The Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove Showroom will help you create a kitchen that’s uniquely yours. On-site chefs, product experts, and inspiring designs will help you envision the possibilities for your home – and all of the delicious moments to come.
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The March/April issue has been an important one for me these last seven years, for this is the issue in which we also release our Sophisticated Giving Charity Registry. An intense labor of love, the Registry ends up being larger than a regular issue, has numerous edits, and takes close to a year in its planning and execution. With all that said, it is still my favorite issue. A true reflection on the tri-state community, Sophisticated Living at its core, has always tried to educate and inform its readers. Sophisticated Giving, by highlighting different organizations and the work they are doing, we are able to help educate and inform our readers and lead them to an organization that they feel moved to support. We always highlight philanthropic organizations and the good they are doing as a reminder that there is still a ton of good in this world. That every individual can make a difference, and highlight those important organizations making a difference in the community today.
I hope you find Sophisticated Giving to be a wonderful reference guide to use throughout the year, to confirm the organizations you support, or hopefully take an interest in a new non-profit you might not have known. Most importantly, I wanted to thank our Presenting Sponsors, Western & Southern Financial Group and Fort Washington Investment Advisors. John Barrett and Maribeth Rahe have continued to promote philanthropic practices and invest in the community. Their dedication continues to make the community we live in a better place. These are organizations that helped support this small effort, but give so much on a regular basis, continually making this community so great! Thank you!
When you call One Highland home, you’ll discover all the things you love most are just steps away. With engaging places to shop and gather at street level and luxury residences above, there are plenty of nearby amenities to enjoy.
From exceptional landmark architecture to spacious one-level living, each home at the Residences at One Highland features interiors with expressive designer finishes. And convenient elevator access to enclosed reserved parking.
Fort Thomas is unrivaled for those seeking an engaging lifestyle in a walkable neighborhood with beautiful parks, tree-lined streets and small-town atmosphere. Residences at One Highland places you in a most desirable location, five minutes from the best dining, arts and entertainment in the region.
Sundays 1-3 p.m.
FortThomasLifestyle.com
Jody Brosey: 859-760-3277
Madison Eisenman: 859-815-9972
Morgan Stanley is proud to congratulate
The Albach, Wells, and Dauer Group
Named one of Forbes’ Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams
Being named to the inaugural Forbes’ 2023 Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams list is a testament to your experience, focus, and dedication to your client’s financial future.
Thank you for the work you do each day and for carrying forward the standard of excellence at our firm.
Brian K. Albach
Managing Director, Wealth Management
Senior Portfolio Management Director
Wealth Advisor
Gregory B. Wells
Managing Director, Wealth Management
Senior Portfolio Management Director
Wealth Advisor
Stephen E. Dauer, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU® Managing Director, Wealth Management Senior Portfolio Management Director, Dedicated Equity Plan Specialist Wealth Advisor
7755 Montgomery Road Suite 200 Cincinnati, OH 45236 513-762-5360
Brian.Albach@morganstanley.com
Gregory.B.Wells@morganstanley.com
Stephen.Dauer@morganstanley.com advisor.morganstanley.com/ the-albach-wells-dauer-group
CFP Board owns the marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the U.S.
Source: Forbes.com (Jan 2023) 2023 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams ranking awarded in 2023. This ranking was determined based on an evaluation process conducted by SHOOK Research LLC (the research company) in partnership with Forbes (the publisher) during the period from 3/31/21 – 3/31/22. Neither Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC nor its Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors paid a fee to SHOOK Research LLC for placement on its rankings. This ranking is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings to evaluate each advisor qualitatively, a major component of a ranking algorithm that includes client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations, and quantitative criteria, including assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research LLC and this ranking may not be representative of any one client’s experience; investors must carefully choose the right Financial Advisor or team for their own situation and perform their own due diligence. This ranking is not indicative of the Financial Advisor’s future performance. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC is not affiliated with SHOOK Research LLC or Forbes. For more information, see www.SHOOKresearch.com.
1973-2023
Celebrating 50 Years
Sinclaire Family Of�ice
"The Future of the Arts Gala brings together so many leaders within the arts community, and those who support, and appreciate the talented students who attend the School For Creative & Performing Arts. The opportunity for our students to showcase their talent alongside arts professionals is simply amazing!"
Michael D. Owens, Principal
Cincinnati’s School For the Creative & Performing Arts, in Celebration of its 50th anniversary, hosted its annual Future of the Arts Gala in the historic Music Hall on January 20, 2023, providing 150 students performance and mentoring opportunities. This year SCPA students were again guided by professionals from: Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati May Festival, Cincinnati Opera, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestra, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, culminating in this fabulous showcase honoring John F. Barrett of Western Southern along with outstanding alumni William Mene�ield (class of ’98) and Alton Fitzgerald White (class of ’82).
The generous support of our sponsors allows SCPA to bring a world-class education to students and to promote a lifelong love of the arts. Donors provide funding for opportunities that include guest writers, �ield experiences, private music lessons, and professional arts mentorships. SCPA, a crown jewel of Cincinnati Public Schools, is the only K-12 arts magnet school in the country.
Thank you to the Cincinnati arts organizations, our wonderful sponsors, gracious gala table hosts, hard-working committee members, and student volunteers for celebrating with SCPA.
Thank you to Cincinnati Public Schools for making the magic happen at SCPA!
As the small ship experts, Viking is able to deliver you right to your destination’s doorstep to explore in comfort. From river ships in Europe, Southeast Asia, Egypt, and along the Mississippi to 930-guest ocean ships that sail the world, we offer a tremendous variety of itineraries and departures. And our new, purpose-built Expedition ships journey to Antarctica and The Great Lakes.
Written by Bridget Williams
St. Barths…St. Bart…St. Barts... However you choose to spell it, the tiny volcanic island, encircled by shallow reefs, is endowed with an embarrassment of riches, from its abundant natural beauty to the bounty of billionaire's bodacious yachts docked in and around Gustavia's harbor during the winter months. With no shortage of sprawling villas and upscale resorts catering to the glitterati, luxury is a given. Seeking to differentiate itself, Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa and its sister brand, Le Barth Villa Rentals, sets a high bar for an island idyll that pairs sumptuousness with sustainability. Going green, they say, is the new gold standard. "The hospitality industry is normalizing 'green' so that it's no longer a trend but necessary and logical," remarked Michael Martinez, Le Barthélemy's Director of Food and Beverage, during a sustainable cooking class conducted around the island of the kitchen at Le Barthélemy's oceanfront Villa Aqua.
The dramatic air arrival is part of the St. Barths' experience, highly recommended over the ferry from nearby St. Maarten, a voyage known to make even a seasoned seafarer queasy. Traveling aboard Tradewind Aviation's Pilatus PC-12 aircraft for the 45-minute flight from San Juan to one of the smallest airports in the world includes a steep descent between hills before stopping on a 2,100-foot
runway with a 2-degree downslope that terminates in the Caribbean. As many as 100 private jets a day arrive during peak season. From there, it's a short chauffeured ride to Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa, opened in 2016 and nestled in the arc of St. Barths' Grand Cul-de-Sac beach, a pretty lagoon with white sand beaches and calm, shallow water courtesy of an offshore coral reef that keeps roiling waves at bay. It's a setting that Sebastian Maingourd, Regional General Manager of Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa, says "creates a secluded privacy that encapsulates our ethos of using nature as our muse to cultivate the deepest sense of relaxation. The island's buzz in Gustavia and St. Jean is set apart, yet easily accessible so guests can enjoy the best of both worlds."
Apropos for an island full of beautiful people, an army of impeccably attired attendants were waiting as our car arrived, making the check-in process seamless and quick and immediately exemplifying what the property calls their "human-centered, couture hospitality." Not wanting to miss our first sunset, we sent our bags to our rooms and headed for the Amis St. Barth bar, where we had difficulty selecting a celebratory cocktail from an innovative lineup that included ingredients such as bergamot, gingerbread syrup, and lemon foam.
Sipping and surveying the alfresco environment of the common areas, I noted that the familiar motifs of island décor are both understated and deliberate and accentuated by whimsical touches, such as birdcage chairs in the reception area. Vibrant pops of color that call to mind the sea, sun, and blue skies contrast with natural textures of rattan, terracotta, wood, and stone.
Forty-four rooms and suites populate two-story buildings whose steeply pitched rooflines mirror the contours of the surrounding landscape. Guests can opt for ocean, garden, or lake views, with many first-floor ocean-view rooms boasting heated private plunge pools. Those needing more elbow room can book a three-bedroom suite or one of two on-site oceanfront six-bedroom villas, each with a 55-foot swimming pool.
Le Barthélemy's villa rental company has access to 250 of the most luxurious properties on the island combined with 24/7 concierge services, and all the amenities of being a guest at a hotel voted the #1 Resort in St Barths, the #1 Best Resort in the Caribbean and among the Best Resorts in the World by Condé Nast Reader's Choice Awards 2022. Your budget is the only limit on their a la carte menu of experiences.
"Our portfolio of villas spans every nook and cranny across the island so guests can choose the qualities that matter most to
them – whether it's beachfront access or a panoramic birds-eye view, the layouts and amenities are virtually infinite," said Guillaume Bichot, General Manager of Le Barth Villa Rentals. "Beyond having their own private space, Le Barth Villa Rentals go above and beyond to allow guests the same exclusive access to Le Barthélemy's luxury resort amenities— including a guaranteed lounge chair on the resort's spectacular beach – at no additional cost."
My second-floor Le Barth Ocean room boasted a soaring vaulted ceiling and a large terrace with a retractable screen that invited the sound of the waves in and kept pesky bugs out. As part of the brand's commitment to sustainability, supreme cotton sheets in guest rooms are made of traceable organically grown cotton, and sixty percent of all in-room amenities come from ethical and environmentally friendly labels.
Familiarizing myself with the graciously proportioned room and admiring the bulbous blown glass pendant lighting on one side of the bed, I was thrilled to find a box of truffles and a bottle of the house champagne - Leclerc Briant – a pioneer in biodynamic bubbly, on ice in a custom branded box. There's also a "champagne please" button on the in-room phone should you find your well has run dry. Le Barthélemy's owners purchased Leclerc Briant, founded in 1872 on a single plot in Epernay, France, in 2012.
Living room in the Jocapana villa
Reflective of UNESCO's 2010 declaration of the "The Gastronomic Meal of the French" as a World Intangible Heritage of Humanity, the hotel's recently revamped Amis St. Barth restaurant is now a dining destination in its own right. Here, executive chef Vincent Gomis' dishes, such as black truffle lobster piemontaise, stuffed squid, and chicken breast with a flavorful olive crust, are infused with the flavors of the South of France and the Mediterranean basin. In addition, Le Barthélemy's affable advanced sommelier, hailing from a two Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris, offers expert pairing advice and is available to lead guests through an hour-long immersion covering a trio of different wines. Impress your friends by polishing your bartending skills during cocktail master class led Amis St Barths' mixology bartender Thursday through Monday.
Chef Gomis, who grew up among a family of chefs in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France, followed his passions to the hilltop French culinary town of Carcassonne at the young age of 15. He went on to work at one of Paris' most revered restaurants, Epicure at Le Bristol, alongside triple Michelin-starred French Chef Eric Fréchon. The kitchen at Amis is a family affair, as Gomis' wife Marie Cécile, whom he met at Le Bristol, is the sous-chef.
Gomis is committed to getting the kitchen close to zero waste and sourcing seasonal ingredients, citing sustainably harvested local mahi-mahi and spices from neighboring Guadeloupe as examples. "As a chef, I want to be able to make every product special," he said during our intimate cooking class, where he shared that overlooked vegetable peels are part of his unique sauces and dressings and that the kitchen composts non-edible food waste.
As if one was remiss in noticing the scores of pretty people partaking of the toes-in-the-sand lunch at Amis St. Barth, the owner of the on-site boutique regularly uses the boardwalk lining the al fresco dining area as a runway for long-legged models to showcase her collection of unique clothing, swimsuits, and accessories.
Innovative and upscale dining isn't limited to the confines of the restaurant. As part of their bespoke guest experiences, we booked a day aboard Le Barthélemy's 35-foot Boston Whaler. Departing directly from the hotel, we explored quiet coves, admired dramatic cliffside villas, and indulged in a picnic lunch of grilled octopus and Niçoise salad (and bubbly, of course), among other delicacies. The sky is the limit regarding Amis St. Barths' range of customized dining experiences; we enjoyed a multi-course bohemian beachfront feast illuminated with candlelight and laughter.
Interior of Amis St. Barth restaurant
A picnic lunch on board the hotel's 35-foot Boston Whaler. Chef Vincent Gomis
One of Le Barthélemy's most unique aspects is the comprehensive offerings at its subterranean Le Spa, whose common area sits beneath a skylight reminiscent of the Louvre's famous pyramid. Notably, Le Spa has the distinction of being the only Caribbean hotel utilizing La Mer products. A nod to Sweden's control of St. Barths from 1784-1878, the spa's Nordic baths comprise a trio of Red Cedar plunge pools ranging from horribly cold to hot. The self-guided journey is invigorating and endorphin-boosting. Treatment rooms feature ceilings animated with a cosmography of fiber optic lighting that induces a dreamlike state even before the treatment commences. An indulgent facial incorporating La Mer's Miracle Broth, derived from highly regenerating Giant Sea Kelp, left my skin noticeably glowy for days.
Le Spa's newest offerings— Janzu and Aquatic Tibetan Sound Healing—are unique-to-the-island offerings aimed at holistic well-being. During Janzu, a trained expert utilizes the weightlessness of water and the deep state of relaxation it encourages to guide guests through a series of rhythmic movements inspired by ancient Shamanic regression techniques. Paired with Janzu or a stand-alone experience, singing bowls are
placed on top of the water during Aquatic Tibetan Sound Healing, allowing the sound to transmit deep vibrational frequencies 4x faster than through air, creating a profound vibrational effect on the internal organs and energy system. Guests can experience these treatments in the Nature's Reserve in front of the hotel when the ocean is calm, in private plunge pools, the hotel's oceanfront infinity pool, or villa pools.
An all-encompassing destination, the on-site watersports program means that days are amply occupied by snorkeling or paddling in the lagoon, where you're nearly guaranteed to spot a sea turtle. In addition, the surrounding reefs are undergoing active restoration partly due to the hotel's partnership with Coral Restoration St. Barth.
After dinner, Le Barthélemy's rooftop bar, Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot, cheekily named after the manager's reaction following the 2017 hurricane when he surveyed the space and found it nearly unscathed among the wreckage, is the place for inventive cocktails, live music, and buzzy DJ sets. "We've created a vacation experience that nurtures and reinvigorates the mind, body, and soul," said Maingourd. sl
For more information, visit www.lebarthelemyhotel.com or connect with them on social media @lebarthelemy, @amis_stbarth, and @lebarth_villas. Entryway at Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa Couple's treament room at Le Spa
Written by Bridget Williams
If you’ve ever been in the back seat of an Uber as it inched its way through the seemingly ceaseless traffic on the Las Vegas strip, it would seem hard to believe that in November of this year, a select few drivers will have the privilege of racing down the garishly grand boulevard in excess of 200 MPH as part of the Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix and related events on November 16-19. The event marks the first time the unmistakable shrill whine of an F1 engine operating at max capacity will quicken pulses in Sin City in nearly four decades.
In 1981 and 1982, the F1 world championship was decided by the Caesar’s Palace Grand Prix and staged on a temporary anticlockwise street circuit curiously squeezed between concrete barriers in a coiled snake configuration within the Caesar’s Palace parking lot. Australian driver Alan Jones, driving for Williams-Ford won the 75-lap race in 1981, with Michele Alboreto taking the checkered flag the following year in a Terrell-Ford. The 1982 race marked the end of famed driver Mario Andretti’s F1 career. However, he would return to the site to race after F1 dropped Vegas from
its calendar and the circuit was reconfigured into a modified oval for Indy Car. In 1984, the last year of parking lot racing in Vegas, Andretti was crowned the Indy Car series champion.
The 2023 track design is 3.8 miles long from start to finish, with top speeds estimated to be over 212mph. Held on the evening of November 19 under lights in the heart of Las Vegas, the typical strip energy will be amplified with additional off-track entertainment before the drivers take on 50 race laps designed with three main straights and 17 corners. Drivers will zoom past iconic locations including Caesar’s Palace, the Bellagio, and the Venetian.
If attendance at kickoff events this past November is any indication, demand for tickets will far exceed the 100,000+ official spectator capacity. “Taking over the sports and entertainment capital of the world for almost an entire week is going to be a game changer for Formula 1 and has the potential to set the benchmark for all global sports and entertainment events in the future,” said Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1.
The Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix will take over the strip with racing and scores of off-track entertainment from November 16-18Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes driving on track during the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023 launch party on November 05, 2022 on the Las Vegas Strip in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Ticket prices will start at $500. Premium seating experiences include:
• Paddock Club
Enjoy the epitome of Las Vegas hospitality from the best seats in the house. The Paddock Club sits on a newly- purchased 39-acre parcel of land adjacent to Las Vegas Boulevard, serving as the central point of the Las Vegas Strip Circuit.
• Wynn Grid Club
Located inside the Paddock Club with a theme heartening back to the 1920s, the Gatsby-esque setting will offer the most indulgent and glamorous vantage point to watch the race.
• Skyboxes
Situated above the premium start/finish grandstand featuring excellent views of the start/finish and the pre- and post-race festivities.
• Suites
These private suites feature elevated views of the race action as the cars head into the Koval straightaway.
Through an initiative with the Las Vegas Grand Prix Foundation, in just 24 hours this past August, F1 fans interested in securing a spot in line for tickets donated enough funds to provide one million free meals to the local Las Vegas community. “While we are confident in the positive economic impact the Grand Prix will bring to the greater Las Vegas area, we are focused on making a difference for those most in need,” said Grand Prix’s CEO Renee Wilm." We are in Las Vegas for the long term and look forward to contributing to the community in many ways over the coming years. One million free meals is just the beginning.”
Charitable contributions will also benefit Green Our Planet, which assists “farmpreneur” and school garden programs at Clark County Schools and the Just One project to grow its no-cost Community Markets.
“A ticket to the Las Vegas Grand Prix will be the hottest ticket in global sport,” said Domenicali. For more information, visit formula1.com/en/racing/2023/Las_Vegas.html. sl
Meaning “pavement” in French, stones in a pavé setting create an unbroken line of continuous sparkle.
Compiled by Bridget Williams
Louis Vuitton LV Volt One Pendant necklace ($6,000; uslouisvuitton.com) | Loree Rodkin Love pendant with black and gray pavé-set diamonds ($15,000; loreerodkin.com) | Ritique Orchid pendant necklace ($3,290; ritique.com) | Halo bangle from Georg Jensen x Sophie Bille Brahe ($11,000; georgjensen.com) | Misahara Icy chain bracelet ($12,100; misahara.com) | Walters Faith Lytton rose gold and pavé diamond bombe bracelet ($49,500; waltersfaith.com) | Rush Jewelry Design signature cleaved diamond ring ($4,600; rushjewelrydesign.com) | Lydia Courteille Paris bespoke diamond ring (lydiacourteille.com/en) | ITA Jewelry Acu pavé pinky ring ($3,200; itajewelry.com) | Pavé diamond ring with fancy pink diamonds set in rose gold from Albarre Jewelry in St. Louis (price upon request; albarre.com) | Rainbow K Handcuff ring ($4,000; rainbowkjewelry.com) | Brent Neale initial diamond pavé signet ring ($14,500; brentneale.com) | Ali Weiss square pavé diamond signet ring ($1,450; aliweissjewelry.com) | Ginette NY black diamond disc ring ($3,360; ginette-ny.com) Harvey Owen Hex necklace ($44,265; harveyowen.com) | Rae locket with pavé diamonds on 30" chain from Monica Rich Kosann ($5,230). Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, and monicarichkosann.com. | Medium Infinity necklace from Phillips House ($1,999). Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, phillipshouse.com. | Kwiat Swirl drop earrings ($7,300). Available through Diamond Cellar in Columbus, Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, King Jewelers in Nashville, Elleard Heffern Fine Jewelers in St. Louis and kwiat.com. | Vhernier Aladino full pavé earclips (vhernier.com) | Azlee pavé and baguette diamond hoops ($7,290; azleejewelry.com) | Pomellato 18K rose gold Fantina earrings with pavé diamond accents ($13,500). Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Diamond
Under any other circumstances, hearing an unfamiliar man's voice call out in the pre-dawn darkness to rouse me from sleep would have sounded an immediate alarm. But here, following my first night at Mahali Mzuri, during which I listened intently to an intermittent cacophony of animal noises so close I was certain that the Great Migration was taking place outside my tent, the endearingly low-tech wake-up call put a smile on my face as my brain navigated the fuzzy boundary delineating dreamland and reality.
Opened in 2013 and part of Sir Richard Branson's portfolio of luxury properties operating under the Virgin Limited Edition umbrella, Mahali Mzuri is one of just five safari camps in Kenya's Olare Motorogi Conservancy, part of the larger Maasai Mara ecosystem. The result of a comprehensive and collaborative effort to provide a mutually beneficial arrangement for wildlife and the Maasai pastoralist community, there are only 94 beds allowed within its 33,000 protected acres, meaning that visitors get incomparable and uncrowded wildlife viewing experiences.
The five camps located in the conservancy make monthly rental payments to local tribes and donate $5 per night per guest to The Maa Trust (themaatrust.org), a research-based nonprofit organization dedicated to the empowerment of Maasai women,
youth, and children for the long-term sustainable conservation of the Maasai Mara ecosystem. Mahali Mzuri takes its philanthropy a step further by supporting a local primary school. A visit here is a humbling experience, particularly when considering what conditions were like before the recent renovations. Resort guests can have a donation to the school added to their folio at checkout or request the school's wish list before their stay as part of their "Pack for a Purpose" program. Visits can also be arranged to the Maa Trust's beading shop and a local village, where 100% of the tour costs are donated back to the community.
At Mahali Mzuri, which means 'beautiful place' in Swahili, accommodations encompass 12 tented suites that cantilever over a valley bisected by something more precious than gold in this parched region: the Olkuroto River. Technically glamping, the spacious tented suites are far from roughing it. Outside, the colors of the canvas blend with the local stone and indigenous red oat grass. Inside, interior designer Yvonne Golds of Real Studio worked closely with Kenyan designers and artisans to source local fabrics, furniture, and artwork. A generous overhanging roof creates an oasis of shade on the tent's large terrace and makes an ideal spot for afternoon yoga during the time in-between game drives. It was surreal to come up from a downward dog to see a giraffe nibbling the treetops below my tent.
Culture, philanthropy, and camaraderie enhance the safari experience
Dinner under the starts at Mahali Mzuri
Mahali Mzuri's inifinity pool is nestled beneath the camp into a natural alcove of boulders.
With only 94 beds in the 33,000-acre Olare Motorogi Conservancy, vistors get incomporable and uncrowded wildlife viewing experiences.
When it's dark, guests must have a Maasai tribe member escort them from their tent to and from the common areas. One evening I asked my guide if he ever spots animals close to the walkway; a quick flick of his flashlight to the right illuminated a massive water buffalo chomping on grass. Smiling from ear to ear after seeing my surprise, he said, "No fences here."
Splitting the camp in two is a common area comprised of tents for dining and lounging and a large deck with ample seating for savoring the view. This centralized setup brings guests together at various points throughout the day to swap stories of what they'd seen and experienced, creating charming camp camaraderie. Of course, it also doesn't hurt that the food is outstanding. I particularly enjoyed the soup of the day – cold at lunch and hot at dinner. In-camp meals are complemented by experiences like campfire cocktails and a lavish buffet BBQ dinner in the bush. At the lounge tent, bartender Raymond serves up craft cocktails with Swahili names inspired by the animals and the landscape. My favorite was the "Dawa," an easily replicable chilled version of the hot toddy made with vodka, lime, and honey.
There are two game drives each day. The first departs just as the colors of the sky turn from bruised to blush. When asked what was on the itinerary, Jackson, our guide, responded, "a game drive
is like fishing…let us see what nature will provide us." Nature felt particularly peacocky on our inaugural morning drive, with the opening hours unfolding like the acts of a dramatic stage play. Fifteen minutes after leaving camp, we spotted a trio of impossibly cute lion cubs from the Iseketa pride languidly sunbathing atop a rock when the lionesses suddenly sprang into action. Jackson told us to hold on and gave chase in our 4x4 vehicle. Soon we were witnessing the lionesses taking down a trio of wildebeests a few hundred feet from our vehicle—close enough to hear flesh tearing and the lionesses' guttural grumbles of satisfaction.
Initially unsure of how we'd feel about a front-row seat to such a "circle of life" moment, in short order, our group acted like Romans watching a battle in the Coliseum and calling for more. Jackson soothed our sad feelings for the doomed quadrupeds after telling us that the Swahili term for the wildebeest is sifuri ubongo, translated as "zero brains." However, our bloodthirst was tested on a subsequent outing when a tiny leopard cub came dangerously close to being a hyena's lunch. Moments like this, and seeing a doe-eyed Jackal, who could have been ripped from the pages of a Disney storybook, carrying the head of a baby gazelle in its mouth, gave me a whole new perspective on life and the fact that my worries seem trivial when compared with constantly worrying about being eaten!
Adumu, the Maasai jumping dance
A mother elephant and her offspring, the littlest just weeks old.
Picnic lunch in the bush.
A tense moment as a young lion eyes a water buffalo grazing beneath the pride in close proximity to our 4x4.
It was candy that drew Jackson, who grew up on the main road leading into the conservancy, to become a guide. Noticing that "little white jeeps" always had an ample supply of candy, he and his friends would run alongside, yelling, "give me sweets" (something we also heard at the primary school). "I told my friends I wanted to be a driver because I was sure I'd get lots of candy," he laughed. With fifteen years of experience, Jackson explained that becoming a guide is more than just learning to drive; he holds a specialty certification from the Koiyaki Guiding School. Book smarts and natural curiosity combine to make Jackson a wealth of knowledge about wildlife and the region's 43 distinct tribes. I quickly filled a notebook with his anecdotes, from Maasai burial practices to how fences and elephants have accelerated deforestation.
During our conversations with Jackson, it was interesting to learn how the culture of the Maasai continues to evolve as tourism improves their quality of life. Programs like Lighting Up Africa, which brings renewable, off-grid energy to remote communities, allow for access to the internet and the outside world, but traditions persist. For example, while the iPhone in his pocket signals success, Jackson said the measure of his personal wealth remains based on the number of cows in his herd.
Constantly scanning the horizon, eagle-eyed Jackson always spotted the next frame of our highlight reel from far away and jokingly referred to our many erroneous sightings as "ATLs," or
"animal-looking things." Unlike the Maasai Mara, where vehicles are limited to designated roadways, guides in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy are free to go off-road in a respectful pursuit of wildlife, who generally seemed unbothered by our presence, as long as we kept all of our extremities in the vehicle. Jackson said that while it would be common to have 20 vehicles crowded around a sighting in the Maasai Mara, in Olare, only five can congregate.
Like the wildlife who seek shade to sleep away the heat of the day, the afternoons at Mahali Mzuri are all about relaxation. Some guests retreat to the infinity pool, nestled into a natural alcove of grey boulders, or to the spa, located in a secluded spot close to the valley floor.
Making an appointment at the latter was a no-brainer following a blissful neck and shoulder massage offered during check-in, an amenity I'd choose over a welcome cocktail any day.
After dinner each evening, I'd settle into bed, grateful for the thoughtful addition of a hot water bottle under the sheets to avert the evening chill (along with one waiting in my seat in the 4x4 each morning). I was excited to drift off to sleep, not only because I was physically spent following the fullness of the day's itinerary but also because I knew my dreams would be splendidly saturated with the colors and culture of Kenya. sl
Rates at Mahali Mzuri start from $1,700 per person/night. For more information and reservations, visit virginlimitededition.com/en/mahali-mzuri.
Daniel Craig wearing the 42MM Omega Seamaster Diver 300M 007 Edition during a November 2022 black tie gala in London marking sixty years of James Bond ($9,200). Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati and omegawatches.com. | Bell & Ross Cyber Skull Bronze with BR-CAL.210 calibre, By turning the crown, the jaw of the skull comes alive. Limited edition of 500 pieces ($11,400). Available through Diamond Cellar in Columbus, Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, Kings Jewelers in Nashville and bellross.com. | Longines Dolcevita L5.512.4.92.2 with orange lacquered dial ($1,350). Available through Davis Jewelers in in Louisville, Kings Jewelers in Nashville and longines.com. | Anya Taylor-Joy wearing Jaeger-LeCouture’s Rendez-Vous Dazzling Shooting Star. The blue aventurine dial is surrounded by a ring of claw-set diamonds ($84,500). Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Kings Jewelers in Nashville and jaeger-lecoultre.com/us-en. | Nouvel Heritage Sunday in Miami limited edition mood bangle ($2,000). Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in This page, clockwise from top left: Picchiotti reversible Xpandable diamond, coral and white ceramic bracelet ($36,700). Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, Elleard Heffern Fine Jewelers in St. Louis and picchiotti.it. | John Hardy Classic Chain pull through bracelet in a variety of birthstones (from $895). Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, and johnhardy.com. | Nouvel Heritage Sunday in Miami limited edition mood bangle ($2,000). Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis and nouvelheritage.com. | Arnold & Son drew on the year of the Water Rabbit to inspire the latest version of its Perpetual Moon ($61,800; arnoldandson.com) | Extensible 5ct rainbow sapphire stretch bracelet in 18k yellow gold ($9,400). Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Elleard B. Heffern Fine Jewelers in St. Louis and extendluxury.com. | L’Atelier Nawbar Pillar diamond bangle ($4,500; lateliernawbar.com) | Sloane Street turquoise and diamond bracelet ($4,215). Available through Diamond Cellar in Columbus and Nashville; Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, and sloanest.com. | Gemstone bangles from Albarré Jewelry in St. Louis (from $1,600; albarre.com) | Marco Bicego 18K yellow gold Paradise mixed gemstone three strand bracelet ($3,630). Available through Diamond Cellar in Columbus and Nashville, Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, King Jewelers in Nashville, Simons Jewelers in St Louis and at us.marcobicego.com. | Bea
Bongiasca x ANANYA Fine Jewelry Rainbow Chakra bracelet ($6,380; ananyaxbea.com) | Valery Brenda Shea heart charm bracelet ($5,950; valerybrinda.com)
Looking out over the 62 acres of vines on the Oberhofer winery, you can see the terracotta-tiled roofs of the village of Edesheim and the local church's steeple. Piercing the horizon are the Haardt mountains, which protect the town from the frigid and wet weather blowing in from the Atlantic, giving this region the aptly named title "The Tuscany of Germany." Edesheim sits in the Pfalz region of Germany, also known as "the Palatinate," in southwest Germany just north of France's Alsace region and only an hour south of Frankfurt.
The Haardt mountains make it one of the warmer and drier areas in Germany, allowing almonds, figs, and lemons to grow here alongside wine grapes in villages whose home call to mind the structure of a cuckoo clock. With a favorable microclimate and extra sunny days compared to the rest of the country, the only thing brighter than the sun is the contagious smiles of the Oberhofer family.
The Oberhofer family first started making wine in 1754 in Alto Adige, Italy. Some 250 years later, after emigrating to Germany, Stefan and Heidi Oberhofer built the foundation for their own winery by merging their parents' vineyards on the Southern Wine Route to establish the Oberhofer winery in Edesheim. One could say the Oberhofers are one of the original "nepo babies" of the wine world. Now their children have a hand in the business (literally),
with their son Pascal as the resident winemaker at just 29 years old and their two other children helping out as well.
Contrary to most well-established and revered family wineries in the Old World, the Oberhofers don't believe in old practices and outdated traditions but instead evolving their winery for the modern age. Stefan and Heidi give their son creative freedom to try new techniques and styles of wine. Just 15 years ago, the Oberhofers switched to strictly organic winegrowing, way before "organic" became the buzzword it is today, and were leading the charge on organic viticulture in Germany.
One of the easiest ways to understand their approach is through one of the winemakers' favorite quotes from an unknown source: "We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children." At its roots, organic winegrowing is about preserving biodiversity in vineyards and maintaining soil life so that the terroir of winegrowing areas doesn't deteriorate to a point where the cultivation of vines will no longer be possible.
The youngest of the Oberhofer children, Marlene, explains her family’s philosophy by saying, "The more you take care of your soil, you have more healthy vines and powerful grapes, and the less you have to 'add' anything during the winemaking process to compensate mistakes and illness from the grapes." Therefore, they don't use chemicals or pesticides and co-cultivate
various other plants within the vineyard's rows, which naturally adds nutrients to the soil and strengthens the vines.
The Oberhofer's production is primarily white grapes: Weißburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer Just under forty percent of their grapes are red: Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The climate, reminiscent of Northern Italy, makes their wines fresh and balanced, perfect for those who enjoy nice acidity and fruit components in their wine. Their Sauvignon Blanc has aromas of exotic fruits balanced with vegetal aromas. Their Riesling, susceptible to the soil and climate, thrives in this region with cool nights and warm days, resulting in notes of crisp apple, citrus fruit, honey, and minerality, all balanced by fresh acidity.
While the Oberhofers fully embrace modern methods, they're also proud to have the oldest vine in the world, known as "The Eldest ."Church documents record an unknown winegrower planted vines during the Thirty Years' War in the early-to mid17th century in "Rhodter Rosengarten ."Despite being one the most destructive and protracted conflicts in European history, four hundred of those ancient vines still exist today, growing in the rich limestone marl soil and producing a small yield of Gewürztraminer grapes. The grapes are hand-harvested, and after fermentation, wine from "The Eldest" is aged in oak barrels,
followed by a gentle filtration and another three months of aging in complete darkness. Due to the fragility and small yield of the vine, the only way to taste this vieille vigne is to get your hands on one of the 300 bottles produced in those years when yields allow cultivation.
The Oberhofer's have taken place in national and international competitions, such as AWC Vienna and the Meininger's International Spirits Award, where they have won both silver and gold, along with three different design awards for the packaging of their Eldest wine. Looking to the future, the Oberhofers want to continue their objective of growing their vines harmoniously with nature rather than fighting against it. Reminiscent of looking out across the Oberhofer vineyards, their bottles have a design that is a kaleidoscope of colors, different for each vintage. Marlene says, "The design of the labels reminds us of the many elements that make this genuine natural product possible: The family farm. The ecological care of soil and vines. The care of the harvest. The artisanal winemaking in the cellar. The patience during storage. The joy of the product. The harmony between the generations and how every single point works together,". The Oberhofers have found a balance between their vines and nature, work and family, the past and the future, to create a truly exceptional wine domain. sl
January 15th marked 110 years since Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford officially formed a partnership leading to the creation of the first Aston Martin car, rising from humble beginnings in a small workshop in Henniker Mews, London, and becoming one of the world's most renowned automotive marques. To commemorate the milestone, Aston Martin commissioned a series of photographs bringing together two of its iconic models—the record-breaking 1923 racer Razor Blade alongside the Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar—highlighting the brand's commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance and applying engineering from Grand Prix racing to the road.
One of the earliest cars to be designed explicitly with aerodynamics in mind and propelled by an Aston Martin Grand Prix specification engine, the trailblazing Razor Blade took numerous class records at Brooklands in 1923, a year on from Aston Martin's Grand Prix debut with TT1 – the car nicknamed 'Green Pea'. A century later, the era-defining Valkyrie embodies Aston Martin's role as an innovator with its high-performance models that modern Formula One engineering to the road.
2023 is already turning out to be a monumental year for the brand, which recently sent out a sweet swan song for its DBS with the unleashing of the DBS 770 Ultimate. Long associated with cars of exquisite style and intoxicating performance, since 2018, the DBS nameplate has stood at the pinnacle of Aston Martin's series production range: a Twin-Turbo V12 powerhouse endowed with ferocious power and unmatched style.
The DB moniker, named for English industrialist David Brown, came about after he acquired the company in 1947. While not an official DB model, the 2-Liter Sport, Based on Aston Martin's Atom concept car, is the first model to be produced under Brown's leadership and became known as the DB1. It secured a spot in the annals of racing with a decisive victory in its debut outing, the 1948 Spa 24 Hours.
A highly-collectible variant of Aston Martin's flagship Super GT, extensive design and engineering enhancements combine to make the DBS 770 Ultimate the fastest and most powerful production model in Aston Martin's history. Available in both Coupe and Volante variants, the DBS770 Ultimate is limited to 300 Coupes and 199 Volantes, all of which are spoken for.
Aston Martin, the marque of choice for James Bond, opens up a year-long celebration of its 110th anniversary.
DBS 770 Ultimate features a ferocious iteration of Aston Martin's quad-cam 60-deg 5.2-litre V12 engine. Developing 770PS at 6500rpm and a colossal 900Nm of torque from just 1800rpm to 5000rpm, it propels the hypercar to a top speed of 211mph. The engine benefits from both modified air and ignition pathways that provide a seven-percent increase in maximum turbo boost pressure. Precise tuning of power and torque curves gives the driver a sense of boundless performance, with an intoxicating blend of exceptional response, outstanding in-gear acceleration, and the authentic V12 soundtrack.
Aston Martin Chief Technology Officer, Roberto Fedeli, said of the DSB 770 Ultimate: "When an iconic model generation reaches the end of production, it is important to mark the occasion with something special. In the case of the DBS 770 Ultimate, we have spared nothing in ensuring the final version of our current series production flagship is the best ever in every respect. Not only is it the fastest and most powerful DBS in our history, thanks to a comprehensive suite of improvements to the transmission, steering, suspension, and underbody structure; it is also the best to drive."
Later this year, Aston Martin will unveil the first of its highly anticipated next generation of sports cars, teased via prototype as a more aggressive successor of the DB11, which will further enhance Aston Martin's focus on ultra-luxury, high-performance, and driving intensity. The milestone will also take center stage of this year's British Grand Prix at Silverstone (July 7-9), Goodwood Festival of Speed (April 15-16), Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance (August 20th), and other significant events as part of a global marketing campaign entitled 'Intensity: 110 Years in the Making'. Amedeo Felisa, Chief Executive Officer of Aston Martin Lagonda, said: "In 1913, Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford came together with a shared vision of racing cars and using learnings from the racetrack to push the boundaries of automotive innovation. One hundred ten years and little over 110,000 cars later, that spirit continues. Our 110th year promises to be just as exciting as our first, as we turn a new chapter in Aston Martin history with the launch of our next generation of sports cars and the reveal of an extraordinary special model later this year that will celebrate this unique milestone." sl
The story of bestselling food writer Nigel Slater’s life via 150 easy recipes based on his childhood food memories and culinary inspirations, interspersed with reflective personal essays. Nigel Slater—A Cook’s Book—hardcover, 512 pages, Ten Speed Press
In her first book, interior designer Betsy Wentz shares 12 fabulous family homes filled with exciting mixes of color and pattern. Betsy Wentz—Design Happy: Colorful Homes for the Modern Family— hardcover, 224 pages; gibbs-smith.com
Just in time for March madness, David Hollander, JD, an ssistant dean and clinical professor with the Tisch Institute for Global Sport at New York University, provides a thought-provoking exploration of how basketball—and the values rooted in the game— can solve today’s most pressing issues. David Hollander—How Basketball Can Save the World: 13 Guiding Principles for Reimagining What’s Possible—hardcover, 320 pages, Harmony Press
Alex Prud’homme, coauthor of Julia Child’s memoir, My Life in France, invites readers into the White House kitchen to reveal the sometimes curious tastes of twenty-six of America’s most influential presidents, how their meals were prepared and by whom, and the ways their choices affected food policy around the world. Alex Prud’homme— Dinner With the President: Food, Politics, and a History of Breaking Bread at the White House— Hardcover, 512 pages, Knopf Publishing
From Jeff Benedict, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Tiger Woods and The Dynasty, this is the definitive biography of basketball legend LeBron James. Jeff Benedict—LeBron— hardcover, 576 pages, Avid Reader Press
Until recently, the “Big Five” referred to the five big-game animals that were most difficult for colonial hunters to shoot and kill. For this book, wildlife photographer Graeme Green received feedback from 50,000 participants around the world who voted for the five animals they most wanted to photograph: the elephant, polar bear, tiger, lion, and gorilla. The resulting book brings together the world’s greatest wildlife photographers, conservationists, and advocates in a mission to not only celebrate the natural beauty of the animal world, but to raise awareness of the crucial issues facing these magnificent creatures. Available April 4. Graeme Green—The New Big 5: A Global Photography Project for Endangered Species—hardcover, 272 pages, Earth Aware Editions.
Using the science of neuroaesthetics, authors Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross offer compelling research that shows how engaging in an art project for as little as forty-five minutes reduces the stress hormone cortisol, no matter your skill level, and just one art experience per month can extend your life by ten years. Available March 21. Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross—Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us—hardcover, 304 pages, Random House Publishing
John Whelan and Oskar Proctor traveled throughout Europe visiting ateliers, some established during the Renaissance, where European artists work and teach their crafts. The profiles of these decorative arts workshops detail how artisans continue to maintain the highest centuries-old standards of workmanship and creativity. John Whelan (writer), Oskar Proctor (photographer)—Ateliers of Europe— hardcover, 288 pages, Prestel
'li' o 'taph, [bib-lee-uhtaf, -tahf]: a person who cachesAerial photography of quintessentially Californian homes by renowned architects that emphasize the indoor-outdoor relationship and an intensive attention of landscaping. Available in May. Eva Hagberg—A View from the Top: The Viewpoint Collection—hardcover, ORO Editions; oroeditions.com.
Tradeshows and markets have come roaring back across the globe in 2023, with companies using events such as the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), and Maison & Objet/Paris Design Week to launch products aimed at both the trade and consumers. We’ve run the gamut of exhibitors, sorting through offerings ranging from wacky to wonderful, to share a few of our new favorite things.
Opposite page: Recently launched products from Castro Interiors include the Harp chair, Elea dining table and Teardrop suspension lamp (castrointeriors.com) This page, clockwise from top left: Jomo Tariku Ashanti stool/end table (jomofurniture.com) | Extruded Ribbon Console (2022) by Marc Newson and presented by Gagosian as part of Paris Design Week, is a work carved from a single piece of Azul Macaubas marble (marc-newson.com).| Designed by art director Antonio Citterio, and presented at Maison&Objet in Paris, Maxalto’s Lilum is designed specifically for convivial and intimate interactions (maxalto.com).| Tokasu is L’Objet’s newest collection, handmade and inspired by the Japanese technique of indigo dyeing ($325-$475; l-objet.com) | ISLABLANCA outdoor chair from GANDIABLASCO | Spinni is Division Twelve’s first product launch of 2023 and the brand’s first design collaboration with Canadian designer Thom Fougere. Available in 20+ powder-coated colors (division12.com) | The new Nooch modular outdoor seating system by Piero Lissoni for B& B Italia (bebitalia.com)
is page, clockwise from top left: A first for the brand, True Residential recently launched a 36” refrigerator with bottom freezer, available in both solid and glass door options and in several colors, including the company’s newest hue, Bluestone (true-residential.com) | Perlick debuted their brand-new Tobin Ellis Signature Series limited edition mobile bar, designed for homeowners to take entertaining to the next level. The ultimate bartending cockpit on wheels, it features luxury finishes such as eco-friendly “Toffee Crocodile” recycled leather on the exterior of the unit and a chic off-white “Vanilla Sugar” solid surface bar top, and storage for everything from liquor bottles and garnishes to glassware and ice (perlick.com) | Forza’s 48-inch professional range top features eight full brass burners and is equipped with Forza’s continuous Infinito Grate System, the industry’s largest continuous usable cooking surface. Its fastback porcelain trim provides a seamless integration into a kitchen island while increasing the usable cooking surface even further for maximum efficiency ($4,199; forzacucina.com). | Fulgor Milano’s 48” Sofia professional induction range is now available for purchase in North America. Handcrafted in Italy and available with or without a griddle, the range’s premium technology delivers precise and responsive induction power using professional-style control knobs one might expect on a gas range. Available in six matte and glossy colors (fuller-milano.com). Opposite page: Häcker Kitchens, a leading German manufacturer of modern kitchen cabinetry recently introduced AV 6023 GL, an elaborately manufactured grooved front system available in oak, walnut and black oak. The intensity of the production process requires 129 square feet of veneer to create about 10 square feet of grooved front (hackerkitchens.us). | At KBIS Perlick launched their brand new Marine and Coastal Grade Undercounter Refrigeration with Perlick Armor, the first and only all-stainless marine-grade undercounted refrigeration line available today (perlick.com). | L’Atelier Paris has the ability to make an entire range that is electric or induction, without losing the perks of gas stoves. The double induction burner set consists of two 3.5 KW induction burners that excel in speed, control, safety, and energy efficiency. Other than the fun factor of cooking on an open flame, everything else is there for induction stoves (leatelierparis.com) | Skynest is Flos’ newest pendant made in collaboration with Marcel Wanders Studio. LED strips pass through recycled (and recyclable!) woven polyester fabric tubes creating a basket-like pattern. Micro-connectors keep each piece in place and make it possible for the pendant to easily be fully disassembled for repairs, replacements, and proper recycling. Available in four colors ($4,345; flos.com). | Users of the Miele CM6 MilkPerfection Coffee System can customize everything from the quantities of water, milk and even froth to suit their preferences. Further settings, such as the quantity of ground coffee or water, water temperature and pre-brewing option, can be stored (subject to the model) in four or eight custom user profiles ($2,799; mieleusa.com) | Top Knobs newly expanded range of more than 30 finish options aim to transform cabinetry and furniture into conversation pieces (priced from $9.90-$189.20; topknobs. com) | Kohler started its 150th year by showcasing its lineup of smart products at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Among these was their Anthem Smart Showering Valves and Controls that can simultaneously deliver different temperatures, pressures, and spray settings for each water outlet with the touch of a button. Anthem digital smart showering systems control up to six water outlets and display how much water was used after each shower to help inform people about their consumption. Starting at $560 for valves and controls. Shown with Statement Showing Collection (kohler.com). | Robam R-Max-A678S range hood ($1,549; robamliving.com)
Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Native Trail’s 48” Topanga Series vanity ($4,950) is crafted of solid walnut and offers full-extension drawers and soft-close doors. (nativetrailshome.com)
| FORIÙ matte ceramic rectangular basin and top with freestanding frame from Simas (simas.it/en) | Graham and Brown’s new Grizedale Dawn mural is inspired by Lakeland woodland often found in the UK ($7.50/foot; grahambrown.com) | Wabi bed by Alain Gilles for SABA ITALIA (sabaitalia.com). | Available in three widths, Primo II from Heat & Glo can seamlessly integrate into nearly any interior, with finishing materials able to be placed right up to the fireplace opening (starting at $10,912; heatnglo.com)This page, clockwise from top left: Pieces from Houston designer Benjamin Johnston’s debut furniture line for Chaddock, include the Titus cocktail table, Rocco stools, Ugo accent table, Terzo end table, Giacomo sofa, Dario dining chair and Benito drink table (chaddockhome.com). | The recipient of CES 2023 Innovation Awards in two categories, LG Electronics 97-inch LG SIGNATURE OLED M (model M3), is the world's first consumer TV with Zero Connect1 technology, a wireless solution capable of real-time video and audio transmission at up to 4K 120Hz. The M3 and its integrated bracket sit flush against the wall with no visible gap, presenting a chic, art gallery aesthetic that augments the TV's self-lit picture quality (lg.com).| Untethered is a new print from Phillip Jeffries, inspired by abstract expressionism (phillipjeffries.com).
As auctions in the worlds of contemporary art and modern masters reach new heights of popularity and prices, it's starting to become hard for people - even those of means - to get into that market. However, I would argue that the most exciting part of the art world is one that has been around for centuries—prints—or more accurately described as the multiples market, as each image is typically printed in an edition of six to 100, giving more than one buyer a chance to own a piece of history.
For someone interested in owning an original Andy Warhol, prices run in the millions, with the most recent selling for $195 million in 2022. Even Warhol prints that sold for a few thousand dollars 20 years ago are fetching hundreds of thousands. For example, an edition print of Queen Elizabeth II fetched $855,600 at an auction this past November. But fear not, as there are still many opportunities to buy exceptional works that will appreciate over time as you appreciate them today on your wall.
The print market has been growing forever. Pieter Bruegel was making multiples during the Dutch and Flemish Renaissance. Rembrandt didn't carve the copper used to make his prints. Instead, there were master printers that worked with him under his supervision. As time passed, the print process changed from woodcut to lithography to silkscreen and digital printing. Many artists can work in any of these mediums and prefer to switch around from time to time.
Suppose you're a new collector. Where you start all depends on your financial ability. The fact is that most people buy art to decorate their homes. They want a picture that's 36 by 72 inches over the sofa. So when they're coming in, they're just thinking about what will look best. While this is a perfectly fine approach, considering that you can still buy a print in the $5,000 range from blue-chip artists like Andy Warhol, Alex Katz, Jim Dine, Robert Rauschenberg, or Jasper Johns, my decision would be based on more than just what matches the sofa.
For example, when we publish a print with Ugo Rondinone or Alex Katz, those prints go up in value as they sell out. And many of those prints are auctioned at Sotheby's and Christie's. So, that print in your living room has the potential to sell for more than you paid for it. In the meantime, even if you made your money back, you got to live with something beautiful for five years. Meanwhile, that sofa you were hoping to match likely didn't appreciate over the same period.
As a fine art publisher, I represent a group of 30 or so artists, and that artwork works together. Because of my design background, I have an innate sense of what will sell, and then I'll put the money into it. We finance our projects up front, and the artist is paid in full rather than as it sells, which is unique in the industry. If I believe in a project, I will go for it.
Some prints can take a year or longer from the artist's preliminary work to screen printing, proofing, and the final product. We don't do huge editions. It could be as small as six for
a sculpture or as big as 100 to 150 for a print. If it's a real piece of 'candy,' meaning it's easy for people to digest, we'll print up to 150.
We recently did a portfolio by Alex Katz called Ada. It has ten prints in the portfolio. Eight of the prints are terrific. Two of the prints are tough, meaning that in my opinion, they might not be suitable for everyone. However, people who really know and follow Katz's work are the ones that will like them.
We like to publish a group of prints because often, like with the Ada prints, it's a canned exhibition for dealers worldwide. We're doing shows with this group of prints right now at galleries in Fort Lauderdale, Cologne, and Frankfurt, and because this is a brand-new release, we're just getting started. They'll be fighting for those prints before all those shows are over. In between these major projects, we'll maybe do a pair of prints, some woodcuts, linocuts, and a few digital prints, and then we'll go back to a silkscreen.
Sometimes an artist will give you a print that is a tough sell, but I never say no. That's the nature of the business. You take it, do it, and make the artist happy, then you're on to the next thing. If you're demanding and are slow at paying, artists can be hard to get on the phone. But, if you pay them fast to make a friend, have a good personal relationship, and don't complain, then you're okay.
Sometimes the prints are numbered, and sometimes it says AP for artist proof, which is exactly like the edition. In my opinion, having an artist proof instead of the main edition isn't a greater value because when these prints are made, you can't tell the first from the last.
Etchings can be a different story because they ink a plate each pass in an etching. So what happens with the etching at the beginning is that the plates are often darker. Then, as you go through the edition, the prints get lighter. A real pro etching collector who collects Picasso etchings from an edition of 50 usually wants to buy 24, 25, or 26 in that edition because they feel like that's its heart.
There are also monoprints, meaning an edition of one. For example, we did a woodcut project called Grace with Alex Katz of 50 prints. Katz added more cuts as the edition was printed, so each edition of 50 was slightly different. While these are not considered monoprints, if Katz were to take just one of these and add a colored background, then it would become a monoprint, and its uniqueness would make it more valuable.
When we had them, the Reigning Queen prints from Andy Warhol sold for $5,000 a piece and were tough to sell. The last one most recently sold for $450,000. Why? When it comes to buying prints from younger or older artists, it depends on how the artist has set up their estate. In the case of Andy Warhol, when he died, his career wasn't at the top but fluttering in the middle. So, for the first year after his death, his estate didn't sell anything, opting to figure out what they had in inventory, and then decide to whom they would sell. There were 4,000 prints in the estate, and they released them gradually. The Warhol Foundation spent 25 years selling prints, raising prices until they sold out, and never selling any themselves at auction.
Most museums aren't focused on editions; they want originals. One exception is the Albertina Museum in Vienna, primarily a print museum. Next month the entire museum will be given over to Alex Katz prints with the publication of a new catalog raisonné. Based on the requests we're getting, European dealers are capitalizing on this spotlight by showing Katz's work over the next 90 days. So, for Katz, who was often underrated, the value of his work continues to rise.
Some of the new hot artists are doing prints and objects, but it's not the easiest thing to get a publisher. They may self-publish, but the headache of logistics and red tape often leads them to give up some money to have somebody with a good reputation take care of it. Unfortunately, many dealers and publishers like to short-change artists, which is a bad idea because you're not going to be rich on two extra prints. So when we're splitting prints with artists, the artist always gets the extra if it's an odd number.
Only a few artists make sculptures in editions. Some, like Donald Sultan, have a terrific print and multiples market. Many people aren't familiar with his work but fall in love with it when they see it. It works in both traditional and contemporary interiors. You look at it and smile, and you don't have to think any further.
David Salle is one of the 80's boys becoming very popular again, along with Kenny Scharf, Keith Haring’s roommate. While everyone doesn't like contemporary art, that market is becoming more significant daily. Check out one of the big art shows in Venice, New York, Miami, or even Chicago for proof. If you don't get tickets early, you may not get in.
While our business primarily sells to dealers, please call us if you have any questions. Check out our website (lococofineart. com), and if you are interested in one of our new editions, put your name on the waiting list before it sells out. But most of all, enjoy the process of collecting. sl
Alex Katz, Straw Hat Vivien, 2021, silkscreen print, 79 x 44”
Photo by Paul Takeuchi
David Salle, Over Under (Red), 2021, Archival pigment inks with hand-varnish.
Photo by Paul Takeuchi
Ugo Rondinone, Sun 6, 2019, silkscreen print on museum board
Stepping Stones hosted its 15th annual Open Your Heart fundraiser on February 7, 2023 in a hybrid format. Stepping Stones netted more than $94,000 to benefit year-round programming for children, teens and adults with disabilities. Supporters gathered in person at Eddie Merlot’s for a cocktail hour and seated dinner, or they enjoyed a delivered meal at home. The event’s presenting sponsor was Convalescent Hospital Fund for Children. Other major sponsors include SugarCreek, Richwood Investment Advisors LLC, Amy & George Joseph and Dina & Chris Taylor.
1) Jeff & Ashley Bieber with Melissa & Sean Garry 2) Julie Richardson, Jenny Heekin, Cathy Major & Lisa Elliot
3) David & Susan Eltringham, Pamela Long & Al Koncius 4) Leo & Stephanie Dalle Molle with Rob & Patti Zesch
The School for Creative and Performing Arts celebrated its 50th anniversary with the “Future of the Arts Gala” –a sold-out dinner and performance featuring 150 SCPA students performing alongside some of Cincinnati’s finest artists. SCPA also recognized two outstanding alumni, Alton Fitzgerald White and William Menefield. White sang a selection from Disney’s “The Lion King” and the Cincinnati Opera performed a selection from Menefield’s original work, “Fierce.” All proceeds from this year’s “Future of the Arts Gala” will provide essential support for students as they prepare for futures as leaders and artists.
Richter & Phillips Jewelers hosted their anticipated holiday kick-off event, Whiskey & Watches. The private shopping evening offers guests a look at extended collections of their luxury watch brands, just in time for the holidays. While the spirited evening has a focus on watches and sipping a wide range of whiskey & bourbon pours, the event is centered around the effort of raising funds for The Dragonfly Foundation. A portion of all sales and 100% of all ticket proceeds are donated back to The Dragonfly Foundation helping with their efforts to provide guidance and support to families and patients impacted by pediatric cancer.
On February 8, over 200 community members joined for the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati’s first-ever Impact Breakfast. The Jewish Federation Interim Chief Development Officer Debra Steinbuch and Chief Executive Officer Danielle V. Minson spoke about how donor dollars are put to work within the community. Keynote Speaker Gideon Bernstein, author
A Handbook to Happiness for the Modern Philanthropist, spoke about his inspiring story as well as his approach to giving and why the secret to happiness is giving.
Brighton Center’s Junior Board’s Signature event, FriendsGiving took place at the Newport Car Barn. Co-Chairs Alex Cardosi & Brice Smallwood planned a wonderful event full of raffle, auction items, and bourbon sales to help the family support services programs of Northern Kentucky’s Brighton Center.
Boys Hope Girls Hope of Cincinnati raised over $425,000 during its annual Hearts for Hope gala held at Paycor Stadium in October. The late Michael J. Burke, Sr. was honored for his dedication, leadership and support of the organization. Michael’s wife, Marcia, their children grandchildren and his brother were in attendance. 250 guests enjoyed a buffet dinner, music, photos with Who Dey and silent and live auctions. DJ’s, Freddy Mac and Nat of Q-102 entertained guests throughout the evening. Proceeds from Hearts for Hope benefit the Boys Hope Girls Hope program helping their scholars and collegians to build a brighter future.
Over 800 guests attended the 30th annual Greater Cincinnati Heart Ball on Saturday, February 4 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Cincinnati. The Heart Ball was chaired by Beverly A. Grant, longstanding supporter of the AHA and passionate champion for health equity. Kay and Jack Geiger were honored with the Heart of the City Award, a special tribute to non-medical professionals who have made outstanding contributions to the community. Dr. Creighton B. Wright was honored with the Healthcare Leadership Impact Award, an inaugural recognition that will be named for Dr. Wright and given each year to those in the medical and healthcare fields who have worked alongside the American Heart Association to improve heart and brain health.
