelry guards—photographer Anthony Tahlier was cool as a cucumber. “I have been a fan of Francine’s work for years and love any opportunity to shoot with her,” says Tahlier. “She is wonderfully easy to work with and always lets her personality shine through. She’s hands down one of my favorite Chicagoans to photograph.”

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WALK THIS WAY 24 slmag.net

Thirteen showrooms and more than 16 artists are participating in this September’s River North Design District Fall Gallery Walk. Shown here: A painting by Chicago artist Adam Siegel at Golden Triangle

Six of Chicago’s most sought-after interior designers dish on the artists whose work they can’t wait to see at the second annual River North Design District (RNDD) Fall Gallery Walk happening Sept. 9 from 5-9PM (rivernorthdesigndistrict.com).

By Elise Hofer Shaw slmag.net

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#1, mixed media on board, acrylic paint and oil pastel (24” x 24”), $2,400, by artist Greg Dickerson

DESIGNER: Michael Del Piero, michaeldelpiero.com ARTIST: Greg Dickerson exhibiting at Ligne Roset, 440 N. Wells St., Ste. 100s TALK THE WALK: “I like to combine different styles and genres of art into my interiors,” says West Town-based interior designer Michael Del Piero. “Many of my clients purchase blue-chip art pieces by wellknown, collected artists from various time periods. I like to build upon that mix with art from my travels and pieces by contemporary artists like Minneapolis painter Greg Dickerson. At first glance, Greg’s work is simple. But look closer and you see that the movement is both captivating and emotional. His pieces have a primitive, textural quality that I’m drawn to for my shop and my design clientele. I find myself wondering about the shapes he uses in his work—are they objects? I don’t know, but what I do know is that they make my heart skip a beat!”

Veil, acrylic on panel (24” x 24”), $1,800, by artist Lynn Basa

DESIGNER: Aimee Wertepny, projectinteriors.com ARTIST: Lynn Basa exhibiting at Jesse Home Element, 745 N. Wells St. TALK THE WALK: “Considering her reputation, you probably already know Lynn Basa’s work,” says East Village-based interior designer Aimee Wertepny. “But for those of you who have not had the great fortune to experience her spirit, here’s the 411: Like a true artist, Lynn is always evolving through life experiences, pushing herself outside the box while staying true to her classical training in pursuit of reaching the tippy top of the artist world.

When I met Lynn almost five years ago, I was obsessed with her black-and-white series and her experimentation with burning waxcovered paper. We’ve adorned our clients’ walls with her pieces over the years, and I love the abstract storytelling of her work either reflecting her own journey or the journeys of our clients.

The depth and movement in her layering process and the organic manipulation of the wax and paints dancing in the heat create the most breathtaking and vibrant encaustics.”

Orange & Gold 2, acrylic on paper (22.5” x 22.5”), $900, by artist Lynn Basa

#18, mixed media on board, acrylic paint and oil pastel, (18” x 18”), $1,800, by artist Greg Dickerson 26 slmag.net

Duke (Dog), mixed media on canvas, archival pigmented ink and acrylic paint (54” x 69”), $12,500, by artist Adam Siegel

She Could Be Herself, By Herself 1, mixed media on arches (26” x 40”), $2,500, by artist Melissa Herrington

DESIGNER: Nora Schneider, noraschneider.com ARTIST: Adam Siegel exhibiting at The Golden Triangle, 330 N. Clark St. TALK THE WALK: “I first encountered Adam Siegel about 12 years ago while visiting his studio in Wicker Park,” says West Loop interior designer Nora Schneider. “I went there at the urging of a client who had seen his work at the Around the Coyote arts festival and purchased several pieces. I had an immediate and intense appreciation for his paintings. Since then, we’ve enjoyed collaborating on many projects, as well as developed a beautiful friendship. His ever-evolving use of form and color speak to me, and I personally own five of his paintings. In my work I like to mix ancient accents with modern elements. Siegel’s modern-looking pieces have an old soul. They add so much, as well as fit right in.”

Swirls from the Two Tone series, acrylic on canvas (4’ X 4’), $8,200, by artist Adam Siegel

DESIGNER: Randy Heller, randyhellerdesign.com ARTIST: Melissa Herrington exhibiting at Chicago Luxury Beds, 440 N. Wells St., Ste. 100n TALK THE WALK: “Melissa Herrington is an exciting new find for me,” says Highland Park interior designer Randy Heller. “Her paintings and mixed media on canvas fall somewhere between the figurative and the abstract. I love her works representing the female figure, as well as the more abstract pieces. The neutral transparent stains and the carefully placed, opaque colors compel me to take a longer look and contemplate the artist’s message. As a designer, I could see using a single work by Ms. Herrington as a decorative accent, or possibly lining up a whole series down a hallway. I intend to introduce her work to my current clients for their projects.”

She Could Be Herself, By Herself 3, mixed media on arches (40” x 26”), $1,800, by artist Melissa Herrington slmag.net

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Super, photograph on watercolor paper (24” x 24”), $500, by artist Robert Carlos Childress

Untitled 17, pastel and tempera on paper (25” x 19”), $975, by artist Gale Gand

DESIGNER: Donna Hall, dmondiinteriordesign.com ARTIST: Robert Carlos Childress exhibiting at Moderne Living, 230 W. Huron St. TALK THE WALK: “The RNDD Gallery Walk gives you the opportunity to see the work of some of Chicago’s most talented artists in beautiful showroom spaces throughout River North,” says interior designer Donna Hall, who has studios in both Old Town and Hinsdale. “My personal favorite is Robert Carlos Childress, who studied right here at Harrington College of Design. I love the ethereal quality of his style that is said to represent the way we store memories in our minds—blurred, in motion, with colors altered to represent our emotions. When I’m looking for statement pieces, a collage from Childress in a vibrant hue can be just what I need to add drama to a space. I’m personally drawn to the figurative subjects that make me feel like I’m seeing something I wasn’t meant to see. It’s that subtle eeriness, mystery and impact that make his work truly stand out.”

Private Dance 2, photograph on watercolor paper (32” x 24”), $1,200, by artist Robert Carols Childress 28 slmag.net

DESIGNER: Susan Brunstrum, sweetpeas-inspired.com ARTIST: Gale Gand exhibiting at Jesse Home Element, 745 N. Wells St. TALK THE WALK: “ Se r i o u s l y, h ow does Gale Gand find time to paint?” asks Gold Coast-based interior designer Susan Brunstrum. “She’s a pastry chef, restaurateur, author, teacher and mother! Not only is her work stunning, but the fact that she can launch another career after decades of success in the culinary world is mind-blowing. And it’s easy to be drawn to her art. I love that it is so colorful and a bit whimsical—I have a feeling she has a sunny disposition, a sense of humor and a way of confronting issues head-on. I’m also struck by the way her work feels so freespirited, which is just the opposite of the precision she needs for pastry-making. Art truly seems like an emotional outlet for Gale, as well as a passion.”

Cookie Cutters, pastel and tempera on paper (25” x 19”), $975, by artist Gale Gand

TIMING IS EVERYTHING Take it all in with the RNDD Fall Gallery Walk’s hour-by-hour schedule of events.

5:30pm VIP Champagne kickoff party at The Golden Triangle featuring artist Adam Siegel 5-9pm River North Design District Gallery Walk sponsored by Peterson Picture Company 6-7pm Live art: Phillip Schalekamp creates charcoal drawings on paper at The Tile Gallery 8-10pm After-party hosted by Cambria at The Chopping Block in The Merchandise Mart.

(RSVP is required at rivernorthdesigndistrict.com.)

MAP QUEST Out of 13 total, five showrooms are new to this year’s RNDD Fall Gallery Walk (in bold below).

Here’s your at-a-glance look at the artists and happenings at each.

1. Lisa Caccioppoli on exhibit at Lightology, 215 W. Chicago Ave. 2. Lynn Basa and Gale Gand on exhibit at Jesse Home Element, 745 N. Wells St. 3. Live art by Phillip Schalekamp at The Tile Gallery, 555 N. Franklin St. 4. Sally Ko Sculpture on exhibit at Toto, 500 N. Wells St. 5. Melissa Herrington and Jaime Foster on exhibit at Chicago Luxury Beds, 440 N. Wells St., Ste. 100n 6. Michael Del Piero Good Design pop-up shop featuring Greg Dickerson at Ligne Roset, 440 N. Wells St., Ste. 100s 7. Marketa Sivek on exhibit at Studio 41, 225 W. Hubbard St. 8. Adam Thomas and Debra Balchen on exhibit at Montauk Sofa, 401 N. Wells St. 9. Natasha Kohli on exhibit at Organic Looms, 401 N. Wells St. 10. Darren Jones on exhibit at Oscar Isberian, 120 W. Kinzie St. 11. Adam Siegel on exhibit at The Golden Triangle, 330 N. Clark St. 12. Sally Ko Mixed Media on exhibit at Farrow & Ball, 449 N. Wells St. 13. Robert Carlos Childress and Francine Gourguechon on exhibit at Moderne Living, 230 W. Huron St.

KEEP CALM AND CURATE Daniel Kinkade, owner of Daniel Kinkade Fine Art (danielkinkade. com), was the River North Design District’s obvious choice for chief curator of the RNDD Fall Gallery Walk. “Daniel holds a degree in interior design, and that makes all the difference to us,” says Walk founder Jill Maremont. “He understands interior spaces and how art impacts how we live. Daniel works with designers all over the country and Chicago’s brightest stars, as well as big corporate names like Nordstrom and Starbucks. He has an amazing eye and is able to see a space and determine what artist is the exact right fit.”

Now in his second year as curator, Kinkade credits several factors with determining how he paired the art with each design showroom. “For example, Toto has gorgeous windows and less wall space, so we chose beautiful Sally Ko sculptures to suspend from the

ceiling. Organic Looms, on the other hand, has rugs covering most of its walls, so we chose larger canvases that can serve as complements to the rugs that already act as art. Each showroom’s offerings come into play, too. For Chicago Luxury Beds, a showroom where we all get lost in their wonderfully indulgent beds and the thought of relaxation, we went with artist Melissa Herrington’s nude works that have soft colors, organic lines and a hint of romance.”

“This event is important for the artists because it gives them exposure to a broader audience and allows them to showcase new works in the Chicago area in non-traditional venues,” adds Kinkade. “And for the designers, it’s great for them to be able to bring their clients into a showroom such as The Golden Triangle or Montauk Sofa and see art in context, in a ‘living’ setting.”

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ROCK STAR The Eden Rock Hotel, St. Barths Written by Bridget Williams For those with the wherewithal, there are certainly an abundance of amazing resorts situated on insanely beautiful beaches around the world to choose from. While they are all a little slice of heaven in their own right, a select few have reached icon status, where checking in coalesces you as part of an enduring legacy. The Eden Rock Hotel on St. Barths in the French West Indies is one of those places. For the unitiated, to plainly relay its geographic location–wedged between another hotel and a glitterati party hotspot and under the flight path of the island’s tiny airport whose famously perilous runway terminates in the azure waters– belies its specialness.

The heart of the property and one of the island’s most photographed landmarks–an assemblage of structures clinging like barnacles to a large rocky promontory in St. Jean Bay–was built 70 years ago as the first hotel on the island. The outcrop is enveloped by soft, white sand beaches, clear and calm turquoise sea, and a coral reef full of sea life. During Hollywood’s Golden

Era, the resort was frequented by the likes of Greta Garbo, Howard Hughes, and the Rockefeller and Rothschild families.

By the time David and Jane Matthews spied the property as they arrived on the island via yacht in 1994, the shining beacon that had once drawn luminaries from around the globe was more of a dying ember. A year later they purchased Eden Rock from its original owner, legendary island aviator and local adventurer Rémy de Haenen, uprooting their four children from London to embark on a new adventure. Their resolve was tested two days after setting up camp in the downtrodden buildings of the hotel when Hurricane Luis roared over the island. Undeterred, during the ensuing years the family lovingly returned the property to its heyday. Unique as the island itself, which is devoid of monolithic high-rises and nondescript mega resorts that plague other island paradises, Eden Rock is an original, luxurious but with an eccentric side that swipes away any hint of pretentiousness that might try to make its presence known in the rarefied oceanic air.

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Bedroom in Villa Rockstar.

Bedroom in Villa Rockstar.

One-bedroom Contemporary Beach Room.

De Haenen Legacy Suite.

The embodiment of a boutique property, the interiors in each of the 34 highly individual accommodations located “on the rock,” dotted along the beach or set within lush green gardens, were conceptualized by Jane Matthews to be the antithesis of a corporate hotel experience. Rounding out the available accommodations and befitting the bevy of billionaires who can be spotted on the island in high season are Villa Nina and Villa Rockstar, the latter of which is a whopping 16,000 square feet and includes a recording studio featuring the legendary Neve mixing console used by John Lennon to record “Imagine.” Even if you’re not luxuriating in the Rockstar Villa, the celebrity treatment is doled out in equal proportion to all guests.

In 2014 the Matthews family entered into a management agreement with the Oetker Collection, a collaboration that brings the number of “Masterpiece Hotels” under the Oetker umbrella to eight (other Oetker properties include Le Bristol Paris and Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa in Baden-Baden, Germany). “St. Barths is such an interesting and unique place in the world. There is so much more we can do together in St. Barths and for the good of the island, too,” remarked David Matthews at the time the partnership was announced. While guests benefit from stringent Oetker standards in guest services, long-time guests (70 percent are repeaters) will find that the little things they love that draw them back year after year remain unchanged. “True masterpiece hotels are like gold nuggets – nearly impossible to find,” said Frank Marrenbach, CEO of Oetker Collection. “Eden Rock was created by fine hard-working people and is a shining example of

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true hospitality.” With 200 individuals on staff, Eden Rock is the largest employer on the island.

Befitting a property much larger in size, high-touch guest amenities allow for a truly customized stay that provides as much (or as little) activity as your heart desires. My recent visit was a balanced mix of both as my more laid-back travel mate was a fitting foil to my Labrador puppy-like personality. While he was wholly content to spend a day settled into an oceanfront chaise engrossed in a book with a cool drink within arms reach, my high-spiritedness was amply accommodated each day beginning with a vigorous morning workout in the well-equipped onsite gym or at the nearby track in St. Jean Stadium (donated to the island by part-time inhabitant and Russian businessman Roman Abramovitch, who owns the English soccer club Chelsea FC), followed by strolls along St. Jean Beach and taking advantage of Eden Rock’s complementary on-site water sports program to kayak, paddleboard and snorkel. With larger waves contained offshore by a coral reef, my preferred moments of repose were spent soaking up the sun while gently bobbing in the calm and cooling waters, either on a thick raft or on a nearby floating dock.

We enjoyed a moment of calm in unison during a relaxing couples massage on the spa deck at the base of the rock where whisper sheer drapery allowed the sounds of the water and the cool ocean breeze to provide the soundtrack for the indulgent treatment.

Services for body and face, which incorporate artisanal, locally produced Ligne St. Barth products, are also available in-room or in an oceanfront cabana.

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St. Jean beach at Sunset.

Photo by Bridget Williams.

On The Rocks restaurant.

Haute but certainly not haughty cuisine adapted for the hot environment is offered under the direction of internationally renowned Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, who has served as Eden Rock’s consulting executive chef for the past four years.

Open for dinner nightly, On the Rocks offers an exciting menu that masterfully showcases adaptations of Vongerichten’s personal favorite dishes. Lunch offerings at The Sand Bar provide a Caribbean-inspired riff on the menu at his ABC Kitchen in New York City. Masterfully executing Vongerichten’s vision is Chef Eric Desbordes, who transferred to Eden Rock from another Oetker Collection property, Michelin-starred Le Bristol Hotel in Paris.

Ascending the wooden stairs to reach On the Rocks for dinner, it’s easy to spy giant tarpon gliding around the illuminated Eden Rock logo projected onto the water below. A large bar crowns the tiered space; beneath, tables abut the railing that outlines the rock’s perimeter. Patrons can choose a threecourse Chef ’s Menu or order à la carte. The promise of fresh burrata mozzarella, pancetta and heirloom tomatoes as a first 36 slmag.net

Sand Bar restaurant.

course steered me to the tasting menu, while my counterpart enjoyed an equally satiating culinary romp through multiple courses that included Artichoke Velouté, Seared Foie Gras and Black Truffle Emulsion; Octopus Salad, Tomato with Tarragon, Olives and Lemon; and Black Angus Ribeye Roll, Gnocchi with Seaweed and Lemon Confit.

Synchronous with the hotel’s new wellness program are special menu items at the Sand Bar devised in concert by Vongerichten and Wellness Director Aminata Clason-Diop that are free of gluten, lactose and refined sugar. My favorite among the offerings, and my preferred lunch selection each day, was the Kale Salad with red pepper, sundried tomato, pine nuts and almond.

Clason-Diop leads a variety of daily group and private activities, including yoga, stand-up paddle yoga and hiking.

We embarked on a challenging morning group hike with Clason-Diop up and down the peaks surrounding Colombier Beach, during which the long-legged native of Sweden barely seemed to break a sweat. Along the journey I was enraptured with tales of her multi-cultural heritage, being part of a

Photo by Bridget Williams.

Photo by Bridget Williams.

fascinating lineage of headstrong women, and her personal journey to dedicating her life to helping others find balance and optimize their lives through wellness.

Columbier is one of 14 white sand beaches on St. Barths. Even though all are open to the public, they are rarely overcrowded, even in peak season. I love the feeling of remoteness offered by Saline Beach, a long stretch of sand without a building in site that is reached by a five-minute walk up and over a steep dune. A caveat: while topless sunbathing is de rigueur in most places, Saline is known for those seeking beach time au naturel.

Though it’s hard to leave the comfortable confines of the hotel, off-property beaches, high-end boutique shopping and restaurants are definitely worth exploring. Renting a car is the best way to get around the island, and Eden Rock provides convenient on-site car rentals lasting a few hours or the duration of your visit. For me, no trip to St. Barths is compete without consuming copious amounts of Roman-style pizza al fresco at L’Isoletta on Rue du Roi Oscar II in Gustavia and dancing the night away after dinner and a cabaret-style show at the legendary Le Ti St.

Barth (tistbarth.com). While out wandering around Gustavia one afternoon following lunch with our toes in the sand at Do Brazil on Shell Beach (dobrazil.com), we stumbled upon The Sea Memory boutique, a tiny spot with treasures culled from around the globe, including pieces of furniture, home accessories and jewelry fashioned from stingray skin (seamemorysbh.com).

Grey skies on the morning of my departure mirrored my mood; the bright spot being that my departure was being handled by Tradewinds Aviation, whose Pilatus PC-12 aircraft is the among the most posh of any cleared for takeoff and landing on St. Barths. A representative whisked us through customs in record time before ushering us to a private departures lounge for Tradewinds passengers at the transfer point in Puerto Rico, which eased the inevitable transition back to reality (flytradewind.com).

Rooms at Eden Rock St. Barths from $650 €/night, including V.I.P. airport transfers and daily breakfast buffet, among other amenities. For more information or reservations, visit (edenrockhotel.com). sl slmag.net

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Of Note... The Write Stuff

Compiled by Victoria Chase

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1) For messages that matter: custom hand-engraved onionskin stationery and envelopes from Nancy Sharon Collins (price upon request; nancysharoncollinsstationer.com). 2) The Lansdale Bouquet Journal from Dempsey & Carroll was designed in collaboration with fabric and wall covering company Schumacher ($30; dempseyandcarroll.com). 3) The Downing Desk from Kate Spade boasts hand-painted dots and polished brass hardware ($3,095; katespade.com). 4) Set of Love Notes from Dempsey & Carroll ($65/10 cards and 10 hand-lined envelopes; dempseyandcarroll.com). 5) The Paper Desk from Moooi is crafted of wood and cardboard finished with paper and polyurethane lacquer and topped with an Oak veneer work surface (price upon request; moooi.com). 6) The Racer rollerball pen from Chopard in red and black resin ($645; chopard.com). 7) The Cherry Blossom writing desk from Ambella Home is made of American white oak with a bone-color finish and a light grey wash. The base is hand-forged cast iron with antique gold metal leaf finish (price upon request; ambellahome.com).

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8) With minimal lines that harken to design cues from the 1930s, The Jolie two-drawer desk from Armani Casa is crafted in Italy of wood with a leather top, it is equipped on each side with pockets and a pair of drawers with leather pulls and wood rails (price upon request; armanicasa.com). 9) This desk clock from Mondaine is both multifunctional and stylish. The clock itself is magnetic and can be removed from its case and attached to any metal surface. Slide the clock back into the case and it can be used as a paperweight. ($255; mondaine-usa.com). 10) Boulevard writing desk from Boca do Lobo is made from mahogany with a leather top and brass handles lacquered in black on each of the thee drawers (price upon request; bocadolobo.com). 11) Best known for his stunning textiles and furniture, William Morris, an influential arts-and-crafts designer, is also the author of the four quotes in this set of notecards from Princeton Architectural Press. Comes with coordinating Morris Morris-patterned patterned envelopes ($14.95 for 12 notecards/envelopes; papress.com).

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BEHIND THE MUSIC Chicago artist Francine Turk brings her brand of cool to a collaboration with the late Prince of Darkness—jazz legend Miles Davis.

By Arianne Nardo Photography by Anthony Tahlier with Chateau Marmot and The Golden Thread series photographs by Tom Van Eynde Hair and makeup by GLAM’D “Music is energy,” says Turk.

“My paintings are energy.

It’s all connected.”

Curiosity is a fiery impulse. It makes an innocent, 6-year-old girl sneak into her older sister’s room in search of an “off-limits” record collection. With a pounding heart and anxious little fingers, she meets friends Bob Dylan, Robert Plant and The Boss for the first time. Every rotation and hypnotic new sound is a risk—The school day is almost over, put everything back, she’ll be home soon. Still, she takes her chances again and again, exhilarated by the resonance of these vinyl masterpieces.

Don’t all first acts of rebellion have a soundtrack? “That was my introduction to music,” says Chicago artist Francine Turk about her days growing up in Oak Lawn, Ill. “As a kid, I could go and have this escape with paper and pencils and music.” Leaving their indelible impression on her formative years and eventually her artwork, epic guitar solos and bass lines have become more than just muses for Turk. “Music is energy,” she says. “My paintings are energy. It’s all connected.”

For her latest project, Turk found inspiration from one of music’s biggest icons: nine-time Grammy Award-winning jazz musician Miles Davis (aka the Prince of Darkness, a nickname bestowed upon him by his fellow musicians because of his cool stage presence). The exhibition, Next Level BadAss: Miles Davis & Francine Turk—opening this month for a pop-up exhibit at Chicago Illuminating Company (Sept. 21, 7-10PM; and Sept.

22, 10AM-6PM) before moving back to Turk's Prairie Avenue District studio for by-appointment viewings—is a deeply personal

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body of work, featuring posthumous self-portraits, sketches and drawings created by Davis (who died in 1991) alongside largescale paintings by Turk. At her studio, Turk gives us a sneak peek of two of her seven-foot-tall canvases, each brushstroke pulsing like a supersonic hit of cooler-than-cool reverb that plays raucous and sweaty before retreating into a velvety hum.

So how does a rock ’n’ roll-reared painter and a trumpeter nurtured by New York’s underground jazz scene in the ’40s and ’50s end up on such a soulful continuum? Ask Turk and she’ll swear it was architected by fate. “There is absolutely no doubt that this is a spiritual assignment,” says Turk, whose work has hung alongside masters like Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol and Joan Miró at the KM Fine Arts gallery in Los Angeles. Here’s how the stars aligned: In Oct. 2014, Turk caught wind of the fact that Bob Dylan was going to be honored by MusiCares—the Grammys’ charitable organization devoted to providing critical assistance for music people in times of need—at its annual Person of the Year gala.

Knowing the organization was a fan of her 2011 BadAss series of paintings portraying rock gods and rule-breakers like Jimi Hendrix and Johnny Cash, Turk offered to donate a portrait of Dylan for the gala and ended up being asked to create 80 original drawings as gifts for the night’s performers, too. Fast forward to February 2015, and Turk was rubbing elbows with music’s elite at the Los Angeles Convention Center, enjoying a front-row seat for performances by Jack White, Neil Young, Bonnie Raitt and more.

Fine artist Francine Turk standing in front of her Chateau Marmont stationary sketches, part of the Next Level BadAss: Miles Davis & Francine Turk series.

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Turk was granted full access to Davis’ sketchbooks. “His drawings look like his music sounds—moody and intense," says Turk.

The buzz about Francine Turk was out—and had reached Darryl Porter, the director of the Miles Davis Estate.

He arranged for a meeting with Turk’s business manager, Grace Lieberman, and explained that 2016 would mark Davis’ 90th birthday; that Don Cheadle was finalizing his decade-long passion project Miles Ahead, a biopic about the jazz legend; and that jazz pianist Robert Glasper had been granted the stems (a sub mix or partial mix of only some of the tracks of a song) to Davis’ original compositions and was conjuring up a new album. Then Porter referenced a trove of Davis’ original drawings and artwork that was tucked away for safekeeping at a fine art storage facility in California, and asked Turk if she would like to be involved somehow. And just like that, synchronicity stepped in.

What happened over the next 16 months was, as Turk describes it, an artistic free fall. She had been invited into Davis’ world, granted unprecedented access to an immense archive of his personal sketchbooks, paintings, collages, loose drawings and notes. Pages upon pages lavished with figurative drawings, abstractions and explorations in love rendered in color, ink, marker and ballpoint pen awaited Turk’s translation.

“Most people didn’t know he was a prolific drawer and artist,” says Turk. “His drawings look like his music sounds—moody and intense. [Although not formally trained] Miles was such a natural.

His use of line is so instinctively and naturally beautiful, the way he could create tension with the weight of it. Yet he wasn’t even thinking about it. It’s one of the most incredible things I discovered in his sketchbooks.”

Davis’ sketchbooks also had evidence of ordinary life— lists, notes, phone numbers and names. One name in particular

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The Chateau Marmont series was created on the hotel’s signature stationery

stood out to Turk: Muddy Waters. She had just completed a commission for the Hyatt Centric hotel in the Loop. Its subject?

Chicago blues—Chess Records, Maxwell Street and, of course, the “father of modern Chicago blues,” Mr. Muddy Waters. Turns out Miles, a big fan of Waters’ two-chord blues, never missed seeing Muddy play at the Checkerboard Lounge when he was in Chicago for a gig.

On some level, Turk had needed a sign. For months she had been learning about Davis’ life through the storytelling of his family and his inner circle, and by listening to his music— working her way from Kind of Blue (1959) to Bitches Brew (1970) to Tutu (1986). His first wife Frances, his youngest son Erin, his daughter Cheryl and his nephew Vince Wilburn, Jr., all shared with Turk their stories about Davis (including some colorful tales about the time he spent at Chateau Marmont, the legendary Sunset Boulevard hotel where he and Frances would live when he was performing on the West Coast). Immersing herself in this information was invaluable to Turk, but it was secondhand.

Seeing Muddy Waters’ name was like Miles was speaking directly to her, giving her his blessing. “Seeing that name solidified that I was meant to do this,” she says. “It’s Miles and me and that’s it.”

It also gifted her a revelation about her own work. “I realized that my purpose is to preserve—that is the essence of who I am as an artist,” says Turk. “All of my bodies of work, from my charcoal nudes to the BadAss series, are connected. They all have this golden thread of preservation—preserving history and beauty, and honoring legacy. With Miles, I’m supposed to preserve these stories so that other generations know his importance, and how he was beyond influential.”

Turk’s The Joint painting is also the cover art for Robert Glasper’s recently released album, Everything’s Beautiful.

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Turk totally in her element at her studio in Chicago’s historic Prairie Avenue District.

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"Miles is the thread that ties everything together," says Turk of the inspiration behind her The Golden Thread series.

Shown here: Four oil on raw canvas paintings from the Next Level BadAss: Miles Davis & Francine Turk exhibit

“Channeling Miles” has become shorthand for the creative groove that Turk has inhabited. It began with fragments. Working off photographs of his original drawings, Turk borrowed elements and stretched them, painting and layering, layering and painting.

Her first piece, titled The Joint, was sent to the Davis family, who raved and passed it along to Glasper. It’s now the cover art for Glasper’s new album of remixes from the Davis archive, Everything’s Beautiful. Turk has since moved on to the large-scale paintings that will anchor the Chicago exhibit, as well as a series entitled Chateau Marmont. Created on the hotel’s signature stationery—an idea Turk had while on a pilgrimage to the hotel for this project—each piece is a vital narrative, capturing the scenes, moments, characters, musicians and loves that orbited Davis throughout his lifetime. “My uncle was a forward-thinker,” says Wilburn. “He was always evolving, never looking back.”

Back in her studio, Turk has become emboldened. “I’m hearing colors that I’ve never heard before,” she says, surrounded by the sketches and inky gestures made by her protagonist. “I hear contrast, I hear texture, I hear composition. If I’m listening to Kind of Blue, it’s about movement and energy—movement of the brush, movement of my body, the weight of the line. Miles was a master jazz composer. He was also so good at composing a page. The way he would place things. They say he was a genius because of the way he used space, the notes he didn’t play. It’s the same with the spaces on his drawings. I am learning so much from him.” sl The Next Level BadAss: Miles Davis & Francine Turk pop-up exhibit takes place Sept.

21 from 7-10PM and Sept. 22 from 10AM-6PM at the Chicago Illuminating Company, 2110 S. Wabash Ave., 312.326.9500. A panel discussion featuring Turk and members of the Davis family will kick things off Sept. 19 at Soho House Chicago (Soho House members only). Appointments for private viewings at Francine Turk’s studio can be made by calling 312.547.9000 or emailing grace@francineturk.com. francineturk.com

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Bibliotaph... Stargazing - Celebrating Celebrity in Portraiture

Compiled by Victoria Chase

For nearly four decades, portraits of celebrities, politicians and sports stars by photojournalist Volker Hinz masterfully combined the candor of an in-the-moment snapshot with the composition of a fine artwork. Volder Hinz - Volker Hinz (Stern Fotografie Porfolios) - Hardcover, 96 pages, teNeues (teneues.com).

Before becoming a bonafide star in his own right, jazz trumpeter Till Brönner played with legends like Natalie Cole. His passion for photography revealed itself after he received his first Leica camera.

This collection of his black-andwhite portraits of celebrities and musicians come across as candidly cool given his personal connection with each subject. Till Brönner - Till Brönner: Faces of Talent - Hardcover, 208 pages, teNeues (teneues.com).

Photographer Marcel Sternberger pioneered the technique of the "psychological portrait," and redefined the boundaries of portrait iconography in the twentieth century while working with influential figures in art, science, and politics. Jacob Loewentheil - The Psychological Portrait: Marcel Steinberger's Revelations in Photography Hardcover, 210 pages, Rizzoli (rizzoliusa.com). Sternberger Photographs © Stephan Loewentheil, 2015. All rights reserved. Image rights courtesy of Frida Kahlo Corporation.

Featuring previously unpublished photographs from commissions for The New Yorker, TIME, and GQ, among others, photographer Martin Schoeller's latest volume pushes the boundaries of photographic styling and composition in novel and audacious ways. Martin Schoeller - Martin Schoeller: Portraits Hardcover, 260 pages, teNeues (teneues.com).

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bib 'li' o 'taph, [bib-lee-uhtaf, -tahf ]: a person who caches or hoards books Irish photographer Edward Quinn (1920-1997) made his debut as a professional photojournalist at an equestrian show jumping competition in Nice, France. This initiation established two constants of his work: the Côte d’Azur as a setting and animals as a subject. This book captures celebrities of the 1950s and 1960s with their beloved pets.

Edward Quinn - Celebrity Pets: On the French Riviera in the 50s and 60s - Hardcover, 160 pages, teNeues (teneues.com).

Sante D'Orazio is regarded as one of the preeminent fashion and beauty photographers working today. This book is a compilation of Polaroids taken by D'Orazio while staging his shots. Sante D'Orazio and Glenn O'Brien - Sante D'Orazio: Polaroids Hardcover, 136 pages, Chronicle Books (chroniclebooks.com).

Hollywood Icons features approximately 200 photographs focusing on the screen idols that drew moviegoers around the world into theaters during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Hollywood Icons: Photographs from the John Kobal Foundation - Robert Dance, with forewords by Terrence Pepper and Simon Crocker - Hardcover, 224 pages, ACC Editions (antiquecollectorsclub.com).

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Curating a Lifestyle: Memoirs of an Interior Designer Written by Amelia and Jeff Jeffers

Across a career spanning nearly 70 years, it is fair to say that renowned interior designer and antiques dealer Jay Suiter has seen it all. When he transferred from the Art Institute of Chicago to UCLA to study interior design in the late 1940s, America was adjusting to a new normal after the end of World War II. A booming economy and a growing dominance in technology, business and the space race allowed Americans to return their focus to a more refined lifestyle. Not since the early 1920s had such an emphasis on luxury and comfort been possible. Now, as department stores across the country saw an increased interest in home furnishings, the budding profession of interior design took off. Window displays were styled in the latest fashions, encouraging passersby to not only stop in, but to avail themselves of store designers who helped to recreate the look of the model rooms at home. For the first time ever, mainstream Americans had the means to hire a professional to assemble their perfect rooms. For new graduate, Jay Suiter, the opportunities were endless.

After a brief (but exciting) first job working with acclaimed Hollywood costume designers Irene Maud Lentz and Travis Banton, Jay returned home to Kansas City, Missouri to help his ailing grandmother and settle in at the local high-end department store as in-house designer. Networking with other

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professionals throughout the Midwest, Jay met the owner of a large furniture store in Columbus, Ohio who offered a job Jay couldn’t refuse. With the move to Columbus, Jay pursued a passion cultivated by his grandmother’s taste for early European furnishings, opening an antiques business with a friend. Tending to the shop during hours away from his primary job, Jay found more and more opportunities to help buyers place the antique treasures purchased from his store in their homes. Soon, demand for his services outpaced his ability to keep up part-time, so Jay left his job to become an independent designer and fulltime shopkeeper. It was the late 1950s, and although most of America was enamored with the Bauhaus movement, Jay’s clients embraced his sophisticated, stately aesthetic.

To meet the seemingly insatiable appetite of a growing audience, Jay sourced materials in the war-torn countries of eastern Europe, Russia and Denmark. Traveling alone, and with little more than a letter of credit from his local bank, Jay would check into a city’s toniest hotel and ask the concierge for the names of the best antique shops. After a purchase or two warmed the mood, he would then ask the shop owner for a referral to yet another dealer or two; going down rabbit hole after rabbit hole to maximize the visit. Behind the iron curtain, Jay had to purchase objects older than 120 years directly from

government offices. Communication home was non-existent on those trips; so Jay relied on an encyclopedic knowledge of construction and design and pure gut instincts to “buy right.”

After each trip, Jay’s enthusiastic descriptions of his time away and the beautiful objects in transit preceded the delivery of a shipping container, filled to the brim with treasures and nearly all sold by the time it was unloaded. Buying trips became more frequent, and Jay’s shop grew to be the largest in Ohio. Having moved the prosperous business to an old barn in an upscale suburb, Jay outfitted the stalls with hardwood floors, maintaining an emphasis on staging. His strategy (and keen eye) was a huge success: women throughout Ohio visited the shop and regularly bought the contents of entire rooms. Initially he played to the majority of his clients’ tastes, displaying rooms of early American antiques, but slowly Jay influenced his customer base into an appreciation for good, early European things. Throughout his long career, he has seen design trends come and go, but his business was built solidly on the idea that good quality never goes out of style.

Mostly retired now, Jay still advises close clients (more like close friends). His home is a reflection of decades of buying and collecting (as well as some of his grandmother’s things), placed with equal parts of a designer’s eye and a collector’s heart. With

a bank of memories like Jay’s, it’s easy to get lost with him in the stories. His favorite part of working with unique and beautiful objects day-in and day-out? “I just loved owning things for even just a short time, but,” he laments “you always remember the ones you sold and regret, or the things you didn’t buy, but know you should have.” One of his biggest regrets was when Garth Oberlander (the founder of Garth’s Auctioneers & Appraisers) called him to say, “Jay, you have got to buy this lamp!” (It was a Tiffany dragonfly lamp shade. And, no, he didn’t buy it.) Jay is also quick to remember innumerable successes, including a carved wooden charger with painted miniatures around the perimeter; purchased at a small auction in Cleveland for $250, it sold at Christie’s for more than $9,000.

Over the decades, Jay bought and sold with the biggest names in the antiques and art business as well as private collectors at every level. Now, his name is considered one of the biggest in two industries. Humbly attributing his long ride to an old adage, at the end of our interview, Jay smiled and said “repetition is the mother of skill.” After a walk down memory lane with a legend, it is evident that his success should be attributed to something much more complex than that. sl Amelia & Jeff Jeffers are co-owners of two fine art, antique and bespoke collectibles companies: Garth's of Delaware, Ohio and Selkirk of St. Louis, Missouri.

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A Brief Primer on Two Great Old World Wine Regions, Part II

Written by Scott Harper, Master Sommelier

Clos Ste. Hune

Château de Beaucastel

Old World wine regions are some of the most interesting on the planet. With an abundance of history and delectable wines, it is only the mystery of what type of wine you are getting that makes Old World wine somewhat difficult to discern. Here, I dispel some of the mystery with brief descriptions and two recommendations for each region to add to your collection or to get you started drinking the delicious wines of these venerable regions.

Alsace Alsace is located on the northeastern border of France between the Vosges Mountains and the Rhine River of Germany, about 275 miles from Paris. The wines are crisp, fresh and vivacious, lending themselves to the lighter fare. Picturesque half-timbered houses with their flower boxes brimming with multicolored blooms are more prevalent than one would think; combine this with breathtaking views of vineyards from the Vosges Mountains and you have a mind’s eye picture of a perfect spring day.

German heritage is strong in Alsace; after all, control of the region has been volleyed back-and-forth between France and Germany for hundreds of years. If you asked an Alsatian if they are French or German, they are likely to tell you they are Alsatian, although it has been part of France since World War II. The

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German heritage is reflective in the wine in a number of ways. The bottles are tall and flute-shaped as in Germany and their labels denote the grape variety (although there are some blends), whereas in most of France the wine is named for the region. Many of the grape varieties originally hail from Germany, and Alsace is the only area in France where Riesling and Gewürztraminer are legally grown. As you can imagine, many of the wine producers and the language on the labels bear Germanic lineage.

Alsace makes 90 percent white wine. Red wines grapes require a warmer and longer growing season, so the only red grape of note is Pinot Noir. The most important and highest quality grapes start with Riesling, one of the most misunderstood grapes. It is almost natural to think it is always sweet, as it makes some of the best dessert wines in the world, as well as some of the most mediocre sweet wines of limited character. But it also makes some of wine expert’s absolute favorite white wines on the planet, possessing an ethereal quality, tension, minerality and sense of place that many other grapes can only dream of. Other important grapes are Pinot Gris (same grape as Pinot Grigio), Muscat, and Gewürztraminer, with the secondary grapes being Sylvaner and Pinot Blanc. Alsace makes essentially three styles of

Vineyards in Alsace. Photo by Rémi Stosskopf.

wine: dry, sparkling and dessert. I tend to focus on the dry, but the others are worthwhile as well.

For the taste of a vibrant spring day, a feel of refreshing renewing quality, elegance and complexity, for flavor without weight or oak, I look to Alsace and suggest you do as well.

Suggested Alsatian Wines are Riesling Trimbach Clos Ste. Hune and Riesling Marc Tempé Saint-Hippolyte The Rhône Valley of France is geographically divided into north and south. While both areas make red and white wine, the Rhône is typically thought of as a red wine region. The north makes its red wines primarily from the Syrah grape, while southern Rhône is more noted for the Grenache grape. Both of these areas make top-notch, world-class wine, but the most famous and historical is southern Rhône’s Châteauneuf-du-Pape (which I touched on briefly in the previous issue). The Mediterranean climate and the presence of large, round quartz stones called galets in many of the vineyards’ soils help make Châteauneuf-du-Pape a warm wine that is full-bodied and can have an almost silky, velvety texture.

In 1923, Châteauneuf-du-Pape created the prototype for other French wine regions by regulating their wine. While by law

Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines can be made with up to 13 grapes varietals, including white, they typically are made with a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mouvèdre, with Grenache being the majority grape.

While there is a movement to use new oak, or at least judicious new oak, most Châteauneuf-du-Pape domains prefer to use no new oak in favor of large oak barrels called foudres. Using foudres emphasizes the flavor of the grapes and the place from whence they came as opposed to accentuating the flavors of new oak. Some of the other flavors you get from Châteauneuf-duPape are red fruits of cherry, kirshwasser, red licorice, raspberry, some black fruits, pepper and earthy flavors of forest floor, leather and what is called “garrigue,” which refers to the smell or taste of Provençal herbs and lowland shrubs.

The papacy only lasted for 70 years in Avignon, but the wine still lives on as one of the greatest wines from the Rhône if not all of France! Try the wines with cassoulet or grilled or roasted meats seasoned with Provencal herbs. Suggested Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wines are Château de Beaucastel and Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe. sl A Certified Wine Educator, Harper is one of 147 professionals in North America and 230 worldwide who have earned the title Master Sommelier.

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CARPOOL COOL Luxury SUVs for your most precious cargo Written by Andre James

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Bentley Bentayga

The resumption of school means that most of us with children will spend some portion of our week sitting idly in an idling car waiting for said children to be dismissed from the classroom or a bevy of after-school activities. Educate yourself on upping your carpool cachet with our cheat sheet on the latest SUV’s and crossovers that promise top-in-class space, comfort, technology and performance.

Bentayga – The Bentley of SUVs | A total of 130 hours are devoted to the crafting of each Bentayga, at the home of Bentley Motors in Crewe, England. The Bentayga is the company’s first foray into the luxury SUV segment and they have put forth a vehicle aimed at dominating the upper echelons of the market.

The car’s sculptural presence is unmistakably Bentley; on the front, the familiar Bentley matrix grill is positioned upright and wide and flanked by four floating LED headlamps. Options for

personalization are seemingly endless (certainly more than can be outlined here) with two of the more unique being an “Event Seat” that deploys from the rear load space and allows up to two adults to enjoy outdoor activities while shaded by the tailgate or illuminated by the built-in “stage lighting”; and a bespoke threepiece picnic hamper set, developed in conjunction with Linley, complete with china, cutlery and crystal glassware.

Supported by a highly advanced Bentley chassis that provides exceptional ride quality in all driving conditions, the all-new 6.0liter twin-turbocharged W12 engine makes the Bentayga the world’s most powerful and fastest SUV. The chassis set-up (ride height, damping, roll control, electronic stability and traction controls) as well as the settings for the engine and drivetrain are controlled via a single rotary with four on-road driving modes.

With a top speed of 187mph, standstill to 60mph can be achieved in just 4.0 seconds. MSRP from $229,100 (bentleymotors.com). slmag.net

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Jaguar F-Pace

BMW X5 xDrive40e – BMW’s first plug-in hybrid Sports Activity Vehicle | The first plug-in hybrid production model from the core BMW brand, the X5 xDrive40e combines the BMW’s award-winning 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine with an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery, integrated into its eight-speed automatic transmission. Able to travel approximately 14 miles on pure electric power, it’s ideally suited to short commutes and quick trips around town. The gasoline engine and electric motor churns out 308hp, enough to propel the X5 xDrive40e from 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds. BMW’s xDrive, an intelligent all-wheel drive system, provides optimal stability and traction under all circumstances and road conditions.

Exclusive, bespoke design touches on the model’s exterior clearly identify the BMW X5 xDrive40e’s hybrid capabilities. Most noticeable is the charging connection for the high-voltage battery located in the left front fender. Blue light effects also appear here at the start of the charging process to indicate the flow of energy. The exhaust system has a twin-tailpipe design with trapezoidal tips.

A host of BMW ConnectedDrive options are offered, including Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, BMW Head-Up Display, the BMW Night Vision system with pedestrian and animal recognition, Lane Active Blind Spot Detection, Parking Assistant, rear view camera, Surround View and Speed Limit Info. All driver assistance systems are also available when driving in all-electric mode. The Adaptive LED Headlights, Comfort Access, as well as the full selection of 19- and 20-inch light-alloy wheels, are available to order for the BMW X5 xDrive40e. MSRP from $63,095 (bmwusa.com).

2017 Cadillac Escalade – Powerful capability and sumptuous amenities | Cadillac’s first major entry into the SUV market, the Escalade was introduced in 1999 as a competitor to Ford’s Lincoln Navigator. Not without detractors in the early years, the Escalade is largely responsible for transforming the brand as the cushy ride preferred by your father (or grandfather) into something more youthful and relevant.

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Updates to the Escalade for 2017 include availability of the award-winning Rear Camera Mirror and Automatic Parking Assist. Aesthetic additions encompass two new exterior paint colors and a new 22-inch wheel design. Escalade trim levels have also been renamed for better customer clarity: Escalade, Luxury, Premium Luxury and Platinum.

The product line includes the standard Escalade and the extended-length ESV edition, which offers a 14-inch longer wheelbase and approximately 20 inches more in overall length, maximizing space for third-row passengers and providing over 2.5 times the cargo space behind the third-row seat. All models are offered with 2WD and 4WD drivetrains, powered by a 6.2L V-8 engine backed by an eight-speed automatic transmission that is powerful enough to enable 0-to-60-mph performance in less than six seconds. MSRP from $72,790 (cadillac.com).

Jaguar F-Pace – A performance crossover with unrivalled dynamics and everyday usability | Jaguar’s first performance crossover offering seating for five with class-leading rear kneeroom and ample stowage space, the Jaguar F-Pace amps up daily driving with outstanding dynamics including torque on-demand all-wheel drive system, Adaptive Surface Response for challenging driving conditions, All Surface Progress Control to make the most of the available grip and LowFriction Launch.

An innovative feature for active families making its world debut on the F-PACE is Jaguar’s Activity Key. A waterproof, shockproof wristband with an integrated transponder, this segmentfirst, wearable technology supports active lifestyles because it allows the keyfob to be securely locked inside the vehicle.

An all-aluminum supercharged V6 engine combined with the eight-speed automatic transmission deliver scintillating performance: a 380PS engine is exclusive to the all-new F-PACE First Edition and S models and can launch each from 0-60 mph in only 5.1 seconds and on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. MSRP from $40,990 (jaguarusa.com).

BMW X5 xDrive40e

2017 Cadillac Escalade

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Maserati Levante

Porsche Macan GTS

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Mercedes GLS SUV

Maserati Levante – Embracing the aesthetic elements of Italian style | Levante, the name of Maserati’s first foray into the luxury SUV segment, was inspired by a warm, Mediterranean wind that can change from mild to gale force in an instant. The chassis has been specifically developed to offer unique on-road drivability and competitive off-road capability, with day-to-day comfort and practicality. Aesthetically it combines spaciousness and the lines of a coupé while achieving top marks in the market for aerodynamic efficiency.

Innovative features of the 100 percent Italian-made car include: Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Forward Collision Warning and Brake Assist System, Lane Departure Warning, Surround View camera, and capacitive 8.4" Touch Screen display with brand new rotary control. There is a high level of customization within two cutting-edge packages: Sport and Luxury.

The Maserati V6 engine with latest GDI and twin-turbo is available in two versions: 430hp and 350hp. The most powerful Levante makes it to 60mph in 5.2 seconds and has a top speed of 164mph. MSRP from $72,000 (maserati.com).

Mercedes GLS SUV – Comfort, agile dynamics and best-in-class safety | Fresh from a 2017 model-year facelift encompassing exterior and interior enhancements, the new generation GLS SUV boasts improved efficiency, additional DYNAMIC SELECT transmission modes, an improved air suspension system with enhanced damping system, nine-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, state-ofthe-art assistance systems and the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz telematics, which includes internet access and remote-start capability.

Notable enhancements to the exterior that bring the SUV in-line with the current Mercedes-Benz design idiom include a redesigned front end, and a contemporized rear with full LED tail lamps. Inside the cabin, the eye is drawn to a newly designed instrument panel with Media Display, a new three-spoke multifunction steering wheel and a modified center console with touchpad.

The powerful GLS550 4MATIC with V8 bi-turbo engine featuring direct injection generates 449hp, some 20hp more than the preceding model. A 3.0-liter V6 bi-turbo engine in the GLS450 4MATIC produces 362hp, and like all GLS models has an ECO start/stop function. The top-of-the-line Mercedes-AMG GLS63 boasts 577hp and clocks 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. MSRP from $68,700 (mbusa.com).

Porsche Macan GTS – An enthusiastic driving experience that enhances the current Macan range | More power, a reengineered suspension, GTS-specific exterior and interior appointments and new connectivity are among the upgrades that set the GTS apart from its siblings in the Macan family.

Notable GTS styling is manifested in a plethora of black exterior accents – window trim finished in high-gloss black, matte-black on the lower body and the Porsche Macan GTS designation on the rear hatch, and standard 20” RS Spyder Design wheels finished in satin black – to name a few. Inside, a leather package with GTS sport seats with Alcantara seat centers is standard. An optional GTS interior package features a Carmine Red tachometer and deviated stitching, seat belts and embroidered GTS logos on the headrests. The standard PCM (Porsche Communication Management system) includes Sound Package Plus, eight speakers, a USB and aux-in interface, SiriusXM and HD radio, and Bluetooth capability. An optional PCM with Navigation module includes a hard-drive based navigation system that supports 3D navigation display, satellite image overlays and dynamic route calculation.

The engine is based on the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 in the Macan S, with hardware changes and a unique calibration that allow it to turn out 360hp at 6000 rpm and propel the GTS from 0-60 in 4.8 seconds in conjunction with the optional Sport Chrono Package and a top track speed of 159mph. MSRP from $67,200 (porsche.com). sl slmag.net

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SOLITARY REFINEMENT Visiting Oregon’s wine country in the “quiet” season Written by Madeline Michaels An argument can certainly be made for partaking in the intensity of tourist high season in any given locale, but for me the downsides – bumper-to-bumper traffic, peak season rates and sharing every available piece of real estate with throngs of other vacationers ¬– do not add up to my idea of a relaxing sojourn. For a recent visit to Oregon’s Willamette Valley and its burgeoning wine industry, I strategically timed my arrival with the fleeting few weeks when the effervescence of spring is just becoming discernable in the air and the vineyards, along with the corresponding flurry of activity in the wineries, was just beginning to stir from winter hibernation.

Just over a half-century on, what started out as a dream for David Lett, who planted the Willamette Valley’s first Pinot Noir vines in 1965, has exploded into a juggernaut of activity, spawning 647 vineyards across 17,237 acres.

Anyone who has spent time in the Pacific Northwest is familiar with its laid-back ways and lack of pretense. In contrast to the more high-profile wine regions of California to the south, you’re more likely to encounter a Subaru than a supercar as you traverse the picturesque roads that connect the tapestry of vineyards. One vineyard owner aptly commented that the area was best described as “Napa clad in REI.” Until the fall of 2009, visitors to the Newberg area, a 45-minute drive from the Portland airport, faced a dearth of fullservice luxury lodging options. The opening of the Allison Inn & Spa seven years ago amply filled the void and subsequently 58 slmag.net

raised the profile of the region as a major destination rather than just a daytrip from Portland.

The property is a labor of love for its owners, the Austin family, who have deep personal roots and business ties to the area. Their reverence for the project is palpable everywhere, from the private dining room where the hefty dining table was fashioned from a single slab of hand-hew black walnut by Ken Austin, Jr., to the more than 550 pieces of original and largely local artwork hand-picked by the late Joan Austin and her daughter Loni Parrish, an artist and gallery owner. “This place represents the family’s legacy,” explained Managing Director Pierre Zreik, who was hired following an interview process that included 11 members of the Austin family.

In creating their heirloom, the family gave prominence to building with the environment in mind, resulting in the Inn being awarded LEED Gold Certification and thereby joining an elite group of properties around the world who have achieved this recognition for green construction practices and sustainable ongoing operations. Though situated on 35-undulating acres, planted with five-acres of Pinot Noir and two-acres of Pinto Gris vines, the hotel’s seemingly unorthodox site placement relatively close to the road was mandated by local zoning rules that prevent building multi-story structures in farmland.

The 77 generously proportioned guest rooms (starting at 490 square feet) and eight suites (650-1,575 square feet) mirror the feeling of spaciousness found throughout the common areas.

Private dining room at Jory.

The tight color palette is guided by hues of nature – tree bark, fall leaves and the vineyards – that are omnipresent through the Inn’s dramatic glass-enclosed four-story circular staircase. Adding to this is an abundance of rich mahogany trim and ample use of pattern and texture expressed in velvet, chenille, metal, silk and glass.

Each Deluxe guestroom boasts a gas fireplace, upholstered window seat, a deep soaking tub, a bespoke writing table made from Oregon walnut and a covered terrace that overlooks manicured gardens sprinkled with teal-colored seating and pieces of contemporary sculpture.

Charged with carrying the banner of environmental and personal wellbeing throughout the 15,000-square-foot spa is Director Tara Calton. Having been brought on board before construction commenced, she has been intimately involved in the project and relays a deep sense of pride and connection to the spa program. Hotel guests are given complimentary access to the men’s, women’s and co-ed lounges (each with outdoor landscaped garden terraces and fire pits), fitness studio, indoor swimming pool with outdoor lounging terrace, sauna and steam rooms.

Most notable among the many body and face treatments available is “pino-therapy," a pinot-inspired botanical and biological therapy produced by wine and grape seed extracts. Organic spa products are complemented by produce grown in the 1.5-acre chef’s onsite garden. Treatments are only as good as the person providing them, and The Allison has certainly perfected the art of securing

exceptional staff. “We are a happy staff,” commented Calton. “I feel like guests leave feeling like they’ve made real, genuine connections.”

A state of relaxation carries over into The Allison’s “living room,” an airy space just outside the bar and Jory restaurant where overstuffed armchairs are situated around a large fireplace. Staff are extremely well-versed in local wines, and our first pours included a 2011 Matello Fool’s Journey Viognier from the Deux Vert vineyard in the Yamhill-Carlton region and a 2012 estate-produced Pinot Noir from Austin Knoll. The latter, produced in collaboration with acclaimed Willamette Valley winemaker David Adelsheim (who founded his eponymous winery in 1971; adelsheim.com), makes The Allison Inn the first resort property in the region to produce its own wine. The hotel stocks 800 different labels and 40 by-theglass offerings, with 60-65 percent hailing from Washington and Oregon. Complimentary Thursday evening Celebrity Wine Tender tasting events bring together local vintners and oenophiles.

If there’s one available for any meal of the day, snag a seat at the chef ’s counter at Jory to get a front row seat on the kitchen action and chat with the chefs while they work (which they are more than happy to do). I was fortunate enough to be seated there on more than one occasion and learned all about the local food economy, including the white truffle market, where the earthy gems can fetch as much as $120/lb. After complementing one sous chef on his expert garnishing skills, he smiled and remarked, “You eat with your eyes first.” slmag.net

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Indoor/outdoor relaxation areas at the Allison Inn Spa.

Under the direction of Executive Chef Sunny Jin, refreshingly humble in spite of an impressive résumé that includes time in the kitchens at The French Laundry and El Bulli, the locavore menus at Jory for breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch are the embodiment of the garden-to-table philosophy.

A theme of collaboration weaves its way throughout the culinary program. Jin has been working with Spa Director Tara Calton, who raises Berkshire and Duroc pigs, to develop hybrid breeds, raised on a vegetarian diet, for in-house charcuterie program. Jin forages for locally grown plants and vegetables, such as nettles, miner's lettuce, morels and wild onions, to enhance the richness of his dishes and leads guests on foraging excursions.

In similar fashion to his executive level colleagues Calton and Zreik, Jin can’t speak highly enough about the spirit of excellence the Austin family seeks to instill at every level of The Allison’s operations. Citing what he thought was a nonchalant lunch conversation with an Austin family member about the

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success and potential of the then half-acre kitchen garden quickly turned into another acre being made available and the construction of a 30’x60’ greenhouse. “They truly want this to be a special place, and I am thrilled to be a part of it,” he added.

Admittedly, I would say I am not by any means an expert in wine, but I do love a good story. And it seems that every winery we visited in the area was ripe with them, and being the off-season, the winemakers were happy to stop and chat awhile. The journey was made that much better with a custom picnic lunch created by Jory to nosh al fresco in-between stops. Alternately, a pit stop at Red Hills Market in Dundee (redhillsmarket.com) is certain not to disappoint. I give high marks to their Mortadella sandwich with truffled celery root remoulade, arugula and Mama Lil’s peppers.

At Roco winery (rocowinery.com), a husband-and-wife collaboration founded in 2003, I learned about Rollin Sole’s unique take on the “stalker” style of winemaking, where he uses dried grape stalks instead of the conventional green ones to infuse his The

Vineyards at Domaine Drouhin Photo by Bridget Williams

Red Hill Market in Dundee Photo by Bridget Williams

Stalker Pinot Noir. The four-level gravity-fed winery at Domaine Drouhin is the first of its kind in Oregon and the centerpiece of the 225-acre estate. In McMinville’s charming historic granary district (granarydistrict.com), 10 tasting rooms, breweries, shops and restaurants are housed in historic repurposed buildings.

My longest and most enjoyable tasting took place at the open-by-appointment-only Native Flora (nativeflora.com), owned by Scott and Denise Flora. More like an afternoon spent with friends, tastings take place in the airy combination kitchen / great room of their home, a California contemporary prominently positioned at the top of a hill with views that stretch for miles and miles. While pouring a glass of “The Jolly Rancher,” a delicious dry Rosé, Scott recounted that when he began looking at starting a winery on this piece of land he was told time and time again that it wasn’t suited for viticulture.

After five years of research that involved identifying nine different soil types on the 33-acre estate, he remarked that he

McMinville's historic granary district.

Photo by Bridget Williams

Vineyards at Native Flora Photo by Bridget Williams

could ignore the naysayers because, “I knew we had a whole bunch of science in our favor,” adding that he was drawn to the area after retiring from a high-profile corporate job in Hong Kong because it reminded him of Napa in the 1960s. Producing 1,500 cases annually with an eye at maxing out at 3,000, Scott explained that his philosophy is “not to chase the dollar” and instead create wines that appeal to high-end collectors, a fete he accomplishes by being his own toughest critic.

With each winery stop, only the bottles I purchased for my wine cellar rivaled the number of stories I collected. Luckily, at the end of each day the staff at The Allison Inn were happy to do the heavy lifting, carrying my haul inside and handling having it shipped to my home, so that shortly after my return, the cases, and their corresponding stories, were there for me to savor.

The Allison Inn & Spa is located at 2525 Allison Lane in Newberg, OR. Rooms from $380/night. For more information or reservations, visit theallison.com. sl

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1) Limited edition Lapis Turtle Centerpiece with 14K yellow gold from Clara Williams Company ($1,995; clarawilliams.com). 2) Ruby Equator stud earrings from Savannah Stranger in 18k blackened white gold, Tahitian pearl and Gemfields rubies (price upon request; savannahstranger.com). 3) Etho Maria Earrings with 35.39cts of yellow diamonds briolettes and 39.31cts of R/C diamonds ($384,000; ethomaria.com). 4) Jewelmer Lettre D'Amour Pendant in 18K yellow gold with South Sea pearl ($2,575; jewelmer.com). 5) 14k rose gold bezel set diamond eternity band from Zoe Chicco ($2,300; zoechicco.com). 6) Black Venice Mini Medallion from NC Rocks in rose gold with diamonds and enamel (price upon request; nc-rocks. com). 7) Hamsa Huggie earrings from Buddha Mama in 20K yellow gold with diamonds ($3,400; buddhamama.com). 8) ASP ring from Tate in 18K yellow matte gold with diamond ($1,125; tatejewels.com). 9) AS29 Bamboo pinky ring in 18K black gold with black diamonds and emeralds ($920; as29.com).

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10) Deakin & Francis white gold skull cufflinks with purple velvet and diamond encrusted crown (price upon request; deakinandfrancis.co.uk). 11) Emoji-shaped Ruifier earrings with horn detailing in 18k yellow gold ($220; ruifier.com). 12) Cool Bear Crazymals pendant from de Grisogono with 311 brown diamonds and two pink sapphires, chocolate-colored leather cord with w yellow gold beehive slide and bee aiglets (price upon request; degrisogono.com). 13) Qeelin Wang Wang collection Morgen Schnauzer ring in 18K white gold with diamonds and blue sapphires (price upon request; qeelin.com).

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With 800 attorneys practicing in major locations throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico, Jackson Lewis provides creative and strategic solutions to employers in every aspect of workplace law.

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James P. Daley 150 N. Michigan Avenue Suite 2500 Chicago, IL 60601 (312) 803-2510

LEGENDS OF THE FALL Fierce animal silhouettes, rich velvet accents and outof-this-world art top our list of trends for fall dressing and interior design.

by Elise Hofer Shaw

Sophisticated Source 66 slmag.net

Embroidered wool top, $4,300, postcardprint silk skirt, $1,890, and leather knot sandal, $795, all at Gucci, 312.664.5504.

ANIMAL ATTRACTIONS Clockwise from top left: Python boxing gloves in cream, $1,575, by Elizabeth Weinstock, and Remola fur-trim suede bootie, $1,775, by Manolo Blahnik, both at Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue, 312.642.5900. Zebra linen pillow in yellow, $350, at Jayson Home, 773.248.8180. Black and white calf-hair Warbler smoking slippers, $140, by Birdies, available Oct. 2016 at birdiesslippers.com. Antler chair from a Bavarian lodge, $3,800, at Architectural Artifacts, 773.348.0622. Wolf mixed media on canvas, archival pigmented ink and acrylic paint (8’1” x 5’4”), $16,500, by artist Adam Siegel and available by calling 773.615.0099. Segunda Pieles photograph, from $135, by Miguel Vallinas at YellowKorner, 872.315.2179. Snake Ring 2 featuring a 2.42-carat CanadaMark diamond, $20,000, by Diamonds Unleashed by Kara Ross at diamondsunleashed.org. (Every sale of this ring provides two scholarships for girls in low-income areas for secondary education.) Dragon’s Tail table lamp, $729, by Hive at Lightology, 312.944.1000.

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DARK MATTER Clockwise from top left: 18K blackened gold earrings with sliced gray diamonds surrounded by white and cognac diamonds, $4,500, by Blake Scott Designs and available upon request at blakescottjewel@aol.com. Clutch, $995, by Perrin Paris at Athene, Winnetka, 847.441.1918. Alchimie platinum earthenware dinnerware, $60-$300, by L’Objet at Elements, 312.642.6574. The Free Falling shearling bag, $699, by Musick at shopmusick.com. Shimmer Matelassé custom gown with 6,000 hand-sewn ostrich feathers, $7,795, at St. John, 312.943.1941. The Point shoe in dark camo made from 100 percent recycled water bottles, $145, by Rothy’s at rothys.com. Moon View 1 photograph, from $130, by Jukka-Pekka Metsävainio at YellowKorner, 872.315.2179. Gray coat, price upon request, by Y/Project at VMR, 312.649.6673. Qasa High sneakers in gray with leather details and tubular sole, $400,

by Y-3 at Notre, 872.888.8628. Black Wave candlesticks, $86 (small) and $104 (large) each, by AKMD at Gild Assembly, 312.528.7825.

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AUTUMNAL EQUINOX Clockwise from top left: Birds of Prey German educational poster, $425, at Architectural Artifacts, 773.348.0622. Long shearling puffer vest, $2,195, at Coach, 312.587.3167. Seed bowls (available in dark and raw finish), $600 each, by Steven Haulenbeek at Gild Assembly, 312.528.7825. Gemella Mini Italian leather and suede crossbody, $445, by Benario at shopbenario.com.

Low knit boot in dark olive, $895, by Yeezy at Notre, 872.888.8628. The King of the Forest photograph, from $135, by Evgeni Dinev at YellowKorner, 872.315.2179. Napa leather gloves in camel, $420, by Prada, and studded suede knee boot, $1,395, by Saint Laurent, both at Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue, 312.642.5900. Twentieth-century Nigerian food baskets, $1,100 each, at Michael Del Piero Good Design, 773.772.3000. Garden + Forest Infusions candle, $42, by Tatine, and cashmere spider pillow in beige, $360, by Rani Arabella, both at Norcross and Scott, 773.564.9533. Ylla limited edition, two-tone bench made of sustainably harvested Brazilian wood, $4,900, at Sossego in The Merchandise Mart, 312.470.2274.

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PLASTIC FANTASTIC Clockwise from top left: Ruby Mercury head, $385, by Cathy Bruni Norris, and gold collar necklace with black resin bar, $216, by Ben-Amun, both at Elements, 312.642.6574. 40mm Edge watch in navy with rubber strap, $495, by Movado, and Irina square gradient sunglasses, $261, by Tom Ford, both at Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue, 312.642.5900. Contained rust dress, $2,660, by Ellery at VMR, 312.649.6673. Spazzolato leather lace-up creeper, $950, by Prada at Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue, 312.642.5900. Resin ice bucket, $126, by Tina Frey at Norcross and Scott, 773.564.9533. Lucite Wright chair with slate blue velvet cushions, $4,295, at Jayson Home, 773.248.8180.

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VELVET UNDERGROUND Clockwise from left: Black liquid velvet gown, $2,990, by Brock Collection at Barneys New York, 312.587.1700. Navy velvet mod blazer, $575, by Frame at Neapolitan Collection, Winnetka, 847.441.7784. Velvet Keys pillow in charcoal, $195, at Jayson Home, 773.248.8180. Velvet Burgundy pigment-rich lipstick, $39, at Gucci, 312.664.5504. Antique French wing chair reupholstered in velvet, $4,995, at Jayson Home, 773.248.8180. Flower necklace with velvet, $1,750, at Gucci, 312.664.5504. Peekaboo medium embroidered velvet bag, $9,900, by Fendi, and velvet open-toe bootie, $1,195, by Gianvito Rossi, both at Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue, 312.642.5900.

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ORGANIC LO O M S N A T U R A L

H A N D

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Sustainable Rugs for LIFE Health, tradition and beauty are paramount to Organic Looms’ hand crafted rug collections. Made from the finest materials in their most natural state, each step of the process is connected to the artisan’s hand integrating sustainable fabrication techniques positively effecting our environment. Organic Looms is dedicated to complete customization tailoring every product to meet each client’s unique vision.

Mart Parc Building 401 North Wells Street | Chicago, IL 60654 chicago@organiclooms.com | 312.832.0900 organiclooms.com

PRETTY IN PINK

By Sally Meyer

If there’s one thing all seasoned interior designers can agree on, it’s that cutting corners on the things you use most is never a good idea. So when it comes time to select a range for the heart of your home, don’t assume that you have to sacrifice prettiness for performance. Available in 10 soft color shades from The Suzanne Kasler Couleur Collection (shown here in Liberté pink), the Château 150 by La Cornue has all of the bells and whistles required to melt the heart of a top toque—think two standard vaulted ovens, one gas and one electric,, and 11 cooktop p configurations—while g its design g delivers all of the charm of a cafe along the Côte d’Azur. So whether your skills lean more toward boiling an egg or mastering Julia Child’s beef bourguignon, you can rest assured that you have unrivaled craftsmanship and innovation on your side. And best of all, for every pink Château 150 sold throughout the month of October, a donation will be made by Pirch—Chicagoland’s go-to for cutting-edge appliance and plumbing brands—in support of breast cancer research. A fabulous kitchen and a contribution to a good cause? Now that’s a home investment we can get behind. sl Château 150 range in Liberté pink with polished stainless steel and chrome trim, starting at $49,900, by La Cornue at Pirch, Oakbrook Center, 642 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, 630.359.8629, pirch.com.

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Home, Sweet Home

HGTV darling Alison Victoria revamps a century-old home in Wicker Park, carefully preserving its coolest features.

By Zlata Kozul Naumovski Photography by Anthony Tahlier

Clockwise from left: It’s Victoria’s careful mix of old and new—and her no-apologies sense of humor—that defines her home. Shown here, her collections of antique Fornasetti glassware and kitschy salt-and-pepper shakers, as well as some trinkets from her travels

Alison Victoria isn’t worried about the resale value of her historic single-family home in Wicker Park that she recently renovated.

Built in 1905 and later divided into apartments, the three-level building was, as she describes it, “a mess” when she bought it on short sale in 2012.

“The ceilings were falling down and there was water damage everywhere,” says the interior designer and host of HGTV’s Kitchen Crashers. “Nothing had been updated in 50 years. We took it down to the brick.”

In addition to tearing down walls, installing a new roof and repairing the original hardwood floors, stripping the home back to its bones also meant that Victoria could redesign the functionality of each floor, including moving the master bedroom to the garden level. With an abundance of natural light on the main floor and noise from the nearby “L” train on the third, it was an easy choice—resale value be damned. “It’s an upside down house,” says the Chicago native and founder of Alison Victoria Interiors (alisonvictoriainteriors.com). “I stand by my decision. I like having my office and guests upstairs and my own private space downstairs.”

A good amount of light spills in courtesy of the windows off the front courtyard, but Victoria tends to draw the bedroom drapes.

“I love sleeping in the dark and cold,” she says. “I wanted a sexy 76 slmag.net

boudoir. It’s my little hideout.” And no fashionista’s hideout would be complete without a custom space for her handbags and shoes.

Victoria’s can be found in the form of an original jewelry vault that she cleverly co-opted into an accessories closet. “It could have been a wine cellar, but once I put my bedroom down there, I knew it had to be a shoe and handbag closet,” she says. “It’s a little museum of accessories in there. I’m super short and I can fit into it no problem.”

Indeed, four-inch-high Christian Louboutins and too many designer clutches to count fill the exposed-brick space. (Converse sneakers and some baubles are strewn in, too, for good measure.)

The interior designer opted to maintain other historic features of the home as well, such as a claw-foot bathtub in the powder room, gothic ironwork on the front stair railing and the gilded light fixture in the entryway. “I made sure to leave some standout elements in place where it made sense,” says Victoria.

“I didn’t want to strip away the soul of the house.” In fact, it’s her careful mix of old and new that defines the home. That clawfoot tub, more than 100 years old, looks unexpectedly modern and chic against a backdrop of matte black paint and beneath an abstract painting by Chicago artist Laura Beth Cartwright. Paired with a mirror Victoria bought at HomeGoods for $40 and spraypainted gold herself, it becomes almost irreverent.

Alison Victoria, the host of HGTV’s Kitchen Crashers, feels right at home in Wicker Park.

Makeup by Gabby for GLAM’D

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The first-floor powder room boasts a 100-year-old, claw-foot tub and artwork

by Chicago artist Laura Beth Cartwright.

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Obsessed with the street cafes in Paris, Victoria created her own bistro overlooking her front yard.

Despite the home’s historic status limiting exterior work, she cleaned it up by painting the trim black and adding sconces to flank new, high-gloss custom doors built by friend and frequent collaborator Ari Smejkal of Hammer Design. Smejkal recreated them from a photo of a pair of 14-foot doors that caught her eye on a trip to Paris. She also planted boxwood hedges and staged her very own bistro with a small iron table and woven chairs. On beautiful days, the hometown girl throws a blanket out front on the grass and invites over friends.

In the kitchen, Victoria continues to juxtapose vintage and modern with aplomb. The avid antique shopper even traded in a wool Dolce & Gabbana jacket at Store B Vintage on Milwaukee Avenue for a pair of webbed pendant lights from the

’60s that illuminate the island. “I bought those pendants before I even bought the house,” says Victoria, pointing to how they complement her leathered marble countertop from Vermont.

“They fit the space perfectly.”

Gearing up to begin shooting the 10th season of her hit show in which she makes over the kitchens of unsuspecting shoppers she surprises at a big-box retailer, Victoria used her years behind the lens to style the heart of her house down to every last smart and functional detail, from the stainless steel Thermador appliances to the pretty glass vessels appointed with colorful candy. An occasional cook, she even breaks it in once in awhile to make Greek food. “I’m in Vegas a lot for work,” says Victoria. “If I had more time, I think I could be a great chef!”

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“I’m obsessed with gold,” says Victoria.

“I stock gold spray paint in my house at all times.”

She also chose double-height white custom cabinets from Cabinets 4U and has more than enough storage for her collections of salt and pepper shakers and vintage Fornasetti glassware. Calacatta subway tiles line the backsplash while cabinet knobs from Anthropologie add just the right amount of gilding to tie everything together.

A wine nook with custom, built-in racks by Hammer Design is anchored by a chartreuse sofa from West Elm and offers a relaxing place to enjoy a bottle of cabernet off the kitchen. “Alison is awesome to work with,” says Smejkal.

“She knows exactly what she wants. Her visions of interior design always seem to be right where everyone is gravitating.”

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Versatile stools in her favorite metallic—“I’m obsessed with gold,” she enthuses—can be used as cocktail tables or extra seating. “I’m always in the kitchen. Everyone is. It’s the hub of the home.”

However, the living room, with original hardwood floors and an oversize bay window that faces the park, lures visitors with an invitation to mix a drink from the bar cart and lounge on the gray sofa accented with chrome nailhead trim from home furnishings retailer Arhaus. Here, a sexy black-andwhite print by photographer Ben Moore from YellowKorner and a deck of playing cards by Hermès from the early ’70s are yet another example of Victoria’s ability to blend old and new.

A custom bar makes entertaining easy in the dining room.

Friend and frequent collaborator Ari Smejkal of Hammer Design built custom wine storage into this nook off the kitchen.

An original jewelry vault in the master bedroom was repurposed into an accessories closet.

Flea market finds and art from Victoria’s travels pepper the garden-level hallway.

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Double-height custom cabinets, Calacatta subway tile and pendant lights from Store B Vintage on Milwaukee Avenue keep the kitchen sleek and stylish.

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In the dining room, a designer chandelier by Jean de Merry illuminates a long farm table from Arhaus.

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In the living room, guests are invited to mix a drink from the bar cart and linger on the light gray sofa from Arhaus.

She also has a knack for balancing high-end pieces with affordable finds. In the dining room, a designer chandelier

by Jean de Merry draws in guests to a humble farm table and rattan-seat chairs that cost just $100 each from Arhaus. And because travel is a big part of Victoria’s life, her home is a peppered with global art, antiques and trinkets to keep the memories alive.

In fact, Victoria just left for a two-week vacation in Greece, but she will be back in time to design a kitchen for the Kohler Food & Wine Experience happening this October at Destination Kohler resort in Kohler, Wis. (see sidebar for full details).

She’s also busy with her latest venture, Chicago Reimagined (windycityreimagined.com), a partnership with Greymark Development Group and Dream Town Realty to develop and redevelop residences in the city.

“When I bought this home, the usual fears ran through my head,” says Victoria. “‘Can I really do it?’ I wanted to give it love and restore it and make it beautiful again. Before, nobody was looking at the house when they walked down the street. Now people take pictures of it.” sl

Renderings of the designer kitchen and atrium that Victoria will unveil at the Kohler Food & Wine Experience.

Renderings by Kristy Yarbrough

KOHLER CRASHER

Check out host of HGTV’s Kitchen Crashers Alison Victoria’s newest kitchen design at the Kohler Design Center in Kohler, Wis., that will be unveiled during the Kohler Food & Wine Experience, Oct. 20-23. Hosted at Destination Kohler, home of the Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond The American Club resort hotel, the annual four-day interactive culinary event features celebrity chefs (think Scott Green of The Langham, and Amanda Freitag and Aarón Sánchez of Food Network fame), wine experts and thousands of epicurean enthusiasts for educational seminars, tastings and signature celebrations.

For her kitchen vignette, Victoria will incorporate Kohler kitchen and bar sinks and faucets, accompanied by furniture and tiles from Kohler brands Baker and Ann Sacks, and featuring products she loves by designers Kara Mann of Chicago and Kelly Wearstler of Los Angeles. Meet Victoria Oct. 21-22 when she will be on site to speak about her inspiration. kohlerfoodandwine.com

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Maple & Ash’s Tomahawk rib-eye is dry-aged on the bone, seasoned with salt and pepper, and roasted over high heat in the restaurant’s open hearth.

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PLAYING WITH FIRE

Chef Danny Grant heats up the Gold Coast with his saucy spin on the classic American steak and seafood menu at Maple & Ash.

By Hilary Boyajian Photography by Marcin Cymmer, Nathan Kirkman, Eric Kleinberg, Alissa Pagels and Derek Richmond Danny Grant, executive chef and partner at Maple & Ash, doesn’t take his job too seriously. And that’s a good thing. A top secret list of reserved steaks and a Champagne “super soaker” (a colossal, rose-gold-hued squirt gun that holds a magnum of bubbles) set the tone for his classic—albeit brazen—steak and seafood menu peppered with double-entendres.

And then there’s the Bone In Cowgirl, a 16-ounce, 21-day dry-aged steak served with delectable accompaniments like béarnaise, bordelaise and caramelized shallots that are slyly listed under the header Arm Candy. Or the Roasted Seafood Tower, available in Semi-Pro and Baller portions—an epic tier of oysters, scallops, lobster, Alaskan king crab, Gulf shrimp and Manila clams roasted to perfection in a wood-fired open hearth and finished with lemon, garlic butter and chili oil. And don’t forget the I Don’t Give a F*@k, an actual item that allows Grant to take care of guests willing to trust their appetites to the kitchen.

You see, when one opens a restaurant in the heart of Chicago’s Viagra Triangle, it’s a cool tack to have a sense of humor and a playful approach. But owners David Pisor (The Raleigh Hotel, Miami, and Chicago’s Elysian Hotel & Residences before it was converted to a Waldorf Astoria) and Jim Lasky (The Hunt Club and The Southern restaurants) were resolute in their plans for Maple & Ash: to create a sophisticated, 13,000-square-foot bar and restaurant spanning three floors and boasting a serious food and beverage program. slmag.net

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Maple & Ash partner and executive chef Danny Grant

And designed by someone with pedigree, personality and vision. Studio K principal Karen Herold, the Jean Banchet Award-winning designer behind Girl & The Goat, Cafe Spiaggia, Monteverde and more, was the obvious choice.

The doors opened in October 2015 at 8 W. Maple St. Downstairs, heavy velvet curtains conceal Eight Bar & Patio, a 40-seat tavern and alfresco patio for creative casual fare and libations that’s open for brunch through late-night bites. Here, a lengthy stone-topped bar parallels a row of leather-clad banquets and high-top tables. Indulge in prime beef meatballs with caramelized tomato sauce or a market-fresh crudité in the company of a curated art collection featuring work by artist Jay Batlle.

At the back of the first-floor bar is the elevator to escort diners to the more formal third-floor cocktail lounge and main dining room. Centered around an open kitchen featuring a custom, 12-foot wood-burning hearth, the 160-seat dining room was inspired by the anatomy of fire. “Elements of fire are evident throughout,” says Herold. “The jewel-toned leathers and natural woods exude a feeling of sophisticated 90 slmag.net

warmth and comfort, and the watercolor mural by Chicago artist Doug Fogelson adds a dramatic, smoky ambience to the space.” The decadence is definitely in the details, like custom ironwork on the windows and a one-of-a-kind looping glass, pearl-necklace-shaped (ahem) chandelier designed by Lasvit in Prague. “We want people to feel welcome at Maple & Ash, and the design reflects that,” says Pisor. “Like our space, we are fun, irreverent and inviting.”

With Herold’s design set, Pisor and Lasky had another ace up their sleeve: James Beard Award-winning sommelier Belinda Chang, who was brought on as wine and service director. Maple & Ash’s rotating, 600-bottle wine list is the culmination of her time as beverage director for Culinary Concepts by Jean-Georges for the St. Regis and W Hotels worldwide, and as Champagne educator at Moët Hennessy USA. “We are only interested in wines that are true expressions of their variety and of their terroir,” says Chang. “And the wines on our list have to make your dinner better and more fun. No weird hipster stuff that doesn’t taste good. I call those ‘S&M wines’—painful.”

Grilled whole branzino served with fennel pollen, olive oil and tomato confit

A pearl-necklace-inspired glass chandelier by Lasvit hangs high above the restaurant’s interior courtyard (seen here from the third-floor dining room).

Eight Bar & Patio, the downstairs bar at Maple & Ash, beckons lunch, happy-hour and late-night guests.

Grant tops his version of the wedge salad with spicy onion rings and crispy glazed bacon.

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Maple & Ash’s decadent caviar service lets guests choose from three types of caviar: Kaluga, Siberian sturgeon and American osetra.

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A large watercolor installation by Chicago artist Doug Fogelson adds drama to the third-floor bar.

Alaskan king crab legs with drawn butter, cocktail sauce and aioli

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Grant’s Baked and Loaded side dish layers rib ragout, potato truffle purée, grated parmesan and raclette cheese, chives, sour cream and truffle jus.

The wine cellar boasts Wine Director Belinda Chang’s favorite pours.

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Prime beef meatballs with caramelized tomato sauce, parmesan and garlic bread

Chang insisted on a Coravin system, which draws wine from any cork closure with a needle and replaces the empty bottle space with inert gas, keeping the wine from oxidizing and allowing Maple & Ash to offer almost 500 wines by the glass.

Determined oenophiles can reserve the wine cellar, considered by many to be the best table in the house, to sip Chang’s curated collection, including pours from her upcoming Girls, Girls, Girls list showcasing an all-female cast of winemakers.

With an impressive stage set for the headlining act, Grant knew he had to consistently get a standing ovation. “I like cooking, but most importantly, I like to have fun while I do it,” says the quickwitted chef with two Michelin stars who sharpened his knives at North Pond and the now-shuttered Balsan before landing at Maple & Ash. “I think our whole menu is a true expression of our personalities.

We all love to joke around and have fun. But I am serious about the dishes I create. It is very important to me to have consistent flavors on the menu, since anyone can cook a good dish once.”

Starters like Grant’s tenderloin steak tartare—a two-hourprepped spread of tenderloin topped with a cold-smoked egg

yolk and served with thick-cut, grilled rustic bread and sliced cornichons—impress out of the gate. And old favorites like the wedge salad are reimagined courtesy of crumbles of maple-glazed bacon, marinated cherry tomatoes and massive, spicy onion rings.

Caviar service is taken to the next level thanks to three choice imported roes—Kaluga, Siberian sturgeon and American osetra— served with house-made potato chips, chives, smoked whitefish, brioche, egg, crème fraiche and capers. And leave it to Chang to pair each with the perfect Champagne.

An absolute must-order from the Entrees section of the menu is the ricotta agnolotti. Served perfectly al dente, it starts with house-made pasta and ricotta cheese before mascarpone, chives and trumpet mushrooms are folded in and black Périgord truffles are presented and shaved table-side. “I grew up eating ricotta ravioli as a child, so I had to include a version of it on the M&A menu,” says Grant. “The homemade ricotta, mushrooms and butter make this simple dish burst with flavor.” Follow your server’s lead and pair the comfort dish with a glass of Deux Montille Bourgogne Rouge 2012 pinot noir.

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The Maple & Ash gin martini is stirred—not shaken—and garnished with a lemon twist.

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All of the ice creams offered on Pastry Chef Aya Fukai’s Sundae Service are made and spun in-house.

But back to that wood-burning hearth. For those in the know, among the secret list of reserved steaks is the Tomahawk rib-eye, a 30-ounce, bone-in rib cut that’s sure to satisfy any carnivore’s craving. “Our Tomahawk rib eye is the a perfect balance of fat and marbleization,” says Grant. “It’s dry-aged and seasoned to perfection with salt and pepper, and roasted in high heat. We finish it by letting it rest above the grill and painting it with my soon-to-be-famous ‘beef butter.’” (Ingredients of said “beef butter” are top secret. Sorry, we asked.)

And because Maple & Ash is a Chicago steakhouse at its core, you can pretty much make a meal out of the sides. The jumbo asparagus, a seasonal side dish roasted in the hearth and finished with garlic aioli, orange zest, torn mint and toasted almonds, is utterly delightful. But because that’s not nearly indulgent enough, request the Baked and Loaded Potatoes, too. Layers of short rib ragout and potato truffle purée are topped with grated Parmesan and raclette cheeses and baked until they acquire a perfectly golden crust. Last, fresh chives and sour cream are

added before it’s finished off with a hefty portion of truffle jus that’s poured tableside. In a word, sinful.

If you can’t tell by now, Maple & Ash’s motto is “more is more”—and the dessert lineup is no exception. Pastry chef Aya Fukai wows with sweets like coconut cream pie and cherry galette, but it’s her Sundae Service that brings us to our knees. The ice cream is spun in house and the indulgent array of toppings—11 total, from hot fudge and toasted pecans to sprinkles and maraschino cherries—come nestled in vintage, cut-crystal glasses that are stacked on a tiered silver platter. The flavors? Throwback Neapolitan because, well, why mess with a good thing?

“No matter what you are celebrating—closing the deal, scoring a date with the hot guy or girl or just having survived the day—we will do whatever it takes to make you have an amazing evening,” says Chang. “We have tons of awards between us, but the best reward for Chef and me is blowing our guests away and having them come back for more.” sl Maple & Ash, 8 W. Maple St., 312.944.8888, mapleandash.com

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AWE, SHUCK!

Ready to slurp, sip and jam? Shaw’s Oyster Fest (Friday, Sept. 30; oysterfestchicago.com) returns this fall for your dining and dancing pleasure—aphrodisiacs included. Here’s a by-thenumbers guide to our city’s beloved “Royster with the Oyster.”

By Taylor Morgan Photography by Anjali Pinto

3,000 people are anticipated to attend this year’s Oyster Fest at the intersection of Hubbard and Rush streets (near Shaw’s Crab House, natch) in River North from 3-10PM.

15,000 oysters will be shucked at Oyster Fest over the course of the seven-hour street party. Expect an array of tasty West Coast gigas and East Coast virginicas from purveyors like Island Creek Oysters, Hama Hama and Oyster Hall of Fame inductee Beau Soleil.

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The number of years Oyster Fest has been drawing big crowds for open-air oyster slurping and good times. “We have a week’s worth of events at the restaurant to celebrate the opening of oyster season in North America, when the waters are especially cold and the oysters are at their prime,” says Ruthann Gagnon, director of marketing and events for Shaw’s Crab House. “It all culminates with Oyster Fest, where oyster aficionados, foodies and anyone looking for a fun night out can gather over freshly shucked oysters, fantastic food and beverages, and great music.”

2 levels of access: General admission ($20) and VIP admission ($50, includes table seating, waiter service, access to the cash bar, close proximity to the stage action and private bathrooms).

4 food stations offering everything from King Crab bites and clam chowder to fish tacos. “Besides the great oysters on the half shell we feature, there will be a bunch of other fantastic menu items worth saving room for,” says Shaw’s chef de cuisine Arnulfo Tellez. “The 100 slmag.net

smoked trout sip, the oyster po’boy and the swordfish tacos are three of my favorites. For lobster lovers, don’t miss our decadent lobster roll.”

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featured craft beers courtesy of Grand Rapids, Michigan’s Founders Brewing Co., including crowd favorite All Day IPA. Other imbibing options include Bud and Bud Light cans, and wines like Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc and J Champagne.

4 bands lined up to keep festivalgoers’ toes tapping: The Friends Band (3PM), blues band Big Dog Mercer (4:30PM), beloved funk band Bumpus (8:15PM) and one more that had yet to be announced at press time.

1winner of the annual Oyster Fest Grand Slurp-Off. Monday through Thursday of Oyster Fest week at Shaw’s Crab House, competitors will slurp down a dozen oysters as fast as they can in hopes of advancing to Thursday night’s semifinal round and, ultimately, Friday night’s Oyster Fest Grand Slurp-Off (7:15PM) where the winner will be awarded a grand prize of $1,000.

75 dollars to purchase a VIP ticket to the exclusive, night-before cocktails and oyster tasting event (Thursday, Sept. 29, 6-9PM) at Shaw’s Oyster Bar. Top mixologists from around the city will pair signature cocktails with different types of oysters. Bonus: Meet oyster expert Rowan Jacobsen (rowanjacobsen.com) during the pre-release of his new book, The Essential Oyster (Bloomsbury), and snag a signed copy from the James Beard Award winner. sl

The Oyster Fest Cafe, where guests can sit, nosh and enjoy waiter service

Crab bites

One of the 3,000 oyster that will be shucked over the weekend.

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Breathtaking 4 acres overlooking the lake. 408 feet of private beach!

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Experience the opulence and refinement of this stately 6 bedroom, 7.5 bath Romanesque Revival style mansion and coach house.

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Winnetka

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Stunning, light filled home: open floor plan, soaring ceilings, expansive first floor Master Suite, Sunroom, Den & much more.

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Š2016 Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker Logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International and the Coldwell Banker Previews International logo are registered and unregistered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.

This exhibition has been organized by the Flagler Museum, Palm Beach, Florida, with special thanks to Jean S. and Frederic A. Sharf.

40 East Erie, Chicago IL • 312-482-8933 • DriehausMuseum.org

The Conquer Cancer Foundation was founded by the foremost cancer doctors of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Photo by Marvin Heimke

TAKING DOWN THE BIG C

Funding the front lines, the Conquer Cancer Foundation continues to grow its research, treatment and patient care programs for all types of cancer.

By Alexandra Sabbag Whether through one’s own diagnosis or that of a loved one, cancer continues to touch an astounding number of lives across the globe each year. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 1.5 million cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed by the end of 2016 in the United States alone, roughly one third of which are expected to be fatal. Think about it: One in four deaths in the U.S. can be attributed to cancer. Globally, we’re looking at more than 7 million deaths per year.

It’s a scary reality. And treatment is a moving target due to endless variables like the timeliness of a diagnosis, symptoms from medication and additional health factors. Few organizations understand this more acutely than the Conquer Cancer Foundation (CCF, conquercancerfoundation.org), a nonprofit focused on finding cures by funding research for all types of cancers. Founded in 1999 by the foremost doctors of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)—a 40,000-plus member professional organization representing physicians of all oncology subspecialties who care for people with cancer—CCF’s mission is to “conquer cancer” worldwide by funding breakthrough research and sharing cutting-edge knowledge. Currently one of the few organizations that funds research for all types of cancers, not just a specific form, CCF has distributed more than $100 million in funding via more than 1,700 awards over the past 32 years—all of which goes directly to the front lines, supporting advancements in cancer research, treatment, education and patient care.

“Our generous donors have contributed to the support of our Grants and Awards program, funding doctors and scientists here in Chicago and all over the world,” says Nancy R. Daly, CCF’s executive vice president and chief philanthropic officer. “We identify doctors who are poised to one day make a huge impact— the brightest minds in cancer research at every stage of the game.

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We support seasoned researchers who already have clinical trials in place, and through our Young Investigator Award [YIA] program, we back new scientists who are just beginning to uncover important information in treatment and prevention.”

The YIA program is an important component of CCF’s mission. When promising oncologists receive a $50,000 grant to jumpstart their work, it’s often a stimulant for additional investments from the world’s most influential healthcare leaders like the National Institutes of Healthcare. Simply put, more research dollars equals more research. One such rising star oncologist was Chicagoan Olufunmilayo “Funmi” I. Olopade.

In 1991, CCF recognized her potential and granted Olopade the YIA. She went on to do extensive studies on the role of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes in the incidence of breast cancer and became a 2005 MacArthur Fellow. “The YIA was a strong catalyst for my research,” says Olopade, who is now one of Chicago’s most well-respected oncologists at the University of Chicago. “The results led to significant advances in cancer research and launched my career as a cancer geneticist.”

More than 70 other Chicago-area researchers have benefited from CCF’s grants and awards program as well, including U of C grad Dr. Erica Stringer-Reasor (an assistant professor at the University of Alabama School of Medicine in the division of hematology and oncology). After receiving the Resident Travel Award in 2011 (CCF’s award for physician residents from underrepresented populations who are interested in a career in oncology and want to attend the ASCO Annual Meeting) and a YIA in 2014, her research has evolved into a Phase I clinical trial with high hopes for finding drugs that prolong the life of women with aggressive ovarian cancer. “More than 70 percent of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer will have high-grade serous ovarian

Enhancing the quality of life for all who are touched by cancer is a big part of CCF’s mission.

Photo by Marvin Heimke

carcinoma,” says Stringer-Reasor. “This form of ovarian cancer has two courses of treatment, surgery and chemotherapy. Unfortunately, these tumors are aggressive and often relapse, resulting in an incurable form of the disease. My research was able to produce a receptor blocker, an oral tablet that is used to make chemotherapy more effective.” And she’s not stopping there, pushing for a randomized Phase II clinical trial to start collecting data about the efficacy of the drug when combined with chemotherapy. “If we can conclude this targeted therapy works and can ensure the toxicity levels are manageable, my hope is that we can start prolonging more lives of women facing this aggressive form of ovarian cancer.”

Supporting groundbreaking research is priority No. 1, but CCF is also committed to educating both doctors and patients. CCF helps fund cancer.net, ASCO’s online resource for comprehensive, physician-approved information for patients and their families which launched in 2002. On the physician side, collaboration is key. Through ASCO, CCF supports countless meetings, workshops and symposia each year to bring cancer specialists from around the world together for discussions on the latest breakthroughs in oncology and science—including the ASCO Annual Meeting, held this past June at McCormick Place. (Highlights from this year’s meeting included panels on state-of-the-art treatment modalities, new therapies and ongoing controversies in the field of cancer research.)

What’s more, the Conquer Cancer Foundation is investing in major breakthroughs on the technology front. Take for example CancerLinQ, a health IT platform that aggregates and analyzes a growing amount of patient data to improve cancer care. Just think, a person living with a rare cancer in a rural area can have his or her care compared with the aggregated experiences of other individuals throughout the country living with the same type of cancer.

CCF has invested more than $150 million in its Grants and Awards program, funding doctors and scientists here in Chicago and all over the world.

Photo by Isaac Lane Koval

And CCF’s reach is felt abroad, too: Since 2014, CCF has invested roughly $260,000 to support novel and innovative projects among low- and middle-income populations in countries including India, Uganda, Myanmar, Nepal and the Philippines thanks to its International Innovation Grants. “Perhaps more important than the dollars is the education in low- and middleincome countries, which is predictably where most cancer cases will stem from over the next 20 years,” says Daly. “We fund a lot of opportunities for researchers to come to the U.S. and have a year-long fellowship. When they return home, they take the knowledge and best practices they have learned.”

The major impact CCF is making worldwide has garnered the attention of many of Chicago’s biggest players, including the CEO of Johnson Publishing, Desirée Rogers, who serves as honorary co-chair of The Campaign to Conquer Cancer, and Tom Ricketts, owner of the Chicago Cubs. For the last two years, the Cubs have hosted Conquer Cancer Day at Wrigley Field, an event that has helped grow the CCF network by 2,500 people. “As the Conquer Cancer Foundation has told us, the number of Americans diagnosed with cancer this year could fill up Wrigley Field nearly 39 times,” says Ricketts. “Cubs fans are loyal, generous and always prepared to take on an opponent—even if it is as scary as cancer.

The breakthrough research and educational resources funded by CCF in Chicago and around the world is in keeping with the spirit of Cubs Charities and our mission to target improvements in health, fitness and education for those at risk.”

As for the future, CCF is hopeful and realistic. “Our vision is a world free from the fear of cancer,” says Daly. “We may not ever cure every type of cancer, but our hope is that, in every form, it becomes a treatable, manageable condition. That’s what we see as the future.” sl

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Desirée Interrupted

By Korey Huyler | Portrait by Carasco Photography

Desirée Rogers at her home in the Gold Coast

Long recognized as one of Chicago’s most stylish, smart and sophisticated women, Desirée Rogers has been in the public eye for more than 25 years—holding high-level positions such as president of Peoples Energy, director of the Illinois Lottery and, most notably, special assistant and social secretary to President Obama.

Currently the CEO of Johnson Publishing, Rogers just completed the sale of its media assets, Ebony and Jet magazines, and is focused on rebuilding the company’s makeup and skincare line, Fashion Fair Cosmetics. But no matter how busy she is, Rogers always finds the time to work with civic organizations that are close

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to her heart, including Choose Chicago (our tourism bureau), World Business Chicago, the Museum of Science and Industry, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and Donors Choose.

She’s also on the cabinet of the National Oncologist Foundation and serves as honorary co-chair of the Conquer Cancer Foundation’s The Campaign to Conquer Cancer (conquercancerfoundation.org).

Rogers, a breast cancer survivor herself, works with leading oncologists to seek advances in prevention, treatment and cures for all types of cancer. We sat down with the business leader and world traveler to talk cancer, charity and that little election that is happening this fall.

Not many people may be aware, but you are a breast cancer survivor yourself. When did you get diagnosed?

I was diagnosed in 2002. As you would expect, it was very shocking. I was young. Cancer did not run in my family and I was healthy. I had no reason to expect that I would be diagnosed with cancer. I immediately called friends that I knew were affiliated with the various hospitals in town, and who specifically had some experience with cancer. It was the late Maggie Daley who recommended me to my eventual physician, Dr. Steven Rosen.

At the time I was diagnosed, Dr. Rosen was the director of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. He is now provost and chief scientific officer at City of Hope in Los Angeles.

all, it’s their foundation. I am delighted to be able to support these incredible doctors that dedicate their lives to saving people and working on a cure.

How did having cancer change you?

People always say that once you’ve had cancer, it changes you.

During my fight, I kept waiting for this drastic change to occur that never really happened. What I can say is that changes were gradual. I certainly understand that life is very precious and we should strive to enjoy each day. I think I am much more sensitive to the joys of life and, in particular, my relationships with family and friends. Time is precious.

Why is Choose Chicago so important to you?

Chicago is very important to me. Mayor Emanuel is a key supporter of tourism and its provision of jobs and revenue to the city. I’m happy to be on his team, working side by side with him in ensuring that Chicago is the No. 1 city in the world. Last year, we were one of three U.S. cities with more than 50 million visitors.

When you went into remission and were declared cancerfree, did you ever think about slowing down your pace and enjoying all your success?

First of all, I think success is a process. I enjoy the work that I am doing and hope that I am contributing to society in a positive way. Every day I learn something new. That does not mean that a different structure may not work for someone else. I am so lucky to have choices on how I want to live my life.

I’m sure you get asked to work with numerous organizations.

How did you decide to work with the Conquer Cancer Foundation (CCF)?

Nancy Daly and Dr. Rosen first brought CCF to my attention.

He saved my life, and the least I could do was explore the opportunity to understand the work of the organization. I was able to meet with the leaders and many of the oncologists that are a part of CFF. I experienced firsthand the incredible work that is being done.

Of all of the cancer organizations, CCF ensures that the money goes directly to the people who are doing the work. After

What is your day-to-day involvement with CCF? As honorary co-chair of The Campaign to Conquer Cancer, I do a lot of different things—whether it’s figuring out how we are going to market the organization or how to make certain that others understand what the group does. We picked Chicago as a city where we really want to see how we can increase public awareness for the foundation. That has been a large part of the work that I have done with them. The oncologists have their annual convention here, which is originally how I got more familiar with CFF.

That’s amazing.

Yes, Chicago is a fabulous city, with fabulous citizens and so much to offer. I think that the world should see what we have here, what we Chicagoans already know.

It seems like your life is so busy and full with work and volunteering. Have you taken any time off recently?

I’m just coming back from a vacation in the Caribbean, so I am very well rested. And I will be traveling to London in the early fall to meet with our Fashion Fair employees.

Speaking of the fall, any thoughts about the presidential election you would like to share?

I learned a lot when I was in D.C. One of the things I learned is that I am not going to comment on that question. What I will say is that I just returned from the Democratic National Convention.

Fair answer. Lastly, any big plans for the holidays this year?

Usually my daughter, Victoria, and I—along with my dear friend Linda Johnson Rice and her daughter, Alexa—spend Thanksgiving together in New Orleans. I am very much looking forward to our New Orleans family holiday. sl

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SOPHISTICATED SOCIETY

Presented by

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River North Design District’s 2nd annual Fall Gallery Walk, rivernorthdesigndistrict.com The Chicago Hunter Derby benefitting Chicago Equestrians for a Cause, chicagoequestriansforacause.com Qatar Airways Chicago Beach Polo Cup, chicagobeachpolocup.com Celestial Ball hosted by the Adler Planetarium Women’s Board, adlerplanetarium.org 19th annual Ferraris in the Loop, italianvillage-chicago.com Yoga Curated at Chicago Luxury Beds, chicagoluxurybeds.com 31st annual Friends of Prentice Benefit Evening, friendsofprentice.org Harvest Ball at the Chicago Botanic Garden, chicagobotanic.org 10th Anniversary Imerman Angels Wings of Hope Gala, imermanangels.org GlasLove online charity auction presented by Luminaire and benefitting cancer research, luminaire.com/glaslove 61st annual Gold Coast Fashion Award Show benefitting Lurie Children’s Hospital, luriechildrens.org Chicago Gourmet in Millennium Park, chicagogourmet.org American Craft Exposition at the Chicago Botanic Garden, americancraftexpo.org The Joffrey Ballet’s Romeo & Juliet Luncheon, joffrey.org/luncheon Dare2Tri’s second annual An Evening2Inspire, dare2tri.org

Housewares and furniture designer John Derian

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Derian will be at Jayson Home on Oct. 15 from 4-6PM signing copies of his new book, John Derian Picture Book.

Lyric Opera of Chicago Opening Night and Opera Ball, lyricopera.org Columbian Ball at the Museum of Science and Industry, msichicago.org 3rd annual Feed Your Mind gala benefitting Pilot Light, pilotlightchefs.org The Woman’s Board of Rush University Medical Center’s 90th Annual Fashion Show benefitting the Road Home Program, thefashionshow.org Chicago International Film Festival, chicagofilmfestival.com Taste Chicago benefitting the James Beard Foundation, jbftasteamerica.org John Derian appearance and book signing at Jayson Home, jaysonhome.com The Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation 18th Annual Dinner, eisenbergfoundation.org Yoga Curated at Sossego in The Merchandise Mart, sossegodesign.com Kohler Food & Wine Experience at Destination Kohler, Kohler, Wisc., americanclubresort.com Carl Sandburg Literary Awards Dinner, cplfoundation.org The Field Museum Women’s Board 2016 Gala, fieldmuseum.org

A Living Legacy of Community Support

W E L L S FA R G O P R I VAT E B A N K Joffrey Ballet’s production of Romeo & Juliet, October 13 – 23

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Photos by Robert Kusel

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SUMMER DINNER DANCE

More than 300 guests turned out in their black-tie attire for the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Summer Dinner Dance. The party began with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres on the Rose Garden Terrace and in the Linden Allée, overlooking the Krasberg Rose Garden. Later, beneath two tents on the Esplanade decorated by Kehoe Designs, partygoers enjoyed dinner courtesy of Food for Thought and dancing to the sounds of the Stu Hirsh Orchestra.

The event raised more than $350,000 for the Botanic Garden and its many initiatives and programs, from sustaining horticultural excellence to ensuring access to fresh produce in Chicago neighborhoods. –Sally Meyer

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1) Marty Masterson, Jack Brown and Whitley Bouma Herbert 2) Katrin and Jeremy Katz 3) Rebecca and Charlie Asfour 4) Anne and Greg Jones 5) Brendan and Colleen Carroll 6) Pim and Brayton Alley 7) Christopher and Peyton Merrill

The Chicago Hunter Derby Weekend in the Country presented by

the chronicle of the horse

featuring the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby

September 9-11, 2016 INDULGE in delicious fare and drink APPLAUD the country’s top horses and riders SUPPORT four deserving charities For sponsorship information or to purchase tickets, please visit chicagoequestriansforacause.com

Photos by Violet Dominek at John Reilly Photography

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ZOO BALL 2016

The Women’s Board of Lincoln Park Zoo hosted a midsummer’s eve of dining, dancing and fun at the 39th annual Zoo Ball: Penguins in Paradise. More than 900 guests attended the enchanted, black-tie event boasting beautiful decor by Jewell Events Catering. Music by Ugochi and the Afro Soul Ensemble, a tented three-course dinner and dancing to the Chicago Catz fueled the fete.

The night raised more than $1.35 million for the Lincoln Park Zoo, which will help welcome more than a dozen endangered African penguins to the Robert and Mayari Pritzker Penguin Cove this fall. –Elise Hofer Shaw

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1) Molly Carroll, Max Nussbaumer and Krista Coan 2) John Ettelson, Kim Theiss and Kevin Bell 3) Lisa Genesen and David Tabolt 4) Megan and Steve Ross 5) Christine Tierney and Jeff Jordt 6) Jason and Rachel Mersey 7) Matthew and Janet Halpin 8) Katie and Brent Gledhill

A Gold Coast Gem

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Custom Bulthaup kitchen features magnificent double island — with Miele, Dacor and Sub-Zero appliances and classic Grohe fixtures.

Open and expansive rooms are accented by the 6-inch plank oak hardwood flooring, exquisite lighting, and beautiful moldings.

Enjoy stunning views of Lake Michigan, parks and the city skyline from two balconies and large windows.

direct: 312-612-0303 phil@philskowron.com chicagoluxuryrealtor.com

Photos by Kevin Devick

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TASTING STARS

More than 120 guests turned out to mix and mingle—and sip Champagne!—at the 14th annual Tasting Stars event at the DIRTT Environmental Solutions showroom in River North. Looking out over the river, guests enjoyed bites courtesy of Entertaining Company and music by DJ Betty.

The event raised $55,000 for A Silver Lining Foundation and its Buy A Mom A Mammogram program, which provides access to cost-free screening mammograms and other diagnostic procedures to uninsured and underinsured women, ensuring that socioeconomic status does not affect an individual’s ability to obtain information, timely cancer screening and diagnosis. –Taylor Morgan

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1) Steve and Beth Witczak 2) Morgan Gill and Paul Wilson 3) Anita Laying and Fred Church 4) Jeff and Shari Kvam 5) George Nagy and Terri Haddon 6) Vanessa and Adam Paoli 7) Rachel and Dimitre Green

Historical 1892 Tudor

FeaTures

1221 North Astor Street Mansion stands on a large landscaped lot, and is surrounded by trees, gardens and beautiful hanging ivy. Specializing in high-end luxury real estate, Phil Skowron understands what it takes to find your perfect luxury home.

Upon entry, a wrought iron, beveled and etched glass door greets you.

An elegant dining room is surrounded by four colonnades and anchored with a crystal chandelier.

Sunlight streams in from the homes many windows and numerous French doors.

direct: 312-612-0303 phil@philskowron.com chicagoluxuryrealtor.com

Photos by John Reilly Photography

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DAY ON THE TERRACE

Day on the Terrace, the theme of this year’s runway show benefitting Service Club of Chicago, welcomed more than 350 women to The Peninsula Chicago hotel for fashion and a festive luncheon. Local celebrities and sartorial stars strutted their stuff in looks from the new fall collections from VMR, Neiman Marcus, MaxMara, Alice & Olivia, Bloomingdale’s and more, with hair courtesy of Marianne Strokirk Salon and makeup by Nars. The day’s honoree, influential SCC philanthropist Hazel Barr, closed the show by taking a turn on the catwalk with her grandsons. –SM

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1) Honoree Hazel Barr being escorted by her grandsons 2) Israel Idonije wearing Tom James 3) Sharyl Mackey and Jean Antoniou 4) Toni Canada 5) Mary Lasky and Darby Hills 6) Brenda Tran 7) Tina Weller wearing a look from VMR 8) Rob Johnson wearing Tom James

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CELEBRATING SCARLETT

The Gene Siskel Film Center (GSFC) of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) once again saluted a leader in cinematic artistry, honoring Scarlett Johansson at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago. The evening celebrated the career accomplishments of the Tony and BAFTA winner and four-time Golden Globe nominee and gave attendees the rare opportunity to listen in as she spoke candidly with film critic Richard Roeper. Attended by more than 350 guests and raising more than $400,000 for the GSFC, the night culminated with the presentation of the Gene Siskel Film Center Renaissance Award to Johansson

by GSFC Advisory Board Chair Ellen Sandor and SAIC President Dr. Walter E. Massey. –SM

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1) Gary Metzner and Scott Johnson 2) Ellen and Richard Sandor 3) Scarlett Johansson 4) Marlene Iglitzen and Ellen Kolar 5) Eda Davidman and Roopa Weber 6) Emily Peck and Melissa Sage Fadim 7) Shirley and Walter E. Massey

Photos by Mariah Karson

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ADAM SIEGEL STUDIO NIGHT

Chicago artist Adam Siegel hosted more than 220 friends, clients and fellow artists for cocktails and conversation at his 5,000-square-foot studio in the Fulton Market District.

Partygoers previewed the latest work from Siegel’s Palimpsest series, enjoyed food by OrganicLife and sipped bubbles courtesy of Champagne Henriot. Special guests included politician-cum-restaurateur Alexi Giannoulias, publicist and art devotee Carrie Lannon and president and director of EXPO Chicago Tony Karman. –TM

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1) Mary Pat Wallace, Michelle Balaz and Katrina Whittcamp 2) Kari and Seth Damstadter 3) Shakha Jain and Maria Kim 4) Susan Brunstrum, Laura Barnett and Jill Maremont 5) M.P. Wilson and Lauren Ross 6) Jagu Patel and Thomas Bassett 7) Adam Siegel and Tony Karman

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Photos by Studio This Is

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SARAH WHIT SUMMER SOIREE

Sarah Whit Interior Design welcomed more than 150 guests to its Old Town studio for the firm’s first annual Summer Soiree. Friends and clients of design-savvy sisters Sarah Vaile and Whitney Evans gathered inside the chicly appointed showroom and on the ivy-flanked outdoor patio for bites

by Red & White, seasonal sips from Tequila Tromba and Bodegas Ontañón, beats by Uncanned Music, and a chance to meet Kaitlin Rogers from The Foundation for Tomorrow who was on site to educate guests about the organization’s mission to secure quality education and emotional support for orphaned and vulnerable children in Tanzania. –SM

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1) Robert Gould and Haley Lowe 2) UnCanned Music spun the night’s vibe. 3) Melissa Dragues, Sarah Vaille and Hayley O’Hara 4) Kaylan Kane 5) Tanzanian students with The Foundation for Tomorrow 6) TFFT’s Kaitlin Rogers accepting donations and educating guests on the foundation 7) Mack Abbot and Jordan Reecer 8) Guests in the Sarah Whit Interior Design courtyard

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SPOTLIGHT BALL

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, one of the world’s premier contemporary dance organizations, held its Season 38 Spotlight Ball at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel in downtown Chicago. More than 450 guests were treated to a Champagne reception at Harris Theater before the opening-night performance of Hubbard Street + The Second City’s encore engagement of The Art of Falling.

Later, in the hotel’s Atlantic Ballroom, attendees mingled with the cast and enjoyed a three-course dinner and live auction led by Senior Vice President Gary F. Metzner of Sotheby’s. The gala event raised more than $800,000 for Hubbard Street’s artistic, community-focused education and youth dance programming. –TM

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1) Anne Kaplan, David Salkin, Ashley Galloway and Dia Weil 2) Hubbard Street dancers Jacqueline Burnett, Jesse Bechard, Alice Klock and David Schultz 3) Rahm Emanuel, Jane Strauss and Bill Melamed 4) Sara Albrecht and Liza Yntema 5) Fred Latsko and Amy Leonard 6) Heiji Choy Black and Gary F. Metzner 7) Robyn Mineko Williams and Meredith Dincolo

Photos courtesy of The Peninsula Chicago

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THE PENINSULA CHICAGO’S 15TH ANNIVERSARY For its 15th anniversary, The Peninsula Chicago hosted a garden-chic celebration for more than 1,000 friends and clients of the hotel. Guests were greeted at the front entrance by DJ Wizz Kid spinning music from the back of a MINI Cooper, Peninsula Pages passed out flutes of Champagne and costumeclad models from Zzazz Productions added to the enchanting decor by Kehoe Designs. A dinner spread spearheaded by Executive Chef Jose Fernandez, cocktails on The Terrace, live music by String Theory and Sweet Bea and The Boys, and an Asian-inspired disco rounded out the fun. –EHS

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1) Carly Leviton and Carol Fox 2) Phil McKnight, Summer Thornton and Jared Pugh 3) Maria Zec and Tiffany Kim 4) Paul Leffler, Liz Adams, Antonia Cianfrocco and Brian Adams 5) Carlo Calerone, Greg Hyder, Michael Dwork and Quinten Schumacher 6) Tracey Tarantino and Tom Kehoe 7) Myra Isabelle and Katalina Rosellini 8) Sachi Kubo, Mary Collins, Camille Vandendriessche and Erin Bowler

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Photography by Francis Son Photography

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FERRARIS ON OAK

The Oak Street Council and the Ferrari Club of America closed Oak Street to motor traffic and blanketed the block with red carpet for a day-long celebration showcasing nearly 70 rare, vintage and prize-winning Ferraris. More than 500 guests gathered within the gates, enjoying an up-close look at the curated collection of locally owned Ferraris, while hundreds more watched from the sidewalks. Car enthusiast Cole Martin, a 12-year-old cancer survivor and former Lurie Children’s Hospital patient, presented the Best in Show prize to a 2003 Ferrari Enzo. All proceeds from the event benefit the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. –EHS

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1) Chris Smyth, Julie McNamara and Will Basil 2) Bill and Duke Rancic 3) Lawson and David Herbert 4) Rick and Steve Canada 5) Jennifer and John Flandina 6) Eric Turrin and Stephanie Bottigliero 7) Liz Kores and Stephanie Mansour 8) Margaret and Mike Unetich

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