Sophisticated Living Lexington March/April 2023

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58 Minimal to the Max

on the cover(s)

24 A Toast to 150 Years of the Kentucky Derby

33 Eternal Spring

38 Wine on the Fly

40 Catch A Wave

42 Bibliotaph…

44 Peach Fuzz

48 Storming the Castle

54 For the Birds

56 Old Dog, New Tricks

58 Minimal to the Max

66 A Pied-à-terre Nestled in Cherokee Park

82 Respecting the Roots

87 A Maximalist's Oeuvre

92 The Doctor Will Outfit You Now

97 Sophisticated Society

Louisville: Members of the 2024 Kentucky Derby Museum Ball Committee.

Photo by Andrew Kung. Lexington: Lexington native Rhonda Jo Conner, chair of t he 2024 Kentucky Derby Museum Ball, wearing a gown from Glasscock Boutique.

Photo by Andrew Kung

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From the Editor-In-Chief

I almost came to blows at my first Kentucky Derby, which I attended as a member of the media along with my father and my business partner, who were on assignment for Sports Illustrated as starting gate photographers. My ensemble, a midi-dress with pink and fuchsia flowers on a white background, was ill-suited for a day marked by torrential downpours and oodles of mud. As we were leaving the track at the end of a long day, a very inebriated woman, covered head-to-toe in infield muck, ran over and attempted to hug me unsolicitedly. When my initially playful refusal was refuted, and she continued to move in, I realized I needed a more aggressive stance and 'gave the Heisman' so that the hand of my outstretched arm was the only thing to get dirty. The woman's friends smartly diffused the situation, ushering her away before she could move back in and allowing us to continue on our way.

From being down and dirty in the infield to savoring the rarified air in The Mansion, I've been lucky enough to experience a full complement of Derby experiences. Putting together this issue, which serves as a leadup to the 150th running of "The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports," I've enjoyed connecting with people and organizations who benefit from the buzz, including the Fillies, the Kentucky Derby Museum, and Gallopalooza, to name a few. Louisville will enjoy an extended global spotlight this spring this spring between the Derby and then the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club from May 13 - 19. I hope our fair city will bask in the warmth of the afterglow long after these events are in the rearview.

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

@SOPHISTICATED_BRIDGET

P.S. To help you look your best this Derby season, consider joining me for the 2024 Fight for Air Climb on March 24th at Lynn Family Stadium to benefit the American Lung Association. I've signed up for the "extreme" option (111 minutes of continuous climbing), but there's something for people of all fitness levels, including a "stadium stroll" that skips the stairs entirely. You can get more information and sign up at climblouisville.org.

CHEVRON COLLECTION

THE INTEREST RATE DEBATE

When will interest rates go down?

Regardless if businesses are considering an expansion or if a person is buying their first home, second home or home away from home, this question remains top-of-mind for many consumers and commercial clients.

The interest rate benchmark, set by the Federal Reserve, is called the Fed Funds Rate. Most investment and borrowing rates are based upon this benchmark. For example, the Prime Rate, a base for setting lending rates, is usually 3.00% above the Fed Funds Rate. A Fed Funds Rate of 5.50% equates to a Prime Rate of 8.50%. Because the Fed Funds Rate is so important, pundits may speculate as to when it will drop. I have a few theories on why there is so much discrepancy.

First, let’s look at the age of our workforce. Nearly 60% of our current workforce started in or after the year 2000. In May of that year, the Fed Funds Rate hit 6.50%, the highest in the last 25 years. Since that time, rates have declined, hitting 0.00% during the Great Recession, and staying at or near that level until 2022. During that period, there were a couple of interest rate blips, but when those happened, rates quickly fell back to zero percent. We will call this period, the “Zero Rate Environment.” Most of our workforce and population only knows a Zero Rate Environment. Now that the Fed Funds Rate is 5.50%; the logical expectation is a rapid decline back to zero

Secondly, when I hear experts espouse a rapid decline, I look to the industry they represent and how rate movement benefits them. Take for example, Wall Street Investment firms. They want low rates so people invest in stocks and not money market depository accounts or certificates of deposit. Or, private equity funds that have built

their business models on a Zero Rate Environment. They need it back so they can make money.

And, then, there are the developers, who have large downtown projects with high vacancy rates. These projects were financed at low rates and cash flowed at high occupancy rates. You can only imagine the effect of refinancing a loan rate from 4.50% to 8.50%. Then, add lower cash flow from fewer tenants and a major problem spreads industry-wide.

Another theory espoused is that rates will decline because it is an election year. Ironically, during the Zero Rate Environment, rates did tend to decline around elections. However, if you dig deeper into the timing, the Head of the Federal Reserve was also up for appointment by the President during those time periods. This fall, Chairman Jerome Powell is not up for reappointment. Maybe, if rates decline at that time, it will be based upon the data, and not politics.

Finally, let’s talk more about the Federal Reserve. They are in quite a quandary. They have a mandate to fight inflation and keep employment high. While inflation has reduced, it still remains stubborn and is dropping slowly. Consumers are still spending and employment remains robust. Until spending or employment drops, the Federal Reserve will most likely hold rates at this level.

But, here is the more complicated quandary: The Federal Reserve has concerns over its own financial situation, along with the large level of the Federal Government’s Debt. On January 24, 2024, a Wall Street Journal article headline read, the “Fed posts largest-ever annual operating loss of $114.3 billion.” The reason is that their investment income on their US Treasuries is less than what they have to pay to banks at the Fed Funds Rate.

Additionally, the Federal Government Debt has ballooned by a third since Covid. As a country, more of our federal budget is spent on interest costs. This contributes to tremendous inflationary pressure. However, the Federal Reserve needs to keep rates high to fight inflation, but lower rates to reduce their losses and interest rate costs on the Federal Debt. This is quite a predicament.

So, what does all this mean? Perhaps this is the cost of a “soft landing” and not another recession. While $114 billion a year sounds like a lot of money, it is not compared to the trillions of dollars of National Debt. As a nation, we can afford to hold this course for a while and allow our society to become used to the higher rate environment, which is near the 100-year average rate environment. Due to the financial pressure on the Federal Reserve and our National Debt, the pundits may also be correct that interest rates will decline. As for the timing, only the Federal Reserve knows.

While none of us locally can always have a say on national level decisions, it’s in our communities where we see the health of our economy on display daily. Independence Bank is committed to the local businesses and families around Kentucky where we serve. As we navigate the changing rate environment together, we invite you to stop in and see us today. You can find us at our St. Matthews location at 3901 Shelbyville Road or online at 1776bank. com.

Louis R. Straub, II President Loan Officer Independecne Bank

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A TOAST TO 150 YEARS OF THE KENTUCKY DERBY

The Kentucky Derby Museum Ball Committee is ready to celebrate in style.

Photography

by

Andrew Kung

Enjoying its long-standing tradition as one of Louisville's preeminent black-tie events, this year, the Kentucky Derby Museum Ball committee, under the leadership of five-time event chair and KDM board member Rhonda Jo Conner is taking things up a notch, embracing this year's theme, "Toast to 150!", by hosting the festivities at the First Turn Club on the historic grounds of Churchill Downs® -- a nod to the past when the Museum's gala was held in the Infield. From the red carpet entrance to the iconic location, guests will be immersed in the magic of Derby while enabling the non-profit Museum to continue to offer free field trips, develop more immersive exhibits, and support new program initiatives.

"The Kentucky Derby Museum Ball is not just another gala," said Tori Deis, Kentucky Derby Museum Director of Special Events, "it's the one that kicks off the gala season ahead of Derby week! We are very excited that this year's celebration will be hosted at the prestigious First Turn Club, adding an extra layer of glamour to an already spectacular evening."

The black-tie festivities, presented by Central Bank, with contributing sponsors Brown-Forman, Churchill Downs, Derby City Gaming, Davis Jewelers and David Yurman will commence at 6:00 p.m. with a cocktail hour and dinner, followed by the Backstretch Party at 9:00 p.m., featuring dancing, late-night bites, and live music from Universal Crush to keep the celebration going well into the night. sl

2024 event chair Rhonda Jo Conner wearing a gown from Glasscock Boutique.

From left: Chris Whelan & Mary Nixon, wearing a dress from Rodes For Him & For Her, with Loren HebelOsborne in a dress from Glasscock Boutique.

Brooke Evans, Kelly Koetter & Anita Ebert, all wearing dresses from Rodeo Drive.

Michelle Mudd wearing a gown from Rodeo Drive and Trish Osborn wearing a dress from Rodes For Him & For Her.

Cindy Hettinger-Carcione wearing a dress from Glasscock Boutique and Julia Carstanjen also wearing an ensemble from Glasscock Boutique.

Ashley Davis Sigman, who will chair the 2025 Kentucky Derby Museum Ball, wearing a dress from Rodeo Drive.

Photography: Kate StarkeL

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ETERNAL SPRING

The debut of La Fantaisie last summer in Paris' 9th arrondissement has created more buzz than a beehive.

Written by Bridget Williams / Photos by Jerome Galland, courtesy of La Fantaisie

I knew from social media clatter that travel influencers were agog about La Fantaisie (lafantaisie.com), which opened in Paris this past summer. Still, after walking from Gare Du Nord in a steady drizzle with luggage in tow, I was surprised to see a bevy of gendarmes stationed at the start of Rue Cadet, a few yards from the hotel's front door in the bustling Faubourg-Montmartre neighborhood. Following an awkward interaction that reminded me (once again) that I must acquire a basic level of conversational French, I learned that the crowd control wasn't for the hotel but rather security for French President Macron, who was attending an event next door.

No staff were stationed outside the hotel, but this slight was absolved as soon as I stepped inside this maximalist's dream. I

imagined that this would be the result if Wes Anderson and Iris Apfel collaborated on a hotel. The lobby and its cozy lounge, covered floor-to-ceiling in color and pattern, was slightly retro, very funky, and totally unique. I was instantly smitten.

And, as if I needed a reminder that this property was a complete departure from the rarefied air (some would say stuffiness) found in the upper echelons of Parisian hotels, the reception staff, whose ages appeared to bridge the era where Millennials end and Gen Z begins, boasted casual uniforms, a more 21st-century letme-know-what-you-need attitude, and spoke perfect English. Adding to the "cool kids" vibe was a fantastic playlist and a sprinkling of artfully dressed modelesque locals tucked into the lounge's corner banquettes conversing over an aperitif.

Yacht Club exterior

The salon serves as the hotel’s living room.

The salon serves as an extension of Le Café.

Martin Brudnizki

The greenhouse-like interior of Golden Poppy

Bar Sur Le Toit

The garden outside Golden Poppy

Golden Poppy

Golden Poppy’s ikejmecaught fish with parsnip milk and “Leche de Tigre,” a spicy citrus marinade.

Rue Cadet draws its name from 16th-century gardeners, brothers Jacques and Jean, who owned the Clos Cadet and supplied the royal court with fruit and vegetables. At La Fantaisie, Swedish-born and London-based designer Martin Brudnizki pays homage to this history, with interiors given over to a rainbow of botanical motifs, a charming and unexpected "secret" garden in its "backyard," and a rooftop bar with a lushly landscaped terrace.

I enjoyed the sweet sound of bird song piped into the elevator—clad in green grasscloth wallpaper and antiqued mirrors— as I rode up to my room. The door slid open to reveal more color-on-pattern-on-texture, with bright green trim surrounding Fornasetti's iconic Chiavi Segrete wallpaper, in which dense foliage conceals golden skeleton keys. The color of each guestroom door evoked a sunshiny day.

Brudnizki, whose dossier includes the new Vesper Bar at The Dorchester in London and The Britely at Pendry West Hollywood in LA, certainly has a flair for the theatric, providing an Alice-InWonderland-worthy psychedelic dreamscape inside and out of La Fantaisie's 63 rooms and 10 suites. While the design of guestrooms is slightly less exuberant than that of its public spaces, there is no shortage of whimsy.

Mirroring the star power of its design, culinary luminary Dominique Crenn oversees Golden Poppy, La Fantaisie's flagship restaurant, which is a destination in its own right. French-born

Crenn, who has worked in the US since the 1980s and holds the distinction of becoming the first – and only – female chef to be awarded three Michelin stars in the States, has seized on her homecoming with great aplomb, creating a fine dining experience with a zero plastic and zero waste philosophy. Golden Poppy's interiors—a glass-roofed main dining room reminiscent of an antique greenhouse that offers direct access to a large walled garden—are apropos for Crenn's vegetable- and fish-forward menu, which brings a touch of California's multicultural cuisine, and a subtle spiciness that's hard to find in many Parisian fine dining experiences. I could have eaten a dozen of her mushroom tarts, but I was glad I didn't, so I had room to enjoy spicy fried rice noodles with seaweed wakame butter and smoked trout roe.

For its subterranean spa, La Fantaisie partnered with French brand Holidermie, which employs a unique, naturally vegan approach in its quest to offer effective, simple, and radiant beauty products.

Normally a 7th arrondissement gal when I am lucky enough to be visiting Paris, I appreciated the cute pocket-sized guide to the neighborhood left on my nightstand, which allowed my wandering to be a bit more purpose-driven than usual. La Fantaisie is located in a charming part of the city, full of intriguing passageways, magnificent architecture, and À la Mère de Famille, the oldest chocolatier in Paris. C'est si bon! sl

Chef Dominique Crenn surrounded by her culinary team.

WINE ON THE FLY

A new wine subscription service aims to create adventurous oenophiles through education and exclusive partnerships.

Written by Claire Williams / Photography courtey of FlyWines

In 2020, while participating in a socially distanced wine tasting with a friend, Stephanie Franklin began tasting through bottles of her kit and thought, "Yikes, this is not good." As Franklin put down her glass, a question arose in her head: "Why can't I make a better version of this?" she thought. Feeling stagnant in her career, Franklin used the global pause provided by the pandemic to perform research, investigate the wine industry, and ponder her next move. Another attribute in her arsenal included the time she'd spent living in Europe, where she got to experience Old World wine culture firsthand. As a bonus, one of the first friends she made when moving to the Bay Area, Guiliano Manno, was a practicing sommelier and served as a sounding board for her ideas.

After her mother's sudden death in the same year, Franklin wanted to eliminate any "would've, could've, should've" in her life and finally lead a life of her own design rather than what others expected her to be. Leaving behind a lengthy career in technology, Franklin realized she could meld her prior experience and knowledge with her love of wine by creating a wine subscription service aimed at shaking up the market.

Franklin launched FlyWines (flywines.club) in late 2023. Aiming to be more than just a wine seller, Franklin is passionate about bringing undiscovered and underrepresented wine regions to the US market. To make this happen, Franklin traveled the world, visiting winemakers in person to discover wines missing from store shelves and create a connection with these wineries and winemakers that goes above just being a business partnership. As a Black woman in an industry historically dominated by men, she feels it's essential to have a diverse portfolio and tell stories that show the vastness of the wine industry and the passion that goes into those 750ml bottles sent to customers' doors.

Riding the learning curve in establishing her business has been eased somewhat by technology. However, Franklin emphasized that the time-honored tradition of building one-onone relationships is just as important as it was 50 years ago. For Franklin, most of the wineries she works with are generations in the making, and she wants to tell their stories with every pour. Through exclusive partnerships with winemakers in Turkey, Northern Italy, California, and soon Portugal, Georgia, Greece, and Morocco, Franklin has made significant inroads

in introducing these wines to an entirely new audience that wouldn't have been possible without her advocacy.

Franklin said one thing that differentiates FlyWines from other subscription services, outside of having access to their oneof-a-kind portfolio, is the option to sample before committing to a full order. You can refine your palette preferences while tasting through a four-bottle sample to successfully curate future purchases. Franklin's current model is two bottles a month, as she found other subscription services were overwhelming customers with too many bottles. However, depending on customer demands, her subscription boxes will eventually be expanded to four or six bottles a month.

Following a surge in wine sales during the pandemic, an inevitable correction has seen wine consumption decline in recent years, with a two-to-four percent drop in overall wine volume sales in 2023. The wine industry has the daunting task of capturing the attention and loyalty of an audience with so much to choose from and limited wine knowledge. Despite these challenges, the premium wine segment represents a bright spot as customers buy less but are willing to pay more for a high-quality bottle. Franklin's wine selections frequently fall into the high-end category and are intended for

consumers willing to spend more on experience and quality. Franklin singled out one of her selections, a Mosole Tai that she compared to a buttery chardonnay, which kept customers clamoring for more.

Franklin wants to contribute to a wine renaissance through various means of education. FlyWines will soon launch virtual tasting sessions for subscribers, allowing consumers to fully understand their palette and the wine they're tasting. Franklin says she wants "everyone to become their own sommelier" and get excited about expanding their wine knowledge. She is also investigating group events, such as corporate retreats with wine kits, to further her pursuit of wine education and expose customers to overlooked wonders of the wine world.

For many, wine tasting can seem daunting, with people seeing it as a test with hard and fast rules and right and wrong answers. Fearing a poor grade can make people afraid to switch lanes and veer away from what they know. FlyWines wants to be an option for people looking to be more adventurous from the comfort of their homes. Looking to the future, Franklin hopes her leap of faith into the world of wine will inspire others to take theirs with FlyWines and allow themselves to discover the joy of being a curious oenophile. sl

FlyWines founder Stephanie Franklin

CATCH A WAVE

through Reis-Nichols

Available

This page, clockwise from top left: Nouvel Heritage Island Hop Medallion ($6,200). Available through Reis-Nichols in Indianapolis and nouvelheritage.com. Mason & Brooks Ribbon Wrap bangle ($12,900; masonandbrooks.com). Yvonne Leon Fil La Plage bracelet ($320; yvonneleon.com). MACADAM Explore bracelet ($13,750; voilamacadam.com). Twilight Dawn ruby earrings from Stenzhorn ($41,691; stenzhorn.com). Mikimoto Japanese Sense of Beauty wave earrings ($37,000.00) Available

Jewelers in Indianapolis, Diamond Cellar in Nashville, and mikimotoamerica.com. YSSO bronze The Shore earrings ($320; theysso.com). White Space Sené ring ($3,800; whitespacejewelry.com). Boochier light blue Fruit Hoops diamond bangle ($10,300; boochier.com). Simon G men’s wedding band ($2,420). Available through Richter & Phiilips Co. in Cincinnati, Gensis Diamonds in Nashville and simongjewelry.com. David Yurman Waves Band Ring ($2,600).

through Moyer Fine Jewelers and Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Clarkson Jewelers in St. Louis and davidyurman.com. Suzanne Kalan golden midi wave diamond eternity band ($4,200; suzannekalan.com). Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Ritique Serenity wave ring ($1,090; ritique.com). Modern Moghul Zulf bracelet ($9,000; modernmoghul.com). Kwiat Wave Collection ring with diamonds ($2,490). Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Diamond Cellar in Nashville, Elleard Heffern Fine Jewelers in St. Louis, and kwiat.com. Apples & Figs mermaid and pearl earrings (applesandfigs.com). Chris Ploof Mokume Gane ZigZag ring ($4,750; chrisploof.com).

Compiled by Victoria Chase

Ariella Chezar, an instructor and artistic director at FlowerSchool New York, shares how to harness the inherent drama of nature and alter a room’s energy through her artful floral arrangements.

Available March 5. Ariella Chezar with Julie Michaels—Home in Bloom: Lessons for Creating Floral Beauty in Every Room— hardcover, 256 pages, Ten Speed Press

In her first book, iconic multihyphenate Barbra Streisand reveals another aspect of her vast skillset by sharing a deeply personal look into the creation and construction of her newest residence, a “dream refuge” she’s pined for since the days when she shared a small Brooklyn apartment with her mother, brother, and grandparents. Barbra Streisand—My Passion for Design—hardcover, 288 pages, Viking Press

A peek inside 12 unique abodes, many never before published, home to artists, designers, photographers, musicians, and more, with a shared theme of creatively decorating. Available March 12. Anna Malmberg (photographer), Mari Strenghielm (stylist)—Creative Homes: Evocative, Eclectic & Carefully Curated Interiors—paper over board, 208 pages, Ryland, Peters & Small

When it came to the interior design of his homes, the late and legendary Karl Lagerfeld was as exacting and opinionated as he was renowned for when it came to both his personal appearance and prowess as a fashion designer. The included homes are documented by date, beginning in the 1960s through his final home purchase in 2009. Patrick Mauriès, Marie Kalt—Karl Lagerfeld: A Life in Houses— hardcover, 240 pages, image courtesy of Thames and Hudson.

A beautifully illustrated survey of the awardwinning Sydney-based design practice Arent & Pyke founded in 2007 encompassing interior architecture and design with a unique focus on decorative arts. Available March 9. Juliette Arent & Sarah-Jane Pyke— Arent & Pyke: Interiors beyond the primary palette—hardcover, 304 pages, image courtesy of Thames and Hudson.

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

A complete and official retrospective of celebrated fashion designer Jil Sander, beginning in the 1960s, created in collaboration with leading book designer Irma Boom and Sander. Available March 25. Irma Boom (design) & Ingeborg Harms (text)—Jil Sander By Jil Sander—hardcover, 320 pages, Prestel

Certified nutritionists Tamara Green and Sarah Grossman provide information and recipes to help you boost your mood through food. Available March 26. Tamara Green & Sarah Grossman—Good Food, Good Mood: 100 Nourishing Recipes to Support Mind and Body Wellness— hardcover, 248 pages, Appetite by Random House

Home gardener, baker, entrepreneur, and awardwinning cookbook author Rosie Daykin shares how she designed and nurtured her Vancouver garden and recipes highlighting freshly harvested produce. Available April 9. Rosie Daykin—The Side Gardener: Recipes & Notes from My Garden—hardcover, 288 pages, Appetite by Random House

Supermodel, philanthropist, and wellness advocate Gisele Bündchen shares 100 tasty and approachable recipes based on everyday ingredients and guidance on creating a daily routine filled with positive intention and gratitude. Available March 26, Gisele Bündchen—Nourish: Simple Recipes to Empower Your Body and Feed Your Soul— hardcover, 256 pages, Clarkson Potter

Organized seasonally, you'll find recipes to make the most of your farmers' market or neighborhood foraging haul, along with tips for harvesting ingredients, preserving, fermenting, and mindfulness activities. Available March 5. Ashley Rodriguez—Rooted Kitchen: Seasonal Recipes, Stories and Ways to Connect with the Natural World, hardcover, 272 pages, Clarkson Potter

Peach Fuzz

PANTONE Color Institute Selects Peach Fuzz as its 2024 Color of the Year

Compiled by Elliot Greene

“A cozy peach hue softly nestled between pink and orange, PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz brings belonging, inspires recalibration, and an opportunity for nurturing, conjuring up an air of calm, offering us a space to be, feel, and heal and to flourish from whether spending time with others or taking the time to enjoy a moment by ourselves,” says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director, Pantone Color Institute. “Drawing comfort from PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz, we can find peace from within, impacting our wellbeing. An idea as much as a feeling, PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz awakens our senses to the comforting presence of tactility and cocooned warmth.”

The introduction of PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz also marks the 25th anniversary of the Pantone Color of the Year

program. First introduced by the Pantone Color Institute in 1999 with the Pantone Color of the Year, PANTONE 15-4020 Cerulean Blue, the Pantone Color of the Year captures the global zeitgeist, serving as an expression of a mood and an attitude on the part of the consumer.

“In the spirit of PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz, we reflect on the last 25 years of the Pantone Color of the Year program, grateful to provide an avenue where designers and color enthusiasts all over the world can engage in a conversation about color, be inspired by color and showcase their creativity within their communities. We look forward to continuing this for many more years,” said Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute. sl

Essential Home + Karim Rashid Klaude sofas, Karlotta Stool, and Craig center table (essentialhome.eu)

Piastrelle Tbrick

Fermob Luxembourg garden furniture (fermobusa.com)

Spring Forest Lake wallpaper mural by SpaceFrog Designs (wallsauce.com)

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STORMING THE CASTLE

Living the life of a “Golden Guinness Girl” at Ireland’s Ashford Castle

Written by Claire Williams / Photos courtesy of Ashford Castle

On a recent winter night in Ireland's County Mayo at Squire Danagher's Cottage, the original house where scenes from 'The Quiet Man' with John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara were filmed in the 1950s, we feasted on a traditional Irish dinner comprised of slow-cooked stew and potatoes (with a few glasses of champagne and seasonal canapes added to the mix). We capped off the private dining experience at this Ashford Castle outpost by gathering around the fire and sipping warmed whiskey while enjoying traditional music and a demonstration of Irish dancing by employees who are part of a local dance school. Much like Wayne's character of Sean Thorton, I felt right at home.

Ireland has always evoked feelings of home for me. I know

I'm not alone, with nearly ten percent of the United State population reporting Irish ancestry. In my case, it's Éire's rolling hills, rugged landscape, and picturesque villages dotting the countryside that stir up something deep inside, making even first-timers feel a sense of déjà vu.

At Ashford Castle, it's the Irish themselves who feel the tug on their heartstrings as second and third generations of families, from guests to employees, have continued to return to the storied estate, spanning 350 acres of gardens, woodland along the shores of Lough Corrib, the largest lake within the Republic of Ireland. The manicured grounds provide for an array of activities ranging from country classics, such as horse riding, shooting, falconry, and fishing, to modern favorites, such as golf and biking.

Ashford Castle sits on a beautiful 350-acre estate near the village of Cong and in County Galway,

The Spa at Ashford Castle is housed in a contemporary addition to the 14th-century castle.

Vaster than its setting is Ashford Castle's nearly 800-year history. Built in 1228 as a medieval fortress, it was passed among noble owners, most notably the Guinness family, who fashioned it into a "grand retreat" to impress well-to-do guests. Following centuries of additions, expansions, and owners, Ashford Castle joined the Red Carnation Hotels family in 2013. The Tollman family's ardent affinity for the property ushered in a massive multi-million-dollar renovation that breathed new life into the castle and reestablished its pre-eminence among the world's luxury hotels.

A symbol of the Tollman's sweet spot for Ashford Castle is delivered to VIPs at check-in: a chocolate Irish wolfhound crafted by director of chocolate and patisserie Paula Stakelum, lovingly named 'Stanley' after the late Stanley Tollman. When Stanley died at 91 in 2021, Niall Gibbons, the retired head of Tourism Ireland, wrote, "The investment of Red Carnation Hotels into Ashford Castle ... and the consequential impact on rural Ireland cannot be overstated."

Entering the hallowed halls at Ashford Castle feels a bit like emerging from a time capsule. Still, the castle's contemporary grandeur is something even former esteemed guest George V would revel in, from the castle's 83 rooms, each uniquely designed (and always with a pair of Hunter boots and a tartan jacket at the ready from the concierge should the weather take a turn) to the myriad of amenities and experiences that make every stay different than the last. Ashford exquisitely balances the royal experience with humble pleasures, allowing guests to experience Ireland's history and culture but at an elevated level.

A pinnacle experience for guests who are keen to sample an afternoon of royal rural idyll in the Irish countryside, Ashford's School of Falconry, the country’s oldest, offers a "Hawk Walk". As you stroll the estate grounds, a pair of feathered friends follow along and deftly swoop onto your gloved hand for a quick bite.

Suppose you're more inclined to fur than feathers. In that case, you can walk through the woodlands with a member of Ashford's

Prince of Wales Bar

The three-dimensional mosaic installation in the spa pool was designed by by South African ceramic artist Jane du Rand.

The Connaught Room serves afternoon tea and views of the castle’s manicured gradens and Lough Corrib.

The George V dining room is named in honor of George V of England, who visited Ashford Castle in 1905.

pack of canine companions: two Irish wolfhounds, an Irish setter, and a black lab (who guided the way with his favorite slipper in mouth). While our guide frequently stopped for photo ops and Q&A, my favorite moment was when he asked us to share a picture of our dog with the group and the collective "oohs and ahhs" that followed with each person's slideshow of their favorite pup.

Sitting at the apex of our afternoon activities was a round of clay shooting, and leading up to the excursion, I fretted that it would be a frustratingly fruitless pursuit. However, our patient and knowledgeable instructors made us such good shots that even the noblemen who roamed the grounds centuries ago would've been impressed.

Whether you're looking to unwind after a day of excitement or indulge in a self-care day, Ashford's award-winning Spa offers a comprehensive menu of treatments alongside impressive facilities encompassing a luminous relaxation pool, a hammam, a steam room, and a state-of-the-art fitness suite. Just recently opened on

the Ashford estate is Éalú (an Irish word for 'escape'), a leisure facility with a suite of fitness equipment, classes, and one-onone personal training sessions. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the pool pavilion illuminate the 15m pool, jacuzzi, splash pool, sauna, and essence-infused steam room.

I'd argue that one of Ashford's most impressive feats is reinventing what the world thinks of Irish food. Executive Head Chef Liam Finnegan's extensive 23-year career has led him to his Ashford, where his philosophy is keeping things simple but sourcing the best possible ingredients and executing every dish to perfection.

With their original kitchen gardens used during the Guinness era restored to their former glory by head gardener Alex Lavarde and his team, Ashford harvests seasonal ingredients and looks for every possible way to be more eco-friendly, such as using certain flowers as natural pesticides and working with as many local and organic food suppliers as possible.

Oak Hall Lounge sits at the heart of the castle.

Junior Stateroom #326

Hideaway Cottage bedroom

Reagan Suite

Visiting the gardens, we crafted our dinner menu by pulling up carrots and cutting celery stalks. At the same time, Lavarde walked us through their future plans, including truffle propagated trees and growing willow to make handmade baskets, to name a few. Our dinner prepared later that day at Stanley's (patriarch Stanley Tollman's casual diner where he'd watch his beloved rugby matches) was entirely crafted by Finnegan with our ingredients foraged hours prior.

Whether it's afternoon tea in the Connaught Room, with excellent recommendations from tea master Thomas and unique blends only found at Ashford created using herbs sourced on the estate, to fine dining in the George V dining room, where the Royal Ossetra Caviar and Martin Jenning's 28-day dry-aged short rib were just as excellent as the wine pairings compiled by resident sommelier Paul Fogerty, there are endless opportunities to discover the seasonal and local ingredients of Ireland with food that warms the soul.

Today, the self-named 'characters of the castle' are as constitutive as the ancient stone walls within which they work their magic. Following our first night, I was excited to see the staff's familiar faces, from Robert Bowe, the restaurant and wine program manager who cheerfully greeted us before each meal, to a colorful cast of characters who were happy to engage in quick

quips and stories of the castle while delivering exceptional service. The rapport between guests and staff is one of the many aspects that makes Ashford so endearing. When every staff member addressed me by name, I felt just as vaunted as Aileen, Maureen, and Oonagh, the daughters of Ernest Guinness, dubbed the "Golden Guinness Girls" and darlings of 1920s British society who used to grace the halls of the castle.

While taking a nightcap in the Drawing Room, Ashford's lounge singer, Annette Griffith, took care to tour the room and greet familiar faces. It was a testament to her longevity at Ashford and guests' desire to keep coming back.

Our dinner at Squire Danagher's Cottage culminated with a classic apple pie; despite its humble reputation, the dessert became the talk of the trip, with the staff gifting us the coveted recipe as part of our turn-down service on the final night, proving not only the food was unforgettable (that was the topic of conversation over several days), but also that the staff takes a particular interest in the guests, and in this case handcrafting a small recipe booklet to bring home with us. Throughout its storied history, Ashford Castle served as a haven for the aristocrats who frequented it. Today, the Tollman family has ensured its legacy as a welcome and luxurious travelers' respite and symbol of Ireland for generations to come. sl

Cronan and Garvan, Ashford Castle’s resident Irish Wolfhounds.

Photo by Richard Moran.

Compiled by Bridget Williams

FOR THE BIRDS

This page, clockwise from top left: Fred Leighton enamel parrot hoop earrings ($4,950; fredleighton.com). Anita Ko large diamond wing necklace ($19,950; anitako.com). The 128.54carat Tiffany Diamond featured in a transformable design that draws inspiration from the iconic Bird on a Rock. Courtesy of Tiffany & Co. (tiffany.com). Roberto Coin Tiny Treasures hummingbird necklace ($1,250). Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, Diamond Cellar in Nashville, and robertocoin.com/en-us. One-of-a-kind Elsa Jin Life Brooch (elsajinstudio.com). Onirikka finch earrings ($2,200; onirikka.com). Cicada Jewelry owl ring (cicajewelry.com). Modern Moghul Mora brooch ($4,000; modernmoghul.com). Sylvie Corbelin Love Bird earrings ($6,700; brokenenglishjewelry.com). Albarre' roadrunner brooch ($780; albarre.com). Fred Leighton enamel parrot hoop earrings ($4,950; fredleighton.com). Albarre' bird brooch ($3,600; albarre.com). Vincent Peach bird cage earrings ($11,880; vincentpeach.com). EF Collection diamond swan ring ($2,985; efcollection.com). Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Brooch with a 57.85 carat aquamarine from Picchiotti ($98,700). Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, Elleard Heffern Fine Jewelers in St. Louis and picchiotti.it/en/. Eden Presley Wisdom Owl lapis pendant ($1,800; edenpresley.com).

OLD DOG, NEW TRICKS

A

century-old Czech Republic car manufacturer enters the hypercar market.

Written by Andre James / Photos by Curbstone Events and Praga

Praga is likely the oldest car brand you've never heard of. Founded in the late 1800s as a manufacturer of heavy industrial machinery, it moved into vehicle production in 1907 with its two-cylinder Praga Charon. In the following decades, Praga moved into producing motorcycles, trucks, farm equipment, single-engine aircraft, military vehicles and machinery, enduro bikes, and race cars. The company recently reached a performance pinnacle when it announced that its first road-legal hypercar—the Praga Bohema—commenced production in a dedicated facility in the Czech Republic.

The Praga Bohema, first revealed in prototype form in late2022, will be hand-built in very limited numbers over the next four years. The company says it could well be the last all-new gas-powered hypercar. With a carbon fiber monocoque and body weighing less than 2,204 pounds and boasting 700bhp at 6,800 rpm and a top speed of just over 186mph, the mid-engine aerodriven two-seater will be a dramatic addition to hypercar collectors' garages. The company said in a launch press release that in the right hands, the two-seater "is capable of extreme high performance on

track targeting GT3 race car lap times on its semi-slick Pirellis." When not traveling at breakneck speed, extreme rubbernecking is guaranteed during off-track road driving.

Praga says the inspiration for Bohema came from longstanding Praga pal and former F1 and current IndyCar driver Romain Grosjean, who challenged the company to deliver an uncompromised two-person road/track performance car, a rare creature that you can drive to the track, pull on a crash helmet (taken from the bespoke luggage fitted in each of the car's 13.2 gallon side pods), put in lap after lap at high speed on its Pirelli Trofeo R tires, and then drive home again. "On the road, you get a smooth ride, the car eliminates the bumps, you can chat with the passenger, and everything is calm and OK," said Grosjean. "Then simply switch focus, and you are on the track. The same clothes, the same car, but the feeling changes, and you are pushing the limit and collecting amazing lap times again and again."

Although race-bred, the Bohema doesn't skimp on comfort and bespoke functionality, with a hand-assembled and hand-stitched

Tomas Kasparek, owner of Praga Cars

interior comprising carbon fiber, Alcantara and leather that can comfortably accommodate two 6.5-feet-tall adults. The narrow cockpit boasts a fully adjustable driver's seat, steering column, and pedal box. The custom steering wheel, which incorporates a sizeable digital display, is removable for easy entry and exit. The slim center console, launch control, built-in fire extinguisher trigger, and electronic parking brake are located within the slim center console. Hearkening to Praga's aviation division, the airconditioning controls are mounted in a 'fighter jet' style roof console.

First customers of the $1.5m road-legal hypercar were recently invited to visit Praga's bespoke assembly facility to see the handbuilding process and experience the final production specification Bohema on its standard Pirelli Trofeo R tires on icy Czech roads, ahead of its public reveal scheduled for later this spring.

The first customer Bohema handover will occur in Europe in the first half of 2024, with that particular hypercar featuring a unique specification to celebrate the occasion. Customer handovers are also planned in the UAE and USA in 2024, with Praga scheduling Bohema

production into 2025. Limited test drive opportunities in Europe and the UK will begin this spring before Praga activates its North American and Middle East Bohema launch programs later this year.

Bohema production follows the completion of Praga's intensive on-road pre-production development and on-track ride-and-drive test programs occurring throughout 2023 at locations including Spa-Francorchamps, the Red Bull Ring, and Nürburgring. Praga says they sourced advice and performance expertise from some of the world's best drivers on road and track, including F1 and IndyCar driver Romain Grosjean, former "Stig" of BBC's Top Gear, and Praga's Chief Test Driver Ben Collins, and experienced GT racer, Josef Kral.

"This is an important milestone for Praga in our long 117-year history," remarked Tomas Kasparek, owner of Praga Cars. "We're especially proud to be commencing production only one year after revealing the Bohema prototype. We are monitoring every stage of the build process very closely to make sure that the Bohema production car matches, and even exceeds our customers' expectations." sl

MINIMAL TO THE MAX

Nature and luxury co-exist in refined harmony at Camp Sarika by Amangiri.

Written by Bridget Williams / Photos courtesy of Camp Sarika by Amangiri

While it's often said that "money can't buy happiness," I'd argue that a stay at Camp Sarika by Amangiri most certainly can. Having spent several days before our arrival exploring the natural wonders of the Grand Circle region, I was absolutely giddy with excitement en route from the Page (AZ) Municipal Airport to the 920-acre resort, surrounded by five national parks, several national monuments, and the Navajo Nation, the largest Native American reservation in the United States.

Anyone with deep enough pockets can construct a jawdropping luxury resort, and there has certainly been no shortage of such properties featured on the pages of this magazine over the past two decades. What truly distinguishes Camp Sarika and Amangiri is how its physical structures are nearly indiscernible from the landscape in the protected valley in which it's nestled, dwarfed by lofty flattopped mesa rock formations carved over millennia through the random interplay of water and wind. It's also the way the property touches on all the senses as an homage to Native American culture and the desert's desolate beauty, from the subtle scent of sage to the

sound of wood "popping" in the fireplace, the fabric hand of a wool blanket emblazoned with Navajo motifs, to the constant interplay of sunlight and shadow on the built environment and the mesa.

A short and scenic hike (or golf cart shuttle) from the amenities available at Amangiri, Camp Sarika's ten tented pavilions are scattered among 55 acres. The concrete composition of the main pavilion, comprising the lobby, restaurant, and spa/pool buildings, and their minimalist interiors—punctuated by iconography representative of the local landscape and culture—convey the iconic design of its sister property.

After completing the check-in process, the smell of onions, garlic, and butter cooking drew us into Camp Sarika's all-day restaurant, where we chatted up the chef about what he was making with the divine combination, destined for that evening's dinner tasting menu, which changes daily. A trail leads from the restaurant's terrace to a natural amphitheater: a rock alcove at the base of a 600-feet mesa large enough to have once hosted a private performance by Dave Matthews.

Camp Sarika Pavilion Plunge Pool

Unlike any other "tent" you've likely slept in, there isn't a single sleeping bag or air mattress in sight at Camp Sarika. With a minimum of 1,900 square feet inside and 764 square feet of terrace around a private plunge pool, each of the 10 one- and twobedroom pavilions offers a feeling of spaciousness that mirrors the expansiveness of their surroundings (Camp Sarika's name comes from the Sanskrit word for 'open space' and 'sky').

Designed to weather the full spectrum of desert weather that can span temperatures from 20° to 105° F, the sand-colored tents are strategically spread out along a single paved road that snakes along the base of the copper-colored sandstone mesa, so no one could hear me exclaim "can you believe this place?!" as I moved from roomto-room, marveling at the chic interiors, sprinkled with myriad influences, from campaign to contemporary, and encompassing furnishings that are both bespoke and sourced from brands including Nanimarquina, Annie Selke, Christian Liaigre, Marset, and Dedon. The sprawling bath included a walk-in closet, indoor and outdoor showers, a mesa-facing soaking tub in front of a floor-to-ceiling window, and luxurious Aman-branded toiletries.

A Douglas Fir sliding door in the dining area grants access to the covered terrace, a heated plunge pool, and an array of comfortable loungers. Outside the sheltering embrace of the extended canvas overhang is a firepit encircled by chic safari-style leather and canvas chairs with a warm blanket neatly folded on each seat.

Even with scores of natural wonders within easy reach, Camp Sarika and the additional amenities offered at Amangiri and available to Camp Sarika guests are ample enough to amply fill out the itinerary of even the most type-A vacationers.

Following a seasonally-inspired breakfast, you can head to Amangiri for a complimentary morning fitness class in their superbly equipped gym, part of a sprawling 25,000-square-foot spa complex. Set off for a hike on 12 miles of well-marked on-property trails, or let a horse, e-bike, or UTV do the work while you enjoy the scenery. Challenge your fear of heights and relish in the adrenaline rush of completing one of several guided Via Ferrata routes, in which a series of cables and ladder rungs fixed to the rock face allow you to literally ascend to new heights. Those who opt for the "Hoodoo" route can traverse an 18-inch wide, 270-foot-long suspension bridge spanning a 400-foot deep gorge. Any angst felt while ascending is worth it for the jaw-dropping views at the top (not to mention the sense of accomplishment you'll feel!).

Reward all that effort with a spa treatment, either at Amangiri or in a pair of spa suites adjacent to Camp Sarika's pool. The latter delivers a complete menu of therapies inspired by traditional Navajo wellness practices and incorporates Aman's superbly scented products. With Sandalwood, jasmine, amber, and rose notes, the Grounding line is a personal favorite and can now be purchased online to impart a little spa experience to your daily beauty ritual.

Camp Sarika Main Pool

Camp Sarika Tent 9 living and dining areas

In partnership with the Navajo Nation, the resort provides daily programming highlighting aspects of Navajo culture.

Crossing a 232-foot-long suspension bridge spanning a 600-foot deep gorge as part of an on-site Via Ferrata excursion.

Via Ferrata “Hoodoo” route

In partnership with the Navajo Nation, the resort provides daily programming highlighting aspects of Navajo culture, from dancing and music to storytelling, weaving, jewelry making, and the history of Navajo Code Talkers. Distinguished by petroglyphs and recognized as a significant archaeological site where 6,000-yearold artifacts have been unearthed, Broken Arrow Cave, a short hike from the resort (and enterable with a guide), is where, from August through October, German artist-in-residence Ulrike Arnold creates unique paintings with natural materials procured on site for guests to observe the process. At day's end, marveling at an infinite sky packed with stars is the perfect nightcap.

Suppose you do want to head off property. In that case, the concierge can arrange for scores of over-the-top experiences, such as landing via helicopter atop Lake Powell's Tower Butte for a private yoga class or visiting remote backcountry geological wonders with a Navajo guide. The available adventures here are as big as your imagination.

Meals and non-alcoholic beverages are included in the nightly room rate. Camp Sarika's restaurant, open only to Camp guests for breakfast and lunch and to Amangiri guests with a reservation at dinner, serves flavorful Southwestern-inspired cuisine highlighting local and seasonal produce. Their lineup of

wellness mocktails are as exciting and beautifully presented as their boozy brethren. While I wanted to avail ourselves of the nearly banquet-sized dining table in our tent by enjoying an in-villa dinner, we so enjoyed conversing with the restaurant staff, who hail from all corners of the globe, that it never happened. A testament to the staff's attentiveness, during breakfast our first morning, I mentioned that my sinuses were suffering in the desert air, and by the time we returned to our tent, a humidifier was up and running.

Several unique al fresco spots on the property can host parties or dinners from four to 60. Offering a dramatic setting with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the view across the plains, be sure to time your visit to Amangiri Restaurant with the sunset. The open-plan kitchen with a wood-fired oven supports a menu deeply influenced by Native American cuisine, the pinnacle of which is the four-course 'Spirit of the Journey' tasting menu that pays homage to the region's five tribes.

The Navajo proverb, be still, and the earth will speak to you, resonates at both Camp Sarika and Amangiri, where the built environment plays second fiddle to their majestic surroundings and embrace of Navajo culture, reminding guests luxury can lie in the embrace of simplicity and moments of quiet solitude. sl

Firepit outside Camp Sarika Tent 10

A piece from a temporary windbell installation along the trail leading from Amangiri to Camp Sarika created in partnership with the nonprofit Cosanti Foundation.

A PIED-À-TERRE NESTLED IN CHEROKEE PARK

Douglas Riddle applies his exacting eye to a Louisville abode perched high above the Olmsted-designed Park.

Written by Bridget Williams / Photography by Robert Burge

There's an honesty in design stripped of extraneous colors, where the subtleties of existence become more pronounced. The eyes are free to ponder the nuance of light and shadow rather than process a preponderance of pattern and color. Working within this restrained palette requires a trained eye to add depth and dimensionality amid the simplicity. Time and again, Douglas Riddle, President & COO of Bittners, has demonstrated his prowess with monochromatic interiors, imbuing them with timeless classicism and evoking feelings of welcoming calm.

Riddle met his minimalist match in clients Natalie and Dana Christensen. Kentucky natives and psychotherapists, the couple had been living in Santa Fe for the past decade when they decided to acquire a pied-à-terre in the 1400 Willow building to split time between the two cities. Natalie said she had seen images of Riddle's former home in the nearby Dartmouth building and "became obsessed" with capturing the essence of that design in their Louisville home. She reached out to Bittners, planning to show a designer the photos as inspiration, when she connected with Douglas, and the duo became fast friends, bonding over their affinity for Santa Fe. "It was so much fun collaborating with Douglas," said Natalie.

In her youth, Natalie had set her sights on becoming an artist and discovered that Santa Fe's landscape and architecture ignited her long latent dream. She began taking photos with her iPhone and then a camera, focusing her lens on "more banal suburban landscapes to draw attention to the drama that is missed." Within a year of acquiring her first professional camera, she was selected as one of 100 photographers for the Santa Fe Photo Festival. Today, Natalie's photographs are found in private collections and galleries around the globe (the Bittners showroom on Main Street has several of Natalie's pieces on display).

The restrained elegance of the couple's Louisville apartment is ideally suited to Natalie's moody abstract works, with Douglas remarking that one photograph, printed on aluminum dibond and displayed in the living room, "comes alive in the softer evening light." The existing floorplan was unchanged, with Esposito Construction tasked with adding elegant trim work and new ebony-hued wood floors.

"It took discipline to start from scratch," remarked Natalie, who worked with Douglas to select textiles, Santa Clara pottery, and artwork created by artisans in Santa Fe. Douglas combined these with handsome mid-century-inspired furnishings and bespoke Bittners-made pieces to impart the timeless luxury of a high-end hotel suite.

"Douglas 'got us' right from the get-go, and his first presentation was spot-on," said Natalie, who added that it feels good to have Cherokee Park in their "front yard" after living in the desert for so long. "It's a perfect lifestyle contrast; we love being in the center of a vibrant community in the building and just outside the windows." sl

An iconic Eero Saarinen dining table from Knoll is surrounded by mid-century Erik Buch rosewood chairs and teak chairs from Noir Furniture. Tom Dixon pendant. The large-scale encaustic painting is by Santa Fe-based artist J.E. Boc. Vintage San Ildefonso Pueblo Pottery on the table.

A pair of loveseats from Baker are accented with Osborne and Little pillows in the living room. An 18th-century French mirror surmounts the fireplace. Custom silk and wool rug from Rug & Kilim. Thayer Coggin accent chairs and Cesare Lacca coffee table.

Bistro chairs in the living room are from the John Reeves Design/Bittners Studio Collection.

Classic Finishes was tasked with creating the black Venetian plaster floor-to-ceiling finish in the entry. Moving through the space into the light-filled living room, with its bank of windows framing the treetops, creates a dramatic sense of arrival. Holly Hunt pendant light. Bittners-made console table. Runner from Rug & Kilim.

A textural hand-knotted Zimba rug from Schumacher anchors the seating area in the den, comprised of a Thayer Coggin sofa, a hand-forged iron-frame chair from Arteriors Home with Pollack upholstery, and a Lee Industries swivel chair with Holly Hunt upholstery. A vintage Navajo blanket is draped over a woven bench from Century Furniture. Photograph by Natalie Christensen.

A mirror from Jonathan Charles surmounts a handsome midcentury sideboard in the dining room.

In the breakfast room, a pair of Saarinen Tulip chairs are pulled up to a vintage French industrial metal desk from the 1920s. Photograph by Natalie Christensen and pottery by Zuni Pueblo contemporary artist Alan E. Lasiloo.

A study in serenity, the Hickory Chair bed is flanked by nightstands from Global Views. The white hair on hide Art Deco-inspired bench is from Arteriors Home. Drawings by Rebecca Venn, Elkio Oriental rug, Calvin Fabrics drapery.

ALISE O'BRIEN

RESPECTING THE ROOTS

St.

Matthews Remodeling tackles a kitchen and bathroom renovation that stays true to the home's original architecture.

Written by Bridget Williams / Photos by Justin Jordan

"In any project, we try to balance what the homeowner wants, our knowledge of best practices, and our signature," remarked Caleb Porche, owner of St. Matthews Remodeling. For this kitchen and bath renovation project, Caleb, his in-house designer Stephanie Gary, and the client began with a single inspiration photo provided by the homeowner. "We homed in on the image's pink bathroom tiles and ran with it," said Caleb. " The homeowner has such an eclectic style and was so open to

having us interpret her vision," added Gary, who has more than a decade of design experience.

As a design-build firm, Caleb said St. Matthew's Remodeling can be homeowners' single point of contact for a turn-key experience. From concept to completion, homeowners can follow along every step of the way, managing costs and making design decisions using the company's proprietary software. "It puts every aspect of the project at their fingertips," Porche emphasized.

In a departure from the typical space reconfiguring and wall removal that often results from renovations of this scope, this project stayed true to the home's original architecture, borrowing just a couple of square feet from a bedroom adjacent to the kitchen to create a recessed pantry. Although the space is compact, just 12'x12', it's packed with details.

Breaking up the oak cabinetry is a pair of hunter-green cabinets flanking the tambour-clad range hood. The lines of an inverted curved corner cabinet, an ingenious use of a tight space, mimic the high-swooping arches of the six-light chandelier. Open, lighted niches provide ample space for the homeowner to express her style with whimsical accessories and houseplants.

An arched doorway between the kitchen and dining room and a similar architectural treatment above the sink pay homage to

existing original details, while the countertops and the backsplash behind the range sport striking black and white porcelain. Distressed olive-green subway tile is paired perfectly with the brass faucet and gooseneck sconces in the sink area.

The renovated bath, located in a first-floor hallway and servicing two bedrooms on this level, is pretty in pink, showcasing a tile similar to the inspiration photo that kicked off the project. The space packs a punch with a unique vanity lighting fixture sourced from Etsy and reeded marble behind the sink in the shower niche. The stones suspended in the poured concrete top on the floating vanity were hand-selected to pull in colors from the kitchen.

"The home's fun personality reflects its owner and draws wide inspiration from mod minimalism to maximalism," said Gary. sl

A MAXIMALIST'S OEUVRE

Written by Bridget Williams / Room photos by Kevin Miyazaki and portrait of Ladd by Heather Talbert

Lexington interior designer Isabel Ladd designs the Owner's Suite in the sixth annual House Beautiful Whole Home.

Art imitating life with interior designer Isabel Ladd.

For the first time in its history, House Beautiful brought together 13 women-led design teams from around the country to embark upon a complete and dramatic makeover of a nearly 150-year-old home originally designed by David Adler in Hinsdale, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. "It was one of my biggest 'pinch me' moments to be included in this company," said self-taught Lexington-based interior designer Isabel Ladd, a House Beautiful Next Wave Class of 2022 designer selected to lend her "more is better" philosophy to the showhome's two-room owner's suite.

Perfectly summing up her approach to the project is a simple rectangular needlepoint pillow placed on a chair in the walk-in closet that reads, "If I'm too much, then go find less." Above is a painting of a tiger Ladd commissioned for the ceiling; the big cat's realism is tempered by the whimsy of its tail following the 90-degree corner angle.

Ladd layered pattern, color, and texture throughout the suite with the deft hand of a French pastry chef composing a mille-feuille. Her Brazilian heritage shines through in tropical motifs packed with the vibrancy of Rio's Carnival and grounded by the organic quality of wicker furnishings. Ladd's true talent as a maximalist lies in knowing how to push the boundaries of color and pattern and drawing the line at the precise point where extraordinarily eclectic ends and chaotic cluttercore begins. sl

An existing bookcase in the owner’s suite sitting room is given a two-tone treatment with Farrow & Ball’s Shallot and Romesco hues. Visual Comfort chandelier; Serena & Lily wicker chairs.

The walls in the sitting area pop with Shallot from Farrow & Ball; The chair and sofa are from Lee Industries. Art from Minted.

literally did pick it based on the name,” said Ladd of the Bamboozle orange Farrow & Ball paint.

In the bedroom, Ladd's philosophy that "more is more, less is a bore" shines through with statement-making wallpaper from Morris & Co. Ladd says the large Fibreworks navy-and-cream diamond area rug, trimmed with a leaf-patterned fabric is imperative to anchoring the room, She added that layering smaller rugs on top gives. the room "the cozy layered vibe I'm always chasing."

Existing built-ins in the vestibule are amplified with a folk-art-style paint pen motif by Relativity Textiles inspired by Morris & Co. wallpaper. “I

An original artwork by Lindsey McCord is centered on a bank of windows in the walk-in closet. Serena & Lily chair and Made Goods side table. The space incorporates a trio of paint colors from Farrow & Ball: Bancha, Lulworth Blue, and Vert de Terre.

Ladd says that alternating colors of the same tile from TileBar “adds the MOST FUN va-va-voom” to the en-suite bathroom. A peach-colored sink and commode from Kohler coordinate beautifully with Fabricut textiles.

THE DOCTOR WILL OUTFIT YOU NOW

Forget the fashion police; let Dr. Ilana Kogan, a.k.a. The Hat Doctor, remedy what ails your Derby Day style!

A New York City native, Kogan moved to Louisville for medical school and was soon smitten by the pomp and circumstance of the Derby. As someone who likes to exercise both sides of her brain, Kogan initially began making Derby hats for friends. She quickly realized that her one-of-a-kind creations could be a lucrative side hustle, helping to pay off her student loans. Today, the mother of two, who is a double board-certified physician in radiology and nuclear medicine, is one of the Kentucky Derby Museum’s featured milliners, has her pieces on offer in the city’s top boutiques, runs a robust business on Etsy (thehatdoctor.etsy.com ), boasts nearly 20,000 Instagram followers, and somehow still manages to find the time to make hundreds of attention-grabbing headpieces each year. To help inspire your Derby duds, the good doctor was kind enough to share a few of her fabulous creations with us. sl

Photography: Andrea E. Hutchinson

Production Manager: Alexandra Hepfinger

Stylist: Ilana Kogan, The Hat Doctor

Makeup Artist: Becca Schell

Models: Virginia Stanley, Emily Graves, Kayla Ann Prather, and Hayley Fawn Hall

Location: Second Stride Chorleywood Farm in Prospect, KY

Scan

SOPHISTICATED SOCIETY

March

1-3 Vintage Market Days, Alltech Arena; vintagemarketdays.com

2 Night of Angels Gala, 7pm, Hilton Lexington Downtown; https://bit.ly/noa24

7-9 Pennyroyal Annual Charity Hose Show, KY Horse Park; pennyroyalhospice.com

8 Frankel Night, Cocktails & Casino Event, 7pm, Marriott Lexington Griffin Gate

9 Step into Beautiful, 1pm, leeneland; sbslex.org/sib2024/

9-10 Kentucky Crafted Market, Alltech Arena; http://artscouncil.ky.gov/KAC/Showcasing/2024-market.htm

16 Lexington St. Patrick’s Parade & Festival

18 The Perfect 10 Miler & 10k, 9am, Mt. Brilliant Farm; surgeryonsunday.org

21-24 Road to the Horse, Alltech Arena; roadtothehorse.com

22 Tall Tops & Togas, 7pm, Marriott Griffin Gate; roadtothehorse.com

April

5-26 Keeneland Spring Race Meet; keeneland.com

11 BLC Annual Auction, Fasig-Tipton; bluegrasslandconservancy.org/news-events/

13 Bluegrass Youth Ballet’s 20th Anniversary Gala, 6pm, The Campbell House

19 FRYSC Hero Gala, 5:30pm, Kentucky Castle

25-28 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event, KY Horse Park; kentuckythreedayevent.com

27 Dream Factory Gala, Central Bank Center; lexingtondreamfactory.org/events/

28 Bluegrass Orthopaedics Foundation, Night of Champions; bluegrassortho.com/night-of-champions

May

Lexington

4 150th running of the Kentucky Derby; kentuckyderby.com

11 Central KY Heart Walk, 8am, Keeneland

18 Humankindness Gala, Marriott Griffin Gate; supportchisaintjosephhealth.org

2

Cancer Foundation Kentucky Bluegrass Wine Auction & Gala; lexingtoncancerfoundation.org

Photos by Daniel Roberts

1) Zarri Brown, featured artist Bryce Oquaye, Ahly Ahna Pleasant, Amoh Kumengisa 2) Nathan Zamarron, Ame Sweetall, featured artist Bryce Oquaye, Di Boyer, Alice Dearborn,Matt Brewer 3) Red Medley, Renee Miller, Barney Miller 4) Di Boyer, Ame Sweetall, Maury Sparrow 5) Artist Tony Wavy 6) Matt Brewer, Skylar Scott 7) Alex Garcia, Ben Haydon 8) Dr. Abeni El Amin, Renee Collins Cobb

POWER OF MOTION

The LexArts Gallery Series, presented by Independence Bank, hosted an opening reception at the LexArt Gallery for Power of Motion.

BOWL-A-THOM

Since 1986, Central Kentucky businesses have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars by participating in JA’s Annual Bowl-A-Thon event, held at Southland Lanes.

Photos by Daniel Roberts

SOPHISTICATED STARS

Written by Joy Yascone Elms MA

Happy Birthday, Pisces, Aries and Taurus! This year offers transformative energy as Pluto, the planet of transformation, departs Capricorn for Aquarius until March 8th, 2043; it has not been there for roughly 226 years. Change is also in the air this spring as we welcome eclipse season in Aries and Libra in March and April. It’s an exciting time with lots of planetary and exciting news! If you’d like to book a personalized astrology

Men’s energy wheel bracelet from Maya Gemstones’ TRÈS collection ($3,994; mayagemstones.com)

LIBRA

September 23rd – October 22nd

Libra, as Pluto graces your creativity, romance, and child-related zones over the next 20 years, these areas of life will offer the most transformation. You may fall in love or welcome a child through adoption or pregnancy. You may instead move into a creative space or career that initiates transformation and success. Pluto is the natural ruler of your financial house of earned income, so a creative career is a definitive possibility. On the new moon in Pisces on March

SAGITTARIUS

– December 21st

With Pluto’s transit through Aquarius, you’ll find the most transformation in sibling relationships, a communication project, or a new exciting contract. The new moon in Pisces on March 10th sees you making a move, purchasing a new property, or another real estate endeavor. Your family news might be exciting at this time as well. The full moon lunar Eclipse in Libra emphasizes friends and social connections. You may see a friend move or embark on a new venture with a friend. The new moon solar eclipse in Aries on April 8th will illuminate your path to an exciting, potentially new romantic connection. This new moon solar eclipse may instead bring a creative project to the forefront or news that you have an adoption approval, or you’re expecting!

The birthstone representing April is diamond. KATKIM diamond trace cloud ring ($12,000; katkimfinejewelry.com)

CAPRICORN

December 22nd – January 19th Capricorn, your biggest transformation will occur in how you earn a living as Pluto transits Aquarius over the next several years. Pluto naturally governs your house of social media, friends, and humanitarian causes. These areas might have something to do with your new role. The new moon in Pisces on March 10th may emphasize your siblings and news to celebrate. This new moon may also emphasize a communication project or exciting contract. At the full moon lunar eclipse on March 25th in Libra, you’ll see a much hoped-for career opportunity materialize. At the new moon Solar Eclipse in Aries on April 8th, you’ll move, renovate, or pick up a desired piece of real estate. You may also celebrate a family goal or endeavor going exceptionally well.

AQUARIUS

January 20th – February 18th

As Pluto transits Aquarius, you’ll find the biggest transformation happens within yourself. You will be in your element, and your power as Pluto is the natural ruler of your house of career. Career transformation will also make news in your life as you catalyze transformation and change. The new moon in Pisces on March 10th will see you accepting a new role or employment opportunity, while the full moon lunar eclipse in Libra on March 25th may see you enjoying international travel, finalizing plans for higher education, or the culmination of a publishing or broadcasting project. At the new moon solar eclipse in Aries on April 8th, you may start writing or other communication projects and/or hear exciting news regarding your siblings.

PISCES

February 19th - March 20th

Your greatest transformation will be in your spiritual path and wellness zones. You’ll want to nurture these areas for the best results in this transformation as Pluto transits Aquarius. Pluto is the natural ruler of your house of higher learning, international travel, and publishing. The new moon in Pisces on March 10th lights the way for you to manifest your intentions. Be thoughtful as you make your birthday wish! The full moon lunar eclipse in Libra emphasizes your financial zones. Make a financial plan before this date for the best results. You may also expect a sizable check or bill simultaneously—thank the Universe. At the new moon solar eclipse in Aries on April 8th, you’ll be excited about a new income-earning opportunity that brings you joy!

is the author and founder of The Power of Divine Timing; an annual sign by sign 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.

PARTY FOR A PURPOSE

This annual PJ party, complete with slumber party-apropos games, a photobooth, and silent auction, celebrated the power of friendship and gathering for the good of others.

1) West Jessamine County Ladies 2) Amy Watts, Vicki Gaver 3) DeAnn Stephens, Cassie Slone 4) Paige Green, Mia Zamora, Christy Morris, Julie Jensen, Brittney Hall, Angie Fields, Laura Cane, Christina Strait, Laura John 5) Christen Mingione, Melissa Roszel, Ashley Coen, Sarah Matharoo 6) Emma Lebryk, Bobbi Turner, Tessa Turner 7) Cheryl Hutchings, Angela Weis 8) Jenny Green, Samantha Heggeman

Photos by Daniel Roberts

slmag.net

PARTY FOR A PURPOSE

Photos by Daniel Roberts

9) Sarah Zabawa, Jenn Carter, Ellie Hatton 10) Krista Spadaccini, Melissa Hounshell, Heather Medina 11) Mandy Williamson, Haley Renter, Teryl Grist, Brooke Branham, Erin Foglesong, Lauren Bell 12) Event Volunteers 13) Anne Murry, Ashton Sawyer 14) Maggie Cohen, Marison Villalobos Weeks

63RD THEATRE AVIATION BRIGADE

The 63rd Theatre Aviation Brigade, headquartered in Frankfort, held its annual ball at the Campbell House.

Photos by Daniel Roberts

Stephen Arny, CPT Jacob Conner, CPT Christopher Englen, CW3 Tyler

J o h n T h o m a s B e r r y

I n t e r n a t i o n a l l y a c c l a i m e d a r t i s t J o h n T h o m a s B e r r y u n i q u e l y c a p t u r e s t h e b e a u t y a n d s p i r i t o f t h e h o r s e a n d d o g .

P r i c e l i s t a n d i n f o r m a t i o n o n o r i g i n a l c h a r c o a l d r a w i n g s a n d o i l p a i n t i n g s a v a i l a b l e o n r e q u e s t .