Sophisticated Living Lexington May/June 2023

BITTNERS

bittners.com

4 bd | 3 full ba | 2 h ba | 3,958 sq.ft. | $1,600,000 Bob Parks, 445.5265

10061 Harrods Creek Drive

5 bd | 4.5 ba | 6,404 sq.ft. | $1,275,000 Crystalyn Noland, 644.9140

4 bd | 5.5 ba | 7,187 sq.ft. | $1,095,000 Jason Farabee, 649.5181

4 bd | 4.5 ba | 3,870 sq.ft. | $939,000 Jon Mand, 417.2837

4 bd | 4.5 ba | 5,739 sq.ft. | $785,000 Kristen English, 417.8008

8305 Westover Drive

4 bd | 3.5 ba | 3,761 sq.ft. | $655,000 The Schiller Team, 216.5518

4 bd | 4 ba | 6,149 sq.ft. | $749,900 Kitty Cogan Pfeiffer, 419.9052

3 bd | 3 ba | 3,296 sq.ft. | $610,000 Brandon Jones, 718.0044

5604 Glenview Falls Place

1022 Majestic Oaks Way

4041 Whiteblossom Estates Court

11209 Peppermint Street

6003 Regal Springs Drive

2113 Centurion Way

pools for your lifestyle

Using experienced architectural techniques combined with the latest lighting enhancements within a professional pool design, will have you entertaining for family and friends in a resort style living right in your own backyard. Define your lifestyle by allowing us to design and build your very own personal oasis.

Innovative design. Electrifying performance.

The 2023 Audi e-tron GT delivers exhilarating performance without sacrificing progressive design or innovative technology. Starting at $104,900.

MARINER WEALTH ADVISORS RANKE D TOP FIVE MARINER WEALTH ADVISORS RANKE D TOP FIVE

Mariner Wealth Advisors creates strategies for today and beyond that are flexible enough to change along with you. When you become our client, we’ll listen first to learn about your top priorities, then create a wealth plan designed to help you meet those goals.

Top RIA Firms: Barron’s awarded 2022, 2021, and 2020 #5, 2019 #4, and 2018 #3 rankings to Mariner Wealth Advisors (MWA) based on data compiled for MWA and the 2017 #2 and 2016 #1 rankings to Mariner Holdings (MH) based upon data compiled for MH registered investment adviser subsidiaries. Rankings for 2016 through 2022 were published in September of each award year and were based on June 30th data, including annual figures for the previous three years. The ranking is based on assets managed by the firms, technology spending, staff diversity, succession planning, and other metrics. The number of firms included in the rankings was: 20 (2016), 30 (2017), 40 (2018), 50 (2019), and 100 (2020 – 2022). The published rankings are based on firm surveys, and the firm’s filings with the regulatory databases were used to cross-check the data provided. The formula Barron’s uses to rank advisors is proprietary. The ranking is not indicative of future performance, and there is no guarantee of future success. For additional information, visit www.barrons.com.

Mariner Wealth Advisors (“MWA”) is an SEC registered investment adviser with its principal place of business in the State of Kansas. Registration of an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training. MWA is in compliance with the current notice filing requirements imposed upon registered investment advisers by those states in which MWA maintains clients. MWA may only transact business in those states in which it is notice filed or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from notice filing requirements. Any subsequent, direct communication by MWA with a prospective client shall be conducted by a representative that is either registered or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from registration in the state where the prospective client resides. For additional information about MWA, including fees and services, please contact MWA or refer to the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website (www.adviserinfo.sec.gov). Please read the disclosure statement carefully before you invest or send money.

soprano and recording artist Emily Albrink.

Photo by Anna May Photography. Lexington: 66 / Artists in Residence

Julie Metzinger found the vintage fiber art by Harry Hilson. Milo Baughman burl wood coffee table, hand-knotted rug from Pakistan, George Nelson for Herman Miller Bubble Pendant.

Photo by Robert Rieger courtesy of Aman New York

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 SALES OFFICE

502.582.6563

CEO/PUBLISHER

Eric Williams

Sophisticated Living is published by Sophisticated Living, LLC, P.O. BOX 1229, Prospect, Kentucky 40059 USA. All Rights Reserved. Sophisticated Living is published six times a year. All images and editorial are the property of Sophisticated Living, LLC and cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission. Annual subscription fees are $25.00; please add $5 for subscriptions outside the US. Single copies may be purchased for $5 at select fine retail outlets. Address all subscription inquiries to: Sophisticated Living, PO Box 1229, Prospect, KY 40059. To order back issues or reprints of 100 or more, call 502.582.6563.

SLMAG.NET

Louisville lost a legend when Elaine “Cissy” Musselman passed away on March 8th, International Women’s Day. The reverberations of Cissy’s frequent bursts of laughter spurred by a wicked sense of humor were only rivaled by the resonance of her good deeds, which touched so many parts of our community. A member of a family known for being the antithesis of shrinking violets, Cissy amassed her own orbit of friends and family who were happy to bask in the glow of her generous spirit.

Imbued with an indomitable drive that made her a standout in the classroom and on the sports field from a young age, this tenacity would serve her well throughout a professional and personal life accentuated by numerous accolades. A cornerstone of her philanthropic work was founding Women 4 Women in 1993. The nonprofit organization’s mission was dedicated to celebrating and elevating the contributions of women through grantmaking and advocacy efforts. Throughout its 22-year run, a golf tournament she started to support the work of W4W raised close to $10 million for charitable purposes.

During our infrequent interactions over the years, Cissy would always greet me with the warmth of an old friend and never missed the opportunity to pitch a story idea on a cause close to her heart or an interesting person she’d met. While the thought popped up on multiple occasions, I now regret not seizing the chance to have an in-depth conversation with Cissy about her fascinating life. Eternally optimistic, I filed away the idea in my mind, erroneously believing the right time would come another day, but Alzheimer’s Disease had other plans for Cissy.

The cruelest of thieves, the victims of Alzheimer’s crimes stretch far beyond the afflicted individual. But fortunately for Cissy, the friends and family who assembled to lend support in her valiant battle with the disease did so with the same fervor Cissy used over the years to rally those same people behind a cause near dear to her heart.

To honor Cissy’s life and legacy, $10 from every new and renewing subscription in Louisville and Lexington for May and June will be donated to the University of Louisville Elaine Cissy Musselman Endowment so that Cissy’s efforts to improve the self-sufficiency of women will persist.

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

A STUDY IN SERENITY

Written by Bridget Williams / Photos by Robert Burge

The domino effect was set into motion soon after the homeowners significantly upgraded their outdoor spaces, taking some shine off the interior of their nearly twenty-year-old suburban home. To remedy the disparity from the inside out, builder Aaron Esposito of Esposito Construction assembled his favorite collaborators: interior designer Amy Cimba of Bittners and Mike Smith of Artistic Kitchens. The multi-month project, during which the homeowners decamped to a home in a neighboring community, was a downto-the-studs reinvention that added usable square footage without increasing the original footprint. A strong overarching desire by the homeowners to bring in "light and freshness" resulted in the placement of larger windows along the home's backside.

Crossing the threshold, first-time visitors would have never guessed that, before the renovation, the foyer and formal living room had been soaring, two-story spaces. "Doing things at a more human scale" is how Cimba explained the transformation, which added two new rooms upstairs while maintaining generous ten-foot ceilings.

The calming interior design palette, which explores the entirety of the white, grey, and black chromatic scales, announces itself in the foyer, along with the repeated elements of gold accents, decorative paneling, and beguiling light fixtures. "It's the story of sophistication, extreme finishes and detail, and pushing scale," said Cimba.

Monochrome certainly doesn't have to mean mundane, as Cimba expertly exemplifies in her selection of a dupioni silk mural by Phillip Jeffries in the chinoiseries style enveloping the dining room walls. The simple, clean lines of the white lacquered dining table with hints of gold leaf detailing allow the chandelier, with rock crystals dripping from gilded "branches," to take center stage.

Cimba carefully delineated child and adult spaces throughout the home. While the living room, with its ebony lacquered-built-in bar cabinets on either side of the hearth and snow-white boucletextured upholstery on four wingback chairs, is undoubtedly intended for the latter, smartly chosen Crypton fabric repels stains from pet and people of all ages and ensures that no room is deemed off-limits.

Working mainly in monochrome, interior designer Amy Cimba of Bittners creates a chic family home where form and function are in perfect harmony.

Crypton fabric on the four wingback chairs in the living room shrugs off spills and stains. Lowering the ceilings in this area to 10’ allowed for the creation of a second floor media room for the children.

Newly added reclaimed beams in the hearth room lend the impression that they were “uncovered” during the renovation.

A silk wallpaper mural from Phillip Jeffries is a showstopper in the dining room.

Cimba “pushed the scale” of the pendant lights above the island to stand up to the visual heft of the brass range hood.

The scullery is used to keep kitchen clutter at bay.

Whereas ceilings elsewhere in the home were lowered, they were raised in the primary bedroom. Tongue and groove paneling emphasizes the vault.

Walls on either side of the soaking tub in the primary bath are dressed with a chinoiserie mural from Gracie. The mosaic in the center of the room inspired the home’s overall color palette.

Floating cabinets built by Mike Smith of Artistic Kitchens are accentuated with polished nickel campaign-style hardware.

The daughter’s bedroom.

Serving up drama and gourmet French bistro vibes, the kitchen, hearth room, and eat-in area are among the hardest working rooms in the home and a favorite place for the family's Frenchie Bella to lounge in the sun. Overhead, newly added reclaimed beams give the impression they were "uncovered" as part of the renovation. Amy described the installation of the gently arching beams defining the entrance to the built-in banquette nook as "an amazing feat of carpentry."

A pair of oversized pendant lamps suspended above the island stand up to the visual heft of a brass hood surmounting a La Cornue range. Designed to "take pressure off of the kitchen," it almost seems a shame that the home's scullery—a room traditionally used for washing dishes— and elevated from ordinary to exceptional, is tucked away from sight. The color of the scullery's cabinetry calls to mind a Ladurée macaroon shop in Paris. A playful mosaic tile backsplash, in a pattern similar to the wallcovering in a nearby office space, complements the cabinetry. Cremone-style hardware on the scullery's paneled refrigerator is a design element culled from the kitchen's upper mirror mullion cabinets. "Particularly when it comes to storage, we took the time to think on every aspect and how we could meet the family's needs now and in the future," explained Cimba.

The homeowner's children have ensuite bedrooms on the second floor. The extra square footage gained as part of the renovation resulted in a chic and comfy media room with a fireplace

and a sitting room off of the daughter's bedroom. Built-ins on either side of the fireplace in the media room act as a clutter buster, while hardworking upholstery fabrics on the sofa beds can stand up to even the most rambunctious sleepovers.

In contrast to the energy upstairs, the first-floor primary suite is a study in serenity. A mosaic selected for the primary bath served as inspiration for the home's overall color palette. Overhead, opaque glass discs fall like rain from the faux bois arms of an ethereal chandelier. Centered between walls dressed in a luxurious chinoiserie wallcovering from Gracie, a soaking tub sits beneath a dramatically draped window. What was once a study has been absorbed into the primary suite as enviable closet space. In a departure from the gold hardware found elsewhere, polished nickel campaign-style pulls accentuate the floating vanity built by Mike Smith. His and her water closets, a steam shower with an integrated drain, and a dedicated laundry room with ample storage round out this resort-like retreat. Whereas ceilings elsewhere in the home were lowered, they were raised in the primary bedroom. Tongue and groove paneling emphasizes the vault. Whispers of light blue break up the monochromatic color scheme like a pebble tossed into a lake.

A pitfall in interior design can come when the look of something is prioritized over its function, leading to uncomfortable or impractical spaces. However, as this project demonstrates, with careful planning and clear communication, one needn't sacrifice pretty for practicality. sl

Second floor media room. Considering storage was paramount throughout the design process.

THE ART OF PURPOSEDRIVEN TRANQUILITY

Written

In a world where busyness is too often touted and revered, the Andaz Mayakoba quietly and adeptly brings the art of purposedriven tranquility back into focus.

Just beyond Playa del Carmen, the Riviera Mayan coastline humbly beckons visitors to rest, recharge and recreate at its newest luxury resort, the Andaz Mayakoban.

Poised as one of four resorts pristinely tucked into a tropical rainforest, under the Mayakoban umbrella of high-end, luxury resorts, the Andaz has taken great care to respectfully reside amongst the twisted mangroves, winding canals, impossibly clear lakes and cenotes, and the ever-turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Guests can indulge in an array of activities as colorful as the curated native bird murals stitching the buildings together against a verdant backdrop. Or, one can consider slipping into the world of stillness: daydreaming, bird watching, napping, reading, or thoughtful conversation.

While the default mode, woven throughout the Andaz, is "oneness with nature," you can build your day accordingly. The menu of options is rich and satisfying: a wellness spa, yoga by the beach, water sports (hydro biking, kayaking, wind sailing, snorkeling from a boat or with sea bobs), scuba diving, jet skis, playing golf on Latin America's first PGA-toured golf course, the sea of gastronomic delights and a slew of cultural adventures. All events are at your fingertips and waiting to be tailored to your liking by the effusively warm and abundantly available staff.

Wanting to gain my bearings, I scheduled the lagoon boat trip, which canvased the area as our guide spotted unique wildlife (crocodiles, quirky birds, camouflaged iguanas). Home to 330plus species that roam freely (and I do mean freely) through the lush 620-acre property, you quickly realize the expansive measures taken to preserve and cultivate these tropical environments. As a result, the Andaz proudly voices a call to action within the world of tourism, garnering it a handful of awards and nature certifications. Cruising gave us a grand overview of wildlife while also whetting our appetite for the varied dining options.

After my initial meal, dining became an active pastime for me. Choosing from one of five on-site restaurants, thankfully, became the most challenging part of my day. Each restaurant sources fresh local ingredients and combines them with authentic cooking techniques to create dishes graciously served by a kindhearted and impeccable waitstaff.

Centrally located and residing next to the poolside pavilion, Casa Milagros produces food as beautiful as its setting. The interior decor pairs stone, locally crafted tile, and local tzalam wood. It offers authentic Mexican, Latin, and unique international dishes. We circled back on a few different nights as the melt-in-yourmouth tuna tataki and pork ramen tempted us to return. But food is only half of the draw as we quickly developed a fondness for the doting staff; Louis made an impression as strong as sticky rice pudding with coconut milk.

by Ashley Gude / Photography courtesy of Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya

Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya

The Sanctuary

Photo by Tadeu Brunelli

Presidential suite terrace view.

Photo by Tadeu Brunelli

Sanctuary interior

Photo by Tadeu Brunelli

The Apothecary Bar

We frequented Tinto del Pulpo because of its accessible location (poolside) and lovely staff. The consistency of the quality of the Mexican fare and locally-crafted artisan beers made this a mainstay. The fresh ceviches and homemade churros with tapioca ice cream also may have had something to do with me being a repeat offender.

The Vegan Bar was a stone's throw away. They are always happy to whip up a fresh smoothie or healthy drink at a moment's notice.

They also offer various unique vegan options, including my new favorite, a rice ball salad (fried rice with polenta, mashed red pepper with truffle, green peas, avocado, and spinach salad).

If you're looking for the elusive perfect photo op, head to Sotavento. An Insta-worthy setting awaits as tables and softly cushioned chairs lap the edges of the Caribbean Sea. Set under the romance of string lights, with feet buried in the sand, you can select from fresh seafood, gorgeous salads, and prized desserts (almost too pretty to eat … almost).

Rounding out the dining options, Casa Amate serves up memorable Latin American cuisine interestingly set amidst what

is best described as an "eclectic traveler's home." You can sample creative local cuisine from the comfort of different eye-pleasing rooms of the "house" (dining room, library, bar).

While the sea is the primary source driving the culinary menus, it also provides a rich marine landscape when scuba diving. On two diverse occasions, I explored the peaceful underwater world of the Mayan barrier reef. Only a short boat ride from the shore immersed me in a grand collection of wildlife. The highlight was spotting a family of eagle rays at a depth of 48 feet right at the conclusion of one of our dives.

Luxury reigns supreme across the landscape of the Mayakoba. Whether in the pursuit of experiencing artful cuisines or endorphin-raising adventures, the biggest luxury is choice. The ability to choose your day is not lost on guests, whether you prefer a quiet, contemplative, restorative day or a day brimming with activities fueled by the exotic lush backdrop of the beckoning blues of the Caribbean Sea. You will certainly want more, no matter what you choose, just like the coconut tapioca. sl

Duffy boat

Photo by Tadeu Brunelli

LOVE & STAY

Living the private island life on Lovango in the USVI

Unable to resist the allure of a good origin story, I admit to being very intrigued by the competing name origins of Lovango island, between St. Thomas and St. John in the USVI. While I've yet to uncover a sea shanty attesting to the legend, the predominate theory is an interesting yarn nonetheless. The island, inhabited since the mid-1700s, is said to have been home to the only brothel in the area, and the pirates' shortened the name of their "Love and Go Island" to Lovango. However, documents from the St. John Historical Society contend that there's a less spicy reason behind the name: an affiliation with a 17th-century trading post in the Congo, sometimes written Lu'ongo or Loango.

Nantucket-based hoteliers Mark and Gwenn Snider, owners of Little Gem Resorts, purchased 42 acres of Lovango island in 2019 and immediately set about building the first new resort in the USVI in three decades. Designed as an off-the-grid-getaway a stone's throw from the hustle and bustle of St. Thomas, Lovango Resort & Beach Club offers laid-back luxury that doesn't sacrifice creature comforts.

Easily accessible via a short ferry ride from the American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook on St.Thomas, the tranquil 15-minute journey across Pillsbury Sound immediately puts the mind in a more relaxed vacation state of mind.

Written by Claire Williams / Photography by Nicol Canegata / Photography with interior design/creative direction from Michael Thomas & Co.

Lovango Bay Village

Lovango Restaurant Glamping

View from a glamping tent.

As the resort master plans call for it to be fully built out over several years, during our visit, a reception and breakfast area for overnight guests was under construction atop a hill overlooking the beach club. There are 17 glamping tents and treehouses on the island's "backside," staggered on the steep hillside amidst a dense tropical landscape. The accommodations face an uninhabited island designated as a bird sanctuary, lending the feeling you are a million miles from civilization. In addition to providing a unique guest experience, the tents serve a practical purpose as they can be disassembled during hurricane season when the resort is closed.

We split our stay between a glamping tent and a treehouse. While both were stylishly outfitted and boasted a large cantilevered deck, the additional elbow room in the treehouse and an outdoor shower made it my favorite. MALIN & GOETZ toiletries and Matouk towels are among the elevated in-room amenities. Screens in the louvered doors and windows allow the trade winds in and keep the bugs out. The drapery and netting

of the canopy bed conceal a clever air conditioning system that regulates the temperature within the sleeping area and kept a hot sleeper like me comfortably cool.

While there isn't a gym on the property yet, making the 500foot vertical trek from the beach club to our room several times a day was all the workout we needed (golf cart transport is also available on call). There are also several hiking trails, including one that leads down to rocky and remote Crescent Beach (guests are given snorkeling equipment at check-in). A yoga mat and blocks are provided in each room.

Owning seasonal resorts on different schedules is a boon for the Sniders, who allow the staff at their properties to cycle between Nantucket and the USVI. Having seasoned staff from day one allows the newly opened resort to operate on a level similar to one that's been up and running for years.

The Sniders are hands-on owners, and it's not unusual to find the couple going from table to table at dinner, chatting up

Poolside cabana at the Beach Club

Covered terrace of a glamping tent.

Chef Stephen Belie's award-winning, globally-inspired cuisine

guests and soliciting feedback. When I asked him why he and his wife wanted to take on such an ambitious project on a tropical island, Marc responded, "I like being in the business of making people happy."

Our first-night feast was a global culinary whirlwind, with Caribbean lobster schnitzel, sea urchin gnocchi, green papaya and tea leaf salad, and Thai-inspired Caribbean seafood stew. Ferry service is available for non-overnight guests who want to come to Lovango's waterfront restaurant for lunch or dinner to enjoy chef Stephen Belie's award-winning cuisine.

The buzzy Beach Club is the heart of the resort. Offering day passes, a rotating lineup of events including a quite competitive water balloon toss, 'sand pit' games, an infinity pool, private cabanas, and excellent food and beverage service encompassing both healthy and "vacation calories don't count fare," it's the ideal anecdote for Type A folks needing a respite from their in-room relaxation. In short order, the Sand & Stars

party at the Beach Club on Friday nights has quickly become a must-attend event.

For a special souvenir, pick up a bottle of Little Gem Spirits’ Sweet Tamarind Rum, Caribbean Spice Whiskey, or Sorrel Lime Vodka from the cute boutiques lining the sandy boulevard near the beach club. The Sniders worked with St. Croix chef Todd Manley— credited with creating Mutiny Island Vodka distilled from the Breadfruit tree—to create spirits infused with flavors of the island. While they make an exciting addition to craft cocktails, I found they are perfect summer sips on their own.

Overnight guests are offered off-island excursions, including a water taxi across Caneel Bay to Honeymoon Beach on St. John's for two hours of snorkeling and relaxing. Regular ferry service between St. John and St. Thomas and private day charters are also available. Treasuring the tranquility afforded on the island, we honestly didn't feel a strong pull to "love and go" from Lovango during our threenight stay, as the diversity of offerings kept us amply occupied. sl

A NEW NEW YORK STATE OF MIND

Written by Bridget Williams / Photography by Robert Rieger courtesy of Aman New York

In the City that Never Sleeps, the ebb and flow of hotel openings and closings happen so regularly that they often register as a ripple in the Hudson to those outside the Big Apple bubble. However, when Aman New York opened its doors in August of last year after a series of delays, it made a full cannonball-style splash.

With its takeover of the historic Crown Building, Aman New York delivers the peace promised by Aman's Sanskrit-derived name and the palpable tranquility of its Asian roots to a covetable corner of 57th and 5th Avenue in the heart of Manhattan. The stepped skyscraper with a gilded chateau-esque tower, completed in 1921, has long held the distinction of garnering some of the highest rents in the city. The mixed-used building has a fascinating and diverse tenant and ownership roster including being the first site of the MOMA from 1929-1932 in a rented 12th-floor six-room suite.

Long-time Aman collaborator Jean-Michel Gathy, a Belgian architect whose three-decade dossier in all-exclusive luxury resort design includes Aman's exquisite Venice property on the Grand Canal, spearheaded the building's renovation.

When I tell you this place is magnificent, I mean it. There's a beguiling generosity of space and a harmony of design that instantly envelopes all the senses. Both overt and subtle design elements hearken to the brand's Asian roots. Intended to be a vertical resort, seating in public areas is oriented to keep the gaze inward on the beauty and serenity of surroundings rather than the city's frenetic

energy. We found it to be such a haven that throughout our two-night stay, we only (and reluctantly) left the confines of the haute hotel twice: once to meet an old friend for lunch and the other for a long walk in nearby Central Park, as a petite penance for all of our glorious and gluttonous indulging and imbibing at the property's signature restaurants—Arva and Nama—and its subterranean jazz club.

If you are someone desiring to feel like someone, this is the place for you. A team of attendants awaits at the front door, with more security at the elevator that takes guests up to the reception area on the 14th floor. As soon as the door opens, it's difficult not to be gobsmacked by Aman New York's bold minimalist view of a luxury urban hotel.

Calm, cool, and curated, the lighting design beckons you to want to see what's around the next corner. Fire is a recurring element, and a fireplace in the reception area helped to take the chill off a cold February morning while we completed the check-in process. The reception level is the heart of the hotel and populated with beautiful people from day to night. At present, only residents and registered guests have access to these elevated areas. Still, I can't imagine the powers that be at Aman will be able to fend off the requests for extended access, particularly in the summer months, when its exquisite 7k square-foot Garden Terrace, replete with extensive landscaping, fire-centered water features, retractable roof, and chic seating areas are fully availed.

The Bar Lounge. Artist Peter Gentenaar created the paper and bamboo sculpture that “floats” overhead.

Aman brings its Asian-inspired tranquility to the heart of Manhattan

Interior of Nama

The Garden Terrace

Garden Terrace Bar

Corner suite living room

Each suite boasts a large-scale art mural on rice paper inspired by the 15th-century masterpiece Pine Trees (Shōrin-zu byōbu) by Hasegawa Tōhaku.

Junior suite bathroom.

Bedroom in a corner suite.

The 83 suites are located on the floors beneath the lobby, as well as the spa, which encompasses 25k square feet over three entire floors (more on that later). The attention to detail and lighting extends to the guest rooms and suites, which are colossal by NYC standards.

As soon as the door to our room opened, my eye was drawn to the warm glow emanating from a fireplace—a rarity in Manhattan hotel rooms—at the far end of the room between a pair of windows overlooking Bergdorf and the crowds assembled to ogle the animatronic Yayoi Kusama painting her signature polka dots in the window at Louis Vuitton's midtown store.

To my left, a wall of handsome cabinetry concealed a generous amount of closet space, a coffee station with beautiful handmade ebony stoneware cups and saucers, and a minibar. On the right, a series of shoji-like screens, softly illuminated from within and mounted on swivel hinges, allowed for a "choose your own entry" into the spa-like bathroom with a low soaking tub and TOTO smart toilet. A clever console inside the door allows bags to be stored out of sight to maintain the feeling of feng shui.

Complementing the aesthetic while creating a dramatic focal point encompassing nearly the entire wall opposite the bed was a large-scale art mural on rice paper inspired by the 15th-century masterpiece Pine Trees (Shōrin-zu byōbu) by Hasegawa Tōhaku. After the giddy chatter of our reaction to the room subsided, we were met with something that's often a rarity in big city hotels—

complete silence. And, when the inevitable siren did find its way into our cocoon, it was more of a whisper than a wail.

Having visited five Aman properties, I can now count myself among the "Aman Junkies" club members. As such, the food and beverage program at Aman New York is heads and shoulders above what I've experienced at other Aman properties where the setting and architecture were the scene stealers.

Arva is located adjacent to the double-height buzzy Bar Lounge, where sinuous saffron-colored paper and bamboo sculptures that reminded me of a koi fish in motion (but were created by Peter Gentenaar to resemble Oriental lanterns) "float" between four stone columns. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner under the direction of Italian Chef de Cuisine Dario Ossola (whose previous gig was at Aman's Venice property), the Aman brand's signature Italian restaurant Arva pays homage to Italy's rustic, cucina del raccolto tradition with seasonally rotating, elevated comfort food served in refined spaces around a central open kitchen. Arva strives to source seventy-five percent of its ingredients locally via partnerships with Grow NYC and Our Harvest, representing over 750 farmers and managing at least 100 farmer's markets in and around New York City. Lucky for us, it was truffle season during our stay, and we went decidedly nonlocal, opting to have the fragrant fungi crown nearly every course of our leisurely lunch.

Chef de Cuisine Takuma Yonemaru at Nama, Aman's celebration of Japan's washoku dining tradition.

The heated pool is the centerpiece of the three-floor Spa at Aman New York.

A double treatment room in a private Spa House.

Dramatic cubes of chiseled rock mark the entrance to Nama, Aman's celebration of Japan's washoku dining tradition. Just inside the entry, a Japanese Hinoki wood counter is the site of twicenightly seatings for a 15-to-18-piece omakase-style fine dining experience. The staggered Complementing Frank Lloyd Wrightinspired ceiling and lighting pendants is a feature work created by local artist Melissa Hart.

Chef de Cuisine Takuma Yonemaru's sublime cuisine shines with every course, and we enjoyed sitting at the "kitchen counter," where we ate with our eyes before feasting on everything from sashimi to fork-tender Wagyu sirloin sprinkled with Moshio mineral salt and presented on handcrafted tableware emblematic of the Japanese notion of wabi-sabi. My better half, who has traveled extensively throughout Asia for work, remarked that it was the best Japanese food he'd had outside Japan.

Attesting to the property's ability to engage and satiate from morning till night is a basement-level speakeasy-style Jazz Club, one of the few venues "slightly" open to the public by reservation and boasting state-of-the-art acoustic technology. The intimate area is populated by crescent-shaped banquettes along the perimeter and tables near the draped stage, where a vintage Steinway sits in residence. Six-time Grammy nominee Brian Newman is the venue's creative director, booking a well-rounded group of acts encompassing contemporary jazz to the Great American Songbook. Live acts preceed late-night DJ sets (which, despite our best

intentions were unable to stay awake for). We fully expected the food to be an afterthought, but I am still craving just one more bite of their truffle grilled cheese some four months later.

If you are serious about self-care, the sanctuary offered by the vast Aman Spa is for you. At its heart is a 20-meter pool ringed by fabulous cone-style fireplaces and sleek seating areas. En route to your treatment, be sure to check out the boutique, featuring a selection of Aman-branded Goyard-esque leather goods, and Aman's eponymous apparel, skincare products, and fragrances; a whiff of the latter is enough to transport me back into a vacation state of mind.

As someone who checks out a hotel's gym on their website prior to booking a stay, the generously sized fitness facility was a dream for a workoutaholic like me with both tried-and-true equipment and high-tech offerings, including an anti-gravity treadmill.

Unique to New York City, Aman's indulgent and private Spa Houses, used for full or half-day retreats, offer either a Hamman or a Banya (a wood-clad sauna), in addition to a double treatment room, a living area with fireplace, and a large canopied outdoor terrace with hot and cold plunge pools for an utterly personalized spa experience. My chosen spa treatment, the two-hour Aman New York Signature Journey, focused on the healing, stabilizing, and balancing benefits of the fluorite crystal and, with apologies to Billy Joel, put me in a new New York state of mind that I could easily get used to. sl

For more information about Aman New York, visit aman.com/hotels/aman-new-york.

The Jazz Club at Aman New York

OOH LA

Graziela Ascension ring ($8,750; grazielagems.com). Suzanne Kalan diamond heart necklace (suzannekalan.com). David Yurman Streamline Tag in platinum with baguette diamonds ($18,000). Available through Diamond Cellar in Columbus, Moyer Fine Jewelers and Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, and davidyurman.com. Ananya Fine Jewelry Chakra ring ($5,400; ananya.com). Fred Leighton 1950s platinum diamond waterfall pendant earrings by Boucheron ($310,000; fredleighton.com). Effy Nature black and white diamond butterfly ring ($6,440; effyjewelry.com). Shahla Karimi long baguette V ring ($7,400; shahlakarimi.com).

Xpandable Gold Accent bracelet from Picchiotti ($66,300). Available from Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis, Elleard Heffern Fine Jewelers in St. Louis and at picchiotti.it/en. LXI OOAK sunset V-shape scatter ring from Ellis Mhairi Cameron ($3,010; ellismhairicameron.com). Nadine Aysoy Le Cercle ring ($14,060; nadineaysoy.com). Sig Ward Manifest charm ($4,050; sigwardjewelry.com). Yessayan baguette diamond statement earrings ($28,000; yessayan.us). Halleh pearl and baguette diamond earrings (halleh.com). Walters Faith Ottoline rose gold baguette hoop earrings ($9,950; watersfaith.com). Hoop earrings from Albarré Jewelry in St. Louis (price upon request; albarre.com). Harakh colorless diamond men’s ring ($6,800; harakh.com).

HAVE JEWELRY WILL TRAVEL

Left to right: Brent Neale pendant ($14,500; brentneale.com) OERA ring from Tabayer ($2,850; tabayer.com) Chris Ploof Oak Mokume Gane ring in red and yellow gold and silver ($3,150; chrisploof.com). Ileana Makri Cascade bracelet ($32,782; ileanamakri.com). Akaila Reid wavy collar necklace ($15,000; akailareid.com).

Left to right: Arman Sarkisyan silver snake cuff ($3,550; armansarkisyan.com). Guita M rough cut gemstone necklace ($14,000; guitam-jewelry.com). Tabbah Reptilia necklace (tabbah.com). Maya Gemstones The Odyssey talisman ring white enamel, black rhodium and diamonds ($5,750; mayagemstones.com). Sylvia Furmanovich Bastet marquetry earrings ($8,360; silviafurmanovich.com). Begum Khan Scarab earrings (begumkhan.com)

Left to right: Sun symbol earrings from Elena Votsi ($650; elevavotsishop.com). Sorellina La Luna earrings ($11,000; sorellinanyc.com). Temple St. Clair 18K Sole Ring ($3,200; templestclair.com). L’Atelier Nawbar 3 In 1 Day and Night Ring ($1,800; lateliernawbar.com). Never Not sunglasses pendant with opal and diamond ($4,084; nevernot.co.uk).

Left to right: Rainbow K Imperial choker (rainbowkjewelry,com). Matara Studio The Breeze of Wealth pendant ($4,850; matarastudio.com). Turquoise and golden South Sea cultured pearl Modernist earrings from Assael ($14,000). Available through Diamond Cellar in Columbus and Nashville and at assael. com. Tahitian pearl necklace from the Yoko London Starlight Collection ($4,500; yokolondon.com). Cynthia Ann Jewels antique seed pearl crown pendant ($6,525; cynthiaannjewels.com).

Marie Lichtenberg Love You locket ($3,430; marielichtenberg.com). Yvonne Léon bracelet ($12,500; yvonneleon.com). John Hardy Manah station bracelet ($495). Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville and at johnhardy.com. Deborah Pagani heart hair pin ($110; deborahpagani.com). Tabbah Talisman earrings (tabbah.com).

The City of Love

Sin City

Available in St. Louis through Elleard Heffern Fine

Pink

($4,700). Available through Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis and

Left to right:

Pamela Love Claude pendant ($4,700; pamelalove.com). Jovana Djuric Jewelry Horus Diamond Ego Pincher ring ($10,995; jovanadjuric.com). Rainbow K handcuff earring (rainbowkjewelry.com). Vram Chrona double cuff ($15,600; vramjewelry.com). Vernier Mon Jeu rose gold and titanium bracelet ($2,580).

Left to right: Argyle Pink diamond halo necklace by J Fine (jfinediamonds.com). Bondeye Jewelry emerald cut rose quartz pendant and chain ($1,390; bondeyejewelry.com). Anna earring from Emily P. Wheeler ($3,800; emilypwheeler.com). Nouvel Heritage pink sapphire earrings

at nouvelheritage.com. Andrew Geoghegan Chocolate Box Viva Magenta cocktail ring (andrewgeoghegan.com). Melissa Kaye Lola pink ring ($1,550). Available through Moyer Fine Jewelers in Indianapolis and at melissakayejewelry.com.

Left to right: Gismondi Genesi emerald bracelet ($20,600; shop.gismondi1754.com). Chose emerald ring with Columbian emerald from Reza’s ‘Facette’ series ($86,900; worldofreza.com). Lionheart Jewelry Lovey charm ($2,685; lionheartjewelry.com). Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 36 in18 ct Everrose gold with green aventurine dial. Available through the Richter & Phillips Company in Cincinnati, Diamond Cellar in Columbus and Nashville, Reis-Nichols Jewelers in Indianapolis, Davis Jewelers in Louisville, and rolex. com. Tanya Farah emerald and diamond small flower necklace ($3,600; tanyafarah.com)

Mandarina Duck Logoduck + Glitter beauty case ($125) and expandable cabin trolley ($225; mandarinaduck.com)

DIVINEO

Breaking tradition in Burgundy

Written by Claire Williams

To truly know French people, one must completely grasp their food and wine culture and the rules they abide by. The need to have a baguette accompanying every meal to soak up that leftover jus on your plate; the direct eye contact made with every santé as glasses raise in a toast; and the ritual of a coffee and cigarette on an outdoor terrace after a long day.

But then the question comes to mind: when is it the time to break those rules and go against tradition to create something truly exceptional? DIVINEO does just that in the wine world by breaking the traditional codes of French wine to give a new life and reputation to Vins de France.

In 2021, after discovering a preserved valley in the heart of the Languedoc region, in the southwest of France, a group of friends from varying backgrounds, including an ex-CEO of OranginaSchweppes and winery owners, founded DIVINEO and embarked on a journey to take grapes from the South and mature them in Burgundy in the east of France. DIVINEO aims to show that it's possible to make great wines by freeing themselves from traditional codification and appellations while highlighting terroirs that sometimes go overlooked.

During the early 20th century, wine production in France was plagued by fraud and low-quality wine that prompted the creation of the Institut National del'Originee et de la Qualité (INAO), an organization charged with regulating place of origin, quality, and style of French agricultural products such as wine and

cheese. Under the INAO, the wine classification system, known as Appellation d'originee contrôlée (AOC)—French for controlled designation of origin—sets the standards for wine in France. The wine produced outside an AOC is referred to as Vin de France, denoting only that the wine comes from France. Such a designation is historically associated with wines of lesser quality and often sold under brand names.

In Burgundy alone, there are 84 AOCs, ranging from Grand Cru to Régionale appellations, which guarantee the authenticity of a region's wines, reflect the diversity of the terroir and that of its winemakers, and typically secure a higher price point. Most connoisseurs and lovers of wine are attached to specific appellations, and each have their preferred AOC; a Pauillac from Bordeaux or a Châteauneuf-du-Pape from the Rhône Valley are all examples of this.

An AOC guarantees quality and protection in the production of wine; it can also make wine predictable. While each cuvée varies yearly, most are attached to certain AOCs because it's familiar, and consumers have come to know what to expect in the bottle. This is where DIVINEO comes in: their winemakers work with Southern grape varieties in Burgundian cellars to create a new universe of sensations oscillating between intensity and freshness. DIVINEO's founders boldly aim to be the dawn of a new era of wine in France by not being classified as an AOC and reinventing the Vin de France category.

DIVINEO owns 19 hectares (nearly 47 acres), with nine under vine in the Robiac Valley. The valley offers a micro-climate of cool

nights, advantageous elevation, and a forest environment. DIVINEO hasn't shied away from embracing variety in their grapes. They cultivate Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, Vermentino, Roussanne, Picpoul, and Bourboulenc for their white wines. The main grape varieties already planted for their red wines are Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault. Their remaining land will be planted little by little in the coming years, with Chenin, Petit Maseng, Carignan Blanc and Gris, and Aligoté all on the agenda.

Clodéric Prade manages DIVINEO's vineyards. A selfproclaimed Languedocien winegrower with a Burgundian palate, he is one of DIVINEO's co-founders and also the owner of Domained'Erianee in Saint-Mamert-du-Gard. In the time between DIVINEO's 2021 and 2023 cuvées, five other winemakers passionate about their aim to make revolutionary wine joined their team. The newest member of the DIVINEO team, Maëlys Jardin, says of their unusual method, "Our winegrowers are free to express all their knowhow and passion in their wines. The maturing in Burgundy barrels allows us to obtain wines characterized by their freshness and elegance. They are always high-quality wines, made with precision and care."

DIVINEO, like most wineries in France, grasps the importance of biodiversity in their vineyards and attempts to have as little intervention as possible, such as using indigenous yeasts and very low doses of sulfur in the winemaking process. With an emphasis placed on agroforestry and organic farming, DIVINEO wants their terroir and the talent of their winemakers to speak for themselves.

DIVINEO produced five cuvées for 2021 that genuinely express the journey from the Robiac Valley to Burgundy.

Of the five, the Grenache Vieilles Vignes—a blend of Black Grenache and Syrah—is one of their most unique and prestigious wines, made with grapes from 60+-year-old vines from vibrant terroir that imparts the grapes with a taste rarely seen in Southern territories. With notes of black fruit, spice, and a touch of smoke, this prestige range is limited to only 700 magnum bottles and will be available as of April 2023.

Creating a sense of community is also a core business goal, with DIVENEO fans invited to join their Club des Affranchis, "The Freedmen's Club". Club members are privy to exclusive convivial events in Paris, Languedoc, and Burgundy and can access members' only cuvées

While DIVINEO is just beginning its journey, the possibilities seem endless as they grow by exploring new grape varieties and continually innovating through winemaking. Julien Petitjean, one of DIVINEO's winegrowers, said he sought guidance from winegrowers on the verge of retirement to "opt for know-how over knowledge" as he forged his path to creating wine free from preconceived notions. While the time and UNESCO-honored French food and wine culture resolutely persists, DIVINEO's challenge of the status quo may lay the groundwork for new traditions to take root. sl

You can taste DIVINEO wines at Domaine

de la Roseraie in Nolay (winemaker Julien Petitjean), Domaine Petit Roy in Chorey-les-Beaune (winemaker Seiichi Saito Wang), and at Domaine Nicolas Perrault in Dezize-lès-Maranges (Perrault family winemakers). Learn more at vindivineo.com.

Seiichi Saito Wang Julien Petitjean Clodéric Prade

Clockwise from top left: Eres Aquarelle swimsuit in Limonade ($390; eresparis.com). Gandhara men’s Egeo swim trunks ($150; costumigandhara.it/en). Bea Bongiasca x Linda Farrow sunglasses (starting at $350; available starting 5/1 on netaporter.com). Grober sunglasses from MOSCOT ($350; moscot.com).

Opposite page, clockwise from top left: From Lele Sadoughi’s Contemporary Collector Spring Collection (lelesadoughi.com): Lime Zest knotted headband ($195), Marigold stud earrings ($85); Papaya & Day Dream Marigold crochet mini totes ($195/each), Natural Maya mini tote ($345), Sherbert Showers raffia ruffle handbag ($425), Pastel rainbow crochet tote ($195), and Geometric Jumble Maya mini tote ($375). Image courtesy of Lele Sadoughi. From My Beachy Side: Left: Sabrina triangle bikini ($195) and Sabrina tie-font hoodie coverup in white ($630) Right: Ginger Shell string bikini ($125) and Sabrina tie-font hoodie coverup in multi ($630; mybeachyside.com). Ceclia sunglasses from LAPIMA ($554; us.lapima.com). Alepel + RECESS pickle ball paddle ($98; alepel. com). Lele Sadoughi Jet Peggy ($145), Canary Confetti ($165), Pearl Elton ($165) and Check Mate Palm Springs ($165) sunglasses and Confetti Lily earrings ($195; lelesadouhi.com). LUISA SPAGNOLI Catapulta striped dress ($850) and Icaria bag ($370; luisaspagnoli.com). My Beachy Side Ali crochet halter top ($255) and Faye wide leg pants ($405; mybeachyside.com)

Clockwise from top left: Jurney dress from Trina Turk ($498; trinaturk.com). Honolulu board short from Mr. Turk ($228; trinaturk.com)

through a blend of traditional stainless steel or powder-coated framing and center panels, (danver.com/urbane). This page, clockwise from top left: ISLA modular outdoor collection from Gandia Blasco is available in seven color combinations (gandiablasco.com). The signature Flamenco® from Santa Barbara Umbrella, shown in watermelon awning-weight Regatta® solution dyed acrylic canopy and whitecap braid trim (santabarbaradesigns.com). Photo by James Chen. Mah Jong outdoor by Jean Paul Gaultier for Roche Bobois (roche-bobois.com). Available in three colors, Voyage from Trex Outdoor Kitchens features a full height door base for storage and a grill base with additional storage underneath (tree-outdoorkitchens.com). The D.150.5 solid wood chaise longue, designed by Gio Ponti for Molteni & C. ($9,780’ shop.molteni.it). Poltrona Frau's Leather Pots in the newly-developed Pelle Frau® Motif Weavers motif (from $200; poltronafrau.com).

DRIVEN BY PERFECTION

Rolls-Royce celebrates the 160th anniversary of the birth of co-founder Sir Henry Royce.

Written by Andre James / Photos courtesy of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Sir Henry Royce's uncompromising command, "Strive for perfection in everything you do. Take the best that exists and make it better," is one of the most famous quotations in automotive history. It is also a maxim that rings down the ages and still inspires and informs the company that bears his name.

The price for a bespoke Rolls-Royce regularly eclipses the tens of millions. Making an appearance at the 2021 Concourso d'Eleganza at Villa d'Este on the shores of Italy's Lake Como, a Rolls-Royce Boat Tail allegedly hand-built for Beyoncé and Jay-Z is rumored to have cost an eye-popping $28 million. It's a price tag that would likely seem unfathomable to Henry Royce, who experienced hardship, poverty, and disadvantage in his early life.

Royce was born in 1863 as the youngest of five children. His family's perilous financial circumstances worsened when his father, a miller, was jailed after being declared bankrupt, the punishment according to the era's laws. Determined to make a better life for himself, by age ten, he was working in London, first as a newspaper seller and then as a telegram deliverer. Then, in 1879, with financial backing from an aunt, Royce landed an apprenticeship at the Great Northern Railway workshops in Peterborough. He quickly demonstrated his aptitude for design and a natural ability to work with tools and varied materials.

Undeterred after his Aunt could no longer subsidize his annual apprenticeship fee, Royce returned to London in 1881 to work at the fledgling Electric Lighting & Power Generating Company,

forsaking traditional engineering for the emerging field of electricity. Unregulated at the time, the lack of oversight and the need for formal qualifications to work in electricity proved to be a boon for Royce, who by age 19 was named Chief Electrician to a company supplying electric lighting to Liverpool. Unfortunately, hard times came knocking before his twentieth birthday when mismanagement forced the company into receivership and Royce into unemployment.

Relying on his savings, hard-earned knowledge, and an unrelenting work ethic, in 1884, Royce founded F H Royce & Co in Manchester, which initially produced small items such as battery-powered doorbells before moving into heavy equipment. Despite this success, a life of unrelenting personal and professional struggles took a toll on his health, and in 1901 his physician persuaded Royce to embark on a 10-week holiday to visit his wife's family in South Africa. On the return trip, he picked up a copy of The Automobile – its construction and management, and his life's trajectory took a monumental shift.

Reinvigorated from his respite, in 1904, Royce acquired his first motor car upon his return to England, a 10 H.P. Decauville. The finest car available to him, he immediately dismantled it with the stated intention to "take the best that exists and make it better." He began by building three two-cylinder 10 H.P. cars based on the Decauville layout, followed by the three-cylinder 15 H.P., four-cylinder 20 H.P., and six-cylinder 30 H.P., each of which represented significant advances in automotive design.

Dutch fashion designer Iris Van Herpen collaborated with Rolls-Royce on the haute couture-inspired Phantom Syntopia. The interior’s ‘Weaving Water’ starlight headliner is the most complex in Rolls-Royce history. It is also the first Rolls-Royce to use a bespoke scent.

At the end of March, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars unveiled Black Badge Wraith Black Arrow to mark the end of production of one of the most transformative cars in the marque’s history. Limited to just 12 examples worldwide, this bespoke vehicle is the last V12 coupé Rolls-Royce will ever make, as the company embarks on its bold new electric era.

Sir Henry Royce with an experimental Rolls-Royce car, 6ex

In 1906, two years after the initial meeting between Henry Royce and the Hon. Charles Stewart Rolls (who, in contrast to Royce, was a younger, aristocratic, Cambridge-educated aviation pioneer and racing driver), at the Midland Hotel in Manchester, England, Rolls-Royce Managing Director Claude Johnson persuaded Royce to adopt a 'one model' policy. In response, Royce designed the 40/50 H.P. 'Silver Ghost,' demonstrating Royce's almost uncanny instinct for using the right materials for components long before scientific analysis could provide reliable data. He also discovered that fluids' properties alter with speed, so he designed the Silver Ghost's carburetor with three jets that came into play at different throttle openings, thereby eliminating 'flat spots'. At this same time, Rolls-Royce acquired a site on Nightingale Road in Derby to accommodate the burgeoning business, where Royce personally designed and oversaw building a brand-new, purpose-built factory.

Once again, maintaining a crushing workload caused Royce to suffer a health crisis, and in 1911 his doctor prescribed a period of extended rest. Royce opted for an epic multi-continent road trip with Johnson. During a stop in the south of France on the return, Johnson bought a parcel of land in Le Canadel, near Nice, and commissioned a new house for Royce, plus a smaller villa for visiting drafters and assistants. For the rest of his life, Royce sensibly spent his winters at Le Canadel and summers in the south of England.

From 1917, Royce's English residence was Elmstead, an 18th-Century house in the village of West Wittering on the Sussex

coast, just eight miles from the present-day Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood. Elmstead had some adjoining land, where Royce resumed his long-standing interest in fruit farming. Inevitably, he brought his desire for perfection to this activity, too, studying every book he could find to become an expert on all aspects of husbandry, particularly soil chemistry and fertilizers. Even though farmers came from miles around to admire his crops and livestock, Royce never called himself a farmer, preferring the term 'cultivator.'

Whether he was designing car components or aircraft engines, Royce's search for perfection never waned, yet even he acknowledged that it was, in fact, unattainable. His mantra for his drawing-office staff was "rub out, alter, improve, refine." During his long and varied career, Royce filed 301 patents – an astonishing feat for a largely self-educated engineer. An instinctive, intuitive engineer, Royce firmly believed that if something looked right, it probably was right. He was awarded an OBE in 1918, and in 1930 he was made a Baronet – thus becoming Sir Henry Royce – for his services to aviation. With characteristic modesty, he wrote to all Rolls-Royce employees, thanking them for their contribution to the honor.

As his biographer Sir Max Pemberton noted, Royce was convinced to the end of his days that “only by production is a man making the best use of his time." Royce was still drawing designs within hours of his death, at Elmstead, on a custom work table fitted to his bed. The power of his ethos and legend still informs and inspires the company that bears his name 160 years after his birth. sl

The prototype for the Rolls-Royce all-electric Spectre undergoing extreme hot weather testing in South Africa.

The House of Rolls-Royce debuted ‘Cullinan-Inspired by Fashion’ at Art Basel Miami. Comprised of two prêt-à-porter collections– the bold Re-Belle and striking Fu-Shion, these bespoke examples take inspiration from vibrant hues and textures seen in the world of high fashion, reflecting the eclectic tastes and lifestyle of the luxury clientele.

Rolls-Royce Boat Tail, 2021

Rolls-Royce 'The Silver Spectre' (Chassis 1601, 1910)

ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE

Employing a trained eye and an emphasis on modern art and craft, interior designer Natalie Officer remakes a rural retreat passed from one creative couple to the next.

Written by Bridget Williams / Photography by Andrew Kung

Nuance matters in modern design. Within this aesthetic, distinguished by earthy palettes, natural materials, and streamlined silhouettes, once you strip away the jetsam and flotsam of more mainstream construction and design, what remains is a focus on the fit and finish of finer points. The eye is free to examine how purposeful window placement allows for a choreographed dance of light and shadow across a room or the careful carpentry in a flawlessly executed kerfed window.

For Natalie Officer, Principal Designer of her eponymous firm, minding the minutia of modern design makes her a modernday soothsayer. She says she must be able to simultaneously take "a psychological deep-dive into what a client holds dear" while anticipating how the finished conception can evolve with them for

up to a decade. "When it's executed right, a project should have a shelf-life of seven to ten years," she explained.

Unlike the poor cobbler's children, the onset of the pandemic allowed Natalie and her team to realize the transformation of a pastoral piece of property on the suburban edge of Louisville she purchased with her husband, Reise. Formerly owned by a community-building and creative couple who worked and dabbled in the varied worlds of graphic design, photography, music, pottery, sailing, and equestrian pursuits, it was imperative to Natalie that they honor the positive energy the previous owners poured into the property. At the same time, she was laser-focused on realizing her singular vision for a family home she pinned to her drawing board soon after selling their previous home and acreage.

Interior designer Natalie Officer photographed in her primary bedroom. Local artist Kelly Zellers created the wall mural.

The kitchen wing is defined by large windows and multiple access points to the outdoors.

Photo by Luke Metzinger

Julie Metzinger found the vintage fiber art by Harry Hilson. Milo Baughman burl wood coffee table, hand-knotted rug from Pakistan, George Nelson for Herman Miller Bubble Pendant.

Every vignette in the home is carefully considered.

Natalie recalled that acquiring the bucolic property while COVID's initial wave was shutting down the world turned out to have a silver lining. The timing allowed her and her business partner Julie Metzinger to quickly pivot and retain most of their staff on a consultant basis, allowing them to take on outside work until the fog of the unknown lifted.

As someone with a laser focus on modern design, Natalie was already cognizant of the challenges in finding a construction partner willing to take on the exacting nature of the build. "There's no room to be 'off' or sloppy in modern design," she articulated. Ultimately, she leaned on regional builder Tom Weber of GCU Custom Builders and his willingness to get the home to the "dried-in" stage before turning it over to her team, which included leaning heavily on the expert woodworking skills of William Schumacher. "Tom's ability to work collaboratively and honor a 'teach over tell' mentality throughout our project was truly refreshing," Natalie said. The structural changes to the home were immense; Natalie remarked that only nine boards from the original saltbox section of the farmhouse remained.

In its previous life, the luminance of the sunken living room made it ideal as an art and pottery studio, complete with a kiln. Now home to creations of the culinary variety, upon entering, the kitchen doesn't present itself as such, which is precisely what Natalie had in mind. "I don't consider myself a great gourmet, and I wanted this

room, like the rest of the house, to serve as a hub for gathering and indoor-outdoor living," she explained.

On any given day, you'll find one of their three children soaking up the sun on an extended bench seat positioned in front of a picture window opposite a bank of handsome walnut cabinetry with integrated pulls. Natalie patinated the brass sheets adhered to the wall above a bank of cabinets and opposite the picture window, serving as a one-of-a-kind organic art installation. Two sets of doors provide access to the outdoors. Here, as throughout the home, storage is paramount, as possessions with proper homes maintain the minimalist aesthetic.

"Lighting is a really big deal for us," said Natalie. From room to room, the overhead fixtures and sconces command attention without screaming, 'Look at me!'. Artworks are similarly curated and intentionally sourced to highlight homegrown talent, including Letitia Quesenberry, Loren Myhre, and Kelly Zellers. "Diversity is important to us, be it clients, employees, vendors, and subcontractors," Natalie explained. "We want to bring 'flavor' of all kinds to our community."

An artisan's eye extends to the textiles, which are all customdesigned. Visually compelling, a bespoke hand-laid tile installation surmounts a built-in cabinet in the dining room. A mosaic of leftover tiles collected over the years, Natalie said the focal point represents a microcosm of her company. "It's texture, organic, and grit with permanence."

Walnut cabinetry with integrated pulls purposefully and beautifully conceals the kitchen's utility. Custom-made stool by Dan Druley Craftsman in Cincinnati.

Lighting fixtures, such as the Tom Dixson pendants suspended above the dining room table, were selected to make a unique statement without commanding all of the attention. Vintage Lowenstein Pedova rush chairs pull up to a walnut table from BluDot.

A bespoke mosaic in the dining room created from leftover tiles from previous projects creates a focal point and a sensory client roster.

Natalie patinated the brass sheets applied to one wall in the kitchen.

A white-oak accent wall introduced in the entry extends to the second floor. A long first-floor hallway leads past BLSH 13 (2020), a captivating mixed media piece by Letitia Quesenberry, and on to the family's hangout space, complete with large windows and a generously proportioned sectional with room for everyone. Natalie's business partner Julie found the four vintage fiber art pieces created by Harry Hilson. "The wall had been waiting for them," Natalie remarked. Two icons of midcentury design both ground and crown the space: a burl wood cocktail table by Milo Baughman sits beneath a George Nelson for Herman Miller bubble pendant light.

At the hall’s terminus, in what had been the garage, is now a restful primary suite. Natalie tapped artist Kelly Zeller to create a lively mural on all four walls. "Every time I walk into the room, I

see it differently depending on the light," she said. A sculptural soaking tub in the primary bath sits in front of a walnut-clad wall with integrated window shutters. Natalie opted for lava rock floor tile from Daltile as it will acquire a unique patina over time. The closet is one of the few places with visible hardware; Natalie said the handforged feel speaks to her as the daughter of a welder.

This project represents the fifth renovation Natalie and her husband Reise have tackled as a married couple and the 35th since she founded her firm sixteen years ago. While Natalie knows that modern design is not everyone's cup of tea, she remains upbeat about the continual uptick in interest. At the same time, she has no aim to be larger than a boutique firm, preferring the hands-on, custom touch demonstrated in her own home. "We want each project to come out like a perfectly thrown piece of pottery." sl

A Crosswater Teardrop Grande bathtub in the primary bath sits in front of a walnut-clad wall with integrated window shutters. Daltile Antico Scuro floor tile. Pebble LED pendant from ANDlight.

On any given day, you'll find one of the homeowner’s three children soaking up the sun on an extended bench seat positioned in front of a picture window in the kitchen.

Just outside the bedroom door hangs BLSH 13 (2020), a mixed media piece by Letitia Quesenberry. Local artist Kelly Zeller created the bedroom’s mural. Blu Dot bed, Bocci 28S wall lights. Photo by Luke Metzinger.

Build-Your-Own Deviled Eggs

Yield: 2 dozen eggs / 48 halves

Recipe courtesy Kristopher Cole, executive chef and co-owner, The House of Marigold, Louisville

Photo by Andrew Kung Group

Total time: 14 hours including overnight / Hands-on time: 1 hour

Deviled Eggs

Ingredients:

• 24 eggs

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 4 ½ tsp apple cider vinegar

• 4 ½ tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 ¼ tsp kosher salt

• 1 ¼ tsp black pepper

Preparation:

• Hard boil eggs: place in a pot and cover with water 1 inch above the eggs. Bring to a boil for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and cool under cold water and place in an ice bath. Once cool, peel gently.

• Cut eggs in half and remove the yolks. Place yolks in a mixing bowl. Smash egg yolks with a whisk and add all other ingredients and whip to a smooth consistency. Place in a piping bag and fill eggs.

Green Tomato Chow Chow

Ingredients:

• 6 green tomatoes, diced small

• 1 serrano pepper, minced

• 1 yellow onion, diced small

• 1 green bell pepper, diced small

• 1 red bell pepper, diced small

• 2 celer y stalks, diced small

• ½ tsp ground nutmeg

• ½ tsp turmeric

• 2 tsp kosher salt

• 2 tsp red mustard seeds, whole

• 2 tsp yellow mustard seeds, whole

• 2 tsp fennel seeds, whole

• 2 tsp black pepper

• 1 cup apple cider vinegar

• 2 cups sugar

Preparation:

• Place all diced vegetables in a bowl with the salt. Cover and store overnight in the refrigerator.

• The next day, strain and reserve liquid from vegetables.

• Toast mustard and fennel seeds in a dry pan over medium and grind.

• In a sauce pan, simmer vinegar and reserved vegetable juice. Add sugar and spices and pour over vegetables.

• Cool, cover and store refrigerated.

To create a build-your-own deviled egg bar:

• Prep your hardboiled eggs.

• Set out on a platter — if using a deviled egg tray, you can leave some of the divots open for toppings. Or, use small bowls for your topping assortment. Be sure to provide serving utensils for toppings.

• Offer a variety of toppings — chef Cole suggests:

• One or two shredded/crumbled cheeses, shredded cheddar and crumbled blue cheese are good choices

• One or two pickled options, like the chow chow above and/or pickled red onions, capers or relish

• One or two fresh options like micro greens, chopped chives or chopped green onions

• Crumbled crispy bacon

Benedictine

Makes about 2 cups

From Just a Few Miles South: Timeless Recipes from Our Favorite Places, published by the University Press of Kentucky

By Ouita Michel, Sara Gibbs and Genie Graf

by Talitha Schroeder

Benedictine is another recipe that’s used throughout my restaurants. The spread’s roots are in Louisville, where it was created by Jennie Benedict (1860–1928), a revered cook and hostess and author of The Blue Ribbon Cook Book. This version is from Carol Laufer, a noted Louisville event planner, and was shared by her daughter, Lisa Laufer, Holly Hill Inn’s sous chef emeritus. Note that, unlike other Benedictine recipes, this one does not add green food coloring or mayonnaise. Lisa makes Benedictine like no one else, and it’s the best I’ve ever had. This classic Kentucky spread is a must-have for any Derby party. Benedictine is often served with smoked trout on hoecakes, classically with bacon. I like a BB&T— Benedictine, bacon, and tomato—on white. It’s good with crackers or crudités as well.

Ingredients:

• 2 large cucumbers (about 9 ounces each)

• 12 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature

• Onion juice to taste; start with ½ teaspoon (see note below) ½ teaspoon kosher salt, or more to taste

• 3–4 dashes hot sauce

Preparation:

• Peel cucumbers, retaining a bit of skin for color. Puree in a food processor. Squeeze cucumber puree in cheesecloth, removing as much liquid as possible. This keeps the spread from being too runny. Cucumber juice is delicious in a Bloody Mary or chilled with a splash of lemon and vodka.

• Combine all ingredients in a mixer or food processor and mix until smooth. Taste for seasoning.

• Note: For onion juice, grate one-quarter of a peeled onion on a cheese grater and squeeze out the juice using cheesecloth.

Henry Bain’s Meatballs

Makes about 40 meatballs

Recipe courtesy of Matt Jamie, Founder of Bourbon Barrel Foods

Henry Bain’s Sauce was the creation of Louisville, Kentucky’s Pendennis Club’s legendary Maître d’, Henry Bain (1863-1928), who was one of the Pendennis Club’s first employees dating back to 1881. He perfected this sauce to complement steak, pork and local game brought in by club members. For over a century, the Pendennis Club Original Henry Bain’s Famous Sauce was only available to members and guests of the world-renowned club. At one time, Henry Bain’s sauce was the most requested recipe from Louisville, Kentucky’s local media outlets – although, the recipe has many published variations. When Bourbon Barrel Foods teamed up with Pendennis Club, it was our goal to create the most authentic version you could find on the market.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices white bread, crusts removed, cut in small pieces

• ¼ cup milk

• ½ pound ground pork

• ½ pound ground beef

• ½ medium onion, finely diced

• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

• 2 tablespoons Bourbon Barrel Aged Worcestershire Sauce

• 1¼ teaspoons Bourbon Barrel Garlic Salt

• ½ teaspoon Bourbon Barrel Citrus Pepper

• 1 large egg

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• ¼ cup Henry Bain’s Sauce, plus more for serving

Preparation:

• In a small bowl, combine bread and milk. In a large bowl, combine pork, beef, onion, parsley, Worcestershire, garlic salt, and citrus pepper. Mash bread and milk to form a wet paste and add to meat mixture. Add egg and gently mix to combine. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour.

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mix and form mixture into meatballs. Heat a large skillet over medium heat with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add half the meatballs and cook until brown on all sides. Transfer to a foil lined, rimmed baking sheet. Repeat with remaining oil and meatballs. Bake meatballs for 15 minutes. Remove from oven.

• Set broiler on high. Brush meatballs with the Henry Bain’s sauce. Broil for 3 minutes until burnished and glossy. Transfer to a serving bowl. Serve with extra Henry Bain’s sauce on the side.

Wood Fired Peaches & Apricots

Recipe courtesy of Chef Marc Therrien, Keeneland Image courtesy of Keeneland

“I love cooking with the seasons, and I love simple food with good technique! I love this simple summer dish for that exact reason. This in-demand dish finds its way on our summer menus with great enthusiasm from our clients, so much that they ask for it all year long. We can only serve during peach season, and we look forward to summer for sure. I love this dish due to the acrid wood smoke and char the open flames lend to the stone fruit balanced by the soft warm sour goat cheese. The minted honey gives the touch of sweetness needed with smoked peppercorn to give the final balance.”

Ingredients:

• 4 ea ripe peaches, cut into 8 segments

• 2 ea ripe apricot, cut in half

• 1 cup garden mint, blanched and towel dried to remove all moisture.

• 1 cup local honey

• 3oz local chevre goat cheese

• 2 tsp smoked peppercorn, milled

• 1 tsp pink peppercorn, crushed

• Flake kosher salt to taste

Preparation:

• Season a cooling rack and place on top of your wood grill, until its red hot.

• Carefully add your cut peach and apricot using long tongs and lightly grill stone fruit, do not over char!

• Using good quality blender add honey and mint and blend on high until creamy and tinted a nice color green

To assemble plate:

• Arrange peaches anyway you like and place apricot next

• Place goat cheese in random focal points amongst grilled stone fruit.

• Drizzle minted honey for taste, depth and color.

• Add crushed peppercorns.

• Finish with a touch of kosher salt.

• Garnish with fresh mint as its going to table

Kicking off this May, Keeneland Racecourse plans to bring together equine epicureans with all-new dining experiences on the grounds of the historic track. The renowned Keeneland Hospitality team will host the exclusive “Chef’s Secret Dinner Series.” Guests won't know where they’ll be dining until they arrive (it could be the famed Winner’s Circle, Trophy Room, or even on the racecourse itself).

Photo

Mint Julep Salad

Recipe courtesy of the culinary team at The Galt House

Ingredients:

• 2 large English cucumbers (sliced thinly)

• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese

• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion

• ¼ cup picked mint leaves

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil

• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar

• ¼ cup simple syrup (you can purchase this or make it by combining equal parts water and sugar and dissolving over low heat)

• 1 oz bourbon

• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

• Make our “mint julep vinaigrette” by combining the EVOO, cider vinegar, simple syrup, half of the mint leaves, and bourbon in a blender. Blend on high for 1 minute then season to taste with salt and fresh ground pepper.

• Take the remaining mint leaves and gently tear them into small pieces.

• In a mixing bowl combine the sliced cucumber, crumbled feta, slice red onion, and the mint julip vinaigrette.

• Gently toss the salad and then transfer to a serving dish.

• Top with torn mint leaves and serve chilled.

Peachy Keene Serves One

Made with the newest flavor from Ale-8-One, the top selling consumer product in Kentucky. If you want to leave the preparation up to an expert, you can find it at Belle’s Cocktail House in Lexington along with the Ale-8 peach slushy.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Mezcal

• ½ oz Rose Liqueur

• ¾ oz Lime Juice

• ½ oz Pineapple Juice

• 6 Basil Leaves

• Peach Ale-8

Preparation:

• Muddle four leaves of basil in shaking tin, saving two for garnish.

• Add all remaining ingredients except Peach Ale-8 to the shaker with ice.

• Shake to chill & dilute.

• Strain to Collins glass with cocktail ice.

• Top with Peach Ale-8 and garnish with remaining basil leaves.

Fudge Brownie

Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter

• 3 ounces dark chocolate, chopped

• 1 egg

• ¼ c sugar

• 2 tbsp cocoa powder

• 2 tbsp corn starch

• Large pinch of salt

Directions:

Pistachio Chess Pie aka “Racetrack Pie”

Recipe courtesy Katie Irvin, pastry chef, Barn8 Restaurant + Bourbon Bar, Goshen Photos courtesy Ryan Mahony/Hermitage Farm

Pistachio and chocolate mingle together well because the chocolate brings a certain bitterness that pairs nice with a toasted nut. Pistachios in particular have a bit of sweetness that works with the richness of chocolate. The two combined make a really special dessert.” – Katie Irvin

Crust

Ingredients:

• 2 ¾ c flour all purpose

• 2 sticks or 1 c unsalted butter

• ½ c water

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp sugar

Directions:

1. Slice the cold butter into thin pats and toss into flour, salt, and sugar. You want to smash the fat into the dry ingredients to incorporate. Keep rubbing the butter into the flour until the pieces are pea-sized.

2. Drizzle the cold water over the ingredients. Work the water in until a shaggy dough starts to form.

3. Dump the dough and any dry bits onto a clean work surface. With a bench scraper, cut the dough in half and stack on top of each other to create layers.

4. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill for 3 hours minimum, or ideally overnight.

Pistachio paste

Ingredients:

• 6 ounces bag of Setton Farms Roasted and Salted pistachios

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1 tsp neutral oil such as canola

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350ºF and roast the pistachios. This helps release the oils and will grind easier.

2. Grind the pistachios in a food processor until sandy. You will have to scrape down the sides a few times. Add the sugar and oil, to help the nuts grind into a paste. Scrape and process until smooth and a liquid paste forms.

1. To make brownie batter, start by melting the butter and chocolate in a small bowl in the microwave or over a double-boiler on the stove.

2. While this is cooling, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and salt until lightened in color and thickened.

3. Stream in the chocolate and butter mixture into the eggs. Whisk until combined.

4. Sift in the cocoa powder and cornstarch into the batter. Fold with a spatula until just combined.

Pistachio chess filling

Ingredients:

• 5 tbsp butter unsalted

• 1 c sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/3 c milk

• ½ c pistachio paste

• 1 tbsp white vinegar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 3 eggs

Directions:

Melt butter in a medium bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients and whisk together until smooth.

To bake the pie:

1. Roll pie crust a few inches larger than your pie plate. Place into plate and press the bottom and sides firmly. Trim any excess dough and shape the crust. I always go for a classic crimped edge.

2. Par-bake the crust for around 15-20 minutes at 375ºF weighed down with parchment and pie weights or beans. Remove the weights and bake an additional 5 minutes until the bottom starts to barely brown and no longer looks “wet.”

3. Spread the brownie batter into the bottom of the par-baked crust and bake for 8-10 minutes at 325ºF.

4. Once the brownie is mostly baked through, pour the pistachio chess filling in and bake for about 30 minutes at 325ºF until the top is evenly browned and the filling is set.

5. Chill completely before serving.

Optional for serving—Whip a pint of cold cream with 2 tbsp of powdered sugar and 2 tbsp of pistachio paste to top the pie once cooled. Sprinkle some chopped up Setton Farms pistachios for crunch.

FORCE OF NATURE

Written

Now I see you

Mother, woman, musician

Relentless in your work

And in your love

These opening lines from Now I See You, a single from soprano and Louisville native Emily Albrink’s debut album of new classical music Force of Nature, hits you right in the feels like a Puccini opera. The idea for the album began percolating during COVID when she and her sons were going stir-crazy at home. “I had lots of time to consider my children, mortality, and legacy. So much of what we do as performers is ephemeral, and I wanted to create something lasting,” she said.

I understand you

Desperate for connection

Proud of your passions

Dedicated to the memory of her mother, Nancy Albrink, founder and artistic director of the Academy of Music at St. Francis in the Fields, who passed away suddenly in 2017, the selffunded album consists of four commissioned song cycles from composers Jake Heggie, Rene Orth, Nailah Nombeko and Steve Rouse, who received a directive to tell different stories related to

the female experience from their diverse perspective. “I wanted a true deep dive, non-sugar-coated exploration of a vast range of emotions of what women go through today,” explained Emily.

Steadfast to your values

Unafraid to mold

Brave enough to guide

While Emily has been performing professionally worldwide for decades, Now I See You marks the first time she has penned lyrics, writing them in collaboration with pianist Kathleen Kelly to a score by Jake Heggie. “Singing my own words is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced,” said Emily, who likens the mental acuity required of an opera singer to that of a fighter pilot.

I see you

I get you

I thank you

I love you.

Art song, a vocal music composition written for one voice with piano accompaniment, is Emily’s favorite type of music, and she never considered anything else for her debut album. “It’s all about

by Bridget Williams / Portrait of Emily by Anna May Photography

Louisvillian and Soprano Emily Albrink Releases Debut Album of World Premieres

the poetry, incredibly intimate and meaningful.” Pianist Kathleen Kelly, a faculty member at Baylor University with whom Emily first collaborated as a student, was her first choice as her accompanist. “I’ve always felt drawn to her and her playing.”

One-and-a-half years after making initial contact with the composers, the album was recorded over four days at Comstock Hall at the University of Louisville, where Emily is an Assistant Professor of voice, an experience she describes as “intense and amazing,” despite having to sing a given measure over and over again to make sure it was right. While awaiting the commissioned music, Emily reached out to friends and colleagues with recording experience and launched an indiegogo campaign to help with the nearly $70k in expenses involved in making the album. She also got by with a little help from her friends in Louisville, who hosted fundraising events for her benefit. “This whole process made me grateful for my community,” she gushed.

As it often happens with monumental experiences, Emily gleaned several life lessons. “One major thing I discovered is that by engaging with a project that was so professionally fulfilling, other aspects of my life felt equally rewarding; I had more energy and patience with my children.” She also learned to manage her fear of the unknown, change, and failure, a recurring theme of her childhood and her relationship with her mother. “When you push through the fear, the real growth

happens, and magic can take place,” she said, adding that this process made her fully realize the value and importance of the bond with her mother.

Emily recently wrapped a small recital tour that included Baylor University, Notre Dame University, and the University of Louisville, the latter of which she likened to a wedding reception with so many friends and family on hand. “I don’t think I’ve ever sung for an audience in such an electric atmosphere,” Emily recalled, adding that she genuinely felt her mom’s presence at that moment.

Quick to acknowledge the simultaneously unconventional and groundbreaking nature of her work, Emily remarked that giving a voice to a wide range of emotions seen through a female lens and often glossed over in classical music, including stories of insecurity, body image issues, risk-taking, poor decisions, abuse, gossip, and modern motherhood, has been more empowering than she expected it to be. And, while debuting at the top of the charts on April 28th and a Grammy nomination would be the cherry on top, Emily said she is pleased with the album’s potential to introduce a new audience to classical music. She cited a conversation with one of her students who brought their girlfriend to her concert at the University of Louisville, and she remarked that “she loved hearing new words set to ‘old’ music.” sl Watch the video for the single

Emily Albrink with her mother Nancy Albrink

For over 37 years, Nell has helped clients successfully market and sell their unique properties. In these ever changing times, you will need an agent with experience and expertise in variable market conditions. I am dedicated to providing trusted advice and service to assist you on your real estate journey.

Please call 502.338.2499 for a market analysis if you’re thinking of buying or selling.

ASHBA CONVENTION

1) Miranda Shope, Lillia Shope, Desiree Clarkson, Addison Kurtz, Carla Ritzie 2) Karsyn Corwin, Melissa Reedy 3) Cortney Golsky, Hickory Golsky 4) Miriam Hirshon, Kristi Gardiner 5) Jack Chambers, Bobbi Chambers 6) Mary McLean, Heather Di Giannantonia, Amy Dix Rock, Ana Marie Knipp, Owen Weaver, Jennifer Foster 7) Ginny Beth Norton, Carol Jones, Carolyn Hardaway 8) ASHBA Youth

Photos by Daniel Roberts

The Living Legends gala reception and dinner dance was held at the Kentucky Horse Park in conjunction with the American Saddlebred Convention to honor the breed’s most important contributors and its brightest stars.

CENTRAL KY HEART BALL

Held at the Central Bank Center to benefit the American Heart Association. Guests were encourage to “Bring a Ball to the Ball,” which were delivered to Shaping Our Appalachian Region and distributed throughout Eastern Kentucky to promote health and fitness among kids who may not otherwise have access.

1) Kara & Jordan Ball 2) Larry & Kristin Dyson, Kelli & Dale, Karen Kin, Mike Mraz 3) Mike Turner, Stephen Bargatze, Andrea Ooten 4) Darnell Tagalsa, Shelesha Peyton, Tenesha Peyton, Terri McDonald 5) Lynn & Chris Roty 6) Debbie Smith, Jamie Parks 7) Karen & J Rodes 8) Maggie & Cameron Abney 9) Carol & Jack Russell

Photos by Daniel Roberts

AN INSPIRED EVENING

Returning after a pandemic-forced hiatus, the UK Art Museum’s annual benefit at the Singletary Center for the Arts recognized the numerous Kentucky artists it has exhibited and collected throughout its 43-year history. Curator Janie Welker, who recently announced her retirement, was the event’s honoree.

Photos by Daniel Roberts

1) David & Whitney Smith 2) Janie Welker, Stuart Horodner 3) UK Art Museum Staff & Students 4) Jeffrey Beck, Marianne Fox 5) Christina Yve, Shelby Stivers, Stacey Gish 6) Matthew Nyquist, Mia Cinelli, Karyn Hinkle, Luke O’Hara 7) Aaron Garvey, Nanci House 8) Deron Eckert & Alex Narramore 9) Dan Rowland, Seema Capoor

slmag.net

THE ORIGINAL INFLUENCER

Never short on followers, the 2023 Range Rover has been thoroughly reimagined while also retaining its legendary DNA. From the feeling of calm sanctuary inside, to breathtaking modern design throughout, it is, quite simply, the most desirable Range Rover ever created. MSRP from $106,500.

Land Rover Louisville

4700 Bowling Blvd Louisville, Ky 40207

Sales (502) 429-8085

Landroverlouisville.com

Vehicle shown: 2023 Range Rover. © 2023 Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC

FRANKEL NIGHT

Photos by Daniel Roberts

1) Chance & Emily Ezell 2) Tiffany Pickett, Lynn Osborne, Alison Fore 3) Mary Beth Wright. Polina Nikolova, Sharon Michael 4) Paige & Ryan Gallas 5) Melissa Gamble, Gina Jones 6) RJ & Cassie Yozwiak 7) Katie & Gabe Dadi 8) Elizabeth Asay, Ashley Cannady 9) Lydia & Grant Black 10) Anissa Franklin, Kendrick Young

The largest annual fundraising event for the Hearing & Speech Center, the annual Cocktails & Casino benefit was held in the Longship Club at Kroger Field. The Julie Beth Hayden Foundation was inducted as the newest member of the Frankel Hall of Fame. 86 slmag.net

1) Chris & Lauren York, Cerise Bouchard & Craig Caudill 2) Sonja & Kyle Pijut 3) Bo List, Audrey & Scott McIntosh 4) Sarah Cummins (Head of School), Bo List (Dir. Arts & Comm.), Katherine Greene-Owens (Dir. Of Admissions), Lisa Cheal (Dir. Of Finance), Heather Kimberling (School Social Worker) 5) Chris & Sarah Schuetz 6) Molly & Sam Franklin 7) Elizabeth McLaren, Amanda & Mark Gumbert 8) Audrey King, Ryan Haden 9) Jeremiah & Marianne Phelps 10) Danny & Jenny Martin

REDWOOD AUCTION

March Madness was the theme of the Redwood Cooperative School’s annual gala, held at the Marriott at Griffin Gate.

ARTS ON FIRE

LexArts kicked off their 2023 Fund for the Arts Campaign with a launch party at the Lexington Opera House. Presented by Stock Yards Bank & Trust, the event featured performances by Lexington’s hottest artists and arts organizations. 88 slmag.net

Photos by Daniel Roberts

1) Shayla Lynch, LaShawn Barber, Phil Jun 2) Phil Jun, Ame Sweetall, Red Medley, Nathan Zamarron, Di Boyer, Maury Sparrow. 3) Liz Harris, Lacy Baird, Selina Shepherd, Alicia Jordan 4) Brandl Skirvin, Chris Edwards, Craig Wahlgren 5) Greg Padgett, James Brown, Vice Mayor Dan Wu, Lauren Sherrwo 6) Reid Caudill, Mary-Alicha Weldon, Ame Sweetall, Di Boyer 7) Tom & Suzonne Bunch, Alex Garcia 8) Linda Turley, Mayor Linda Gorton, Vice Mayor Dan Wu, Lakshmi Sriraman 9) Will Sowers, Meredith Lane