Hamilton FW19

AC C E N T: T H E M AG A Z I N E O F L I F E ’ S C E L E B R AT I O N S

H A M I LT O N J E W E L E R S

FA L L / W I N T E R 2 0 1 9

ISSUE 2. 2019

PRINCETON 609-683-4200 PA L M B E A C H 5 6 1 - 6 5 9 - 6 7 8 8 PALM BEACH GARDENS 561-775-3600 H A M I LT O N J E W E L E R S . C O M

CHAIRMAN Martin Siegel PRESIDENT Hank B. Siegel VICE PRESIDENT Donna J. Bouchard VICE PRESIDENT David S. Kaster VICE PRESIDENT Anne Russell

34

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Christopher D. Navarro

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Rita Guarna C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R Stephen Vitarbo SENIOR EDITOR Daria Meoli S E N I O R A S S O C I AT E E D I T O R Darius Amos LIFESTYLE EDITOR Haley Longman E D I T O R I A L A S S I S TA N T Gianna Barone

14

ART DIRECTOR Victoria Beall CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Donna Rolando, Everett Potter

100

14 The Earth Without Art Is Just ‘Eh’ 18 A Decade of Discussion 22 Mixed Media 28 Body of Art

83 First Ladies of the NFL

32 Tour Grandly

88 Have It Your Way

34 Inspired Pieces

98 Beyond the Slopes

46 A Feminine Force

100 Italy’s Showplace

56 Finely Tailored

106 Table Matters

62 Collect ’em Like Beckham

116 Bridal Bling

64 His and Hers: The Gift of Time

122 Christine’s Hope for Kids

66 Perpetual Excellence

126 Opportunity Knocks

68 The New “Bay” Watch

132 Hamilton Happenings

70 Cool and Collected

134 Diamonds Do Good

72 At the Movies: Watch for the Watch

136 Extra! Extra!

P U B L I S H I N G S TA F F GROUP PUBLISHER Shae Marcus ACCO U N T M A N AG E R Lisa Menghi A DV E RT I S I N G S E RV I C E S D I R EC TO R Jacquelynn Fischer GRAPHIC DESIGNER, AD SERVICES Violeta Mulaj P R O D U C T I O N A R T A S S O C I AT E Christopher Ferrante ACCO U N T I N G Agnes Alves, Megan Frank, Randy Tashjian

PUBLISHED BY Wainscot CHAIRMAN Carroll V. Dowden PRESIDENT & CEO Mark Dowden SENIOR VICE PRESIDENTS Shae Marcus, Carl Olsen VICE PRESIDENTS Nigel Edelshain, Thomas Flannery, Rita Guarna

Jewelry has been enlarged to show detail. Due to the fluctuating prices of diamonds, gold and platinum, prices are subject to change without notice and may vary depending on size, quality and availability. While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information in this magazine, we are not responsible for errors or omissions. ACCENT is published by Wainscot Media, 1 Maynard Drive, Park Ridge, NJ 07656, in association with Hamilton Jewelers. Copyright © 2019 by Wainscot Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Editorial Contributions: Write to Editor, Hamilton Jewelers, 1 Maynard Drive, Park Ridge, NJ 07656. The magazine is not responsible for the return or loss of unsolicited submissions. Subscription Services: To change an address or request a subscription, write to Subscriptions, Hamilton Jewelers, 1 Maynard Drive, Park Ridge, NJ 07656, or by telephone at 201.573.5541. Advertising Inquiries: Contact Shae Marcus at 856.797.2227 or shae.marcus@wainscotmedia.com. Printed In The U.S.A. Volume 17, Issue 1. ©2019

ACC.HAM.fw19.toc.kk.indd 2

On the cover: art designed by Sammy Handler.

4 Welcome Letter

9/24/19 5:29 PM

dear friends,

I’m pleased to present our latest issue of ACCENT Magazine… our largest and finest issue to date. The issue is filled with editorial content that reflects our passion not only for beautiful jewelry and fine timepieces, but lifestyle pursuits that we all enjoy. From travel to the latest automotive developments to entertaining trends, we hope you’ll find something that piques your interest.

There’s no question that “unplugging” more is becoming cool again.

From Baby Boomers to Millennials, generations are reading books once more, returning to vinyl records, Polaroid cameras, vintage cars and a host of tangible pastimes that can be touched and experienced in an entirely different way than a digitized version. This publication represents our consensus that sometimes everything old truly is new again. Perhaps I should dig out my Springsteen vinyls.

We also believe in bricks-and-mortar….Our stores embody both personal engagement and technology to enhance your shopping experience. With some wonderful renovations nearing completion in both our Princeton flagship and Palm Beach locations, we are eager to unveil an evolved future for our guests to enjoy.

Please enjoy this issue of ACCENT with our compliments, and I hope you will drop by to see the latest and greatest at Hamilton.

We look forward to seeing you soon,

Hank Siegel, President Follow on Instagram @HAMILTONCEO

42_MM_AccentMag_Fall19_LesPetalesLifestyle.indd 1 Mikimoto_SP_FW19.indd 2

8/25/19 9:08 PM 8/27/19 12:53 PM

42_MM_ Mikimot

Les Pétales Place Vendôme Collection

9:08 PM 12:53 PM

42_MM_AccentMag_Fall19_LesPetalesLifestyle.indd 2 Mikimoto_SP_FW19.indd 3

8/25/19 9:08 PM 8/27/19 12:53 PM

KEIRA KNIGHTLEY

CHANEL_SPR_FW19.indd All Pages ACCENT_HAMILTON JEWELERS_NOVEMBER ISSUE_107122.indd 1

©2019 CHANEL®, Inc., J 12®

8/26/19 7/24/19 3:14 4:26 PM

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Breitling’s Superocean When the first Breitling Superocean models were launched in 1957, they made it clear that there was a major new player in the diver’s watch market.

These watches were distinguished by their exceptional performance, their quality, and their pure Breitling style. In the more than 60 years since, the family has remained a favorite, and a new Superocean Collection has been created to stand up to the rigors of the most challenging water sports.

With its new Superocean Collection, Breitling has updated and upgraded one of its best-loved and most successful watch families. Breitling Superocean watches have been highly regarded for their diving prowess for more than 60 years. While the members of the new collection reflect the brand’s deep-water DNA, they are certain to appeal to men and women with active lifestyles. With their clean, sporty design and impeccable performance, these new Superoceans will feel at home on any wrist and in any environment.

While the first Superocean watches were designed with divers in mind, the new models—which are absolutely equal to the challenges of the deep seas—have a broader mission. They are as fashionable as they are sporty and will attract not only watch enthusiasts who are ready to explore the oceans’ depths, but also those whose adventures are a little closer to the shore.

Dive with it, surf with it, swim with it. Or wear it when you are helping keep our oceans and beaches clean, all safe in the knowledge that, however you might want to spend the rest of the day, your Superocean will fit right in.

Breitling CEO Georges Kern points out that the watches reflect more than just the brand’s diver’s watch legacy: “Our Surfers Squad and our

partnerships with Outerknown and Ocean Conservancy speak volumes about our affection for the seas. With the new Superocean Collection, we have created watches for people who want to explore the oceans, whether they are active in water sports or in clean-up initiatives. And, of course, they will excite any fan of Breitling’s design values.”

At the heart of each member of the new Superocean Collection is the Breitling Caliber 17, a movement that offers a power reserve of around 38 hours. The watches—all of them COSC-certified chronometers—feature luminescent Super-LumiNova® numerals, indexes, and hands, ensuring excellent readability in any conditions.

The new Breitling Superocean Collection has been created in five different sizes, ensuring that there is an incredible diver’s watch ideally suited to every wrist.

Since 1884, Breitling has established a global reputation for high-precision timepieces, its pioneering role in the development of the wrist chronograph, and its uncompromising commitment to design excellence. With the brand’s storied association with aviation, Breitling has shared the finest moments in humankind’s conquest of the skies. Renowned for its spirit of innovation, it has also earned a place of privilege in the worlds of science, sport, and technology. Breitling manufactures its own movements in-house and the quality of every watch is confirmed by its status as a COSC-certified chronometer, made in Switzerland.

CSC-Nav8-hero Breitling_AccentMagazine_NO TAG (9x10.875).qxp_Layout 1 8/5/19 1:40 PM Page 1

The Breitling Cinema Squad Charlize Theron Brad Pitt Adam Driver

#SQUADONAMISSION

14

HAMILTON

WHAT BEGAN WITH A PAIR OF WHITE SNEAKERS HAS EVOLVED INTO A MAJOR FORCE IN THE WORLD OF POP ART.

Every once in a while, an artist comes along who influences pop culture with his or her unique interpretation of modern art. Such is the case with Samantha Handler, the artist and founder of KicksBySammy. What began as Sammy’s reinventing a pair of simple Keds sneakers with doodles has evolved into an emerging design company and a whole new way of looking at pop art. continued...

HAMILTON

15

The Evolution

After hand painting those first University of Maryland Keds sneakers five years ago, Sammy burst onto the art scene.

A self-made CEO at 23 years old, Sammy discovered that doodling on paper was not enough of an outlet for her creative passion. So, she decided to launch KicksBySammy, a manifestation of her love of drawing.

KicksBySammy has evolved into a full-service custom design firm offering a variety of services: visual installations (storefronts, murals), event/party artwork, custom painted/printed products, custom promotional/client gifting products, corporate freelance design work and kids and baby products. With each new venture, Sammy has the opportunity to share her creativity and unique style.

She also has collaborated artistically with major corporate companies including NBCUniversal, CBRE Real Estate, JCK Las Vegas, Sojern, ZO Skin Health, Spiaggia Restaurants, Primark, American Camp Association and more.

Giving Back

Giving back always has been important to Sammy. Ten percent of all KicksBySammy proceeds are donated to the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research to honor the memory of her grandmother.

Sammy’s Mission

Sammy believes in the empowerment of emerging artists and their pursuit of finding canvases to bring color and happiness into the lives of others.

Through KicksBySammy, she hopes to inspire these new artists through the success of her back-to-basics meets modern pop art work in today’s world.

For more information, visit kicksbysammy.com | Follow on Instagram @kicksbysammy

Lux_RIGHT.indd 1

9/4/19 4:14 PM

Jean-Michel Basquiat, Bird On Money, 1981 Acrylic and oil on canvas 66 x 90 in. (167.6 x 228.6 cm) Courtesy of Rubell Family Collection, Miami

FROM AN EXCEPTIONAL FAMILY-OWNED ART COLLECTION, THE CONTEMPORARY EXHIBITION 30 AMERICANS TAKES THE STAGE IN PHILADELPHIA AT THE BARNES FOUNDATION TO CELEBRATE ITS 10TH YEAR OF TRAVELING THE COUNTRY AND INFLUENCING A GENERATION.

18

HAMILTON

b y

R a e

P a d u l o

Provocative. Powerful. Bold. Celebrating representation in a climate fraught with political and social uncertainty, the art exhibition 30 Americans brings a rare and welcome visibility to some of today’s most influential contemporary African-American artists, and challenges the viewer with its sheer size and the extraordinary quality of over 60 artworks from the Rubell Family Collection. “30 Americans,” says Gwendolyn DuBois Shaw, organizing curator at the Barnes Foundation for the 10th anniversary showing of the collection, “is this century’s most impactful exhibition of work by contemporary artists of African descent.”

When you visit Philadelphia between Oct. 27, 2019 and Jan. 12, 2020, you’ll find a remarkable array of heavy hitters from the world of contemporary African-American art—Basquiat, Cave, Walker, Wiley, among many others—that, when observed together, present a brilliant history of the politics of race, gender and political and historical identity. continued...

Kehinde Wiley, Equestrian Portrait of the Count-Duke Olivares, 2005 Oil on canvas. 108 x 108 in. (274.3 x 274.3 cm) Courtesy of Rubell Family Collection, Miami

Organizing curator Gwendolyn DuBois Shaw is a trailblazer in her own right, making her uniquely qualified to throw an erudite net around 30 Americans. With an esteemed career that includes a teaching position at Harvard University, a slate of awards and fellowships, and countless publications on art and race in the U.S., she is currently an associate professor of the History of Art at the University of Pennsylvania. Shaw also is the newly appointed senior historian and director of history, research, and scholarship at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery, the first AfricanAmerican to hold this senior position.

“30 Americans has been, without question, this century’s most impactful exhibition of work by contemporary artists of African descent.”

Gwendolyn DuBois Shaw, Organizing Curator

More Than Just an Exhibition

The Avant-Garde Collectors

Similarly, the Rubell Family Collection (RFC), founded by Mera and Don Rubell, has become one of the world’s largest privately owned, publicly accessible contemporary art collections. Founded in New York in 1964, the RFC made the move to Miami nearly 30 years later, and an expansion of its mission soon followed, in the creation of the Contemporary Arts Foundation with son Jason Rubell. Featuring such illustrious artists as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Jeff Koons, Yayoi Kusama, Cindy Sherman and Kara Walker, the foundation “actively acquires, exhibits, and champions emerging artists working at the forefront of contemporary art.” In fall 2019, the Rubell Family Collection/Contemporary Arts Foundation will move to a larger, newly renovated building in Miami and will reopen as the Rubell Museum, dovetailing nicely with the international art juggernaut, Art Basel Miami Beach, scheduled for December 2019.

Visions like those created by street-art legend JeanMichel Basquiat. Basquiat’s love of music comes to life on the canvas in Bird on Money (1981), a visually hyperactive ode to jazz musician Charlie Parker, in which Parker is depicted as a yardbird, which was his nickname. Or from Philly native Barkley L. Hendricks, praised as a master of black postmodern portraiture; Noir (1978) is a classic example of his stylized portraits, at once dramatic and coolly elegant. Rashid Johnson’s The New Negro Escapist Social and Athletic Club (Thurgood) (2008) is a haunting example of Johnson’s exploration of racial and cultural identity, AfricanAmerican history and mysticism.

20

HAMILTON

Indeed, it seems only right that these two art powerhouses should join forces to bring 30 Americans to Philadelphia. Both the Barnes Foundation and the Rubell Family Collection were founded by private collectors who were interested in amassing and sharing cutting-edge contemporary art with the public.

After making his fortune by co-inventing the antiseptic Argyrol, Dr. Alfred C. Barnes began collecting in 1912 and assembled a peerless cache of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and early Modernist paintings, as well as Old Master works, crafts and decorative art—all at a time when collecting these kinds of pieces was not yet popular. Originally set in an arboretum in Merion, Pennsylvania, “the Barnes” (as it is colloquially known) became an educational institution dedicated to promoting an appreciation of horticulture and a direct engagement with the art. An eye toward expansion led the Barnes to move to Philadelphia in 2012, to its current state-of-the-art building, purposefully designed to echo the galleries of its previous location.

After its premiere in 2008, 30 Americans traveled the country in various iterations over the next decade, leaving in its wake a provocation to human perception of gender, race and social inequity, as well as an introduction to many of these talented African-American artists. “[The exhibition] is a cultural phenomenon that has helped catapult the nascent careers of a number of the included artists,” Shaw says. “[It] also influenced and encouraged other artists and collectors across the country to pursue their individual visions.”

ACC.HAM.fw19.Barnes.kk.indd 20

9/24/19 2:28 PM

The Matters of Size and Discussion

“Although the entire exhibition is made up of highlights,” Shaw explains, “there are some works that because of their size and boldness are very impressive.” Among these grand pieces are Kara Walker’s Camptown Ladies (1998), a nearly 50-foot-long silhouette installation, and Kehinde Wiley’s Equestrian Portrait of the Count-Duke Olivares (2005), a nine-foot-high portrait of a young man on horseback.

Wiley is perhaps best known as the artist chosen by Barack Obama to paint Obama’s presidential portrait for the Smithsonian National Gallery—the first African-American artist to do so. Known for his naturalistic, brightly colored renderings of young black men, Wiley often reinterprets images by master painters that celebrate the white European elite by replacing the central figures with vibrant portraits of young African-American men in their own street clothes. Equestrian Portrait of the Count-Duke Olivares is a reinterpretation of the painting of the same name (1819) by Diego Velázquez, a painter of the Spanish Golden Age. Mickalene Thomas’ diptych, Baby I Am Ready Now (2007) turns the notions of power and gender on their heads. Boldly patterned, encrusted with rhinestones and celebrating the strength of beauty, the painting’s female figure sits with a powerful stance, challenging the viewer with her direct gaze.

Encouraging discourse is one of the strengths of the exhibition, with even the title inciting discussion. In the exhibition catalogue, the Rubell family explains the selection of the title 30 Americans, rather than, for example, 30 African-Americans: “Nationality is a statement of fact,” say Mera and Don Rubell, “while racial identity is a question each artist answers in his or her own way, or not at all.”

Barkley L. Hendricks, Noir, 1978 Oil and acrylic on canvas 72 x 48 in. (182.9 x 121.9 cm) Courtesy of Rubell Family Collection, Miami

Mickalene Thomas, Baby I Am Ready Now, 2007 Diptych, acrylic, rhinestone and enamel on wooden panel 72 x 132 in. (182.9 x 335.3 cm) overall Courtesy of Rubell Family Collection, Miami Rashid Johnson, The New Negro Escapist Social and Athletic Club (Thurgood), 2008 Lambda print, Ed. 2/5 69 x 55 1/2 in. (175.3 x 141 cm) Courtesy of Rubell Family Collection, Miami

HAMILTON 21

For more information, visit barnesfoundation.org

CREATIVITY IN BOTH ART AND JEWELRY SOMETIMES CALLS FOR MIXING MATERIALS. YOU CAN WEAR TRUE WORKS OF ART THIS SEASON.

ARTISTRY 22

HAMILTON

Just as Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque combine paint, pencil, cloth, wood and other materials to produce masterpieces, contemporary jewelry designers create museumworthy pieces by mixing metals and stones and varying textures and scale. This gallery of unique jewelry pieces proves that baubles are much more than just accessories....

They are objects of artistry.

A cascading drop of fancy-cut diamonds hand wrought in precious platinum.

HAMILTON

These extraordinary chandelier earrings showcase various diamond cuts including cushion-cut, marquise and pear-shaped to present a magnificent statement of fire and brilliance. The diamonds are of excellent color and clarity, creating a shimmering display of luminous radiance.

23

ARTISTRY 24

HAMILTON

Handcrafted platinum 3-row necklace with stunning oval cabochon moonstones totaling over 210 carats.

Accented with vivid round brilliant cuts of Montana sapphire, total weight over 5 carats, which originate from a particular gemstone deposit known for its excellent cornflower blue color.

18K YELLOW, WHITE, ROSE GOLD AND DIAMONDS 20190828_Accent_CK_GoldAd.indd 1

8/28/19 12:22 PM

ARTISTRY Magnificent diamond drop earrings, crafted in platinum to create heirloom quality and timeless elegance.

GIA certified diamonds including round- and pearshapes, totaling nearly 12 carats. With excellent color, cut and clarity, the diamonds display brilliant fire and luminosity to be cherished for a lifetime.

26

HAMILTON

A truly classic silhouette‌ the diamond and gemstone choker. Handcrafted in enduring platinum, this extraordinary necklace is comprised of round sapphires and diamonds with a floral motif design.

Our artisans select only the most vivid blue sapphires, totaling 41 carats, and fiery diamonds with a total weight of more than 21 carats, for a timeless statement of eternal sophistication.

ACCENT_FRED.indd 1

8/13/19 10:23 AM

28

HAMILTON

TRENDING

ONCE ESTEEMED, THEN DISSED, THE TATTOO IS MAKING A COMEBACK WITH GENTEEL FOLK, THANKS PARTLY TO THESE FOUR TALENTED PRACTITIONERS AROUND THE WORLD.

By Robert Schork

HAMILTON

When people think of art they usually picture something hanging on a wall or mounted on a pedestal, not an image on their triceps. But the use of the tattoo as body art has been traced back at least to 2600 B.C., when Egypt’s pyramids were being built. And this distinctive visual medium is enjoying a new wave of international popularity today among folks who don’t necessarily have anything to do with motorcycles, psychedelics or unfiltered cigarettes dangling from the lips.

The word “tattoo” comes from the Polynesian noun tatau, meaning a puncture or mark on the skin. In Borneo, women used tattoos to advertise skills they possessed (such as weaving) to attract husbands, while other cultures believed tattoos conferred mystical powers to thwart illnesses and prevent tragedies. Some civilizations used tattoos to denote superior rank in society, while others employed them to brand criminals and slaves.

In Britain, tattoos became an upper-class fad in the late 1700s. They retained this upscale approval in Western culture until the advent of the electric tattooing machine in 1891. Once tattoos became accessible to the masses their appeal plummeted, descending by the 1930s to the demi-monde of carnivals and sideshows.

More recently, tattoos have been re-popularized by the mass media. Many in the industry point to the success, starting in 2005, of the reality TV show Miami Ink and its several spinoffs, which feature competitive tattooing, as the trigger for this cultural pivot. The trend has continued with the glamorization of tattoos by celebrities ranging from Angelina Jolie to David Beckham. Turn the page to learn about four talented tattooers and where their proud art draws its “inkspiration.”

29

ACC.HAM.fw19.Tattoos.indd 29

9/24/19 2:56 PM

TRENDING

Carolyn Elaine, United States Known for her beautiful watercolor tattoos of wildlife, Chicagobased Elaine was inspired to become a tattoo artist in high school, where classmates would ask her to design their tattoos.

“They would come back [from the tattoo parlor] with my tattoo design on them, and that was super exciting,” Elaine said in a televised interview with the Paramount Network (then Spike) in 2016, promoting her debut as a contestant on the show Ink Master. “I love to do color realism, because I get to play with textures and find new patterns of colors, and you’re not just looking at a still picture, but things happening that are moving and very eye-catching.” When asked in another interview if clients have ever requested specific inks, Elaine deadpanned: “On multiple occasions I have been asked if I can use an animal byproduct-free, all-organic, vegan ink—seriously, I don’t have much to say to that request.”

30

HAMILTON

Horishow, Japan This gifted practitioner came to tattoos because of his love of paintings. He emulates favorite artists, but uses skin as his canvas. Horishow says he derives his artistic inspiration primarily from ukiyo-e, a style of woodblock prints and paintings popular in the 17th to 19th centuries that depicted scenic vistas and illustrated folktales. (That would explain his penchant for doing finely detailed tattoos of traditional Japanese subjects in bright colors.) There’s a one-month waiting list to get inked

by Horishow in his studio in Fukuoka, and he charges 15,000 yen ($136) per hour for his creations, which he will place anywhere you’d like—except on the face or genitals.

Daniel DiMattia, Belgium At 54, DiMattia has been practicing his art for 40 years, having started on himself at 14. “I used the metal point of a compass from school,” he recalls. “I did it on my left forearm—it was a Christian cross that represented death for me, followed by a diamond with a big dot in the middle, which stood for feelings of isolation and being trapped. I definitely did it as an act of rebellion.” The self-taught DiMattia, who specializes in geometric patterns in black ink, gravitated toward tattoos evoking “tribal art, primitive works, African ornamental patterns and Polynesian art. So my clients tend to be people who like to travel and discover new landscapes and cultures, enjoy nature and are always searching for adventure.”

Ajarn Noo Kanpai, Thailand Kanpai, whose moniker translates to “Master Noo of Protection,” is a self-described master of Thai spiritual tattooing, known as Sak Yant.

He is sought as much for his spiritual guidance as his artistry. His clients are even referred to as his “disciples.” They include Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and other celebrities from around the planet. Kanpai gave his first tattoo while residing in a temple as a novice monk. His mystical tattoo designs typically involve intricately drawn lines of scripture and prayer, images of tigers and combinations of numbers, all meant to imbue their recipients with mystical properties and magical blessings, ranging from protection and luck to fortune and health.

HAMILTON 31

AUTO 32

HAMILTON

WHETHER YOU’RE A JOY RIDER OR A ROAD TRIPPER, THE MCLAREN GT CONVEYS YOU IN UNMATCHED COMFORT AND STYLE. By Darius Amos

ACC.HAM.fw19.Auto2pgs.indd 32

9/24/19 2:57 PM

Many automakers—from everyman Ford to uber-luxury Bentley—create “GT” models, using the abbreviation for the Italian phrase Gran Turismo—literally, “great touring.” But few capture the essence of GT—a blend of luxurious details with high performance and elite styling. Count McLaren as one of those few.

The British sportscar manufacturer boasts a lineup of 0-to-60 track stars and quarter-mile sprinters that’s second to none. And thanks to the McLaren GT, it quickly jumps to the head of the long-haul grand touring pack. Engineers consider this the brand’s most comfortable and spacious car ever, noting that it was designed to be roomier, lighter, faster and more responsive than others in its class. Oh, and it retains the exclusive supercar status thanks to a lightweight carbon fiber body and a twin-turbo V-8 engine that produces a roaring 620 horsepower and 0-to-62 time of 3.2 seconds. McLaren’s familiar dihedral doors? The GT has those too.

So what distinguishes the GT from McLaren’s other cars, including the flagship 570 and the iconic 720S? For starters, it’s a practical supercar.

No, it’s not a sedan, nor does it come with a second row of seating. But you

can pull up to the country club in a GT because hidden beneath the glass tailgate is a luggage compartment that’s large enough to fit three golf bags.

It also has 5.5 cubic feet of cargo space in the front if you want to stash a few pairs of golf shoes. In total, the GT has more than 20 cubic feet of storage, the most ever in a McLaren.

The GT can’t match the legroom of an SUV, but its interior is designed with road trips in mind. Cashmere upholstery is an option, and padded soft-grain leather seats are stitched with bespoke patterns and feature extra shoulder and back support, giving both driver and passenger an elegant and smooth ride. McLaren also filled the GT with modern luxuries such as its most sophisticated infotainment system (there’s a 12-speaker/carbon fiber subwoofer option available), ambient lighting and a front-to-back tinted-glass roof, among other details.

Starting at approximately $210,000, the GT is the McLaren family’s in-between model bridging the 570 and 720S. But make no mistake: This grand tourer is already ahead in its class.

The McLaren GT is as fast and powerful as others in the supercar class. Its storage space and modern luxuries, however, are unrivaled.

DESIGNERS

FROM ARCHITECTURE TO ONE’S OWN SIGNATURE, INSPIRATION CAN COME FROM ANYWHERE. THE JEWELRY DESIGNERS TOOK THAT TO HEART WHEN PLANNING THESE COLLECTIONS.

34

HAMILTON

MIKIMOTO A Parisian Icon The Les Pétales Place Vendôme collection was inspired by a view of rose petals carried by the breeze and descending onto the Place Vendôme in Paris.

The collection features petal shapes covered in diamonds that reflect the beauty of this iconic place, which houses the world’s top luxury brands. The backs of the fluttering petals are created by using the “Umekomi” technique and mimics the flower pattern. While Les Pétales Place Vendôme was launched with the 2017 High Jewelry Collection, new items have been added this fall, making it a more comprehensive collection.

Clockwise from top left: All from the Les Pétales Place Vendôme Collection—white South Sea cultured pearl pendant with diamonds, set in 18K white gold; white South Sea cultured pearl station necklace with diamonds, set in 18K white gold; white South Sea cultured pearl ring with diamonds, set in 18K white gold; and white South Sea cultured pearl earrings with diamonds, set in 18K white gold.

OSCAR_HEYMAN.indd 1

8/13/19 10:15 AM

DESIGNERS

DAVIDOR Palladian Arches From top: 18K yellow gold L’Arc de Davidor Bead with Caviar lacquered ceramic; 18K rose gold L’Arc de Davidor Ring GM with Flamant lacquered ceramic and Porta diamonds; 18K rose gold L’Arc de Davidor Pendant GM with Bordeaux lacquered ceramic and Palais diamonds; 18K yellow gold L’Arc de Davidor Bangle GM with Neige lacquered ceramic and Palais diamonds; and 18K white gold L’Arc de Davidor Creole Earring GM, with Riviera lacquered ceramic.

36

HAMILTON

As a boy visiting his family’s fine jewelry manufacturer in Vicenza, Italy, Davidor Gusky became enamored of the arches he saw in the villas designed by 16th century architect Andrea Palladio. Now as the founder of his own eponymous brand, he incorporates these architectural details as symbols of the passage of time and as frames for pictures that tell changing stories. The L’Arc De Davidor Collection features this symbol on pieces crafted in 18K rose, yellow and white gold that incorporate ceramic work in bold, custom-made colors.

ACC.fw19.Inspiration3.hamilton.indd 36

9/24/19 2:59 PM

DESIGNERS

POMELLATO Beaches of Sardinia

38

HAMILTON

The vibrant colors of Pomellato’s Nudo Deep Blue Collection were inspired by the waters of Cala Luna, Sardinia, a corner of paradise off the beaten track.

Pomellato Creative Director Vincenzo Castaldo was moved by what he says is the “way the shades of the Mediterranean Sea dance into the golden sands of the secluded beaches.” He was similarly inspired by the 1974 Italian movie Swept Away by an Unusual Destiny in the Blue Sea of August by Lina Wertmüller, which was filmed on the Sardinian coast. According to Castaldo, the beauty of the crystal turquoise waters and the colors of summer provide the perfect frame for a cinematic love escape...and an enticing new collection.

Clockwise from top left: Nudo Deep Blue Rings, Nudo Lariat Necklace with sky blue topaz and diamonds, Nudo Sautoir Necklace with sky blue topaz, London blue topaz and diamonds.

PALM BEACH GARDENS’ S H O P P I N G D E S T I NAT I O N

CHANEL | DAVID YURMAN | HAMILTON JEWELERS JIMMY CHOO | LOUIS VUITTON SALVATORE FERRAGAMO | TIFFANY & CO. + MORE

THE GARDENS MALL THEGARDENSMALL.COM

GPB-19199 AD1 Accent.indd 1 GardensMall_FP_FW19.indd 1

7/12/19 12:43 PM 8/26/19 3:46 PM

DESIGNERS

ROBERTO COIN Palazzo Ducale

40

HAMILTON

The delicate quatrefoils that adorn the Palazzo Ducale are mirrored in for Roberto Coin’s newest collection, Palazzo Ducale. The Doge’s Palace in Venice, the designer’s hometown, inspired the use of geometric shapes and the layering of materials and colors found in this collection. Black and white diamonds with satin-etched rose gold mimic the differing colors and textures on the ornate palace.

Clockwise from top left: Palazzo Ducale wide ring in 18K yellow gold with diamonds; Palazzo Ducale necklace in 18K yellow gold with diamonds; Palazzo Ducale bracelet in 18K yellow gold with diamonds; Palazzo Ducale ring in 18K yellow gold with diamond; Classic diamond bracelet in 18K yellow gold.

A Venetian Fantasy HAMILTON JEWELERS AND ROBERTO COIN ARE TEAMING UP FOR ONE TRULY REMARKABLE EXPERIENCE.

PRESENTING A PERFECT HOLIDAY GIFT: Be the first to purchase this magnificent suite of diamond bangles and receive a dream vacation for two to Italy. Relax at the acclaimed Hotel Cipriani in Venice, meet Roberto Coin and share a meal together, enjoy a tour of the designer’s factory, and take pleasure in a surprise excursion to be announced!

This spectacular package includes round-trip airfare for two to Venice and a 4-day, 3-night stay at this world-acclaimed property!

Learn more at hamiltonjewelers.com/avenetianfantasy

ROBERTO_COIN_FINAL.indd 1

9/5/19 3:44 PM

DESIGNERS

DAVID YURMAN Signatures

42

HAMILTON

The David Yurman Stax collection was inspired by the idea of unity and language. “There’s a beauty in forming a design language,” says David Yurman.

“Stax is a collage of those elements—a kind of artistic signature written over time.”

In yellow or tri-color gold, the mobile and drop earrings play with scale while remaining lightweight. Multi-row rings have the look and movement of several bands in a single expression—a mix of cabled, smooth, faceted and pavé-set metal.

Clockwise from top left: Stax Full Pavé Pendant Necklace in 18K white gold, Stax Mobile Drop Earrings in 18K yellow gold with diamonds, Stax Cable and Pavé Ring in 18K yellow gold, Stax 3-Row Chain Link Bracelet in 18K yellow gold with diamonds.

TSC.indd 1

9/4/19 11:57 AM

Accent-magazine-FOR-PRINT-release.indd 1

9/9/19 11:08 PM

MEET SOME AMAZING WOMEN IN JEWELRY. IF YOU THOUGHT WOMEN WERE ONLY INTERESTED IN WEARING GREAT JEWELRY, THEN YOU’VE BEEN MISSING A LARGE PART OF THIS BRILLIANT INDUSTRY.

Our editors spoke with seven of the top fine jewelry designers from around the globe and documented their stories, their inspiration and their passion, their commitment to continuous evolution of their design and brands.

From understanding how they began their successful careers to hearing their advice to their younger selves, the stories are indicative of an ever-changing world of haute fashion, style, and of course, gorgeous jewelry.

These women have achieved international acclaim for their roles in the arena of design and craftsmanship, often creating pieces of heirloom quality that are treasured for generations.

46

HAMILTON

Meet the fascinating females who have changed the landscape of jewelry design, some of whom spoke with us during the June 2019 Couture Show, an industry event catering to an elite community of renowned heritage brands, emerging design talent, the finest retailers and award-winning media from around the globe. Couture is the premier event where the jewelry industry gathers to connect, collaborate and conduct business, the global authority of designer fine jewelry and luxury timepieces.

ACC.HAM.fw19.womeninjewelry.indd 46

9/24/19 5:31 PM

Couture is the premier event where the jewelry industry gathers to connect, collaborate and conduct business.

Why is Couture important to you and your brand?

Chantecler recognizes Couture’s exceptional role in the international jewelry trade fair scenario. This year we regret not to be able to attend but in the past years Chantecler was present with great satisfaction and we hope to be back soon.

Couture is an international window to show our jewels, and, at the same time, an incredible opportunity to learn and to breathe the jewelry vibes.

What advice would you give to your younger self when you were embarking on your career in jewelry?

MARIA ELENA APREA CREATIVE DIRECTOR, CHANTECLER

Especially at the beginning of the journey as an entrepreneur in the jewelry business, it is extremely important to be personally involved and active in every aspect of day-by-day work. Only by knowing and understanding this world in depth, the young designer can find the right answers to the expectations of a demanding public who looks for a dream in a jewel.

Another suggestion: The mind and the heart must always be open, full of curiosity and receptive to the signs of a constantly changing world. Today jewelry faces many trends, communication styles and needs to compete with new luxury product categories.

What has been your most cherished moment or milestone in your jewelry career?

In many years of being a designer for Chantecler there is not just one single cherished memory kept in my heart as a milestone. Indeed I still feel excited and proud of my work every time I perceive the emotion and see the smile of a woman who wears the jewel I created exclusively for her.

After 108 years in the business, Hamilton Jewelers is very proud to partner with women entrepreneurs.

What is your favorite aspect of working with Hamilton?

47

ACC.HAM.fw19.womeninjewelry.indd 47

HAMILTON

Chantecler’s partnership with Hamilton has lasted a decade. We have a long-lasting relationship founded firstly on common values then on business strategy: intimate values such as fairness, professional ethics and the genuine desire to make all women who choose to buy a jewel happy!

9/24/19 3:01 PM

Couture is the premier event where the jewelry industry gathers to connect, collaborate and conduct business.

Why is Couture important to you and your brand?

Couture is a very special occasion to meet the best retailers and let them experience your designs, let them see all the details of your pieces, let them appreciate your craftsmanship. It’s also a very inspirational week where you are surrounded by talented people, passionate about their jobs and about the industry. My family has been in the jewelry business for more than a century, thus I was born in this industry, and I feel it is part of my DNA. Being at Couture is like being with my family.

What advice would you give to your younger self when you were embarking on your career in jewelry?

Believe and trust your vision without going off your path, regardless of what other people do and regardless of whether other people may understand it. They will get and appreciate your work; it’s just a matter of time.

What has been your most cherished moment or milestone in your jewelry career?

The moment I launched MARLI New York and I saw people’s reaction, which was phenomenal. My heart still beats very strongly when I think about it!

After 108 years in the business, Hamilton Jewelers is very proud to partner with women entrepreneurs. What is your favorite aspect of working with Hamilton?

The MARLI team loves working with Hamilton because everyone is very professional, incredibly knowledgeable about their customers and market and clearly has a very long-time experience in the industry.

MARAL ARTINIAN FOUNDER, MARLI NEW YORK

However, what I see in Hamilton is not only that they have been there for a long time but that they will be there for a long time. Hamilton is future-oriented, ready for what could happen next.

You know, the idea behind the MARLI pieces is always to create pieces for a woman who wants to be ready for what could happen next. This may be one of the reasons I feel a strong connection between Hamilton and MARLI New York: Use the past to create a new future.

ACC.HAM.fw19.womeninjewelry.indd 48

9/24/19 3:01 PM

Couture is the premier event where the jewelry industry gathers to connect, collaborate and conduct business.

Why is Couture important to you and your brand?

Couture is the perfect platform for our brand not only because it is attended by exclusive retailers, such as Hamilton, but also because it brings together a group of designers and brands that primarily value quality and style.

What advice would you give to your younger self when you were just embarking on your career in jewelry?

I would tell my younger self to focus on being unique and to take some chances in terms of ideas and design.

This generation is experimental and not scared to try something different.

What has been your most cherished moment or milestone in your jewelry career?

I have had many milestones at various points in my career. But from being in the loose gemstone business to starting my own brand was perhaps the biggest one! And having some amazing retail partners and having my pieces sold in auctions has been incredible.

After 108 years in business, Hamilton Jewelers is very proud to partner with women entrepreneurs. What’s your favorite aspect of working with Hamilton?

I have loved Hamilton as a store forever.

Being a New Jersey local, I was always familiar with them. Apart from that I love the team and most importantly I love the fact that it is a trendy store and has not shied away from showing some bold and unusual pieces.

SWETA JAIN

DESIGNER & PRESIDENT, GOSHWARA

Couture is the premier event where the jewelry industry gathers to connect, collaborate and conduct business. Why is Couture important to you and your brand?

Couture provides industry leaders and insiders an opportunity to engage with one another on unparalleled levels. The collaborative culture and structure of The Couture Show allow participants to build on existing relationships and create new relationships by providing a platform that invites each person to take the time and care to clearly and personally articulate their visions, inspirations, partnership opportunities and growth plans.

The amount of focus and preparation required to execute a successful Couture forces you (and everyone on your team) to dig deeper, analyze longer and strategize harder than anyone may initially realize.

As a result, the energy and mutual respect shared amongst Couture participants can’t be emulated in any other setting—the end result is both gratifying and rewarding.

What advice would you give to your younger self when you were just embarking on your career in jewelry?

IPPOLITA ROSTAGNO CEO, IPPOLITA

ACC.HAM.fw19.womeninjewelry.indd 50

Trust yourself! Through the years I’ve had many partnerships and with those came many opinions.

Opinions of what I should design, who I should design for, how I should share my brand message, what price points I should aim to hit—I’ve learned that no matter what, my first instinct is usually best.

If I follow my intuition and design jewelry that passes those tests, it will be relevant and help me achieve my ultimate goal—to make beautifully designed, meticulously crafted and versatile jewelry that makes women feel comfortable and confident from day one.

What has been your most cherished moment or milestone in your jewelry career?

The first time I realized I was addressing a cultural void and not just an industry void continues to make me proud and inspires me to evolve. To think that just 20 years ago—or even 10 years ago— most women weren’t choosing or purchasing their own jewelry is amazing to me. To provide women with the opportunity to empower themselves and elevate their everyday experience through beautiful products is an opportunity I’ll never tire of and continue to feel thankful for every day.

After 108 years in business, Hamilton Jewelers is very proud to partner with women entrepreneurs. What’s your favorite aspect of working with Hamilton?

It is wonderful to work with Hamilton because we really value their partnership and how they are able to represent our brand to their loyal customers. Hamilton puts their customers first and offers the highest level of customer service, which is so important for a partner selling my jewelry, my art.

I’m a huge believer in zeitgeist: If you have a gut feeling that something is right, something is about to become relevant, or that there’s a void which you can fill—chances are you’re right!

Early on I established a “credo” for my designs—every single piece must pass two tests: It must be cool enough to covet—and classic enough to keep.

9/24/19 3:01 PM

Couture is the premier event where the jewelry industry gathers to connect, collaborate and conduct business.

Why is Couture important to you and your brand?

Couture has been an incredible opportunity for me to find my voice as a designer within a supportive community of like-minded creatives who love jewelry as much as I do. It’s pretty amazing to see how much range there is at this show and all the immense talent in one spot.

What advice would you give to your younger self when you were just embarking on your career in jewelry?

Oh my...SO much advice. I would tell myself that if I’m not taking a risk then I’m not really trying.

I would remind myself that my 15 years as a diamond buyer gives me a unique perspective as a designer and I shouldn’t take it for granted or downplay that important part of my journey in this industry.

I would tell my younger self I should have worked at Hamilton Jewelers for a year before starting my line so I could see how a jewelry store sells designer jewelry.

What has been your most cherished moment or milestone in your jewelry career?

JADE TRAU DESIGNER & OWNER, JADE TRAU

I feel like I am still at the early stages of my career and look forward to many more milestones, but to date, I would say that winning the Couture award for best in bridal in the same year that my grandfather passed away was a beautiful homage to him and the importance of diamond jewelry.

The other would be the first pair of earrings that I designed, that I sold at a Hamilton Jewelers holiday trunk show. I’ll add a third. Olivia Munn wore a bracelet I made to the Oscars with her hair swept back and a stunning orange Stella McCartney dress.

That was pretty exciting.

After 108 years in business, Hamilton Jewelers is very proud to partner with women entrepreneurs. What’s your favorite aspect of working with Hamilton?

Working with Hamilton is an absolute privilege for me and deeply woven into the journey of my career.

The Siegel family, along with the entire extended Hamilton family, has always been a bastion of encouragement for me, and I am grateful and humbled to be a part of this storied journey.

HAMILTON 51

I have learned so much about evolving as a brand and working to speak to audiences of all ages from Hamilton through attention to detail and meticulous product assortments. We have been working together for three generations, and I hope to continue that tradition for years to come.

Couture is the premier event where the jewelry industry gathers to connect, collaborate and conduct business.

Why is Couture important to you and your brand?

The Couture Show in Las Vegas is a wonderful venue where a company like Temple St. Clair can fully present the depth and breadth of its work. It is a great opportunity to be able, in one concentrated place and time, to show new work to a wide audience including our retail partners, editors, bloggers and to new prospective partners both on the domestic and international level.

What advice would you give to your younger self when you were embarking on your career in jewelry?

Everyone has her/his own personal and professional vision. I would have never entered the world of jewelry if I had not been clear and passionate about why I was doing what I was doing. For me, it was a complete fascination with the history of jewelry and the stories it told. By immersing myself in this historical arc, I would stay culturally engaged for a very long time. The establishment of the “business” merely provided a structure to sustain my creative path.

What has been your cherished moment or milestone in your jewelry career?

The past 30 some years have been punctuated by many moments of inspiration and joy. Some of the greatest experiences have been the creation of my books, Alchemy and The Golden Menagerie, but the culminating moment is probably when my Tolomeo pendant became part of the Louvre’s permanent collection in the Decorative Arts Museum in Paris. These are milestones that I share with my family, team and extended partnerships including goldsmiths, artisans, stone dealers, retailers and everyone who contributes to what we create.

After 108 years in the business, Hamilton Jewelers is very proud to partner with women entrepreneurs.

What is your favorite aspect of working with Hamilton?

TEMPLE ST. CLAIR FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR, TEMPLE ST. CLAIR

This is an industry of great family traditions and values.

No one represents that better than Hamilton Jewelers.

And I am including the devoted, long-standing staff when I think of “family.” The warmth, expertise, support and overall professionalism of the Hamilton organization serves as a model for quality representation and thoughtful business practices. Hamilton is classic yet modern, constantly evolving yet carrying on a tradition and “know-how” of what true fine jewelry demands. I am honored to be part of the Hamilton family.

ACC.HAM.fw19.womeninjewelry.indd 52

9/24/19 3:01 PM

Couture is the premier event where the jewelry industry gathers to connect, collaborate and conduct business. Why is Couture important to you and your brand?

Couture is our most important trade show of the year. It is where we introduce our new collections and meet with most of our retail partners. The beauty of this show is that it’s curated with the best jewelry designers from all over the world who attract the best retailers from all over the world as well. We are also lucky to be swamped with bloggers and editors from both the trade and consumer press who make sure to come and check out our newest designs.

What advice would you give to your younger self when you were just embarking on your career in jewelry?

I don’t fuss or waste my time looking back—I always look forward.

I treasure the mistakes I’ve made along the way….It’s truly the only way to learn.

What has been your most cherished moment or milestone in your jewelry career?

I am fortunate to say that the respect I have received in this industry is what I’m proudest of. We are an extremely close-knit jewelry family, and Gumuchian has been extremely lucky to have been recognized by the biggest associations in our industry. We received our first Designer of the Year award at the annual Women’s Jewelry Association (WJA) awards evening back in the early ’90s, and recently WJA gave us the Corporate Award.

Of course winning a few Couture awards has been amazing too and receiving the Triple Zero Award from the American Gem Society a couple years ago was truly an honor that I took to heart. Being inducted into the 24 Karat Club of NYC was also a “wow” moment for me, as was being asked to join the board and be the president eight years after being a member. These are honors I consider invaluable.

After 108 years in business, Hamilton Jewelers is very proud to partner with women entrepreneurs. What’s your favorite aspect of working with Hamilton?

It is an honor and a privilege to be represented in stores such as Hamilton. The fact that they are actually making an effort to partner now with women entrepreneurs tells me they are onto something fabulous.

After all we are the ones wearing the jewels and who else to design best for us than women? We get what the consumer wants, we know how to make them feel good and also look good because of a particular piece, and that is what we try to achieve on a daily basis. I am proud to say that our tagline truly reflects who we are: “Designed by Women for Women.”

MYRIAM GUMUCHIAN OWNER & VP SALES AND MARKETING, GUMUCHIAN

Your Diamond Does Good in the World DIAMONDS, FORMED BILLIONS OF YEARS AGO, ARE IMPROVING THE PRESENT AND CREATING A SPARKLING FUTURE

B

efore there was life, there were diamonds. In ancient Greece, they were known as “tears of the gods.” Created by rare natural conditions billions of years ago, they are the oldest thing a person will touch or own.

However, diamonds are not simply a connection to the distant past. Today, modern diamond mining supports the livelihoods of 10 million people around the world. Through skilled jobs, improved access to healthcare, and direct investments in local communities, diamonds strengthen communities across the globe as they travel from mine to jewelry box.

Kesego Jarona is one of the millions of people for whom diamonds tell a very personal, life-changing story. The first female electrical apprentice at the Debswana company in Botswana, Jarona saw first-hand that modern diamond mining offers opportunities for personal and community growth.

“Mining inspired me when I was a schoolkid growing up in the mining town of Selebi Phikwe,” she says. Mining jobs are often highly skilled and are supported by extensive investments in worker training and education.

The industry provided Jarona with educational opportunities that gave her control over her future. “I rose from being an artisan in a male-dominated field to become a fully-fledged mining engineer,” she says.

In addition to providing tens of thousands of safe, well-paying jobs that often become lifelong careers, modern diamond mining creates $292 million of benefits annually for social programs, such as funding local hospitals and education. And considering most diamonds are discovered in remote regions—from the edges of the Kalahari Desert to Canada’s far north—where sustainable development resources can be scarce, these opportunities are often vital to communities writing their next chapter.

Supporting the future of these communities also means aiding their children today. Around the world, families from remote regions often have to travel long distances to obtain the care their children require.

DPA_AccentMagSpread_06F.indd 1

“The diamond industry is not just a fixture in our community. It is a part of our lives. Diamonds to me represent more than natural beauty. For us, they symbolize a future of possibilities.”

DR. MOKGWEETSI E. K. MASISI, PRESIDENT OF BOTSWANA

In the Siberian city of Yakutsk, Russia’s ALROSA provided critical funding for the construction of a children’s rehabilitation center in 2014. The $12 million center now provides therapy for 3,000 children each year with a range of physical and psychiatric disorders. The center includes a hotel for those families that need to travel from other regions to receive care. For the mother of three-year-old Sasha, who has cerebral palsy and hardly walks or talks, the center is invaluable. “Today my son waved his hand to me for the first time in his life,” she said on a recent visit to the center.

“The diamond industry is not just a fixture in our community. It is a part of our lives,” explains Dr. Mokgweetsi E. K. Masisi, president of Botswana. “Diamonds to me represent more than natural beauty. For us, they symbolize a future of possibilities.”

For centuries, humanity has been captivated by diamonds. They connect us across centuries and nations; they communicate beyond language and between generations. Today, these links are stronger than ever, and are building a better future for all.

For more information on how your diamond does good, visit total-clarity.com.

8/15/19 10:24 AM

ROMAN BAROCCO COLLECTION

JEWELRY 56

HAMILTON

YOU’LL BE BURSTING AT THE SEAMS WITH EXCITEMENT OVER THESE METICULOUSLY CRAFTED SPARKLERS AND TIMEPIECES.

Exceptional “royal blue” sapphire and diamond necklace. Bringing together a rare selection of perfectly matched gemstones, this piece presents outstanding craftsmanship and design.

The sapphires originate from both Sri Lanka and Madagascar and are accompanied by certified laboratory reports. All handcrafted in platinum, the sapphires total 32 carats and the fancy-cut diamonds of oval-, pear-, marquise- and Asscher-cut total 15 carats, with a micro-pavé setting of round brilliant diamonds.

HAMILTON

Stunning “Y� drop necklace with emeralds and diamonds, set in precious platinum.

Square-cut emeralds accentuate a cascade of diamonds leading to a beautiful pear-shape drop weighing 5 carats.

57

JEWELRY

Impressive gemstone and diamond rings, all handcrafted in platinum. Emerald-cut emeralds with diamonds in baguettes, round and epaulette cuts. The emeralds are accompanied by laboratory reports.

58

HAMILTON

Vivid cushion-cut blue sapphire surrounded by round- and epaulette-cut diamonds.

This beautiful gemstone originates from Sri Lanka and is a striking color in this stunning three-stone ring.

Unusual cushion-cut sugarloaf cabochon tanzanite ring with black onyx and diamond in the setting. Weighing over 40 carats, the dramatic gemstone is surrounded by roundand square-cut diamonds and black onyx.

Dragonfly brooch crafted in 18K white gold presenting lovely cushion-cut mint green tourmalines with scattered diamonds across the body.

Multi-color sapphire and diamond ring, masterfully crafted in 18K rose gold.

The center gemstone is a color-change sapphire of Sri Lankan origin, an exceptionally rare gem variety that exhibits the unique ability to change color when viewed under different light sources. The laboratory certified gem is surrounded by multi-color sapphires in pink, purple and blue with diamonds.

HAMILTON

Distinctive purple sapphire and diamond earrings wrought in enduring platinum.

The earrings are crafted with various fancy-cut diamonds, such as baguettes, shield cuts and squares, with black onyx surrounding the top square-cut diamonds.

59

JEWELRY HAMILTON 60

Magnificent 3-stone rings hand wrought in platinum and 18K gold by our master artisans, both available in a variety of sizes. The fancy yellow style is a radiant-cut center diamond flanked by half moon side diamonds.

The white diamond is radiant-cut with trapezoid side diamonds.

ON EITHER THE BRIDE’S SIDE OR THE GROOM’S, WE HILTONS ARE HONORED TO BE A PART OF THE CELEBRATION.

221 Witherspoon St. Princeton, NJ 08542

609.921.8160 hiltonsprinceton.com

NickHilton_FP_FW19_final.indd 1

We specialize in made-to-measure and custom-made formal suits for men and dresses and gowns for women, at price ranges for a variety of budgets, personally measured and fitted with the knowledge and expertise that you would expect from a family with 130 years of apparel experience.

8/21/19 3:28 PM

SPOTLIGHT 62

HAMILTON

Style icon and watch collector Victoria Beckham wore a Rolex to the 2017 launch of her Victoria Beckham for Target collection, proving that luxury watches pair seamlessly with designer duds or more affordable ensembles.

IF WE HAD TO PICK THREE… Victoria Beckham’s Rolex watches, including these three standouts below, are among the ones true collectors really, really want: Though it’s typically classified as a men’s watch, Posh wears her Everose gold Cosmograph Daytona beautifully. In 2011 she even got shoe designer Brian Atwood to make her a custom pair of rose gold heels to match.

THIS SPICY CELEB’S FEELING ABOUT LUXURY WATCHES? YOU SIMPLY CAN’T HAVE TOO MANY. By Haley Longman in particular. She wears her 36MM 18K yellow gold Rolex Day-Date President almost as often as she wears her signature sky-high heels. Seriously, you’d be hardpressed to find a photo on her self-titled Instagram account in which this piece does not adorn her left wrist.

Another gem from her jewelry box that she sports often is her gold Daytona with in-house automatic Caliber 4130, which adds a subtle burst of masculinity to her overall feminine, flirty style.

Then there’s the yellow gold Rolex Datejust with a 36MM case size and a stunning stella green dial, a rare iteration of the Day-Date Presidential Rolex.

This piece hails from the 1970s and is highly coveted—as are most of the Brit’s appurtenances.

Two of Beckham’s more recent timepiece additions are from Patek Philippe, because doesn’t any legitimate collection require variety? There’s her rose gold Nautilus with a brown dial and another that’s silver with blue, watches she wears when hanging out with her children (the former) or at a fashion show at Paris Fashion Week (the latter).

It’s no wonder Victoria’s vault, as well as her husband’s, is so expansive. Each member of the British power couple is worth a reported $450 million, which means plenty of discretionary income to spend on dozens of multi-thousand-dollar watches (and whatever else their hearts desire). Who knew a collecting hobby could be so…posh?

The Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph in gold is one of Rolex’s—and Beckham’s— most classic and coveted timepieces.

HAMILTON

When it comes to arm candy, Victoria Beckham has the rest of us beat. Often seen on her arm is her husband of 20 years, David Beckham, Britain’s most famous “footballer” (that’s soccer star to us) and America’s favorite male underwear model. But perhaps the timepieces on her wrist have us even more envious.

The woman formerly known as Posh Spice didn’t start out as a watch aficionado. She shot to fame as one-fifth of the iconic British ’90s pop group the Spice Girls, the best-selling female group of all time, before this most stylish Spice launched her eponymous luxury fashion line in 2008. In between and since that time Beckham married the love of her life, had three sons and then a daughter, befriended A-listers like Eva Longoria and Katie Holmes and built a fashion and lifestyle empire, not to mention her own personal closet.

She’s an accessories enthusiast reputed to own more than 100 Birkin bags—and bags aren’t her only bag. “I’m quite obsessed with sunglasses,” Beckham has also said. “I collect vintage Guccis and Carreras—they can make virtually any outfit look cool.”

Undoubtedly, the same can be said for her vintage watches. Like her husband, who’s been an ambassador for both Breitling and Rolex-owned Tudor, the 45-year-old has a penchant for men’s timepieces, Rolex

Many famous women are proud owners of the Rolex President Day-Date in 18K yellow gold. Beckham’s has a fashion-forward bezel.

63

ACC.HAM.fw19.victoria beckham.indd 63

9/24/19 5:32 PM

64

HAMILTON

TIME TRAVEL

his and hers: the gift of A PATEK PHILIPPE CALATRAVA WATCH SPEAKS ELOQUENTLY ABOUT WHAT IS MOST PRECIOUS.

By Christen Fisher “Time for each other” is the No. 1 item on most couple’s gift list this holiday season. But in today’s frenetically paced world, when our cups brim over with obligations to work, family, friends and causes close to our hearts, this simple wish can feel like asking for the moon. Fortunately, Patek Philippe, the world’s premier Swiss watch manufacturer, has a long history of miraculous innovations involving time and offers a solution: Give each other the gift of time, with a timepiece so extraordinary it makes an irresistible plea for the true priority on your calendar—love.

Present the man in your life with a Calatrava 5227R. The Calatrava boasts an elegant ivory lacquered dial with gold-applied hour markers and features a center sweep second hand and a date aperture.

The watch’s self-winding 324 S C caliber movement is housed in a 39mm rose gold case with a sapphire crystal caseback protected by an invisibly hinged dust cover on a shiny dark chestnut alligator strap with square scales on a prong buckle. With its pure lines, the Calatrava is recognized as the very essence of the round wristwatch and one of the finest symbols of the Patek Philippe style. Supremely elegant, it charms each new generation of watch lovers with its timeless understated perfection. Priced at $35,160.

Reciprocate her generosity with a Ladies’ Calatrava 7200R. Equally elegant yet suited to her sensibilities, the 7200R has an ultra-thin, selfwinding mechanical movement, Caliber 240. In delicate rose gold on a

matte pearly beige alligator strap with square scales and prong buckle, the 7200R is a ladies’ wristwatch fully focused on hours and minutes. It indicates not seconds, nor the date, nor other extras—only the time in its most unhurried manifestation. Designed for women who methodically devote their attention to the essence of things, it epitomizes timelessness in classic, feminine perfection. Priced at $28,240.

For the couple who feels pulled in a million different directions all over the world, consider the Calatrava Pilot Travel Time, available as reference 5524R for gentlemen and 7234R for ladies. Both versions are powered by a caliber 324 S C FUS mechanical, self-winding movement, and feature a second time zone and local-time date to help the two of you connect even when you’re on opposite sides of the globe. Both have a brown sunburst, black gradated dial with gold applied numerals and luminescent coating and are housed in a rose gold case fitted to a vintage brown calfskin strap with clevis prong buckle. The 5524R is 42mm, while the 7234R is 37.5mm. In either size, the Calatrava Pilot Time Travel is an inimitable timepiece whose dashing aeronautical style is perfect for the couple deeply devoted to each other but always on the go. Priced at $49,560 and $44,790, respectively.

If you love him to the moon and back and if she’s your happily ever after, let a treasure speak for you about the hours you treasure most.

You don’t have forever, but you’ve got time.

HAMILTON

Exchanging trinkets is a sweet holiday tradition, but truly discerning couples make a chic statement by gifting his and hers Patek Philippe Calatrava timepieces.

65

TIMEPIECES

THE DATEJUST IS A WATCH FOR THE AGES, REFLECTING ITS MAKER’S COMMITMENT TO LONGEVITY, RELIABILITY AND CONTINUITY. By Christen Fisher This year Rolex debuted two new variations of the Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36, both in white Rolesor, a proprietary combination of Oystersteel and 18-karat white gold. The first version has a black sunray finish dial and fluted bezel, while the second combines a white motherof-pearl dial with 10 diamond hour markers in 18-karat white gold settings and a bezel set with 52 brilliant-cut diamonds. Thanks to a patented Twinlock screweddown crown, a hermetically screwed-down caseback and a middle case crafted from a solid block of corrosionresistant Oystersteel, the Oyster case of the Datejust 36 is guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 meters. As it has since 1955, the watch’s sapphire crystal is still fitted with a Cyclops lens at 3 o’clock for easy reading of the date. The latest versions of the Datejust 36 are equipped with the new, entirely in-house 3235 caliber movement and have a power reserve of approximately 70 hours.

Rolex and its products are built to last. They are, in a word, perpetual. Having registered for more than 500 patents throughout its history, Rolex perpetually pushes the boundaries of innovation, striving for excellence. When you look in the mirror, see yourself wearing a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 and know you, too, can push beyond your limits.

66

HAMILTON

When you look in the mirror, what do you see? It seems like a silly question, but our reflection evolves over time, and we don’t always stop to think about how we’re changing. Rolex is a brand that perpetually checks its proverbial reflection, recognizing itself as it is, and asking what it can do better with regard to its product offerings—such as the Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36. As a result, Rolex has pushed beyond the usual understanding of what it means to be a luxury company.

First introduced in 1945 at a jubilee celebration of the company’s 40th anniversary, the Datejust was the first self-winding waterproof chronometer wristwatch to have an automatically changing date window at 3 o’clock on the dial.

It was the culmination of every major innovation Rolex had contributed to the modern wristwatch until that time, but Rolex wasn’t satisfied. In 1953 it pushed the boundaries of innovation again by introducing a Cyclops magnifier over the date window in the crystal to increase readability. While the Datejust was first offered only in a yellow gold Oyster case with matching jubilee bracelet, Rolex continued to refine the Datejust’s classic aesthetic and superior engineering, offering this groundbreaking watch in myriad combinations and sizes for almost 75 years. The Datejust is a testament to the brand’s core values of longevity, reliability and continuity.

ACC.fw19.rolex2.indd 66

9/24/19 3:02 PM

The Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 is not only built to last, it also has timeless style that will be appreciated for generations to come.

HAMILTON 67

TIMEPIECES

‘bay’ watch

the new

While countless watch wearers around the world value having a Tudor on their wrist, few know about the company’s long history with the U.S. Navy. Beginning in the 1950s, Tudor began supplying the Navy with divers’ watches, and it eventually found lasting success with the Oyster Prince Submariner 7928. However, in 1967, the company began to develop a new watch for the Navy—one that would meet the specifications decreed by the U.S. government and incorporate the results of the latest research into functionality and ergonomics carried out by the brand’s top-notch engineers.

This ambitious project, code named “Commando,” never came to fruition, but many of its features can be found in the just-released Tudor Black Bay P01 model (the P01 stands for prototype 1). This cross between a diver’s watch and a navigator’s watch has been crafted in a contemporary sporty spirit, while harking back to innovations developed more than 50 years ago. For example, the Black Bay P01 model does not literally reproduce the prototype’s unusual hinged-link system, but borrows liberally from it, providing a stop system for the bidirectional rotating bezel via a mobile end-link at 12 o’clock.

The Manufacture Caliber MT5612 that drives the Black Bay P01 meets Tudor’s high standards for robustness, longevity and reliability. It features an openwork rotor that is satin-brushed with sand-blasted details, and its bridges and plate have alternating polished sand-blasted surfaces and laser decorations.

Moreover, the Caliber MT5612 is certified as a chronometer by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute. And, as might be expected, the Black Bay P01 is waterproof to 200 meters.

The watch is fitted with a domed matte-black dial with painted luminescent hour markers; it adopts the signature Tudor hands with their characteristic angular shape, known to collectors as “snowflake”’ and the 42mm steel case is entirely satin-brushed for a matte finish. The watch’s special hybrid strap has a rubber base with the “snowflake” motif on the back, finished with a brown leather trim. Finally, with a 70-hour power reserve, a wearer can take off the watch on Friday evening and put it back on again Monday morning without having to reset and wind it.

The result of subtle combinations of historical aesthetic codes and contemporary watch technology, the entire Black Bay line, especially the P01, brings together the best qualities of 60 years of Tudor divers’ watches, while remaining firmly anchored in the present.

68

HAMILTON

TUDOR’S BLACK BAY P01 COMBINES TODAY’S SPORTY STYLE WITH A DEEP DIVE INTO THE INNOVATIONS OF THE PAST. By Brian Scott Lipton

ACC.HAM.fw19.tudor.indd 68

9/24/19 3:04 PM

The Tudor Black Bay P01, which stands for prototype 1, was inspired by a 1960s’ design for the U.S. Navy.

HAMILTON 69

ACC.HAM.fw19.tudor.indd 69

9/24/19 3:05 PM

SPOTLIGHT 70

HAMILTON

John Mayer is known around Hollywood for his beguiling ways and has used his charms to seduce his famous friends into becoming fellow watch collectors.

Andy Cohen, host of Watch What Happens Live, purchased a Rolex and Kevin O’Leary, entrepreneur and shark on Shark Tank, invested in pieces from Rolex and Patek Philippe after consultations with Mayer.

ACC.HAM.fw19.Mayer.indd 70

9/24/19 3:08 PM

FACE TIME John Mayer’s time on the road serves double duty: He performs for millions of fans and hunts for rare and vintage watches. Here, we did our own search for similarly gorgeous timepieces.

The rubber strap on his Patek Philippe Aquanaut is tough—and sexy—enough to wear while jamming all night long.

SINGER-SONGWRITER JOHN MAYER SAYS HIS VINTAGE WATCHES KEEP HIM SANE. NO NEED FOR THE REST OF US TO BE MAD WITH ENVY. By Rita Guarna

This un-blingedout version of Mayer’s Rolex Daytona Ref. 6269 is still quite Hollywood even without the diamonds.

Mayer’s prize Patek Philippe is similar to this Perpetual Calendar Chronograph 5970G.

71

ACC.HAM.fw19.Mayer.indd 71

Another highlight of Mayer’s timepiece treasure trove is the Patek Philippe Ref. 5004G in white gold with salmon dial and luminous hands, about which he says, “This watch has better taste than I do sometimes.”

Mayer admits that he has a special affection for the Daytona, yet he shows his individuality by wearing models that are not Paul Newman. For example, possibly for nights on the town, there’s the rare Rolex Daytona Ref. 6269 with almost 300 diamonds, or the 6263 in 18K yellow gold, also a collectible, which Mayer says just may be “the coolest gold Rolex ever made.”

During his interview with Hodinkee, Mayer explained why he doesn’t always follow the Hollywood crowd to the Paul Newman: “I remember seeing prices on the Paul Newman Daytonas skyrocket and thinking to myself that it was time to let go of those pieces and focus more on the plain Jane, non-PN versions.

I’m glad I did, for several reasons—the least of which is that I can wear them without any doubt that they’re unquestionably authentic.”

But no real watch collector can totally resist Paul Newmans, so Mayer’s wonderland does include a black bezel Paul Newman Daytona 6264 with a dial similar to the rare 6263 Oyster Paul Newman.

It’s true that the unmarried Mayer’s love life, which has included names like Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jessica Simpson and Katy Perry, is what tends to draw headlines. But what many also should know about him is the extent to which he gives back. When wildfire destroyed 12,000 acres in Paradise Valley, Montana, where he lives, he was quick to help raise more than $100,000 for the firefighters. In 2002 he created the “Back to You” nonprofit to boost health care, education and, of course, the arts, and he auctioned off John Mayer items such as guitar picks and T-shirts in support of this work.

Maybe someday one of his coveted watches will be on the auction block, so start collecting pennies.

HAMILTON

Don’t be taken in by John Mayer’s ruse. Yeah, he puts up a good front as a purported singer, songwriter, guitarist, record producer and sometime comedian, columnist and blogger. And those seven Grammys make persuasive props. But as he confessed to Britain’s Daily Mail in 2010, that’s all just a cover. “It’s like being in the CIA,” he said. “It looks as if I’m touring the world playing gigs, but I’m really on the hunt for watches.”

In truth, no secret life seems beyond the capabilities of this multi-talented, 42-year-old musician. Fans the world over applaud his tunes—even his leadership of a Grateful Dead resurrection band. But there are also a goodly number who look to his wrist for inspiration. It’s a wrist The New York Times has called “a wonderland”—a nod to his single, “Your Body is a Wonderland,” just one of the hits credited to this often controversial Connecticut native with six studio albums so far.

Mayer has said his vintage watches keep him sane.

But he values his collection at “tens of millions,” and even Park Avenue psychiatrists don’t charge that.

Like the late movie superstar Paul Newman, known for his rare 1969 Rolex Daytona Reference 6241, and comedian Ellen DeGeneres, who is seldom without a great watch, Mayer has an insatiable mania for a quality timepiece—and a cultlike following eager to see his next choice. It is said that “Talking Watches,” a video interview Mayer did with the watch website Hodinkee, has been viewed almost 2 million times since its 2013 launch, and his collection is big enough for a sequel.

Variety is the spice of Mayer’s life, both in music (his genres range from pop to blues, even touching on country and soul) and in his watch collection. He recently wore the Rolex GMT-Master II “Batman,” so named for its black-and-blue color combo, on Watch What Happens Live—but is also proud to own the selfwinding Royal Oak Concept, the ultimate in high-tech watches from the luxe Swiss brand Audemars Piguet.

9/24/19 5:33 PM

AT THE MOVIES

AT THE MOVIES...

for the WHAT DO TIMEPIECES TELL IN THESE SIX POPULAR FLICKS? A LOT MORE THAN WHAT TIME IT IS. By Donna Rolando

72

HAMILTON

Whether it’s helping James Bond time an explosion or helping a homicidal businessman, legendary watch brands such as Omega and Rolex have been featured prominently on the silver screen through the years. More than mere movie trivia, they offer a style cue for any man looking to give business or formalwear polish and sophistication. That timepieces can work 300 feet under water or guide a spacecraft to Earth, as in the case of Apollo 13, proves they’re more than good-looking.

ACC.fw19.showtime3.indd 72

9/24/19 3:09 PM

CASINO ROYALE

Movie makers gave James Bond all the gadgets: X-ray glasses, explosive toothpaste, yo-yo saws. But producers never tinkered with the beauty of the British spy’s Omega watches in 2006’s Casino Royale. On his way to the casino for a high-stakes poker game, Daniel Craig wore an elegant steel-on-steel Seamaster Diver 300M to complement his signature black tux. But when the going got a little tougher, 007 switched to Omega’s rugged Seamaster Planet Ocean. Both watches feature a unidirectional rotating bezel and a helium release valve—a handy tool for divers, not necessarily for beating the bad guys.

HAMILTON 73

AT THE MOVIES

DR. NO When it’s time to slip out of your wetsuit and set a bomb to blow up a heroin lab (as 007 did

74

HAMILTON

in Dr. No), you need a watch that does more than look sharp. The original Bond Submariner, the legendary Rolex 6538, which Sean Connery wore in Dr. No, is said to have been the fashion star of several iconic Bond movies, including Goldfinger and Thunderball. But how many know that Rolex was also a favorite of Bond creator Ian Fleming? If you too have reason to go from ocean to nightclub with precision timing, the Oyster Perpetual Submariner can do the job with celebrated reliability—it’s waterproof to more than 300 feet.

ACC.fw19.showtime3.indd 74

9/24/19 3:10 PM

AT THE MOVIES

AMERICAN PSYCHO

76

HAMILTON

Making a killer fashion statement in the 2000 cult classic American Psycho,, the Rolex Datejust 16013 in Oystersteel and yellow gold was a symbol of wealth and status for Patrick Bateman, but you need not share the obsession to echo the famous line, “Don’t touch the watch.” This iconic Rolex timepiece was worth fighting for, as are two stylings of the Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36 that make their debut this year.

ACC.fw19.showtime3.indd 76

9/24/19 5:33 PM

A TRUE BLUE CLASSIC

Canfield Chrono 43MM

AT THE MOVIES

APOLLO 13 The Omega Speedmaster chronograph featured in the blockbuster Apollo 13 was

78

HAMILTON

more than a fashion piece for the astronauts depicted in the film; they depended on the accuracy of the Speedmaster, which became NASA’s official watch, to get their crippled lunar module home. You don’t need to travel the universe to find a Speedmaster today. In fact, Omega is marking the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing with a limited edition. With features like new 18K Moonshine gold and a depiction of astronaut Buzz Aldrin, this timepiece is out of this world.

ACC.fw19.showtime3.indd 78

9/23/19 11:40 AM

Where on Earth Did Your Diamond Come From?

Know with certainty.

Introducing the GIA Diamond Origin Report.

Learn more at 4Cs.GIA.edu/Origin

100095208_GIA_DOR_PrintAD_ACCENT.indd 1

7/31/19 3:16 PM

AT THE MOVIES

DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE

80

HAMILTON

Though best known for wearing a sleeveless ribbed T-shirt, Bruce Willis’ Det. John McClane of the Die Hard franchise knew how to accessorize. In 1995’s Die Hard With a Vengeance, the third installment of the action series, McClane is armed with a Breitling Chronograph with stainless-steel case, white sub-dials at 6, 9 and 12 o’clock and a brown leather strap. Though he wore the timepiece on the inside of his wrist likely to protect it from enemy gunfire, Swiss-made Chonomats feature scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and are water resistant at 500 meters.

ACC.fw19.showtime3.indd 80

9/23/19 11:40 AM

PLAY FOR KEEPS STAY

DINE

LOVE

SPA

PLAY

START PLANNING YOUR UNFORGETTABLE WEDDING With a stunning lakeside pavilion, sumptuous culinary choices and spectacular accommodations and amenities, “playing for keeps” has a whole new meaning.

PGA NATIONAL RESORT & SPA Call 866.575.2921 or visit PGAResort.com/wedding to start planning your dream wedding today.

Menottes dinh van collection - dinhvan.com 18509000_DV_USA_ACCENTMAG_OCT-18-19_MENOTTES_9X10_875.indd 1

04/09/2018 17:37

THESE FOUR ARE THE WRONG SEX AND THE WRONG AGE TO PLAY FOOTBALL. BUT WHO BETTER EXEMPLIFIES THE GAME’S GRITTY SPIRIT? By Ouisie Shapiro

Though pro football is played on the field by men, a select group of women find in it their livelihood, their passion and their way of life. Four of these women— Virginia McCaskey, Martha Firestone Ford, Norma Hunt and Patricia Rooney— have had front-row seats to the game for decades. Nonetheless, they remained fiercely private, content to let their husbands and sons represent the face of their franchises. But now, as the National Football League is celebrating its 100-year anniversary, they have ventured out of the shadows to tell their stories in the new ESPN documentary, A Lifetime of Sundays.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell couldn’t be happier to see them finally step into the spotlight. “These incredible women are the most passionate fans and have truly lived the history of the game,” he says. “They are also very modest, so I’m grateful they agreed to share their stories on film in honor of the League’s 100th celebration.”

To be sure, their stories are worth the price of admission. continued...

ACC.HAM.fw19.NFLowners.indd 83

9/24/19 3:11 PM

skey Virginia McCa s Chicago Bear

At age 96, Chicago Bears owner Virginia McCaskey presides over one of the most iconic franchises in all of sports. Many people say she has seen more football than any other person alive. She was born in 1923, three years after her father George “Papa Bear” Halas bought the hundred-dollar franchise that would become the Chicago Bears.

When college football star Red Grange embarked on a barnstorming tour to publicize the new team, 3-year-old Virginia went along with her mother, Minnie. Grange carried the toddler through train stations in an effort to keep autograph seekers at bay. Since then, Virginia has witnessed every major event in Bears history. She was at the 1932 championship game in Chicago Stadium at the age of 9. “We sat in the second balcony, and the ticket price was $1.25,” she recalls.

Her love of the game came from her father, but her knowledge of it came from her mother. As early as she could remember, she knew to sit silent during games and ask questions later. Her mother was not to be distracted during critical plays. (She was too busy trying to direct the officials.)

Virginia was a student at Drexel Institute when she met Ed McCaskey, who was enrolled at nearby Penn.

The couple went to the 1942 NFL title game between the Bears and the Redskins with the intention of asking Papa Bear for permission to marry. It was then that Ed realized what football meant to the Halas family.

With the Bears about to be upset, Virginia was in tears.

“What’s the matter?” Ed asked. “It’s only a football game.”

“No,” Virginia said. “Don’t you realize my father will never let us get married if the Bears lose?”

Papa Bear did consent to the marriage, but when Virginia got tired of waiting for her parents to plan the wedding, she and Ed eloped to Maryland, where a priest married them in the nuns’ chapel. Church workers served as the matron of honor and the best man.

Watching her father struggle for years to keep the Bears afloat made a deep impression on Virginia.

She raised her 11 kids in a modest house in a modest suburb, and cleaned and painted the gutters herself.

“I probably live in the smallest house of any NFL executive,” she says, “but that’s what Ed and I were comfortable doing.”

When her brother Mugs, the Bears’ heir apparent, died of a sudden heart attack in 1979, and her father followed four years later, Virginia, at the age of 60, took control of the team. Reluctant though she was, she went at the job with steely resolve—motivated by what she believed was in the best interest of the Bears. In one painful episode, she removed her son Michael as president and CEO and installed a non-family member. Later on, she fired the general manager and head coach.

As the Chicago Tribune put it, “Under the decorous, selfless essence of the NFL’s first lady beats the supercharged heart of the Little Old Lady from Pasadena.”

One of her children echoed that sentiment by adding, “When my father says ‘Jump,’ I ask, ‘How high?’

When she says ‘Jump,’ I just start jumping.”

Throughout her football life, Virginia has formed deep and abiding relationships with players. When the much-loved Brian Piccolo died of cancer in 1970, a grief-stricken Virginia vowed never again to get close to players. But she did, with Walter Payton. He was her ideal player. “On the field, I loved the way he’d score a touchdown and just hand the ball off to the official.

That’s my kind of player.”

When Payton died in 1999, Virginia told the media while fighting back tears, “I was trying to think of words that mean Walter Payton to me, and the first one that comes to mind is excellence. The second one is class, and the third one is fun because that was a big part of everyone’s contact with Walter in one way or another.”

Today Virginia still rises at dawn to attend early Mass. She still keeps a low profile as she oversees a billion-dollar franchise. And she still lives by her credo: faith, family and football.

84

HAMILTON

1923

ACC.HAM.fw19.NFLowners.indd 84

9/24/19 3:11 PM

Norm a Hu nt Kans as Ci ty Ch iefs 1964

selling season tickets for the Texans.

Lamar, the son of oil tycoon H. L. Hunt, would leave his imprint on the game when he spearheaded the 1966 merger agreement between the AFL and the NFL. It’s safe to say Lamar was the only person who loved sports as much as Norma did. Although, just to be sure Norma was the woman he wanted to marry, he put her to the test one fall weekend in 1963. It started on Friday night when they attended a local Texas high school football game. On Saturday afternoon, after watching Lamar’s alma mater, Southern Methodist University, play in Dallas, they drove to Waco for a Baylor game. On Sunday, they flew to Kansas City to watch the Chiefs, and on Monday night were back in Texas in time to see Grambling take on Prairie View in the Cotton Bowl. That episode lives on in Hunt family lore as the “Fippleheader.”

As Norma remembers it, “So, that was number five. I think he gave up and said, ‘I think I’m going to have to marry her.’”

When they did marry a year later, they spent their honeymoon in Austria at the Winter Olympics.

Norma and her son Clark, who is the Chiefs’ chairman and CEO, keep watch over Lamar’s beloved franchise. And before every Super Bowl, Norma takes a photo in front of the logo for that year’s game. “It proves that I was there,” she says. Then Clark and her youngest son, Daniel, kiss her on the cheek, an extension of the ritual she and Lamar had every year up until his death. It’s her way of honoring the game she calls “Lamar’s Baby.”

HAMILTON

At a comparatively youthful 81, Norma Hunt, the matriarch of the Kansas City Chiefs, is the only woman to have been to all 53 Super Bowls. She attended 40 of those games with her husband Lamar, who died in 2006.

The Super Bowl has extra special meaning for Norma. After all, she played a key role in naming it. The year was 1966. Lamar, then owner of the American Football League Dallas Texans (the team later moved to Kansas City and became the Chiefs), was meeting with fellow owners about coming up with a new name for the season-ending championship game.

Norma had recently brought their children a new toy: a bouncy rubber ball called a Super Ball. Lamar gave the name a twist and suggested calling the game the Super Bowl. The name stuck, and the game has evolved into the biggest one-day sporting event in the world.

As for Norma and Lamar, theirs was a match made in sports heaven. When they met in the early 1960s, Norma was Norma Knobel, a young history teacher and former high school basketball player who was working summers

85

Ford e n o t s Fire a h t r Ma ons i L t i o Detr

86

HAMILTON

1963

Martha Firestone Ford may be the shortest person in the room—but she is also very likely the toughest. In 2014, when she became controlling owner of the Detroit Lions at age 88, she showed just how determined she was. Within a year, she shook up the franchise by firing both the team president and the general manager.

“You deserve better,” she wrote in a letter to season-ticket holders after cleaning house.

Unlike her late husband, Bill, who had been patient to a fault, Martha was fed up with the team’s mediocrity and refused to stand pat. ESPN praised her “cold-eyed decision making.”

Still, many in the sports world had to wonder why a woman nearing 90 would want to be saddled with the challenge of rebuilding a struggling NFL franchise.

Martha never hesitated, nor did she consider following the advice of many who urged her to sell.

Rather, she and Bill had prepared for her eventual takeover.

She had been to the league meetings, she knew the ins and outs of the team, and she wanted to preserve his legacy.

To be fair, Martha had never planned on a life in football. An heiress to the Firestone tire company, she seemed headed for country clubs and European holidays. And after she graduated from Vassar and married William Clay Ford Sr. (1925–2014), the last grandson of auto pioneer Henry Ford, in 1947, there was little reason to think otherwise.

But Bill loved football more than he loved

running a car company. And when he kept complaining about the ineptitude of his beloved Detroit Lions, his brother suggested he buy the team. As Martha recalls, “Bill came home and said, ‘What would you think if I bought the Lions for four million dollars?’ And I said, ‘Oh, that’s way too much.

George Halas got his team for a hundred dollars.’ As it turned out, we paid six and a half million.”

That was 1963. It just so happened the purchase was finalized on Nov. 22, 1963— the day President Kennedy lost his life to an assassin’s bullet. Needless to say, Martha and Bill postponed their celebration.

In the seven decades of their stewardship, Martha and Bill focused their lives around the Lions. Martha was a quiet, if everpresent, figure at games and practices.

And she became famous around the league for adding her personal touch to the big business of pro football by sending handwritten letters to players, coaches and team employees.

Now 93, she attends every game, home and away, greets players by name and stands on the sidelines during warm-ups, wishing the coaches and the players luck.

She continues to have final say on all team matters. And she involves all four of her children in decision-making, having elevated her three daughters to equal footing as vice chairmen alongside their brother.

Asked about her best memory in football, Martha says it hasn’t come yet. “I want to get the Lombardi trophy. The best part of owning a team is winning. That’s everything, as far as I’m concerned.”

Patricia Rooney Pittsburgh S teeler s 1975

ing to preserve the one thing she loves as much as the Steelers: her hometown.

As a board member of Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, she has spearheaded fundraising efforts to restore the Allegheny Commons on the North Side, the city’s oldest park, and its grand fountain. She also co-founded the Salvation Army’s Project BundleUp program, in which Steelers players take needy children shopping for winter outerwear.

Retired Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward signed up with the Bundle-Up program as a rookie and has felt indebted to Patricia ever since. “I can’t thank her enough for making us see at an early age that there was more than football,” he says. “I’m always grateful for the values instilled by Mrs. Rooney as far as getting involved in charity work. All my charity work stems from her.”

With the Rooney family still firmly at the helm of the Steelers— son Art is team president—Patricia continues to take the short trip down the hill to 100 Art Rooney Avenue for home games, watching intently from a skybox packed with three generations of Rooneys.

These women personify the history of the NFL. It took considerable prodding to get them to open up, and they only agreed to do so provided that all four went along.

It’s no exaggeration to say they’ve seen it all—from the front row. For those interested in learning more about the First Ladies of the NFL, tune in to the ESPN+ documentary, A Lifetime of Sundays, narrated by Academy Award winner Regina King.

HAMILTON

Eighty-six-year-old Patricia Rooney still lives in the same North Side Pittsburgh neighborhood where in elementary school she met her future husband, Dan. She was the daughter of struggling immigrants. He was the privileged son of the “Chief,” Art Rooney, owner of the football Steelers. Patricia and Dan bonded over their commonalities: They both came from large Irish Catholic families, they were both North Siders to their core, and they both loved the Steelers.

“The team,” says Patricia, “is part of us from the day we are born.”

Dan officially succeeded his father as president of the Steelers in 1975, but he had been given control nearly a decade earlier. Under Dan’s stewardship, the hapless Steelers turned their fortunes around.

And in the 1970s, when the local economy was sputtering, the team gave Pittsburghers a reason to believe.

Patricia was there through it all—shuttling her nine children to and from the stadium, cheering on Coach Chuck Noll, Mean Joe Greene, Terry Bradshaw and Franco Harris. She vividly recalls sitting with her family in Three Rivers Stadium for the 1972 AFC Divisional Playoff Game, when Harris’ “Immaculate Reception” gave the Steelers their first franchise playoff win—and launched a dynasty that produced four Super Bowl victories in the decade.

With the last two of her nine children still in elementary school, Patricia went back to college; after getting her degree, she went on to grad school and became a college professor.

Nowadays she devotes much of her time work-

87

your way TIRED OF SETTLING FOR GOOD ENOUGH? THESE EIGHT GREAT THINGS CAN BE EXACTLY AS YOU’D LIKE THEM.

By Donna Rolando

LIFE ITSELF CAN’T BE CUSTOM-FITTED for any of us, no matter how fortunate or discerning we may be. How splendid it is, then, that certain things we purchase can be personally crafted to meet our most precise demands and indulgent whims. Fast-food sloganmeisters have made millions with the suggestion that we can have something exactly the way we want it. But as these eight examples prove, the “bespoke” approach goes way beyond burgers.

ACC.fw19.HAM.Bespoke2.indd 88

9/24/19 3:12 PM

FURNITURE BOURGEOIS BOHÉME ATELIER Looking for the unexpected in your home’s décor—a style that’s artsy and created just for you? The design company Bourgeois Bohéme Atelier agrees that in a diverse world there’s no reason to settle for ordinary, and proves it with its unique line of furniture, lighting, mirrors and vintage wares. Designs run the gamut from historic French to 20th-century modern and feature materials such as bronze, hand-blown glass and exotic woods—all custom and handcrafted by LA artisans. A tech armchair looks great with its clean, modern lines, but you also can dream up a custom fabric or leather look that’s totally your own. Don’t see your dream style online? Then leave it to the Bourgeois Bohéme Atelier design team. Cookiecutter is not in its vocabulary.

HAMILTON 89

ACC.fw19.HAM.Bespoke2.indd 89

9/25/19 10:19 AM

GUITARS JAMES TRUSSART

90

HAMILTON

Want to play like a guitar hero? Follow the trail of Mick Jagger, Billy Squier and Ziggy Marley and enter the LA workshop of James Trussart, a native French fiddler for whom designing guitars is an art. These rock stars (and many more) got their custom guitars from Trussart, perhaps the world’s leading creator, who treats each instrument like a favorite child.

Look for standout features such as a perforated steel body for a thick, unrivaled sound, and then the eye candy—engravings featuring everything from roses to tribal art. There’s even a guitar designed with alligator skin (perhaps to match your alligator shoes). And how does Billy F. Gibbins of ZZ Top describe his James Trussart 6-string? “Funky.”

ACC.fw19.HAM.Bespoke2.indd 90

9/23/19 11:48 AM

BICYCLES SEVEN CYCLES No two journeys in life are ever the same, and neither are any two riders. That’s why at the heart of every Seven Cycles custom bike is individuality. Want a ride created by a pioneer in the industry well-versed in titanium, someone who can design a frame for the weekend rider and the Olympic competitor alike? A one-on-one interview with a bike designer from this innovative Watertown, Mass., firm leaves nothing to chance—taking your weight, riding style, intended use, age, riding terrain and more into consideration.

You’ll find Seven Cycles at nearly 200 retailers in the U.S.—from New York to California—to get a better handle on your ideal ride. It can cost thousands for these high-end bikes but Seven Cycles has your back, with flexible design meant to grow and change with the rider. Time to hit the road as never before.

HAMILTON 91

ACC.fw19.HAM.Bespoke2.indd 91

9/23/19 11:48 AM

FIREARMS PURDEY AND SONS

92

HAMILTON

It can take two years to handcraft a Purdey, but with every element designed just for you, this gun or rifle is born to be a collector’s piece. In fact, Purdey’s tradition of gun-making excellence goes back more than two centuries in London—even Queen Victoria just had to have one (or more), and in March of 1878 she granted the Royal Warrant to the business. Each piece is a work of art, with delicate engravings that boost the gun’s appeal, individualism and collectability. Although engravings are a matter of choice, the Purdey fine rose remains one of the most popular. It’s all worth the wait for the man or woman who appreciates the tradition started by founder James Purdey back in 1814.

SHOWCASES PINEL & PINEL

HAMILTON

The custom Watch Keeper is ready to protect your collection in a way that adds style to your décor. This bespoke storage center with protective glass façade and fiber-optic lighting displays 160 automatic winders, and if that won’t do it, the drawers can accommodate another 250 watches. Look for ebony and alligator to really stand out.

For the at-home entertainer, there’s the Bar Trunk, which wows by the poolside, on the patio or in the living room. This wheeled wonder is dressed in fine leather and features a chrome champagne bowl large enough for six bottles or three magnums of bubbly and multiple drawers and compartments for glasses and bottles. It’s reminiscent of how designer Fred Pinel got started on this creative venture—with a cigar case collection inspired by his family’s Parisian attic, a treasure trove that included numerous suitcases. Each Pinel & Pinel storage companion is created by an artisan who knows his way with wood, leather and exotic hides. You won’t ever lose a thing again!

93

ACC.fw19.HAM.Bespoke2.indd 93

9/23/19 11:48 AM

SURFBOARDS KONA SURF CO. AND OTHERS

94

HAMILTON

You may hang ten with the best of them and conquer epic waves, but there comes a time in every surfer’s life when factory-made boards just won’t do.

Fortunately, there are many surfer-inspired companies ready to get you to the next level. For more than 50 years, Kona Surf Co., a father-son team in Wildwood, N.J., has been shaping boards, but there’s nothing old-school about their approach, which relies on new technology and fine-precision equipment. Work with a shaper to build your board from scratch, or tweak a stock shape for just the right edge. On the West Coast, there’s surfer Cordell Miller’s custom boards tailored to you and the places you love to meet waves—there’s also Degree 33 Surfboards, which custom-builds in the San Diego area, and Driftwood Caravan Surfboard.

SADDLES BOB’S CUSTOM SADDLES

HAMILTON

You may spend most of your time priming your horse for that big show, but when you’re both in the thick of things, you’re going to appreciate a good saddle. Bob’s Custom Saddles has been at it since 1977, and its Western saddles are handcrafted by artisans with generations of expertise. The leather is top-grain Hermann Oak, the sheepskin is undoubtedly real, and what would a Western saddle be without engravings in sterling silver or silver overlay? Of course, a good saddle has a job to do, so each is built to the rider’s individual needs to achieve peak performance, comfort and longevity. Championship riders from around the world have gone to Bob’s, and they’re not sorry.

95

ACC.fw19.HAM.Bespoke2.indd 95

9/23/19 11:48 AM

BACKGAMMON BOARDS JESSICA GRIFFITH/NINE FAIR

96

HAMILTON

Why settle for a run-of-the-mill, machine-made backgammon board when you can be proud to gather friends around a solid wood, hand-painted set with a design unique to your family? Each Nine Fair backgammon board is made with—yes, we can say it—love, the passion of one who learned the game from her dad and has been playing all her life. It was on a family vacation on Harbour Island in 2016 that Griffith met her muse in a Bahamas-craftsman-made raffia board. She launched Nine Fair—with the help of a Danish woodworker from Bucks County, Penn.—and eventually left private equity to focus on this entirely custom company. Her “workshop”—where she hand-paints each board—is typically laid-back, on the front porch of the family’s historic Nantucket Island home. Water-resistant for generations of fun, game boards can bear a family crest, a school insignia, a whimsical design— you name it—and take three to five weeks to produce.

Photos by LibbyVision.com

Farm-to-Table Never Tasted So Good

PGA Commons | 4610 PGA Boulevard | Palm Beach Gardens | 561.622.0032 | thecooperrestaurant.com

63424_MRG_Cooper_Hamilton_Accent_FP4C_Ad.indd 1

8/12/19 10:11 AM

TRAVEL

THERE’S SO MUCH TO DO IN THESE FIVE TOP NORTH AMERICAN WINTER RESORT COMMUNITIES, YOU MAY STRUGGLE TO FIND TIME TO SKI.

By Everett Potter

JACKSON, WYOMING

This ski town is a real town—a mix of outdoors lovers, powder hounds and ski bums along with a cadre of exceptionally well-heeled families with enormous second homes. What they have in common is a love of the Tetons, arguably the most dramatic mountains in the U.S. The town square is framed by arches fashioned from elk antlers, which are shed yearly by the vast elk herd that winters just outside the city limits. Jackson hosts the National Museum of Wildlife Art and has preserved its Old West storefronts, many of them now welcoming folks to pricey boutiques and outdoor wear shops. Yet the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar tells you that this town has not lost its roots. Dining spots Rendezvous Bistro and the Snake River Grill, which both serve inventive American classics, are my in-town favorites.

But remember that while Jackson is the name of the town, a resort called Jackson Hole lies a few miles away, offering some of the most challenging slopes in the country. It has more shops and restaurants that I like such as Old Yellowstone Garage for Italian fare and Bar Enoteca for tapas-style dining. There’s also a great range of hotels, including Four Seasons Jackson Hole and the new all-suite Caldera House. Midway between town and mountain is Spring Creek Ranch, my pick for a taste of the Old West with views to match.

ASPEN, COLORADO

This former silver mining town morphed into a ski resort post-World War II. The brick architecture and wide streets set the template for a town that has been attracting the glitterati for decades. Hollywood started coming here in the 1960s. Now everyone comes to shop at Gucci and Prada, and to check into The Little Nell, the gold standard of luxury ski hotels in the U.S. There’s a St. Regis as well, the casually clubby Limelight, and this winter the town’s first W hotel opens, appealing to the millennial crowd. Aspen has long fostered some of the most cutting-edge chefs in the country, and the annual Aspen Food & Wine festival is proof positive of that. Restaurants such as Element 47 at the Little Nell offer fine dining and an astounding wine cellar that can be booked for a private dinner, but I also like the more casual Meat & Cheese as well as the Ajax Tavern for slopeside dining. There are four great mountains— Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk—and lots of après choices. My fave is the Western saloon themed J Bar at the Hotel Jerome. For night owls, clubbing at the Caribou Club is de rigueur.

I’ve come to love Aspen’s quasi-LA vibe, which includes the Aspen Art Museum and its highly regarded exhibition as well as the Wheeler Opera House, for big-name performers in an intimate setting.

98

HAMILTON

No matter where in the world you’ve skied or dreamed of skiing, this continent can hold its own with the best. But when you travel to a skiers’ mecca the sport, of course, is only part of the experience. People drawn to the powdery slopes have other appetites as well— they’re hungry, thirsty, sleepy, curious and avid for company and fun, and it’s the job of a resort community to more than satisfy their needs. These five do it particularly well.

ACC.HAM.fw19.ski.indd 98

9/23/19 11:50 AM

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB, PARK CITY, UTAH Another ski resort town that was born as a silver BRITISH COLUMBIA

mining town, Park City is in the catbird seat, with eye-pleasing low-rise condos and hotels, revamped miners’ houses, a bustling Main Street jammed with restaurants, bars and shops, and an energy that seems to be equal parts East and West Coasts. No other ski town can lay claim to hosting a major cinema event, which is what happens when the Sundance Film Festival, started by Robert Redford, comes to Park City every January. The locals’ secret is to ski during the festival, when the mountains are empty because everyone else is sitting in screening rooms. You can walk to the lifts of Park City Mountain, which connect by gondola to the massive area once called The Canyons. A mile away by shuttle bus is Deer Valley, the moneyed mountain that offers fine dining on the slopes and perfect grooming as well as the Stein Eriksen Lodge, the best luxury digs in the area. In town, Hotel Park City is my choice. As for dining, Riverhorse on Main is perfect for a big night out, Chef Bill White’s Chimayo is ideal for Tex-Mex fare, but I like High West Distillery, which bills itself as the only “ski-in, ski-out” distillery in the world, for micro tastes of whiskey and solid American comfort food.

You can never be bored at Squaw, not with the deep blue waters of Lake Tahoe in view. Once upon a time, this place was called Squallywood, a nod to the denizens of LA who partied here. They still come, but so do tech types from the Bay Area and East Coasters who fly in for the snow, of which more than 700 inches fell this past season. Squaw is the capital of freestyle skiing, hence all those staggeringly fit 20-somethings doing aerial tricks on the mountain. But High Camp, set at 8,200 feet, is a mid-mountain resort that offers a vast pool, hot tub and bar complex that tempts non-skiers for a day way up on the slopes. Call it a bit of California beach life in the mountains. The car-free village is stylish but laid-back, with the Auld Dubliner and Le Chamois rivals for après. Plumpjack Café and Bar has long been a standard bearer for fine California cuisine, but I happen to love the mountain lodge feel of Graham’s Restaurant & Bar. The Resort at Squaw Creek has long been my favorite hotel on the mountain, from its walls of windows down to its private chairlift. The Plumpjack Squaw Valley Inn is also a solid choice.

The shopping is decent, but for more variety, the skibum town of Truckee is just 10 minutes away by car.

HAMILTON

Whistler Blackcomb—two mountains, one resort—is the big one. That’s “big” as in 5,000-plus feet of vertical, as every skier loves to brag. But it’s also an enormous complex of three ski villages—Whistler Village, Upper Village and Creekside—that are mostly car-free yet give it the feel of a small, civilized city. That’s civilized as in Four Seasons Resort Whistler and Fairmont Château Whistler, two of the finest ski hotels. You could spend an entire vacation in their spas. But then you’d miss out on après-ski energy and Irish music at Dubh Linn Gate, the fine dining at Araxi and Wildflower, the fresh sushi at Nagomi Sushi and nightlife that rivals the best in European ski resorts, at places like Tommy’s. A mix of guests from Japan, the U.S. West Coast and Europe gives this town an international flavor. But since it was bought by Vail in 2016, there’s even more focus on niceties in the village. For non-ski pastimes, check out the ice-skating rink, and up on the mountain the suspension bridge at Whistler Peak is ideal for those who just want to look. Not to mention the Audain Art Museum to tour on a day off, or a snowmobile excursion, while the city of Vancouver is just two hours away. If Whistler doesn’t have it all, it sure packs in a lot.

SQUAW VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

99

ACC.HAM.fw19.ski.indd 99

9/23/19 11:50 AM

FOR FIVE CENTURIES LAKE COMO HAS BEEN A PLAYGROUND OF THE UBER-FAMOUS, BUT ITS AZURE BEAUTY CAN STILL SURPRISE.

By Everett Potter

The village of Bellagio is referred to as “the pearl of Lake Como.” Visitors soak in the splendor as they stroll down the waterfront promenade or trek to the peninsula’s end at Punta Spartivento.

100

HAMILTON

If Lake Como were nothing more than an exceptionally beautiful lake in northern Italy, it would still count as one of the country’s stellar attractions. In one of the most dramatic settings in the world, it’s a 29-mile-long inverted Y, flanked by steep, thickly wooded mountainsides. To the north lie the Alps, which are snow-dusted for much of the year, while along the lakeshore are palm trees next to ornate villas, some of which have origins as early as the 16th

ACC.HAM.fw19.Travel.indd 100

9/24/19 3:13 PM

HAMILTON

101

20 1 N OTL I M A H

century. It is a veritable stage set of villas, hamlets and garden follies, on a 1,400-foot-deep body of water that seems more a fjord than a lake.

But Lake Como’s very name has come to mean much more in the 21st century—it’s a catchphrase that automatically connotes glamour and wealth. Part of that is due to the proximity of Milan, less than an hour away, and the patronage of the fashion crowd. But much of the buzz is because of George Clooney, who bought a lakeside villa here nearly two decades ago. He brought along Hollywood pals Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts and Matt Damon, who enhanced the glamour and myth of the lake with their comings and goings. But, truth be told, Como’s history long predates the latest iteration of an LA bro-pack.

Celtic tribes once lived along these shores, until the Romans drove them away, and Julius Caesar ordered 5,000 of his men to literally drain the swamp at the end of the lake and set up a Roman town at what is now the city of Como. In time, it was the wealthy Lombards of nearby Milan who came in the 16th century, finding a place where imported Chinese silkworms thrived on the lake’s native mulberry trees. They built fortunes based on their silk empire, and the industry thrives to this day, as Versace, Hermés, Ralph Lauren and countless others continue to source their silk here.

The wealthy Milanese merchants built villas, and then, in the fashion of the day, became patrons of the arts. You can’t visit Como without hearing a lot of cultural name-dropping: how Leonardo painted here, how Verdi composed part of La Traviata there, how

102

HAMILTON

Left: The medieval village of Torno has well-preserved architecture and luxury accommodations. Below: With the catch of the day on its way to the dinner plate, fishing boats dock in the lake’s azure water.

Above: The lakeside botanical gardens at Villa Melzi are a must-see. Right: Enjoy house wine alfresco at Osteria del Beuc.

HAMILTON 103

Bellini worked on his opera Norma and how writers as diverse as Wordsworth, Longfellow and Hesse wrote poetry extolling the lake’s singular virtues.

I am lucky to travel to Lake Como two or three times every summer.

Every season is different, and every time I visit I see things I did not see before. The perfect time to go? I like early summer, when there are still waterfalls fed by the high mountain snows and a fringe of snowcapped peaks to the north.

Regardless of the season, an ideal day on Lake Como is spent on the water, looking at the villas, stopping at those that can be visited, having lunch, taking a swim. If your budget allows, the boat trip should be in a sleek wooden Riva speedboat heading up the lake to meet friends for lunch in a restaurant on Isola Comacina, the lake’s only island. Or perhaps in Varenna, where a jumble of ochre-colored buildings form the backdrop for café life and the slow sipping of prosecco. For those who don’t have access to a private boat, the ferry system will do, as it crisscrosses that lake and provides access to the bustling waterfront and narrow, shop-filled lanes of Bellagio. It allows you to explore quiet fishing villages, such as Pescallo, and drops you at Tremezzo to see the gardens and artwork at one of the lake’s masterpieces, Villa Carlotta, a favorite of 19th-century writers Edith Wharton and Henry James.

Indeed, as you travel the lake, there are many grand private villas, with names to match. Villa Fontanelle near Moltrasio, once owned

by Gianni Versace, was sold after his death to Arkady Noviko, arguably Russia’s most successful restaurateur and a man known colloquially as “the blini king.” You can observe it from the water, as you can the nearby Villa Passalacqua, where Napoleon stayed, and Villa Le Rose, where Churchill retreated after World War II. Laglio is where Clooney and his wife Amal live at Villa Oleandra. Villa La Cassinella has long been rumored to be owned by Sir Richard Branson, who denies it.

Then there is Villa del Balbianello, my personal favorite, which holds the most coveted place on the lake, a promontory close to the village of Lenno, topped by a fantastic stone compound. The building originated as a monastery, was then acquired by private hands and eventually became the home of Guido Monzino, heir to an Italian supermarket fortune and a self-styled explorer who led the first Italian expedition up Mt. Everest. It’s a museum now, and thankfully, Monzino’s quirky and sometimes wondrous collections from his trips to the four corners of the earth are still housed here, in what must be the most photographed villa on the lake. Filmmakers adore the place. It was here that Casino Royale was shot as well as A Month by the Lake and even Star Wars II: Attack of the Clones. It can get very crowded here, so go early in the morning and soak in the gardens and the statuary and the sheer elegance of the place.

Villa Melzi is a 10-minute stroll from the busy docks at Bellagio, where silk-mad shoppers and lunch-going day-trippers can make it a little too crowded. Here you can stroll acres of lakeside gardens planted with specimen trees from all over the globe. Alas, the interior of the villa, built for Francesco Melzi d’Eril, vice president of the Italian Republica, and the place where Franz Liszt composed his Dante Symphony, is private. The grounds, however,

104

HAMILTON

Above: Soak in the natural splendor while strolling through public gardens. Left: A statue of Alessandro Volta, inventor of the electrical battery and Como native son, stands in a square.

ACC.HAM.fw19.Travel.indd 104

9/23/19 11:51 AM

501 N OTL I M A H

however, give you a real sense of tranquility and what Lake Como must have been like 150 years ago.

The best part of Lake Como is the chance to stay in one of these historic villas. A few years ago, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, built in 1910, was redone from top to bottom, infusing serious chic into what had been an aging dowager. The champagne bar and the pool that literally floats in Lake Como are the essence of lakeside glamour. Villa d’Este in Cernobbio continues to reign as the queen of the lake, having originated in the 16th century as a residence for a cardinal before passing to the hands of British royalty and eventually becoming a hotel in the late 19th century.

But the stakes have gotten even higher in the past couple of years. Il Sereno Lago Di Como opened in Torno, while the Vista Palazzo, an 18-room luxury lair in the city of Como, opened in 2018, as did the six-suite Villa Lário set on two lakeside acres in Pognana Lario. The latest entry to the Lake Como luxe sweepstakes is Mandarin Oriental, which took over a villa in Blevio.

Sure, you can dine regally at some of these hotels, but I prefer the locals’ haunts. A couple of months ago, it was in a quiet café in Cernobbio, Osteria del Beuc, that I sat at an alfresco table 50 feet from the lake on a sultry night and drank the local white wine blend from the producer Sorsasso, situated above the lakeside village of Domaso, the same wine that Clooney requested be served at his wedding to Amal. It accompanied a lemon and Parmesan risotto served with a dramatic scoop of basil-flavored gelato in the middle, which slowly melted into the risotto. It was tradition married to the fashionable, a surprise and a revelation, a little like Lake Como itself.

HAMILTON

Above: The resort town of Lecco offers a dramatic Alpine backdrop with fewer crowds than some of the better-known villages. Left: Historic villas are a highlight of any trip to this part of the Lombardy region.

105

106

HAMILTON

ENTERTAINING

LET THIS PICTURESQUE FALL FEAST INSPIRE YOU TO TAKE YOUR PARTY PREP TO THE NEXT LEVEL—NO MATTER WHERE OR WHAT THE OCCASION.

Position a bowl of seasonal fruits in between two identical autumnal floral arrangements for a wow-worthy centerpiece. Blue monogrammed linens and bold china add another unexpected pop of personality to your tablescape.

HAMILTON

Presentation counts, and Alex Hitz knows it. The celebrity chef and lifestyle expert has been hailed by The Wall Street Journal as “the very best host in the world,” a title that would make even Martha Stewart jealous. His French-inspired cooking, mixed with some good ol’ Southern hospitality, makes him a host extraordinaire, one whose delightful dinners and beautiful brunches, hosted in his hometown of Atlanta, in Manhattan or in Beverly Hills, are as photogenic as they are delicious. This festive fall lunch and other pictureperfect parties—plus easy-to-follow recipes—featured in Hitz’s new tome, The Art of the Host: Recipes and Rules for Flawless Entertaining (Rizzoli New York) prove that not just what you serve your guests, but how you serve it, is what leaves the most lasting of impressions.

107

108

HAMILTON

ENTERTAINING

CHILLED CORN CHOWDER WITH LUMP CRAB AND AVOCADO SALAD Yields: 2½ qts. (enough for 10 to 12 servings)

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

FOR THE CHILLED CORN CHOWDER n 5 lbs. fresh corn on the cob (approximately 12 cobs) n 8 Tbs. (1 stick) butter n 3 lbs. yellow onions, chopped (4-6 onions, depending on their size) n 3 tsp. salt n ½ tsp. ground black pepper n 7 cups whole milk n 1 cup heavy cream n 2 Tbs. chopped fresh cilantro, for finishing

TO MAKE THE CHILLED CORN CHOWDER: Remove the corn kernels from the cob and scrape the kernels into a mixing bowl. Run the blunt edge of your knife against the cobs to extract as much corn milk as you can into the mixing bowl. Reserve the cobs.

TO MAKE THE LUMP CRAB AND AVOCADO SALAD: Combine all the ingredients in a medium mixing bowl and stir them carefully so as not to break the crab more than is necessary to blend the salad. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

TO SERVE: Remove the cobs from the soup and purée the soup with an immersion blender or a food processor in batches until it’s as smooth as velvet. Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro, then ladle the chowder into individual chilled bowls. Garnish the soup with a scoop of the lump crab and avocado salad.

HAMILTON

FOR THE LUMP CRAB AND AVOCADO SALAD n 1 lb. jumbo lump crab, picked for bits of shell n 2 large shallots, finely chopped n 2 medium ripe avocados, pitted, peeled and diced n 1 Tbs. fresh-squeezed lime juice n 2 tsp. grated lime zest n 3 Tbs. Hellmann’s mayonnaise n 2 Tbs. sour cream n 2 Tbs. tasteless vegetable oil n 1 Tbs. apple cider vinegar n ¾ tsp. salt, divided n ¼ tsp. ground black pepper, plus an additional pinch

Melt the butter in a large stockpot over medium-high heat. When the foaming has subsided, turn the heat to medium, and add the onions and sauté them until they are translucent and soft, 20 to 25 minutes, stirring them constantly. Add the corn kernel and corn milk from the bowl, the cobs, 2 tsp. of the salt, the ground black pepper, milk and heavy cream, stir them together well, and bring the mixture to a boil before turning the heat down to low. Let the chowder simmer, uncovered, for an hour. Remove from the heat, add the remaining 1 tsp. of salt, and let the chowder cool.

Cover and refrigerate at least 6 hours, but preferably overnight to allow the flavors to fully develop.

109

110

HAMILTON

ENTERTAINING

SALMON EN CROÛTE WITH EASIEST-EVER BÉARNAISE SAUCE Yields: 8 servings

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

n 2-lb. salmon fillet, preferably cut

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Season the salmon on both sides equally with the salt and pepper. Place the puff pastry sheet on a heavy baking sheet, center the seasoned salmon on the puff pastry and evenly coat the salmon with the mushroom duxelles. Curl the pastry up on the sides and bake for 20 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown. Remove it from the oven, let it rest for at least 5 minutes before transferring the salmon to a serving platter and garnishing it with the fresh chopped dill. The salmon may be served up to two hours later at room temperature as well.

n n n n n

from the center so it’s thicker, skin and dark meat removed ½ tsp. salt ¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper 1 (10-by-15-inch) sheet all-butter puff pastry Mushroom Duxelles (recipe follows) fresh chopped dill, for garnish

MUSHROOM DUXELLES n 8 Tbs. (1 stick) salted butter n 2 lbs. medium mushrooms,

minced n ½ tsp. salt n ¼ tsp. ground black pepper n ½ cup sherry

EASIEST-EVER BÉARNAISE SAUCE In a large heavy saucepan over a high heat, combine the white wine, vinegar, shallots, tarragon, pinch of salt and the black pepper and boil until it is thick and the consistency of syrup, about 12-15 minutes.

Remove the syrup from the heat and set aside.

Melt the butter over medium heat in a heavy saucepan. In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade, combine the egg yolks, water, lemon juice, remaining ½ teaspoon salt and the white pepper. Process them until they are thick and sticky, approximately 2-3 minutes.

When the butter has melted and is fully bubbling, slowly pour it through the tube of the food processor, drop by drop, with the processor running. Process the sauce until all the butter is incorporated and a sauce emulsion forms. Remove the sauce to a warm bowl, stir in the tarragonshallot reduction and serve it immediately.

HAMILTON

EASIEST-EVER BÉARNAISE SAUCE n ¼ cup white wine n ¼ cup white wine vinegar n 1 Tbs. minced shallots n 1½ tsp. dried tarragon n ½ tsp. plus a pinch of salt n ¹⁄8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper n 8 Tbs. (1 stick) butter n 4 egg yolks n 1 Tbs. water n 2 Tbs. lemon juice n ¹⁄8 tsp. ground white pepper

MUSHROOM DUXELLES Melt the butter in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. When the foaming has subsided, add the mushrooms, salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook the mushrooms very slowly until all liquid has evaporated, approximately 20 minutes. Add the sherry and continue to cook the mushrooms until the sherry has evaporated and there is no more steam coming off, another 10-15 minutes.

111

112

HAMILTON

ENTERTAINING

FRENCH GREEN BEANS WITH ALMONDS Yields: 8 to 10 servings

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

n 2 lbs. French green beans,

Tie bundles of 8 to 10 green beans with a chive. Transfer the bundles to a serving platter. Pour the melted butter on top, sprinkle with the almonds and serve.

trimmed and blanched in salted water n 1 bunch long chives n 4 Tbs. (½ stick) butter, melted n ½ cup sliced almonds, toasted

HAMILTON 113

114

HAMILTON

ENTERTAINING

POACHED PEARS WITH ICE CREAM Yields: 8 servings

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

n 1 bottle red or white wine,

In a large, heavy stockpot over a medium heat, simmer the wine, sugar and cinnamon stick, together for approximately 5 minutes to let them steep. Do not boil this mixture.

n n n n n

whatever variety you like 1¾ cups sugar 1 cinnamon stick 4 firm Bartlett, Anjou or Bosc pears (approximately 2 lbs.)

1 Tbs. lemon juice ¼ tsp. salt

Peel the pears, cut them in half lengthwise and core them. Add the pears to the liquid in one layer, and gently poach them for 10 to 12 minutes, spooning the wine over them from the beginning so that they will color evenly. When they are fork-tender all the way through— check them after 8 minutes or so— transfer them from the poaching liquid to a large plate with a slotted spoon. Let the pears cool, then cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days before serving. Or, just let them cool to room temperature while you finish the sauce.

HAMILTON

Turn the heat to high and boil the poaching liquid until it reaches a syrupy consistency, 20 to 25 minutes.

Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice and salt. Place the pears on a serving platter or individual plates, pour the sauce over them and serve.

115

ACC.HAM.fw19.Bridal Dinner10pps.indd 115

9/23/19 11:53 AM

BRIDAL

YOU FOUND THE DRESS. NOW CHOOSE JEWELS THAT WILL FLATTER YOUR GOWN.

116

HAMILTON

Stunning hand-carved cameo and diamond bracelet, fashioned in 18K rose gold. Originally popularized by Queen Victoria of England, cameos have predominately showcased women’s profiles, and have been worn by women who enjoy the beauty and craftsmanship of these distinctive pieces for heirloom keepsakes.

A strand of pearls… the epitome of bridal elegance and timeless style. Choose from a vast selection of pearl strands of Akoya pearl, South Sea pearls, Tahitian pearls, freshwater pearls, baroque pearls and more.

Viburnum_FP_FW19.indd 1

8/27/19 10:55 AM

BRIDAL

Stunning drop diamond earrings in platinum with alternating round and baguette diamonds create a timeless statement of dramatic style and design innovation.

118

HAMILTON

Keshi pearl and diamond necklace in enduring platinum. This unique necklace splits to a striking “V� drop for a truly distinctive style statement.

Infused with marquise and round brilliant diamonds.

ACC.HAM.fw19.bridal.indd 118

9/23/19 11:54 AM

authentic. vintage. luxury.

104 Nassau Street • Princeton, NJ • 609.924.1363 • www.h1912.com H1912 PROUDLY DONATES A PERCENTAGE OF EVERY SALE TO LOCAL CHARITIES IN NEED

VINTAGE JEWELRY

H1912_FA2019_FINAL.indd 1

VINTAGE TIMEPIECES

ENGAGEMENT RINGS AND BANDS

9/5/19 8:19 AM

BRIDAL 120

HAMILTON

Exceptional Asscher-cut diamond earrings from our Private Reserve Collection are handcrafted in precious platinum with Euro-wires for comfort and security. They contain perfectly matched 5.01 Asscher-cuts for a total weight of 10.02 carats, with a diamond setting.

Riviere drop earrings with GIA certified diamonds, created in 18K white gold, round brilliant and pear-shape diamonds. A classic design of graduated cascading diamonds.

TRANSFORMING A DEVASTATING FAMILY TRAGEDY INTO A LEGACY OF BRINGING JOY TO UNDERSERVED CHILDREN OF MERCER COUNTY AND BEYOND, CHRISTINE’S HOPE FOR KIDS IS POISED TO CELEBRATE A DECADE OF HELPING THE KIDS IN OUR COMMUNITY.

b y

R a e

P a d u l o

122

HAMILTON

It’s all about the little things: the new toothbrush, the cozy pajamas, the baseball spikes, the engrossing plot of a gently-used Harry Potter book.

Christine’s Hope for Kids not only recognizes the importance of what many of us take for granted, but it makes sure the little things find their way to children in need, making a world of difference, one smile at a time.

THE NAMESAKE The little things were also important to Hopewell, New Jersey native Christine Gianacaci: taking a new student under her wing in homeroom, playing a good round of golf, winning a pizza party with the school mascot at a parents’ weekend auction just so she could donate it to a local shelter.

A communications major at Florida’s Lynn University, Christine was already, at age 22, a longstanding champion for “the kid in the corner.”

Called “The Mayor” as a young child because she was ever-smiling and outgoing, things changed when Christine developed Tourette syndrome as a teenager. She was unable to do many everyday things, worried about

lives, including Christine. Her death propelled her parents, Jean and John Gianacaci, to continue the work that their daughter had begun with such love and purpose, by establishing Christine’s Hope for Kids, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation.

Devastated by the difficulties she found on a community service trip to Jamaica, her life’s calling became clear and led her to take a second trip with her Lynn University classmates, this time to Haiti, to help children and feed the poor. Catastrophically, the trip coincided with Haiti’s January 2010 earthquake, and the Lynn group’s hotel in Port-au-Prince tumbled. Of the university’s 12 visiting members, four students and two professors lost their

The foundation now stands on the edge of its 10th year, its donations surpassing the million dollar mark benefitting area organizations like Womanspace in Trenton, all Mercer County YMCAs, Boys & Girls clubs, local schools and hospitals and countless others. The donations run the gamut from dollar amounts for playground equipment or summer camp to school backpacks, pajama bags or magic shows for pediatric cancer patients.

HAMILTON

disturbing the quiet of the movies, library or church. Though her symptoms lessened by the time she left for college, the experience deepened a profound empathy for others, leading her to want to help those around her more than ever, especially children.

123

STEERING INTO THE FUTURE 2020 is a very special year for the foundation, as it marks a decade of giving. In October, the 10th annual golf tournament for Christine’s Hope for Kids takes place at Springdale Golf Club in Princeton. In the works are continued fundraising efforts, donations where there is need and a children’s book about differences and acceptance. “As long as we see community need and have the support, we’re going to keep going.

We’re going to invest smartly and look toward the future,” says Jean. As far as where the foundation is headed, Jean believes that Christine guides her to do the right thing, and she hasn’t steered her wrong yet.

TEACHING KIDS TO HELP KIDS Christine’s Hope for Kids does a lot more than just give: It teaches, creating a legacy of helping and doing good that will last and grow.

The pride is palpable in the idea of raising up the next generation of civic and community volunteers and future leaders. “We have taught thousands the value of kids helping kids, and the value of kindness, caring and compassion,” says Jean Gianacaci. “Outside of the donations and the kids that we’ve helped, the thing I’m most proud of is the kids that are helping us.

They’re volunteering for us. They see what we’re doing, and they want to be part of it, and they love being part of it! They show up on Saturdays; they give up their summer vacations and want to volunteer to put together backpacks or go to a book fair at a summer camp. How can we not be proud of that?”

School programs include Pennies from Heaven, which allows students to add to a class penny jar, with Christine’s Hope providing a matching gift; the children decide then what cause the money should benefit. “We strive to educate kids on the importance of giving back to the community and to raise their awareness of other people’s needs,” says Jean. Other programs include collecting gently used books for the organization’s Literacy Project, and Pajama Bags, one of Jean’s favorites. “It’s so important. Many kids arrive at local shelters with little clothing of their own. These bags have new pajamas, toothpaste, toothbrush, teddy bear and a book to read,” creating a little feeling of home and safety.

ACC.HAM.fw19.NJnonprofit.indd 124

The message of Christine’s Hope for Kids has inspired others to act. Just one example is Hopewell Elementary student Sterling Desmond, a recent recipient of the Christine’s Hero annual award.

A remarkable young man who magically turned muffins into a $1,620 donation (with matching funds from the organization) for Christine’s Hope for Kids, Sterling pairs up with his mom, Tessa, to tell us about their family fundraising project and what it feels like to do good.

After being told by his second-grade teacher, Mrs. Harjes, about Christine’s Hope for Kids, Sterling wanted to help, developing, with his parents, the idea of “Muffins Weekly,” in which fresh-baked muffins are delivered to customers’ doors once a week for four weeks. The beauty of the project is that it not only raised funds for Christine’s Hope for Kids, but it also created a time of togetherness for Sterling’s family.

“Our family wakes up at 5:30 a.m. on muffins morning to bake about 10 dozen muffins,” says Tessa, adding that they make some of Sterling’s favorites: apple cider doughnut, lemon ricotta and pumpkin chocolate chip.

“It’s been a lot of fun. Sometimes we’re dragging ourselves out of bed but once we start playing music and mixing the batter, we all liven up. It’s been a good time for conversation and silliness. And, by the time we’re all off to work and school, we feel so accomplished. It’s like: “We’ve already baked 10 dozen muffins, and the sun’s barely up!”

Now, at over $1,600 in funds raised for the Pajama Bags project, there’s no stopping Sterling, who says he will “keep going” because giving feels “good, great and awesome!”

For more information, visit christineshope.org.

9/23/19 11:55 AM

According to the 2018 SHRM/Globoforce Employee Recognition Report, “eighty percent of the HR leaders surveyed reported that their organization currently has an employee recognition program. And the majority of those with programs in place are reporting tangible benefits: 89% say their employee recognition program helps with employee experience; 86% say it helps employee relationships; 85% say it helps with organizational culture; 84% say it helps with employee engagement; and 83% say it helps strengthen organizational values.

It’s Relevant.

Punctuality and timeliness isn’t just something employers should expect from their staff; it’s something employees should anticipate, particularly from a recognition program. When a team or specific employee brings in significant results, it’s not worthwhile to wait a few months before providing them with an incentive. For an employee recognition program to be effective, managers and employers should make sure they’re acknowledging their workers in a timely manner.

It’s Frequent & Reoccurring.

Many companies use a special occasion to recognize their best talent. They might celebrate employees’ successes at the quarterly meeting or present awards at the company holiday party. Businesses that only recognize their employees once a quarter—or worse, on an annual basis—aren’t giving staff enough opportunities to shine. You can encourage them to put their best foot forward all year round by presenting frequent recognition.

It’s Clear.

Some businesses commit the ultimate recognition faux-pas: presenting employees with rewards without telling them why they earned it. When recognizing staff, it’s crucial to ensure they know exactly what accomplishments yielded this reward. That way, they’ll know what to do to keep up the good work.

It’s Public.

Even the most humble employees won’t mind a little public recognition. Rather than recognizing individuals on a personal, discrete basis, you should shout it from the rooftops. If a success happened in the days leading up to a company or team meeting, announce the accomplishment and reward the responsible employee in front of everyone. If you don’t have a big meeting in the near future, celebrate and reward successes digitally, either through a mass, company-wide email or through your business’ corporate communications platform. Public recognition makes the rewarded employee feel important and gives other workers drive to achieve this kind of shout-out.

It’s Inclusive.

Recognition shouldn’t exclude executives or upper-level managers, nor should it hinder entry-level workers from getting the praise they deserve. An effective recognition program gives all employees—from hourly workers to corner-office presidents—the opportunity to shine.

It’s Based On Company Values.

Does your business have a motto or value statement? Make your program brand-focused by recognizing staff based on how well their feats fit into the company’s ideology and model for success.

6 0 9. 52 4 .6 497 | DW I L F @ H A M I LTO N J E W E L E R S .CO M | H A M I LTO N F O R B U S I N ES S .CO M | @ H A M I LTO N F O R B U S I N ES S

ALL OF THE REGION’S VISUAL OPULENCE MIGHT MAKE IT EASY TO OVERLOOK THOSE IN NEED RIGHT IN PALM BEACH’S OWN BACKYARD.

b y

Lush tropical landscaping, Addison Mizner-inspired architecture and azure waters provide an idyllic backdrop for Palm Beach and help make it a coveted destination for tourists and affluent residents. All of this visual opulence, however, might make it easy to overlook those in need right in Palm Beach’s own backyard.

Fortunately, one community organization has been dedicated to helping the area’s low-income working families since the 1930s. And while it has evolved over time to best address the societal issues of the day, one thing has remained constant—the individuals and organizations in Palm Beach County have rolled up their sleeves and rallied around the cause. This “it takes a village approach” has provided opportunities to the area’s needy families and resulted in a waitlist of more than 300 children for their educational program. Opportunity Inc. (opportunitypbc.org) is an ongoing story that continues to inspire and engage those it touches.

In 1931, the Palm Beach community was suffering from the impact of the Great Depression. A social worker, Mary F. Anderson, introduced the members of the Episcopal Church Guild of Bethesda-by-the-Sea to the struggles facing Riviera Beach fishermen.

L i z a

S m i t h

“Our mission has always been to help low-income working families.”

—Opportunity’s Executive Director, Ali Eger

These fishermen, who were descendants of Loyalists, fled the Carolinas during the American Revolution and then settled in the Bahamas. By 1919, 25 families had settled in an area that would become Riviera Beach. The women brought with them handcrafting skills they had honed during years of living in the Bahamas and working with shells, palm fronds and fish scales.

As a result of the 1928 hurricane and Great Depression, the outlook for these fishing families was bleak. Anderson helped the women turn their talents into a money-making vocation. This transition created a need for childcare, so the Guild stepped in and opened a nursery. The next decade was spent satisfying these and other community childcare demands before the initiative was officially chartered as Opportunity Inc. in 1939.

As years passed, the need for childcare for low-income families in the area continued, and Opportunity was there to help. Thirteen childcare centers evolved under the Opportunity format, including several wartime daycare centers such as one opened in Dunbar Village, a West Palm Beach housing project for working mothers during World War II. Flash forward to the recent decades. The issue was no longer merely finding a place for these children to go while their parents were working, but making sure they were prepared for what would come next.

“Our mission has always been to help low income working families, but the long term philosophy of how to meet that goal has changed,” Opportunity’s executive director Ali Eger says.

“We know that we have to prepare children to be successful in school and then this won’t be a generational issue. Without education, you are stuck in low income minimum wage jobs supporting a family of four and there is no possibility of moving ahead.”

Now named Opportunity Early Childhood Education & Family Center, they opened a permanent facility in the early 1960s, which was operational until a 2003 move to the Mary Alice Fortin Early Childhood Center on impoverished Westgate Avenue, a mere 10 minutes from the town of Palm Beach.

127

ACC.HAM.fw19.PB nonprofit.kk.indd 127

Their initiatives have been so effective and well received that the charity is now rated four stars by Charity Navigator, accredited by the National Accreditation Commission and has received the Gold Seal of School Excellence from the Florida Department of Children and Families. There are also more than 300 children on the waiting list for the 96 spots they have available each year. That capacity issue, however, is about to shift thanks in large part to one local couple.

HAMILTON

Opportunity’s current program is comprehensive— addressing not only kindergarten readiness in terms of reading and math skills, but also exposing its preschool students to a wealth of opportunities that other children their age in Palm Beach have access to while tackling additional issues they may have.

Students go on field trips to everywhere from the Loggerhead Marinelife Center to the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens for the organization’s Literacy Days to performances at the Kravis Center. They can receive therapeutic support to deal with emotional and social issues through play therapy provided in partnership with the Center for Child Counseling. Opportunity also embraces conscious discipline to promote self-regulation in students, which allows teachers to provide less time managing behaviors and encourages a cooperative approach to situations, which will benefit the student both in school and life.

9/23/19 11:56 AM

“Supporting Opportunity can help to reverse declining educational results and health issues, and also the local crime rate.”

—Opportunity donors David and Jillian Gilmour

Fiji Water founder David Gilmour and his wife Jillian have a history of philanthropic giving, though sometimes to larger cities, such as San Diego and Las Vegas, that the Gilmours believed might be more in need. That was until they discovered Opportunity’s Westgate school only miles from their Palm Beach home.

The sum total of the volunteerism and donations is truly greater than its parts and extends beyond the child who is enrolled. Opportunity considers itself a family program. Its goal is to change the future for these children, but also the path the parents are on. It has required parent workshops on pertinent topics such as first time home buying and offer services like resume help and clothes for interviews provided by Dress For Success.

They vetted the organization through United Way and visited the center to understand their program and how they spent their money. While they knew the need was critical, the Gilmours wanted to make sure it was properly addressing the problem.

Overwhelmed by what they learned, the couple ultimately donated $2 million (of the $8.6 million needed) to construct a new 24,000-square-foot preschool learning center and an additional $10 million to Opportunity’s endowment fund. The new center will serve roughly 285 students and is named after his daughter, Erin, who they lost tragically years ago.

“We have read the studies that prove that the human brain is formed between the ages of 6 weeks and 5 years, and that intervening in a child’s life through quality preschool education leads to less crime, higher graduation rates and improved income,” says Gilmour.

“Supporting Opportunity can help to reverse declining educational results and health issues, and also the local crime rate. We have a home in Palm Beach and believe charity should begin at home—for all of us. That’s why, for Jillian and me, this school and these children are our most important project to date.”

The Gilmours are two of many who are answering when Opportunity knocks.

Eger speaks to an ever-growing list of individuals and corporations who have become their partners—everyone from the local lawyer who visits every week to read a thoughtfully chosen library book to PNC Bank employees who volunteer for campus cleanup and other projects to a retired concert pianist who comes to teach music and rhythm.

ACC.HAM.fw19.PB nonprofit.kk.indd 128

Stories of these families are inspirational, like one single mom who was battling addiction and living with her children in a homeless shelter when they were first enrolled at Opportunity. Now, eight years after her youngest graduated, she is a homeowner and about to graduate with a master’s degree in psychology. She still comes back to read to current students. Hers is only one of countless successes that prove the impact and reach of this organization.

This year, Opportunity celebrates its 80th anniversary. And while it may never be featured on a postcard, the organization is clearly a testament to just how beautiful Palm Beach is.

9/23/19 11:56 AM

WE LIVE WHERE WE WORK. WE LOVE WHERE WE LIVE. OUR EXPERTISE IS LOCAL. OUR REACH IS GLOBAL.

Search for homes at callawayhenderson.com #lovewhereyoulive

W H EN YO U N EED A D I S T I N C T I V E G I F T T H AT E X P R ES S ES YO U R S EN T I M EN T EFF O RT L ES S LY

- CLIENT PRESENTATION GIFTS - TOURNAMENT AND GOLF TROPHIES - MILESTONE AND RETIREMENT GIFTS - SALES RECOGNITION AWARDS - EMPLOYEE ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS - SERVICE AWARD PROGRAMS

For assistance or more information, please contact Diana Wilf at 609.524.6497, or email dwilf@hamiltonjewelers.com

V I S I T U S AT H A M I LTO N F O R B U S I N E S S .C O M

BUSINESS_GIFTS_2019final.indd 1

9/13/19 2:44 PM

EVENTS

hamilton happenings HAMILTON JEWELERS WATCH FAIR X X: OUR 20TH YEAR CELEBR ATING THE ART OF TIME

In partnership with the Arts Council of Princeton, Hamilton hosted a memorable annual event, Watch Fair, with a new variation. “The Art of Time” featured the latest selection of premier watches, an art exhibit, prints, T-shirts and more to help raise awareness of arts in the Princeton community.

Princeton-based acclaimed artist Linda Zacks created limited edition art collectibles—prints and high quality T-shirts—that were sold during the event.

Zacks’ work has been featured in numerous exhibitions and publications worldwide, and has had limited edition books in the MoMA Design Store and the International Center of Photography.

Zacks’ art installations include “The Greatest City on Earth” public art project in Lower Manhattan; Paris Murals Collection in Gare Montparnasse Station Paris; Sony Style Flagship and Retail in New York City; and INQ Mobile World Conference in Barcelona.

Zacks is represented by Exhibit No. 9 Gallery + Studio for Contemporary Art in Asbury Park.

The annual event coincides with Princeton University’s Reunions Weekend and draws tremendous crowds of both local clients and international visitors, filling the streets of Princeton.

HAMILTON

Who: HAMILTON JEWELERS What: WATCH FAIR XX: THE ART OF TIME When: FRIDAY, MAY 31 & SATURDAY, JUNE 1 Where: PRINCETON, NJ

133

ACC.HAM.fw19.Happenings.indd 133

9/23/19 11:57 AM

DIAMONDS DO GOOD

How GIVING BACK helps an industry shine

From top: Festive balloons fill the ballroom to raise funds; Hyde Park Jewelers CEO Michael Pollak accepting the award; Megan Crawford and Nancy Mann from Mann’s Jewelers catch up with Michael and Shereen Pollak.

In cities across the country—from Dallas to Detroit and from Richmond to Rochester—members of the Luxury Jewelers Resource Group (LJRG) have shown that they believe that a business does well by doing good. On May 30, 2019, the LJRG’s commitment to doing good in their communities was recognized with the “Diamonds Do Good” Community Building Award at the Diamond Empowerment Fund’s (DEF) gala held in the Palazzo Ballroom at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas.

DEF is a 12-year-old, New York City-based global nonprofit inspired by the example of the late South African leader Nelson Mandela. It celebrates, as the “Diamonds Do Good” website declares, “the positive impact that diamonds have on communities around the world.”

LJRG’s members, drawn from 20 states, share a commitment to combining business acumen with community and philanthropic involvement. They are: Diamond Cellar, Fink’s Jewelers, Hamilton Jewelers, Hyde Park Jewelers, Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, London Jewelers, Lux Bond & Green, Mann’s Jewelers, Reis-Nichols Jewelers, Tapper’s, Tivol and Bruce G. Weber. Individual retailers are actively involved in providing assistance and raising awareness for a range of initiatives including health care, education, women’s empowerment, advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and many more.

DEF board member Michael Pollak, CEO of Hyde Park Jewelers, accepted the honor on the group’s behalf. He said he believed the award would inspire other jewelers to continue to elevate their business practices to serve their clients and communities in an ethical and transparent manner.

In addition to LJRG’s award, gala attendees had fun bidding on oversized balloons to raise funds for the DEF’s efforts to provide higher-education scholarships and assistance to empower young people living in diamond-producing countries and to help communicate the “Diamonds Do Good” message to consumers. The crowd also heard from a DEF scholar from Botswana: recent Stanford University graduate Moratwa Chamme, who plans to use her education to help with planning initiatives in her home country. She explained that the scholarship she earned from DEF didn’t just pay college tuition, but was an investment in the human capital of Botswana. Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, president of the Republic of Botswana, along with his wife, Neo Jane Masisi, were in attendance to cheer on the scholar from their country with pride.

The tenor of the evening was best summed up by DEF president and Gemological Institute of America (GIA) vice president Anna Martin, who said the night’s award recipients reflect the ongoing positive impact being fostered by the diamond industry around the world.

134

HAMILTON

AT THE DIAMOND EMPOWERMENT FUND’S 2019 GALA IN LAS VEGAS, A CONSORTIUM OF FAMILY-OWNED JEWELRY RETAILERS WAS HONORED FOR BENEFITING COMMUNITIES.

ACC.HAM.FW19.DIAMONDS DO GOOD.indd 134

9/23/19 11:58 AM

A P P LY T O DAY f o r H a m i lt o n J e w e l e r s

PREFER RED C A RDHOLDER PROGR A M

- Choose from easy fixed monthly payments or deferred interest options - Enjoy enhanced purchasing power easily and quickly Visit any Hamilton location or online at www.hamiltonjewelers.com for an instant application.

*SUBJECT TO CREDIT APPROVAL. MINIMUM MONTHLY PAYMENTS REQUIRED. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS.

SYNCRONY_AD.indd 1

8/13/19 10:08 AM

FINISHING TOUCH

extra, extra!

From top: Patek Philippe Ref. 6006G; Shinola Bronze Monster; Rolex Datejust 41 and Breitling Aviator 8 B01 Chronograph 43.

136

HAMILTON

HOLD THE PRESSES: BEFORE YOU CHOOSE ANOTHER WATCH, CHECK OUT THESE NEWSWORTHY NUMBERS.

ACC.fw19.ExtraExtra-hamilton.indd 136

9/24/19 3:13 PM

F ro m t h e Fa r m e r s & O p e ra t o r s o f :

B R I C K FA R M TAV E R N D O U B L E B R O O K FA R M B R I C K FA R M M A R K E T

For information about our services and event planning, please visit www.brickfarmgroup.com, or call 609.466.6952 P ro u d p a r t n e r o f l o c a l o n - s i t e d i s t i l l e r y ::

A unique approach to catering and events featuring pasture to table menus and an authentic perspective to cooking with a thoughtful, sustainable and humane approach to sourcing and harvesting.

Always Know Where Your Food Comes From.

BRICK FARM FINAL.indd 1

8/19/19 8:01 AM

S:8.375”

T:9”

T:10.875” S:10.375”