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S TA R B U R S T

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FALL 2026 ACCENT MAGAZINE

IN THIS ISSUE

Welcome Letter

Store Happenings

Gift Guides

Store Locations

The Season of Glamour

The Craftspeople of Lee Michaels

Jewelry Trends

John Feik’s Seven Decades of Giving Back

Painted Ladies

A Hand Well Played

Designer Spotlight: Mikimoto

Oyster Story

Bold by Design

Good Watch Hunting

The Ancient Meets Hi-Tech

Lee's Picks

The Heritage Collection

The Estate Collection

Girl Power

A Lee Michaels Love Story

Lee Michaels Brides

California Dreamin'

This Much is Clear

Ski in Splendor

Cask Confidential

Bold Color. Brilliant Light.

LMFJ.COM

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 Lee Michaels. Copyright © 2026 by Wainscot Media LLC. All rights reserved. Editorial Contributions: Write to Editor, Lee Michaels, 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, ACCENT, 1 Maynard Drive, Park Ridge, NJ 07656, or by telephone at 201.571.2244. Advertising Inquiries: Contact Lizette Chin at 201.571.2227 or lizette.chin@wainscotmedia.com. Printed in the U.S.A. ©2026

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FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD Lee Michael Berg PRESIDENTS Ryan Berg, Scott Berg, Chad Berg CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER Jane Harrington CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Andrew Brown VICE PRESIDENT OF MERCHANDISING AND MARKETING Steve Rennhoff ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING Amy Graham Hughes CREATIVE DEPARTMENT Andrea Barbier, Mariella Brochard, Courtney Odenheimer EDITOR IN CHIEF Rita Guarna CREATIVE DIRECTOR Stephen Vitarbo SENIOR ASSOCIATE EDITOR Darius Amos

ASSISTANT EDITOR Kirsten Meehan CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Christen Fisher, Everett Potter, Donna Rolando PUBLISHER Lizette Chin ADVERTISING/PRODUCTION SERVICES Griff Dowden, Chris Ferrante, Jacquelynn Fischer, Catherine Rosario ACCOUNTING Kasie Carleton, Urszula Janeczko, Steven Resnick PUBLISHED BY Wainscot Media CHAIRMAN Carroll V. Dowden PRESIDENT & CEO Mark Dowden SENIOR VICE PRESIDENTS Edward R. Burns, Lizette Chin, Thomas Flannery, Rita Guarna VICE PRESIDENTS Nigel Edelshain, Nicole Heffernan Maria Regan, Steven Resnick

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IWC Ingenieur. Form und Technik. Ingenieur Automatic 35, Ref. 3249 It’s no secret that some engineers have slimmer wrists than others. So, for them, we’ve created the new Ingenieur Automatic 35. We housed it in a case measuring 35 millimeters in diameter, paying particular attention to the proportions of the case, bezel and bracelet to guarantee perfect ergonomics and wearability. Despite its compact dimensions, this model has all the design features you’d expect of an IWC Ingenieur, such as Gérald Genta’s unmistakable artistic signature, a bezel with ﬁve screws and a grid-patterned dial. Which goes to show that caliber is often more than a question of mere size.

IWC. Engineered.

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L E TTE R

O U R

F R I E N D S

This fall brings an exciting season of growth and renewal at Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, and we are delighted to share several milestones with you. We recently celebrated the grand reopening of our newly renovated Ridgeland store with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony. We are also pleased to announce the completion of our Lafayette store remodel, while our Baton Rouge showroom at Bocage Village has expanded with the addition of a state-of-the-art watchmaking workshop. Looking ahead to 2027, we will begin a complete remodel and expansion of our Albuquerque store. Each of these investments reflects our belief that every Lee Michaels location should be a flagship within the community it serves, offering a first-class environment and the exceptional service, expertise and personal attention our clients have come to expect. As the holiday season approaches, we look forward to welcoming you into our stores for a wonderful lineup of special events. These gatherings offer opportunities to discover extraordinary collections, meet jewelry designers and celebrate the season together. Our travels in search of exceptional value, remarkable craftsmanship and the newest designs never stop. At the heart of every journey is a simple purpose: to discover one-of-a-kind jewelry and exceptional timepieces from around the world and bring them home to you. We thoughtfully select pieces that feel both timeless and fresh, each worthy of celebrating life’s most meaningful moments. We remain deeply grateful for the trust and loyalty of our clients. Every renovation, expansion and new collection reflects our continued commitment to serving you with the exceptional quality, expertise and personal attention that have defined Lee Michaels for generations. With gratitude,

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E V E N T

Grand Reopening in Ridgeland In May, Lee Michaels celebrated two significant milestones: the grand reopening of our newly remodeled Ridgeland store and 30 years of serving the community. The occasion was marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by the governor and mayor, along with a $10,000 donation to the Jackson Symphony League in recognition of our longstanding commitment to the market we are proud to call home.

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S P E C I A L

E V E N T

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S TO R E

H A P P E N I N G S

Let's Get Social From memorable in-store events and jewelry buying shows to supporting charities close to our hearts, spring was a busy and rewarding season at Lee Michaels. Here are a few highlights from across our stores.

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S TO R E

H A P P E N I N G S

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David Yurman This season, celebrate the ones you love with signature designs from one of America’s most iconic jewelry houses.

When a jewelry house’s story is also a love story, its spirit resonates through every creation—and no brand illustrates that more beautifully than David Yurman. Founded by sculptor David Yurman and his wife, painter Sybil Yurman, the iconic design house has long championed the idea of jewelry as effortlessly wearable art. The iconic Cable motif remains its defining signature, evolved in modern Sculpted Cable designs by David and Sybil’s son, Evan Yurman. Embrace the energy of New York City—the Yurman’s hometown— with the DY Mercer® Collection, inspired by the creative pulse of SoHo, or Madison®, whose sculptural chain links echo the rhythm and vitality of Manhattan. For a more romantic expression, discover the Starburst Collection, inspired by a magical moment David and Sybil shared beneath the Paris sky. Clockwise from top left: Starburst Pendant Necklace in Sterling Silver and 18K Gold with Diamonds, $1,950; DY Madison® Smooth Hoop Earrings in Sterling Silver and 14K Gold, $1,950; DY Mercer® Three-Row Hoop Earrings in Sterling Silver and 14K Gold with Diamonds, $1,550; DY Mercer® Color Stone Ring in Sterling Silver and 18K Gold with Sky Blue Topaz, $795; DY Mercer® Multi-Row Ring in 18K Gold with Diamonds, $9,400; DY Madison® Chain Bracelet in 18K Gold, $5,900; Sculpted Cable Chain Bracelet in Sterling Silver, $595. All prices subject to change.

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Marco Bicego Inspired by the rich colors of India, the Jaipur Color Collection transforms gold and precious gemstones into wearable works of art.

For more than two and a half decades, Marco Bicego has cultivated a design language that is both distinctive and enduring. Sinuous and architectural, harmonious and sculptural, each creation is defined by an effortless elegance and a thoughtful use of color that invites both admiration and imagination. This season, color takes center stage in the Jaipur Color Collection. Inspired by the storied city of Jaipur in northern India—renowned for its rose-hued palaces, vibrant bazaars and centuries-old gemstone traditions—the collection pairs luminous gold with an array of vivid gemstones. Topaz recalls the shimmer of water, peridot evokes sunlight filtering through leaves and citrine glows with the warmth of a setting sun. Crafted with the timeless artistry of Italian goldsmithing, each piece is designed to bring a sense of beauty, color and sophistication to everyday wear. Clockwise from top left: 18K Gold and Blue Topaz Necklace, $7,950; 18K Gold and Blue Topaz Bracelet, $3,800; 18K Gold and Blue Topaz Band Ring, $2,450; 18K Gold and Blue Topaz Hoops, $3,300; 18K Gold and Blue Topaz Five-Drop Earrings, $2,900; 18K Gold and Turquoise Band Ring, $2,300; 18K Gold and Blue Topaz Band Ring, $2,450; 18K Gold and Peridot Band Ring, $2,700; 18K Gold and Citrine Band Ring, $2,300; 18K Gold and Garnet Band Ring, $2,300; 18K Gold and Amethyst Band Ring, $2,300. All prices are subject to change.

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Roberto Coin

For 30 years, the iconic jewelry brand has been creating wearable works of art. Which masterpiece will you own next?

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Great art begins with a spark of inspiration. Sometimes it springs from history, from nature, from the rich culture that surrounds the artist—and sometimes from all of these, woven together with a dream. In 1996, Roberto Coin experienced such a dream, one so compelling that it inspired him to establish the jewelry house that bears his name. For nearly three decades, the Roberto Coin brand has cultivated a creative identity rooted in that original vision, where intuition becomes artistry, imagination becomes beauty and every dream dances into reality. The milestone is being celebrated with Meraviglia—Italian for “Wonder”—a breathtaking high jewelry collection, along with an opulent gala in Venice, Coin’s

hometown. As Coin reflects, “For me, wonder is never something static. Wonder lives in change, in the ability to look beyond what we have already created. It is in this constant evolution that I find the truest expression of creativity.” That spirit of innovation is woven throughout Roberto Coin’s signature collections. Celebrate Roberto Coin’s anniversary and explore Love In Verona, its four-petaled flower motif, a homage to the celebrated Italian city. Embrace a shimmering take on heritage with Venetian Princess Carnival, which glows with iridescent mother-ofpearl. Or reach for the delicate Princess Flower, with glowing gold and glittering with the perfect touch of diamond, an ode to feminine refinement and beauty.

Opposite page: Brand founder Roberto Coin at his eponymous jewelry house’s 30-year anniversary gala in Venice. Product, clockwise from top: 18K Yellow/White Gold Princess Flower Small Open Frame Diamond Necklace, $2,850; 18K Yellow Gold Venetian Princess Carnival Mother-Of-Pearl Flower Station Necklace, $4,950; 18K Yellow/ White Gold Princess Flower Medium Diamond Stud Earrings, $4,900; 18K Yellow/White Gold Princess Flower Small Open Frame Diamond Stud Earrings, $3,600; 18K Yellow/White Gold Princess Flower Alternating Diamond Bracelet, $15,950. This page, product, clockwise from top left: 18K Yellow Gold Venetian Princess Carnival Mother Of Pearl Flower Station Bracelet, $3,350; 18K Yellow/White Gold Princess Flower Pavé Diamond Lariat Necklace, $5,350; 18K Yellow/ White Gold Princess Flower Diamond Ring, $6,350; 18K Yellow Gold Love In Verona Wide Ridged Diamond Hoop Earrings, $6,150; 18K Yellow Gold Love In Verona Ridged Diamond Bangle, $13,700. This page, below: Held in Venice in June of 2026, the Roberto Coin 30th Anniversary Gala was a celebration of art, creativity, wonder and beautiful jewels.

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STORE LOCATIONS We invite you to visit any one of our nine locations to experience an extraordinary selection of beautiful jewelry and timepieces. 24

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CORPORATE AT BOCAGE

MALL OF LOUISIANA

CAUSEWAY BOULEVARD

Baton Rouge, LA 225.926.4644

Baton Rouge, LA 225.766.6000

New Orleans, LA 504.832.0000

YOUREE DRIVE AT EAST 70TH

AMBASSADOR CAFFERY PARKWAY

RENAISSANCE AT COLONY PARK

Lafayette, LA 337.981.8071

Ridgeland, MS 601.957.6100

ABQ UPTOWN

THE SHOPS AT LA CANTERA

ALAMO QUARRY MARKET

Albuquerque, NM 505.208.4500

San Antonio, TX 210.699.9494

San Antonio, TX 210.278.5980

Shreveport, LA 318.222.2929

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Model is wearing: emerald-cut diamond hoops; emerald-cut diamond line necklace layered with emerald-cut diamond and emerald-cut sapphire line necklace; emerald-cut diamond engagement ring; emerald-cut diamond eternity band; sapphire and diamond ring.

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The Season of

Glamour Exceptional jewels set the tone for elegant evenings and unforgettable celebrations.

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Model is wearing: in and out diamond hoops; layered round diamond line necklaces; oval-shape diamond engagement ring.

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Model is wearing: diamond hoop earrings featuring a bezel-set emerald-cut diamond at center; layered bezel-set emerald-cut diamond necklaces set east/west in yellow gold; bezel-set emerald-cut diamond line bracelets in yellow gold; yellow gold round diamond eternity band; emerald-cut bezel-set diamond ring in yellow gold.

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Model is wearing: Lavalier pearl earrings and necklace from Paspaley; diamond tennis necklace in yellow gold, diamond stretch bracelets; diamond line bracelet; mixed-cut diamond bracelet in yellow gold; emerald-cut diamond line bracelet in yellow gold; diamond eternity band.

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FEAT U RED

ST O RY

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The Craftspeople of Lee Michaels Fine watches and jewelry are made to be worn, enjoyed and passed from one generation to the next. Preserving their beauty and performance requires exceptional skill, specialized training and meticulous attention to detail. At Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry, that expertise can be found within our own network of highly experienced watchmakers and jewelers.

The Watchmakers Lee Michaels is proud to have five watchmakers with more than 100 years of combined experience—the largest watch service team among jewelers in the South. Certified to service the world’s leading watch brands, our watchmakers possess the specialized knowledge and technical training needed to care for everything from treasured everyday watches to the finest luxury timepieces. Having our own watchmakers allows many services to be performed within the Lee Michaels network. Customers can feel confident knowing their timepieces are being cared for by trusted professionals who understand both their technical complexity and their sentimental and monetary value.

The Watchmaking Workshops Our watchmakers work in state-of-the-art facilities equipped with the specialized tools and technology required to meet the exacting standards of today’s leading watch brands. Clean, controlled and meticulously maintained, these workshops reflect the same level of precision and excellence our watchmakers bring to every timepiece entrusted to their care. A complete watch service is an intricate and time-intensive process. Each timepiece is carefully evaluated, including its movement, case and bracelet, before a service recommendation is provided. Once approved, the watch may be fully disassembled so that its individual components can be cleaned, inspected and assessed for wear. Worn components are replaced as needed before the movement is carefully reassembled, lubricated and adjusted. The case and bracelet may also be cleaned and refinished by hand to restore their original beauty while preserving the integrity of the timepiece. Once reassembled, the watch undergoes extensive testing for accuracy and performance. When appropriate, it is also pressure-tested for water resistance. Every detail is checked before the watch is returned to its owner—beautifully restored and ready to be enjoyed for years to come. LEE MICHAELS

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The Jewelers The same dedication to craftsmanship extends to our team of 10 skilled jewelers, who bring more than 75 years of combined experience to Lee Michaels. From routine maintenance and repairs to intricate restorations and alterations, our jewelers care for each piece with precision and respect for the memories it represents. Their work may include ring sizing, stone tightening, prong restoration, chain and clasp repair, refinishing and other specialized services that help preserve the beauty and integrity of fine jewelry. Every piece is carefully inspected and evaluated before work begins, allowing our team to recommend the service best suited to its condition and construction. Behind every repair is a combination of technical expertise, artistry and patience. Whether restoring a cherished family heirloom, refreshing a well-loved piece or helping jewelry fit and function beautifully again, our jewelers take pride in extending its life for the next generation.

Craftsmanship You Can Trust For generations, customers have trusted Lee Michaels not only to help celebrate life’s most meaningful moments, but also to care for the watches and jewelry that commemorate them. With five watchmakers, seven jewelers and more than 175 years of combined experience, our service team represents an extraordinary investment in craftsmanship and customer care. When your treasured pieces need attention, you can entrust them to the experienced hands of the Lee Michaels team—where exceptional service, enduring relationships and an uncompromising commitment to quality have always mattered. 34

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TR E N D I N G

Modern Glow Diamonds shine with contemporary ease when framed in polished yellow gold. These bezel-set styles are refined enough for every occasion and effortless enough for every day.

From top to bottom: 6.50ctw round diamond bezel-set yellow gold necklace; 6.07ct bezel-set pearshape diamond necklace; 7.93ctw bezel-set oval-shape diamond line bracelet; 1.05ctw three-stone mosaic diamond bezel set ring.

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TR E N D I N G

Emerald Allure Vivid emeralds meet warm yellow gold, bringing timeless color and modern sophistication to necklaces, earrings and rings.

From top to bottom: Emerald and diamond pendant having an octagon shape in 14K yellow gold; 16ctw emerald line necklace featuring oval shape emeralds in 18K yellow gold; Pear-shape pendant featuring an oval-shape emerald and diamonds in 14K yellow gold; 6.79ctw emerald line bracelet featuring oval-shape emeralds in 14K yellow gold; Oval emerald ring with diamond halo in 14K yellow gold; Emerald and diamond in and out hoop earrings in 14K yellow gold.

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TR E N D I N G

Drop Everything Drop earrings are making a statement this season, bringing effortless movement and vibrant color to every look. From brilliant diamonds and richly hued emeralds and sapphires to luminous citrine, these striking styles prove that a little drama goes a long way. From left to right: Diamond linear earrings featuring oval-, pear-, emerald-, marquise- and heart-shape diamonds; David Yurman Marbella Citrine drop earrings in yellow gold; Bezel-set mixed shape diamond linear earrings in yellow gold; Double strand dangle earrings featuring pear-shape emeralds and diamonds; Triple tier cushioncut sapphire and diamond halo drop earrings.

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PHIL AN T H R O PY

John Feik’s Seven Decades of Giving Back: ‘Kindness is free’ John Feik's journey of giving in San Antonio At 80, John Feik still lights up like the 10-year-old who held the flashlight for his dad on a Fort Worth job site. That boy couldn’t have known his name would one day grace a pharmacy school, a children’s hospital wing and a San Antonio cultural landmark. “God gives you certain gifts,” Feik says, “and he expects you to share them.” The philosophy goes back to a family that came of age in the shadow of the Great Depression and never wasted “a pea” on a plate. His father, William “Bill” Feik, was a World War II fighter pilot who came home and built a business around the then-new technology of air conditioning and heating, first in Champaign, Illinois, where Feik was born, and later in Fort Worth. By 10, Feik was juggling two or three jobs at a time, at a hospital, a pharmacy and wherever an opportunity turned up. His father teased him about how many W-2s he collected in a single year. Feik had a simple explanation: “I’m just learning.” An Eagle Scout who graduated from high school early, Feik became president of his college fraternity’s founding chapter and entered the University of Texas at Arlington interested in both medicine and finance. A scholarship from LTV Aerospace nudged him toward business. During the Vietnam era, he completed Army Reserve training at Fort Knox. He jokes that the Army had its own idea of where his talents belonged. “They thought I was such a smart chemist,” he said. “They put me in the turret of a tank.” 42

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“God gives you certain gifts, and He expects you to share them.” - JOHN FEIK

He never deployed overseas. A scholarship pledge from Alcon Laboratories, then a young company, shaped his career far more. Feik became a protégé of Alcon executive Bill Conner and, in his own words, “Bill Conner’s gopher.” He traveled with his mentor, followed him into meetings and watched decisions unfold. He learned research, development and dealmaking. He also learned what it meant to have someone believe in him. “He was a very generous man,” Feik said. By 1974, Feik was leading Alcon’s Puerto Rico operations. He spent five years there and oversaw construction of three factories before Nestlé acquired the company. Then Feik worked with Paul Dorman and the Burnett family to form DFB Pharmaceuticals, named for Dorman, Feik and Burnett. They acquired DPT Laboratories in San Antonio in late 1989 and early 1990, with Feik as president. DPT specialized in contract drug development and manufacturing, working with “the who’s who” of the field, according to his son John W. Feik Jr. (JJ). The partners built three more companies under the DFB umbrella. At their peak, the four employed roughly 2,800 people worldwide. The companies went on to produce a variety of products, including Narcan, the opioid overdosereversal drug; Neffy, an epinephrine nasal spray; the skin care brand CeraVe; and a process for making paclitaxel, a leading breast cancer therapeutic. LEE MICHAELS

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A Legacy of Giving Business gave Feik the means. Philanthropy gave him and his wife, Rita, a way to share it. The couple, both Catholic, have focused much of their giving on children, health care, the arts and education. Among their most significant gifts was underwriting the pharmacy school at the University of the Incarnate Word, now the Feik School of Pharmacy. The John and Rita Feik Foundation’s multimillion-dollar gift launched it in 2004, and it has produced some 1,500 Pharm.D. graduates since. The program offers a dual-language accreditation track that trains pharmacists to serve patients in Spanish. When the school opened, fewer than 1percent of U.S. pharmacists were Hispanic. Today the figure is roughly 5 percent — a shift the school helped drive, JJ said. In 2025, the school posted a 97 percent pass rate on the licensing exam, first in Texas, ahead of UT and seventh nationally. Heather Feik de Rojas, Feik’s daughter, was in her 20s when the school opened. “To see that ribbon cutting ... the pride and happiness on their faces was just so incredible,” she said. “It’s a legacy for me and for my family. I pass that school every single day on my way home—and it makes me very proud.” The foundation also funded a major renovation of Bexar County’s children’s court, including a redesigned courtroom built around protecting children. It gave a multimillion-dollar gift to the oncology ward at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital and underwrote a distinguished chair in medicinal chemistry at University of Texas at San Antonio. It made a major contribution to the Tobin Performing Arts Center, home to the city’s opera, ballet, symphony and touring productions, to lower fixed costs and make the arts more accessible. Some of the couple’s most meaningful giving has happened without their names attached, Feik said. Over time, his philosophy on giving has changed some. 44

“For a long time, when someone would approach me, I was really trying to overanalyze things,” he said. Eventually, he said he figured that the worst thing that could happen was that on occasion he might give the money to someone who didn’t tell the full truth about needing it. At that point, “well, shame on them,” he said. “I don’t think St. Peter will blame me that much.” Even so, he does have boundaries. As a rule, Feik does not fund an organization’s day-to-day operating expenses. He wants to see that a cause has the foundation to stand on its own before his foundation invests further. Today the philanthropy flows through the John and Rita Feik Foundation, which the couple seeded with more than $10 million from company sale proceeds and which has continued to grow. As of 2026, the next generation has taken the reins. His children Amy Feik Garcia, Heather, JJ and Ashley Feik Campbell now guide the giving. “Look, you don’t have to have any money to give kindness, ‘cause kindness is free,” JJ remembers his father telling him.

Still the Gopher at Heart Heather calls her father intelligent, funny, giving and humble. His door, literally and figuratively, has always been open to family and friends. “Everyone I know always wants to sit down and talk to him,” she said. Feik credits his success to something simple. He never stopped working— and he never stopped learning. That was true at 10, moving from one job to another to understand how the world worked. It was true following his mentor around Alcon and building factories in Puerto Rico. It is true at 80. Seventy years ago, a boy stood on a Fort Worth job site and held a flashlight so his father could see the work. He was watching too. He still is. “I’m just learning.”

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TI M E P I E CE S

Painted Ladies So what if the world’s gone monochromatic? Patek Philippe debuts three new models for women that are alive with color. By Christen Fisher

In the 1970s, the mechanical watchmaking world faced what is known as the Quartz Crisis. Battery-powered, quartz-driven watches were highly accurate and easier and less expensive to produce and maintain. Their advent suddenly seemed to render mechanical watches obsolete, bringing what had been a globally supported industry for more than a century to the brink of collapse. Some brands folded under the pressure. Those that remained suffered a near-catastrophic loss of demand. By 1977, all eyes were on Patek Philippe and its newly appointed CEO, Philippe Stern. Everyone wanted to know if the maison would succumb to the pressure to abandon mechanical watches for quartz. With daring foresight, Philippe Stern decided to lean in by embarking upon the development of what would become the Caliber 89 pocket watch. At its debut in 1989, it was the most complicated portable mechanical watch ever created and remained so for more than a quarter of a century. The R&D required for the 89’s 33 complications with 24 hands and 1,728 components led to other highly complicated wristwatches and technological feats that revitalized mechanical Swiss watchmaking and pivoted the industry’s identity from utilitarian manufacturers to innovators and purveyors of luxury goods. Currently, the luxury market is facing another crisis, a grayscale crisis. In 2021, PPG Industries, a global manufacturer and distributor of paints, coatings and specialty materials, released the Automotive Color Popularity Report, which proclaimed that gray, black, white and silver were the most common colors among car buyers globally, comprising almost 80 percent of all factory vehicle builds. Since that report, commentary and analyses about how and why our world is becoming less colorful have flooded mainstream and social media. Minimalism, mass production, the 24-hour news cycle, modern farmhouse decor, climate change anxiety and the overstimulation caused by our leading increasingly screen-based lives have all been blamed in turn and in combination for the leeching of vibrant color from our tastes, our options and our experiences. No matter the cause, color as a mark of self-expression seems in danger of becoming obsolete. With the grayscale crisis casting a shadow over design and aesthetics, Patek Philippe, expertly helmed since 2009 by Philippe’s son Thierry Stern, continues to lead the way. It’s once again leaning in, this time by expanding its ladies’ collection with three new, color-laden timepieces: two

Calatravas available in nature-inspired ice blue and sand-beige and a World Time in flamboyant, carmine red. Epitomizing feminine elegance in colors derived from the natural world, the new Calatrava Ref. 7200/50G-001 in sand-beige and Ref. 7200/50G-012 in ice blue each feature a 34.6-millimeter, officer’s-style case in polished white gold with distinctive straight lugs and screw-in strap bars as well as a sapphire crystal caseback. The sunburst dial, in either sand-beige or ice blue, boasts applied white-gold Breguet numerals and pear-shaped hands, as well as a minute scale made of white gold cabochons. The sand-beige version is presented on a matching sand-beige calfskin strap, while the ice blue is on an ice-blue, alligator-leather strap with a pearlescent finish to echo the dial’s crystalline hue. And both have white-gold prong buckles. Powered by the ultra-thin, self-winding 240-caliber with a 22K gold mini-rotor, these new Calatrava timepieces have an extremely slim profile; at 7.34 millimeters they feel lithe and refined on the wrist. The new World Time Ref. 7129J-001 pairs a yellow-gold, 36-millimeter case with a carmine red lacquer dial in a vibrant execution of this iconic cornerstone of Patek’s collection. The travel watch’s red dial center is hand-guilloched with an old-basket weave motif and features yellow-gold, applied hour markers and lozenge-shaped hour and minute hands. A carmine red city disk with cities printed in white completes the dial. Powered by the self-winding 240 HU caliber, the World Time displays all 24 time zones simultaneously, with the local time prominently shown in the classic manner with the hour and minute hands and the home city’s name indicated just above the small white arrow at 12 o’clock. In the other 23 time zones, the times are directly readable on the 24-hour ring that rotates counterclockwise within the city disk. When the user travels into a different time zone, a press of the pusher at 10 o’clock as many times as needed aligns the respective city name with the white arrow at 12 o’clock. With each press, the hour hand advances one hour while the city disk and the 24-hour ring move counterclockwise one increment. Presented on a shiny, carmine-red, alligator-leather strap with a yellow-gold prong buckle, the new World Time is designed to navigate the complexities of global timekeeping while making a radiant statement of beauty and individuality on the wrist. Patek Philippe World Time, Ref. 7129J-001, features a yellow-gold, 36 millimeter case with red lacquer dial, self-winding 240 HU caliber and red alligator leather strap.

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A Hand Well Played Statement rings and brilliant bracelet stacks prove the right jewelry is always a winning move.

Left page: Yellow gold bangle with round diamonds along both edges; 2.47ctw mixed-shape diamond bezel-set bangle; Yellow gold bangle bracelet with 5 round diamonds across the top; 1ctw round diamond bezel-set bangle bracelet with polished yellow gold beads along sides; Bezel-set oval diamond band; 1.92ctw diamond mosaic yellow gold ring. Right page: Pavé diamond bypass ring with two different sized bezelset diamonds at each end; Yellow gold bypass ring with alternating bezel-set diamonds; 3.22ctw emerald-cut diamond bracelet with yellow gold bars throughout; 3.25ctw floating diamond bezel bracelet; 2.86ctw oval shape diamond bracelet with yellow gold bars

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Left hand: 5.51ctw black and white diamond line bracelet set in 18K white gold with black rhodium plating; 18.54ctw emerald cut diamond line bracelet; 10.31ctw black and white diamond line bracelet with 3 black diamonds alternating with one white diamond; 7.58ctw radiant cut diamond ring with pavé diamond sides in platinum. Right hand: Black and white pavé diamond bangle bracelet; 2.56ctw black and white diamond 7 row diamond band; 4.38ctw black and white diamond crossover ring.

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Polished yellow gold diamond bangle with 5 round diamonds across the top. Polished yellow gold bangle with diamonds along the edges. Polished yellow gold diamond bangle with 5 round diamonds across the top. Polished yellow gold bangle with a row of diamonds down the middle. Polished yellow gold ring being open at the top with 2 rows of diamonds on each side.

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Mikimoto

For more than 130 years, the jewelry house has shaped the world of pearls. Today, as we embrace that gem in fresh, versatile ways, Mikimoto remains the gold standard, creating timeless pieces to be cherished for generations.

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Since founder Kokichi Mikimoto created the world’s first cultured pearls in 1893, Mikimoto has redefined the world of fine jewelry, transforming pearls from rare treasures reserved for a privileged few into enduring symbols of elegance, craftsmanship and innovation. For more than 130 years, the jewelry house has been pushing the artistry of pearl jewelry to new heights through uncompromising quality and visionary design. Every generation rediscovers and styles pearls in its own way, enchanted by their quiet elegance. Today, the way we wear pearls continues to evolve, as we use a deeply personal lens to create looks that are unexpected and unique. Collections are more than just jewelry—they’re records of a taste refined over time and a celebration of what defines and moves you. Let gemstones in all your favorite colors pop next to a pearl’s gentle luster. Allow diamonds to offer the perfect shimmer for added grace. Combine necklace lengths for a layered look that catches the eye and defines your signature style. On red carpets, Mikimoto continues to stun with high jewelry that celebrates the individual— the same way every pearl celebrates its own uniqueness, no two exactly the same. Celebrities and stylists have embraced layering, with pearl and gemstone bracelets, rings, pendants and necklaces worn in curated combinations that add depth, individuality and sophistication. Actress Emily Blunt recently paired Mikimoto’s Les Pétales Place Vendôme Rosés Choker with a dramatic Schiaparelli gown at The Devil Wears Prada 2 premiere. Yet these luminous creations are equally at home with a tailored blazer, crisp white shirt or everyday denim. A balance of timeless

craftsmanship and modern styling defines today’s pearl wardrobe, and Mikimoto has always been the pinnacle of just that—exceptional craftsmanship that transcends trends. Les Pétales Place Vendôme Rosés beautifully captures a contemporary spirit. Inspired by flower petals drifting through the breeze, the collection evokes movement and femininity through delicate silhouettes and luminous cultured pearls. Whether worn as a statement or layered with other favorites, these pieces embody the versatility, refinement and artistry that make Mikimoto the definitive name in modern pearl jewelry.

Opposite page: At the 2026 Met Gala, Emily Blunt made her full-body pearl necklace the star of the show; This page, clockwise from top right: Blunt turned heads on the red carpet for The Devil Wears Prada 2; Actress Jenna Ortega adds timelessness to a daring gown with a delicate, glittering necklace from Mikimoto; What makes an icon like Uma Thurman shine even brighter? Strings of beautifully layered pearls.

PHOTOGRAPHY, LEFT PAGE: JOHN SHEARER. PHOTOGRAPHY, PHOTOGRAPHY, THIS PAGE FROM TOP LEFT: JAMIE MCCARTHY, GILBERT FLORES, DIMITRIOS KAMBOURIS/GETTY.

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Oyster Story It was born of Hans Wilsdorf’s vision. The founder of Rolex sought to make the wristwatch an integral part of the technological innovations transforming society at the turn of the 20th century. One hundred years after revolutionizing the watchmaking world, the Oyster continues to expand, helping every wearer to pursue their personal goals. Chronometric precision, waterproofness, and self-winding: these three key challenges and fundamental watchmaking achievements would cement the success of a visionary and forge the destiny of a revolutionary watch.

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The challenge of precision

In 1910, a Rolex watch was awarded a certificate of chronometric precision from the Official Watch Rating Centre in Bienne, Switzerland. This wristwatch was therefore proven to be as precise as a pocket watch, the benchmark at the time. A few years later, in 1914, the watchmaking world was astounded once more when another Rolex wristwatch received a ‘Class A’ certificate from Great Britain’s Kew Observatory. This distinction had hitherto been generally reserved for hefty marine chronometers. Through these achievements, Rolex made a major contribution to the credibility of the wristwatch, which had previously been regarded as mere jewellery and highly unreliable in terms of accuracy. Having overcome the challenge of precision, Rolex turned its attention to designing a flawless armour to protect its movements.

From Oyster to Oyster Perpetual

The invention of the Oyster in 1926 was a major breakthrough in watchmaking. The case, which was to lend its name to a wristwatch, was entirely waterproof and dustproof thanks to its system of screwing down the bezel, case back and winding crown against the middle case. This watchmaking revolution would be put to the test in 1927 when Englishwoman Mercedes Gleitze swam the Channel between France and England, spending over 10 hours in freezing seas. The watch that she wore – a gold Oyster – remained in perfect working order. The development in 1931 of a groundbreaking self-winding system, the Perpetual rotor, further enhanced the performance of Rolex watches. Precise, waterproof and now autonomous, the Oyster had become ‘Perpetual’.

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A living laboratory

‘Performance under pressure’: such was the philosophy of Hans Wilsdorf, who, in the wake of Mercedes Gleitze’s achievement, entrusted Oyster watches to various explorers, scientists, athletes, pilots, seafarers, mountaineers and divers. These men and women were to test the reliability of Rolex watches from the highest peaks to the deepest oceans, turning our planet into a living laboratory. Their feedback allowed the manufacture’s engineers to perfect Oyster watches and constantly improve them.

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A collection driven by innovation

Enhanced resistance to pressure and strong magnetic fields, graduated rotatable bezels, a second time zone... From the mid-1940s onwards, models multiplied, becoming increasingly specialized to meet a wide range of requirements. And so, from the first Oyster, a whole family of watches emerged. Each has set the standard in its category, and many have been hailed as icons of watch design.

A commitment to the future

The history of the Oyster is also marked by the many accomplishments of iconic Rolex wearers. The brand supports athletes whose expertise, rigour, technique, and ability to inspire younger generations have helped to shape the history of their sport. Rolex continues to demonstrate this commitment by partnering with the most prestigious institutions in the fields of equestrianism, golf, motor sport, tennis and sailing. This quest for excellence is also what drives the individuals championed by the Perpetual Arts Initiative, whose talent leaves a lasting impression on global culture. By supporting these masters of emotion, as well as the institutions where they perform, Rolex strives to preserve and pass on the fundamental human values it holds dear. This commitment to the future is also expressed through the Perpetual Planet Initiative, driven by those who share their expertise in order to tackle the environmental challenges of our time. Today, these changemakers build on the legacy of the early explorers, striving to increase our understanding of the world in order to find ways to protect it.

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The new Superlative Chronometer certification

In 2026, Rolex is expanding the criteria for its Superlative Chronometer certification: resistance to magnetism, reliability and sustainability now join precision, waterproofness, self-winding and autonomy, bringing the total to seven pillars of excellence. The constant drive for improvement has always been at the heart of Rolex, and this philosophy is reflected in every one of its watches. One expression of this commitment to constantly pushing boundaries is the brand’s ongoing quest for chronometric precision. This has led to the development of pioneering optical atomic clocks, giving the manufacture access to an unprecedented level of timekeeping accuracy. These cutting-edge, innovative tools are the new guardians of time at Rolex, and form part of the international network that establishes Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).

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M E N 'S

Bold by Design Iconic chains and statement-making enhancers from David Yurman come together in a powerful mix of metals, textures and symbols, each one designed to tell a story. From left to right, all from David Yurman: Men’s sculpted cable dog tag in 18K yellow gold, $3,950; 3.4mm 18K gold box chain, 20” in length, $8,700; Chevron cross pendant in sterling silver with 18K yellow gold, $850; Maritime compass amulet in 18K yellow gold with center diamond, $3,700; St. Michael amulet in sterling silver and 14K yellow gold, $1,450; Waves dagger amulet in sterling silver and 18K yellow gold, $1,150.

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Elevate Every Business Gift Thoughtful, customized gifting solutions designed to leave a lasting impression.

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GETTY IMAGES

For almost 30 years, actor Matt Damon has been a consistent force on the big screen, and his watches more than live up to that reputation.

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WATC H

C O L L E C TO R

Good Watch Hunting From his explosive early success to his turn on The Odyssey, actor Matt Damon knows what he likes and where he thrives. He knows his watches too. Since his screen debut in 1988, actor Matt Damon is credited with 88 movie roles. Add another 10 or so for projects he worked on only behind the scenes as a producer, executive producer or screenwriter; toss on another dozen if you count television roles. Since 1996, there has been only one year when a movie with Damon somewhere in it didn’t hit the silver screen. That was 2020, when virtually no movies hit the silver screen at all. To call 55-year-old Damon “prolific” is an understatement. Born in Cambridge, Mass., Damon showed his interest in the arts early. He was active in his high school’s drama department, where he met lifelong friend and collaborator Ben Affleck. Damon first appeared in 1988’s Mystic Pizza beside a young Julia Roberts. He attended Harvard University, but left before graduating to embrace an acting opportunity. The turning point: He and Affleck wrote and starred in 1997’s Good Will Hunting, which won the duo the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. The next year, Damon played a part in Saving Private Ryan that, though it wasn’t the lead, was in fact the title role. And he’s simply never stopped. In the years since, he’s been nominated for three more Oscars and won a Golden Globe. From action hero Jason Bourne in the spy-thriller action series known by that character’s surname to a stranded astronaut in 2015’s The Martian to legendary racecar driver and automotive designer Carroll Shelby in 2019’s Ford vs. Ferrari to the general who oversaw the Manhattan Project in 2023’s Oppenheimer, Damon has added subtle emotional depth, empathy and charm to every role he’s touched— always masculine, never opaque. This summer he took on the role of Odysseus in

Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. He’s married to Luciana Bozán Barroso; together they have three daughters. It shouldn’t surprise anyone that a performer with such a packed schedule reaches for Rolex. His go-to for years has been a vintage Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer Ref. 114270—an all-time classic that’s reliable and eye-catching without being flashy. (That’s also a good way to describe Damon’s acting style.) He’s been seen with it often, not just on red carpets but in his day-to-day life since the early 2000s. And he doesn’t just covet Rolexes for himself; Hollywood buzz suggests it’s also his favorite gift for friends. Stunning watches tend to be seen with Damon on screen as well. In Ford v Ferrari, he nods to a racing heritage by giving Carroll Shelby a vintage TAG Heuer Carrera Ref. 7753. With a stainless-steel case, a panda-style dial and legendary precision, the piece is an ode to the 1960s racing scene the movie recalls. And the brand has been seen with him before: In The Bourne Identity, Damon wears a Tag Heuer Link Chronograph. Strong and no-nonsense, it’s the perfect characterization touch for this ruthless spy. A totally different vibe? Look to The Martian, where astronaut-in-peril Mark Watney wears an all-black Hamilton BeLOWZERO (as the company prefers to style it), stealthy and rugged with luminous hour markers and hands—perfect for high-risk, interstellar survival. What’s the next step after you’ve taken on The Odyssey? Damon shows no signs of slowing down. For decades to come, surely, he’ll be a face to watch—and a wrist as well.

WATCHES TO WATCH We don’t know if actor, screenwriter and producer Matt Damon has a favorite character he’s played, but he certainly has a favorite watch: the all-time classic Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer Ref. 114270. Elegantly understated with a solid-line oyster band, this is the focal point of a collection that’s discreet and carefully considered. In the fast-paced heist movie Ocean’s Twelve, which hit theaters in 2004, Damon plays pickpocket and mastermind-in-training Linus Caldwell. The character rocks a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Ref. 6084, a super-classy vintage piece from the 1950s, on a brown leather strap—a balance of youth and experience. When he returned to the screen in the sequel, 2007’s Ocean’s Thirteen, Damonas-Caldwell got an even more covetable timepiece: an IWC Portugieser Chronograph. Known for its reliability and bold style, it has precision and finesse oozing from the steel case and white dial. It was a watch that kept up with the breakneck pace of the heist.

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TI M E P I E CE S

The Ancient Meets Hi-tech Tudor’s relaunched Monarch watch is a modern marvel with a classical aesthetic that draws not only on the brand’s history but on the world of antiquity too. By Christen Fisher Herculaneum was an ancient seaside resort town of about 5,000, a haven for Rome’s well-to-do and well-connected until 79 C.E., when Mount Vesuvius erupted, burying it under 75 feet of ash and mud. Almost 1,700 years later, a farmhand on the southwestern side of the Italian peninsula was digging a well and discovered a mosaic tile floor that turned out to be part of an expansive villa. The villa was believed to have been owned by Julius Caesar’s father-in-law; it housed a library of some 800 papyrus scrolls that became known as the Herculaneum papyri. They were carbonized by the eruption and kept perfectly intact. Attempts to read the scrolls, however, proved futile, as unrolling them by hand caused them to fall apart. Then, in 2015, a team of scientists at the University of Kentucky began using X-ray technology and computer vision to read papyrus scrolls virtually—in other words, without unrolling them. The Herculaneum papyri were, however, written using carbon ink; that made the process of deciphering them even more difficult. So in 2023 came the launch of the Vesuvius Challenge: a machine-learning, computer vision, and geometry competition to read the carbonized Herculaneum papyrus scrolls. In 2024, a team of papyrologists won $700,000 for deciphering more than 2,000 characters of a single scroll, setting the stage for all 800 scrolls to eventually be read and added to the great human canon. There is something profound about the way we strive so zealously toward our future only to use what ground we gain to illuminate our past. It is as if to exist in the present moment, we must balance on a pinhead-sized fulcrum by stretching one hand ardently toward the future and one reverently toward the past. So many of our endeavors reflect this balancing act—such as using AI to read ancient papyrus scrolls or incorporating the latest in technology and materi-

als into a mechanical Swiss watch whose aesthetics are meant to evoke the ancient world. To this end, Tudor, now in its 100th year, has relaunched the Monarch wristwatch. Tudor’s new Monarch is a modern marvel with a classical aesthetic that not only pulls from the brand’s own history but from the world of antiquity as well. At 39 millimeters, the Monarch features a sharp, angled steel case and matching two-link bracelet with a T-fit clasp, giving the watch a distinctly sleek and modern feel. In striking yet harmonious contrast with the faceted steel case, the Monarch features a textured, dark, champagne-colored dial designed to be reminiscent of papyrus and to evoke the mysterious allure of the ancient world. It is laid out in the distinctive “error-proofstyle”—known colloquially among watch enthusiasts as a “California dial”—which incorporates two different styles of numerals: Roman from 10 to 2 and Arabic from 4 to 8. A full display caseback frames a movement unique to the Tudor Monarch. The Manufacture Calibre MT5662-2U displays center hours and minutes, small seconds at 6 o’clock. All the finishing hallmarks of traditional watchmaking are present, such as perlage on the mainplate, Côtes de Genève on the bridges and an 18-carat gold inlay on the rotor. The robust and highly accurate movement is anti-magnetic and earned chronometer certification from the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). After undergoing a series of rigorous tests, the fully assembled watch received Master Chronometer certification from the prestigious Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS). The Monarch also has a 65-hour power reserve, making it “weekend-proof ”—the wearer can take the watch off on a Friday evening and put it back on again Monday morning without ever having to wind it. The Tudor Monarch strikes the ultimate balance between the wonders of the past and the very best in forward-thinking design and technology, creating a sporty yet elegant timepiece perfect for the present moment. It begins at $5,875. The Tudor’s reimagined Monarch is the perfect blend of classic and contemporary. It features a 39mm steel case with a striking dark champagne-color dial, a two-link faceted bracelet and a T-fit clasp.

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Lee’s Picks

Discover the latest must-have pieces handpicked by our beloved founder.

DIAMOND LINE NECKLACES Round diamond line necklace adjustable 18”-14” length. .95ctw, $5,990. 2.49ctw, $9,990. 4.39ctw, $13,900.

SCATTERED DIAMONDS

EMERALD NECKLACES

Polished 14K yellow gold circle pendant necklace with scattered diamonds, $2,300. Polished 14K yellow gold “u” hoop earrings with scattered diamonds, $2,925. Polished 14K yellow gold dome ring with scattered diamonds, $3,975.

Diamond necklace with oval-shaped emerald set at center in 14K yellow gold, $3,695. Graduated emerald necklace in 18K yellow gold, $5,450.

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DIAMOND ILLUSION BEZEL PENDANTS

COLORED BANDS

1.63ct radiant-cut diamond necklace, $11,500. 1.50ct round diamond necklace, $8,975. All in 14K yellow gold.

Emerald, sapphire, ruby and diamond bands in 14K yellow gold. Floral design, $1,400 each. Round-shape with milgrain edge, $1,750 each.

BEZEL-SET DIAMOND BANGLE

GEMSTONE AND DIAMOND HOOPS

14K yellow gold bangle with bezel-set emerald-cut diamond encircled by tapered baguettes at center, $8,825.

Emerald-cut ruby, emerald or sapphire gemstone and diamond hoop earrings in 14K white gold, $7,500 each.

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THE

ESTATE JEWELRY COLLECTION

At Lee Michaels

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HILARY KNIGHT: RVS.MEDIA/MONIKA MAJER / CONTRIBUTOR

AMBER GLENN: JOOSEP MARTINSON - INTERNATIONAL SKATING UNION / CONTRIBUTOR

MISTY COPELAND: HIROYUKI ITO / CONTRIBUTOR

ARIKE OGUNBOWALE: JEFF DEAN / CONTRIBUTOR

MISTY COPELAND: HIROYUKI ITO / CONTRIBUTOR

HILARY KNIGHT: RVS.MEDIA/MONIKA MAJER / CONTRIBUTOR

F I TN E S S

Girl Power The workout wisdom of four top female athletes offers inspiration—and practical instruction—for the woman who wants to stay in shape. Look how things change. The words “You play like a girl!” used to be a playground putdown; now they’re becoming an encomium—and a high bar. Around the world, top female athletes are winning attention, respect and the sort of rewards you keep in a bank. Examples? Basketball players Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are two of the buzziest names in pro sports, and the WNBA is drawing recordshattering viewership yearly. (In 2025, the league inked a $2.2 billion media deal with the USA Network to expand national coverage of its games.) Alysa Liu’s Gold Medal-winning skate at the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics, for the first such U.S. win since 2006, has close to 10 million

views on YouTube. During that same Olympics, you may recall the USA Women’s Hockey team pulling off a stunning overtime win against rival Canada. And, oh, a 17-second mixed martial arts fight between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano in May 2026 set viewership records for the sport, raking in more than 12.4 million global viewers per Netflix’s reported numbers, and securing both combatants a disclosed seven-figure payday. Most females, of course, aren’t big-time athletes, any more than most males are. But a woman who wants a trimmer, abler body can learn from the greats—and from their preferred workout routines. So here’s how four of the big-names stay in tip-top athletic shape:

Arike Ogunbowale

Amber Glenn

This guard for the WNBA’s Dallas Wings, a four-time All Star, was named to the All-WNBA Team in 2020. Ogunbowale was drafted fifth overall in 2019 after winning Most Outstanding Player for her role in Notre Dame’s 2018 NCAA title win. What keeps her at the top of her game? A workout focused on explosive power. Begin with a warmup. Ogunbowale reports in an interview with Muscle & Fitness that she starts with seven minutes on an exercise bike, then moves through a series stretches aimed at muscle activation. Lie on your stomach and then push yourself into a runner’s lunge, once on each side; repeat for eight reps. Then move to T-spine rotations, in which you lie on your back and stack your legs to one side, so that one knee is atop the other. Spread your arms out to the side, then reach one arm over across the center of your body. Reset, and do the same to the other side. Do 10 reps. Ogunbowale is a devotee of resistance bands, which use one’s own power as a strength training tool. Her routine involves three sets of 10-second, high-knee sprints with one of those bands around her waist and anchored behind her. Following that, complete ten reps of box jumps (vertical jumping from the floor to an elevated surface) while holding a weighted medicine ball. Finish with ten reps of “deadlifts” with the resistance bands—stand on the center of the bands with your feet shoulder-width apart and grip either end. Bend your knees slightly and drive your hips back, and then carefully straighten up while contracting your glutes.

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Misty Copeland

One of the most recognizable figures in modern classical ballet, Copeland is the first African American woman promoted to principal dancer in the American Ballet Theater’s 75-year history. The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Romeo & Juliet, The Firebird—think of an iconic ballet, she’s likely danced the lead. Now you’ll find her dancing in Hollywood movies, on the red carpet of the Met Gala and taking the stage at the Oscars. Copeland is known known for her stage presence, “superhuman” flexibility and technical prowess. She tells Elle magazine that she begins every day with 20 relevés, more commonly known as calf raises. Ultra-simple and easy to do without equipment, these exercises ensure that your lower legs are keeping up with your glutes and hamstrings. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, then slowly rise to your tiptoes and bring your heels off the ground. Hold there for a few seconds, then drop back down. Then move onto “walks.” These, Copeland enthuses in a Sports Illustrated interview, are great “for alignment, warming up the hip flexors, and strengthening the abs, glutes, and posture.” Lie on your back with your knees bent in parallel and your feet fully on the floor. Lift one leg, still in the bent position and with a relaxed foot, two inches off the floor, then put it down. Repeat with the other leg. Continue for three reps and then, on the fourth, straighten your leg into the air. Pulse the stretched leg up and down several times while using your arms, to stabilize your core. Return that leg to the ground, and repeat on the other side.

A three-time consecutive U.S. national figure-skating champion and a member of the gold medal-winning United States figure skating team at the 2026 Milano Olympics, Amber Glenn turns heads wherever she goes. Her free skate at the Milano Olympics was nearly flawless, and she’s one of the few women in the world who can land a triple axel. When it comes to her physical training, as she shared on her personal TikTok in the lead-up to the Olympics, she focuses on agility and strength. The agility ladder, which lies flat on the ground (you may have seen it used in soccer training), is a must to keep footwork sharp. Glenn favors an “in-andout” drill, which involves four steps/movements—in, in, out, out. Start at the end of the ladder, and then step in with the lead foot, in with the other foot, out with the lead foot and out with the other foot. Both feet will touch every square of the ladder. Move up the ladder while increasing your speed. Then go back to the start and change your lead foot. A go-to option for building strength, meanwhile, is the kettlebell plank drag. Get yourself into a “plank” position with the kettlebell on the floor near the outside of your right hand. Reach underneath your chest with your left hand, extending your arm until you grasp the handle of the kettlebell, and then pull it underneath your body until it’s near the outside of your left hand. Repeat for the right hand, and then continue for 10 reps.

Hilary Knight

Here’s the real “Captain America” of women’s ice hockey: Knight wore the “C” for the team that won gold in 2026. That accomplishment makes her a five-time Olympic medalist, adding to her 2018 gold and her silvers from 2010, 2014 and 2022. When not leading the U.S.A. to victory on an international stage, she plays for the Professional Women’s Hockey League’s Seattle Torrent. A key piece of equipment in Knight’s training regimen is a medicine ball, as she demonstrated in a video on the Team USA YouTube page. A medicine-ball side throw, she explains, helps her keep her shot strong and bully other skaters off the puck—and it can help you build strength and muscle in your arms, shoulders and core. Holding a medicine ball, stand with your right side next to a wall. Step out sideways and away from the wall, keeping your feet shoulder-width apart. Brace your core, bend slightly at the knees, and then twist your body up and to the side in one fluid motion, releasing the medicine ball against the wall. Catch the medicine ball as it bounces back and return to the starting position in another smooth, fluid motion. Keep the core engaged throughout the exercise. Knight’s tip? “You need to work both sides to maintain balance.” To work the interior part of your core, she suggests a medicine-ball slam. Start with your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees and engage your core, then slam the ball as hard as you can against the ground, catching it when it bounces back up. Repeat 20 times.

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Located in the heart of San Antonio, the Alamo stands as the Shrine of Texas Liberty and is the #1 most visited destination in the State of Texas. We honor the 190th anniversary of the 13-day siege leading up to the Battle of the Alamo on March 6, 1836 with these commemorative knives. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Alamo Trust to ensure future generations will Remember the Alamo!

Exclusively Limited to 190 Pieces REMEMBER THE ALAMO PECAN WOOD KNIFE Commemorative knife featuring wood from the heritage pecan tree that towered over Alamo gardens for roughly 170 years

2,000

Exclusively Limited to 10 Pieces VICTORY OR DEATH HAND ENGRAVED KNIFE Commemorative hand engraved knife featuring the iconic Alamo façade with custom Texas Star Damascus Steel blades.

20,000

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Chapreca & Martin Photos by: Shagari Gerard Photography Introduced by mutual friend Dr. Jill Bader, Chapreca Fields and Dr. Martin Langston spent more than a month texting before their first date. Knowing they were both foodies, Martin later planned a citywide search for Baton Rouge’s best crab cakes as the perfect setting for his proposal. The winning crab cakes from Stab’s even became part of their wedding celebration. On July 31, 2026, the couple exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony at Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry store on Corporate Boulevard in Baton Rouge. Having considered Client Advisor Ed Collins and the entire Lee Michaels team family for more than 20 years, Martin could not imagine a more meaningful place to begin their life together. Pictured in bottom photo from left to right: Wesley Fields, Wilson Eric Fields, Chapreca, Martin, Victoria Langston, Martin Andrew Langston, Elizabeth Langston

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Forever starts with a

MR. & MRS. ARÍSTIDES ARMAS-VILLALBA

(Kelli Creel)

Lee Michaels has been helping couples say “I Do” since 1978.

MR. & MRS. MO AL EFISHAT

(Nicole Voelker) August 22, 2025 | South Lake Tahoe, Nevada Photography: Liz Zimbleman

DR. STANITIA DAVIS & MR. ANDRÉ WILKERSON April 4, 2026 | Riviera Maya, Mexico Photography: Samantha Clarke

October 11, 2025 | San Antonio, Texas Photography: Mayfield Photography

MR. & MRS. DAVID GUTIERREZ

(Cecilia Lozano) June 27, 2026 | San Antonio, Texas Photography: Monica Gomez

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MR. & MRS. CRAIG WALKER

MR. & MRS. LOGAN COMPTON

MR. & MRS. RAJESH SHETYE

(Jennifer Cooley)

(Zoey Rodriguez)

(Annie Perret)

March 8, 2026 | Franklin, Louisiana

March 14, 2026 | Las Vegas, Nevada

December 20, 2025 | Lafayette, Louisiana

Photography: Allison Brien Photography

Photography: Diana Jean Photography

Photography: Kelly Morvant

MR. & MRS. WYATT DAVIS

MR. & MRS. REID GODCHAUX

MR. & MRS. RYLAN WAGNER

(Amelia Ladner)

(Claire Callais)

(Abbie Cormican)

June 6, 2026 | Jackson, Mississippi

July 25, 2026 | Prairieville, Louisiana

April 26, 2026 | Canyon Lake, Texas

Photography: Shelby Mullins Photography

Photography: Rachael Bourgoyne Photography

Photography: Calynn Griffin

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California Dreamin’ A London couple’s vision for their West Coast home becomes a reality for the entire family. Say “location” three times and you’ve uttered the most familiar cliché in real estate—and, like most clichés, it contains truth. Where a home is found can be its most salient virtue. But there are times when “location” does even more: It not only establishes the home’s desirability, but also drives design decisions after the owners move in. Says Ray Booth, an interior designer and principal partner at the New York City-based architectural and design firm McAlpine: “Sometimes, a site sings its secrets into every nuance of the design process.” That’s what happened when Booth teamed up with a London-based couple who hoped to start their American dream in a home overlooking California’s majestic Santa Monica Mountains. The husband and wife wanted to create a warm, Golden State environment in which to raise their four young children. But they didn’t suddenly become the Beach Boys. Booth and his partner, Bobby McAlpine, came up with a plan that meshed with the existing architecture while reflecting the wife’s European experiences—as well as her own affinity for design. “The house featuring steel windows set in an almost English-feeling slathered stone also influenced our process,” the designer confides. In his latest book, The Expressive Home (Rizzoli New York, 2025), Booth shares more about his collaboration with these owners—and about choices inspired by the home itself. “We played throughout to the gravitational pull of the clients’ English influences, love of modern things and desire for a warm, friendly family nest,” Booth says. “This is California dreaming made manifest—a dream for this family to live in every day.” The London-based owners of a Santa Monica, California, home wanted a romantic and nurturing setting for the family, including their four children. Ray Booth, interior designer at McAlpine in New York City, set up the living room with natural-wood ceiling beams, sisal flooring and English-inspired furnishings. The selections “contribute significantly to the room’s timeless air of casual elegance,” Booth says.

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This page: The limestone floor in the entry stair hall creates the foundation for this space’s quiet palette. The tapestry by El Anatsui picks up the color and pattern of the floor. Opposite: Not only do the sleek, leggier furnishings give this sitting area an English feel; they also provide an unobstructed view of the pool and the magnificent landscape beyond.

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This page: Varied seating options at the dining room table provide an understated touch of the unexpected. The stone-and-steel servers and vintage lamps pick up on the materials and details of the neighboring window wall. Opposite: Booth brings the inside outdoors to this exterior room. Furniture with oversized upholstery is ideal for casual lounging and conversation, while materials such as basalt and thatch create a rustic aesthetic that marries with the mountainside setting.

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The Right Ring. The Right Plan. F I N A N C E Y O U R F O R E V ER R I N G W I T H OU R PREFERRED FINANCING PROGRAM*

The Lee Michaels credit card is issued with approved credit by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. The LM Preferred Financing Program provides the ﬂexibility to help your dreams come true.

*Subject to credit approval. Ask for details. Initial account activation in-store only.

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Above, skiing in San Cassiano, Italy. Below, clockwise from left: dining at Aman Rosa Alpina, San Cassiano, Italy; poolside at The Brecon, Adelboden, Switzerland; room at Eriro, Ehrwalder Alm, Austria; Spa at Experimental Chalet Val d’Isere, France; Bar at Hôtel Saint-Georges, Megève, France

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S P O RTI N G

Ski in Splendor For skiers, five European resorts promise the ultimate in luxe comfort. By Everett Potter In the past few years, European ski resorts have welcomed a handful of new luxury lodges that cater to those who prioritize design, beauty and privacy. These luxury lairs are being built in long-established resort towns where good skiing, fine dining and chic inhabitants are a given. Considering the limited space to build, most are dramatic transformations of older properties. And some are exclusive indeed, with rates that are eye-watering, ensuring the kind of discretion some of their clients are actively seeking when they arrive from Paris, Munich or Moscow. Here are five newly opened European hotels to make your ski plans around this winter if you’re aiming high: • Hôtel Saint-Georges, Megève, France. Megève in the French Alps is a rarefied resort town that has long been the winter home of the Rothschild family and the choice of well-heeled Parisians. It’s a storybook version of a French Alpine town, with cobblestones, exclusive shops and stylish skiers. While it treasures the wooden chalet look, it also appreciates a high-design twist. The latest such hotel is the Hôtel Saint-Georges, a Relais & Châteaux property. This venerable Megève hotel has been transformed by the British artist and interior decorator Luke Edward Hall, who moonlights as the design columnist for the Financial Times. Hall took the Alpine vocabulary and made it even cozier. There are fabric headboards depicting 1930s skiers, brightly colored geometric tiles in the bathrooms, frilly patterned bed skirts, English club chairs, deco-inspired fabric on the couches and drapes that look as if they were sourced in the 1940s. There are 29 rooms, including five suites, and no two are alike. The spa features hot and cold pools, along with a sauna. La Table du Trappeur is the restaurant, with checkered, cloth-covered chairs, mirrored ceilings and antique tableware. The menu offers French bistro classics, and the walls throughout the hotel are hung with vintage Alpine photos. The Piano Bar, shrouded by velvet drapes, looks like a place that might have welcomed Noël Coward. • Experimental Chalet Val d'Isère, France. Val d'Isère is one of the world’s greatest ski resorts, thanks to a staggering amount of challenging ski terrain paired with a town that is deeply charming. This establishment is set in the center of the old town, with 113 rooms, suites and lofts, along with two restaurants, a bar and a spa with indoor pool. It’s the 11th location of

the Experimental brand (you can find others in non-ski destinations such as Biarritz and Menorca), which is known for its slightly quirky modernist take on hotels. There are headboards that look like snowboards, plain walls but brightly patterned couches, and ceilings painted a glossy off-white, the better to reflect the mountain light. Opting for a mountain-view room of the Vanoise Massif is the smart choice here. The rooms are on the small side, a not-so-subtle suggestion that you’ll be spending your non-ski hours in the hotel’s public areas. Experimental kept the vintage stucco walls and the Savoyard stone fireplace from the previous hotel, L’Aigle des Neiges. It added a below-ground spa and a bar called the Experimental Cocktail Club, which is redolent of the 1970s, with a color scheme of orange and burgundy and plush couches waiting for the A-list crowd to arrive. There are also two restaurants, the brasserie L’Aigle d’Or, a glorious and well-lit space serving classic bistro fare, and L’Aigion, where an open-fire oven turning out fondue and raclette is the centerpiece. • Eriro, Ehrwalder Alm, Austria. It’s a tough call, but I think that the Austrians do the ski vacation better than anyone else. Their slopes are among the best in the world, and their hotels exude gemütlichkeit, that nearly untranslatable word for welcoming hospitality. Eriro is all of that and more. It’s surrounded by forests and pastures, so don’t expect much in the way of nightlife, since it’s reachable only by a cable car followed by a snowmobile ride. At just nine suites, it epitomizes the concept of a “boutique hotel.” Wood is the dominant material, much of it unadorned and truly rustic, with huge, single-pane windows capturing the mountain views and an overall minimalist aesthetic. Mattresses are suspended on rows of simple timbers, bathtubs are carved from wood, and balconies have daybeds to soak up the lingering winter rays. It’s not log-cabin cute, more like an art installation. The primary mountain view is of the Zugspitze in neighboring Germany. Located at 9,718 feet in the Ehrwald/Tyrol, it’s a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and an all-inclusive, which takes care of your ski passes, drinks and meals. Dinner is typically a tasting menu using many preserved wild mountain plants and local game. “Eriro” means “entry to the forest” in High German, and this off-the-grid hotel is just that, a place for mountain purists. The spa has three pools, and you can elect to snowshoe on those

days when you need to rest your ski muscles. There’s no Wi-Fi or TV, though there is a record player and vinyl library. The place is all about disconnecting. • Aman Rosa Alpina, San Cassiano, Italy. The Rosa Alpina was already a well-established five-star hotel, nearly a century old, with a three-Michelin-star restaurant in the heart of the Dolomites, Italy’s coolest ski region. That’s when Aman Resorts stepped in to partner with it, manage it, and infuse it with a $69 million renovation. Located close to the glamorous resort of Cortina, co-host of the recent Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games, the hotel is now the Aman Rosa Alpina, and as an Aman resort it automatically has status for self-described “Aman junkies,” people who will stay nowhere else when they travel. You can see why: there are three pools, one an outdoor infinity pool, an 18,000-square-foot spa and access to more than 700 miles of ski runs. The spacious lobby has wall murals of the Dolomites; the 51 guest rooms and suites are more minimal-chic than Alpine fusty. Dining options include the Michelin-starred Heritage Room, the Japanese Enju, the Grill on the terrace and the pizzeria Il Salotto. You could easily check in and forget all about skiing. • The Brecon, Adelboden, Switzerland. Adelboden has long been one of my favorite Swiss ski resorts. The place teems with picturesque chalets, the clientele tends to be Brits and Swiss, and the Adelboden-Lenk ski region has about 130 miles of ski trails to explore. The Brecon gently breaks the Alpine mold. It’s a sophisticated, all-inclusive hotel with 18 rooms and four suites. It has something of a mid-century modern feel, an older hotel redesigned by Amsterdam-based studio Nicemakers. Après-ski, there’s a steam room, a sauna and an outdoor thermal pool with views of the Adelboden Massif. There are seating areas in the Living Room, with comfortable couches, wood-paneled ceilings and panoramic views from the floor-to-ceiling windows. The hotel is owned by two Welsh brothers, and a Welsh chef, Bryn Williams oversees the menus. Dinner is typically a four-course menu with wine pairings. The artwork is thoughtful, the bedrooms are comfortable retreats and the vibe is relaxed. There are more famous ski resorts in Switzerland but few quite as charming and none with a hotel quite like this. LEE MICHAELS

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S P I R I TS

Cask Confidential Rare, aged and exclusive, five bourbons command attention on the top shelf. There was a time when the ultimate flex in spirits was simply securing a reservation at the right distillery or tracking down a coveted bottle before it disappeared behind velvet ropes and private client lists. Today, the world of luxury bourbon has evolved into something even more rarefied: a culture of whispered allocations, invitation-only releases

• Woodford Reserve Bourbon Baccarat Edition. Finished in XO Cognac barrels and presented in a handcrafted Baccarat crystal decanter, this ultra-luxury release transforms classic Kentucky bourbon into a refined and worldly sip. On the nose, it offers aromas of baked orchard fruit, toasted oak, cacao and warm baking spice. The palate unfolds with rich layers of dried cherry, vanilla cream, caramel and citrus, while the texture is velvety and exceptionally smooth. Its long, elegant finish carries lingering notes of spice and sweet oak. Enjoy it neat in fine crystal, ideally paired with dark chocolate or savored after a decadent steakhouse dinner.

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and collectors who’d go out of their way for the privilege of a pour. In penthouses, private clubs and candlelit bourbon rooms from Manhattan to Mayfair, these bottles have become liquid status symbols, displayed with the reverence once reserved for vintage watches or blue-chip art. Limited-edition expressions from heritage

• Booker’s 25th Anniversary Edition Bourbon Whiskey. Created to commemorate 25 years of Booker’s legendary small-batch bourbon, this release was crafted from some of the final barrels personally laid down by Booker Noe, Jim Beam’s grandson. It opens with aromas of toasted oak, caramel, cinnamon and roasted nuts. The palate is rich and layered, revealing dark toffee, vanilla, leather, baking spice and hints of dried fruit, all carried on a texture that is notably silky for such a powerful whiskey. Its long, warming finish lingers with oak, pepper and sweet spice. Try it neat—perhaps beside a leather chair with a cigar and dark chocolate after dinner.

• Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel Bourbon. Drawn from individual barrels and bottled at full cask strength without dilution, this bottle delivers an experience that is both potent and polished. The bouquet leans deep and decadent, offering waves of sugar, charred oak, baking spice and candied orange. On the palate, notes of maple, roasted pecan, dark caramel and clove unfold with richness, balanced by a weighty, mouth-coating body. The finish is intense and enduring, leaving traces of pepper, smoke and sweet-barrel char long after the final sip. A whiskey of this caliber is best poured neat and lingered over.

houses now generate loyalty among generations of enthusiasts who value craftsmanship, scarcity and story. For those fortunate enough to sip them, the appeal of today’s most exclusive bourbons isn’t merely about taste—it’s about the “ABCs” of access, belonging and cachet in a world where rarity is the ultimate luxury.

• Double Eagle Very Rare 20-Year-Old Bourbon Whiskey. Aged for two decades and presented in a hand-blown crystal decanter inspired by the American eagle, this bourbon represents the pinnacle of patience and craftsmanship. Time has softened and deepened the spirit, revealing an aromatic profile of antique oak, tobacco leaf, caramelized fig and orange oil. The palate is layered, offering notes of dark honey, leather, toasted vanilla and baking spice wrapped in an exceptionally satin-like texture. Its finish lingers, unfolding slowly with hints of maple and cedar. Reserve it for unhurried evenings and sip it neat.

• Jefferson’s Presidential Select 16-Year-Old Twin Oak Bourbon Whiskey. Old Tom’s rep as an apostle of liberty may have soured a bit in recent years, but not his booze. Originally released in extremely limited quantities, Jefferson’s Presidential Select 16-Year-Old Twin Oak Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is revered among collectors for its extended aging and distinctive “Twin Oak” finishing process. The nose is rich and mature, revealing aromas of polished oak, brown butter, dried cherry and tobacco. On the palate, waves of butterscotch, vanilla bean and dark fruit are released with elegance, while the finish is long and nuanced. Sip it neat.

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L AS T

L O O K

Bold Color, Brilliant Light Vivid turquoise and radiant diamonds strike the perfect balance between natural beauty and modern brilliance. Turquoise and diamond 30” necklace featuring oval shape cabochon turquoise; Oval shape cabochon turquoise ring with diamond halo and diamonds down the sides.

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HENRY CAVILL

THE LONGINES MASTER COLLECTION

9/22/26 9:19 PM Longines_HQ • Visual: HC14_MC68 • Adaptation: Annonce (Ads) 63475 11Aug26 HC14_MC68 (US) • Issue: 11/08/2026

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