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32 N oshing With Nobu 56 2017 International Critically acclaimed across the globe, Chef Nobu has Spa Guide amassed a restaurant empire (along with business partner actor Robert De Niro).

35 S ecret Underground Secret Supper Clubs SUPPER CLUBS Experiences that offer mystery and UNDER exclusivity on the menu 48 Des ign & Conquer 63 Photographing GROUND Master Perla Lichi Conquers Happiness in THE Land Space Problems. of Thunder Dragon Perla Lichi LUXURY Pennsylvania-based YOUR UNIQUE SPACES. YOUR UNIQUE HOME. photographer Frank T. Smith commemorates his intriguing PERLALICHI.COM travels to Bhutan.

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Apitourism A Kaleidoscope of 72 52 The Bee’s Knees in Travel Bejeweled Eye Candy An Exclusive Interview with Australian Designer and Glass Artisan Colin Heaney 75 Dominica The Nature Island

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110 Celebrating 150 Years Gustavo Novoa 82 of Chautauqua Jungle Of My Own The Fanciful Wildlife Canvas Menageries of Gustavo Novoa

86 6 Exquisite Tiny Euro Towns You Didn’t Know Existed 113 Love Is … All Around 2017’s annual Celebrity Martini Glass Auction attendees show love with record-breaking donations.

116 A Little Town Called Lake Worth

W icked Good Architecture Me ga Swinging Thru Fromberg 118 98 The Historic Homes of Salem, Massachusetts Skydivers Launch Off the World’s Longest Swing. departments

Editor’s Letter 18 Gadgets 20 Broadway Across America 21 National Concert Guide 22,24 Entertainment 23 National Dining Guide 26-29 Dishing With The James Beard Foundation President 30 Social Living 42-43 100 F encing Like The Godfather The Physical Chess of Czech foil fencer Tourism Trends in 2017 60-61 Alexander Choupenitch U.S. Dept. Of State- Travel Safety 62 What Women Want 85 Gentlemen’s Corner 94-95 Industry Leader Profile Paolo Buonfante: A Visionary In Beauty 96-97 Business Profile The Collector’s Collector 103-104 Medical News 122-123 International Issues: War Crimes 124 Human Trafficking & Sex Slavery 126-127 www.cryoxtreme.com Condo Law 128 786.646.1234 Real Estate Guide 130-144

16 Opulence Summer 2017 editor’s letter HORIZON PUBLISHING Executive PUBLISHER & Owner Geoff Hammond, CEO s the Earth’s axial tilt causes sun rays to beam at a Jayne Hammond, President steeper angle, summertime in our Northern Hemi- Associate PUBLISHER sphere brings uncanny seasonal miracles. Fireflies David Hammond Asynchronize their flashing lights at dusk, twinkling star patterns ap- EDITOR IN CHIEF pear after a winter of concealment, flame-shaped rainbow clouds Robin Jay [email protected] emerge during daylight, while bluish night-shining clouds materi- SENIOR CREATIVE ART DIRECTOR alize after sundown. Whales perform aerial stunts as they feed on Adriana Naylor northern coastlines, salmon swim upriver to spawn in their birth- [email protected] place, and baby turtles hatch from their shells and scurry to the 954-331-3912 seashore. PRE-PRESS PRODUCTION ARTIST Crystal Baushke In 2017, a first-time miracle happened: Extremely premature lambs were born healthy thanks to advance medical technology that allowed them to develop in an artificial womb (see page 122). This medical in- Marketing & Events director novation may one day prove especially inspiring for human babies given that, currently, premature birth Chantal Forster [email protected] in the U.S. remains the leading cause of infant mortality. 954-331-3390 News of this research reminded me of another summertime story I once heard. In the pre-dawn hours of BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT early July 1965, in a rural farmhouse in Raymore, Missouri, 22-year-old Mary Janice awoke in discomfort. Michael Jay [email protected] The 110-pound elementary school teacher made her way downstairs for a drink of water. By 7 a.m., the 954-593-5060 sun had risen to a beautiful dawn, but the young woman was doubled over in pain. Her mother-in-law Contributing Writers: entered the kitchen to start breakfast, took one look at her, and said, “My goodness, you’re in labor!” John D. Adams Kristen Mager “What?” said the bewildered young woman who was barely showing a baby bump, “the baby isn’t due Carol Antman Alona Abbady Martinez Stephanie Bowman Jill Patterson for months.” Minutes later, she was helped into the couple’s car and they sped off to Research Hospital in Roberto C. Blanch Erick Rodriguez Kansas City, the longest 30-minute drive of their lives. Karen Christensen Ava Roosevelt Tarquin Cooper Todd R. Sciore An hour later, in the delivery room, Dr. Marian Lambert made the announcement, “It’s a girl!” She hid her Jana Soeldner Danger Alex Starace look of worry. The baby, weighing about 1100 grams (just over two pounds), was whisked away. Back Patrice Janel Susan Ungaro then, according to Centers for Disease Control statistics, only one in eight premature babies born at 1000 Steven Joseph Carleton Varney Sarah Kern Kelly Villasuso grams survived because their lungs weren’t fully developed. The young mother wouldn’t be allowed the Dale King & Julia Hebert Mary & Hugh Williamson first touch of her newborn for many weeks, if ever. And in the unlikely chance the baby did survive, she’d likely be retarded, have cerebral palsy or lead a sickly life. Photographers Dan Brooke Fast-forward 51 years when the previously mentioned fetal medical technology is now emerging. Re- Douglas Lance searchers at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia have developed a remarkable womb-like device that Charlie McDonald Frank T. Smith provides an external amniotic-fluid-filled environment to bridge critical time from mother’s womb to the Raul Villasuso, Jr. outside world. Premature lambs, which have prenatal lung development very similar to human babies, thrived in the artificial womb – showing normal breathing and swallowing, opening their eyes, growing PROOFREADER Suzanne Shaw wool, and developing with normal growth, neurological function and organ maturation. (To see a video

of the lambs, go to www.internationalopulence.com.) General Counsel Barry Weiss P.S. In case you were wondering, back in 1965, Mary Janice did get to hold her baby six weeks after birth. [email protected] Dr. Lambert gave the young mother strict infant care advice – including a 5-year prescription for spe- International Opulence Magazine cial vitamins and instructions to teach the little girl to love every vegetable possible. The child grew up is published quarterly by Horizon Publishing LLC. strong and healthy, graduated from college and now has four children of her own. I know for sure this Copyright © 2017. All rights reserved. Horizon Publishing LLC, 6700 North Andrews Avenue, Suite 400, story is true. That premature baby was me. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 – Vol. 7, No. 2 Summer 2017 (ISSN # 2157-5274) May the stories in our summer issue inspire you and remind you that hope never ceases and miracles Subscription Rates: $40 per year, $10 per issue. For subscription inquiries or change can, and do, happen. of address, contact the subscription department, (954) 308-4300 Ext. 4312, Fax: (954) 331-6028. Horizon Publishing, LLC, its affiliates and contributing writers have exercised due care in compiling the information contained herein, but with the possibility of human or mechanical error, cannot assume liability for the accuracy of this data. This publication may not Robin Jay be reproduced or transmitted in part or in full in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording and any information storage and retrieval Editor in Chief system without first obtaining permission from the publisher.

18 OPULENCE Summer 2017 Gadgets & Novelties Broadway 2017-18 Season Master Sculpz Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago Put your little master builder’s creativity to the test! These fun, three-dimensional ▲ cutout sets have innumerable options to deepen a child’s understanding of CHICAGO NEW YORK Washington, DC Eisenhower Theater sculpture, Cubism and Surrealism. $12. ORIENTAL THEATRE ASTOR PLACE THEATRE Los Angeles ONGOING July 11-Aug. 6, 2017 www.mcachicagostore.org DEC. 7- DEC. 31, 2017 October 11-November 19 NEW YORK CHICAGO NEW YORK Ahmanson Theater Ongoing ORIENTAL THEATRE Lunt-Fontanne Theatre JULY 25-AUGUST 13, 2017 STEVEN SONDHEIM THEATRE Chicago ONGOING Ongoing

Ambassador Theatre ▲

San FranCisco Museum Of MODERN Art Impossible I-1 Camera Designed by Impossible Project Los Angeles Miami SAN FRANCISCO When Polaroid® announced the end of instant film in MIAMI August 11-December 30 February 27, THE GOLDEN GATE ADRIENNE ARSHT CENTER Pantages Theater 2008, Impossible stepped in to buy the last remaining 2018-March 4, 2018 JUNE 27- JULY 27, 2017 Oct. 5- Oct. 15, 2017 Hollywood LOS ANGELES Adrienne Arsht Center AHMANSON THEATRE factory, days before it closed down. Eight years later, LOS ANGELES NEW YORK CHICAGO LOUIS C. TIFFANY INSPIRED THE AHMANSON FORT LAUDERDALE MAY 16-JUNE 24, 2017 ▲ MARQUIS THEATRE THE PRIVATEBANK with the help of some incredible chemists, engineers Baltimore BROWARD CENTER FOR UMBRELLA. THE CHARLES AUG. 2-SEPT. 10, 2017 ONGOING THEATRE October 17-October 22 THE PERFORMING ARTS and photographers, they’re the only company worldwide RUNNING THROUGH HOSMER MORSE MUSEUM Hippodrome Theater JUNE 13-JUNE 25, 2017 making original format instant film, and now introduce SEPT. 17, 2017 OF AMERICAN ART, WINTER MIAMI New York the I-1 Impossible Camera. ADRIENNE ARSHT CENTER PARK, FLORIDA Richard Rodgers DEC. 26- DEC. 31, 2017 For beginners, the I-1 is as easy to use as the beloved The blue dragonfly umbrella is Theatre Polaroid® 600-type, but you get more control over the inspired by Louis Comfort Tiffany’s ongoing SAN FRANCISCO end result. Portraits turn out even better thanks to leaded-glass dragonfly lamps on SHN ORPHEUM THEATER autofocus and the ring flash. $299 www.sfmoma.org view at the Morse. Stick or compact STARTING MARCH, 17, 2017 (auto open/close) $24.95. www. Washington, DC morsemuseum.org, museumshop@ Kennedy Center Coming SEPT. 2018 morsemuseum.org

Chicago Oriental Theatre June 14-July 9, 2017 NEW YORK Ongoing NEW YORK Washington, DC Washington, DC Eugene O’Neill Theatre LONGACRE THEATRE December 27, 2017- July 18-August 20 ONGOING January 7, 2018 The Kennedy Center Miami The Kennedy Center November 28-December 3 Adrienne Arsht Center Baltimore November 16-December 10 Washington, DC Hippodrome Theater October 24-November 19 Baltimore The Kennedy Center NEW YORK October 3-October 8

Ongoing Hippodrome Theater ▲ Minskoff Theatre Museum of modern art, New York – WaterRower Rowing Machine Ft. Lauderdale Channel the unbending power and steely determination of Frank Underwood with this elegant rowing machine, which builds strength and stamina by closely November 7- simulating a real world rowing experience. Its patented Waterflywheel, which moves through actual water, provides a smooth stroke that exercises 84% of your November 19 Broward Center for muscle mass evenly and prevents injuries. When not in use, the WaterRower can be stored vertically against a wall. Made in the USA from ethically sourced walnut the Performing Arts wood. Assembly required. www.moma.org. $945.00

Washington, DC THE National Theatre June 20-JULY 2, 2017 ▲ Zig Zag Chair, Museum of Modern NEW YORK CHICAGO NEW YORK ORIENTAL THEATRE Art, New York City Now through AMBASSADOR THEATRE January 18, 2018 JULY 11- JULY 23, 2017 Ft. Lauderdale This classic design’s four THROUGH JULY 16, 2017 December 12-December 24 Broadway Theatre Los Angeles Broward Center for the panels bend in sequence November 21- Performing Arts from top to bottom—an December 31 Ahmanson Theater elegant dance that brings NEW YORK Ft. Lauderdale Ongoing instant visual appeal to your October 10-October 22 Winter Garden Theatre Broward Center for environment. $2,230.00. the Performing Arts store.moma.org/shop

20 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 OPULENCE 21 2017 National Calendar By Sarah Kern Entertainment

NYC CHICAGO EIGHT-LEGGED OVATIONS AT OVO

Rod Stewart and irque du Soleil’s latest enchant- brings to life this seemingly miniscule world. 50 technicians and management crew that Cyndi Lauper ing acrobatic adventure inter- The 50 performers in this thrilling show- work on the grid, under the stage and back- Blondes Just twines insects and other creepy- case have gathered from around the world, stage. Together they bring to life the world Want To Have Ccrawly creatures. 12 countries to be exact, to take part in its of OVO.” More Fun! production and execution. July 18 An evening with marching ants, flex- Both on stage and behind the scenes, OVO ible fleas, silky spiders, crazy crickets and “OVO presents 10 unique circus acts you’ve is unparalleled in its ability to entertain Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, 1000 Ocean Pkwy, Wantagh, other outrageous insect critters may at never seen before. It pushes the limits of and captivate audiences of all ages teach- NY. www.jonesbeach.com first sound creepy and repulsive – but the human body, blending, mixing and re- ing lessons about life, love and existence. Coldplay: A Head Full of Dreams Tour al contrario! Thanks to the latest out-of- inventing circus disciplines,” said OVO pub- August 17 this-world creative live performance from licist Nicolas Chabot. “You’ll find yourself Cirque du Soleil – OVO aims to challenge making all sorts of weird facial expressions Soldier Field, 1410 Museum Campus Drive, Chicago, IL. www.soldierfield.net OVO is coming to these preconceptions and change the when you see a contortionist bending in a stage near you: minds of entomophobes the world over. half, or a person being thrown up in the air Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center, “Ovo” is the Portuguese term for egg, as and caught 6 meters away.” July 5-7 well as the title of this acrobatic adventure This colorful OVO ecosystem captures Sunrise, FL – BBT Center, through the world that lies underfoot. And the eyes and engages the senses to leave au- July 13-23 it has fans squirming in delight. diences awestruck and amazed. In addition Miami, FL – American Airlines Arena, The OVO Story to the exquisite display of human strength July 28-30 After discovering a large egg in their home, and talent is the technical array of lights and Jacksonville, FL – Jacksonville Veterans the insects of the forest, which include a scenes cast onto the “big wall.” Over 40 days Memorial Arena, August 2-6 ladybug, butterflies, spiders, and other for- of shooting in a model forest constructed Paul McCartney One on One Tour est-dwelling critters, are faced with a conun- of natural elements led to the compelling Fairfax, VA – Eaglebank Arena, September 11 Trevor Noah Mike Birbiglia drum that ultimately represents the puzzling images that help define OVO. August 16-20 Prudential Center, 25 Lafayette St, Newark, NJ. www.prucenter.com October 20 “The New One” question of their existence and life cycle. Baltimore, MD – Royal Farms Arena, What The Eye Can’t See The Chicago Theater, 175 N State St, December 8 August 23-27 Chicago, IL. Featuring high-flying acrobats and extreme “Every night, to make this show happen, The Chicago Theatre, 175 N State St, Uniondale, NY – NYBC Live, www.thechicagotheatre.com Chicago, IL contortionists, OVO portrays a realm that the there are several dozen artists on stage. August 30-Sept. 3 www.thechicagotheatre.com human eye has only caught a glimpse of and What the audience can’t see is the team of For additional arenas and dates, go to www.cirquedusoleil.com/ovo LOS ANGELES Ed Sheeran September 29- October 1 Barclays Center, 620 Atlantic Ave, Bruno Mars 24K Brooklyn, NY www.barclayscenter.com Magic World Tour September 22 & September 23 Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY. www.thegarden.com

CHICAGO LollApalooza Music Festival August 3-6 Pentatonix 4th of July Firework Spectacular Grant Park, 337 E Randolph St, Chicago, July 2-4 IL. www.lollapalooza.com Hollywood Bowl, 2301 Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA. www.hollywoodbowl.com

22 OPULENCE Summer 2017 Summer 2017 OPULENCE 23 2017 National Calendar

LOS ANGELES Washington DC

Gary Owen and Shawn MendeS Deon Cole Tim McGraw and October 28 July 12 Faith Hill Soul 2 STAPLES Center, 1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA. www.staplescenter.com The Theater at MGM National Soul 2017 Harbor, 10 MGM National Avenue, October 13 Oxon Hill, MD www.mgmnationalharbor.com Verizon Center Washington DC, 601 F St NW, Washington, DC www.verizoncenter.monumental- sportsnetwork.com

MIAMI/FORT LAUDERDALE/PALM BEACH

Jack Johnson JAMTOWN featuring Donavon Daryl Hall & John Frankenreiter, G. Love Oats: Tears for Fears & Cisco Adle July 16 July 28-29 STAPLES Center, 1111 S Figueroa St, Los Hollywood Bowl, 2301 Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA. www.staplescenter.com Angeles, CA. www.hollywoodbowl.com Diana Ross Roger Waters June 24 Us + Them Tour Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd, July 13 Washington, DC West Palm Beach . www.Kravis.org American Airlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Blvd, Miami www.aaarena.com

J. Cole: 4 Your Eyez New Kids On the Block: Only Tour John Mayer The Total Package Tour August 8 August 25 with Paula Abdul and Guns n’ Roses Not In Verizon Center Washington DC, 601 F St Jiffy Lube Live, 7800 Cellar Door Dr, Boyz II Men This Lifetime Tour NW, Washington, DC. www.verizoncenter. Bristow, VA July 6 August 8 monumentalsportsnetwork.com www.bristowamphitheater.com Hard Rock Live, 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood Marlins Park, 501 Marlins Way, Miami www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com m.mlb.com/marlins/tickets/info/gnr

24 Opulence Summer 2017 Winter 2016/17 Opulence 25 DINING DINING National Dining Guide 2017 GUIDE National Dining Guide 2017 GUIDE Outstanding The 2017 James Beard Restaurant Topolobampo Outstanding Wine, Beer Award Winners Are… 445 N. Clark Street, Chicago or Spirits Professional BY Alex Starace • (312) 661-1434 • Sam Galagione, Dogfish Head www.rickbayless.com Often described as the “Oscars of Food,” the annual James Beard Awards Craft Brewery • www.dogfish.com took place on May 1 at the world-renowned Lyric Opera in Chicago. Host- Brewery: 6 Cannery Village Center, ed by Modern Family’s Jesse Tyler Ferguson, the black-tie affair celebrated Milton, DE • (302) 684-1100. Rick Bayless’s most elegant location, this the finest in the culinary arts, with a food-and-drink tasting gala afterward. Brewpubs: 316 and 320 Rehoboth contemporary Mexican restaurant al- Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE • (302) International Opulence, a proud member of the James Beard Foundation, lows diners to choose their own tasting 226-2739. Sam Galagione is known for his experimental craft beers, sampled, chatted and dined, as did food luminaries like Rick Bayless, menu, based on whether they’re most with wild ingredients like maple syrup or black limes. Dogfish Andrew Zimmern and David Chang. Here is a selection of the night’s interested in having a “vibrant,” “soulful,” Head Brewery is also known for its line of India Pale Ales, making a biggest winners. or “enchanting” meal. visit a must if you’re in Delaware. All photos of chefs courtesy of Huge Galdones Outstanding Restaurateur 2017 Humanitarian BEST New Restaurant Stephen Starr, Starr Restaurants Le Coucou of the Year Stephen Starr, who’s been in the Denise Cerreta, 138 Lafayette Street, NYC • restaurant and entertainment One World Everybody Eats (212) 271-4252 • www.lecoucou.com business since age 21, heads 33 Salt Lake City Chef Daniel Rose’s first stateside restaurants across the East Coast, Denise Cerreta’s non-profit is restaurant, Le Coucou has a classic including the 2017 James Beard dedicated to increasing food security French menu with an American twist. best new restaurant, Le Coucou, through a pay-what-you-can The inventiveness and the ever-fresh and several south Florida restaurants, like Le Zoo, Upland restaurant model. There are over 60 restaurants in the organization’s ingredients make it a must-try in SoHo. and Makoto. network. Find one near you at www.oneworldeverybodyeats.org.

Outstanding Chef Rising Star Chef 2017 James Beard Michael Solomonov – Zahav Zachary Engel, Shaya 237 St. James Place, Philadelphia • 4213 Magazine Street, New Foundation Lifetime (215) 625-8800 • www.zahavrestaurant.com Orleans • (504) 891-4213 • Achievement Award Born in Israel and raised in Pittsburgh, www.shayarestaurant.com Nora Pouillon – Restaurant Nora Solomonov previously won the 2011 Zachary 2132 Florida Avenue NW, Washing- James Beard Awards for “Best Chef, Mid- Engel cut ton, DC • (202) 462-5143 • Atlantic.” His small-plate restaurant, Zahav, his teeth www.noras.com brings the authentic flavors of Israel to at Michael Solomonov’s Zahav, and has A long-time champion of organic, Philadelphia, with a modern interpretation. since branched out on his own. His current environmentally conscious food, restaurant, Shaya, is modern Israeli, a fusion Nora Pouillon has been on the forefront of eating healthily and Outstanding Pastry Chef of Southern flavors and Mediterranean- sustainably. Her Restaurant Nora was the first certified organic Ghaya Oliveira – Daniel inspired dishes. restaurant in the United States. 60 E. 65th Street, NYC • (212) 288-0033 • Outstanding www.daniel.nyc.com Ghaya Oliveira’s traditional-yet-creative Bar Program pastries are to die for at Daniel, a French Arnaud’s French 75 Bar restaurant on the Upper East Side inspired 813 Rue Bienville, New Orleans • by the seasons, with a world-class wine list. (504) 523-5433 • www.arnaudsrestaurant.com Enjoy classic cocktails or inventive new concoctions at this bar in the French Quarter, part of Arnaud’s restaurant, which has defined New Orleans fine dining since 1918.

26 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 27 DINING National Dining Guide 2017 National Dining Guide 2017 DINING GUIDE Regional Awards GUIDE Best Chef: South (AL, AR, FL, Best Chef: Great Lakes (IL Best Chef: New York City LA, MS, PR) Rebecca Wilcomb – Herbsaint IN, MI, OH) (Five Boroughs) 701 St. Charles Ave, New Orleans • (504) Sarah Gruenberg – Monteverde Marco Canora – Hearth 524-4114 • www.herbsaint.com 1020 W Madison Street, Chicago • 403 East 12th Street, New York • Rebecca Wilcomb is the second (312) 888-3041• (646) 602-1300 • “Best Chef: South” to come out www.monteverdechicago.com www.restauranthearth.com of Herbsaint, a mainstay on A native Known for popularizing bone New Orleans’ best restaurant lists. The contemporary seasonal Texan, Sarah broth in NYC, Marco Canora has French-Southern cuisine perfectly matches the restaurant’s St. Grueneberg opened Monteverde in the been promoting healthy fine dining in Manhattan since 2003, Charles Avenue location. hot West Loop neighborhood. Patrons enjoy when he opened Hearth. His restaurant uses seasonal, locally modern Italian with traditional flourishes, such sourced ingredients, which are prepared with an Italian influence. as the authentic in-house balsamic vinegar, Best Chef: Southeast (GA, KY, stored in barrels known as a “batteria.” Best Chef: Northeast NC, SC, TN, WV) (CT,MA, ME, NH, NY State, Steven Satterfield – Miller Union Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic 999 Brady Ave NW, Atlanta • (678) 733- RI, VT) 8550 • www.millerunion.com (DC, DE, MD, NJ, PA, VA) Andrew Taylor and Mike Wiley – A member of Slow Food Atlanta, Greg Vernick – Eventide Oyster Co. Steven Satterfield is dedicated Vernick Food & Drink 86 Middle Street, Portland, ME • to seasonal, local cooking. His 2031 Walnut Street, Philadelphia • (207) 774-8538 • restaurant, Miller Union, embodies these traits with a New (267) 639-6644 • www.eventideoysterco.com American fare. It was also a 2017 James Beard Finalist for “Out- www.vernickphilly.com Neither Taylor nor Wiley attended cooking school, standing Wine Program.” Growing up, but their love of food and running a crisp busi- Greg Vernick’s mother owned a restaurant ness means that Eventide is always hopping. This Best Chef: Southwest (AZ, CO, and his grandfather owned a butcher’s shop, revival of the classic oyster bar includes culinary making the culinary arts a natural choice for surprises and occasional Asian-inspired inflections. NM, OK, TX, UT) his profession. He opened Food & Drink with Hugo Ortega – Hugo’s Houston his wife Julie, offering seasonal contemporary Best Chef: 1600 Westheimer, Houston • (713) 524- American cuisine. 7744 • www.hugosrestaurant.net Northwest (AK, ID, MT, OR, A native of Mexico City, Hugo Best Chef: Midwest (IA, WA, WY) Ortega immigrated to the KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD, WI) Gabrielle Quiñónez Denton United States in 1984. He has and Greg Denton – Ox four well-known restaurants in Houston. His Hugo’s Houston Kevin Nashan, Sidney Street Café 2225 NE Martin is traditional Mexican cuisine at its finest, supplemented with 2000 Sidney Street, St. Louis • Luther King Jr. award-winning wine, cocktail and tequila menus. (314) 771-5777 • Boulevard, www.sidneystreetcafestl.com Portland, OR • (503) 284-3366 • www.oxpdx.com Kevin Nashan Best Chef: West (CA, HI, NV) This husband-and-wife cooking duo debuted Ox blends his Corey Lee – Benu in 2012. Inspired by the wood-grilling tradition of Spanish and New Mexican heritage, French 22 Hawthorne Street, San Francisco • Argentina, this steakhouse has classic cuts with training, and Southern elements together for (415) 685-4860 • www.benusf.com chimichurri, as well as fish and local ingredients to match the the fare at Sidney Street Café. Not to be missed, A two-time James Beard Award Pacific Northwest palate. the café’s on-site garden supplies fresh produce winner, Corey Lee won his first for the menu, as well as for the neighborhood. at French Laundry. His current restaurant, Benu, is tasting- menu only, has the ever-coveted three Michelin stars and its own cookbook. A high-end contemporary American restaurant with Asian influences, it’s not to be missed.

28 OPULENCE Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 29 dishing with the James Beard Foundation President By Susan Ungaro

meat as a sacrifice to the gods of the stomach. I let them burn up, and as they catch, I spread For while barbecuing is a very old and primitive them out over the fire bed, touching, which way of cooking, it is also one of the most ap- makes for better coals than if you let them petizing methods of dealing with meat known burn up in the pyramid and try to spread to man, and it deserves to be done with some them out later. semblance of technique, accuracy, and care. The secret of good grilling is to have an even One of the greatest mistakes is adding too distribution of heat. If the briquets are allowed much fuel. Charcoal briquets, which have to form the right kind of bed of heated coals become the almost universal fuel for out- and ash, the whole grill will be evenly heated door cooking in this country, are efficient with a surface temperature between 350 and Susan Ungaro and simple to use, but all too few people 375°F, the ideal medium for cooking. realize that they give the best results when In Beard on Food, James Beard wrote about For properly cooked meat, time the grilling. used economically. If you have a little hibachi, a number of culinary topics, from a lesson First measure the meat. If a steak is 2 inches you don’t really need more than 12 to 14 bri- in chicken anatomy to his six essential herbs thick, give it 10 minutes per side if you like it quets (or at the very most 20 to 24) to cook to the merits of the perfect sandwich. One of very rare. Let it brown gradually on one side, a normal amount of meat for two or three. my favorites this time of year is this ode to turn, and cook until browned on the other. If Even with the big-wheeled grills that can do cooking alfresco — a timeless primer to kick you want to char the outside, let it cook to the off grilling season. Happy summer! enough for a large family, certainly 30 to 40 point of doneness you like, then increase the — Susan Ungaro briquets will suffice. If you are spit-roasting heat either by bringing up the firebox or by a turkey, a very large beef roast, a suckling adding more briquets on the outside of the From ‘Beard On Food’… pig, or a whole baby lamb, all of which take fire, letting them catch and then building Walk down the streets of any town, large or longer to cook, you may need more than 40 them up under the meat so the heat increas- small, on a summer evening when dinner is or 45 briquets, but the extra amount may es all at once. Turn quickly to char both sides. cooking in many a patio and back garden, and be added later on as required. Always start the smell of the scented smoke that wafts on your fire in ample time to let the coals form That’s just about all there is to outdoor cook- the air will give you an idea of how good the and the briquets burn down to the point ing—a good fire, good coals, and patience, for various outdoor chefs are. While some are grill- where they are veiled in a lovely white ash this is one endeavor in which patience, rather ing their meat to juicy, mouthwatering tender- and exude an even heat. I build my briquets than speed, should be your watchword. ness, others are merely shrinking it to a charred in a pyramid, and if I don’t — James Beard, Beard on Food hard hunk that would be shunned by anyone have an electric start- with a decent palate. er, I use briquets that have been soaked in Grilling, broiling, barbecuing—whatever you some form of liquid fuel. want to call it—is an art, not just a matter of building a pyre and throwing on a piece of

James Beard’s Steak au Poivre Ingredients

◆ One 3-pound sirloin or rib-eye steak (about 2-inches thick) ◆ 11⁄2 tablespoons crushed peppercorns ◆ Large dollop of sweet butter ◆ 6 bell peppers, assorted colors ◆ Olive oil, for brushing peppers

Method

With the heel of your hand, press the crushed peppercorns firmly into the steak on both sides. Let the steak stand thus for 30 to 45 minutes, then grill according to your preference. When it is cooked to your liking, remove the steak, set it aside on a hot platter or board and top with salt to taste and a large dollop of sweet butter.

Cut the peppers into quarters, remove the seeds, dip in oil, and grill until tender.

30 OPULENCE Summer 2017 he “Emperor of Sushi.” The “Sushi God.” The passion. That is still our focus today. For me, it is always about our “Sushi Tycoon.” A chef by any other name is customers and creating something from the heart. not Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, the man behind In the 23 years since we founded the first Nobu in New York, Japa- the world’s obsession with Japanese-Peruvian nese food has become part of the world’s cuisine, and we are proud fusion cuisine and…sushi. Critically acclaimed that we have been a part of that, but there are still so many new in- across the globe, Chef Nobu has amassed a gredients to discover and new dishes to create, so I don’t look back, Nobu restaurant empire (along with business only forward. We are always working on something new. It keeps partner actor Robert De Niro) with 32 restaurants in 28 different things exciting. Our fans keep asking for more Nobus! It’s like fash- cities around the world, spanning across five continents, not to T ion—there are always upgrades, new materials and better quality mention several family-held Matsuhisa restaurants (the namesake ingredients. I don’t like to stop and say, ‘Okay, this is good.’ I’m always restaurant that started it all) and looking to make things better. various boutique Nobu Hotels. International Opulence “noshed” “Nobu Style” cuisine International Opulence: Chef, how does with Chef Nobu about what his the Nobu restaurant experience tran- culinary superstardom means to is rooted in tradition, scend into your growing number of him and what he hopes it means boutique hotels? to his passionate followers. but it is also influenced Chef Nobu: It was a fun challenge to think International Opulence: Chef about how to create a Nobu experience Nobu, your name has become by new flavors, local in a hotel. We all want to be surrounded synonymous with Japanese cui- by the things we love when we travel, but sine. What do you want “Nobu” also discover something new. So, first we to mean to your guests? ingredients, and started with a comfortable bed, beautiful sheets, phone charger in the right place. Chef Nobu: “Nobu Style” cuisine It became very important to have a clean is rooted in tradition, but it is also our passion palate—like a clean plate—so that you influenced by new flavors, local can experience your beautiful surround- ingredients, and our passion in in the kitchen.” ings. Room service from Nobu is always the kitchen. When we first opened good, too! Nobu, our focus was on providing – Chef Nobu Matsuhisa the best food made from the best International Opulence: Did you ever ingredients and on giving our consider leaving your day job as “Su- customers something made with shi God” to become an actor after your

Signature Rock Shrimp Creamy Spicy Noshing by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa with

NOBUBY KELLY VILLASUSO PHOTO: DANIELLE LIU PHOTO: STEVEN FREEMAN

32 OPULENCE Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 33 Secret SUPPER CLUBS appearances in the movies Casino, Memoirs of a Geisha, The Girl By Alona Abbady Martinez from Nagasaki, and Austin Powers: Goldmember?

Chef Nobu: I really enjoyed being part of these movies, but in gen- eral, I do the cooking and Bob (Robert De Niro) does the acting.

International Opulence: Chef Nobu, after your restaurant in An- chorage, Alaska, burned to the ground, you thought it was your last chance to make something of yourself. All your hopes and ambitions had gone up in smoke. You fell into depression and started to think that the only way to get out of it was to take your own life. What words do you offer on perseverance to others fac- ing similar crises or paralyzing loss?

Chef Nobu: Be patient, try your best, appreciate what you have, Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and actor Robert De Niro and focus on your food. Cook with your heart. If you keep trying your best, good things happen. It’s important to remember to take it one step at a time. Eventually, you’ll be able to look back and see Chef Nobu: My home in Japan where I can relax with family. how far you’ve come. It’s a great feeling. International Opulence: What makes you most proud about International Opulence: Do you have any culinary “guilty pleasures”? Nobu?

Chef Nobu: Tequila, especially Don Julio 1942. Chef Nobu: We have Nobu restaurants on five continents. I feel like I have the biggest family in the world and people are still say- UNDER International Opulence: Who is your favorite chef outside of the ing that Nobu is the best Japanese restaurant. We have millions of Matsuhisa and Nobu restaurants? guests who eat at our restaurants every year and enjoy our food. So, Chef Nobu: I never like to say favorite, but I am lucky to have close I’m very proud of how far we’ve come. friends who are talented chefs like Eric Ripert, Daniel Boulud, Thom- In the United States, you’ll find Nobu restaurants in New York, as Keller, Jose Andres and Jean-Georges. I also just worked with Malibu, Dallas, San Diego, Las Vegas Hard Rock, Las Vegas Caesars Danny Garcia in Marbella and that was a special experience. Palace, Los Angeles, Miami, Newport Beach, Honolulu and Lanai. International Opulence: Where do you like to go to decompress To locate Nobu locations abroad, go to noburestaurants.com. from the hustle and bustle? 34 Opulence Summer 2017 GROUND Summer 2017 Opulence 35 As consumer culinary savvy grows throughout the United States, so does the demand for increasingly intriguing dining experiences. Take, for example, the growing allure of secret underground supper clubs – small dinner party gath- erings at the home of someone you don’t know, with guests you’ve never met These trendy, social dining – which offer the mysterious speakeasy-type thrill of tasting a unique meal not available at a commercial restaurant and the exclusivity of word-of-mouth invi- tations. International Opulence has discovered what foodies claim are some of experiences offer mystery and the best Secret Underground Supper Clubs across the country. But, shhhhh! Se- crecy never tasted so good. exclusivity on the menu, often operated OAKLAND, CA – Sound & Savour Phillip Gelb’s book, “Notes from An Underground Restaurant” dis- out of private homes or closed restaurants, cusses his unique approach of combining music with a dinner party. Gelb, who is a musician and became a chef to supplement and then eventually replace his music career, explained via email and advertised by word of mouth. what makes his Supper Club so special:

“We use alternative spaces and supply gourmet cuisine in venues where it is not expected. Having a live concert adds incredibly to a food experience. We do not present background music so diners are not eating and talking over musicians performing in a corner MIAMI – Saffron Supper Club acting like a piece of furniture. After the savory courses, we clear Founded in 2013 by Sara Liss and Maude Eaton, this club’s the tables and there is a concert with everyone listening. We follow the concert with dessert.” goal is to teach people about little-known Persian cuisine.

Diners are treated to specialties such as Tahdig, a Persian rice with a golden crust that is incredibly difficult to prepare. A NEW YORK CITY: 10 Chairs variation of this dish is included in each supper. “Diners and Patricia Williams is the founder and executive chef of this New York our regulars have come to know and love this dish and look City hotspot. A former ballet dancer by training, Williams under- forward to it,” Liss explained. stood that design and hard work are easily transferred into the Saffron Supper Club prides itself in not just offering foodies an world of food. Such discipline and dedication has gained her two incredible meal with Persian flavors never tasted before, it is a cultural and mindful experience as well. stars from The New York Times. “We bring some cultural component to the events we do - whether it is reading poetry that relates to the dinner (Rumi and Hafez “Cooking is a process,” Chef Williams explained via email. “I begin at are our favorites) or delving into the history of a dish, we are always trying to answer the “why” of each dinner. Too many times these the market looking at what is provided by the farmers. I cook, serve foodie dinners end up being about chefs flexing their muscles but our goal is less about the parade of food and more about the and connect with my guests.” holistic experience of the diner.” Dishes have included medallions of sweetbreads with apple chut- ney, monkfish with corn chowder and peach handpie with ginger ice cream. Guests gather to share a meal as strangers and leave close friends.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Hush Supper Club This wildly successful supper club was started eight years ago CHICAGO: Sunday Dinner Club by an Indian-American who wanted to share not only the varied Chef Josh Kulp and Chef Christine Cikowski are the force behind Sunday and delicious food of her parent’s homeland but the stories as Dinner Club. well. “We decided to prepare 5 course dinners of seasonal fare in a home set- “I’m a storyteller throughout,” Geeta, who doesn’t give her last ting,” they explained via email. “We loved the connection we felt with name, explains. “The food is in the service of the story.” the diners. Each night is a small group enjoying a beautiful meal, sipping wine, and relaxing in a casual dinner party setting.” Geeta, whose family is from Gujarat, practices Jainism, which also has a heavy influence on her vegetarian cuisine. “Jains have International Opulence asked what was the intrigue and success of under- many rules about food. You express your religion every day with your dinner plate. India is on the move ground supper clubs: and I want to do my part for the Americans to get to know the Indians.” “We love the grassroots spirit of underground restaurants. People seek them for a sense of adventure, but also for a unique dining experience. The people cooking for underground dinners are usually pretty passionate about what they are doing, that positive energy and excitement is felt by the diners.”

36 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 37 The Casamigos Reposado Tequila is soft, slightly oaky with hints of caramel and cocoa and has a silky texture with a medium to long smooth finish.

Made By A House Of Friends For A World Of Friends Longtime buds George Clooney and Rande Gerber turn their love for tequila-filled-nights into Casamigos BY STEVEN JOSEPH

38 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 39 Clooney and Gerber maintain an active role in Casamigos. “It’s a big part of our life and lifestyle. It just flows naturally into our everyday life and definitively adds to the good times and great memories,” Gerber said. He insists that nothing goes into a bot- tle until he and George have tasted it first. “Each batch is signed off by George and me and then the bottles are numbered.”

After all of their accomplishments in other fields, Casamigos still holds a very spe- cial place in George’s and Rande’s hearts. “The day we received bottle number 700, George and I drank the entire bottle with a smile. That was just the beginning of what turned into the greatest job of my life,” Rande remembered.

Clooney, perhaps best known for playing Dr. Doug Ross on TV’s ER and suave con- man Danny Ocean in the Ocean’s Trilogy, “Experts agree wasn’t even always a tequila drinker. “We used to drink a lot of vodka. Then we sort of got to a point where we were spending a Casamigos is the best Gerber and Clooney took their annual motorcycle trip and decided to visit the distillery in Jalisco. “We always love spending time with our team lot of time in Mexico and you really are just in Mexico drinking, laughing and telling stories,” said Gerber. drinking tequila down there,” said Clooney. tasting tequila in Road Trip To Jalisco Recently, Gerber and Clooney took their the world; We owe great times to The two friends first conceived Casamigos After the pinas are roasted for three days, annual motorcycle trip and decided to good friends…to the as a drink for themselves. “George and I were they undergo an 80-hour fermentation visit the distillery in Jalisco. “We always love the awards and glasses that spark con- spending a lot of time in Mexico. And as you process, where most traditional tequilas spending time with our team in Mexico versation…to the ideas do when you’re in Mexico, we were drinking only have an average of 48. This creates a drinking, laughing and telling stories,” said that then pour out,” said nightlight entre- a lot of tequila….but we never found one unique flavor distinct to Casamigos. “We Gerber. He believes the future can only get accolades we’ve been preneur Rande Gerber (husband of super that was perfect for us,” said Gerber. Tired of preferred to put our money into what is better for the young spirit. “Experts agree model Cindy Crawford) about his tequila- waking up with hangovers or having to cov- inside the bottle as opposed to the actual Casamigos is the best tasting tequila in receiving … say it all.” filled nights with longtime friend actor er the taste of tequila with salt and lime, Ger- bottle because Casamigos is brought to the world; the awards and accolades we’ve George Clooney. “[Our idea for Casamigos] ber contacted a distillery and started talking you by those who drink it,” Rande explained. been receiving…say it all.” came from a night like that and, some- about flavor profiles. “We just started making The two amigos pride themselves on doing As for the best way to enjoy their tequila, how, survived until the morning after. To bottles for ourselves to drink and everybody things their own way. “We don’t follow any Gerber prefers his neat or on the rocks. “It make our own tequila, one we’d be proud liked it so we felt that this might be some- rules or look at other brands, we do every- mixes well with anything, but Casamigos is to pass round, wasn’t meant to leave our thing we should sell.” Gerber and Clooney thing in-house,” said Gerber. The Casamigos so refined and smooth, we prefer to sip it all house. But since we made this for friends, decided to name their tequila after their Reposado even boasts an oaky flavor and night long.” Clooney insists there’s no right we thought it couldn’t hurt to make a few homes in Mexico and dubbed it, ‘Casamigos.’ smooth profile that it attains through its or wrong way to drink Casamigos, either. more batches.” “Two years and 700 samples later, the tequila resting process in reconditioned old Ameri- “On the rocks, by the shot, at times straight was perfect,” Rande said. The Story of Casamigos can white oak barrels that once housed fine from the bottle. Tequila-filled nights with Casamigos, colloquial Spanish for ‘House Gotta Agave whiskey. “The minute we got those sam- friends is how Casamigos was born.” of Friends,’ is an ultra-premium tequila. Casamigos is produced in the highlands of ples, we knew it was perfect” said Clooney. Gerber and Clooney fashioned three types the Jalisco region of Mexico from 100 percent Rolling Up Our Sleeves of Casamigos Tequila – Blanco, Reposado Blue Weber agaves. “Our master distiller hand- Despite being a Hollywood mega-star and Anejo – each bottle as unique as the picks each agave, ensuring only the best are and an entertainment business mogul, men who made it. used for Casamigos,” boasted Gerber.

40 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 41 Opulence SPRING Launch Party Celebrating the spring issue launch of International Opulence magazine on Friday, March 24th, VIP guests enjoyed a rare opportunity to rub elbows with Chicago’s Three-Michelin-Star/James Beard-Award-winning Chef Curtis Duffy of Grace, along with co-host Alex Becker, Executive Chef of Kuro Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Hollywood, FL. Guests enjoyed award-winning gastronomic creations, had an exclusive opportu- nity for Chef Curtis Duffy to autograph a copy of the magazine, and had a chance to preview the finest haute horology timepieces presented by Eleven James while enjoying Gurkha Cigars.

42 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 43 SYMBIOTIC ART IN THE LANDSCAPE truly

CHIHULYBY MARY & HUGH WILLIAMSON Macchia Forest, 2017, The New York Botanical Garden

rtist, designer and glass- Visitors can be enchanted with this display blower Dale Chihuly’s work through October 29, 2017, as the seasonal has celebrated a symbi- changes keep it fresh and ever-changing otic merger of art and life through the coming months. And as day- around the world for dec- light wanes, Chihuly Nights will afford the ades. Readers have likely enjoyed his thrill- visitor even more thrilling appeal with his aing exhibitions such as those at the Salk illumination-enhanced glass designs. These Institute in La Jolla, California (pictured left) offer a nod to nature, rather than suggesting and the Morean Arts Center in St. Petersburg its improvement or replacement. His works Dale Chihuly (see page 47), and now at the spectacular have been likened to theme-park settings, Exposition entitled simply “Chihuly”, at the but the results are breathtaking; perhaps the New York Botanical Garden. Mr. Chihuly’s It is clear that Seattle-based Chihuly has his best of both art and life. glass garden elements enhance what na- own take! Exhibition Highlights ture offers. His art, along with nature, meld Favorites of the New York Exhibition include perfectly into a true delight. Drawings are A Triumphant Return the massive “Seaforms” set within a classical part of the exhibition as well, and offer a to NEW YORK CITY In numerous interviews, Dale Chihuly has columned stage, reminiscent of Poseidon’s glimpse into the inspiration of the artist. consistently shared thoughts that his work mythical dwellings. It is stark, but organic A Little History “revolves around a simple set of circumstanc- and rather seductive, while sited alone on There has long been a grand debate: Does es: fire, molten glass, human breath, sponta- what feels like an ocean floor. The presen- art imitate life, or does life imitate art? Plato, neity, centrifugal force, gravity.” That combi- tation is very compelling. Aristotle and even Oscar Wilde all weighed nation continues to impact the art world, and Another favorite, “Macchia Forest” includes in with passion. Vincent van Gogh and es- surely will impact the fortunate visitors to this signature Chihuly forms that in this in- teemed American artist Robert Rauschen- decade-long wait for Chihuly’s return to the stance suggest wild, overgrown blooms. berg had a lot to say about it, as well. Does New York Botanical Garden. Chihuly’s Macchia Series has evolved from it matter? Probably not to artist Chihuly, The backdrop of the classic and beautiful his first study in 1981, the moniker being and not likely to matter to those privileged buildings at the New York Botanical Garden derived from the word for “spot” in Italian. to immerse themselves in the cheerful with all their luxuriant foliage and sparkling Each work being “spotted” with color, the combination of fantasy and “real life.” water features provides the perfect comple- outcome is achieved by rolling the molten “Lying, the telling of beautiful untrue things, is ment to the incredible color, shimmer, shine glass in shards of colored glass as the piece the proper aim of Art.” — Oscar Wilde’s Essay and glamour of the Chihuly glass environ- is formed in an intricate process. Now, “The Decay of Lying” 1891 mental art extravaganza. This lauded event mounted on structural elements that are “Art partly completes what nature cannot featuring his work opened on April 22, a evocative of stems, the work is a symbiotic bring to a finish, and partly imitates her.” full decade after his first feted 2006 event. presentation alongside live foliage. American Glass Sculptor Dale Chihuly — Aristotle, Physics 350 BCE

Enchants Tourists in New York and Around the World Photo left: Chihuly Installation, Salk Institute, La Jolla, CA

44 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 45 Can’t get to New York This Summer? Another Chihuly Venue May Be Nearby If your summer travels don’t bring you to New York, you may find there’s a Chihuly exhibit near your intended destination – both in the United States or abroad. Traveling to the Sunshine One added benefit State, consider stopping by the permanent Chihuly exhibit at the Morean Arts Center in St. Petersburg, the museum of which of Chihuly’s is celebrating its 100th birthday. Be sure to check out the stun- ning boat and globes shown below.

Over the years, the artist has created a number of memorable glass-garden works: installations including “Chihuly Over Venice” with the sculptures installed over the canals and piazze; “Chihuly in the Light of Je- They don’t wilt. rusalem”, attended by more than one million visitors, and the “Chihuly Bridge of Glass” in Tacoma, Washington. This glorious display To find a location near you, go to www.chihuly.com. (left) will be available to enjoy through October 29, 2017.

Boat and Globes, Morean Arts Center, St. Petersburg, FL

White Tower with Fiori, 2017, The New York Botanical Garden

Mary and Hugh Williamson Mary and Hugh Williamson, now residing in Bluffton, South Carolina, spent decades in New York City enjoying time with friends and family at the incredible resources of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, including the New York Botanical Garden.

Red Reeds on Logs, 2017, The New York Botanical Garden

46 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 47 “Divide and rule, the politician cries; DESIGN & Conquer Unite and lead, is Master Interior Designer Perla Lichi conquers a space problem with a functional art room divider watchword of the wise.” By Patrice Janel Photography: Craig Denis, Miami — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

The strategy of division and rule or “divide and conquer” has been attributed to sovereigns ranging from Louis XI to the Habsburgs. The maxim “divida et impera” has been attributed to Philip II of Mac- edon, and the theory was certainly utilized by the Roman ruler Cae- sar and the French emperor Napoleon. The more things change, as the French say, the more they stay the same.

Master interior designer Perla Lichi put this age-old theory to good use recently to solve a common space problem that often occurs in today’s open-plan interiors. You might say that she used the divi- sion strategy to conquer a difficult space problem. Cool Respite for Hot Miami Days Perla and I are standing in the living room of a recently designed South Florida townhome, the vacation home of a South American couple. It has a fresh Miami look that provides cool respite through- out the year, but especially on those sweltering South Florida days and nights. A white background is accented with furniture and ac- cessories in today’s popular peacock colors of chartreuse and aqua. The designer has also used some of her “mirror tricks” including a wall-size mirror in the living room to make the relatively small space appear to be much larger than it actually is. White lacquer applied moldings frame mirror and wallpaper inserts, giving the room a more spacious feeling.

“Before we did these interiors, you would open that front door and look right straight across to the refrigerator! It was definitely not the effect we wanted.” Design and Conquer “Our solution was a custom room divider designed specifically for the space, with a white cabinet base for storage and a framed, etched glass top centered above. A piece of art when viewed from any direction, it doesn’t completely block the view from either side. This ‘functional art’ does successfully obfuscate the direct view of the kitchen from the front entrance, making the sense of arrival much more visually appealing. And, while it has this aesthetic ad- vantage, it serves another function by defining an eat-in dining area in the kitchen. Without adding a wall, we created two rooms out of one.”

The all-white contemporary kitchen with stainless appliances fea- tures an island bar centered beneath three contemporary pendant

48 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 49 lamps. In addition to recessed ceiling light- ing, a contemporary track light follows the contour of the dining table. A mirror on the kitchen wall makes the space look about three times as large as it actually is. Why Divide? Perla volunteers more information about room dividers. “They come in many shapes and sizes. Some have a very specific func- tion such as those positioned for privacy. When there is no actual foyer, a custom di- vider – be it a built-in cabinet or an open shelf or even a piece of furniture – can help define the entryway to any home, large or small. Most dividers provide both privacy and a beautiful look, giving shape and structure to an otherwise wide open area. Dividers come in custom shapes, colors, sizes and can be created from any material you can imagine – from decorative metal shapes to wooden barn doors to etched glass or acrylic – anything, really, that you can imagine that blends well with your dé- cor style.

“With this great built-in flexibility, the pos- sibilities for room dividers are endless,” says Perla, whose own personality is often de- scribed as larger than life. “Dividers are a really great way to add personality to any room.”

Learn more about Perla Lichi online at www.perlalichi.com

Top left: View from kitchen dining table into living room.

Bottom left: Before the art divider was added, the view from the front door (at right in the photo) was straight into the kitchen.

Facing page: Track lighting follows the contours of the dining table.

50 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 51 Left and Top Right: Examples of Colin Heaney’s handmade silk kaftans. A Kaleidoscope Bottom: An example from his Art of Phoenix yoga clothing line. of BEJeweled Eye Candy An exclusive interview with Australian designer Colin Heaney

BY ROBIN JAY

n the easternmost point of mainland Australia lies Byron Bay, a small beachside town ocelebrated as the capital of Aussie-land’s relaxed ‘haute bo-ho’ lifestyle capital. Any given morning, you may catch a glimpse of resident Colin Heaney as he paddles out on his surf- board to catch a wave. And on any given night, you may see him in the vibe at one of the town’s many dance parties. What you may not have guessed is that in between dawn and dusk, Colin returns to his home-based art studio and becomes engrossed in transforming photographs of nature into unrecogniz- able, vibrant, pixel-perfect designs that he’ll then transfer to luxurious silk fabric before scurrying off to his cutting room to create a custom pattern for a stunning hand- sewn kaftan or yoga ensemble.

Even more remarkable is that Colin Heaney started his career not in fabrics, but in glass – and then fine china. All the while, his unique – and now iconic – style is uncan- nily recognizable across all his platforms.

52 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 53 “The fact that my work is recognizable in different mediums for a dance party,” Heaney recalled. “I started playing with a photo- surprised me! When I switched from glass to fabric, I had graph of my bedroom, and the next thing I knew it was 11 p.m. random people tell me that they saw some clothes that When I woke the next day, I couldn’t wait to continue my explo- looked like my glass – without knowing it was my work,” said ration. Over the next months, I would do glass by day and use Heaney, who was born in Vancouver, Canada, moved to Po- every extra available moment to work in Photoshop. I re- mona, California, at age 8, and then at 18 left for a surf trip to searched and found I could do digital printing on fabric. It the Pacific that landed him in Australia in 1968. He fell in love was appealing to print on something that is both three with the uncrowded surf and the laid-back community and dimensional and animated. Learning about the fashion decided to call Byron Bay home. Heaney has been honing world was challenging, and discovering the tricks of the his remarkable creativity ever since. trade by trial and error was, in retrospect, crazy!”

THE UNEXPECTED Artisan Heaney looks at colors in nature and sees the harmony. “When I was young, I had no idea what I would end up “Colors have a very clear effect on my nervous system; doing, but it was not art!” Heaney said with a chuckle. “My they can relax or excite me. When I am designing, I cre- mother was very creative, but no one ever mentioned the ate without a plan and let the feelings the colors induce possibility of making your living from art. When I arrived in be my guide. I suppose I am looking for beauty as I create,” Australia, my world opened up. One of my friends taught he said. “The process is more ‘joytaking’ than painstaking. I me leatherwork, and I discovered I could make my living enjoy making silk kaftans because they make women look from creative craftsmanship. I have made candles, furni- and feel like a goddess. I have had many women cry when ture, surfboards and then launched into glass when I was putting one on, they feel nurtured, centered and beautiful.” 34. Glass it is a magic material. It is worked as both a liquid and Casa Blu a solid, and when it is liquid, it requires absolute awareness at What’s Heaney’s most treasured accomplishment? His an- all times. It is like a meditation that goes on all day.” Heaney swer might surprise you. “My favorite accomplishment is the worked in glass for 25 years and had gallery exhibitions in house I designed and built called ‘Casa Blu.’ I worked on the Australia, Europe, Japan and the United States. And then, out finishes, all the curves, the textures, mosaics and painting. All of the blue, Heaney started entertaining a new medium. of the bathroom taps and basins were made by me in glass. The Move to Fashion I worked with many friends who are artists and craftspeople “One morning, I woke up early with nothing to do, so to make Casa Blu truly unique. Together we made sculptured thought I would try to use Photoshop to make an invitation bathtubs, vanities and furniture. Some day I may return to glass, but for now I am concentrating on my ‘Art of Luxury’ kaftans and my “Art of Phoenix” yoga line. I would one day love to design a bou- tique hotel. Anyone interested?”

View more Colin Heaney silk kaftans at colinheaney.com or his yoga apparel line at artofphoenix.com.au.

54 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 55 2017 Top Spa Guide Ahhhh…summer is here! It’s time to slow things down a bit and focus on yourself. What better place to rejuvenate, replenish and renourish than in an exquisite spa? International Opulence has gathered the best of the best in the country and around the world to indulge in a little well-deserved ME time:

FLORIDA Boca Raton Resort & Club: The Ritz-Carlton Spa Orlando, Acqualina Spa: Best European Bath and Water Experience Grande Lakes, Orlando, Florida: Spa with the Best Luxury Suite 501 E Camino Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432 • Best Body Scrub 17875 Collins Ave, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 561-447-3000 4012 Central Florida Pkwy, Orlando, FL 33160 • 305-918-8000 32837 • 407-393-4200

Relax in the famed Ritual Bath of this Alhambra- inspired spa which offers nine individual Mixologists will personalize a blend for you Exclusive amenities include a private steam mineral baths, waterfall showers, whirlpool, at The Scrub Bar using essential oils and room made of mother-of-pearl and a rain- steam, sauna and inhalation rooms. fresh herbs from the rooftop garden. forest shower for two. Treatment beds are covered in deep blue and cream to emu- ◆

late the Atlantic Ocean right outside, while Eau Spa Palm Beach: CHICAGO the adjacent wall features gold-dusted Best Salt Scrub Room/ mosaic tiles to ensure supreme relaxation. Best Chromotherapy The Spa at the JW Chicago: Best ◆ 100 S Ocean Blvd, Manalapan, FL 33462 • Therapeutic Deep Tissue Massage Mandarin Oriental: 561-540-4960 151 W Adams St, Chicago, IL 60603 • Most Opulent Facial 312-660-8250 500 Brickell Key Dr, Miami, FL 33131 • 305-913-8288

Like a candy shoppe for adults, the scrub Best New Spa: Acqualina, Sunny Isles Beach, Florida and polish bar allows guests to choose from Working out knots and kinks may hurt the colorful salt and potpourri scrub mixes. a bit, but will leave you feeling better. Guided by the spa’s credo of “Pause, Play, and Settle in the luxurious spa suite with ◆ Perfect”, treatment rooms are individually breathtaking ocean views for two hours of tailored to guests’ needs with chromotherapy, Ruby Room: Best Energy-Healing bliss that includes: preparing and cleansing 2017 INTERNATIONAL or color therapy where therapists can change 1743-45 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622 • the skin, exfoliation, steam and extractions the color of the lighting. 773-235-2323 if needed, scalp massage, exfoliation and massage of arms and legs, facial massage, SPA GUIDE mask and eye treatment. In the heart of Chicago’s trendy Wicker Park, this award-winning spa offers a 90-minute In- tuitive Blend including a photo of your aura, 30-minute intuitive reading and 60-minute energy healing to bring life back into focus and release stress.

56 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 OPULENCE 57 2017 Top Spa Guide 2017 Top Spa Guide

Cowshed Spa at Soho House Chicago: NEW YORK The Peninsula Spa: The Spa at Four Seasons WASHINGTON DC Lorien Spa at the Kimpton Hotel Most Indulgent Pedicure Best Eastern Therapy Hotel Westlake Village: (Alexandria, VA): Best Quickie Massage The Guerlain Spa at The Plaza Hotel: The Petite Spa at The Jefferson: 113 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607 • 700 5th Ave, New York, NY 10019 • Best Holistic Health 1600 King St, Alexandria, VA 22314 • Best Massage Best Aromatherapy Massage 312-754-6915 212-903-3910 2 Dole Dr, Westlake Village, CA 91362 • 703-894-3434 1 W 58th St, New York, NY 10019 • 1200 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20036 • 818-575-3000 212-872-7200 202-448-2300

Farmhouse meets luxury at this chic spot Based on the Indian tradition of balanc- Lorien offers “Quick Pick-Me-Ups” services decked with plush leather armchairs, indi- ing your personality type, or dosha, the for those in a rush. Choose a massage, Double the pleasure and relaxation of Four Seasons is home to the California This signature massage uses organic plant vidual televisions, and freshly-brewed tea in Podi Signature Journey uses dried herb facial, or foot scrub that will have you Guerlain’s signature massage under the Health & Longevity Institute, granting you and flower essences to restore harmony proper teapots. Prepare for a delightful foot powders wrapped in muslin bolus bags, restored in under half an hour. expertise of four hands. access to acupuncture, postural assess- to mind, body, and spirit. and leg massage, followed by moisturizing dipped in warm oil and applied over ◆ ments, metabolic testing, and more. wrap and scalp and shoulder massage. the entire body. ◆ Aire Ancient Baths: ◆ INTERNATIONAL LOCATIONS: ◆ ◆ The Spa at The Four Seasons: Best Best Red Wine Experience Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Waldorf Astoria Chicago Spa & Health Cal-A-Vie Health Spa Vista: Jacuzzi, Steam Room & Sauna 88 Franklin St, New York, NY 10013 • Trump Spa: Triangle Spa, Chiang Rai, Thailand: Club Chicago: Best Urban Detox Best Fitness 2800 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, 646-878-6174 Best Foot Massage Best Surroundings 11 E Walton St, Chicago, IL 60611 • 29402 Spa Havens Way, Vista, CA 92084 • DC 20007 • 202-342-0444 1 Central Park West, New York, NY 10023 • Chiang Saen Post Office, Chiang Rai 57150, 312-646-1310 760-945-2055 212-299-1097 Thailand • +66 53 910 200

The Red Wine Experience allows you to A great getaway after any treatment, indulge in the antioxidant properties of This Provençal-inspired retreat set in the Escape the hustle of the city in this haven grapes by soaking in an antique thermal This midtown location offers The Sole Soother, the lounge, sauna, indoor Jacuzzi or canyons of Vista offers more than 100 fit- Guests are pampered with traditional of relaxation. Guests can swim laps in the tub filled with Ribera del Duero tempranillo. a deluxe foot massage that includes an eucalyptus-scented steam room beckon ness classes, guaranteeing you’ll leave body, face, hand and foot treatments mosaic-tiled pool, hang in the whirlpool invigorating scrub, paraffin wrap, neck complete relaxation. ◆ a few pounds lighter. in the middle of the region’s beautiful tub, detox in the eucalyptus steam room massage, and an energizing foot massage. ◆ bamboo forests. or enjoy a shiatsu massage where the The Mandarin Oriental: ◆ therapist delivers deep-tissue pressure Best Gentlemen’s Spa Ciel Spa at SLS Hotel: Best Food Bliss Spa: ◆ using his or her bare feet. Best Hot Milk Pedicure La Reserve, Ramatuelle, France: The Shops at Columbus Circle, CALIFORNIA 465 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 80 Columbus Cir, New York, NY 10023 • 90048 • 310-247-0400 W Washington D.C., 515 15th St NW, Best Anti-Aging Treatments ◆ 212-805-8800 Spa Montage, Beverly Hills: Washington, DC 20004 • 202-661-2416 Chemin de la Quessine, 83350 Ramatuelle, The Spa at Four Seasons: Best Anti-Aging Facial France • +33 4 94 44 94 44 Best Full Body Microdermabrasion 225 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 • 120 E Delaware Pl, Chicago, IL 60611 • 310-860-7840 312-280-8800

This white-on-white Philippe Starck-designed This upbeat spa with jazzy tunes will Offering a half day retreat specifically haven has it all for those looking to relax, but leave you and your feet happy after In one of the prettiest villages on the for men that includes a body scrub, the scrumptious spa food prepared by famed indulging in their signature Hot Milk Riviera, this award-winning spa’s anti-aging therapeutic massage and facial. chef José Andrés will most definitely have Offering ultra-premium Swiss skincare you coming back. and Almond Pedicure. therapies (the non-invasive variety) are Old world tradition meets modern tech- brand L. Raphael which specializes in anti- prominent on the menu. nology with the signature Crystal-Clear aging oxygen facials, the only spa offering Scrub combining sea salt, sugar, and such a treatment on the West Coast. magnesium oxide crystals to give you a full-body microdermabrasion.

58 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 59 14 Tourism Trends in 2017 BY Kristen Mager 14 Tourism Trends in 2017

THE FIFTIES ARE THE NEW S cintillating Travel Trends TARGET DEMOGRAPHIC to Track in 2017 7 FOR TRAVEL BRANDS 8 14 Sandwiched between Gen Xers and Baby Boomers, the Fifties are an audience to pay attention to. Nielsen It’s a mobile and agile travel market these days. To stay on course, brands must be tech-savvy, quick, and creative—without OVERTOURISM GOES estimates that in 2017, nearly half of the U.S. adult popula- sacrificing old-fashioned chivalry. MAINSTREAM, DESTINATIONS tion will be age 50 plus and control most of the country’s disposable income. They’re tech savvy, too. GET SMARTER ABOUT “In an age of digital overload, simple human spaces, great service, and great food and drink will be even more relevant,” said Rafat SOLVING IT Ali, founder and CEO of Skift, a travel research company that released the latest trends for 2017 and beyond. “The travel and hospitality industry can be a huge beneficiary of where the world is culturally right now. And it should double down.” Tourists continue to saturate hot spots like Manhattan and Barcelona, where overbooking is their middle name. Smart travel companies are getting creative and promoting off-the-beaten- Keep your sight on these 14 travel trends: 9 path neighborhoods for sleeping quarters. A YEAR OF RECKONING FOR EUROPE, THE NEW LUXURY IS DEFINED BY HUMANITY RETURNS DIGITAL PLATFORM THE WORLD’S BIGGEST TOURISM SMALL BRANDS TO TRAVEL IN AN AGE DISRUPTION IS HERE TO STAY DESTINATION 10 Europe still dominates the world’s tourism market, but its slice WITH BIG STORIES OF DIGITAL OVERLOAD 2 Get social or sit on the tarmac. Today’s hospital- 1 of the pie is shrinking. Travelers are booking elsewhere, due Size doesn’t matter when it comes to luxury. Travelers have the world at their fingertips, ity brands must cross the traditional communi- to recent terrorist acts, the Brexit vote and upcoming elec- It’s about the personal journey, the experi- literally. But long after the bags are unpacked cations line and get the word out through social tions. Don’t be surprised to the wanderlust who soul search ence, and creating memorable stories. and photos downloaded, modern voyagers will media channels like Facebook and Twitter. elsewhere this year. remember this: how brands made them feel. “Hospitality is all about the very human trait of empathy,” said Ali. “And businesses need to remember that humans should remain front and center to create incredible experiences, helped — but in no way supplanted—by mod- 3 ern technology.” 12 DINING OUT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE THE MAIN EVENT IN TRAVEL IS FINALLY FESTIVALIZATION Gastropubs and hip restaurant con- 11 BECOMING REALITY OF MEETINGS cept make for picture-perfect social CRUISE LINES PLAY THE LONG GAME media experiences. Your eclectic Travel and hospitality companies are & EVENTS menu and wacky chandeliers are just WITH NEW MARKETS & NEW AUDIENCES catching up with Google and embed- 4 a post away from Instagram likes and ding artificial intelligence technology Insiders predict China will one day have the largest cruise mar- What do Coachella or Bonnaroo have to do new followers. in their online booking processes. Look with corporate travel? They intersect real- and ket, and cruise giants will sail into the industry with new ships in the next few years. By 2020, according to the Morningstar for more labels to latch onto this trend work-life experiences. Take your business event in 2017. outdoors in a hot town to drum up the crowd. forecast, the number of cruise passengers in China may reach 4.3 million, up from roughly a million in 2015.

THIS IS THE YEAR Tours & Activities OF THE MODERN LOW-COST CARRIERS Are Finally Coming FEMALE TRAVELER Into their own 14 5 REINVEST THE 13 CORPORATE TRAVEL Women rule when it comes to buying decisions TRANSATLANTIC Consumers want to book their own tours and TECH IS IN UPHEAVAL and online sales. Pitch your campaigns to the 6 activities on demand and with ease. Pitching the right MARKET female traveler to take off in this market. And look promo at the right time is critical in capturing their Business folks are booking their own trips Expect to see more bare-bones airlines for more female leadership in travel companies attention. on mobile devices so they expect solid in 2017. offering sweet deals to cross the Pond. booking tools. Brands centered on im- Then, watch as legacy carriers respond proving their traveler-facing technology with competitive offers of their own. will have the upper hand here. Want to learn more? Visit skift.com to view the full report.

60 OPULENCE Summer 2017 Summer 2017 OPULENCE 61 U.S. Dept. of State Preparing For The Unexpected Photographing While Traveling Overseas By Karen Christensen, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Overseas Citizens Services at the U.S. Department of State Happiness

iving in four foreign countries by travel.state.gov/cruise. And don’t forget your date safety and security messages and to the time I was 18 years old defi- medications! help us reach you in case of an emergency nitely influenced my choice to while you’re overseas. You can also connect in THE Land Documents become a U.S. diplomat. There’s with us: @TravelGov, on Twitter and Face- Next, make sure you have the right docu- lstill nothing quite like traveling to a new book. ments. Get a passport early! We’re issuing country to experience a different language, a record number of passports in 2017, so HeaLthcare Abroad of Thunder fascinating culture, and exotic foods. But make sure you apply at least three months Finally – prepare for the unexpected by having helped countless Americans over- before you travel. Allow more time if you having insurance coverage for medical seas throughout 32 years as a consular need foreign visas. Already have a passport? expenses, emergency evacuation, flight de- officer, I’ve learned the value of being pre- Make sure it will be valid at least six months lays/cancellations, etc. Medicare and many Dragon pared before a trip. after you return home and that it has at U.S. healthcare policies do not provide cov- Handy Tools least two blank pages (and maybe more erage abroad. Foreign medical providers Pennsylvania-based photographer What can you do to prepare for the unex- depending on your destination). Traveling often require cash up front, and a medi- Frank T. Smith commemorates his pected while traveling overseas? Follow our with children under age 16? Check their cal evacuation back to the States can cost Traveler’s Checklist (travel.state.gov/travelers- passport expiration dates closely – pass- $100,000 or more. intriguing travels to Bhutan checklist) and read up on your destination, ports for minors are only valid for five years. Even with good planning, you can find By John D. Adams its entry and exit requirements, laws, health If you’re traveling alone with children, some yourself in the middle of a natural disaster conditions, and any Travel Warnings or Trav- countries require custody documents or or political unrest. Read What Can You Do in el Alerts currently in effect. Pay close atten- notarized consent from the other parent. a Crisis Abroad? Be aware of your surround- tion to our safety and security information Get Connected ings and have an exit plan wherever you to decide if traveling there is right for you. Another thing to do before you go abroad go. In the event of an emergency, follow If you’re taking a cruise, check out is sign up for our free Smart Traveler Enroll- instructions from local authorities, monitor ment Program (STEP.state.gov) to get up-to- local media, and let your family know if you are okay.

Careful planning and research can help you avoid most problems overseas, but U.S. consular officers are available worldwide to help in case of an emergency. If you need help, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate (contact info at usembassy.gov).

Whether you’re an experienced or first-time traveler – from the East Coast, West Coast, or America’s heartland – I hope you’ll visit our website, travel.state.gov, and make a plan for exploring this great world of ours. Safe travels!

62 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 63 oland. Germany. Haiti. South Sudan. Atacama. India. Photo- shop, and discuss photographic equip- journalist and Olympus Trail- ment. The elite members of the program blazer Frank T. Smith’s passport include several Pulitzer Prize–winning Pcollection must resemble an international photographers, as well as artists whose card game of “choose your own adventure.” careers have included assignments Only his adventures are all about real-life, around the globe. and lifelong, passion. Armed primarily with Beautiful Bhutan a camera and a wide, open smile, Smith and beyond has photographed a planet-full of locales Arguably one of Smith’s most far-flung and the people who reside in them. Here, adventures led him, along with seven Smith shares his excursion to the mysteri- photographer friends, to visit the re- ous Kingdom of Bhutan. mote country of Bhutan. “We went to The real Shangri-La? Bhutan from Calcutta, which was tricky Crouching between the monumental slopes because they allow a limited number of of the Himalayas, The Kingdom of Bhutan people into the country.” Smith’s images could rightfully be considered the shy broth- depict a serene, vibrant country peopled er of his more well-known siblings: China, with open faces and generous spirits. India and Nepal. Remote by any standard, “I wanted to show things that I felt were in all of its centuries Bhutan has never been representative of the country and that colonized by another country. So perhaps would try to give a good depiction one could be forgiven for romanticizing of the diversity and types of people we Bhutan as the fabled land of Shangri-La encountered.” popularized by James Hilton’s 1933 novel, One of Smith’s greatest challenges “The Lost Horizon.” The two lands bear a was trying to photograph some of number of striking similarities. Most no- the country’s teeming population of tably, an unusually high “Gross National Buddhist monks. No. Not for any theo- Happiness” quotient. A concept created logical reason. Remarkably, Smith by the country itself, to the point of being couldn’t seem to capture a moment included in Bhutan’s 2008 constitution. when the monks weren’t using their cell A dedicated trailblazer phones! Even in a country as isolated as After journeying literally thousands of Bhutan, 21st century situations still exist. miles crisscrossing the globe on assign- “It was crazy! But fortunately the more ment for Olympus, on trips for pleasure, or remote we ventured into the country lending his talents as a philanthropic pho- the less technology we encountered. { tojournalist, Frank Smith’s enthusiasm nev- er seems to wane. “Olympus Visionaries are established, award-winning professional photographers who travel the world with Arguably one of Olympus products to capture life’s beauty and splendor,” remarked Smith. “And as a Smith’s most far- philanthropic photojournalist, I’ve been fortunate to work for a lot of international flung adventures led Above: A view of the Dzong non-profit organizations. That has certain- from the interior ly helped me get to a lot of crazy parts of him, along with seven Left: Prayer time the world that I would not have otherwise photographer with instruments. gotten to.”

Today, Smith’s enthusiasm, talent, and friends, to visit the dedication to his craft helped him be- come an Olympus Trailblazer. He is one remote country of just 12 photographers in the Northern of Bhutan. Hemisphere that the venerable camera

company has asked to test, critique, work- { 64 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 65 Mountain morning mist

“The colors in Bhutan were absolutely unbelievable. Just a vibrant, colorful country,” reflected Smith. When asked about his ability to share in some of the people’s most intimate rituals, Smith offered: “I try to be very friendly. The international sign is a big smile; I have a great attitude, which has literally opened many doors for me. A lot of my photographs from Bhutan were people who invited me into their homes when they were doing prayers with family and friends and playing various instruments. I’d politely ask if I could photograph them and in every case they all said ‘yes.’ It was an amazing experience to have that chance to not only photograph, but be a part of these very intimate rituals. If I hadn’t been a photographer, I never would have Mechanical Competence had these opportunities.” ModelMechanical Marine ChronometerCompetence Manufacture Ladies ModelManufacture Marine movement Chronometer Manufacture Ladies See more of Frank T. Smith’s work at: www.franksmithphotos.com Bhutanese bridge with prayer flags ManufactureSelf-winding movement Self-winding

ULYSSE NARDIN.COM ULYSSENew NARDIN York, SACarlsbad, CH2400 Geneva, LE LOCLE Istanbul, SWITZERLAND Moscow, T. +Paris, 41 32 St-Petersburg,930 74 00 INFOULYSSENARDIN.CH Beirut, Dubai, Frank T. Smith Almaty, Beijing, Bishkek, Ulaanbaatar, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Taipei.

66 Opulence Summer 2017

SFL20208 Boutiques SFL Boutiques Opulence Opulence C4 C4Marine Marine Manufactire Manufactire Ladies 1183-126B-470 Ladies Summer 1183-126B-470 issue May 2015.indd Summer 1 issue (20208) May 2015 5/14/15 10:16 AM magine a luxurious, fully-appointed Altiplano, created especially for your one- up hotel pioneer Mark Sorrill, founder of canvas tent that harkens back to time stay. Imagine a pop-up hotel. The Pop-Up Hotel in the United Kingdom, scenes from Out of Africa and makes What’s a pop-up hotel? “As a society, we are increasingly focused you feel like an impassioned young on discovering truly authentic, worthwhile, A pop-up hotel is a type of accommoda- LAVISH IMeryl Streep or a dapper Robert Redford. satisfying and exciting experiences. Our tions set up to host guests for a temporary Now picture such a luxurious tent popping hotel helps to deliver that experience by period in a location usually off-limits to up on the fringes of the grounds of your allowing guests to immerse themselves in traditional hotels. The pop-up hotel is the favorite music festival, giving you unprece- the event 24 hours a day and ‘not lose the younger sibling of the pop-up restaurant, dented access and deluxe hotel amenities. magic’ by transiting to remote locations for POP-UP LODGING which gained popularity in the early 2000s Imagine a ginormous truck wheeling up more traditional accommodations.” and has grown into a larger-scope move- near the site of a major sporting event, de- ment of customized luxury hospitality ex- Opulent Pop-up Purveyors positing temperature-controlled shipping periences, including gourmet-themed in- In addition to the Pop-Up Hotel brand, containers ready to be transformed into teractive meals and unique excursions, as companies like Blink by Black Tomato — win- gold-medal-worthy accommodations in well as bespoke pop-up luxury lodging. ner of the Best Innovation in Travel award at the blink of an eye, right in the thick of the the 2017 Globe Travel Awards — are push- action. Imagine lunar-like bubbles popping Why has the pop-up hotel trend resonated ing the pop-up boundaries even further, of- up on the wide-open plains of the Bolivian with affluent travelers? According to pop- fering affluent travelers the opportunity to design their own transient accommodations and experiences in virgin locales.

Mughal Tenthouse at night

The Pop-Up Hotel

If you love the allure of pop-up restaurants, you’ll adore the exotic pop-up hotel concept that lets you choose the locale, interior décor, amenities and a whole lot more. ac ph ane Gau t r o nneau By Kelly Villasuso PHOTO: S t PHOTO: Raj Tenthouse Suite, The Pop-Up Hotel

68 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 69 Blink by Black Tomato’s Dome Tents, Uyani Salt Flats in Bolivia

Learn more about this ever-evolving pop-up hotel trend by visiting the websites for The Pop-Up Hotel and Blink by Black Tomato or simply peruse the breathtaking photos of their respective accommodations provided here, including The Pop-Up Hotel’s luxury yurt, its The Yurt, The Pop-Up Hotel glamorous Raj Tenthouse Suite, and the Mughal Tenthouse at night, and the breathtaking exterior shot of Blink’s Dome Tents on the Uyani Salt Flats, Bolivia. www.thepopuphotel.com, www.blacktomato.com/blink

Pop-Up Hotel Suite Interior PHOTO LATITUDE PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO LATITUDE

70 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 71 Apitourism – The Bee’s Knees in Travel By Kelly Villasuso

he mindset of many of today’s upon the invertebrate pollinator species (a.k.a., bees and butterflies), 40 to improve their knowledge of the honeybee and beekeeping prac- travelers — from millennials to percent of which are now facing extinction — and the world took no- tices to help stay the threat of this critical creature’s demise. baby boomers alike — has been tice. For example, in 2016, the United States placed eight types of bees From Slovenia, Romania, Sardinia, New Zealand, and Malta, to shifting in recent years. No longer on the endangered species list for the first time in history; in France, France, the United Kingdom, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Uganda, the are weT content asking, “What beach can we go to lawmakers approved plans to totally ban some widely used pesticides United States, and many places in between, the api-intrigued have next to relax.” Instead, we are asking, “What experienc- blamed for harming bees; and in Slovenia, they have protected its na- a wide array of options for education, inspiration, and enrichment es do we want to participate in and who can best de- tive bee, the Carniolan bee — the only European Union Member State — from the most basic of environs to the most lux. liver them in a fashion that fulfills our wanderlust and to do so to date. These are but a few among myriad examples of pro- nurtures our mind and soul, all while minimizing the bee measures throughout the world. What Can Bee Expected When seeking out an apitour, travelers need to consider locale as well as environmental impact of our visit?” This paradigm shift to a sustainable, A Hive of Activity Across the Globe experiential travel mindset has been serendipitous for one tiny but grow- their preferred level of immersion into the secret life of bees. For some, However, it is not just the UN and governing bodies swarming to ac- ing travel trend: Apitourism or bee tourism. simply visiting with local beekeepers and tasting local honeys checks tion on behalf of our symbiotic pals. The ever-expanding environmen- the proverbial box; for others, a much more immersive experience is de- Bee-hind the Trend tally conscious demographic has embraced the plight of this essential sired, such as bee experiences offered in Slovenia and the United States. Why the buzz around bee tourism? In 2016, the United Nations (UN) released pollinator, too. Through established apitours, travelers are taking flight a sponsored report stating that 75 percent of our food crops are dependent

72 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 73 Beekeeper in Slovenia DOMINICA The Nature Island By Carol Antman

John Russo - bee expert at Carmel Valley Ranch Apitherapy: Slovenia The Good, the Bad, and the Buzzy Beekeeping is one of the oldest traditional crafts in Slovenia, which is Apitherapy is an alternative therapy that utilizes bee home to approximately 9,600 beekeepers, 12,500 apiaries, and 170,000 products — honey, pollen, bee bread, propolis, royal jelly, hive colonies on last count. Bee-sotted travelers can learn ancient bee- and bee venom — to promote healing in the body. Al- keeping practices, meet with members of the Slovenian Beekeepers’ though this therapy dates to the ancient Egyptians and is not Association, tour the Beekeeping Museum in Radovljica, visit a Slovene supported by medical evidence, it remains a go-to method bee house to breathe aerosol from the hives while relaxing (or sleep- for healing and well-being for many throughout the world. ing) to the hum of the bees, experience a honey facial or massage, and In more recent years, mainstream celebrities have touted the dine on api-cuisine, among other bee-centric activities. benefits of certain natural therapies, including using honey To learn more about apitours throughout Slovenia, as an alternative for dressing wounds, as a facial mask for visit www.authentic-routes.com. clearer skin, and in oral hygiene, and using bee venom in face United States creams for a purported anti-aging effect on the skin. Bee ven- Closer to home for the U.S. bee seeker is Carmel Valley Ranch in om is also believed to reduce rheumatism-related problems, Carmel, California. This award-winning resort does its best to nurture such as arthritis, and it is currently being studied in the treat- or several years, a yellowing the spirit through its surroundings as well as its programming, which ment of such illnesses, as well as artfully balances luxury, nature, and education. One such program is in cancer therapy. The National magazine clip had lingered in the Bee Experience, which is led by artisan beekeeper and lavender Institutes of Health, however, expert John Russo. Guests are invited to suit up in beekeeping suits warns about the safety of us- our “dream trip” file tantaliz- ing bee venom as a therapeu- to “bee to believe,” including walking into the apiary to experience the ing my husband and me: Take cooperation of the 60,000 Italian honey bees in action, helping with tic compound due to possible hive duties such as honey harvesting, feeding new colonies, inspect- adverse reactions ranging from Fthe “ultimate challenge…” hiking to “hot ing the colonies’ health, adding or removing the chambers in which skin reactions to anaphylaxis, so the bees store excess honey, and, of course, tasting honey directly from be certain to consult your physi- streams of varied colours, sulphur deposits, the hive. cian should you be interested in exploring apitherapy. boiling mud, mini-geysers and fumaroles…” To learn more about the Bee Experience at Carmel Valley Ranch, visit www.carmelvalleyranch.com.

74 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 75 t touted a paradise of 365 rivers, hot springs, waterfalls, ture of this with your mind locals were always happy to point us in the tropical fish and the perversely attractive Valley of Desola- to look at whenever you’re right direction. tion. Located in the Lesser Antilles (and not the Dominican stressed.” So we stayed hap- “It has never been easy to define the mys- Republic), Dominica is an independent country lovingly pily damp either sweating terious charm that has lured people to called the Nature Island where people live close to the land, up the hiking trails, going stay in Dominica forever and from which eat what they grow, drink from the streams, catch fish and from one swim to another others have fled without even taking time spear lobster. Two-thirds of its 290 square miles is covered with lush or from an occasional rain to unpack,” wrote writer and legislator Elma Irainforests, blanketing the mountains to the black sand shore. Eng- shower. Napier. But if you pack a sense of adven- lish is the official language; locals also speak a colorful Kwéyòl. De- Cabanas, Baby! ture and some stamina, you too will fall spite being ranked as the top sustainable island in the Caribbean by Dominica lacks infrastructure Passion fruit under its spell. National Geographic, it is the least visited with only 75,000 overnight like high rise hotels, but we visitors each year. Vacationers looking for wide beaches go else- made good choices by staying at the luxurious Pagua Bay just a few Top photo: where. But for outdoor enthusiasts it is a gem. minutes from Douglas Charles Airport. We were greeted by Jenny, ever Grilling lobster at Keeping It Real on Nosari Beach Hitting The Trail cheerful and welcoming, mixing us a strong rum cocktail. The six ca- Bottom photo: The Waitukubuli National Trail is the Caribbean’s first long distance banas are air conditioned, beautiful and spacious. Each morning the Mango Cottage at Citrus Creek Plantation hiking trail, running 115 miles divided into 14 sections of varying dif- proprietors, Rick and Alicia, circulate among the guests offering maps ficulty. We slogged along for two hours on section six up the pictur- and suggestions on excursions. esque coast. A short traipse on section one led to a stunning view Down the coast near the UNESCO World Heritage Site and National of Martinique. Our high-tech hiking boots and poles seemed like a Park, we stayed in the more rustic Mango Cottage at Citrus Creek necessity until a trio of barefooted men walked past balancing buck- Plantation beside a roaring river with a private swimming hole. ets of fresh catch on their heads, spear guns in hand. Dominica Eats In this magical place, people have waterfalls in their backyards. Both hotels have on-site restaurants that impressively prepare At both Spanny and Jacko Falls, we paid the proprietors a couple of tasty meals . At Pagua Bay, the lobster ceviche was a spicy, colorful dollars and walked down short paths past their modest houses for re- treat and the homemade bagels and ice cream were unexpected freshing dips, alone in paradise. Even at the spectacular Emerald Pool surprises. At Citrus Creek, I celebrated my birthday with a French in the Trois Pitons National Park there were only a few other tourists. onion pie and luscious chocolate cake with passion fruit ice cream. We bathed in the hot springs at Soufriere and Wotten Waven and snor- Roadside shacks like Melvina’s served a filling Creole plate for just keled on the southern coast where scuba diving is a big attraction. $5 and on Nosari Beach, Keeping It Real grilled us the best One highlight was Champagne Beach where effervescent bubbles, lobster of our lives. Driving our 4-wheel on the left was chal- emanating from inside the volcanic earth, tickled our bellies as we lenging. Narrow roads, precipitous shoulders, missing swam through a veritable aquarium. “If the bubbles ever stop, bridges and wrecked cars permanently planted we’re really in trouble,” our guide Asha against trees tested us. Reacting to my swervy quipped. Could be an earthquake. driving, Mark made sounds I’d never heard from him before! Continu- Having a guide for a few days enabled us ous curves befuddled our GPS to hike to the spectacular Victoria Falls “In 20 meters turn right, in down an obscure path that crossed a riv- 20 meters turn left, in 20 er several times. As we swam beside the meters….” But friendly cascade, I told my husband, “Take a pic-

One highlight was Champagne Beach where effervescent bubbles, emanating from inside the volcanic earth, tickled our bellies as we swam through a veritable aquarium. “If the bubbles ever stop, we’re really in trouble,”

our guide Asha quipped. Could be an earthquake. If You Go: Champagne Beach Tourist information and maps: www.DiscoverDominica.com

Pagua Bay: www.paguabayhouse.com Citrus Creek Plantation: www.citruscreekplantation.com

76 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 77 COSTA RICA liding in a small boat at mid- night on a river in Borneo. Witnessing families of goril-

las playing, foraging, building BORNEO nests and breastfeeding their babies. Catching sight of an Proboscis monkey elusive, fleet-footed jaguar running on the Pantanal in GBrazil. Tracking footprints, crushed grass and animal warning cries to search out a tiger in India. Watching adorable meerkats peek out of their dens, then begin to tum- ble and play together as the rising African sun warms their bodies. And listening to the nocturnal croaking of red-eyed tree frogs in the darkness of a tropical night in Costa Rica.These are just a few of the life- changing experiences awaiting animal WEIRD & WONDERFUL loving world travelers in 2017. entering the zone unkNown “Inspired by this call to adventure, the traveler sets forth on their adventure, first crossing the threshold to enter a zone unknown — a foreign land where they are unfamiliar with the landscape, the culture, the language, and/or the peo- ple [and native animals!],” said Michael Bennett, Ed.D., of the Transformational Travel Collaborative, who focused his WILDLIFE doctoral research on the critical elements of adventure travel experiences that lead adults to transformational learning. exploring ecosystems Interest in wildlife safaries around the world has soared, not only for the expe- riential thrill of entering the secret worlds of animals in their native habitats, but also for the transformational educational SAFARISBy Jana Soeldner Danger

COSTA RICA

COSTA RICA

BORNEO BORNEO BORNEO

78 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 79 experience to better understand sustain- Cohen. “A mystery unfolds before your eyes try also has a few remote and little-known ability and eco-responsibility in a way that and suddenly you see the tiger.” reserves where rarer animals live.. helps local emerging economies shift from Wild Planet Adventures assists with animal Watch habituated (those that no longer exploitive practices to those that promote preservation here, as well. For example, it feel threatened by humans) meerkat colo- conservation and preservation. helps pay to vaccinate sheep against hoof nies, search for black-maned Kalahari lions, Here are some of the travel experiences and mouth disease, which had been killing chimpanzees and cheetahs, and perhaps waiting for adventurers: them in large numbers. In exchange, shep- catch sight of the extremely rare panogolin Costa Rica herds agreed to stop poisoning leopards, (a scaly anteater), as well as aardvarks and which were preying on some of the sheep. aardwolfs, a type of hyena. The vibrant red-eyed tree frog (see page “The leopards are now living in harmony 78), the inquisitive Coatimundi and the jo- In Uganda, adventurers will travel side- with the shepherds,” Cohen said. vial-looking but slow sloth enchant wildlife by-side with scientific researchers into the seekers in Costa Rica. Japan Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, where Watch white macaques, or snow mon- they may see tree-climbing lions and “This is an ideal gateway experience for a keys [like the curious little guy shown mongooses. They can also watch habitu- wildlife adventurer,” said Josh Cohen, direc- at right], relaxing in natural hot springs ated gorilla families nursing their babies, tor of Wild Planet Adventures based in Cali- on the slopes of the Japanese Alps near foraging for food and going about other fornia. “It has so many different ecosystems, the Nagano Prefecture on a Viator tour. daily activities. “We have exclusive access to all in close proximity to each other.” Adven- Travelers are most likely to see the fasci- research station trails, and our travelers get turers can visit 12 distinct ecological zones nating creatures in the Jigokudani Monkey to witness the gorillas in a wide variety of within an area the size of New Hampshire. Park during the colder winter months when behaviors,” said Cohen. “We work side-by- Costa Rica has more plant species than all the animals prefer to enter the warm pools. side with researchers and provide funding of Europe, and thousands of wildlife species. JAPAN Brazil to discourage poaching. After 16 years of Borneo the program, there hasn’t been a single In Brazil, explore both the Pantanal, one of Japanese snow monkey In a Borneo nature trek (see page 79), guests gorilla poached.” the world’s largest wetlands, as well as the can experience the oldest rainforest in the Amazon rainforest. “The area has the high- wild pandas in china world and one of the only remaining natural est density of jaguars in the world, and they Who doesn’t love pandas? The Minshan habitats for endangered orangutans and pro- come out to hunt caimans (small croco- Mountains of the Sichuan Province of China boscis monkeys, as well as creatures that could diles),” Cohen said. “They’re one of the most are the last wild habitat of these entrancing be straight from a fairytale, like the wide-eyed coveted sightings, and they’re challenging creatures, and you may be able to get up tarsier. You can also visit the remote Maliau Ba- and difficult to see.” close and personal with some of them on a sin, a recently discovered pristine, untouched BAHAMAS tour with Natural Habitat Adventures. SOUTH area known as the “Lost World.” Sail around the Taiama Ecological Reserve AFRICA India station. You won’t be able to set foot on this Bahamian Swimming Pigs river island, because no humans are allowed No one knows exactly how pigs got to the Travel to one of the few places left in the there, but you may well spot some jag- Exuma Islands of the Bahamas. Some say world where tigers can be seen in the wild. uars. “It takes 10 hours to circumnavigate,” sailors left them. Others think they swam These beautiful, fearless felines spark the Cohen said. from a shipwreck. Whatever their origin, to- imaginations of many adventurers. Track day they delight visitors to Big Majors Cay by them by listening to animal warning cries South Africa and Uganda SOUTH swimming out to meet their boats, hoping AFRICA and hunting for footprints and bloodstains Many tourists visit South African national to be fed. Exuma Water Tours will help you get in the grass. “It’s authentic tracking,” said parks in search of the “big 5”: lions, leopards, acquainted with the friendly creatures. buffalos, elephants, and rhinos. But the coun-

BRAZIL

BRAZIL INDIA INDIA CHINA

80 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 81 hilean-born artist Gustavo desk wasn’t his calling. He took to painting them, they consisted of more decorative Novoa speaks candidly, paints with passion and worked in various styles – aspects, kind of ‘National Geographic’ style portraits meticulously and “landscapes, nudes, still life works, boat scenes in their habitats. Over the years, they have thinks whimsically. A writer and and so on, until I fell into my own menagerie.” moved on to create their own stages.” Cpainter who grew up in a family of lawyers Since then, feline creatures of the wild have In some Novoa paintings, panthers or leop- in Santiago, the charming gentleman with become the focal point of his artwork. They ards have jumped from an internal frame a smooth, engaging Spanish accent pon- “reflect our own emotions in every painting.” and sit, ready to pounce on or stare down dered his own beginnings. the patron viewing the portrait. “My animals have become quite anthropo- “I suppose painting came first,” he said. “It was morphic and, in reality, they are characters,” Quest To Become A a given. I was practically born with colored said Novoa. “When I first started drawing ContemporaRy Great pencils in my hands. During my early years in Novoa’s career has taken him from the side- school, by the end of the term, my walks of Paris in the 1960s, where he books were unreadable because of sold watercolors and works in cray- the drawings I put in them.” The artist finds on, to the back tents of the Ringling From Paint To Pen Bros., Barnum and Bailey Circus. The “My passion for writing came inspiration in budding artist – barely in his 20s – much later in life, and derived from traded Paris for the lure of New York reading literary works in Spanish, many places. with its funky pop culture and “you and, eventually, in English.” No- can make it anywhere” brashness. voa has written four books, some “It comes from One-man shows in Paris, New of which he also illustrated. York, Palm Beach and Beverly Hills Before leaving home, Novoa took a all the established him as a contemporary shot at the family business, attend- great in the field. His subject mat- ing law school for a year. He quickly imagery that ter has branded him a champion of discovered that a career behind a surrounds us.” ecology and wildlife preservation.

Why Me. Acrylic on canvas. 36 x 40 inches. GUSTAVO NOVOA JUNGLE OF MY OWN By Dale King & Julia Hebert

The fanciful wildlife canvas menageries of Gustavo Novoa Cristo Redentor. Acrylic on canvas, 30 x 24 inches.

The Intruder I. Acrylic on canvas, 30 x 40 inches. 82 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 83 What Women Want

A B

C D

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Left Bank. Acrylic on canvas, 30x40 inches.

Novoa has been involved in many philan- The artist finds inspiration in many places. “It He presented lectures and mingled with thropic causes related to saving creatures comes from all the imagery that surrounds us.” visitors, many of them students. in the wild, including Panthera, the Palm Pointing out he has never been to Africa, Defining his niche, Novoa describes himself Beach Zoo and the San Antonio Zoo. Novoa said, “At this point, I don’t want to go. as “between a surreal painter and a primi- The artist spent 25 years in New York be- I am far more comfortable creating my own tive painter. I’m a combination of the two. G fore moving to Miami. In one of his most imagery. And from the photos I’ve seen of But always in jungle fields. It’s where I feel dramatic portraits, he depicts two jungle people who have gone on safaris, I like my comfortable.” cats on one side of the Hudson River look- own backgrounds better.” Gustavo Novoa’s information is available at ing across to ghostly images of the World A Quarter Century www.gustavonovoa.com. The Wally Findlay Trade Center. “The Twin Towers were part of Of Success Galleries in New York and Palm Beach, where my New York pride. I witnessed them be- Earlier this year, Novoa celebrated his 25 his work is often on display, can be found A: Louis Vuitton Rita Wedge Sandals • Louisvuitton.com B: The Belt Organizer • Elypro.com C: Hermes ing built. In the painting, they will always years as a portrait master with a display of at www.wallyfindlay.com Peach and Blue Les Leopards Square Silk Scarf • hermes.com D: Round-Frame Metal Gucci Sunglasses be there as ghosts, standing tall above the his works called “A Utopian Jungle of His • Gucci.com E: CHANEL Le Vernis Cruise Nail Polish • Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, chanel.com F: clouds, no matter what takes their place.” For more information about Gustavo Novoa, Own” at the Miami-Dade Public Library. CREED Spring Flower • Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus • Creedboutique.com G: Danya Nubuck Bag go to www.gustavonovoa.com by Felio Siby • Feliosiby.com

84 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 85 Hallstatt, Austria Pedestrians in Hallstatt can tour this breathtaking tiny town in under 15 min- utes. The quaint Austrian village was first developed in 2,000 BCE when Iron Age Celtics congregated at Salzwelten, the first documented salt mine on Earth. Exquisite Tiny Because salt has historically been a highly sought after and valuable resource, the tiny region has almost always enjoyed a wealthy economy. The United Euro Towns Nations recognizes Hallstatt as a cultural World Heritage site, known for its You Didn’t welcoming small-town appeal, mountain ranges and caverns. 6Know Existed By Robin Jay he phrase “Less is more” originates in Robert Brown- ing’s 1855 poem The Faultless Painter, about a Spanish artist who felt his complicated compositions were less impressive than a fellow painter’s most simplistic art- Tworks. Nearly a century later, the “less is more” phrase was adopted by modern furniture designer and architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, who used it to describe his minimalist design philosophy. And now, in 2017, according to Skift travel trends research (see page 60) “less is more” when it comes to luxury travel – meaning that it’s not the size of the destination that matters most to affluent tourists, but rather the memorable experience.

Following are six tiny towns in Europe that you likely didn’t know were on the map. As you’ll see from the exquisite imagery, the in- credible experience that awaits visitors confirms Browning’s theory that less certainly can be more.

Hallstatt, Austria

86 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 87 According to Skift travel trends research (see page 60), Meteora, Greece In the 11th century, monks began settling in Meteora, “less is more” when it comes to luxury travel – meaning that which some believe quite miraculous considering the region’s sandstone peaks make it nearly unreachable. it’s not the size of the destination that matters most Against incredible odds, the monks built 24 monasteries in the 15th century, and by the 16th century the frescoes to affluent tourists, but rather the memorable experience. created here proved a key development in the post- Byzantine art era.

Meteora, Greece

88 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 89 Reine, Norway Mostar, Bosnia In the south of Bosnia, Mostar is a tiny city that straddles the Neretva River. The his- toric medieval arched bridge shown here is known as Stari Most and connects to a narrow staircase that leads to a mosque’s minaret, where visitors can take in stun- ning panoramic views. The original bridge was a landmark for more than 400 years, until 1993 when it was demolished in the Croat–Bosniak War. The “Old Bridge” was

subsequently rebuilt and reopened in 2004.

Photo: Aly Noureldi n Photo: Aly Mostar, Bosnia Menaggio, Italy A small commune tucked in a province in northern Italy, Menaggio rests on the west- ern shore of Lake Como at the intersection of the Senagra River. Romans conquered Menaggio in 196 BC, which resulted in the building of the historic road known as “Via Regina,” a significant commercial and travel passage that first connected the Lombardy plain with the region north of the Alps. Today, the cool summer town boats fog- hidden craggy mountains and attracts

golfers at the Cadenabbia Golf Club.

o ris Sto ujka PHOTO: B Ronda, Spain Menaggio, Italy On the Mediterranean seaside of Costa Reine, Norway Del Sol, in the southwest region of Anda- lusia, Spain, rests the tiny city of Ronda. A French word meaning “queen,” Dan Brooke from International Opulence Reine is a small fishing village in recently traveled to the scenic mountain Norway situated on Moskenesøya town with his wife, Tatiana. He snapped Island in the Lofoten archipelago this spectacular cliff-top photograph of (above the Arctic Circle). It has the deep gorge that divides the town and served as a commercial center the Puente Nuevo bridge that offers access since 1743. In the 1970s, Reine be- to either side. came known as the most beautiful Editor’s note: In the upcoming Fall 2017 village in Norway. An interesting edition of International Opulence, look for bit of nostalgia about Reine is that a complete pictorial feature review of the Coca-Cola hosted a product launch Brooke’s travels to the Mediterranean Coast, in the charming town and now which included visits to Marbella, Malaga

adoringly refers to it as “our smallest oo ke

PHOTO: Dan Br and Seville in Spain and the British territory of

PHOTO: El e na Suv o r va Ronda, Spain Gibraltar, areas that date back to the occupa- launch yet.” tion of the Moors as you’ll see reflected in the architecture.

90 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 91 talk in the coming 12 months,” said Eric Bertrand, President of the 4. L’HEURE IMPATIENTE OF Baselworld Exhibitors’ Committee. THE SLIM D’HERMÈS LINE 2 Here’s a look at some of the stunning horology “all the talk” at BY HERMES – International Opulence magazine: This sophisticated classic piece of ho- rology is set in red gold and features 1. GANESH SHAKUDO WATCH BY BLANCPAIN – an automatic Calibre H1912 visible The Hindu god Ganesh, remover of obstacles and patron of arts through its transparent case back. and sciences, adorns the dial of this timepiece. The gold-copper alloy Shakudo provides endless possibilities for the creation 5. AVENUE CLASSIC of individual dial designs. CHERRY BLOSSOM BY HARRY WINSTON – 2. FUGAKU TOURBILLON LIMITED EDITION With mother-of-pearl, brilliant- BY CREDOR – cut diamonds, and pink sapphires, The engraver of this show-stopping watch, Kiyoshi Terui, was named this beautiful timepiece emanates a “Contemporary Master Craftsman” of Japan and awarded the Medal a sense of playful sophistication. with Yellow Ribbon in 2007 by the Emperor of Japan himself. 6. LA D DE DIOR SATINE BY Haute horology highlights of Baselworld 2017 in Switzerland 3. PREMIERE CAMELLIA SKELETON BY CHANEL – CHRISTIAN DIOR – With a bezel of 18k gold set with diamonds, this elegant watch show- COMPILED By ROBIN JAY This sleek and stunning white cases an intense black open-worked dial with a movement layout gold timepiece is also available shaped like the camellia, Mademoiselle Chanel’s favorite flower. in pink gold and transports the beauty of a satin ribbon to 3 assion, precision and Guests at Baselworld 2017 met a wristwatch. perfection was this Baselworld 2018 will be held from year’s theme at the Thursday 22 to Tuesday 27 March 100th anniversary of explorers and pioneers of the realms 2018 in Basel, Switzerland. Baselworld, considered the most important global trendset- ting show for the world’s watch and of time and beauty, cunning jewelry industry.

The tradition started in 1917 with just 4 29 brands. A century later, this past craftsmen and March, the Baselworld 2017 hosted horology enthusiasts from more than 100 countries to celebrate the conven- skillful artisans tion of the creme de la creme of the industry who united to take the pulse of the market, marvel at the new col- – pinnacles 5 lections and witness the start of a new trendsetting cycle. “Baselworld is not just a show of the of their best Swiss watch brands, but more importantly the showcase of the en- tire Swiss and international industry. craft. During eight days, people do not only enter into the heart of the industry, but also feel the pulse of it, getting a vision 1 of the future,” said Jean-Claude Biver, President of the LVMH Watch Division, CEO TAG Heuer and CEO Zenith.

“We know from experience, our new 6 collections and creations will be all the A glimpse of guests at Baselworld 2017 in Switzerland

92 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 93 Gentlemen’s Corner B

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A: Swims Breeze Lace Loafers • Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Av- M enue, Bloomingdale’s or swims.com B: Heavy Metal Pendant and Buster Bulb • busterandpunch.us C: Doettling Fortress Humidor & Watch Safe • doettling.com D: 55 mm Ice Ball Maker for Whisky • bespokepost.com E: World Whisky of the Year: Yamazaki single malt sherry cask 2013 • thewhiskyexchange.com F: J.Crew Men’s Shorts With Red Embroidered Crabs • jcrew.com G: CREED Millesime Imperial • Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus • creedboutique.com H: The Bow Tie Organizer • elypro.com I: Koenigsegg Regera • koenigsegg.com J: Louis Vuitton Latitude Pilot America’s Cup Sunglasses • Louisvuitton.com K: Hermes Limited Edition Belt • hermes.com L: Louis Vuitton Fragment Sweatshirt • Louisvuitton. com M: Stingray Duffel Bag by Felio Siby • feliosiby.com

94 OPULENCE Summer 2017 Summer 2017 OPULENCE 95 Industry Leader Profile By Alona ABBADY Martinez

“I remember I was in Key Biscayne, looking Paolo Buonfante: at the sunset, and I saw dolphins in the bay, with these coconut trees and the white A Visionary In Beauty sand, and then, I heard a sound, turned around, and there’s a Lamborghini convert- ible speeding behind me. I felt like I was in a dream! Between the nature and the life- style, I just lost it! I said, ‘I’m moving here! I love it!’” Hello Magic City! Paolo did return, seeking a position in every Miami agency. When there was none, he offered to work without pay for one month at L’Agence Models, a branch of the Metropoli- tan modeling agency based in Paris and New York City. In less than six months, he became director, working with the biggest names in fashion like Claudia Schiffer, Eva Herzigová and Heidi Klum.

He also worked at Elite Model Management for 11 years, where he was responsible for developing some of today’s most iconic names in fashion, including Kate Upton, Christine Teigan and Nina Agdal.

His rise to the top has always been fast, thanks to a rock-solid work ethic and his natural gift Paolo Buonfante of discovery.

“For me, passion is critical for the success of One of the DAS agency’s emerging models who Paolo has been working with most anyone. It doesn’t matter where you come recently is Ditta Kucsik from Hungary (shown above, top left), a leading face of Leonisa — from, it’s about how much you love what the top lingerie and swimwear line from Colombia — whose campaign is soon to sweep you are doing. And your dreams,” he em- Kate Upton Trish Goff Claudia Schiffer Eva Herzigová Heidi Klum Latin America. Also pictured above are Paolo at the agency with models (top right), phasized. “We always have to have dreams.” Alexis Marie (lower right), and Daiane Sodre (lower left). His secret for success t is hard not to get lost in Paolo Buon- was born, the family owned a successful and shoot for high-end fashion campaigns is surprisingly simple fante’s eyes. They are the color of your wholesale textile company throughout like Valentino. “Everybody asks, ‘what is the new trend this Rasheed Alli, founder and favorite pair of jeans, the ones that are Italy. As a young man, Paolo worked in the “That was the first scouting trip of my season?’ I’ve been scouting for the same managing partner of DAS, worn-in and super comfy, and make a family business, learning every aspect of I life, and I found one of the top models all my life: I’m looking for a natural look, is excited as well stark contrast with his cropped white hair. the trade. He served a year in the military in the industry.” the girl next door, but the most important “Paolo’s philosophy is very much aligned But the Vice President of Operations at DAS and then pursued a career in modeling. thing is to have a positive energy.” with how I think a modeling agency should Model Management is much more than a He felt it was not the right fit. His goal was to be, just from the way he treats the models pretty face. A force in the fashion industry return to Miami Paolo joined DAS in 2016 and is excited “I like more the management part, the be- respectfully, paying them on time, not tak- for the past 30 years, Paolo has his sights set “I fell in love with Miami the first time I came with, what he calls, “this new adventure in hind the scenes,” Buonfante said. ing models we can’t book,” he explained. on making DAS an international boutique here to study English,” Buonfante explained. my career.” He’s particularly proud of the “He’s a genuine person, an all-around man modeling agency offering its signature per- The Pioneering He is referring to the year he spent in North mentoring program. “We do personal man- of his word.” sonalized service in a worldwide network Scouting Trip Carolina prior to working in the family business. agement, which starts from interviewing a Paolo volunteered to do an unpaid scout- girl that never modeled before. We offer a In his spare time, Paolo flies his Sportsman of offices. Given his drive and past achieve- Today, DAS’s office is lined with floor-to- ing trip to the U.S. for a modeling agency in professional photographer service with no Glasair seaplane, the current and third air- ments, it’s sure to happen, and fast. wall windows framed by alabaster sheer Milano. There, he discovered Trish Goff, a charge and do all the development for free. craft he has owned. Buonfante, 50, has the fashion industry in curtains softening the bright light of Miami 16-year-old girl from Orlando who would No agency does that.” his DNA. His grandfather made his fortune Beach. Paolo glanced outside as a sports car Rasheed Alli “In the summer, I stay in my Key Largo home go on to grace the cover of Vogue Italia selling fabrics after WWII. By the time Paolo whizzed by. and fly to work every day. It’s amazing!”

96 OPULENCE Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 97 Mega swinging Thru Fromberg Skydivers Launch Off the World’s Longest Swing

By Tarquin Cooper

“You jump, freefall, waiting for The Unexpected Surprise the moment Take four skydivers, two hot air balloons, The most unique part of the stunt was the a 410-foot-long rope with a seat on the lack of noise. “If you’re in an airplane or heli- when the line end, climb to 5,900 feet and this is what Roithmair, who came up with the idea for copter, you always have that noise around you get: Mega Swing, the result of an idea the Mega Swing. “You jump, freefall, waiting you. Here you only hear from the burner,” goes tight, to make the world’s longest swing. for the moment when the line goes tight, said Roithmair. “Even the rocking is very then suddenly there’s this non-motorized special. You hear only the wind at the end then suddenly “Ya, [it’s like at your childhood play- acceleration. I can’t think of a freefall that of the pendulum, it’s actually very quiet.” ground], we just wanted to go bigger,” there’s this had such different patterns of movement.” said Austrian Marco Waltenspiel, who with To pull off the stunt was a major logisti- fellow Red Bull skydivers Georg Lettner, “The idea behind Mega Swing was to re- cal challenge. The team required not just non-motorized Marco Fürst and Dominic Roithmair made alize that childhood dream we all have,” perfect weather, but expert hot air balloon this project happen in Fromberg, Austria, said Lettner. “It’s everyone’s dream to pilots. The two balloons had to be exactly acceleration!” on July 4, 2016. swing higher and higher, and finally jump at the right distance apart to have the per- off and fly.” fect tension in the swing before making The Thrill – Dominic the jump. “You have this acceleration in another di- “We were initially all a little skeptical about Roithmair rection, unlike anything you’d experience whether it would work at all,” added Wal- As for the hardest part? “Staying on board The Red Bull Skydive Team: Georg Lettner, Marco Waltenspiel, Marco Fürst, with a normal BASE jump or skydive,” said tenspiel. “But it was just perfect in the end.” the swing,” said Roithmair. Dominic Roithmair

98 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 99 Fencing Like The Godfather The Physical Chess of Czech foil fencer Alexander Choupenitch Edited By Robin Jay and Red Bull Sports

or Alexander Choupenitch’s parents, emotions are “Thanks to them, I am here because they really supported me everything. Their fencing son is the complete antithesis, financially in the beginning,” he said. “Now they cannot handle it as to the extent he has to be “like The Godfather.” I’m going to places like Tokyo and Shanghai, but they’re still really supporting me. They are also very critical. If I make a bad result, Keeping his emotions in check are key for the 22-year- they’ll give it to me. They’ll say ‘you really messed it up’.” Fold Czech foil fencer in a sport he describes as “physical chess” in contrast to his opera-singing parents. The tough love has had the desired effect. His parents took him to as many as 45 competitions a year, in contrast to now where a typi- Speaking of his father, he says: “There’s a book of opera and he cal year is more akin to just 12. needs to learn all the lyrics: Italian, English, German, Russian. Then he needs to learn how to sing it - opera is very hard to sing. At The Top Of His Game That he finds himself among the world’s best foil fencers is some- “Then he needs to be an actor. You need to act, to feel, to show what fortuitous. A keen sportsman in his youth - he had tried ice your emotions. That’s what people want to see… emotions. Fenc- hockey, karate, tennis and basketball - he only tried his hand at ing is very easy compared to this.” fencing after managing to get his hands on a ball at a basketball It means a contrasting approach, when parents and son are on session only three times in an hour. their respective stages. “I’m trying to be cooler, like The Godfather,” “I wasn’t into Star Wars or The Three Musketeers or anything like that, said Alexander laughing. but I said I’d try fencing,” Alexander recalled. “We then started doing The Early Years fencing footwork, which looks like ballet. I was like ‘I’m not doing it’, Performing has been his or his parents’ way for as long as he can then here I am today.” remember. They would perform with the National Theatre Brno One could argue he was born to fence. Despite never meeting her, before setting off post-performance at 10 p.m. to drive their son his stepgrandmother was Tatyana Petrenko-Samusenko, a three-time across different pockets of Europe to his respective competitions Olympic foil champion for the former Soviet Union, while his first for- from Salzburg to Bratislava. ays into the sport resonated with his grandfather back in Belarus. Today, Alexander is one of the rising stars of his sport. From his first He was enrolled in training camps in Belarus in the summer holidays, major victory in 2011 at the Cadet European Championships to sil- his first coach there an Olympic champion. ver at the Junior World Championships the following year and nearly qualifying for London 2012 as a 17-year-old, he has long promised to Alexander was so obsessed with climbing up the rankings that deliver and has enjoyed a highest ranking of fifth in the world. when first allowed to travel to competitions without his parents at age 13, the money his mother gave him for a hotel and food, he His parents remain both his biggest backers and harshest critics. spent on other means.

“I had the money and I could use it how I wanted to. So, I gave almost all the money for fencing lessons so I could have more lessons with the coach, but the thing is, I didn’t have a place to live or eat. So I asked the Belarus guys if I could sleep on their floor, but I had more lessons.

“I never told my mother as she’d be angry with me. I was a big busi- nessman even back then!”

As well as aspiring to be the world’s No.1 exponent of his sport, Alex- ander has pledged to spread the message of the sport both at home and globally. PHOTO BY DAN VOJTECH BY PHOTO

100 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 101 By Todd R. Sciore Business Profile

As well as aspiring Giving Back to Help Future Fencers “After Rio [the Olympics], I had training camps The Collector’s Collector to be the world’s with kids,” he said. “I had no vacation after the Games, but it was the right thing to do because Arlan Ettinger Shares The Secrets To in Czech Republic there are many really good children, but they don’t have the opportunity Guernsey’s Auction House Success No.1 exponent to progress.” t some point in our lives, many of us have been told “don’t When not on the piste in competition, Alexan- quit your day job” – especially after a less-than-star-quality der’s secret talents are playing Photograph by Ed attempt at humor or singing. For Arlan Ettinger, a founder of his sport, Sheeran on the piano, cooking and singing in of the renown auction house Guernsey’s, quitting the day the shower, although he does not envision fol- job was the best career move he ever made. International lowing his parents onto the musical stage. For Opulence had a special opportunity to speak with Arlan about him, his stage - a sporting one - is already set. AGuernsey’s success and why the auction house has been chosen to Alexander has pledged handle personal items from an impressive list of American icons, like Presidents John F. Kennedy and Franklin Delano Roosevelt, civil rights activist Rosa Parks, baseball hall of famer Mickey Mantle and musician to spread the message Jerry Garcia.

“The whole point of collecting is the thrill of acquisition,” wrote author John Baxter in A Pound Of Paper: Confessions Of A Book of the sport both Addict. Nobody understands this mindset better than Arlan Ettinger, whose personal collections are massive but vary widely. “I’m not a specific collector, yet you couldn’t be in my world without at home and globally. having lots of objects. My interests go all over the place.” The Art of Making News One of the keys to Guernsey’s success over the years is their ability to not only procure items and conduct the physical auction, but also to generate a media buzz about the event. “I was a young guy in the 1970s with a marketing degree and had gotten into the world of advertising,” said Arlan. With this background, and some astute observations he made while attending auctions, he was able to essentially rewrite the playbook on operating a successful auction house.

Traditionally, auction-house advertising was primar- ily budget driven. Arlan quickly realized this limited the scope of who they were reaching. “As a young market- ing guy, I thought to myself, ‘if someone could pro- duce auctions that were truly interesting, thematic events that took new directions, then maybe the media would get interested and start reporting on these events, and we could reach a much, much larger audience.’” PHOTO BY DAN VOJTECH PHOTO BY DAN

For Grateful Dead fans, there is only one “Wolf”: the late Jerry Garcia’s beloved guitar. It sold in a 2002 Guernsey’s auction for nearly $1 million. The buyer, wishing to support the Southern Poverty Law Center, has returned Wolf to Guernsey’s for auction on May 31, 2017. To find out how much it fetched, go to www. Alexander Choupenitch performs internationalopulence.com. in Prague, Czech Republic

102 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 OPULENCE 103 “The whole point of collecting is the thrill of acquisition.” Unorthodox Taxidermy – John Baxter in A Pound Of Paper: Confessions Of A Book Addict of Dr. Seuss chased more than three about it…people take great pride in A glimpse into the rare 1930s sculptures of decades later at the their collections and they want some- Guernsey auction sim- one who feels that pride when the day Theodor Seuss Geisel’s Marine Muggs set ply reminded him of the comes to get rid of their collection.” By JANA SOELDNER DANGER night he met his wife. Arlan further added, “If something The gentlemen had is compelling or interesting, even if read about the upcom- there is no track record for what it ing auction in The Wall might be worth, if it sounds right, Street Journal and saw we will likely do the auction.” pictures of a few fea- When considering that Guernsey’s tured guitars. “He told successfully auctioned off the me he would have nev- entire contents of the SS United er read a guitar maga- States – the “largest auction ever zine, he wasn’t into that,” held” – anything is possible. Arlan added. While that guitar didn’t have any special lineage, Guern- sey’s has handled its fair Guernsey’s Auction House founder Arlan Ettinger with his dog Rascal. share of famous instru- ments, including Jerry Proof In The Pudding Garcia’s famous “Wolf” guitar, pictured on As living testimonies to that logic, Arlan previous page. shared a few anecdotes about auctions of old carousel figures and guitars. “A man came When asked what the future holds for to me needing to raise $30,000 to pay hos- Guernsey’s, Arlan noted, “We try to be hon- pital bills. He had about 90 antique wooden orable people, but I think our real claim to carousel figures, horses and other animals. fame is [that] we market these events in I took on the challenge of selling his collec- ways that no one has quite equaled, and so tion.” After an appearance on NBC’s Today there’s not an auction that we do these days Show to promote the story, “that auction that doesn’t get plenty of media coverage.” fetched $1,000,000 – which at that time, for The Business Lesson those types of objects – was beyond unbe- For any aspiring or even an established lievable,” Arlan said with a smile. brand, Guernsey’s creativity and marketing Another time, after a particular guitar auc- approach offers not only valuable business Dilemma Fish tion, Arlan walked up and thanked the buyer advice, but also the results to back it of a $400,000 instrument and inquired if up. The rest of their success lies with he was a dedicated collector. The buyer, honest dealings and a true passion a CEO of a large corporation, replied that for what they do. “Make no mistake it was a surprise gift for his wife, whom he ired by sparks from an unparalleled and to reflect the nonsense and fantasy Dr. Seuss, cartoonist, animator, artist and the met 35 years earlier on a blind date. They imagination, they’re whimsical and that Dr. Seuss believed were important to author of scores of beloved children’s books, had walked past a music store that evening, This Stevie Ray Vaughan- wonderful creatures, each with a living happily. But the Unorthodox Taxidermy began his career in the 1930s as an advertis- and in the window was a guitar they both Owned & Signed unique personality. Collectors covet sculptures, one of his lesser known art forms, ing executive. One of his clients was a com- agreed was beautiful. The instrument he pur- c. 1966-67 Fender sold them, using them to create mini actually began as an attempt to breathe pany called Essomarine, and his job was to at auction in February menageries designed to delight— life into an advertising campaign for a very sell its motorboat oils and lubricants. To for $80,000. F dull product. make the brand stand out from competitors,

104 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 105 Gimlet Fish Sludge Tarpon

living and working in New he drew a series of fish that he incorporat- York City. “He did it to encour- ed into the ads. age his son’s creativity, and it helped to produce the genius and “They were imaginary creatures that might cultural icon he became,” Hardin said. wreak havoc on your boating experiences,” said Mike Hardin, managing director of “Theodor used the animal parts to walking down a New York City street on work was the easy part, but the writing was the Northbrook, IL - based Chase Group, create sculptures he called Unorthodox his way home, determined to set fire to murder. He wanted his books to be perfect.” publishers of the Dr. Seuss Project. “To get Taxidermy, and some of the fish in the Ma- the manuscript. “He was terribly discour- people to remember the brand, he used rine Muggs set resemble drawings in his Geisel was adept at using language sparingly. aged,” Jackson said. “But he just happened this wacky campaign. He’s widely credited original Essomarine campaign. But there In the 1960s, his editor bet him $50 that he to run into a college friend who had just “I like nonsense. It wakes up the brain cells. with being the first person to use humor was more to it than that. couldn’t write a book using just 50 words. The been hired by Vanguard. The friend took to sell a product.” editor lost. Green Eggs and Ham has exactly “The sculptures were what he imagined him to meet his editor, and the rest is his- that number. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, it’s a way Two Dimensions to Three the animals would like to be reincarnated tory. If he’d been walking on the other side The creatures then were two-dimensional. as,” Hardin says. “Each one is infused with of the street, we might never have had This year marks the 20th anniversary of the of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope, But later Dr. Seuss, whose real name was human characteristics and a human per- these books.” Dr. Seuss Project, and his works remain very sonality. They reflect our humanity in popular. “The taxidermy is perhaps the gem Theodor Seuss Geisel, would turn them Becoming Dr. Seuss into three-dimensional sculptures inspired a tongue-in-cheek kind of way.” of the whole project,” Hardin said. “A three- Geisel began writing under the pen name and that enables you to laugh at life’s realities.” by his love of animals. As a child, he spent dimensional Dr. Seuss creation is so unex- Some of the creatures, sculpted from plas- Dr. Seuss while he was still studying at many hours at the zoo in Springfield, MA. pected. He had a lot of fun with them, and ter and mounted on wood plaques as a tax- Dartmouth and editor of the literary mag- “His mother encouraged him to draw the they’re fun to live with. That’s why people idermist might do, eventually found their azine there. After being caught hosting animals he saw there on his bedroom wall,” collect them.” way into Geisel’s beloved stories. “We can a drinking party in his room during the said Valerie Jackson, owner of the Ann Jack- see how some of his early ideas and charac- height of Prohibition, he was kicked out son Gallery in Roswell, GA, which exhibits ters evolved into another setting and found of extracurricular activities. To continue authorized replicas made from molds of a home in his children’s books,” Hardin said. writing, he had to adopt a pseudonym. the original sculptures. A Chance Encounter Seuss – which was really pronounced to Later his father, Theodor Robert Geisel, be- The books, for which Geisel is best known, rhyme with “voice” not “juice”— was his came superintendent of the zoo. When ani- might not have happened if not for a mother’s maiden name. mals passed away, he would send parts of chance encounter. After pitching his first Writing Was Murder them to his son, who by then was an adult book, And To Think That I Saw It On Mulberry Illustrating was easier for Dr. Seuss than Street, to more than 25 publishers and hav- putting words on paper. “Drawing came ing it rejected by all of them, Geisel was naturally to him,” Hardin said. “He said the art-

Carbonic Walrus

Sea Turtle

Flaming Herring Powerless Puffer

106 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 107 2060 BISCAYNE BOULEVARD • MIAMI FL, 33137 305.571.1200 • BRAMANMIAMI.COM n decades past, childhood summertime So what is this “Chautauqua” (and how is it in the United States seemed simple and pronounced)? And what does a modern- carefree for most children — playing out- day Chautauqua offer to families today? i side with friends on warm, sun-drenched The Social and days, catching fireflies and playing flash- Cultural Phenomenon light tag on balmy, star-filled nights. Today, Chautauqua (pronounced shaw-taw-kwaw) as a whole new era of worldly issues impact is a Native American (Iroquois) word parenting, families across the country strive meaning “a bag tied in the middle” or “two not only to provide safe environments for moccasins tied together,” which describes their children, but also to let them play the shape of Lake Chautauqua in New freely and independently without fear. One York state. In 1874, the western shoreline long-standing, yet-little-known movement of Lake Chautauqua became home to the today – the Chautauqua movement – has Theodore Chautauqua Institution, the mother of provided family-friendly safe havens for what later will be deemed “a social and nearly 150 years. cultural phenomenon in the United States,” Once referred to by U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt as shared by the Chautauqua Trail (www. Roosevelt as “the most American thing in chautauquatrail.com). America,” the Chautauqua movement has The original intention varies depending successfully provided such utopic environ- called on the source, however most concur that ments for generations of families — children the primary goal of a Chautauqua was to and adults, alike — across the country. And build a community by supporting all peo- the ‘halcyon days’ of Chautauqua summers Chautauqua ple in their intellectual, spiritual, emotional, are alive and well in the 11 continuously oper- and physical development. According to ating programs, such as at the original Chau- former President Jimmy Carter, “The idea tauqua Institution in New York and the New “the most of a Chautauqua lets people get to know Piasa Chautauqua in Illinois; in the numerous each other in America and to see what a revitalized Chautauquas, including the Plains great country we have. And not only what Chautauqua in Plains, Georgia in which for- American thing a great country we have, but why America mer U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former is so good. That’s the best thing I see First Lady Rosalynn Carter are avid supporters; about Chautauqua.” and in the several Chautauquas just getting started, such as in Muskegon, Canada. in America”

Celebrating 150 years of aul Villasuso Jr. R aul photo credit: Entrance to the show pavilion at New Piasa Chautauqua, a private summer resort near St. Louis, started in the 19th century. It is one of 11 still operating ChautaUQUA Traveling culture Chautauqua communities nationally at which a circuit of shows (known at the turn of the century as ‘traveling culture’) visits to entertain guests. By Kelly Villasuso Today, at many of the 100 cottages at New Piasa Chautauqua live descendants of earlier owners. 110 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 111 Over the course of a Chautauqua sum- approximately 125 cottages, as well as public mer, a wide variety of entertainment and buildings such as the Town Hall, the audito- culture was brought to the nearly 250 official rium, and the pottery studio. As you meander Chautauqua communities across the coun- the streets, it is truly like walking onto the try at the high point of the movement. This set of a movie based in small-town America included speakers such as William Jennings in the early-to-mid 1900s … complete with Bryan, Russell Conwell, and Helen Potter; pristine, white clapboard houses and public musicians such as John Philip Sousa proté- buildings, accented by vivid green shutters, a gé Bohumir Kryl’s Bohemian Band; and en- sea of red, white, and blue of the American tertainers such as the May Valentine Opera flags, and yellows and oranges of childrens’ Company, which performed Gilbert and bicycles on momentary hiatus. Sullivan’s The Mikado across the country Although the cottages are unique from during the 1925 Chautauqua season. each other, they do have one thing in Over the course of its nearly 150 years, the common: a screened-in porch. Accord- Chautauqua movement has influenced ing to resident Debbie Vuagniaux, after the lives of millions of Americans and approximately four decades of visiting and continues to do so through the remaining now owning in New Piasa, “The porches are operating communities. Chautauqua to me. They are the epicenter. Chautauqua Moments Since most of the cottages were built in the early 1900s, there was no air conditioning, According to Chautauqua historian and so the porch is where the people sat.” She author of The Western Chautauqua: A History recounts, “I remember just walking in and of New Piasa Chautauqua, Timothy R. Tom- sitting on people’s porches to visit and peo- linson, “There is now a renewal of interest in ple did the same at my Grammy’s where the Chautauqua movement […] because I spent lots and lots of time. I remember people are looking for a more wholesome, she used to take out a huge old silver pot simple way of life; a way to share with their and make the most delicious popcorn and families a piece of their own childhood and serve it to us on the porch with homemade that of their parents and grandparents.” lemonade while we played checkers and At New Piasa Chautauqua, which has been card games and giggled endlessly.” operating continuously for 131 years, Mr. Tom- Like the majority of residents at the New linson shared that although he did not grow Piasa Chautauqua and the other communi- Love up coming to this Chautauqua, he has been ties across the country, both Tomlinson and “experiencing Chautauqua moments for about Vuagniaux are looking to continuously re- five decades.” As with thousands and thou- create such simple but poignant memories Is…All Around sands of families throughout the Chautauqua for their children and, as for Tomlinson, his 2017’s annual Celebrity Martini Glass Auction movement’s history, he shares, “My wife Rosie grandchildren. Vuagniaux shares, “We want attendees show the love with record-breaking donations to PAWS and I brought our children here and now that to allow our kids to be independent and to By John D. Adams they are grown with children of their own, our build confidence just by feeling they can grandchildren come to stay. In fact, my grand- go out all day on their bikes without being son is here now and he just told me that he General opinion’s starting to make out that we live in dependence for combat wounded veterans and children with life- scared or playing tag outside at night while thinks the best part of being with us [at the a world of hatred and greed, but I don’t see that. It seems changing disabilities through partnerships with skilled assistance still feeling safe.” Chautauqua] is that he can go outside and to me that love is everywhere… If you look for it, I’ve got dogs. “We asked the crowd to join us in the CMGA love story and play and not have to worry about anything. If you, too, are looking to step back from a sneaky feeling you’ll find that love actually is all around.” they did,” Melton exclaimed. “Our amazing guests welcomed our And I think that is really important for kids to the fast-paced and often uncertain times – Hugh Grant’s prime minister character in the show ‘Love, Actually’ veterans, making donations to fund more service-dogs-in-training have today.” And walking around the New Piasa in which we are living, look to experienc- and bidding both high and often on auction items that will ensure Love in all of its splendor was in full bloom at 2017’s annual Ce- Chautauqua in Chautauqua, Illinois, it is easy to ing even just a week or two at one of the PAWS has the resources to continue meeting the needs of our lebrity Martini Glass Auction (CMGA) in Naples, FL. Philanthro- see why. country’s treasured Chautauquas this sum- wounded warriors. We couldn’t be more thankful!” pist and founder Brenda Melton asked attendees to open their mer. You can discover more at both www. New Piasa is like a time capsule, capturing the “ hearts with her theme “Love Is…” And with open hearts came Love is…dedication chautauquatrail.com and www.ciweb.org. best of American summers for any and all to a bounty of open wallets. “Love Is…” was a record-breaking year Melton started the CMGA back in 2008 to aid fundraising efforts enjoy. The wooded property is dotted with Travel writer K​elly Villasuso and photographer for the CMGA, which raised more than $600,000 in support of for the Naples Film Festival. Donations totaled an impressive Chautauqua Institution on the shores of Lake Raul Villasuso, Jr. live in Chicago but, through PAWS Assistant Dogs, a non-profit corporation that promotes in- $21,000 that first year. After refocusing and refining her mission, Chautauqua in southwestern New York state comes alive each summer with a unique mix of fine their travels, call the world home. and performing arts, lectures, interfaith worship and programs, and recreational activities.

112 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 113 Melton was thrilled the couple accepted her “The CMGA After-Party is gaining a repu- Melton concluded: “Love transcends so many Melton’s CMGA has ever invitation to the CMGA. “The auction was won- tation on its own as a can’t-miss event!” things. Just look at the Donleys’ special con- since concentrated efforts derful,” beamed Melton. “Everyone wanted to enthused Bates. “Patrons were raving about nection… I’m trying to make a difference for the PAWS organiza- stay all night. And afterwards the candy land the chefs, who really stepped it up this year in a happy, positive way. We don’t need any tion. “Brenda is the heart that Norman Love put on was beyond words. to wow everyone. Crave Culinaire and Sea more anger. It is more important than ever to and soul of the event Florian Belanger from Food Network’s ‘Cup- Salt returned this year and were joined remember that love really is all around us.” and the creative force be- cake Wars’ was there with a full display. It was by first-time participants Black Salt and Tacos hind it,” remarked Jeannie crazy good!” (See below). & Tequila.” Bates, director of PAWS. The theme of each year’s event is up to Melton — and it can be a challenge. Upon reflection, it seems Love Story – that her “Love Is…” theme Autographed by Ryan O’Neal and Ali MacGraw was all around her, just waiting to blossom. Left to right: Shemane and Ted Nugent with 2017 CMGA honorees Love is… Lance Corporal Tim Donley and wife Kelly. serendipity At last year’s CMGA, Melton met a couple who Love and they graciously signed a “Love Story” enthralled her – Lance Corporal Tim Donley martini glass. Shortly afterward, her friend and his wife Kelly. “I was greeting our guests, Patty Baker, one of the producers for the A SWEET ENDING TO THE 2017 CMGA and I noticed this stunning woman with long, Broadway smash “Hamilton” called. “Patty had Meet the World-Famous Chocolatier and Master Patisserie Duo red, hair. She was with Tim, a double amputee. a special martini glass for me – Lin-Manuel Mi- Who Created the Decadent Fantasy After-Party I said to them, ‘Thank you so much for your randa’s signature glass! I could hardly contain By Alona ABBADY Martinez service and sacrifice,’ and that was about it. As myself,” exclaimed Melton. “So now I have this Norman Love & they went away, I had this lingering feeling that glass, and I’m watching the Tony Awards, and Florian Bellanger I hadn’t said enough. How do you thank some- Miranda gets up on stage and says, ‘Love is, Chocolatier, Norman Love In January 2001, just three months after he Glass at CMGA love is, love…’ It just hit me. Love Is… That’s one for putting their life on the line? I just came Norman Love con- began, USA Today named Norman Love rejected because he was too our theme! It’s all about love. Love is… so face to face with the true meaning of heroism. fesses he entered the Confections in the “Top Ten Places To Buy young. A year later he was accept- Gryffindor glass signed by Harry Potter’s many things. Our veterans, our country, our We are a free country because these men and chocolate business by Chocolates for Valentines,” catapulting him ed, overcame a childhood choco- Daniel Radcliffe animals, it is everywhere. The event was built women sacrifice every day.” happenstance. After into the spotlight. Sixteen years later, Nor- late allergy, and went on to specialize around that.” As Melton watched the couple, she noticed a highly successful man Love operates five chocolate salons, in pastry, ice cream and chocolate. career as Corporate two production facilities, and a vibrant e- Kelly sitting in Tim’s lap. “They radiated so Love is…magical Prior to Mad-Mac, Bellanger was New York Pastry Chef for all commerce business that allows his choco- much love that I kept thinking about them. Love had struck Melton and she knew she Fauchon’s executive pastry chef in Yankees glass Ritz Carlton Hotels, lates, created in Southwest Florida, to reach There’s a great story there, I thought.” And wanted to honor that magnetic couple. “I the U.S. Bellanger was also signed by Love, seeking more time with his family, left fans around the country. there was. Several months passed. “I still wasn’t asked Jeannie Bates at PAWS to tell me more pastry chef at New York’s Hall-of-Fame when an opportunity arose to produce a sure of a theme,” recalled Melton. Then I learned about them,” said Melton. “Kelly was visiting her Master Patisserie, 3-Michelin-star iconic eat- manager baking competition for the Food Network. To that Ryan O’Neal and Ali MacGraw were going wounded brother, Mark, at Walter Reed Hospi- Florian Bellanger ery Le Bernardin from 1996-2001. Joe Torre supplement his income, he began making to be performing “Love Letters” at the Barbara B. tal,” Bates said. “During her visits, Tim and Kelly Florian Bellanger, “Everything is possible when beautiful souls chocolates in a 600-square-foot office. Mann Theater. I remembered that they starred became friends. Then fell in love. This beautiful acclaimed judge gathered together to financially help our relationship arose from tragic circumstances.” together in the movie “Love Story.” Melton “My focus was handmade, ultra-premium, on the hit TV veterans in need,” said Chef Bellanger. “As a reached out to them through Chef Norman Lance Corporal Donley recalled: “Mark had with an artistic expression that didn’t exist Food Network- French macarons maker and pastry chef for many visitors as his family was close by. One in chocolates. Chocolate always looked the show, “Cupcake over 30 years, I always feel that ‘sweets’ can of these was a beautiful young girl with same, no matter if it was expensive or inex- Wars”, is Execu- contribute to make this world a bit ‘sweeter’ long hair, gorgeous eyes and an obviously pensive,” Norman said. tive Pastry Chef and nicer. It was my pleasure to help raise Hamilton large heart.” Donley begged for a formal in- and Co-Owner of funds for PAWS.” glass signed Artisanal chocolates from troduction (he is that kind of gentleman). “It Mad-Mac, “The Authentic French Macarons by Lin-Manuel Norman Love Confections Editors Note: Pastry Chef Florian Bellanger quickly became apparent that she was not and Madeleines” French cookie and pastry Miranda (judge on TV’s “Cupcake Wars”) is a master only someone who could understand my company which he co-founded in 2006. macaron maker at Mad-Mac. injuries, but someone who could under- Bellanger spent much of his afternoons as www.madmacnyc.com stand my heart.” Two years to the date they a child baking for his family. At age 15, To learn more about the CMGA, met, the couple married. he applied to Paris’ prestigious pas- Left to right: Jay and Patty Baker with visit: www.naplescmga.com try school, the École de Paris des Brenda and Phil Melton PHOTOS: CHARLIE McDONALD To learn more about PAWS, visit: www.paws.org Métiers de la Table, only to be

114 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 115 • The Lake Worth Art League is worth a visit, A Little Town as is the Art Shop. Called Lake Worth • Artists from all over the world gravitate to the BY CARLETON VARNEY village for street painting festivals, and it is a must-see!.

• Hermes, Gucci, and Pucci vintage designs at Judy King’s consignment shop, Fashion Xchange, located at 702 Lake Avenue since 1989, is a popular spot with the Palm Beach and Wellington ladies who often consign gowns, dresses and bags never worn or carried.

• An evening is a dinner at Little Munich at 806 Lake Avenue, operated by husband and wife Gabi and Peter Kachler. This restaurant serves bratwurst and wiener schnitzel, the best homemade streusel outside of München, as well as German beers. Try Bitburger Premium Pils, one of my favorites.

• Lake Worth is always an art adventure and my favorite place to visit is Artisans on the Avenue at 630 Lake Avenue. The artist on duty when I last visited was Ebba TinWin, a German lady with a big smile who is a collage artist, painter and a maker of sea glass jewelry. outh of Palm Beach and north of Tiffany set, but for sure that set drops into Boynton Beach, tourists to South the village on occasion to see what is what • Dakota Design Studio is represented by Florida will find the sleepy little in the vintage clothing shops that are part Gail Johnson who crafts dramatic rubber town of Lake Worth where the of the town ambiance. wearable jewelry. streets are lined with small cot- Hotels on the oceanfront in Lake Worth are • Robert A. Hunter’s woodwork designs are tages painted bright and happy the Four Seasons, The Tideline and the Fair- award winning, from chopping and bread Floridian colors – melon, pineapple, aqua S boards to bowls and serving pieces. field Inn, a short walk from the Lake Worth blue and pink. Where terraces and patios casino, beach and restaurants. This is also have canvas awnings and where gardens • John McCoy pottery is on display at Artisans where you’ll find the boardwalk restaurants are protected by white painted fences, trel- on the Avenue and his talents are many, many. on the sea filled with students young and lis borders and pickets. old soaking up the sun. • Lake Worth is home to a theatre where lo- cal on-stage productions are popular, and Lake Worth is a quiet beach town community What To See And Do where you’ll find creativity from the ocean to home to the Palm Beach Arts Council locat- Here are a number of places to go and see the Intracoastal waters. A visit to Lake Worth ed in a white art deco style building that is a if you wish to explore this charming village: is a visit to a picture postcard past! town treasure. Here, exhibitions are always • Lucerne Avenue going west from the sea in view and local artists, as well as out-of- Recently the book Cottages of Lake Worth boasts many fun restaurants, one being La town-painters, often show their work. was published and authored by Dean Sher- Bonne Bouche. Fresh croissants are baked each win, Janice Snearer and Taylor Jones, and I When visiting the sleepy beach village of morning by the chef/owner Eric Regnier from have found the book inspirational in style, Lake Worth, you’ll find art in bloom, cuisine Nice. For luncheon, my pick was a duck cooked as well as in design, with decorating ideas in full bloom, and Florida fashion very much to perfection (and I truly mean perfection) – that are modestly costly. Lake Worth may in part of the culture. with a crispy outside in the French tradition. some respects be a village for the now and new younger set, as you’ll see some of the • Just up the street, you’ll find Rustico Carleton Varney tattoo generation about Lake and Lucerne Italiano where pastas of all descriptions avenues where restaurants and small shops await those who enjoy the flavors of flourish. Lake Worth is not a town generally Venice, Firenze, Roma and Sicily! frequented for the Saks Fifth Avenue or the

116 OPULENCE Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 117 for rich Federalists…” Samuel McIntire Historic District Deriving its name from one of Salem’s most notable citi- zens, the district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981 when two prior historic areas (the Chestnut Street Historic District and the Federal Street Area Historic hen most people think District) were combined with other of Salem, Massachu- structures on nearby side streets to setts, the first thing that form the largest district in the city. immediately comes to This district contains over 400 build- mind is the infamous 17th century witch ings, however, it is Chestnut Street’s Wtrials that took place in the area during a concentration of lovingly preserved short but chaotic period from February of Federal Period residences that is clear- 1692 to May of 1693. The writing of author ly the crown jewel as architect John Nathaniel Hawthorne runs a respectable Willand eloquently states on his second place. While the religious fervor blog “…Salem’s Chestnut Street is caused centuries ago by delusional accus- undeniably a special place – Wicked ers and overzealous prosecutors coupled gracious, refined, imposing, The Historic Homes with Hawthorne’s acclaimed brand of “dark and yes, certainly beautiful. romanticism” have spawned an omnipres- The street is historically Of Salem, Massachusetts ent marketing campaign, for discerning vis- as well as aesthetically itors looking for something less touristy, Sa- significant…superlatives Good lem also boasts a picturesque architectural aside, the street merits charm - along what some refer to as one of all the attention it gets.” the most beautiful streets in America. This While the Federal design display harkens back to when, as author period (1780-1820) is pre- BY Todd R. Sciore Chair design: Architecture Robert Booth notes in Death of an Empire, dominantly represented, Samuel McIntire “The world’s wealth, channeled into the other classic styles includ- streets and countinghouses, raised up all ing Italian and Greek Re-

Gardner-Pingree House, 1804, Salem, Massachusetts classes in Salem…several mansions went vival also sporadically dot Photo credit: Liz Kelleher, www.flickr.com/photos/lizkdc/ up on Chestnut Street, the new boulevard the streetscape, however,

118 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 119 to the casual eye, there is a seamless conti- nuity amongst the structures and as Willand indicates, “The street’s boulevard-like width, towering street trees, ornate fencing, period street lamps, and brick sidewalks…comple- ment the architecture and underpin the Samuel McIntire first house signage. See close-up (lower right). pleasing impression”. Willand is spot on in his description and for this writer, no sooner did I turn the corner onto Chestnut Street when the subconscious desire to live there took hold. Samuel McIntire Samuel McIntire (1757-1811) was a native son to Salem and was initially an ornamental woodcarver by trade with a sheaf of wheat Architect sketch of the Pierce-Nichols House Pierce-Nichols House detail being one of his favored design elements as it best represented the then prosperity of at the shop while his brothers Joseph and Angier McIntire were at the If you are like me with an appreciation for early American architec- Salem and its successful merchant trades- job sites. In addition to the aforementioned Derby residence, other ture, and would prefer a colonial era home accented with authentic men. McIntire was a self-taught architect notable examples of his designs throughout Salem are the Pierce- period furniture over new construction, take a leisurely stroll down who eventually set up shop at 31 Summer who in his day was the wealthiest business- Nichols and Benjamin Hawkes residences, the Ropes Mansion, along Chestnut Street and some of its nearby thoroughfares. The collective Street (near the intersection of Summer and man in Salem due to his success in trading with public buildings such as the renowned Hamilton Hall facility. streetscapes superbly capture the grand essence of Salem’s early sea- Chestnut streets) in 1786. However, it was cir- with China. Obviously, work performed for faring heyday, when trading merchants were the business elite - long ca 1780 when he began to make a name for Derby and his extended family propelled Despite his notoriety for home design, after 1790 he focused his before shipping gave way to all things dark and witchy. himself as the preeminent designer amongst McIntire’s career, however, he chose to work abilities on wood carving “to complement the architecture” as Salem’s elite maritime merchant class which primarily in the New England area where noted in Samuel McIntire: Carving an American Style by Dean T. Samuel McIntire included none other than Elias Hasket Derby, Samuel often oversaw the ornamentation Lahikainen. His talents also transcended to sculpture, carving fig- ureheads for some of Salem’s sailing vessels and furniture mak- ing. So much so that examples of furniture whose woodwork Samuel McIntire (1757-1811) was a native son to is attributed to McIntire are firmly ensconced in museums, and Salem and was initially an ornamental woodcarver private collections and pieces can command attention grabbing prices when they occasionally come to auction (at a Christie’s auc- by trade with a sheaf of wheat being one of his tion in 2011, a mahogany side chair with hand carving attributed favored design elements as it best represented to McIntire and formerly owned by Elias Hasket Derby hammered down for $662,500.00 setting a then world record for Federal the then prosperity of Salem and its period furniture). successful merchant tradesmen.

Plan of the town of Salem in the commonwealth of Massachusetts, from actual surveys, made in the years 1796 & 1804; with the improvements and alterations since that period as surveyed. 1820 Jonathan Peele Saunders.

Sources: Salem, Massachusetts, Circa 1801. Samuel McIntire: Carving an American Style by Dean T. Lahikainen, 2007 Carving Attributed to Samuel McIntire. Peabody Essex Museum. Primary Wood: Mahogany Death of an Empire, The Rise and Murderous Fall of Salem, America’s Secondary Woods: Birch, Pine Richest City by Robert Booth, 2011, Thomas Dunne Books, St. Martin’s Press, Provenance: Probably Jerathamiel (1747-1827) and Sarah (Ropes) Pierce (1752-1796), Salem, NY. Pg 25. Massachusetts; Sarah (Pierce) Nichols (1780-1835), daughter; Israel Sack, Inc., New York. www.wikipedia.com; www.wikimedia.org • www.salemweb.com/tales/ mcintire.php Reference: See Israel Sack, Inc., American Antiques from Israel Sack Collection, vol. VII, p. 1729, English: Portrait of Samuel McIntire, c. 1786, pastel portrait attributed to no. P4820. Please also see Dean Lahikainen, Samuel McIntire: Carving an American Style, Benjamin Blyth (1746-1811) of Salem, Massachusetts. Courtesy of the pp. 253-255 for a discussion of the McIntire furniture in the Pierce-Nichols house. Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, Massachusetts. Ropes Mansion www.incollect.com/listings/furniture/seating/samuel-mcintire-federal-hepplewhite- upholstered-window-seat-126297

120 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 121 Medical News

are designed to function in fluid, and we decade from now, extremely premature in- than the current mark of 23 weeks. Before Unique Womb-Like Device Could simulate that environment here, allowing fants would continue to develop in cham- that point, limitations of physical size and the lungs and other organs to develop, bers filled with amniotic fluid, rather than physiologic functioning would impose Give Extremely Premature Babies while supplying nutrients and growth lying in incubators, attached to ventilators. unacceptably high risks. However, he factors,” said fetal physiologist Marcus G. Added to the desired health benefits, there added, “This system is potentially far supe- Davey, Ph.D., who designed the system’s could be a large economic impact as well, rior to what hospitals can currently do for A Precious Chance inflow and outflow apparatus. reducing the estimated $43 billion annual a 23-week-old baby born at the cusp of Why This Research Is More medical costs of prematurity in the U.S. viability. This could establish a new stand- In lamb studies, researchers at the ard of care for this subset of extremely Successful Than Others Dr. Flake stresses that the team does not Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia premature infants.” have designed a fluid-filled environ- In The Past aim to extend viability to an earlier period ment to bridge critical time from moth- Previous researchers have investigated ver- er’s womb to the outside world. sions of an artificial placenta in animal mod- els, but pumpless systems have achieved a A unique womb-like environment de- maximum duration of 60 hours, and the ani- The lambs shown below, in the unique signed by pediatric researchers could mals have sustained brain damage. The new transform care for extremely premature system has operated up to 670 hours (28 womb-like environment designed by pediatric babies by mimicking the prenatal fluid- days) with some animals, which remained researchers, showed normal breathing and filled environment to give the tiniest healthy. The lambs showed normal breath- newborns a precious few weeks to de- ing and swallowing, opened their eyes, swallowing, opened their eyes, grew wool, velop their lungs and other organs. grew wool, became more active, and had “Our system could prevent the severe normal growth, neurological function and became more active, and had normal growth, morbidity suffered by extremely pre- organ maturation. neurological function and organ maturation. mature infants by potentially offering a This premature lamb is thriving in the artificial womb. Lambs have The program team brings to- medical technology that does not current- prenatal lung development very similar to human babies. gether neonatologists, fetal ly exist,” said study leader Alan W. Flake, M.D., medicine specialists, respira- a fetal surgeon and director of the Center have pushed the limits of viability to 22 to cubator tank, and tory therapists, perfusion- for Fetal Research in the Center for Fetal 23 weeks of gestation. At that age, an infant progressing to the ists and others. The initial im- Diagnosis and Treatment at Children’s weighs below 600 grams — little more current device. petus for the program came Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). than a pound — and has a 30 to 50 percent The eight preterm from CHOP research fellow Alan W. Flake, M.D. Dr. Flake and colleagues reported on chance of survival. But this survival comes lambs tested in Emily Partridge, M.D., Ph.D., preclinical studies of their extra-uterine at a high price in quality of life, with a 90 the most recent prototype were physiologi- who experienced the chal- support device in the recent April issue of percent risk of morbidity, from chronic lung cally equivalent to a 23- or 24-week-gesta- lenges of caring for critically Nature Communications. They tested and disease or other complications of organ im- tion human infant. premature infants. “Those maturity. Survivors face lifelong disability. infants really struck a chord monitored effects on fetal lambs, in which The current system mimics life in the uterus with me,” she said. She re- prenatal lung development is very similar to How The Device Works as closely as possible, building on knowl- searched existing scientific that occurring in humans. The innovative system uses a unique fluid- edge from previous neonatal research. literature, and five years ago A Closer Look At filled container attached to custom-de- There is no external pump to drive circula- proposed to Dr. Flake the The Extreme Need signed machines that provide physiologic tion, because even gentle artificial pressure pilot project. Of the one in 10 U.S. births that are prema- support. The fetal lambs grow in a temper- can fatally overload an underdeveloped ture (younger than 37 weeks gestational ature-controlled, near-sterile environment, heart, and there is no ventilator, because Next Steps age), about 30,000 per year are critically pre- breathing amniotic fluid as they normally the immature lungs are not yet ready to The researchers will con- term — younger than 26 weeks. Extreme do in the womb, their hearts pumping do their work of breathing in atmospheric tinue to evaluate and refine prematurity is the nation’s leading cause of blood through their umbilical cord into a oxygen. Instead, the baby’s heart pumps the system, and will need to infant mortality and morbidity, accounting gas exchange machine outside the bag. blood via the umbilical cord into the downsize it for human infants, for one-third of all infant deaths and one- Electronic monitors measure vital signs, system’s low-resistance external oxygenator who are one-third the size of half of all cases of cerebral palsy attributed blood flow and other crucial functions. that substitutes for the mother’s placenta in the infant lambs used in the exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide. current study. If their animal to prematurity. Researchers describe the evolution of their results translate into clinical Neonatal care practices have improved system over three years, through a series of Amniotic fluid, produced in the laboratory, care, Dr. Flake envisions that a overall survival of premature infants and four prototypes, beginning with a glass in- flows into and out of the bag. “Fetal lungs

122 OPULENCE Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 123 International Issues Making War Crimes Unprofitable: Paradigm tax group The Sentry and George Clooney Target Famine Quality Representation & Service to Fisher Island Residents for the Past 20 Years. By Erick Rodriguez We now offer nationwide capabilities with 31 offices across the United States. Although the notion of government forces the world recognizes and armed ethnic factions raiding civilian vil- that South Sudan can- lages may seem foreign, it is the harsh real- not become a failed ity of daily life in South Sudan. In response to state, not only because this humanitarian crisis, George Clooney and of the humanitarian co-founder John Prendergast have launched crisis, but because we an initiative through the group known as The have seen the influences Sentry, a team of analysts, regional experts, that can take hold in a and financial forensic investigators that works failed state.” With mind- to actively disrupt the corrupt networks that ful forethought, Clooney fund and profit from genocide or other mass weighed the policy im- atrocities in Africa. In a press conference for plications of inaction, The Sentry, Clooney began by summarizing concluding that “we can John Prendergast, George Clooney, and Sudanese elder the history of South Sudan. He explained that, either take action now, “In 2011, South Sudan voted overwhelmingly or we can spend the next decade picking up Not On Our Watch, a non-profit against for independence from the government of the mess.” mass atrocities called the Enough Project, Sudan, and its President, Omar-Al Bashir, a man and the Center for Advanced Defense Stud- In a foreword to The Sentry’s report, the who is charged with war crimes by the Inter- ies, a data-analysis non-profit organization. renowned actor and his co-founder advise national Criminal Court.” When the UN recog- that the key to eliminating the famine is to Prendergast synopsized the dire issues plagu- nized South Sudan, the international commu- hold accountable “the system of international ing South Sudan, namely that its leaders “have nity hoped that the partition would bring an banks, businesses, arms brokers, real estate learned that rape, child soldier recruitment, end to the years of violence that pervaded the firms, and lawyers who…facilitate the violent and mass killings are not enough to trigger region while ethnic factions fought for control. kleptocracy that South Sudan has become,” by any meaningful accountability measures.” As Clooney asserted the harsh realities of contem- halting the liquidation of stolen assets and the to the reason for the continued human rights porary South Sudan. “Unfortunately, the past subsequent use of these assets internationally. violations, he attested that “what’s missing is five years, South Sudan’s leaders have engaged international leverage,” and proposes creat- in much of the same behavior, including mass ing such leverage by using “precision-guided atrocities on its citizens, starvation, and rape. All financial policy tools normally reserved for while plundering the state’s resources, and en- countering terrorism, fighting organized riching themselves and their families.” In a bold crime, for halting the proliferation of nuclear revelation, Clooney declared that he was in- weapons.” Prendergast further suggests the volved in, “a two-year undercover investigation use of “readily available anti-laundering meas- by The Sentry, using forensic accountants and ures…with targeted sanctions focused on the Our Expertise is your success! experts formerly from the FBI and Treasury de- top officials in the regime and their interna- partment.” As the ongoing famine continues tional facilitators.” Simply put, The Sentry infers Sudanese woman waiting in food line to deprive citizens of the necessary resources from its evidence that the keys to stopping to feed themselves, Clooney proclaimed that The UN reports that over 3.5 million South the famine in South Sudan are government- the “irrefutable evidence” gathered by The Sen- Sudanese have been displaced by govern- enacted sanctions on the state’s top officials, try will provide critical insight into the cause ment military raids that seize the fruits of enforcing penalties on banks that enable of the problem and, “provide solutions to arduous agricultural labor. “War has been money laundering by the designated officials, help end this criminal behavior to protect in- hell for South Sudan’s people, but it has and sanctions on the financial institutions that nocent civilians.” been very lucrative for the country’s leaders facilitate their acquisition of assets. In light Real Property, Personal Property and Complex Industrial Tax representation. and their collaborators in the international of the evidence uncovered by The Sentry, Throughout the process of the secession of Federal Tax Credits/Local Abatements Available for the Rehabilitation of Historic Structures. financial system,” professed John Prender- George Clooney reinforces the importance South Sudan, the United States was heavily gast, speaking for The Sentry. Prendergast of retributive justice, conclusively emphasiz- involved in ensuring that the safety of citizens formed the partnership with Clooney in ing that “real leverage for peace and human was prioritized. “Since 2014, the U.S. has given Property Tax Adjusters, Inc. Gary A. Appel, Esq. Adam C. Cappel 2015 with the collaboration of Clooney’s rights will come when the people who Bay Point Office Tower, Licensed Florida Senior Managing $1.5 billion in aid to South Sudan,” acknowl- 4770 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 1100 Real Estate Broker Consultant - Principal human rights advocacy non-profit called benefit from war will pay a price for the Senior Managing edged Clooney, imploring that “the U.S. and Miami, Florida 33137 damage they cause.” Phone 305.576.0033 Consultant - Principal [email protected] www.paradigmtax.com 124 OPULENCE Summer 2017 INTERNATIONAL ISSUES BY ERICK RODRIGUEZ the infamous slave trade. Among some of the most notorious epicenters through- out the world for human trafficking are Southeast Asia, China, Russia, Eastern Eu- rope, Brazil, Venezuela, Mexico, and India.

Human trafficking is defined by the U.N. as, “recruiting, harboring, transporting, provid- ing, or obtaining a person for compelled labor or commercial sex acts through the use of force, fraud, or coercion.” Trafficking, particularly sex trafficking, has been a per- vasive issue throughout the history of man- kind that has eluded a reliable panacea due to government inability to wholly enforce the law. In countries without reliable law enforcement, those who engage in sex traf- ficking are enabled by the chaotic environ- ment that makes lawlessness so common. Even so, the problem continues to exist in developed countries due to halfhearted ef- An INTERNATIONAL Issue forts by governments and citizens to put a that Transcends History stop to human trafficking. NEED FOR MEANINGFUL f you’ve ever been to the ruins of bled by an underlying cultural acceptance LEGISLATION Pompeii in Italy, a historical site on the for a practice that has persisted to this day. To put the relevance of the issue into per- United Nations World Heritage list, you Shamere McKenzie, CEO of the non-profit spective, Ashton Kutcher, co-founder of would find the remains of Lupanar, Sun Gate Foundation and human traffick- a company that builds software to fight Ia brothel with erotic depictions of the ing survivor, sheds light on how modern human trafficking called Thorn, testified services that were provided in a way that is popular culture subliminally contributes in front of Congress on February 15, 2017, unusually reminiscent of the menu at your to the glorification of human trafficking. In urging officials to pass meaningful legisla- local fast-food restaurant. her work, she partakes in speaking engage- tion on the issue. As humankind continues ments to share her experience and fulfill to progress into an era where the protec- During the relevant time period, which the Foundation’s mission of providing aid tion of fundamental rights becomes a would be in the earliest decades of the to survivors of human trafficking through more widespread norm, the plight of those first millennia, sailors and soldiers would scholarships and financial aid for educa- who still face the deprivation of their basic often frequent the brothels of the ports tional purposes. liberties should not merely be relegated they arrived in after long sea voyages. These as a relic of the past like the historic ruins premises were typically staffed by slaves of During one of her speaking engagements, of Pompeii. Oriental or Greek origin with no real alterna- McKenzie described how music, legislation, tives for work. Due to a common language and cultural norms can facilitate acceptance barrier, visitors of such brothels were usu- of the harsh reality that human trafficking is Erick Rodriguez ally unable to speak the local language and a problem that continues to exist despite way in which U.S. laws punish prostitution her from the brutal onslaught of a greedy ences with victims of human trafficking has a B.A. in Political express their desires, leading to the creation efforts to stop it. For example, McKenzie and make it difficult for victims of sex slav- pimp who had uprooted her from the suc- and child slavery. Describing his treacher- Science and Interna- of what are now historical remains of an highlights the prominence of references ery to seek help from law enforcement for cess of her academic career and forced her ous visit to the Democratic Republic of tional Studies from the ancient practice. glorifying “pimps” and “bitches” in certain fear of being incarcerated. Finally, one of the into the world of sex slavery for 18 months. the Congo, Bales explains how men and University of Central musical genres that make it easy and even THE PERVASIVENESS most common issues with eradicating the women are enslaved by militias and the Florida where he was desirable for individuals to accept traffick- IN BROAD DAYLIGHT Can we really call sex slavery an ancient issue of the human slave trade is the social Congolese army to perform forced labor. the human trafficking ing when phrased in ways that conceal the Human trafficking is not always so con- practice? Perhaps in the United States the psychological phenomenon known as the He elaborates on the issue, proclaiming research fellow. He true nature of the horrid practice. As a sur- cealed from public life in other countries. idea of a brothel is one that seems foreign bystander effect, or the apathy expressed that women and girls are targeted during is currently a 2L at the University of Miami vivor of sexual enslavement, McKenzie fur- In his book Blood and Earth: Modern Slavery, to many because of the outright illegality by individuals who are aware of the plight attacks on villages due to the cultural ob- School of Law. ther asserts that businesses like strip clubs Ecocide, and the Secret to Saving the World, of prostitution in America. However, Pom- of a victim but do not offer any means of jectification of women that has become serve as havens for forced prostitution. She human rights activist Kevin Bales provides peii’s historical example illustrates that the assistance. In McKenzie’s case, it took the the heinous norm in the Congo. However, claims the problem is exacerbated by the a more holistic perspective on the issue pervasiveness of human trafficking is ena- help of one concerned individual to shelter Africa is not the only continent known for through his narration of firsthand experi-

126 OPULENCE Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 127 Condo Law By Roberto C. Blanch Association Boards Should Spread the Load by Relying on Committees You’re only as

ssociation board members give up a great deal of their time and lend their varying expertise to help their com- A munities run as smoothly and effectively as possible. Given that so much is asked of the directors, it is important that they take appropriate steps to delegate responsibilities to committees Roberto C. Blanch comprised of association members. good as the For most community associations, the benefits of involving com- highly qualified legal counsel to help ensure their proper establish- mittees are extremely worthwhile. Not only do they create a forum ment and operation. for the implementation and enforcement of vital policies and de- Some of the most popular types of committees are those oversee- cisions, they also serve as ideal incubators for prospective future ing architectural control (especially for single-family home com- board members. munities), member communications, association finances, social By their very nature, committees comprised of volunteer owners events, and fines and enforcement. and residents should have a good understanding of the best poli- By utilizing committees and working to see that they are consistently counsel you keep. cies and practices for their community. They may be ideally suited staffed by dedicated association members who are eager to take to oversee matters that involve the collection of information from part, associations are able to help ensure that they operate as effi- the owners and the subsequent assessing of the data in order to ciently and effectively as possible while also avoiding overburdening make strong recommendations for suggested solutions. their board members with too many issues and responsibilities. Association boards should take the time to closely consider the use Attorney Roberto C. Blanch focuses on community association law as a of different types of committees and their intended roles and re- partner with Siegfried, Rivera, Hyman, Lerner, De La Torre, Mars & Sobel, Legal Counsel to Community Associations Since 1977 sponsibilities. Most association governing documents will include P.A. The firm maintains offices in Coral Gables as well as in Broward provisions governing the establishment of volunteer committees and Palm Beach counties, and it represents more than 800 community and how their decisions will be enacted. When first establishing associations. www.srhl-law.com, www.FloridaHOALawyerBlog.com, committees, associations would be well advised to consult with 305-442-3334.

R Offices in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Main Office: Suntrust Plaza, 201 Alhambra Circle, Suite 1100, Coral Gables, FL 33134 800-737-1390 | www.srhl-law.com

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SR ads 1pg Opulence.indd 3 10/28/15 3:14 PM Portfolio & Real Estate Guide

5801 Moss Ranch Road | Pinecrest, FL Priced at $7,999,999 Agents: Tomi Rose 786.299.1949 Elizabeth Delgado 305.790.2806

305.615.1376 | oirfl.com

130 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 131 Opulence portfolio & Real Estate Guide South Florida

305.615.1376 | oirfl.com

Contemporary Estate Income Producing Duplex Pinecrest Key Biscayne 5801 Moss Ranch Rd. 290 Fernwood Road Pinecrest, FL 33156 Key Biscayne, FL 33149 9 Bedrooms 6 Bedrooms 10 Baths / 3 Half Baths 4 Baths / 2 Half Baths

15,704 SQ.Ft Listed at: $7,999,999 4,094 SQ.Ft Listed at: $3,097,000

This extraordinary custom home completed Enjoy great cash flow from this fully rented in 2014 offers endless entertaining with a duplex in the heart of Key Biscayne. Each pool, 2 summer kitchens, and much more. 3/2.5 unit features its own private pool.

www.5801MossRanchRoad.com wwww.290FernwoodRd.com

Agents: Tomi Rose (786) 229-1949 Agent: Pamela Diaz De Leon (305) 720-8439 Elizabeth Delgado (305) 790-2806

Modern Tropical Oasis Two-Story Combined Residence Pinecrest Downtown Miami 5745 SW 94th Street 1100 Biscayne Blvd. # 4905-6 Pinecrest, FL 33156 Miami, FL 33132 9 Bedrooms 5 Bedrooms 10 Baths / 2 Half Baths 5 Baths / 4 Deeded Parking Spaces

17,714 SQ.Ft Listed at: $7,599,000 5,475 SQ.Ft Listed at: $2,990,000

Two lush acres are the setting for this Soaring 20 foot ceilings reveal stunning contemporary masterpiece built in 2015 with Miami water views from this custom 3 master suites and indoor/outdoor living. residence in the sky at the elegant Marquis.

www.5745sw94thstreet.com www.1100BiscayneBlvd4906.com/

Agent: Marianna Dubinsky (305) 432-7555 Agent: Tomi Rose (786) 229-1949

Tuscan Estate Masterpiece Balinese Inspired Boca Raton Miami Shores 373 Mizner Lake Estates 8932 NE 10th Ct. Boca Raton, FL 33432 Miami, FL 33138 5 Bedrooms 4 Bedrooms 8 Baths 3 Baths / 1 Half Bath

7,387 SQ.Ft Listed at: $4,599,900 3,830 SQ.Ft Listed at: $2,250,000

Built on the grounds of the world renowned This stunning, Balinese inspired home Boca Raton Resort, was this estate “Model”. embraces the best in relaxed, inside/out The ultimate lifestyle. luxury living.

www.373miznerlakeestatesdrive.com www.8932NE10THCT.com

Agent: David Hammond (908) 208.7120 Agent: Kelly Lyles (305) 904-0824

132 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 133 Opulence portfolio & Real Estate Guide South Florida

Grove at Grand Bay Eye on Architecture

by Jill Patterson

do you get when you combine an A-list architect, a prolific South Florida landscape What architect and a developer more interested in creating neighborhood and legacy than wringing out the last dollar from his project? If you’re lucky, you might get a project as breathtaking as Grove At Grand Bay, the first new residential development in 10 years in Coconut Grove.

The cast breaks down as follows. Enter the rockstar, Danish-born Bjarke Ingels whose risk taking and creative problem solving have taken the world by storm. Other projects include Two World Trade Center and the Google Headquarters. His answer to this historic Coconut Grove waterfront site on North Bayshore Drive are the two elegant winding towers which each twist at a 38 degree angle allowing for fabulous views from both buildings as they interact and look around each other. From floors 3 to 17 the protruding floorplates are offset by 3 feet, creating a brise-soleil effect for more shade and reduced heat gain. The recipient of several engineering awards, these LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certified glass “Twisted Sisters”, as the locals refer to them, are supported by their core and by giant concrete pillars which run through the interior of the units. All the units are 12 feet tall with 12 foot sliding glass doors (the tallest hurricane proof doors made) and offer 12 foot deep terraces with summer kitchens.

Landscape architect, Raymond Jungles, has re-created the feel of the leafiest One of a Kind parts of the Coconut Grove with over 500 native trees and 15,000 plants set in Coconut Grove and around Ingels organic forms of porous keystone and oolite. A spiraling 2675 S Bayshore Dr. #401S porte-cochere connecting both buildings shades visitors and doubles Miami, FL 33131 playfully as a planter from above. 6 Bedrooms 6 Baths Developer David Martin of Terra deeply understands the heart and soul 4,492 SQ.Ft Listed at: $4,999,999 of Coconut Grove, and its long history of artists, activists, writers and iconoclasts. His mission was to create something of value that spoke Live in arguably the most architecturally significant residential building in South to that legacy. Inside the project he has added a huge art collection Florida, designed by Bjarke Ingels who is valued at more than $1.2 million. transforming the NYC skyline (Two World Trade Center / Google’s Headquarters). The result of these combined efforts is a place so livable, so Located in the South Tower, this 6 uplifting, one can feel the thought and care poured into the bedroom, 6 bath residence with 12ft project at every turn. Other amenities include the rooftop deep wraparound terraces with summer kitchen offers 180 degree direct ocean pools, as well as a ground level lap pool, fitness and spinning and park views. Luxury amenities include rooms, day spa, private dining room, butler service, pet spa, day spa, fitness and spinning, 2 rooftop and children’s area. With only 96 residences, the developer pools, butler service, private chef, 24-hour only used 25% of his allowed density. If you are looking for concierge and pet spa.

a unique address like no other, if you love the natural world www.GroveAtGrandBay401.com and have an appreciation for great art and design, Grove Agent: Giancarlo Butron (786) 316-2292 at Grand Bay may have everything you are looking for.

134 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 135 Opulence portfolio & Real Estate Guide South Florida

305.615.1376 | oirfl.com

Mediterranean Gem Ft. Lauderdale Revisited Coral Gables Neighborhood Spotlight 1209 Asturia Avenue Coral Gables, FL 33134 by Jill Patterson 5 Bedrooms lthough a mere 29 miles separate them, the cities 4 Baths / 1 Half Bath of Miami and Fort Lauderdale could not be more 4,266 SQ.Ft Listed at: $2,250,000 different. As the old joke goes, people live in Miami because it is so conveniently close to the United Perfectly located just blocks from Granada Golf Course, this custom built, sophisticated AStates. With little of the Latin influence, Fort Lauderdale is 2006 home features 18 foot ceilings. decidedly American. And while the city lacks the international glitz of Miami, Fort Lauderdale is increasingly developing its own www.1209AsturiaAve.com unique, relaxed vibe and many people are finding it a tranquil Agent: Elizabeth Delgado (305) 790-2806 option, with more ample parking, easy-access transportation, flourishing arts scene, decent shopping, higher education, beautiful beaches, and housing, in many cases, at one-third the price of Miami. Las Olas River House FATVillage Art Fair | Photo courtesy of C&I Studios. Ft Lauderdale 333 Las Olas Way #310 Lots of developers who moved north to have been moving to the urban areas in speed rail from Miami to Orlando, is well Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 escape the soaring land prices in Miami Downtown. under way with construction at its station 3 Bedrooms have done well in Fort Lauderdale. Auberge at NW 2nd Avenue near Flagler Village. The It always starts with the artists. The seed of 2 Baths / 1 Half Bath Beach Residences, a combined effort Wave, an electric streetcar system, will be Downtown Fort Lauderdale’s revival was between developers The Related Group accepting bids for construction late this 3,223 SQ.Ft Listed at: $1,869,000 probably FATVillage, Fort Lauderdale’s arts and Fortune International Group, is a luxury summer and plans to start building in 2018. community that unlike Miami’s Wynwood, still Las Olas River House residence in the sky two tower pre-construction beachfront The project will connect the station to other exudes opulence. Private elevator and river has some artists who can afford studio space project in Fort Lauderdale which is nearly stops in Downtown and to the Sun Trolley view from the unit. there. FAT stands for Flagler Arts Technology. sold out. Prices hovered around at $1,050 bus system. Port Everglades is ranked Stop off at Brew Urban Café at NW 1st Avenue www.333LasOlasWay.com per square foot. By comparison, new second among cruise ports worldwide oceanfront projects in Miami Beach like for the hippest latte in Fort Lauderdale. A few with more than $3.8 million passengers Agent: Tomi Rose (786) 229-1949 Eighty-Seven Park or the Surf Club Four years ago the area was full of warehouses and in 2016. In addition to all the increased Seasons are selling for $2,500-$3,500psf. auto shops, now it is attracting artisan local infrastructure, the business environment business owners who like the vibe. In the booming North Beach Village area is growing with need for more office, retail, Ritz-Carlton Residence of Fort Lauderdale, notable new projects hospitality and industrial warehouse space. Lots of new infrastructure is helping to lay Bal Harbour are Paramount Fort Lauderdale, the W Fort the groundwork for continued growth. All of those commercial sectors have seen 10295 Collins Avenue #710/711 Lauderdale (a redesign), the Gale Resort Tourism is the economic engine and healthy growth over the last few years. Bal Harbour, FL 33154 and Residences, Adagio and the Four about 16M come to Broward County every In summary, Fort Lauderdale seems to 2 Bedrooms Seasons Fort Lauderdale. year. The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood have rebooted itself out of the downturn 2 Baths / 1 Half Bath Simultaneous to developers moving north, international Airport just got direct service more slowly than Miami, but perhaps more is the Fort Lauderdale population growth to Dubai with Emirates, and it is in the midst stably, with a growing population who 1,147 SQ.Ft Listed at: $1,859,000 and/or redistribution. While wealthy of a 2.3 billion upgrade, including new live and work in the area. With all the new Own at the Ritz. This perfectly situated retirees have been drawn to the beach runway, new restaurants and concourse, initiatives for existing or new infrastructure, oceanfront fully furnished condo-hotel unit with luxury projects like Auberge swapping and renovated terminals and skywalk. All there is obvious upside for investors and may be enjoyed or leased out at your pleasure. their large homes in the burbs, millennials Aboard Florida (Brightline), the new high- the entire community. www.10295CollinsAvenue710.com

Agents: Pamela Diaz De Leon (305) 720-8439 Monica Gonzalez (786) 693-3568

136 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 137 Opulence portfolio & Real Estate Guide South Florida

305.615.1376 | oirfl.com

Build Your Dream Home Tommy Bahamas Style Home Pinecrest Boca Raton 9100 SW 57th Ave. 7841 Afton Villa Ct. Miami, FL 33156 Boca Raton, FL 33433 2 Lots / Land 4 Bedrooms 3 Baths / 1 Half Bath Site A 35,000 SQ.Ft / Site B 37, 867 SQ. FT. 4,098 SQ.Ft Listed at: $1,000,000 Listed at: $1,590,000 This beautifully renovated home features high Build your dream home with South Florida’s ceilings, open floor plan, chef’s kitchen. leading Design-Build construction company, Pioneer Inter-Development, Inc. www.7841AftonVillaCourt.com www.9100sw57thAve.com Agent: Tomi Rose (786) 229-1949 Agent: Marianna Dubinsky (305) 432-7555

Golf Course Home Income Producing Duplex Miami Shores Miami 609 NE 105th St. 500 NW 19 Ave. Miami Shores, FL 33138 Miami, FL 33125 4 Bedrooms 3 Baths / 1 Half Bath 2,583 SQ.Ft Listed at: $999,000 3,741 SQ.Ft Listed at: $1,389,888 Near Marlin Stadium, this entirely renovated Beautifully upgraded and within walking duplex boasts a 10% cap rate. distance to the most prestigious school in Miami Shores, Miami Country Day. www.500nw19Ave.com

www.609ne105th.com Agent: Monica Gonzalez (786) 693-3568

Agent: Wren Chambers (954) 775-4424

Golf Course Community Private Island Boca Raton North Bay Island 21477 Burnside Ct. 7431 Center Bay Dr. Boca Raton, FL 33433 North Bay Village, FL 33141 4 Bedrooms 3 Bedrooms 4 Baths / 1 Half Bath 3 Baths

4,368 SQ.Ft Listed at: $1,200,000 3,579 SQ.Ft Listed at: $950,000

Live in Opulence! Boca Grove is one of Secluded custom home situated on coveted South Florida’s affluent guard-gated, luxury North Bay Island, a private guard gated residential communities. peninsula. Features spa master bath, pool, chef’s kitchen, marble & hardwood floors. www.21477BurnsideCt.com www.7431centerbaydrive.com Agents: Tomi Rose (786) 229-1949 Glenn Roderman: (561) 809-9199 Agent: Tomi Rose (786) 229-1949

138 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 139 Opulence portfolio & Real Estate Guide South Florida

305.615.1376 | oirfl.com

Residence at the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove Developer Profile: 3400 SW 27 Ave #506 Sustainability in Coconut Grove Miami, FL 33133 by Jill Patterson 2 Bedrooms 2 Baths / 1 Half Bath eet Jeremy Waks. A Miami native, at 32 1,540 SQ.Ft Listed at: $869,000 Jeremy is the principal of Oak Ventures who partnered with Urban Atlantic Group to The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton Coconut create Arbor. Arbor is Coconut Grove’s latest Grove, setting the standard for luxury & Mluxury development with 52 residences located at 3034 Oak impeccable service throughout the world. Avenue located just behind the outdoor mall, Cocowalk. www.3400sw27av506.com Designed by Behar Font & Partners, Arbor is a mix of lofts, Agent: Mary Handel (305) 496-4254 townhomes and penthouses, offering bright and spacious units with floor to ceiling windows and 10 foot ceilings.

Penthouse at the Beach Miami Beach Arbor Coconut Grove • Number of Floors: 5 1330 West Ave #LP 3504 • Total Units: 52 Miami Beach, FL 33139 • Bedrooms: 2–3 2 Bedrooms • Sq. Ft. Range: 1,466–2,010 SQ FT 2 Baths • Developer: Urban Atlantic Group - Oak Ventures 1,084 SQ.Ft Listed at: $765,000 • Architect: Behar Font & Partners • Price Starting at $799,000 Best line in the building! Come see the incredible views from the Penthouse. Highly sought after 04 line with amazing ocean and city views from every room. JP: Luxury new construction sales have is well over $1,000 a square foot and we JW: We have had a lot of neighbors slowed considerably in Miami, what made start at $500-$600psf fully amenitized with stopping by to say how excited they are www.1330westave3504.com you want to go ahead with this project? security, valet, 24-hour concierge, fitness that the project is happening, which feels Agent: Adi Zilberberg (305) 209-5017 center, social room, bike share program, great. People in the Grove are very invested JW: Coconut Grove is an amazing pet walk, rooftop yoga deck. We are even in the historical value of the neighborhood neighborhood. It has all the things people looking at putting solar on the roof of the so that was surprising. I lived in the Grove Paramount Bay Residence look for - walkability, waterfront, shops building that we are hoping will lower the for 7 years. I was encouraged by the locals and dining, parks. There are activities on Miami homeowners’ fees. falling in love with what we are doing and the water like sailing and paddleboarding. 2020 N Bayshore Dr. #1204 how we are building in a sustainable way. Coconut Grove is also centrally located We are the perfect example of what Miami, FL 33137 in Miami so everything is within reach, livability and walkability really are. Within JP: What do you think the future holds? 2 Bedrooms Downtown, South Miami, Miami Beach. 50 yards, is retail, dining, parks and 2 Baths JW: I think this sort of building product The Grove is really an end user market. It’s waterfront which are all the things people is the future, a sustainable, boutique, people who want to live here. want. This is a community-based asset that 1,135 SQ.Ft Listed at: $714,000 community-based, walkable, livable is all about connectivity, which I think is Enjoy the view of the bay and Miami Beach JP: So the prime location made you feel product. I think that’s what everybody really important. skyline from this turnkey Paramount Bay secure about the project? today is looking for. Residence. Offered fully furnished with JP: How has the process been so far? Is upgrades like porcelain floors throughout. JW: Yes, and also the fact that there is no For more information about Arbor and there anything that has surprised you? other new development projects, please development like this in this price point. All www.2020paramountbay1204.com/ call us at (305) 615-1376. of the new construction on the waterfront Agent: Cristiano Soares (305) 439-0926

140 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 141 Opulence portfolio & Real Estate Guide New York

212.672.6350 | BondNewyork.com

as in every previous year, the residential market has Loft Living Springtime in heated up in New York City and is expected to remain Tribeca Just strong during 2017. We continue to see strong inventory 17 WHITE STREET, #3A New York City in the re-sale market as the previously overheated new development market New York, NY 10013

by Noah Freedman has leveled off across the city. A balance between ample supply and consistent, 4 Bedrooms qualified demand has created a robustly paced market. 3 Baths

The Luxury sector is slower than in the last couple of years, but it remains stable, at least 3,0 SQ.Ft Listed at: $5,325,000 below the $10 million price point. Many properties that had been under construction Live with downtown authenticity in this during past years were finally completed, and a large number of long anticipated rare 3000 sq ft 4 Bedroom loft located at the closings have shown the true value of each submarket, as closings were recorded, and crossroads of Avenue of the Americas and White Street in the center of TriBeCa. final sale prices revealed across submarkets. Agent: Kenneth Tiger Koehn (646) 723-3022

Stylish Brownstone Chelsea 455 WEST 22ND STREET, #PH New York, NY 10011 2 Bedrooms 2 Baths

1,700 SQ.Ft Listed at: $2,940,000

Modern Luxury Living Inside With Old World Brownstone Charm Outside. Located on the most gorgeous Tree-Lined Block in Prime West Chelsea. Central Park

Although interest rates experienced an incremental increase, there are still historically Agent: Shana Allen (212) 645-8800 low rates available to the most qualified borrowers, and consumers have quickened their pace in obtaining mortgage pre-approvals in order to benefit from current rates before expected increases later this year. Urban Elegance The rental market has experienced an oversupply of luxury new development, with Chelsea more than 25,000 new high-end apartments added to the NYC housing stock this year. 151 WEST 21ST STREET #6B While rents in the luxury sector of the market remain historically high, the quality of the New York, NY 10011 product is better than ever before. Many landlords are offering considerable incentives 2 Bedrooms to tenants, such as free rent (up to three months free in some properties) and paid 2 Baths broker fees. The sub-luxury rental market is just as hot as ever, with fast moving 1,272 SQ.Ft Listed at: $2,850,000 properties and top dollar collected on “ordinary” apartments throughout the city. Layout with 2 bedrooms and 2 full Whether you’re thinking of purchasing, selling, renting, or investing in property in New bathrooms, allowing for separation between York City, BOND New York is your single source and key to the entire city. We are here your gracious living room and sleeping quarters to maximize privacy. to answer your questions or set your aspirations into motion! Agent: David Namer (212) 672-6350

142 Opulence Summer 2017 Summer 2017 Opulence 143 Elevate your experience. Play your favorite Las Vegas style slots, enjoy the thrill of live Blackjack, indulge at the world-class NYY Steak and live it up at Legends Lounge.

Opulence portfolio & Real Estate Guide

The Closing

great big thank you to our Top Producers for the last quarter Noelia Chaskielberg, Mavi Haime, Pamela Diaz De Leon. Mavi has been traveling back and forth A to Colombia and Mexico for her clients presenting projects, Pamela’s circle of influence currently has her working on an exclusive listing in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, and Noelia continues to give great service to her loyal clientele who have been working with her for years. LIVE I am also so happy to announce that Opulence International Realty has successfully completed the first phase of our “One Tree for Every Key” program that provides for the planting of a native tree for every real estate closing to help reduce our carbon footprint and increase THE Miami’s tree canopy.

Did you know that that the Miami tree canopy is only at 12%? Most cities are at 20%. Through the coordinated efforts ofMillion Trees Miami, GOOD Neat Streets Miami, and Green Miami Events, Opulence gave a sizeable donation to a North Miami green restoration area at the corner of 163rd Street and Biscayne Blvd (see picture inset). Several key players were in attendance including the Mayor of North Miami Beach, George Vallejo, Commissioner of North Miami LIFE. Beach, Anthony F. DeFillipo, CEO David Hammond, Opulence Broker Jill Patterson, and Realtor Mavi Haime, who spearheaded this program. We are so proud to be part of the green movement and helping South Florida to grow responsibly.

Have a wonderful summer, everyone, and please think of Opulence for all of your real estate needs. Our knowledgeable agents are ready to help.

Jill Patterson, Broker casinococo.com Opulence International Realty Must be at least 21 years old to play Slots and Table Games or to receive Player’s Club benefits. Must be 18 or older to play Live Poker. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please call 1.888.ADMIT.IT.

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