Syd Jerome Fall/Winter 2019

SYD JEROME

FALL / WINTER 2019

FALL FASHIONS

FORMAL EDUCATION

syd THE DESIGN PORTFOLIO FROM SYD JEROME MENSWEAR

THE FERRARI F8 TRIBUTO

HAUTE HOTELS

SKIING IN FRANCE

VERSATILE VERDICCHIO

F A L L / W I N T E R 2 0 19

Wainscot_Canali ADV Double_FW19 gg.indd 2-3

21/10/19 18:31

60 years of Excellence in Luxury

A U T U M N | W I N T E R C O L L E C T I O N 2 019

VICENZA, ITALY 1954

CONTENTS F/W 2019

FEATURES Ferrari’s Hottest | 42 The F8 Tributo, the Italian brand’s new flagship, is a blend of its greatest hits and today’s charttopping tech.

What a comeback! | 54 Some hotels rest on their laurels, but not these four. They’ve remade themselves—with exciting results.

formal education | 60 It’s a fact that any man looks good in a tuxedo—as long as it’s the right one, of course. Consider these headto-toe tips to find the perfect look for your next special occasion.

Out of the shadows | 68

| SYD JEROME

Step into the light in fall’s cool— and ruggedly handsome—new coats and jackets.

6

food for thought

No matter where you made reservations, this season’s styles will have you looking deliciously good.

p.

44

CONTENTS f/w 2019

54 54

DEPARTMENTS memo | 10 Visit Syd Jerome for a memorable experience.

in good company | 12 Friends and family joined the Syd Jerome staff at the official grand opening of the new store at North Clark Street.

the Syd Jerome guide | 15

essentials | 24 Syd Jerome has the musthaves you need to keep your winter wardrobe in balance.

the sporting life | 62 At Alpe d’Huez in the Alps, great skiing matches up with unforgettable scenery, dining and nightlife.

Take off with AirChicago... treat your feet to Happy Socks...find the right underwear...and more.

Fitness | 66

clothes talk | 22

Gourmet | 74

| SYD JEROME

Scott Shapiro shares his perspective on everything new—from the store location, lighting and designers.

8

Dance + martial arts + spirit of a game = great exercise, Brazilian style.

Bowls of tasty posole are like snowflakes—no two are exactly alike.

grape | 76

74

Once typecast as plebeian and fish-friendly, Verdicchio now shows unsuspected depth and versatility.

The Bullpen | 78 Your favorite Syd Jerome style pros talk about the new store and the new styles of the season.

grooming | 80 Here’s how you can clean up your complexion and get on with your life.

62 24

MEMO

SYD JEROME 20 NORTH CLARK STREET CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60602 312.346.0333 WWW.SYDJEROME.COM STORE HOURS MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY: 8:30 A.M. TO 6 P.M. THURSDAY: 8:30 A.M. TO 7:30 P.M. SATURDAY: 8:30 A.M. TO 5:30 P.M. Editor in chief RITA GUARNA

A Constant in the Midst of Change W

hoever said “The more things change, the more they stay the same” must have been thinking about Syd Jerome.

In this ever-changing retail environment—one where everybody is connected by the internet, has the ability to shop 24/7 and is subject to sophisticated computer algorithms that predict spending habits—it is gratifying to know that there is no substitute for human interaction.

At Syd Jerome, we recognized that we had to evolve and address consumers’ desires, both longtime customers’ and new clients’, and thus created an environment that is more conducive to shopping while adding more services. Since moving to our new location at 20 N. Clark St., the response has been overwhelming. Old and new customers alike are amazed at the transformation.

Though customers have new shopping expectations, they still rely both on the expertise

of and the relationships with their salesperson.

Our style professionals have knowledge that can’t be assessed by algorithms—the ability to always know how to meet men’s sartorial needs. We know how to dress gentlemen when there’s an important case to be argued, a funeral is imminent, an invitation to a formal occasion arrives or some other unplanned event appears on the calendar. These milestones can be enhanced when a Syd Jerome stylist has the customer’s best interest in mind—and knows how to curate a standout look too!

These fundamental objectives are not new.

This has been our mission for more than 60 years. As retail reaches for the Cloud, Syd Jerome is committed to remaining firmly planted on Earth. We hope to see you in our new store soon, where you’ll be treated to the same great service that our customers have enjoyed for decades.

creative Director STEPHEN M. VITARBO senior editor DARIA MEOLI senior Associate Editor DARIUS AMOS lifestyle editor HALEY LONGMAN editorial assistant GIANNA BARONE Art director VICTORIA BEALL Contributing Editors MICHAEL ARDRIZZONE, EVERETT POTTER, DONNA ROLANDO, JOSH SENS Contributing Photographer DANIEL SPRINGSTON PUBLISHING STAFF group Publisher SHAE MARCUS National Brand Manager MONICA DELLI SANTI Account Executive JESSICA SALERNO Director of Production and Circulation SUSAN WINDRUM director of Advertising Services JACQUELYNN FISCHER graphic designer, Ad Services VIOLETA MULAJ Production/Art Assistant CHRIS FERRANTE Accounting AGNES ALVES, MEGAN FRANK, RANDY TASHJIAN PUBLISHED BY Chairman CARROLL V. DOWDEN President & CEO MARK DOWDEN Senior Vice Presidents SHAE MARCUS, CARL OLSEN Vice Presidents NIGEL EDELSHAIN, THOMAS FLANNERY,

SCOTT SHAPIRO

RITA GUARNA

SYD JEROME magazine is published twice a year

by Wainscot Media, 1 Maynard Dr., Park Ridge, NJ 07656, in association with SYD JEROME. Copyright © 2019 by Wainscot Media, LLC. All rights reserved.

| SYD JEROME

Editorial Contributions: Write to Editor, Syd Jerome, 1 Maynard Dr., Park Ridge, NJ 07656; telephone 201.571.2244; email rita.guarna@wainscotmedia.com.

The magazine is not responsible for the return or loss of unsolicited submissions.

10

Subscription Services: To change an address or request a subscription, write to Subscriptions, SYD JEROME Circulation Department, 1 Maynard Dr., Park Ridge, NJ 07656; telephone 201.573.5541; email susan.windrum@wainscotmedia.com.

Advertising Inquiries: Contact Shae Marcus at 856.797.2227 or shae.marcus@wainscotmedia.com.

IN GOOD COMPANY

WELCOME HOME

Syd Jerome celebrated the highly anticipated opening of our brand-new store on the corner of Madison and Clark at a late September launch party. Top menswear industry execs and members of Chicago’s elite joined Scott Shapiro and team as we unveiled our stunning two-floor, 8,000-square-foot space, which doubles our footprint in downtown Chicago and betters our customers’ overall shopping experience. The new-and-improved location features separate stores-within-a-store, a lower-level tailor shop, an events space and more. A big conversation starter at the event was our sophisticated, modern decor—which includes nods to the history of the Windy City—and our dressing rooms’ blue pinstriped walls, which pay homage to the impeccable suits worn by our late founder, Sid Shapiro. “Sid told everyone he was going to live forever and those who knew him never doubted it,” Scott says. “So the move was to keep his legacy alive.”

AD_USA_Vert.indd 1

17/01/19 14:09

THE

SYD JEROME GUIDE SOCK SATISFACTION WHAT LIES BENEATH: CHOOSING THE RIGHT UNDERWEAR

YOUR TICKET TO RIDE

|

Most true car enthusiasts are likely familiar with “My Ride,” the Wall Street Journal column by longtime automotive journalist A.J. Baime. Well, rev your engines, because Baime has turned his popular column into a book, which, like his weekly posts, is a mustread for any true car aficionado. In 100 Dream Cars: The Best Of My Ride (Rizzoli, $45), Baime highlights 100 of the most impressive wheels (including motorcycles) featured in “My Ride,” each with a descriptive profile of the vehicle, its technical specs and a poignant story about the relationship between car and driver. From a fast ’62 Lamborghini to a classic ’37 Caddy V-16 or the ultra-cool Tesla Model X, this curated collection is enough to make any gearhead googly-eyed.

FALL/WINTER 2019

As far as fashion goes, undergarments may be the last item you think about even though they’re the first thing you put on each morning. But as with other sartorial matters, choosing the perfect underwear is key to looking and feeling your best.

Here’s the lowdown on the different underwear options and what to wear down there.

Boxers are characterized by their open fly and mid-thigh length. They offer lots of breathability, coverage and comfort, but don’t offer much (or, well, anything) by way of support. Opt for boxers if you’re not a skinny jeans type of dude, as the fabric will most likely bunch up.

Briefs, on the other hand, are best for skinnypants wearers and offer more support than their boxer counterparts. They also feature a Y-front fly, and are a good bet if you’re thicker in the thigh area.

Boxer briefs, of course, are a hybrid of the two, featuring the shape of a boxer but a closer fit like briefs. Many guys prefer these when they’re working out or being otherwise active, as boxer briefs give coverage and support and don’t bunch or chafe.

A newer style we’ve been seeing as of late?

Trunks, which sit lower on the hips, are shorter in the leg than boxers and cut across-mid thigh. Get a pair or two of these if you’ve got skinny stems or wear tucked-in shirts.

A few other quick tips to keep in mind: Replace your underwear once a year—anything with visible stains or holes has got to go. As for how many pairs you should own, experts say about 20 is the sweet spot. And speaking of sweet spots, Saxx underwear—available at Syd Jerome—uses its patented BallPark technology and 3D HammockShaped Pouch to reduce friction down there and keep all your parts supported and comfortable.

Stop by one of our stores where we can help you supplement or overhaul your underwear wardrobe.

You’ve heard the expression, wearing your heart on your sleeve. How about wearing a tongue on your feet? More about that below. Any company whose tagline is “Bringing happiness and color to every corner of the world…” is lovable from the start. Happy Socks came to be when Mikael Söderlindh and Viktor Tell had a vision: turn an overlooked and underrated clothing item into a colorful design piece. Before 2008, socks were made strictly to serve a purpose, and companies gave you few choices: white, gray, black or blue. But that changed with the creation of Happy Socks. It was like going from old black and white TV to hi-def color.

Their brilliant, colorful, brash designs will make you and your feet…well, happy. And what’s more colorful than the signature art of the Rolling Stones and the band’s iconic tongue and lip logo? Yes, that’s been adapted into a rockin’ line of Happy Socks, available now at Syd Jerome. Happy Socks is even selling its Warhol collection to the Art Institute of Chicago, which is currently hosting the traveling Warhol Exhibition. Bring home some Happy Socks and add color to your wardrobe and your life. You’ll get satisfaction.

15

THE SYD JEROME GUIDE WHEN IS A TIE A WIN?

Somehow, some way, Italo Ferretti ties were meant to be. Ferretti started his career in the 1960s, not in the clothing business but at a Milanese pharmaceutical company. He later moved on to the transportation industry, then the military. But after all that, divine guidance led him to the field of fashion and today’s level of success: His brand of ties and accessories have been worn by Wall Street execs, Hollywood royalty, heads of state and other prominent world figures. Italo Ferretti creates ties that are unique. Sure, everybody says that, but this company boasts eight international patents, which nobody else can say. That makes each product unique and exclusive, and you’ll find them at Syd Jerome. Italo Ferretti ties were meant to be, and maybe you were meant to wear them.

WARM UP TO A HOT TODDY

SOCIAL STUDIES

| SYD JEROME

RIGHT ON THE MARC

16

Whether he writes about fashion or life, Marc Kadish is always entertaining. He’s written his blog (he calls it a column), Sartorially Speaking, for the Syd Jerome website for more than a year. An accomplished lawyer, Marc is a huge fan of fine menswear and of our city—he moved here 50 years ago.

So between his impeccable taste in clothing and his keen eye for human nature, Marc is the ideal person to pen our blog (yes, Marc, it’s a blog). Be sure to read Sartorially Speaking on a regular basis; the pieces are entertaining, informative and sometimes inspirational, just like the man who writes them.

If a picture is worth 1,000 words, an Instagram post is worth 1,000 views—and more! An online presence is about as important these days as breathing, and Syd Jerome recognizes that. The visual nature of Instagram is a natural for us. We’ve got almost 900 followers looking at our 700 posts (to date, at press time). Odds are you’re on Facebook. Syd Jerome is there too, and our circle of friends is growing. Check out our contributions on YouTube. You’ll hear priceless fashion tips from our late great founder, Sid Shapiro, imparting his years of learned wisdom. We’re on Twitter too. Follow us and catch our latest news and observations. While you’re online, go to sydjerome.com and check out our fall/winter collections. Whether you drop by online or in-store, we’ll breathe some life into your wardrobe.

On the web: sydjerome.com Facebook: @sydjerome Instagram: @sydjeromemenswear Twitter: @sydjerome

Everyone loves a mojito or Aperol spritz, but those drinks are so summer. Fall/ winter is back in fashion, and ’tis the season for the hot toddy. Whether you’re in the mood for a nightcap or a cocktail to sip while cozying up to a fire, this drink will warm the body and soothe the heart.

Never had one? Here’s an easy-to-follow, surefire recipe from The Bourbon Bible (Mitchell Beazley, $20), a collection of recipes curated by Eric Zandona, a spirits specialist at the American Distilling Institute. Cheers!

Ingredients n 2 oz. bourbon n 1½ fl. oz. lemon juice, freshly squeezed n 4 fl. oz. hot water n 1 tsp. honey n 1 lemon wedge, for garnish n 1 cinnamon stick, for garnish Directions n Add all the ingredients to a mug, coffee cup or glass cup with a handle and stir to dissolve the honey. n Garnish with a lemon wedge and cinnamon stick, if desired.

AN AIR APPARENT

The introduction of technical fabrics to fine menswear has made travel a lot easier for the Syd Jerome gentleman. We have a tip to make it even simpler. AirChicago is a luxury private and semi-private air travel club that flies from Chicago Executive Airport to 36 U.S. cities, including Boston, New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco. What separates AirChicago from commercial business class? Efficiency: A six-hour door-to-door trip from Chicago to NYC is cut in half with AirChicago, including hassle-free parking and drop-offs and no long boarding lines. Luxury: Forget the drink cart— every AirChicago flier receives a fine-dining place setting and full in-flight concierge service. Just like the new travel suit you picked up at Syd Jerome, we know you will get used to this way of travel.

AIRCHICAGO HANGAR AT CHICAGO EXECUTIVE AIRPORT, 1064 TOWER DR., WHEELING, ILL., 888.253.3806, AIRCHICAGO.COM

made for mischief

THE SYD JEROME GUIDE A PAW-SITIVE EXPERIENCE With cold weather around the corner, it’s time to put away the linen shirts and move your parkas and puffers back into the wardrobe rotation. Sure, you’ll be prepared for whatever winter has in store, but what can you do to ensure the comfort of your furry friends? Unlike your Moose Knuckles or Herno toppers, the natural coats of most dog and cat breeds lose resiliency when the temps drop.

Here are some tips that will help you and Fido enjoy winter.

Know their limits. Most vets agree that America’s most popular dog breed, the Labrador retriever, should be kept indoors when the mercury dips below freezing. Owners of smaller animals should be more cautious. Of course, pups like Siberian huskies and Saint Bernards thrive in the cold, but even they shouldn’t be kept out too long.

Feet first. You wouldn’t step outside without proper footwear, so make sure you take care of your animals’ paws. Keep them clean and free of ice and melting agents like driveway salt. All-weather booties offer protection from the elements (and make for great Instagram posts). Also consider applying a moisturizer like ResQ Organics Pet Skin Treatment to keep paw pads soft, smooth and crack-free.

Play dress up. Cats and dogs with lighter layers of fur should be covered in the cold, whether they wear sweaters or are wrapped in blankets. While wool is

very warm, think wool/cotton blend or acrylic so washing the garment doesn’t become a chore for you. And be certain it’s the right fit—a loose sweater can pick up dirt and moisture if it’s dragging on the ground.

Keep moving. Good old body heat can keep you warm on a brisk day, and the same is true for your pets. Invest in some durable toys so outdoor exercise routines can continue in fall—they’ll also come in handy and keep finicky doggos and kitties entertained when the weather is too frightful to venture outside.

The heat is on. If you’re caring for a cat, you know he/ she loves a good radiator. But it’s important to never give a household pet direct access to heat sources like a fireplace or space heater, as they can snuggle too close and burn themselves.

Other things to consider: For canines—Keep snow mounds low in fenced-in areas to reduce the possibility of escape; go for walks during daylight for warmth and extra vitamin D. For felines—Keep cats out of the garage, where substances like anti-freeze have an attractive scent but are poisonous if ingested; always tap on car hoods and wheel wells, both of which are common kitty hiding places because of their heat; set up indoor litter boxes for cats that usually take care of business outdoors.

| SYD JEROME

GROWING NEW ROOTS

18

In case you didn’t get the memo, Syd Jerome moved to a new location at North Clark and Madison this past summer.

Why the move? First, the new digs are larger, keeping pace with our expanded product offerings. Each season we add new products and designers from around the world to offer you, our customers, a greater selection. Second, we want to give you an even better shopping experience. We’ve teamed with Gensler, a local architectural firm, to create a space that pays tribute to our city while serving you better. Within this new, beautifully designed store, we have several symbols of historic Chicago. (Think lighting fixtures from the Windy City streets and brass from old banks.) The other notable piece of news is the “stores within the store” concept. You like Canali? Its collection is all in one place; you don’t have to go looking all over the store for different pieces. And the same goes for some of your most favorite brands.

For your convenience, there are helpful work tables to examine and to mix and match your selections. Dressing rooms are placed throughout the store, closer to where you’ll need them. If you haven’t yet visited us here, stop by. We’ve been a landmark in Chicago for more than 60 years, and our new location makes it easier for us to better serve you.

DRY SKIN? CHILL OUT You worked hard all summer to maintain the perfect tan, but good skin care shouldn’t stop now. The drier air of winter tends to pull moisture away from your skin, leaving it flaky and scaly.

Sure, you can cover up, but ignoring dry skin can lead to unsightly cracking and bleeding or trigger conditions like eczema. So what can you do to survive winter? Chill out and follow these simple tips.

Shower power. Long, hot showers might feel great when it’s cold out but they can remove the essential oils that protect your skin from dryness. Try a lukewarm, 10-minute shower instead.

Suds up. Use a natural, moisturizing soap or a non-soap option, like Cetaphil, to clean extremely dry skin, the University of Iowa’s Department of Dermatology recommends. And trust your handiwork: Lather up using your hands instead of a loofah or washcloth

(both of which have abrasive textures that can damage dry skin).

Get a pat down. Gently pat—don’t rub—your wet skin with a towel until the moisture is absorbed. You may think the extra rubbing will brush flakes from your body, but the friction could cause more irritation.

The right stuff. It’s important to apply a moisturizing lotion after every shower while your skin is still damp.

Products that contain ceramides, a type of fatty acid, work best because they help fill cracks in the outer layer of the skin, according to studies from the Department of Dermatology at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York.

Face time. Don’t forget to apply a proper moisturizer to your face. Heavy body moisturizers can clog pores; a lightweight facial moisturizer will relieve dry skin and can have anti-aging and anti-acne properties.

®

Fly like the Coach.

Upgrade to AIRChicago and experience private USA business jet travel that is custom, exclusive‌and comparable to business class fares.

Just ask Mike.

(AIRChicago Card Member & Partner) Sign on to a ground floor opportunity with a special introductory offer!

Learn more at airchicago.com/apply-now or call 888.253.3806.

Change to AIRChicago. It will change your life.

AIRChicago Jet Card / 2400 E. Main Street Suite 103 / St. Charles, IL 60174 AirChicago Jet Card (ACJC) is an air charter broker under USDOT Part 295. ACJC is not a direct air carrier and air services will be provided by properly licensed direct air carriers.

Membership in ACJC and all services and products offered by ACJC are subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the ACJC Cardmember Agreement, the ACJC Cardmember Guide, ACJC Terms of Use, ACJC Charter Agreement and terms applicable to certain services.

CLOTHES TALK

WHAT’S IN STORE?

Scott Shapiro shares his perspective on Syd Jerome’s new home, including the season’s fresh collections and what he “sees” is the most noticeable improvement.

Everything is brand new at 20 North Clark Street, including several featured designers.

What are some of the new collections?

I’m really excited that we’ve brought Ravazzolo to the store. It’s an Italian company that’s been around for just as long as Syd Jerome, and it makes fine handmade clothing. We also added Mandelli outerwear to complement the high-end tailored brands like Brioni, Castangia and Isaia. The coats and jackets are sharp and sophisticated, and our guys love them. For the man who’s looking for fun and casual fashion, we have Frame denim—an all-American company with great European looks—and Moose Knuckles outerwear, which is an edgier version of Canada Goose.

You give your clients the best designers; what are you doing to meet their needs for custom clothing?

The answer is Atelier Munro. It’s a fine custom clothing and tailoring business in Amsterdam that adds a new dimension to the store. It allows us to produce custom clothing with different makes, which helps us hit multiple price points.

We have entry-level price points for those looking for value custom clothing, or we can do a complete bespoke make. Munro has been really popular out of the gate— our customers really love it.

Premium fashion, including footwear, has always been a hallmark of Syd Jerome.

What’s new in shoes?

We have expanded our shoe department—it truly complements the clothing we’ve had for the past 60 years. Our new and improved department features brands that are new to Syd, like Tod’s, Gravati, Santoni and Aquatalia. On top of that, we have great casual shoes from Ermenegildo Zegna and Golden Goose.

What’s one thing at the new store that is a notable improvement over the previous location?

Our staff can’t get over how well-lit and bright it is. The colors of the merchandise explode, and you can really see the products and the integrity of the fabrications we select.

How is the new neighborhood treating you?

We’re getting the people who have heard of us but never came in to finally walk in to the store. Our exterior and interior are more inviting, and we’re taking a different approach with our window displays.

In the past, they were a little cluttered and confusing; now we’re showing specific brands and categories.

What else can one expect at the new store?

Other than the physical store, everything else is the same—most importantly our mission. We continue to look for new upand-coming designers and brands to offer our customers. And we will be doing more collaborations and pop-up shops with products we don’t carry, so we can give our clients even more choices. We stand true to our mission.

| SYD JEROME

From left, Isaia, Ravazzolo, Mandelli, Atelier Munro, Santoni

22

ESSENTIALS

HANDLE WITH CARE | SYD JEROME

Syd Jerome has the must-haves you need to keep your winter wardrobe in balance.

24

Clockwise from top, leather sneaker by Ermenegildo Zegna, chukka boot by Aquatalia, sneaker by On.

GA_Syd_Jerome_FW19_Full_Page_Ad-FINAL .indd 1

10/16/19 9:48 AM

ESSENTIALS

| SYD JEROME

Gloves by Hestra.

26

Quality Made

REDJACKETCLOTHING.COM

ESSENTIALS

| SYD JEROME

Assorted ties by Italo Ferretti, Ermenegildo Zegna and Brioni. Bowties by Italo Ferretti.

28

PT01_FP_FW19_V1_VM.indd 1

7/17/19 10:28 AM

ESSENTIALS

| SYD JEROME

Socks by Happy Socks.

30

ESSENTIALS

| SYD JEROME

Belts by Torino.

Glasses by Maui Jim.

32

ESSENTIALS

| SYD JEROME

Knit cap and scarf by Autumn Cashmere. Sport shirt by Eton.

34

ESSENTIALS

| SYD JEROME

Pens by FaberCastell Bentley Collection. Wallet

by Secrid.

36

S H O W R O O M M I L A N | N E W YO R K | T O K YO | M O S C A

ESSENTIALS

HOT STUFF

| SYD JEROME

Lively hues and playful patterns will spice up any closet this season.

38

Down vest by Waterville.

Sweater by Paul & Shark.

Clockwise from top, jeans by MAC, plaid trousers by Sartore, red trousers by Meyer.

Cashmere sweater by Thomas de Lîle.

Wool vest by Gran Sasso.

Gear by Psycho Bunny.

WWW.MAC-JEANS-USA.COM 024-9-098_AZ_SydJerome_US_macFW19_PSO_LWC_Imp_9.25x11.125inch#.indd 1

16.10.19 14:15

FERRARI’S HOTTEST

F8 Tributo, the Italian brand’s new flagship, is a blend of its greatest hits and today’s chart-topping tech. By Darius Amos As if we needed another reason to sing the praises of Ferrari, the iconic Italian carmaker has rolled out yet another head turner. Gone from its lineup of speed demons is the 488, replaced triumphantly with the F8 Tributo. It’s easily the new flagship for the legendary brand, whose lineage includes some of history’s most recognizable and quintessential sportscars. (The Testarossa and 308 GTS come to mind.) And it pays tribute to many of its Ferrari ancestors, borrowing design elements from the F40 and the Pista.

Performance, however, is all its own. The Tributo is muscled by a 710-horsepower V-8, the highest output ever for a Ferrari equipped with that engine size. Engineers say it can reach a top speed of 211 miles per hour and finish a 0-to-62 dash in 2.9 seconds, two stats aided by top-of-class aerodynamics. The Tributo, which has an estimated price tag of $350,000, has sexy curves, like many Ferrari models and unlike the aggressive lines found on competitors like the Lamborghini Huracán and McLaren 720S. Though styling has always been the company’s forte, Ferrari has never needed sex to sell.

| SYD JEROME

One of the Tributo’s front-end features is the air intake system. Left and right vents provide cooling for the brakes and wheel arches, which naturally heat when drivers have the need for speed.

42

Boosting the car’s aerodynamics begins front and center. The S-Duct was specially designed to expel high pressure flow from the central bumper by deflecting it upward through the hood bonnet. Highway driving has never been this fun (or fast).

A 7-inch touchscreen is mounted in front of the passenger, giving the co-pilot a clear view of the car’s vitals and command of the infotainment system, climate controls and more.

Drivers, after all, can’t have all the fun.

Twin LED displays flank a central tachometer on the driver’s instrumentation cluster.

The screens show everything from the car’s gear selection to satellite radio stations so the driver’s head (and racecar focus) rarely has to shift.

While you can select a variety of wheels, the optional starburst design is an aggressive twist on the classic five-spoke rim. The focal point of the wheel, of course, is Ferrari’s prancing horse on a field of yellow.

You can not only feel the power of the Tributo’s 710-horsepower engine, but also see it in action (unless you’re driving, of course).

Ferrari’s engine-underglass bodywork offers a full view of the midmounted V-8.

Maybe you’d like to forget 1980s fashion, but the Tributo’s louvered rear window (a throwback to Ferrari’s legendary F40 of the late ’80s and early ’90s) is a style from that bygone era that Ferrari brings back with pride.

Rearview highlights include the return of Ferrari’s twin tail light cluster—a throwback to the brand’s old 308 models—and a lightweight carbon-fiber spoiler that doesn’t add many pounds but still lowers the car’s center of gravity.

FALL/WINTER 2019

Ferrari debuts its new steering wheel in the Tributo. The design features a flat bottom for added comfort and convenience and more on-wheel controls such as a push-button start and paddle shifters.

Steering-column stalks are clearly things of the past.

| 43

food for thought No matter where you made reservations, this season’s styles will have you looking deliciously good.

Photography by Daniel Springston

| SYD JEROME

This page, suit by Belvest, shirt by Canali, tie by Isaia, pocket square by Eton.

Opposite, suit by Luigi Bianchi Mantova, sweater

by Gran Sasso, shirt by Stenströms, tie and pocket square by Paolo Albizatti.

44

FALL/WINTER 2019

|

45

| SYD JEROME

This page, overcoat

by Ravazzolo, suit and tie by Ermenegildo Zegna, shirt by Eton.

Opposite, sportcoat by Santorelli, sweater and shirt by Stenstrรถms, tie and pocket square by Paolo Albizatti, pants by Incotex.

46

FALL/WINTER 2019

|

47

| SYD JEROME

This page, sportcoat by Castangia, sweater by Fedeli, shirt by Eton, tie and pocket square by Paolo Albizzati, pants by PT01. Opposite, suit by Sant’Andrea, sweater

by Stenströms, shirt

by Canali, tie by Silvio Fiorello, pocket square by Edward Armah.

48

FALL/WINTER 2019

|

49

| SYD JEROME

This page, sportcoat, shirt, tie and pocket square by Isaia, gray pants by Incotex.

Opposite, suit, shirt, tie and pocket square by Canali.

50

FALL/WINTER 2019

|

51

MADE IN ITALY

What a comeback! | SYD JEROME

Some hotels rest on their laurels, but not these four.

They’ve remade themselves—with exciting results.

54

We admit it: It can be fun to visit an old dowager of a hotel, one whose genteel worn carpets whisper that it’s still trading on a reputation from decades ago. But how much more exciting to stay at an old place that has made itself dramatically new, so that a location full of great yesterdays—and great scenery—can also offer the ultimate hospitality of today.

When we say the famous hotels on the following pages have recently been renovated, we don’t mean a repainted lobby here and a new sprinkler system there. We mean they’ve been stripped bare, reimagined, reconfigured, redesigned and studded with state-of-theart amenities to more than delight the luxury traveler with the most demanding 2020 foresight. Depending on what continent you’re headed to, might one of them be on your itinerary soon?

CONTINUED...

FALL/WINTER 2019

|

55

| SYD JEROME

BELMOND CAP JULUCA, Anguilla, Caribbean

56

Since it opened in 1988, this hotel, a cluster of Greco-Moorish-style villas, has been classed among the top upscale accommodations on this popular Caribbean island. A-listers such as Denzel Washington and Liam Neeson have been among its loyalists, booking their favorite villas year after year. But in 2017, when the hotel was acquired by luxury leisure company Belmond, it was long overdue for an update, especially after Hurricane Irma destroyed everything at the resort except a few villas. So in late 2018, the establishment reopened as the Belmond Cap Juluca, with two new restaurants, revamped guest accommodations, an upscale spa and a whole new aesthetic inspired by Moroccan design and architecture.

Change is apparent with one’s first steps into the indoor/outdoor lobby, as crisp white linens, wicker chairs and an eye-catching chandelier replace the former Arabian-style décor. Guest rooms and suites boast handmade tiles underfoot, sprawling bathroom suites and unique accents that show immaculate attention to detail, such as tassels hung on the doors instead of donot-disturb signs. The cuisine here makes hunger a blessing—as an excuse to indulge. Grab an Italian meal on the waterfront at the new Cip’s by Cipriani, or savor Anguilla-European fusion at the revamped Pimms restaurant.

What remains largely unchanged post-reno is the unparalleled staff attention—your stay comes with 24-hour butler service, with one staff member for every two guests.

INSIDER’S TIP: Don’t leave this resort without at least one ride in the Belmond Buggy, a leather-seated, air-conditioned joy-ride vehicle reminiscent of Scooby-Doo’s Mystery Machine.

RATES: Rooms begin at $675 a night.

THE OBEROI, New Delhi, India

FALL/WINTER 2019

|

It’s appropriate that the capital of India is home to what was once known as the nation’s fanciest hotel; now it’s new and improved after 50 years in business.

Shortly after its half-century birthday, management of the iconic Oberoi, New Delhi went through a mid-life crisis of sorts, feeling that the hotel was outdated, and hoping to reinvent it with a more modern, relevant vibe that still spoke to its upscale clientele. Just shy of two years after construction began in 2016, Oberoi, New Delhi reopened, revealing a sleek, $100 million refurbishment inspired by the late Sir Edwin Lutyens’ New Delhi architecture.

And what a reveal it’s been. All 220 guest rooms including 34 suites have been enlarged and outfitted with luxury amenities such as Italian marble bathrooms, teak floors and large picture windows. Natural light now hits just about everywhere, and 40 air filters were installed throughout the hotel to provide the cleanest, freshest, healthiest air in this heavily polluted city.

Updated dining and imbibing options were added to the offerings too; The Oberoi hired two Michelin-starred chefs to run Omya and Baoshuan, the hotel’s Indian and Chinese eateries, respectively, and introduced the new rooftop bar Cirrus 9, where guests can sip mixed drinks while looking out on Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on one side and the Delhi Golf Course, India’s oldest, on the other. A hotel’s interior may change for the better, but the view outside? Nobody’s going to mess with perfection.

INSIDER’S TIP: If you’re hankering for a smoke, head over to The Club Bar and Cigar Lounge, the latter of which is attached to The Oberoi, New Delhi’s bar and offers personal cigar lockers (and yes, the air purification thing applies here too).

RATES: Summer prices start at $220 a night; winter stays go for around $290.

57

| SYD JEROME

THE FIFE ARMS, Braemar, Scotland

58

Credited with “Scotland’s most exciting hotel opening of 2019” by Conde Nast Traveler, The Fife Arms has a lot of hype to live up to. The 19th-century hunting lodge with a many-gabled Victorian façade has always been architecturally special, befitting a facility 15 miles down the road from the royals’ Balmoral Castle. But for years it was underwhelming—a Financial Times writer recalled a sign warning of a leaky ceiling, next to which, sure enough, “a plastic bucket collected the rhythmic drops of water.” Well, forget all that! In December 2014, A-list art dealers Iwan and Manuela Wirth purchased the property, then closed it for four years of renovations, eventually opening its doors in late 2018 to rave reviews.

Located in Braemar, a village in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, The Fife Arms underwent the overhaul of all overhauls; the renovation involved transforming 80 guest rooms into 46 more spacious ones and adding a spa, a garden and a bar, among other luxury amenities. But perhaps the biggest undertaking was imbuing artful touches into every room, including paintings by Pablo Picasso, Lucian Freud and Queen Victoria. Antique furnishings and period wallpaper adorn the guest suites, and if you wander into a particular ill-lit corner you’ll stumble upon Victoria herself—in wax.

Fife Arms’ eating establishments are Scotland through-and-through as well, from its neighborhood bar The Flying Stag to The Clunie Dining Room and the art deco bar Elsa’s, inspired by fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli, a frequent visitor to Braemer.

INSIDER’S TIP: This hotel is dog-friendly; the Wirths have blocked off several rooms for guests to stay in with their furry friends.

RATES: Rooms start at $325 per night.

HOTEL LUTETIA, Paris, France

FALL/WINTER 2019

|

Making over a century-old Art Deco hotel in the heart of Paris’ Saint Germain neighborhood is quite an undertaking. That’s especially true when it’s the iconic Left Bank hostelry where Picasso lived for a short while in the 1930s, where author James Joyce allegedly wrote a portion of Ulysses, where the rooms housed Nazi officers during World War II. But architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte was up to the challenge, undertaking a four-year, $234 million renovation on Hotel Lutetia—the first renovation in its 100-year history—that concluded in 2018 and maintains the spirit of the original Lutetia while appealing to the 21st century traveler.

Just what was involved in such a venture? Turning 233 pre-existing guest rooms into 184 larger ones, building a new courtyard, installing custom-built 19th century-style furniture and adding natural light to windowed bathrooms and common areas, among other things.

The food and drink options have been improved upon too, with seafood expert and three-Michelin-starred chef Gérald Passédat at the helm of Brasserie Lutetia. Guests and locals can also enjoy a memorable meal at Le Saint-Germain Restaurant or the more casual L’Orangerie, or grab a creatively mixed cocktail at Bar Aristide or Bar Josephine, the latter named for French starlet Josephine Baker, who frequented the original bar.

INSIDER’S TIP: Complete your experience at Lutetia by booking a treatment or taking a fitness class at the brand-new Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre. A 55-foot swimming pool drenched in natural light and an infinity-edge hot tub are among this luxurious spa’s many standout features.

RATES: Stays begin at about $985 per night.

59

60 It’s a fact that any man looks good in a tuxedo—as long as it’s the right one, of course.

JACKET SLEEVE LENGTH

JACKET CUT Try a modern fit for a fashion-forward and flattering silhouette.

This style is trimmer through the chest and shoulder than a traditional-cut jacket and it’s still black-tie appropriate.

JACKET SHOULDER The same rules for your sportcoats and suit jackets apply: The padding of the tuxedo jacket should not extend beyond the tip of your shoulders. If it does, the garment is too big.

JACKET LAPEL Wear a grosgrain peak lapel for a rich textured feel when you attend a highly formal occasion and a rounded shawl style when you want to soften your look. A notch lapel is versatile but the least formal for a tuxedo.

SHIRT FRONT A smooth bib-front shirt, perhaps in a pique fabric with room for studs, is a classic look. A shirt with no placket and concealed buttons is clean, while a pleated front worn with studs adds textural interest.

SHIRT COLLAR The most popular and best bet for the most formal occasion is the laydown collar. For a more contemporary look, the mandarin collar is a great option.

TUXEDO DETAILS

| SYD JEROME

FORMAL EDUCATION Co

FALL/WINTER 2019

SHOES Patent loafers and oxfords are a sure-fire hit for the most formal events. Keep it low key by choosing the styles in suede or polished leather.

PANT LEG LENGTH See your tailor ASAP if your pants are bunching at the ankles (or showing them).

Trousers should have half or no break. The half break is standard, showing a slight dent where the hem rests on the top of the shoe. Any larger break will look like you’re wearing your father’s suit.

PANT LEG WIDTH The way the fabric drapes is key: Anything too tight will create wrinkles, while too much material will appear baggy. Find a cut that’s flattering to your waist, thighs and calves.

JACKET LENGTH Most guys can follow these easy guides: Your jacket should cover your backside and, with your arms at your side, the piece should end between your thumb’s knuckle and base. For a more modern fit, ask us how you can go even shorter.

e.

JACKET SLEEVE LENGTH The jacket sleeve should show a generous amount of the shirt cuff—just enough for others to see your cuff links.

N

Consider these head-to-toe tips to find the perfect look for your next special occasion.

|

61

THE SPORTING LIFE

the french connection If you make plans to ski at Alpe d’Huez in France this winter, there’s every chance that you’ll be one of the few Yanks on the slopes. Maybe the only one.

Beyond the French who flock here from Paris and the provinces, the resort is also beloved by Brits. Together they set the tone of the resort, which manages to be both friendly and chic, appealing to families and to youthful partiers.

The resort flies under the radar for most Americans, even though it was named Europe’s Best Ski Resort 2019 by European Best Destinations, the second time it’s been singled out. If you recognize the name Alpe d’Huez at all, it’s likely because it offers one of the toughest and most challenging climbing days during the annual Tour de France race in July.

You come to Alpe d’Huez not for a stuffy, jet-set party scene like the one in Courchevel or for hardcore skiing as they do in Les Arcs, but for the terrific and varied skiing and the quietly chic accommodations, many of which are family-friendly. Getting here is easy as well, since it’s about a 90-minute drive south of Grenoble.

I came to ski the legendary run called Sarenne, which is the single longest ski run in the world, at nearly 10 miles. Personal best aside, what I discovered was that Alpe d’Huez offers much more than mere statistics.

| SYD JEROME

The skiing

62

Part of the Grandes Rousses massif, the village is located at 6,102 feet, set on a plateau below the mountain and surrounded by other peaks on all sides.

It is a very beautifully situated resort, one of the best in the world.

The slopes themselves are south-facing, so that long, sunny days are the rule here. For sun-starved Europeans in winter, that is a major attraction, and not all that common in the Alps. There’s a reason that the French call it L’Ile du Soleil, or Island of the Sun. It’s also one of France’s largest ski resorts, with 155 miles of skiable pistes when you include the neighboring linked resorts. That means plenty of interconnected skiing on the slopes of the neighboring villages of Auris, Villard Reculas, Oz en Oisans and Vaujany.

As a skier, you get a sense of setting out on a different

At Alpe d’Huez in the Alps, great skiing matches up with unforgettable scenery, dining and nightlife. By Everett Potter

journey every morning, which is one of the primary reasons I love to ski in Europe.

Alpe d’Huez is one of those rare resorts that offer a wide variety of skiing terrain at all levels as well. There are steeps—the longest vertical drop in the world at over 6,000 feet is here—but there is also an abundance of blue and green runs, with miles of moderately vertical, well-groomed slopes that are perfect for intermediates who want to feel like heroes on skis. All said, it’s pretty much a perfect destination for families or for couples and friends of different skiing abilities.

My goal was to tackle the Sarenne run, which goes off from the summit of the Pic Blanc glacier.

I reached it by the two-stage DMC gondola from the resort, the Télépherique des Grandes Rousses, followed by a ride in a cable car. Sarenne, at 9.9 miles, is the longest black run in the Alps. There were some tough bits, but much of it turned out to be surprisingly forgiving. What it really demands of you is endurance. Skiing nearly 10 miles is a real workout, and I made my fair share of stops on the way down to rest my burning thighs.

The next day, my friends went back up the mountain for another challenge. Le Tunnel is a black run from the summit that requires that you ski through a corridor of rock and onto an icy mogul field. It can be dangerous enough that falling is a particularly bad idea. I had already made up my mind to leave them to the challenge and headed down some blue slopes until we met up for lunch.

The slopeside lunch is a ritual in Europe and nowhere more than in France. You’re spoiled with choices at Alpe d’Huez. Our favorite was Chez Passoud, just above the village of Oz, where charcuterie was followed by tartiflette, a fondue made with the local Reblochon cheese. We also liked Chalet du Lac Besson, where lamb and seafood grilled over an open fire were delicious. Out of the way but also delicious was the classic Savoie fare at L’Altiport.

For those who still have energy to burn after a morning on the pistes and a long lunch, La Folie Douce is famed for its views and for encouraging dancing on the tables. Many guests seem to oblige. It should be visited at least once during your stay. My

verdict: the champagne was great, the energy unbelievable, the dancing best left to agile 20-somethings.

The village Alpe d’Huez’s resort village is split into quartiers. The Viel Alpe quartier, also known as the Old Town, is best for nightlife. The chic-est shopping is on Avenue des Jeux. From an architectural standpoint, it’s a bit of a hodgepodge of chalet-style buildings and modern construction. That said, those mountain views, the high-season energy on the streets and that reliable sun together make the village a welcoming place.

Our favorite dinner was at Au Montagnard, a classic in town with wood beams and lace curtains, where I enjoyed steak cooked on a hot stone one night and raclette the next. A slightly fancier meal was on offer at Le Cremaillere, which was also housed in a charming chalet building, and they had French mountain fare such as onion soup and Côte du Boeuf.

Nighttime? If you intend to stay out until 2 a.m., then the New Sphere, Freeride Café and Underground Bar are where to head, as well as the tried and true Smithy’s Tavern. Since my idea of late night after a day of Alpine skiing is 9:30 p.m., I had a quick cognac. You should plan on arriving at least two hours later, just when they start getting lively.

Daria-I Nor There’s been a lot of buzz about Daria-I Nor, which just opened in December. The sister resort to Hotel Koh-I Nor in Val Thorens and Hotel Taj-I Mah in Arc 2000, Daria-I Nor is a “ski in, ski out” hotel with just 46 rooms, each with a private balcony, faux fur throws and phenomenal views. The darkened lobby has highback chairs and spotlights and feels like a chic urban club. The concept of wellness looms large here. The spa is 8,600 square feet, with the requisite pool, Jacuzzi and a hammam, as well as two saunas and a relaxing indoor pool with a fountain. The dining is on the formal side at L’Améthyste, while Table de Daria has traditional French mountain fare. It’s the most sublime hotel in all of Alpe d’Huez, a property I would gladly check into on a return visit. There’s no question that after my first trip here, I’ll be back.

Opposite page, clockwise from top: Skiing Sarenne takes endurance—at 9.9 miles, it’s the longest black run in the Alps; nightlife at Alpe d’Huez’s resort village includes a bevy of taverns, bars and cafes; guests at the Daria-I Nor hotel can enjoy traditional French mountain fare at Table de Daria; each of the hotel’s 46 guestrooms has a balcony with slopeside panoramas; aircraft and gondola rides offer breath-taking views of the Alps.

66

| SYD JEROME

FITNESS

Have You Tried Capoeira?

Dance + martial arts + the spirit of a game = great exercise, Brazilian style. By Haley Longman

B

razil is known for nuts, soccer stars, bikinis and the supermodels who wear them. But have you heard of that South American country’s martial-arts-meets-dance workout, capoeira?

If not, it’s not because it’s too new; capoeira dates back to the early 1500s. The masters of African slaves in Brazil didn’t permit them to fight, so the slaves created this art to disguise fighting with dancing. It also was (and is) a means of self-defense and self-expression. But only lately has it become an international workout trend.

Capoeira’s maneuvers are choppy, with sweeping punches and kicks, spins and head-butts. Speed and technique vary slightly by type of capoeira. There are two main types: Angola (traditional) and Regional (usually faster and more aggressive). But across the board the so-called game’s fundamental movement is the ginga (the Portuguese word for “sway”), a back-and-forth motion intended to prevent oneself from being a stagnant target. In both forms, only the hands and feet touch the ground.

In contrast to its cousin jiu-jitsu, capoeira has music as an intrinsic feature, one that sets the tempo and style of motions that are performed to traditional African instruments such as the berimbau (string instrument), the pandeiro (tambourine) and the atabaque (drum). There is also singing in Portuguese, and you’ll appreciate the lyrics more if you pick up a smattering of that language, predominant in Brazil. But mastery isn’t mandatory.

Brazil attracts thousands of tourists yearly who gather round just to watch capoeiristas, as practitioners are called, in action. And since the 1970s, mestres, or masters, have been traveling to each of the continents to teach this art form, so that it eventually caught on beyond South America.

Now fitness studios such as Abadá-Capoeira teach classes for around $18 a pop in New York and San Francisco. Other

all-encompassing gyms in cities like Los Angeles, London and even Tucson offer capoeira lessons to beginners and experts, and sometimes even kids, in single sessions or in bulk.

What can a newbie expect? Many classes begin with stretching before students are divvied up into groups by skill level or age to practice various movements. At the end of each session, participants form a roda (the Portuguese word for “circle”) in which two dancers essentially face off and perform the moves they’ve learned. And though professionals don a capoeira uniform that typically consists of a white shirt and a pair of loose trousers, for novices standard workout clothes are fine—though roomy pants you can move in are preferred over shorts.

Apart from its novelty and its cultural tradition, capoeira has clear benefits as exercise. It improves upper-body strength, cardio condition, stamina and overall flexibility— in fact, some capoeiristas are as flexible as professional yogis.

Hollywood hasn’t failed to notice this phenomenon.

Superheroes in the recent blockbusters Captain America: Civil War and Black Panther have used capoeira in combat. Dustin Hoffman was practicing the art when he first appeared on screen in Meet the Fockers (2004), and Cate Blanchett employed it to fight her enemies in 2017’s Thor: Ragnarok. Victoria’s Secret model Adriana Lima (who is—you guessed it—Brazilian) counts capoeira among her workouts. Action star Wesley Snipes is trained in it, and Ultimate Fighting Championship fighter Conor McGregor incorporates capoeira into his winning fighting style. “The human body can move in many ways,” he told a sports website in 2013, “and that’s what I’m trying to do.”

Perhaps a well-known mestre said it best when he declared: “The more you devote to capoeira, the more capoeira will return to you.”

out of the shadows Step into the light in the season’s cool— and ruggedly handsome— new coats and jackets.

| SYD JEROME

Photography by Daniel Springston

68

Sportcoat by Luciano Barbera, vest by Waterville, sweater

by Gran Sasso, shirt

by Taccaliti, pants by Mason’s.

Sportcoat by Etro, turtleneck by Heritage, pants by PT01.

FALL/WINTER 2019

| 69

| SYD JEROME

Coat and sweatshirt by Moose Knuckles, jeans

by MAC.

70

Coat by Canada Goose, quarter-zip sweater by Gran Sasso, pants by MAC.

FALL/WINTER 2019

| 71

| SYD JEROME

Coat by Norwegian Wool, quarter-zip sweater by Gran Sasso, scarf by Eton, pants by MAC.

72

Coat, sweater, shirt and pants by Paul & Shark.

FALL/WINTER 2019

| 73

74

| SYD JEROME

GOURMET

The stew of Mexico

Bowls of tasty posole are like snowflakes—no two are exactly alike. By Donna Rolando

L

propelled posole on a journey beyond its homeland to growing popularity in the States, at restaurants in LA, Houston and San Diego, for example—and perhaps soon an eatery near you.

Just what is this dish that more and more Americans are putting on their culinary radar? The word originates with Nahuati, the language spoken by the Aztecs of pre-Hispanic Mexico, and may mean hominy (referring to the shelled, dried corn that is the star of this recipe). The large hominy kernels (cacahuazintle) are soaked (usually in water with lime) until they puff up; your taste buds can anticipate a chewy texture that smacks of corn tortilla. Other featured players are generally braised pork (for which chicken can be substituted—or, for a vegetarian dish, beans) and garlic.

So get your stockpot or track down a restaurant that serves posole, and discover why it’s becoming so popular in

the U.S. Chefs love how this recipe, with its humble foundation, is just right for customization. And talk about variety!

Among its many versions, posole comes in red, green and white—the colors of the Mexican flag. You won’t find any red or green salsas in the white version, while green can include tomatillo, cilantros or even jalapeños, and red relies more heavily on chiles like ancho. Then there’s the wide choice of toppings—everything from finely chopped onions, lettuce and radishes to avocado and lime—teamed up with tasty tostadas and crema.

It should perhaps be mentioned that the corn so basic to this stew had sacred significance to the Aztecs, who believed the gods made humans out of corn-meal dough. But there’s no need to dig that deep to discover why this is a cherished taste sensation. Feel free to experiment! After all, that’s what posole is all about.

While meat, peppers and other spices may vary, every bowl of posole is made with hominy—shelled, dried corn.

FALL/WINTER 2019

ike treasured heirlooms handed down through generations, some recipes are prized for their constancy; chefs— even the home variety—follow them to the letter as though any change might break the culinary spell. (What would Grandma say?) But others are born with a wild streak, just begging for creativity.

Posole, Mexico’s national stew (or is it more of a soup?), is the second kind—simple, yet so appetizing it’s a favorite on special occasions such as New Year’s and Christmas. (Don’t be surprised, though, to see it pop up on ordinary days as well, because why wait?) Indeed, this robust recipe originating from native Mexican tribes has the right stuff to warm up body and soul in the winter and still be a hit in the summer sunshine—it knows no bounds.

It’s that anything-goes spirit—no two bowls are ever the same—that has

| 75

GRAPE

The Verdicchio we didn’t know

Once typecast as plebeian and fish-friendly, this varietal now shows unsuspected depth and versatility. By Josh Sens

| SYD JEROME

Just as it’s unwise to judge a book by its cover, so is it unfair to judge a wine by its bottle. Consider the verdict on Verdicchio. For decades in the United States, the light, bright Italian white was widely associated with the glass container it frequently arrived in: a green, fish-shaped bottle, replete with fins and scales, a cork implanted in its gaping mouth.

The bottle was unmistakable, and it inspired assumptions. Consumers came to expect a pale-colored wine, high in acidity but low in nuance, with little about it that would stand in the way of the seafood with which it was most often served. As a general rule, their assumptions weren’t wrong.

Like wicker-bottle chianti, fishbottle Verdicchio was deemed an emblematic old-world-style table wine—inexpensive, easy-drinking, uncomplex. Not that there was anything wrong with that. But it also wasn’t all that Verdicchio could be.

“We knew that Verdicchio was capable of being so much more,” says Gianluca Garofoli of Garofoli winery in Italy. “But it had reached the point where the bottle was more famous than the wine inside.”

As a fifth-generation vintner in Le Marche (pronounced luh marKAY)—the eastern Italian region,

76

near the Adriatic Sea, that doubles as ground zero for Verdicchio production—Garofoli understood the roots of the varietal’s reputation. The name stems from “verde,” the Italian word for green, and true to its billing, most of the Verdicchio on the export market was bottled and consumed while it was young and green. It was wine for the people—not wine for sophisticates.

Never was Verdicchio allowed to age.

The Garofoli family envisioned something else. Verdicchio, they realized, was a varietal of vast, untapped potential. Its fruit could ripen quickly and give rise to subtle, structured wines that could age beautifully in the barrel and the bottle. Verdicchio could be much more than its dated stereotype— so long as you treated it respectfully.

In pursuit of their goal, the Garofolis began fine-tuning their approach.

They modified their farming practices, pruning vineyards to reduce yields and selecting only the choicest clones. At the same time, they began to experiment with aging techniques.

In 1981, the family broke starkly with convention, becoming the first major Verdicchio producer to abandon the green, fish-shaped amphora in favor of a Bordeaux-style bottle—a new look for a wine that was not the same-old Verdicchio. In 1986, the Garofolis

released their first Verdicchio “classico,” a lovely demonstration of the grape’s great promise. But the bigger watershed came in 1991, when the family unveiled Podium, an old-vine Verdicchio that was striking from the get-go but all the more remarkable as it matured.

“This is a Verdicchio that can age 10, 12, 15 years or even more,” Garofoli says. “It demonstrates how flexibile and sophisticated the varietal really is. We think of it as something like the Italian Chablis.”

In the years since, the Garofolis’ influence has rippled across the Marche, part of a growing wave that has helped elevate the profile of the region’s signature grape. The results are further evident in the work of such producers as Umani Ronchi and Villa Bucci, whose beautiful releases are a celebration of the varietal’s diverse strengths.

Showcasing the bright, refreshing notes that have long made Verdicchio foodfriendly, they are also wines of elegant body and intriguing flavor that grow only more compelling over time.

“The truth is, Verdicchio can be many things,” Garofoli says. “It’s still a wonderful table wine, good for everyday drinking. But it’s a lot more than the wine you might think you know, poured from a bottle shaped like a fish.”

Opposite page, clockwise from top: The Marche region in eastern Italy has produced Verdicchio wine grapes for centuries; producers like Villa Bucci celebrate Verdicchio’s strengths, including an elegant body and intriguing flavor; the Garofolis of the Garofoli winery: Gianfranco, Carlo, Beatrice, Gianluca and Caterina; most of the Verdicchio on the market was bottled when the grape was young and green; Umani Ronchi’s CaSal di Serra pairs well with seafood; by pruning vineyards and reducing the number of grapes, vintners like the Garofolis can select the best of the harvest.

TASTING NOTES Garofoli 2016 Podium Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, $26 A lush, golden color, with honeyed notes that give way to refreshing hints of ripe stone fruit. It’s delicious with salmon and halibut, but also a worthy pairing with grilled pork or roast chicken.

2016 Umani Ronchi CaSal di Serra Verdicchio di Jesi Classico Superiore, $16 Medium-bodied, with a pleasing texture and sweet notes of cherry and nectarine. Try with fried calamari or garlicky shrimp.

Bucci 2016 Verdicchio Classico dei Castelli di Jesi, $23 A full-bodied wine with a straw-yellow hue and perky flavors of apples and bitter almond. Enjoy with a pasta or shellfish risotto.

2016 Montecappone, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Superiore Ergo, $62 Smooth, delicate notes of almonds, peaches and apricots. Pair it with rich seafood such as salmon or halibut, but it also marries nicely with a roast pork loin.

FALL/WINTER 2019

|

77

THE BULLPEN

ADVICE FROM THE

STYLE PROS

The staff at Syd Jerome is dedicated, expert and, not incidentally, a hell-of-a-nice group of guys who make shopping for menswear fun. To help you get to know the staff better, we asked them a few questions about their time at Syd Jerome.

Check out their answers, then stop by the store to chat with them in person. The guys—along with Scott Shapiro, of course—are ready to serve you.

JUAN FARFAN

BILLY CAVADA

GARY PALAY

WILLIE JUAREZ

PATRICK KATEN

What do you like best about the new store?

Its modern European look.

What do you like best about the new store?

The space! It’s open and easy to navigate. From the fixtures to the lighting and a new lounge area, this store has it all. Plus, the merchandise is showcased beautifully.

What do you like best about the new store?

The layout. There’s a nice flow to the store which we didn’t have in the past.

What do you like best about the new store?

The store is beautiful. It has better lighting and more space.

What do you like best about the new store?

The open space.

What do your customers like best about the new store?

The layout of the store.

Favorite new brand?

Moose Knuckles.

Where is the best lunch place around the new store?

Chipotle.

What do your customers like best about the new store?

As we give our customers a grand tour of the store, they are delighted to see the spaciousness of our different departments and the dressing rooms.

Favorite new brand?

Munro! It’s a new custom line for us that does almost everything from head to toe.

Where is the best lunch place around the new store?

Roanoke is great for lunch and dinner.

| SYD JEROME

What can’t your customers live without this fall/winter?

A Waterville quilted vest and a Moose Knuckles down jacket. The vest can be worn over a shirt or sweater and underneath a jacket for extra warmth.

The Moose Knuckles coat is warm enough for the long Chicago winters.

Throw in an insulated shoe boot from Danner and you’re ready to conquer winter.

78

What do your customers like best about the new store?

They’re either referencing the layout or the LED lighting, so you can really see the colors and the dimension of the fabrics.

Favorite new brand?

Our expanded shoe department with a new mix including Tod’s, Santoni and Gravati, added to old favorite Ferragamo.

Where is the best lunch place around the new store?

Roanoke. Good food and nice people.

What can’t your customers live without this fall/winter?

An up-to-date water-repellent coat that can take you from the office during the week to a weekend out with a pair of jeans.

What do your customers like best about the new store?

They can see the merchandise better thanks to the improved lighting.

Favorite new brand?

Herno has some awesome coats.

Where is the best lunch place around the new store?

The Italian restaurant Sopraffina.

What can’t your customers live without this fall/winter?

A nice vest.

What do your customers like best about the new store?

The lighting.

Favorite new brand?

Ravazzolo.

Where is the best lunch place around the new store?

Roanoke.

What can’t your customers live without this fall/winter?

One of our outerwear pieces. All are great-looking as well as functional.

GROOMING

Face Time

Acne isn’t just for teens—or women. Here’s how to clear up your complexion and get on with your life.

| SYD JEROME

We all expect to get wrinkles, crow’s feet and fine lines as we age—it’s just a fact of life. But many guys long past adolescence have to deal with pesky pimples too.

According to a study published in the Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology, about 40 percent of men have “adult acne,” with many middle-aged men among them. That could be partly because men’s skin is biologically different from women’s—thanks to higher levels of testosterone, it’s about 20 percent thicker, with more collagen, larger hair follicles and more production of sebum (an oily substance secreted by the glands), which can lead to breakouts. Sometimes the culprit is more surface-level, though: Did you know a dirty razor or a bacteria-harboring hat or helmet could cause pimples?

The easiest way to keep breakouts under control is by establishing a baseline skincare regimen—and sticking to it. Over-the-counter acne products targeted toward men are less creamy and oily than women’s varieties, as dudes usually have enough sebum as is. But almost all acne products, regardless of gender, contain either benzoyl peroxide, which kills acne-causing bacteria and removes excess oil, and/or salicylic acid, which unclogs pores.

Invest in a gentle, acne-fighting face wash, and wash your face morning and night (but not more often than that). Then, using a cotton ball, apply toner to your T-Zone (the area of your forehead, nose, mouth and chin)—the best are those that contain witch hazel, a natural astringent that reduces redness and inflammation. Finish things off with a thin layer of moisturizer (since guys’ skin is already pretty well hydrated), and exfoliate with a scrub no more than twice a week to remove blackheads and dead skin.

If sporadic breakouts are your problem and you want to tackle zits one at a time, add spot treatments containing salicylic acid or glycolic acid into the equation. If none of the above is working, see a dermatologist, who can prescribe prescription-strength benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid or retinoids, which help to regulate cell growth and stop acne over time.

The bottom line? Though skin composition and acne products vary between the sexes, the rules are the same for men and women: Consistency is key when it comes to preventing and treating blemishes.

And, oh yeah, no picking or popping, please!

80

Forum_stores_rhp 2.indd 1

10/07/19 11:42