Sophisticated Living Louisville July/August 2023

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Lenny Kravitz wears the Reverso Tribute Duoface Tourbillon in Pink Gold ($139,000; jaeger-lecoultre.com).

Photo by Richard Phibbs.

EDITOR - IN - CHIEF

Bridget Williams

ASSOCIATE EDITOR EMERITUS

Kay Matton

ART DIRECTOR

Jason Yann

CONTRIBUTORS

Writers

Patti Bailey

Victoria Chase

Matthew Cottrell

Colin Dennis

Chloe Gellar

Elliott Greene

Ashley Gude

Andre James

Photographers

Tony Bailey

Robert Burge

Chad Henle

Andrew Kung

Rachel Lutz

Ashley Stinson

Bill Wine

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Claire Williams ADVERTISING

502.582.6563

CEO/PUBLISHER

Eric Williams

Field &Fork

The Eleventh Annual Benefitting The Parklands of Floyds Fork

PRESENTED BY

SEPTEMBER 9, 2023

theparklands.org/fieldandfork

I could detect the tears over the phone, even before my daughter uttered a word.

My heart sank, and I prepared for the worst.

As I steeled myself to slide into my role as chief consoler, Claire exclaimed, "I got the job!"

Those four words represent the culmination of a Francophilic journey that started five years ago. However, I'd argue we sowed the seeds 15 years ago during our first family trip to Europe, which included a few nights at Poggio Etrusco (poggio-etrusco.com), an agriturismo in Montepulciano, Italy, owned by cookbook author Pamela Sheldon Johns and Johnny Johns, who is originally from Louisville.

That trip marked my daughter Claire's introduction to the vivid and richly woven tapestry of European culture. Demonstrating that the young are not immune to greener grass syndrome, Claire sat crumpled at the edge of her bed the night before our departure, begging to stay longer. "Everything back home is so new and boring!" she lamented. On the flip side, the Johns' daughter Alaia, just a few years older, longed to go to the US and couldn't fathom Claire's protestations about returning.

Fast forward to our inaugural stay in Dijon, France, in 2018. My French language skills were (and still are) nonexistent, and hers were such that when our entrees arrived at dinner one night, we had no idea what was in the "meat mousse" placed in front of us. We went to a bizarre dramatic play about werewolves that involved way too much dancing, a la Elaine from Seinfeld. Having zero ability to follow the storyline made it hard for us to keep a straight face.

Nonetheless, Claire was resolute in her desire to attend university abroad, enrolling at the Burgundy School of Business and hitting the ground running from the first night. Just a few hours after meeting her French roommates for the first time, they brought her to a party.

"I am already dancing with the devil," she texted me at 2 am from a late-night food joint while I was staying nearby in an Airbnb in the off chance things didn't go smoothly – not that I ever had a doubt.

Fast forward a half-decade, and the same determination that got her through a COVID lockdown so strict most Americans couldn't even fathom it, an undergraduate degree, a master's degree, and more significant life events than many people collect in a lifetime, her adventure continues with her first real job in Paris working in wine (and entirely in French!) for the eighth-largest retailer in the world.

Claire was a toddler when Eric and I started  Sophisticated Living , and over the years, I've extensively shared the ups and downs of being a working mom on this page. A testament to the power of print, I continue to be amazed that people who've never met my daughter but are avid readers of this magazine will kindly inquire about how she's doing. While it's bittersweet to have an ocean between us, I am prodigiously proud of her and over the moon that she is forging ahead with her unique notion of what constitutes a full and happy life, including a most colorful cast of amazing friends.

Now that I've played my role in launching Claire into the "real world" and off of my and Eric's payroll (hooray!), my motherly musings on this page will naturally wind down. However, there's zero chance this page will ever be blank, as I'm certainly not at a loss for material. My nest may be empty, but there's still plenty of feathering left to do and exciting times on the horizon, including Sophisticated Living's 20th anniversary! Stay tuned.

Bridget Williams, Editor-In-Chief bridget@slmag.net

Photo by Tony Bailey

RECORD TIME

Written by Bridget Williams / Photos by Robert Burge

Surrounded by mature trees and a vast expanse of unblemished lawn with views that extend from their hilltop lot to the Ohio River, the wife said it was precisely this verdant and peaceful setting that drew her family to this home when they relocated during the pandemic from Chicago. In the same breath, she talks about a similar feeling garnered from a coveted living room view in their old Chicago brownstone. "The wall of the adjacent home was covered in ivy, so it gave the impression that we were surrounded by greenspace," she recalled.

The couple had looked at another home for sale on the same street, but they felt that this particular property offered tremendous potential to accommodate an active family of six. The classic, proportional exterior belies the spaciousness inside. "Although we more than doubled the living space we had in Chicago, the house looks relatively modest from the street," said the wife. The extensive renovation included adding square footage over the garage, finishing the basement, and reconfiguring the back of the home inside and out to take full advantage of the idyllic setting.

While the couple is adept at managing moves and renovations, the wife admits that this project's scope quickly snowballed. As a room

began to take shape, she said they found themselves saying, "Well, while you're at it…" to a team comprised of architect Chip North of North{dwell}, contractor Bill Wilkinson of Wilkinson Builders, and interior designer Ron Wolz of Bittners. In addition, John Korfhage is credited with perfecting the landscape, which included removing a large tree that fell across the street during a winter storm.

The aura of quiet elegance extends to the interiors, introduced in the foyer via a hand-screened grasscloth wallcovering. The pattern, Wolz explains, "is a subtle nod to the Ohio River." The wife remarked that despite the initial sticker shock, the installation is one of her favorite aspects of the home. Blue hues are a recurring theme, expressed in the foyer via an oriental rug and a geometric stair runner from Carpet Specialists. The first in a series of perfectly aligned arched doorways that bisect the center of the home provide an architecturally intriguing frame for the river vista.

Similar to the setup of their Chicago home, the spacious formal living room does double duty as a dining room, with the table and chairs among the few pieces making the cut during the move. Wolz refreshed the room with a limestone mantel and ethereal blue walls.

Following a comprehensive renovation of their 1970s-era home, “vintage” now only applies to their vinyl collection.

Arched doorways on all four sides allow the chic library lounge to serve as the axis of the first floor.

A chandelier designed to resemble a kalidesope of butterflies in motion counters the substantial Bittner’s-made dining table with an iron base and strapping.

The stone hearth and hewn mantle mimc the design of the original fireplace at the opposite end of the long enclosed breezeway.

Built-ins in the library lounge display the homeowners' vinyl and book collections.

The primary bathroom boasts a barrel-vault ceiling and access to a second-floor balcony.

Wolz achieved symmetry within the existing enclosed breezeway at the rear of the home, replacing a more Federal-style mantel with a stone surround whose design mirrors an existing one with a nineteenth-century mantle at the opposite end of the long space. A gold chandelier designed to mimic a kaleidoscope of butterflies in motion counters the rustic and substantial nature of a Bittners-made dining table at the center of the room. Along nearly the entirety of the home's backside on the first floor, Outswing Andersen folding doors with integrated screens permit true indoor/outdoor living and unfettered access to a newly installed covered limestone terrace that leads down the gently sloped lot to the pool lawn.

Perfectly aligned arched doorways on all four walls of a chic library-style lounge with seating for four allow it to serve as the home's axis. Built-ins with decorative brass mesh on the upper cabinets provide ample display space for bourbon and the couple's extensive vinyl collection.

A passthrough on the kitchen side accommodates entertaining, while mirror backs on the opposite side lend the impression of the same.

The kitchen and hearth room underwent a dramatic change. Existing dark wood beams, now sharing the ceiling's chroma, transitioned from imposing to interesting. A large island anchors the space, orchestrated by Architectural Kitchens. Tambour paneling on the side of the island facing the hearth room reoccurs on the accent wall surrounding the range. White oak cabinets deftly bridge the space between contemporary and current; their execution is not too trendy to be out of harmony with the home's eclectic mix of rustic and refined elements.

Although its primary intention is to be a hangout for the children, the grownups carved out covetable spaces in the lower level: a workout room and a wine cellar, both marked by a glasswalled entry. The latter boasts reclaimed wood on the walls and ceiling and a marble-topped tasting bar with a waterfall edge.

The second-floor primary suite, completely reconfigured into a tranquil retreat, boasts a spa-like bathroom with a barrel-vault ceiling and access to a balcony. Here, as throughout the home, Wolz is judicious with color, sprinkling in an unexpected hue via the upholstery, the rugs, or accent pillows. The resulting spaces lend a feeling akin to spending time running with an old friend: comforting and exciting. sl

Interior designer Ron Wolz of Bittners said he selected the foyer’s hand-screened grasscloth wallcovering as “a subtle nod to the Ohio River.”

ODDS-ON FAVORITE

Written by Claire Williams / Photos courtesy of Badrutt's Palace Hotel

After making a bold bet with a group of summer English guests to stay in the Swiss town of St. Moritz for the fall season, claiming it to be more agreeable than London, Johannes Badrutt and four Brits who stayed behind would found not only the birth of winter tourism but also put this mountainous town on the map. Some 30 years later, in 1896, Caspar Badrutt followed his father's ambitious footsteps by opening Badrutt's Palace.

Although more than a century has passed, the chateau theme of the Palace remains but on a much grander scale. Most guests arrive in St. Moritz via the Bernina Express, more lovingly known as the Little Red Train, a UNESCO World Heritage Property. The storybook journey wends past villages built on mountainsides and snow-capped peaks while powdery snowflakes fall so gently that it's possible to imagine yourself inside a snow

globe. The pampering begins at the station, where a smartly uniformed Badrutt's Palace chauffeur awaits to whisk you away to the hotel in a Rolls Royce.

It's a short ride up the mountain to the heart of St. Moritz. The scale of Badrutt's Palace is hard to appreciate from the city center: 10 restaurants, three bars, a nightclub, a spa, and an array of other offerings await behind its spinning doors. On the other side, you're greeted by grand wooden vaulted ceilings, with antique and authentic pieces adorning the space, and floorto-ceiling windows to make sure you never miss the beauty of the land that made those English linger longer way back when. Constantly evolving, Badrutt's has carefully crafted a grand hotel that exudes the glamour and glitz you expect from St. Mortiz while also celebrating the local styles and heritage of the area.

Almost 160 years after a bet by Johannes Badrutt created a winter tourism renaissance, Badrutt's Palace continues the family legacy that started it all.

As a historic hotel, there are no cookie-cutter rooms; each tells a unique story. In fact, Alfred Hitchcock famously drew inspiration for The Birds from one of them, and the Palace named room 501 the Alfred Hitchcock suite after his 34th visit. Guest rooms offer opulent touches, including spectacular wooden moldings on the ceilings, antiques, art, and even local crystals in the chandeliers. The marble bathroom in my suite was nearly as large as my Paris apartment!

Guest experiences abound in all seasons. In winter, the obvious main attraction is skiing. As a novice, I appreciated the expertise of the ski pro in the Badrutt's Palace on-site ski shop, although my bunny-ski skills were a far cry from the Olympic athletes she's outfitted for more than 17 years. She aptly demonstrated her prowess by guessing the correct size of our needed gear with a cursory glance.

Having skied only once before, as we ascended the mountain with seasoned skiers, I was worried my flashy ski suit would be the only thing going for me. Spending the morning with Pierre, one of the Palace's resident instructors, quickly allayed my fears. Having worked worldwide with beautiful people like Claudia Schiffer, Pierre remarked that people who've been skiing for decades will still hire him to continue the relationship they've built over the years.

After a day of busting down black diamonds or sticking to the more sedate slants of the bunny slopes, Badrutt’s Palace’s Paradiso is one of the hottest tickets in town. Paradiso sits at the apex of the après experience with a sprawling mountain-view terrace, spectacular food and wine, and a seasonal Gucci-branded lounge. Seizing the moment definitely calls for some fur accessories and bling. While my slope skills don't qualify me to participate in a stylish 007-esque pursuit down the mountain, I did my best to exhibit the effortless glamour of a Bond girl while at Paradiso.

One of the other main attractions of St. Moritz is shopping, and Badrutt's has that covered, too, with its prime location on Via Serlas, the world's highest luxury retail street. They recently opened a Golden Goose storefront on the property, allowing shoppers to create the ultimate souvenir: a shoe from scratch. Just across the street, Badrutt's Palace partners with the likes of Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and more locally-known European brand Fusalp (their Emilio Pucci ski suit might make you want to rethink taking more ski lessons) to cater to any and all shopping fantasies. There's even the possibility of arranging private shopping at any point, even at two in the morning. During this past ski season, Louis Vuitton opened a second-of-its-kind branded Khazastan-inspired yurt pop-up. Guests of Badrutt's Palace receive special access to this one-of-a-kind shopping extravaganza.

Spa wellness garden and pool

Living room of the Helen Badrutt Suite

Paradiso. Photo by Steve Herud

St. Moritz Suite

The Grand Hall at Badrutt’s Palace

Badrutt’s Palace balcony view

The Gucci room at Paradiso

Like their shopping experiences, Badrutt's dining options cater to all palates and appetites. A short walk across the street from the hotel leads you to the center of the village and the 364-year-old Chesa Veglia. This former Swiss farmhouse specializes in authentic Italian pizza, elegant French cuisine, and rustic Swiss specialties (and where truffle is never lacking). For an even more authentic experience, you can ask for a private candlelit dinner in the wine cellar of the original Badrutt family farmhouse. The prices of the rarest among the 30,000 bottles it holds rival the Rolls Royce that brought me to the hotel.

What had been the hotel's tennis hall, the first in Europe, is now La Coupole-Matsuhisa, which offers Japanese-Peruvian delicacies by chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, or as many know him, the man behind the infamous Nobu empire. The star-studded roster continues with King's Social House, helmed by Michelinstarred chef Jason Atherton. The food is just as spectacular as the

after-party, when the restaurant transforms into a nightclub, with table service consisting of sparklers and Dom Perignon. Finish off the night in the Renaissance bar, where you can pair your cocktail from their choice cigar collection and truly feel like the James Bond villain.

They say the new statement pieces are experiences; material objects are briefly exciting, but adventures stoke the fire of our memories for a lifetime. The highlight reel from a stay at Badrutt's Palace encompasses moments big and small, from indulgent treatments in an underground spa with a heated outdoor infinity pool so you can watch the snowfall to a simple touchpoint of a musician playing the harpsichord every morning at breakfast every carefully crafted encounter creates unforgettable moments. And if that wasn't reason enough to return, the property is building a new addition across the street to ensure that coming back again and again is a safe bet. sl

Chesa Veglia restaurant

HOW THE WEST IS WORN

Fine jewelry inspired by the rich heritage, culture, and landscape of the American West.

Compiled by Bridget Williams

Jill Heller squash blossom vintage silver and turquoise necklace (jillhellerjewelry.com). Jenna Blake beaded necklace ($4,800; jennablake.com). Turquoise nugget necklace Seaman Schepps ($17,500; seamanschepps.com). Nunchaku earrings from Nak Armstrong ($1,275; nakarmstrong.com). Penacho ring from Colette ($4,770; colettejewelry.com). Marlo Laz Southerwestern ring ($2,400; marlolaz.com). Cece Jewellery A Traveler’s Tale ring ($10,600; cecejewellery.com). Signet ring with turquoise Hibiscus medallion from Nouvel Heritage ($5,600). Available through Reis-Nichols in Indianapolis, Ylang Ylang in St. Louis and nouvelheritage.com. David Yurman Petrvs horse amulet in 18K yellow gold ($1,450). Available through Diamond Cellar in Columbus, Moyer Fine Jewelers and Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, and davidyurman.com. One-of-a-kind Leo necklace from Emily P. Wheeler ($26,000; emilypwheeler.com). Effy 925 sterling silver and 18K yellow gold diamond bracelet ($1,365; effyjewelry.com). Jacquie Aiche Thunderbird cuff bracelet ($17,500; jacquieaiche.com). Fancy yellow diamond solitaire from Albarré Jewelry in St. Louis ($22,000; albarre.com). Karina Brez Fearless Feathers ring ($1,900; karinabrez.com).

SINGULAR SENSATIONS

Superb stones that hold their own.

Compiled by Bridget Williams

Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Yvonne Léon grey diamond solitaire bracelet ($3,179; yvonneleon.com). Anita Ko emerald heart chain bracelet ($2,975; anitako.com). Harakh Sunlight collection earrings with .72ct colorless rose-cut diamonds ($5,000; harakh.com). Bondeye Jewelry Calming Clear Shield bracelet ($790; bondeyejewelry.com). Nana Fink blue heart pendant with hand-carved emerald ($3,100; nanafink.com). Shay Colombian emerald solitaire studs ($8,860; brokenenglishjewelry.com). Ashley Zhang mint green tourmaline bubble pendant ($2,000; ashleyzhangjewelry.com). Ramona Albert Bloom ring with aquamarine ($7,700; ramonaalbert.com). Marco Bicego Petali Collection extra large flower ring ($4,900). Available at Diamond Cellar in Nashville and Columbus; Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis; Davis Jewelers in Louisville; Simons Jewelers in St. Louis, and at us.marcobicego.com. Sidecar engagement ring with 4ct emerald-shaped diamond from Phillips House ($150,000; phillipshouse.com). Kassandra Nicholson ruby teardrop earrings ($1,820; kassandranicholson.com). This page, clockwise from top left: Akaila Reid Ridge Edge solitaire ring ($32,920; akailareid.com). Tejen Collection Iconic Collection 5mm diamond capstone split ring (tejen-collection.com). Sorellina Cigno cocktail ring with 4.50ctw opal ($9,000; sorellinanyc.com). Rebel Black ring from Thelma West (thelmawest.com). Verragio Renaissance-973-R Two Tone ($3,000, excluding center stone). Available through Genesis Diamonds in Nashville, and at verragio.com. Shahla Karimi Mid-Century Kahn emerald ring with cigar band (from $2,290; shahlakarimi.com). VRAM Chrona demi ring with bicolor tourmaline (vramjewelry.com). Chris Ploof tension setting ring in 18k yellow gold and stainless steel Damascus, setting for .20ct diamond ($4,550, excluding center diamond; chrisploof.com). Continuity ring with .50ct diamond from White/Space ($6,650; modaoperadi.com). Unheated 7.20ct lavender sapphire solitaire from Albarré Jewelry in St. Louis ($24,000; albarre.com). Ray Griffiths Crownwork ring with bezel set Aquaprase ($4,170; raygriffiths.com).

NEWSWORTHY

It was love at first bite on my inaugural trip to New Orleans. However, in my case, the ardor was auditory rather than gustatory. Having arrived after midnight due to a frustrating series of airline snafus and eager to make up for lost time, I set out just after sunrise to stroll the empty alleyways of the French Quarter. Much to my surprise, as the first rays of sunlight latched onto the Romeo spikes found on the posts supporting the ornate iron galleries that serve as launching pads for countless beads, street corner musicians had already set up shop to tickle the ears of tourists. While I couldn't discern whether they were extreme early birds or hanger's-on from the prior evening's revelry, I appreciated the distinct sense-of-place soundtrack for my wandering.

After working up enough of an appetite to justify grabbing a bag of warm beignets from Café Du Monde that I'd intended to enjoy in The Eliza Jane's large and lushly landscaped open-air courtyard, I spent the rest of my walk back to the hotel vigorously dusting the evidence of my early indulgence—a preponderance of powdered sugar—off of my ill-chosen black leggings.

Opened in 2018, The Eliza Jane is fashioned from seven 19th-century warehouses that, in past lives, included manufacturing Peychaud's Bitters, publication of The Daily Picayune, and a nondescript Comfort Suites. A two-year renovation stripped away the genericness imposed by the most recent inhabitant to reveal the pleasing patina of the past, including exposed brick, masonry

arches, and metalwork. Located on what was once known as "Newspaper Row," where no less than seven different papers were published in the late 1800s, only one—The Daily Picayune— was the first major newspaper in the country to have a woman at the helm. That woman, Eliza Jane Nicholson, is the hotel's namesake.

Born into a well-to-do Mississippi family in 1843, Eliza Jane sought more from life than marriage and motherhood, so she moved to New Orleans. After submitting several poems to The Daily Picayune under the name of Pearl Rivers, she was hired as the literary editor, earning $25 a week. She went on to marry the paper's owner, Colonel Alva Holbrook, who had sold the paper only to repurchase it after the new owners pushed it to the brink of bankruptcy. Before he could complete the turnaround, Col. Holbrook died, and on the paper's front page on March 26, 1876, Eliza Jane, just 26 years old and $80,000 in debt, announced herself as the owner. She implemented changes to appeal to a broader readership, including adding sections on international news, a society column, and pieces of fiction by notable writers such as Rudyard Kipling and Mark Twain. Her astute business sense and a willingness to surround herself with capable and creative colleagues made the paper one of the most successful in the region. She remained at the helm with George Nicholson, her second husband and the paper's business manager, until they both succumbed to influenza in 1896.

Written by Bridget Williams

The Eliza Jane Hotel pays homage to a Big Easy publishing icon

A communal table in The Press Room.

Photo by Taggart Cojan Sorensen

The Press Room is a popular gathering spot day and night.

Part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt portfolio, the 196-room hotel is a short walk from the French Quarter. In my tworoom Editor's Suite, in what was the newspaper's offices, Stonehill Taylor designers opted for an eclectic, homey style executed in jewel tones with a clever mish-mash of unique accessories and art, plush upholstery, and wallpaper. Near the beverage station, classic bentwood Thonet chairs pulled up to a round table accentuated by a vintage typewriter holding a personalized welcome note, to which I added my own hunt and peck addendum. A brushed brass finish on the suite's lighting and bath fixtures encapsulates the forward-looking retro trend.

My suite's wet room took full advantage of the soaring ceiling height by placing a soaking tub in front of a floor-to-ceiling arched window dramatically dressed with drapery. At press time, the property was developing a bespoke line of lime-basil-scented bath amenities, including bath salts, room spray, and velvety hand cream. Eventually, they plan to have these and their line of cocktail bitters (more on that later) for sale in a lobby boutique.

With only one full day on my first visit to The Big Easy, I called on New Orleans Legendary Walking Tours for a half-day jaunt around the city's highlights. After learning of my affinity for a good yarn, especially when it involves ghosts, Dane Rhodes, my guide and a card-carrying SAG member, put on quite the performance. He also peppered his talk with stories of New

Orlean's most notable women, including Mother Henriette DeLille, Micaela Almonester, Rosa Keller, Baroness de Pontalba, Mahalia Jackson, and Leah Chase (all of whom are worthy of a Google search to learn their stories). "New Orleans would not exist without badass women," Dane remarked emphatically.

Our half-day tour ended with lunch at Gris-Gris on Magazine St. (grisgrisnola.com). While Gris-Gris means "bewitch" in Creole, and the restaurant is decked out with Voodoo memorabilia and motifs, it was their chicken and andouille sausage gumbo washed down with a frozen King Cake frozen cocktail that put a spell on me. Chef-owner Eric Cook is a native of New Orleans and a combat veteran who served six years in the United States Marine Corps.

Having checked both King Cake (aboulangerienola.com) and gumbo off of my culinary checklist, I couldn't complete my stay without making a stop at Central Grocery on Decatur Street (cemtralgrocery.com) for an authentic Muffuletta sandwich and Hansen's Sno-Bliz, which has been slinging snoballs since 1939. At the latter, the combination of soft-shaved ice, condensed milk, and flavored syrups made in-house from family recipes created a delightful velvety treat.

After depositing my leftover Muffuletta in my hotel room, I headed down the street to the Sazerac House for a tour to learn about one of the city's most famous exports. New Orleans'

The Press Room, the Eliza Jane’s lobby lounge.

Photo by Taggart Cojan Sorensen

pharmacist Antoine Amédéé Peychaud is famously known for inventing the cocktail in the mid-1800s. His blend of whisky, absinthe, bitters, and sugar, known as the Sazerac, and served in an egg cup called a "coquetier," was initially intended for medicinal use. The well-executed and engaging three-floor museum offers a fascinating deep dive into New Orleans' cocktail culture. Don't ask for the 200-year-old Peychaud's recipe; it's under lock and key as securely as the famous 11 herbs and spices in my home state's famous fried chicken.

Back at the Eliza Jane, Michael Glassberg, Lead Bartender at The Press Room, is developing a proprietary line of bitters for use in the bar based on knowledge gleaned from reading The Standard Manual of Soda and Other Beverages, published in 1897. "Bitters are like a finishing salt for cocktails," remarked Glassberg, who also leads Bitters 101 courses for guests wanting to learn more about creating bitters and crafting cocktails with these herbaceous liquids.

With its library-inspired setting and unique architectural flourishes, the Press Room is a hub of activity day and night. While the cocktail program skews towards a Francophile bent to complement Couvant, the hotel's French brasserie that’s located in the former Peychaid Bittners factory, Glassberg says he relishes the occasional challenge from clientele who hail from around the

world. Complementing the building's history as a welcoming space for women writers, the Press Room is home to monthly "Dear Eliza Jane" author talks in partnership with The Garden District Bookshop.

At Couvant (couvant.com), Executive Chef Ryan Pearson, who cut his teeth working at Restaurant Daniel in New York City before returning to his hometown, explained that the menu looks like what would result if a French-born chef was dropped into New Orleans. Pearson employs a minimal waste, snout-to-nail approach in his kitchen, and I regretted not having more time to sample Couvant's decadent and delicious fare. I did, however, partake of duck and waffles for breakfast and enjoyed a feast fit for a queen at dinner: Provençal flatbread, classic gougères, a beet salad with locally procured strawberries, tagliatelle topped with mushrooms from a family-run small farm in Saint Francisville, Louisiana; côte de boeuf with a black garlic bordelaise, and brioche-crusted veal.

Walking (more like wobbling) out of dinner at Couvant, which followed a "to die for" day of over-indulging in New Orleans' culinary delights, I recalled a framed quote by Insta-poet Atticus that I'd spied in a shop window earlier that day that read, "I hope to arrive to my death late, in love, and a little drunk." To this, I'd add, "completely stuffed." sl For

more information about the Eliza Jane, visit theelizajane.com.

A frozen king cake cocktail at Gris-Gris Brioche-crusted veal at Couvant.

Duck and waffles for breakfast at Couvant

The makings of a classic Sazerac cocktail on display at Sazerac House.

IT'S A DUESY

A gathering dedicated purely to elegance and design amidst the grounds of the storied Villa d'Este in Lake Como, Italy, the Concourso d'Eleganza was held for the first time in 1929.

Awarded by a Jury, Best of Show went to a 1935 Duesenberg SJ Speedster styled in the coachwork design by Gurney Nuttin and owned by William Lyon of the United States.

In addition to the trophy, the victor received an 1815 Chronograph crafted by A. Lange & Söhne with a hand-engraved Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este crest on the hinged cuvette.

Gary Cooper, Clark Gable, Greta Garbo, James Cagney, and many other stars of the silver screen drove a Duesenberg during the 1930s. In 1880, the company's founders, Fred and August Düsenberg, emigrated from Westphalia, Germany, to the USA. Speedy successes in motorsport and a small series of exclusive models quickly made them a household name. The marque's crowning glory came in 1932 with the extravagant SJ model. As much as 320 hp was available when the supercharger kicked in, propelling the colossal car to around 140 mph. Speaking to the quality of its vehicles, the turn of phrase "it's a Duesy" arose in the popular lexicon as a general indication of luxury.

Beyond the top prize, the participants and competing vehicles at the Concorso battled it out for victory in individual categories. The Coppa d'Oro prize awarded by Public Referendum went to a

1961 Ferrari 250 Syder California with

coachwork

by Pininfarina/ Scagliette and owned by Jonathan Hu, Keybridge Collection of Hong Kong. Helmut Käs, Head of BMW Group Classic and President of the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, presented the Trofeo del Presidente to Rob Walton of the United States, owner of a 1968 Ford GT 40. BMW Group Classic brand ambassador and star tenor Jonas Kaufmann presented the Trofeo Il Canto del Motore for best engine sound, as chosen by the Jury to a 1970 Porsche 917 K to Christophe Count d'Ansembourg of Belgium.

Pagani's Huayra Codalunga, boasting Bronzo Aymara livery with an exposed carbon fiber finish, exclusive vintage leather and upholstery, and fine Loro Piana fabric, won the Design Award in the "Concept Cars & Prototypes" category, an award created in 2022, besting stiff competition that included Bugatti's W16 Mistral.

"The Huayra Codalunga is a tribute to Italian coachbuilders and race cars from the 1960s, cars that I love so much and that take me back to when I was a child," commented Horacio Pagani, Founder & Chief Designer. "We are happy to have won this award the first time we have participated in the most exclusive and historical classic car event in the world, in a category that represents the link between the automobile's glorious past and its exciting future." sl The 2024 event is scheduled for May 17-19.

Written by Andre James

The coveted Best of Show trophy at the Concourso D'Eleganza

Villa d'Este

went to a 1935 Duesenberg SJ Speedster.

William Lyon behind the wheel of his 1935 Duesenberg SJ, awarded Best of Show

Photo by Gudrun Muschalla

Best of Show timepieces by A. Lange & Söhne.

Photo by Gudrun Muschalla

Bugatti W16 Mistral Pagani Huayra Codalunga

The Coppa d’Oro prize went to a 1961 Ferrari 250 Syder California

At its global debut at Auto Shanghai this past April, BMW solidly demonstrated the seamless interaction of its XM Label Red’s electric motor with a V8 engine. The company shifted gears at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival a few weeks later by assembling a global team of like-minded next-generation artists and cultural creators to express themselves alongside boldly styled Sports Activity Vehicle.

“Our goal is to be at the heart of where the creative magic happens – and Coachella is an excellent platform to foster new conversations with emerging talents as well as established artists,” said Stefan Ponikva, Vice President Brand Communication, Brand Experience. “BMW wants to enable artists – musicians, designers, actors, storytellers – to express themselves and engage with our brand and the first-ever BMW XM.”

The company’s claims are not mere hyperbole as the 738hp Sports Activity Vehicle, expected to cost in the neighborhood of $186k, can sprint from a standstill to 60 in 3.7 seconds, making it the most powerful BMW M road vehicle ever made. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph or 175 mph when the optional M Driver’s Package is specified.

The M HYBRID system of the BMW XM Label Red blends the virtues of electrification with the traditional qualities of a high-revving 8-cylinder combustion engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology. The 4.4 liter V8 engine alone produces 577 hp at 5,600 rpm – a 94-hp increase over the unit in the standard BMW XM. Peak torque is 553 lb-ft – an increase of 74 lb-ft over the standard model – and is available from 1,800 to 5,400 rpm.

Drawing energy from a high-voltage lithium-ion battery integrated into the underbody, the electric motor also employs innovative technology to deliver a noticeable increase in power. The permanently excited synchronous motor is integrated into the 8-speed M Steptronic transmission together with its power electronics and helps to provide precise throttle response and nearly instantaneous power delivery. The electric motor, which enables an estimated electric-only range of about 30 miles at speeds up to 87 mph, contributes up to 194 hp to the maximum system output of the BMW XM Label Red, along with 206 lb-ft of torque.

The Combined Charging Unit of the M HYBRID system enables AC charging at up to 7.4 kW. The high-voltage battery

Written by Andre James / Photos courtesy BMW Group

With a 738-hp plug-in-hybrid powertrain, the 2024 BMW XM Label Red is the most powerful member of the BMW M family.

takes just 3.25 hours to be replenished from zero to 100% charge. In addition, predictive heat management reduces charging times by preconditioning – warming or cooling – the HV battery. The charging cable stows away in a weekender bag secured in the rear cargo area using a carabiner-belt combination in M tricolor.

The M xDrive all-wheel-drive system is rear-biased, imparting the BMW XM Label Red a dynamic sense of agility and poise, especially in 4WD Sport mode. An electronically controlled differential lock in the rear axle further enhances traction, agility, and directional stability.

Standard equipment for the BMW XM Label Red includes adaptive M suspension Professional – featuring electronically controlled dampers and active roll stabilization with Active Roll Comfort to eliminate body roll on one side of the vehicle – and Integral Active Steering. The M Sport braking system comprises six-piston, fixed-caliper brakes at the front and single-piston, floating-caliper units at the rear.

Distinguishing exterior features of the BMW XM Label Red include an available Toronto Red metallic accent band

instead of the standard black. The use of red also extends to the model badges and the wheel inserts. The BMW XM Label Red is fitted as standard with 23-inch light-alloy wheels, with 22-inch wheels available as a no-cost option. The surrounds for the BMW M kidney grille and diffuser elements are finished in Black high-gloss.

Customers can select either Brooklyn Grey metallic or choose from more than 50 BMW Individual special paint finishes at no additional charge. In addition, the new BMW Individual Visualizer (bmw-m.com) is available from the start of orders for the BMW XM Label Red to help customers with the paint selection process.

The bold design continues inside the cabin with a rear passenger area modeled after a luxurious lounge, complete with diamond quilted BMW Individual Vintage Merino leather seats set beneath a three-dimensional sculptural prism headliner containing 100 separate LED lights.

Production of the 2023 BMW XM Label will begin in August of this year at the company’s plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina. sl

SUMMER STUNNER

Thirty years after the presentation of the Boxster concept car, Porsche will launch the most powerful version yet of the popular mid-engine roadster: the new Porsche 718 Spyder RS, which will celebrate its public premiere on June 8 as part of a livestream event in Stuttgart-Zuffenhau marking 75 years of Porsche sports cars (youtube.com/@porsche). The following month, it will appear at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England (goodwood.com).

"With an engine taken directly from racing, the 718 Spyder RS offers a driving experience like no other," says Kjell Gruner, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America. "Slicing around a tight corner with the top off and the engine soaring to 9,000 rpm is an experience you will never forget."

The new 718 Spyder RS is a counterpart to the 718 Cayman GT4 RS. The same lightweight powertrain with high-revving engine characteristics also powers the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup racing car. The four-liter six-cylinder boxer engine generates up to 493 hp and 331 lb.-ft. of torque. Combined with a short-ratio seven-speed PDK transmission, the engine catapults the twoseater roadster from 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds. Compared to the

previous 414 hp 718 Spyder without the 'RS' designation, the 718 Spyder RS boasts an additional 79 hp and accelerates to 60 mph 0.5 seconds quicker toward a top track speed of 191 mph. In addition, paddle shifters on the steering wheel allow drivers to keep their hands on the wheel even when shifting gears manually.

Weighing slightly more than 40 pounds, the exceptionally light soft top of the 718 Spyder RS makes the engine's iconic and instantly recognizable sound an even more stirring experience. A standard lightweight stainless steel sport exhaust system and distinctive combustion air inlets on the sides behind the headrests further heighten the effect.

Consisting of two parts—a sunshield and a weather protector— the single-layer soft top can be used with the sunshield alone. Both are entirely removable and stowable in the vehicle.

Sporty character defines the inside of the car, too, with a Race-Tex-covered GT Sport steering wheel with yellow 12-o'clock marking, standard full bucket seats made of lightweight CFRP in a carbon-weave finish, and perforated Race-Tex seat centers in a contrasting color with a black background. Available exterior colors

Written by Andre James / Photos courtesy of Piaggio Group

The 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS is the most potent version of the popular mid-engine roadster.

include four standard and three metallic paints, including the new Vanadium Grey Metallic and the special colors Arctic Grey, Shark Blue, and Ruby Star Neo.

An optional Weissach Package is defined by forged magnesium wheels, titanium sport exhaust tailpipes, an exposed carbon fiber hood, carbon fiber combustion air scoops on the sides, and a carbon fiber Gurney flap on the rear spoiler. Inside the cabin, the upper part of the dashboard is covered with Race-Tex, while the seat headrests boast embroidered "Weissach" logo.

Owners of the Porsche 718 Spyder RS have exclusive access to a handcrafted chronograph by Porsche Design, and made by the Porsche watchmaking operation in Solothurn, Switzerland. Designed to match the configuration of the car, the case is made of titanium, the dial is made of carbon fiber and the strap is made of vehicle leather. The rotor on the back reflects the respective wheel design on the 718 Spyder RS.

The new 2024 Porsche 718 Spyder RS carries an MSRP of $160,700, excluding $1,650 for delivery, processing, and handling. Arrival at U.S. dealers is expected in spring 2024. sl

COLORING OUTSIDE THE LINES

For many, the world of wine is mainly monochromic: white, red, and pink. As a result, vino drinkers may think that the world of spirits gets to have all the fun experimenting with colors and flavors. However, you may be surprised to learn that there is a long history of colorful winemaking.

In the red winemaking process, colors ranging from pale ruby to deep garnet result from allowing the juice from the crushed grapes to macerate with skins. Winemakers tinker with the maceration period, which can be anywhere between three to 100 days depending on what effect they want the skins to have on the wine, such as creating a rosé from a short maceration period, increasing wine flavor, tannin, or the viscosity (the body) because many flavor and phenolic compounds come from the grape skin. Contrarily in the white winemaking process, the skins are customarily discarded, giving white wines completely different characteristics, mouthfeel, and flavor.

Orange wines are an outlier. More technically referred to as "skin-contact wine" due to the winemaking process, orange wines are essentially white wines that take a page from the red wine-making book; counter to their moniker, citrus fruit is not part of the equation. Instead, the skins of the white grapes ferment with the juice to impart the wines with a range of colors ranging from medium amber to deep copper. Voila, orange wine!

Georgia (the country, not the state) is considered the "cradle of wine," with the archaeological record crediting wine creation to the people of the South Caucasus in 6,000 BC. Although it's enjoyed a resurgence for the past few decades and is a product of almost all of the world's wine-producing regions, orange wine has been among Georgian winemakers' métier for many millennia. Slovenian and Italian-made are also well-known, with new world wine regions, such as Australia, South Africa, and the United States, following suit.

While orange wines come from various grapes, they're often described as robust and full-bodied with a great depth of flavor,

akin to red wine, due to the grape skin contact, with the bonus of boasting the refreshing qualities of white wine. Common tasting notes include bruised fruit like apple, honeyed aromas of jackfruit (a fleshy tropical fruit), juniper, sourdough, dried orange rind, and savory flavors like hazelnut and apricot.

Notable orange wines include an Italian orange pinot grigio. The Italians use the word to Italian pinot grigio made in an orange wine style, known for honeysuckle, stone fruit, and citrus flavors.

For a complete departure from Italian riesling presents a tartness that is off-putting to some and endearing to others whose palate prefers complex sour flavors. The 2019 Orange Riesling from Bannister Wines in California's northern Sonoma County has flavors of quince, pomelo, tart apple, and allspice that will evolve with bottle aging (bannisterwines.com/ shop/2019-orange-riesling). Whereas other wines have limitations, orange wines like Bannister's Riesling fill the space of wines that pair well with more exotic and spicier cuisines.

Gerard Bertrand's Genora Orange wine from the south of France, made from four white grape varieties, presents aromas of white flowers, candied fruits, and white pepper. The wines' freshness pairs perfectly with aperitifs, cheese platters, and Indian and Asian dishes (en.gerard-bertrand.com/en/products/genora).

Another memorable wine on the color wheel is orange's cousin: yellow. Also known as "vin jaune," yellow wine is white wine exclusively produced in the Jura region in eastern France from the local grape variety, the Savagnin. Only four regions or appellations d'origine contrôlée (AOC) are authorized to produce it: Arbois, Côtes du Jura, Château-Chalon and Etoile. Legend has it that a winemaker found a forgotten barrel in his cellar and opened it to find "the Gold of Jura."

Today the process is not one you should wait around for: after fermentation, the wine is kept for six years and three months in oak barrels without "topping up," meaning that the wine that

STEERING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

Hotel Drover is the centerpiece of the revitalized Mule Alley in the Fort Worth Stockyards

Written by Bridget Williams

I'm fairly certain that it's part of our collective DNA as Americans to have some modicum of affection for the lore and legend of the American West. I am not immune to these fascinations, part of which spurred an early and enduring interest in Southwestern archaeology, an unwillingness to part with a childhood collection of American West knick-knacks, and a wholehearted willingness to don a cowboy hat and boots when given a chance. The opportunity arose a few months ago during a visit to the Hotel Drover in the heart of the historic Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District.

The anchor of the award-winning Mule Alley, a collection of 100-year-old horse and mule barns wonderfully refurbished and repurposed for entirely different types of horsing around, Hotel Drover is a chic cathedral of cowboy culture, whose name honors the pioneering spirit of Texas cattle drivers. Best exemplified by a signature neon cowboy installation by Austin artist Evan Voyles, varying and carefully calculated kitsch sprinkled throughout the indoor and outdoor public areas and the 200 guest rooms and spa suites pulls the heartstrings and adds a kick-off-your-boots welcoming spirit to the rustic-luxe design that belies the hotel's relative newness.

Far from cookie-cutter, Hotel Drover employs antique and bespoke pieces to encapsulate a distinct sense of place. From a signature scent with notes of fine leather, campfire, mango, and pepper (and coming soon to a branded candle); to Hotel Drover-

branded leather check-in booths; hand-forged chandeliers; Los Poblanos lavender-scented bath amenities sourced from a small maker in New Mexico; Rose Ann Hall hand-etched glassware in the restaurants; contemporary artwork; and lounge chairs upholstered in cowhide and dripping with fringe, the design artfully engages all of the senses. For me, it's the minor touches that attest to a hotel's attention to detail, and the chilled eucalyptus-scented towels in the workout room were the perfect post-workout olfactory pick-me-up.

Each spacious guestroom is unique, with most being in either a Texana, Frontier, or Republic style. Our Texana room was chockfull of vintage cowboy and cowgirl imagery, embossed leather, distressed wood, and a lively-tiled bathroom with a stainless steelskirted soaking tub—a perfect blend of fun and fancy.

In the Hotel Drover's "backyard," a $4 million investment in landscaping alone makes this a verdant and quiet oasis that makes the hustle and bustle of nearby Mule Alley seem miles away. Among the amenities are a refreshing pool; an arbor-covered private event space where Executive Chef Grant Morgan offers "adventurous" seven-course dinners; firepits with available s'more and mobile bar service; and an acoustic stage complete with seasonally changing murals of pin-up style cowgirl paintings by a local artist that's the site of the Drover Unplugged music series.

The lobby of Hotel Drover

Private dining is available in the Hotel Drovers “backyard.”

Providing shady respite from the hot Texas sun, the Hotel Drover’s “backyard” is a multi-functional space.

The Lucchese Fireplace Suite at Hotel Drover

Sweet and spicy bacon at 97 West

The first step in designing custom boots at the Lucchese boutique in the Hotel Drover’s lobby is having your foot traced to ensure a perfect fit.

At the entrance to 97 West, whose design pays homage to Wild West outlaws, dueling vintage prints of Tonto and the Lone Ranger with weapons drawn flank the entry. The menu features elevated ranch classics and reimagined comfort foods. Their brunch is stellar, with our favorites being the brunch taco board, sweet and spicy bacon (served "clothesline style" above jalapeno cornbread, and a decadent giant cinnamon roll served piping hot in a cast iron pan. The Lobby Bar, The Backyard, and The Courtyard at 97 West all offer chic spaces for sipping seasonallyinspired craft cocktails.

It's just a short walk down Mule Alley to Exchange Avenue, where twice a day, drovers parade longhorn steer, fascinatingly aware of the awe-inspiring span of their hood ornaments, down the street that's often lined three-deep with onlookers. An initiative conceived around the 150th anniversary of the city's founding, Fort Worth is the only city in the world to own a herd and employ full-time drovers. "It's important to remember that we're a cow town," said Ed Brown, the lead ambassador for the Stockyards. His entertaining and enthralling historical tours of the area touch on lore, legends, and why it came to be known as "hell's half-acre." As

he spoke, my head filled with hazy images of crushed red velvet and whiffs of stale tobacco and whisky breath.

The entirety of The Stockyards is a playground for grownups, with scores of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. From embellished boots and cowboy hats to colorful embroidered dresses, big hair, and shiny belt buckles, the predominant style among the throngs milling around the several-block area is the antithesis of "quiet luxury." Highfalutin folks flock to the Lucchese boutique in the Hotel Drover's lobby (lucchese.com). Here, specially trained staff offer the company's only "sole to scallop" custom boot experience that begins with an in-depth foot tracing and consultation. Options for personalization are limitless, making the experience of designing these wearable works of art akin to a tattoo that you can take off.

Proper Supply Co. (@propersupplycofw) offers another highstyle souvenir. General Manager and Creative Director Christina Falconer uses steam and know-how to hand-shape a beaver fur felt hat into your chosen style (I opted for a classic Cattleman crease). A self-taught hat shaper, Falconer cut her teeth at the rodeo, and under her direction, the shop showcases an eclectic mix of upscale cowboy couture. "I love being the voice of artisans," she remarked.

The Veranda Bar at Hotel Drover

An available and locally-inspired in-room amenity at Hotel Drover.

The Fort Worth Stockyards employs a team of professional drovers to lead the twice-daily longhorn parade down Exchange Avenue.

Photo by Glen Ellman

At Proper Supply Co. General Manager and Creative Director Christina Falconer uses steam and know-how to hand-shape a beaver fur felt hat into your chosen shape.

Proving that the world is indeed a small place, during our private hat party, Taylor Samuels, owner of Los Almas Rotas mezcal bar in Dallas, was on hand and offered me a "ranch water," a Texas-style tequila or mezcal highball made with lime and Topo Chico. As we chatted, he casually mentioned that he, too, was from my hometown of Louisville. "You might know my dad, Bill," he said casually. That would be Bill Samuels, Chairman Emeritus of Maker's Mark. So, of course, I asked why he opted for a south-ofthe-border spirit over Kentucky's most famous export, to which he replied, "Agave is a terroir spirit that makes mezcal more interesting because every batch is unique."

One thing is for sure in The Stockyards: you won't go hungry. Chef and entrepreneur Tim Love is the drover of dining here, with six distinct outlets: Paloma Suerte (palomasuerteftx. com); Tannahill's Tavern & Music Hall, where Hotel Drover has a dedicated balcony suite (tannahills.com); the alfresco Love Shack Burgers (loveburgershackfortworth.com); Lonesome Dove Western Bistro (lonesomedovefortworth.com); the White Elephant Saloon, famous for hosting Fort Worth's last gunfight (whiteelephantsaloon.com); and Caterina's (caterinasftx.com). Each of Love's outlets is a highly personal expression of his passions and affection for his friends and family.

Generating as much buzz as its elevated Italian cuisine are the jackets-required, phone-banned policies at Caterina's. Love, who said he got in a "huge" fight with his wife over the no phones policy, said the idea came to him after being seated next to an influencer at a restaurant in Miami who made a big spectacle filming their entire meal. Phones are placed in a neoprene case and locked at the door.

To assuage the anxiety of being so close and yet so far, patrons are presented with a complimentary glass of rosé Prosecco.

"Italian food is my favorite to cook," said Love, adding that he appreciates the focus on few and fine ingredients paired with proper technique. The high-ceilinged dining room at Caterina's is intimate and lively. Sitting in what was a hayloft, it was fun to peer over and see a sea of cowboy hats. Not content with resting on his celebrity chef laurels, Love said he frequently works the line in his various restaurants to keep his skills sharp. He's also recently dipped his toque into fashion, launching the Love Collection in Tannahill's Tavern's Goods and Chattels shop (goods-chattels.com).

Appropriately attired with new boots and a hat, we further immersed ourselves in cowboy culture with a stop at John Wayne: An American Experience (johnwayneae.com), a 10,000-squarefoot museum dedicated to the life and films of The Duke with 400 pieces of personal and professional memorabilia. Just outside The Stockyards is the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame (cowgirl.net), the only museum in the world dedicated to honoring women of the West.

The crowning event of our extended weekend stay was the Stockyards Championship Rodeo (fortworthstockyards.com), the world's only year-round rodeo every Friday and Saturday night. As this was literally my first rodeo, I was enthralled by the athleticism of horse and rider and totally swept up in the energy of the packed house.

As we reflected on a whirlwind visit, the Texas-sized hospitality most resonated. It's a way of doing business that Ed Brown aptly summed up by remarking, "We don't have tourists; you're our guests." sl For more information, visit hoteldrover.com.

An available and locally-inspired in-room amenity at Hotel Drover.

Photo by Lola Hardisty

mus m ertime

Grand Seiko limited-edition SBGZ007 with Caliber 9R02 ($79,000). Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville; Diamond Cellar in Nashville; Clarkson Jewelers in St. Louis, and grand-seiko.com.

Breitling Top Time B01 Ford Thunderbird with Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01 and “squircle” sundials ($8,450). Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Moyer Fine Jewelers and Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Clarkson Jewelers in St. Louis and breitling.com.

To mark the second Miami Grand Prix this past May, IWC Schaffhausen released a version of its Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 MercedesAMG PETRONAS Formula One™ Team with a “Miami Pink” rubber strap ($8,350). Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, King Jewelers in Nashville, Simons Jewelers in St. Louis and iwc.com.

OMEGA 43 mm 150M Seamaster Aqua Terra Worldtimer in steel and integrated green rubber strap with grey stitching ($10,200). Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis and omegawatches.com.

Cartier Santos-Dumont watch, large model ($6,000). Available through Diamond Cellar in Nashville, Simons Jewelers in St. Louis, and cartier.com.

The 42 mm BR 03-92 PATROUILLE DE FRANCE 70TH ANNIVERSARY from Bell & Ross is intended to celebrate the anniversary of the Patrouille de France, an elite unit of the French Air and Space Force, founded in 1953. Limited to 999 pieces ($4,100). Available through Diamond Cellar in Columbus, Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, King Jewelers in Nashville, and bellross.com.

TAG Heuer Monaco chronograph, 39 mm in titanium ($11,250). Available through Diamond Cellar in Columbus, Moyer Fine Jewelers and ReisNichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, King Jewelers in Nashville, Clarkson Jewelers in St. Louis and tagheuer.com.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 mm ‘Celebration” with calibre 3230 ($15,100). Available through Richter & Phillips Jewelers in Cincinnati, Diamond Cellar in Columbus , Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Clarkson Jewelers and Simons Jewlers in Nashville & St. Louis and rolex.com.

Black Bay GMT 41 mm from Tudor Watch with Manufacture Calibre MT5652 ($3,975). Available through Richter & Phillips in Cincinnati, Diamond Cellar in Columbus, Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, King Jewelers in Nashville, Simons Jewelers and Clarkson Jewelers in St. Louis and tudorwatch.com.

The Histories American 1921 from Vacheron Constantin reinterprets a model launched more than a century ago for the American market ($30,400; vacheron-constantin.com)

The center of the dial on the Patek Philipps 5531G is adorned with a cloisonné Grand Feu enamel motif. Available through The Diamond Cellar in Columbus & Nashville and patek.com.

Of Note... Beachy Keen

Compiled by Colin Dennis

This page, clockwise from top left: Yves Delorme Mahe beach towel ($170; usa.yvesdelorme.com). Plisy portable lamp from DIABLA’s Urban Garden Collection (from $320; 2modern.com). La Maison dar Dar Baladi Tutti Orange pendant light ($450; pro.lamaisondardar.com). Christian Fishbacher pillow cover ($198; fischbacher.com). IOSIS Landes Aurore decorative pillow ($140; iosis.fr). Ruff & Tumble ‘Beach’ dog drying coat (from $68.95; ruffandtumbledogcoats.com). Lele Sadoughi Soft Sunset checkered straw hat ($125; lelesadoughi.com). Chehoma sea flag side table (chehoma.com). Jonathan Adler left-facing Flow table lamp ($595; jonathanadler.com). OTOTO crab spoon holder and steam releaser ($20; ototodesign.com).

Borneo wallpaper mural from Isidore Leroy (from $1,068; isidoreleroy.com)

Sensi Studio Trinado lampshade hat ($189), halter maxi cover up ($297), and mini Mochica bag ($270; sensistudio.com)

Sense Studio Dumont hat ($306), oversized boyfriend shirt ($264), low waist pants ($186), straw carryall ($474; sensistudio.com)

Invented by a group of Australian divers, Air Buddy is a small, battery-powered tankless dive compressor that floats on the surface and follows along as you dive. The system provides 55+ min of dive time at a maximum depth of 12m (for single diver) or 6m (for buddy divers), following about 5h battery recharge from a wall socket or a 12V DC outlet ($1,688; airbuddy.com).

Of Note... Beachy Keen

Crafted entirely in teak and rust-finished metal the OUT-FIT compact outdoor gym from Ethimo and Studio Adolini is designed for use in the outdoors, from the beach to private terraces ($18,900;

Seal gown from the Hydra collection by Liz Martinez (lizmartinez.co.il/hydra-collection/)

Yves Delorme Bahamas bedding collection (usa.yvesdelorme.com)

ethimo.com)

Sophie Allport melamine cocktails plate, bowl, tumbler and tray (from $11; sophieallport.com).

SOPHISTICATED STARS

Written by Joy Yascone Elms MA

Happy Birthday Cancer and Leo! It's officially summer and time for vacations, relaxation, and the enjoyment of living in the moment! Just as we need time to relax, rest and restore, so do the planets! A plethora of planets will be going into retrograde and taking a nap this summer. Venus will retrograde in Leo from July 22nd through September 3rd, 2023, giving us time to pause and savor what we value in life. At the same time, Mercury retrogrades from August 23rd through September 15th in Virgo. Virgo rules work and routine for the entire zodiac, so many of us will re-examine our life's daily habits and make them more fulfilling and in line with our ideals and goals. Mercury retrograde gives us time to pause, look back, and take in. With the upcoming new moons in Leo and Cancer and the full moon in Aquarius, there will

ARIES

March 21st – April 19th

Aries, the new moon in Taurus on May 19th will open doors for a new and exciting income-earning opportunity! This new moon falls within the shadow of the new moon solar eclipse that occurred in Aries on April 19th, meaning that financial news should be upbeat and potentially lifechanging. Then, on May 16th, good fortune Jupiter graces your second house of income to stay until May 25th, 2024, bringing you blessings in this area of life. The new moon in Gemini on June 18th may land you that new contract you've been after.

month of August. From Marlo Laz: White Diamond Dave Band III ($3,400), Zodiac enamel Wave Band III ($2,000), and Peridot Wave Band II ($2,200; marlolaz.com)

TAURUS

April 20th – May 20th

The new moon in Taurus on May 19th will signal you a new year of golden opportunity. It is finally your time, dear Taurus, as Jupiter, the planet of blessings and good fortune, transits Taurus from May 16th, 2023, through May 25th, 2024. Be the best version of yourself to reap Jupiter's rewards. You are so ready, Taurus! On June 18th, at the new moon in Gemini, you'll celebrate a financial win. What a beautiful birthday present and year you have in store from the Universe Taurus!

Didn’t see your sign? Head to

Sophisticated Stars Astrologist Joy Yascone Elms MA guide based on astrological timing helping readers to find and nurture their blessings and starve their challenges! Joy also offers Divine Timing coaching programs that help clients stay accountable to manifesting their goals and dreams based on their personal divine timing. Visit www.thepowerofdivinetiming.com for more info or email Joy at thepowerofdivinetiming@gmail.com.

UNDER THE COVERS WITH DONNA OSIF OF BEDDED BLISS

Photo by Jennifer Brian

SL: What prompted you to start Bedded Bliss?

DO: I opened my business in 1997 after seeing a small gift shop in Knoxville, Tennessee, where I worked for Goody’s Family Clothing as a retail buyer of Junior tops. We would eat lunch at a lovely Italian restaurant, and next door, a beautiful store named Bennet & Co. had opened, and I fell in love with that shop which made me realize I wanted to have my own business.

SL: Has Bedded Bliss always been in the same location? Has the concept evolved since it opened?

DO: The shop was always in Chenoweth Square, but over the years, it went from small to a little larger to really large and now back to my original size. I did have a different inventory 28 years ago, with very few linens, but the one item I did have was matelassé. I quickly learned that fine linens would be my niche, and Bedded Bliss was truly born!

SL: What have you enjoyed most about the business?

DO: My passion has always been for buying and merchandising. Working with the public is a tremendous step away from planning the business how I was used to, and it can still be quite challenging. After 28 years, I still wish I could plan my linen shop the way I planned my junior top department at Goody’s. I loved the numbers, selecting the items, negotiating prices, developing color stories, and determining the quantities to make sales projections. As I cannot do that, I have to say my joy in the business has been meeting all the amazing people that would never have been possible had I stayed at Goody’s and watched the demise of many large retailers.

SL: How have you navigated competition from online retailers?

DO: Online business is tremendously frustrating. I understand the significant amount of time it can save consumers, but I don’t understand buying linens, furniture, or mattresses online. Feeling luxurious linens is crucial; the colors must be viewed in your lighting. We at Bedded Bliss educate our clients. You cannot simply buy a set of sheets anymore. The mattress business has dominated what the fine linen business has to do regarding sizing. Now we have to deal with the beds that move up and down

or those that don’t need box springs. Thread count remains a mystery to many consumers. It is endless.

Color is also a huge issue. Most of our clients are working around several fabrics in their bedrooms. Drapes, rugs, upholstery fabric, wallpaper, and artwork come into play. My belief is the bed needs to complement the surrounding furnishings. It is near impossible to do online. The colors are never what you think they are, and you have no idea how the fabric will feel and wear. I have a 28-year history of testing almost all the merchandise we sell in the store. I wash, dry, iron, and see how much it shrunk or didn’t. Can the internet do that?

SL: What is your current favorite in-store product?

DO: My true addiction is sheets. I love switching from Percale to Sateen, to Giza 45, depending on my mood for the week. While I have many sets of sheets, I love Percale in the summer as the weave gives it a cool crisp feeling. Winter would be more for the Sateen, which is soft and luxurious, and I must say, Giza 45 is hands down; sleep in them anytime! I admit to not always ironing my sheets, but when I do, that is one incredible night of sleep!

SL: How would you make your bed if money was no object?

DO: The NY Times and WSJ just published a review of heavenly sheets, and Sferra’s Giza 45, which I own, and sell, was the winner! Now we all know I love sheets, but I also love excellent Polish goosedown pillows and a down duvet. In the summertime, I switch it out for an Indian Dohar blanket, the softest, lightest weight “blanket” one could ever own.

SL: Other than home, where in the world have you had a memorable night’s rest?

DO: The Four Seasons.

SL: Someone is bringing you breakfast in bed. What would want it to be?

DO: George Clooney???? No???? I guess I have to say Pumpkin pancakes! With lots of butter and syrup. Let’s add a Caffe Roma and a few mimosas!

Talking everything from business to the ultimate breakfast in bed.

ROLLING OUT THE RED

(AND GREEN, BEIGE, BLUE, YELLOW…) CARPET

With second-generation leadership poised to take the helm, Carpet Specialists marks forty years in business.

Written by Bridget Williams / Photos by Tony Bailey

Family-owned businesses are among the most precious jewels in the United States' treasure chest, accounting for anywhere from fifty-seven to sixty-four percent of the country's annual GDP and providing jobs for sixty-three percent of the population. And, while not always as dramatic and fiery as the antics played out in HBO's Succession, generational change often signals the death knell for family-owned businesses, with only thirty percent successfully transitioning into a second generation, a figure that nearly halves by the time the third generation is of age to assume leadership.

Such a dilemma is not the case for Carpet Specialists, founded forty years ago this August and holding fast as Kentucky's top purveyor of luxury flooring for commercial and residential clients. As co-founder David Turner plans to semi-retire at the end of the year, his son Chad, whose apprenticeship included working every facet of the business, is poised to take the helm., supported by co-workers who are family and those whose tenure with the company is long enough that they are considered such.

Approaching entrepreneurship from different backgrounds allowed David Turner and Harry Lloyd to account for the business's pretty and practical aspects. David, who started in the flooring industry as a vinyl installer at the tender age of 15, met Harry while working at another flooring company. When asked where the idea to start the business came from, Harry puts it simply, "I like nice carpet. When I walk into a room or down the stairs, I want to like what I see and how it feels." The pair, who said they never had a cross word in all their years of working together, call their business partnership "a perfect storm."

Back in 1983, when the now-sprawling Lake Forest neighborhood was breaking ground, Kentucky didn't have any highend options when it came to flooring. Harry points out that the flooring industry at that time had a pretty seedy reputation, the kind that got lumped into jokes about lawyers and used car salespeople. They got business the old-fashioned way: pounding the pavement and persistence, dropping by building sites repeatedly until they

Harry Lloyd and David Turner

could get in front of the decision-makers. "Once we got them, we had a customer for life," said Harry, to which David quickly added that a box of his wife Terri's famous fudge didn't hurt. In fact, in their first year of business, Terri made 20 boxes to give to builders. This past year that number ballooned to 780. David's eyes sparkle at his wife's mention, "She gave me the freedom to do what I love, and I couldn't have been successful without her," he said.

For many years, David and Terri thoughtfully tended to the landscaping at the front of the Carpet Specialists showroom in the Eastpoint Business Park. Today that same energy has gone into their vintage-inspired Southern-style home in Pewee Valley, not far from where David grew up, and which serves as a showcase not only for Carpet Specialists' customized flooring (encompassing hardwood planks up to 15 inches wide and stained to match existing colors, and designer carpets with bespoke patterns or colors, including rugs with no seam up to 20 ft wide) but also the adept skills of their installers and David's mastery of carpentry.

Knowing and understanding their product is only part of Carpet Specialists' secret sauce. "It's always important to tell the truth and be a good person," said David, who took great care in introducing me to nearly every member of their team in both the showroom and the warehouse, making it abundantly clear that the company's philosophy is to view success as a sum of all their parts. The two-plus decade tenure of employees, including John Faulkner, Greg Turner, Denise Duncan, and Sally Hudgens, is evidence that the definition of family business goes beyond DNA.

The most challenging years in the company's history, the historic economic downturn in 2008-2009, also opened the door to an unprecedented opportunity with a household name in highend flooring: Stark, who selected Carpet Specialists as one of ten flooring stores in the United States to serve as a showroom for the entirety of their extensive product line. David said that making it through that period, which involved making tough decisions and cuts, reassured them that they could make it through anything.

Chad Turner and Adam Hughes

Custom rug samples in the Carpet Specialists showroom.

After persevering through trying times and rapidly expanding the commercial side of the business to include clients such as the Omni Hotel, the Henry Clay, the Muhammad Ali Center, and more recently, Number 15 and the Haymarket, the next generation of the family has entered the fray. David's son Chad is President, and nephew Adam Hughes is CFO. Adam, who left behind a fasttracked career at PriceWaterhouseCoopers in search of a better family-work balance, said he was always intrigued by the idea of working at a small business. He remarked that the team "is always inspiring and pulls the best out of me."

Chad, who'd found success in golf sales post-college and hadn't really considered joining the family business, changed his mind after his father suggested his sales acumen could be a boon for the company. Harry mentored Chad soon before his retirement a decade ago.

As any parent can likely relate, the father-son working relationship is not without its challenges. Still, David can barely

contain his pride when speaking of Chad's leadership capabilities. "Our staff would walk through fire for him," he said. And, in those tenser moments, David said that he's reminded of words of wisdom shared with him by his own father, "when you believe in something, you fight like hell for it."

In contrast to 2008, the pandemic provided an unprecedented boost in business, an experience the team likened to trying to take a drink from a firehose at full pressure. Finally returning to a "new normal," Chad said he's excited about the potential for continued growth. "It's all about getting the kind of new business you enjoy," he explained. He added that the positive changes he implemented in their operations mean that client relationships are more than transactional. Harry summed it up best by saying that over forty years, "The process and commitment to finding 'win-win' solutions has made friends out of many clients." sl

The Turner’s drew inspiration for their newly built home from Southern-style estates at the turn of the 20th century.

The primary bedroom in Turner’s home.

For the intricate flooring detail in front of the hearth, Carpet Specialists’ installers created a custom inlaid pattern using pieces of the wide-plank hardwoods.

David Turner is particularly fond of the pattern of the wool carpet runner on the stairs to the second floor.

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BACK TO THE FUTURE

The Haymarket brings the farm directly to your table.

Written by Bridget Williams / Photos by Ashley Stinson

Austin Musselman wants to continue the momentum behind moving the farm-to-table concept from a foodie fad to a cultural norm. And, while it's often said that the "proof is in the pudding," at the Haymarket, Musselman's latest endeavor, fashioned out of the former Lebanese American Country Club on River Road in east Louisville, the proof permeates everything from gourmet graband-go entrees to just-picked ramps in a produce section that makes standard fare at the local hypermarket look anemic by comparison.

Consider the humble radish. While walking and talking with Musselman as part of a pre-opening event at the Haymarket, he cites this root vegetable, often relegated to a sparingly used garnish, as something that becomes a star in its own right when picked locally and eaten soon after that. "When you taste something picked that morning, it's like nothing else," he opined. While the idea had been percolating in his mind for some time, it wasn't until he saw the "For Sale" sign in front of the property that the wheels went into motion. Ultimately, the desire to share the farm's bounty

with a larger audience while forging a pathway to support local farmers is the driving force behind the Haymarket, which took three full years to bring to fruition.

With Musselman in the driver's seat on the road to realizing a long-held dream, he is quick to cite his reliance on an accomplished and dedicated team of co-pilots, including, but certainly not limited to, COO Rodney Wedge, Chief Experience Officer Annie Cobetto, in-house interior designer Weasy MacLean, and chef Ryan Smith. The Haymarket will employ as many as 100 people when operating at full capacity.

The physical space is as appetizing as what's displayed on the shelves. A sprawling English-made iron chandelier depicting delicate branches of an oak tree hangs above pastry cases chock full of tempting treats and fresh bread rivaling a boulangerie in one of Paris' chicest arrondissements. Demolition work uncovered a barrel-vault ceiling supported by exposed trusses. Their former bright orange is now a more pleasing "Ashbourne Green."

David Turner built the custom L-shaped banquette in the kitchen.

The Haymarket name represents a family tie to the physical space and Louisville's original Haymarket, an outdoor farmer's market in operation from 1891-1962 between Jefferson, Liberty, Floyd, and Brook streets in downtown.

Bakery goods and packed foods are made in the company's state-of-the-art commissary on Main Street in downtown Louisville, near where a second Haymarket outpost is planned. Musselman's vision is to replicate the concept but tailor the offerings at each site so they are unique to the needs of each neighborhood. The downtown location, for instance, will focus on portions sized for one or two, while the River Road stocks more "family-sized" entrees and side dishes. Items not made or grown in-house are sourced from artisanal producers. "We chose them because they're good," explained Musselman. Ashbourne's former CSA program has ceased, so those looking for fresh produce can come directly to the Haymarket and select exactly what they want.

Musselman explained the concept behind the packaged foods, made-to-order items at an inside counter and an outside drive-through, and a catering operation as "grounded in old

Southern cooking with a focus on being health conscious and mindful of dietary needs." Annie Cobetto commented that the year-and-a-half spent developing the menus was rigorous and included doing away with less expensive inflammatory oils and working tirelessly to source the best ingredients. "We are doing things the hard way because it's the right way to drive culinary excellence in Kentucky," she explained.

Grab a gourmet sandwich or salad and head outside to Haymarket's "backyard," which includes a covered terrace adorned with interesting air plants and black-framed mirrors of varying sizes. An artificial turf lawn dotted with picnic tables is designed to be family-friendly and will host seasonal events throughout the year. Beyond is a mini-farm and greenhouse operation that supplies flowers and produce year-round. While not certified organic, Musselman elucidated that everything they do is designed to nourish the earth and be as minimally invasive as possible. "We are returning to the old way of doing things even though it seems new." sl

Located at 3020 River Road, the Haymarket is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The drive-thru is open every day from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

THE BEST WEEKEND ALL YEAR

Tamie Smith

Written by Elliott Greene / Photos by Tony Bailey

Going into the final day of competition at the 2023 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event Presented by MARS Equestrian leaders Tamie Smith and Mai Baum felt the pressure of an entire nation; it had been 15 years since a U.S. combination won the event.

Essentially an equestrian triathlon, the sport of Eventing consists of three distinct elements: Dressage, Cross-Country, and Show Jumping. The horse-and-rider combination with the fewest combined penalties from the three phases wins. Smith of Murrieta, California, who has been competing with Mai Baum, a 17-yearold- German Sport Horse gelding since 2015, sat in third place after the dressage test. The pair followed that up with a textbook round on the Derek di Grazia-designed cross-country course that pushed them into first place by 3.6 points. Another stellar performance under threatening skies before 23,576 fans in the show jumping phase clinched their victory with a final score of 24.2, one of the top three finishing scores at the event in over a decade. In addition

to being the first American winner in 15 years, she was the first woman to win in 12 years.

Following the win, Smith remarked, “It’s like an out-of-body experience. In this sport, you take a beating, and you hope that one day it pays off. Today it did. I’m honored, elated, and I’m a bit speechless.” After a hard-earned rest period, Maui Baum and Smith will be training for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian is one of only seven annual Five Star threeday events in the world, along with Badminton and Burghley in England; Luhmuhlen in Germany; Pau in France; Adelaide in Australia; and the Maryland 5 Star in the U.S. LRK3DE is the largest and longest-running Five Star event in the Americas, and as the United States’ premier event, it also serves as the Land Rover/ USEF CCI5*-L Eventing National Championship presented by MARS Equestrian for the U.S. athletes. The 2024 event is scheduled for April 25-28 (kentuckythreedayevent.com) sl

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SOPHISTICATED SOCIETY

DERBY BREAKFAST

Photos by Ashley Stinson

The 44th annual Derby Breakfast at Farmington benefitted the Historic Homes Foundation. Planning and design were carried out by Maggie Heely of Weekend Wedding Warrior and Maddox & Rose, with catering by A Full Plate and floral by Zachary Brady Designs.

1) Alisson & Drew Carraway, Ken Thielbar 2) Aileen & Darryl Wales 3) Katherine & Lee Cotton, Becca Colehower, Caroline Fleming, Ann & Ken Fleming 4) Lee & Jamie Mizell, Gwen Dimen, Jeff Lore, Jeremy & Jocelyn Klarenbach 5) Lee & Jamie Mizell, Gwen Dimen, Jeff Lore, Jeremy & Jocelyn Klarenbach 6) Sherman Minton & Jane Button-Minton 7) Diego & Whitney Bianchi 8) Ryan & Lisa Wachs, Emmy Kupper 9) Christian Voelcker, Julie Dill, Joanna & Chris Schindler

Photos by Bill Wine

Photos by Tony Bailey

DAVIS JEWELERS - DAVID YURMAN

Davis Jewelers hosted a private Derby week shopping brunch highlighting the latest pieces from David Yurman.

HANGOVER HANGAR

PrivateFlite Aviation turned one of its hangars at the Clark Regional Airport in Sellersburg into a “hair of the dog” event, offering a festive sendoff for departing private jet clients with live music, refreshments, and IV hydration.

1) Emily Turman with Cory Forsythe of Davis Jewelers. 2) Becky Jarman, Beth Graham, Emily Turman, Kristen Jenson

3) Stacy King placing a bracelet on Scarlett Shine 4) Ashley Davis Sigman, Hank Davis

SPREADING GOODWILL

Photos by Chad Henle

SL’s Editor Emeritus Kay Matton, Independence Bank President Louis Straub II and Goodwill President & CEO Amy Luttrell hosted a cocktail reception for local leaders at Independence Bank to share the story of how Goodwill Industries of Kentucky is committed to making real change in West Louisville.

1) Lee Lee & Fred Louis, Dade Luckett, Emily Lawrence 2) Nathan Hernandez, Amy Literally, Susan Clark 3) Mora & Matt McCreary 4) Susan Hallenberg, Julie Hohmann 5) Franklin Starks III, Kay Matton 6) Louis Straub, Charlie Lane 7) Bob Hallenberg, Emily Lawrence 8) Jackson Thompson, Karen Cooper, Genny Wenta, Ron Jolly 9) Andrew & Elizabeth Gillette 10) Mark Hohmann, Croswell Chambers

DERBY DAY

With only one win leading up to the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby, presented by Woodford Reserve, Mage overcame 15-1 odds to become the fourth horse to win the event after having just three previous starts. It was the first Derby win for jockey Javier Castellano and trainer Gustavo Delgado. Nearly 400 people are co-owners of Mage, the first Derby winner with ties to Venezuela in more than a half-century.

Photos by Tony Bailey

BOURBON & BOWTIES

More than 50 of Louisville’s top chefs came together at Fleur de Lis Farm to prepare specialty hors d’oeuvres and desserts for a sold-out crowd of 1,300 guests at Bourbon & Bowties, an annual fundraiser presented by Northwestern Mutual and benefiting patients at Norton Children’s Hospital. Fifteen-year-old James Logan Vaughn, who receives care at Norton’s for autism spectrum disorder, was the event’s honoree. The event has raised over $2.6 million to benefit the nearly 215,000 children seeking care through Norton Children’s each year.

Photos by Chad Henle

1) Chet Mays, Rob & Megan King, Deanna & Dom Hudspeth, Julie Mays 2) Cheryl & Summer Dortch 3) Lisa Stemler, Joyce Meyer, Ryan & Barrett Wood, Wendy & Rich Splan, Jason & Shannon Pryor 4) Joyce Meyer, Bill Menish, Lisa Stemler, Kevin Harned, Lynnie Meyer 5) Sheree Bollinger, Cindy Oates, Annette Goodnight, Sarah Bollinger, Mary Ellen Kinser, Lisa Forkner 6) Kristopher Vaughn, honoree James Vaughn, Mary Vaughn, Julia & Jimmy Wright 7) Helen & Robert Vice 8) Stephanie Spencer, Lindsey Seelow

DERBY MUSEUM BALL

Photos by Chad Henle

Presented by Central Bank, this elegant event serves as the kick-off to Derby week, and this year guests could tour the brand-new Secretariat exhibit. Proceeds from the Ball and backstretch after-party benefit the Kentucky Derby Museum.

1) Amy Golladay, Ja Hillebrand, Kristen & Gary Jensen 2) Austin & Lauren Schmitt 3) Kelly Koetter, Jason McMurray, Ryan Perry 4) Kent Oyler, Sarah Davasher-Wisdom 5) Ray & Cindy Carcione 6) Bill & Michelle Mudd 7) Al Cornish, Dr. Yvonne Austin-Cornish 8) Claire Alagia, Creighton Mershon, Ellen Mershon 9) Andrew & Elizabeth Gillette 10) Amanda Ethington, Rebekah Schutz

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BLC DINNER & CONSERVATION AWARDS

Photos by Bill Wine

In front of a sold-out crowd at Foxhollow Farm for the Bluegrass Land Conservancy’s (BLC) farm-to-table dinner, Craig Potts, the State Historic Preservation Officer, introduced Bob Griffith as the Mary Louise Allen Memorial Award recipient. Former BLC Board Member Nina Bonnie introduced Nana Lampton as the recipient of the Kentucky Land Conservationist Lifetime Achievement Award. Current BLC Board Chair Margaret Graves presented both recipients with a beautiful photograph taken on conserved property by Boo Hardy.

1) Michele Ripley, Nana Lampton, Julie Schmidt 2) P.J. Montgomery, Alice Gunnison 3) Hattie Sager, John Allen, Matthew Butts, Patty Courtney, Rick & Sarah Sweeney 4) Molly Dunigan, Ashely Greathouse, Jessie Hancock 5) Jim & Sara Haynes, Annette & Terry Adams 6) William Updike, Michele Ripley, Barry Stumbo 7) Chapin Collins, Logan Gillum, Gwathmey Tyler 8) Emmanuel Fields, Don Dott 9) Michael Burns, Neville Blakemore, Jr.

RACE TO GREATNESS

Presented by Simmons College of Kentucky at the Kentucky Derby Museum, the fifth annual Race to Greatness event celebrated that 13 of the 15 riders in the first Kentucky Derby were Black, and Black jockeys won 15 of the first 28 runnings of the Kentucky Derby. The event included the premiere screening of Raising Simmons: Treading the Lanes, a student-led production exploring the untold historical connection between Simmons College of Kentucky and the first 11 Black jockeys. Proceeds from the event benefit Louisville’s only HBCU.

Photos by Bill Wine

1) Fred Bogert, Javan Reed, Cambron Nichols 2) David Constantino, Von & Rick Purdy 3) Dr. Frank Smith, Jr., Denise & Dr. Tim Findley, Pastor Errol Reid 4) Elisa & Ken Jobst 5) Osia & Shelia Craig 6) Lacey Smith & Barbara Sexton Smith 7) Tabattha & Gordan Rowe 8) Stephanie & Samuel Bland 9) Eric FIelds & Tammy Tribble

MAJOR DONOR PARTY

River Fields hosted a cocktail reception to honor the generosity of its major donors at the Boxhill estate, preserved in perpetuity through a conservation easement executed by the late Dr. and Mrs. Allan Lansing and held by River Fields. The event also marked the end of an era for the organization’s long-time Executive Director Meme Runyon, who recently announced her retirement.

Photos by Chad Henle

1) Jon Mand, John Lenihan 2) Susan Donovan, Logan Ormerod, Owen Ronald, Mark Coley 3) Gray Henry, Robert Kulp 4) Claire Alagia, Suzanne Whayne, Sally Cunningham 5) Rick & Von Purdy 6) Michelle Flowers, Michelle Oberst 7) Rea & Tom Clark, Louise Gardner 8) Jana & John Dowds, Lisa Barr 9) Paula Harshaw, Tom Sweets, Meme Sweets Runyon

EVENING IN THE GARDEN

At its annual Evening in the Garden event, Farmington honored Jana Clanton Dowds for her unwavering work in Kentucky landscapes, preservation and history with the Anne Bruce Haldeman Award. Renowned landscape architect Anne Bruce Haldeman, one of the first females to join the American Society of Landscape Architects who designed the gardens at Farmington, spearheaded efforts to preserve Farmington as a historic site in the late 1950’s and was a renowned landscape architect, , who also designed the gardens at Farmington.

1) Carrie Huston, Ashley Wise, Kate Booker, Callie Wall 2) Louise Gardner, Ann Davis, Martha Hepburn, Stewart Lussky 3) Jana & John Dowds, Mary Berry 4) Jeff Skelton, Kathryn Wong 5) Scott Kremer, Erin & Michael Miller 6) Tom Woodcock, Burvin Jenkins, Jefferson Coulter, Sharon Jenkins 8) Jessica Stavros, Chandra Peton, Kara Taylor 9) John Valentine, Merrill Simmons

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OUT OF THE BLUE

Photos by Chad Henle

Co-hosted by Louisville Executive Aviation, Capitalis Planning Partners, and Jon Mand & Associates at Bowman Field, the luxury-focused event highlighted goods, gadgets, and services in aviation, bourbon, motoring, marine, jewelry, and fashion.

1) Mindy Brown, Nikki Carver, Margaret Cotter, Andrea Lightsy 2) Ursula & Nick Mehuiesh, Rob Peters, Jill Wilcox, Ron Kolleng

3) Kenzie Long, Eric Miller, Mark & Jennifer French, Gavin Potempa, Harper Hall, Mark Turner, Cathy Phillips, Daniel & Irina Yevtenko 4) David Genske, Jeni Warren, Laura Butcher 5) Grant Huyear, Josh Strange, John Hoagland 6) Lily, Elizabeth, & Elle Lenihan 7) Karen Stout, Anna Bella Klein 8) Traci & Brian Plonski 9) Amy Pehlke, Katie Wright, Amy Robinson