Winter 2017/18

WINTER 2017/18

You’re invited to a modern luxury experience.

Luxury was always meant to be playful. Experience it free from restriction with a new iconic timepiece every three months.

This is Eleven James.

This is permission to play.

Discover more at elevenjames.com or call 855-ELEVEN-J Enroll Now polaroiduniversity.com PERLA LICHI DESIGN

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2 Opulence Winter 2017/18 THE AFTER AFTER PARTY

AMPLIFIED ACCOMMODATIONS ICONIC ENTERTAINMENT ENDLESS SURPRISES

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Winter 2017/18 Opulence 3 Experience the before and after ©2017 California Closet Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Each franchise independently owned and operated. Each franchise All rights reserved. Inc. ©2017 California Closet Company,

See more stories #CCBeforeAfter californiaclosets.com 305.623.8282 MIAMI 900 Park Centre Blvd.

FL098_Opulence_Sp Couple 18x11.9_0517.indd 1 5/17/17 9:41 AM Experience the before and after ©2017 California Closet Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Each franchise independently owned and operated. Each franchise All rights reserved. Inc. ©2017 California Closet Company,

See more stories #CCBeforeAfter californiaclosets.com 305.623.8282 MIAMI 900 Park Centre Blvd.

FL098_Opulence_Sp Couple 18x11.9_0517.indd 1 5/17/17 9:41 AM ASTONISHING

52 74 111 TOP FEATURES 85

WINTER 2017/18 FOR REAL? You’re invited to a modern 44 The captivating hyper-realism of luxury experience. Luxury was always meant to be playful. Experience Australia-born sculptor Ron Mueck it free from restriction with a new iconic timepiece every three months. BRILLIANT This is Eleven James. is so lifelike it genuinely may make This is permission to play. FATHER TIME your hair stand on end. Celebrating New Year’s Eve extravaganzas worldwide

40 94 Discover more at elevenjames.com or call 855-ELEVEN-J ONCE IN A LIFETIME TOY TOWN Four generations of Louis A quaint look into the German Toy XIII cellar masters, united 70 Museum in Sonneberg, once the for the first time in history, HYPERCAR AUCTION MANIA toy capital of the world share personal experiences Factors fueling auction mania on 5 as guardians of the cherished high-profile hypercars 100-year-aged cognac.

8 Opulence Winter 2017/18 YOU DREAM IT, WE FIND IT, YOU CHARTER IT 52 FEATURES CONTINUED 55 DINE LIKE A TUSCAN 28 NORMAN VAN AKEN’S 1921 UPPERCLASSMAN CULINARY MASTERPIECE Forte dei Marmi, helmed James Beard Awarded Chef by Two-Michelin Star Chef Norman Van Aken merges Antonio Mellino, brings fine art with his renowned cuisine authentic Italian fare to the United States. in his latest endeavor.

56 GOING BIG 32 TOPOLOBAMPO Meet a dynamic duo with Chicago’s humanitarian chef a passion for food. Ricky Bayless has achieved what only one other chef has done before.

34 SPARKLING ROSÉ: THE NEW TREND International Opulence’s newest master sommelier columnist Diego Meraviglia discusses the creation of rosé.

66 A VALIANT VERISMO’S IMPOSSIBLE DREAM 37 QUINTESSENTIAL HOME A Haiti earthquake survivor is discovered in Miami COOKING IN PROVENCE as the next rising-star opera singer.

74 LIVING ON CLOUD 9 AT THE MONACO YACHT SHOW Custom-built superyacht CLOUD 9 steals 50 SU FILINDEU the show during the fall Monaco Yacht Show. Threads of God – World’s rarest pasta from Nuoro, Sardinia 76 ARTFUL ILLUMINATION Master Interior Designer Perla Lichi shares her art of light.

52 ‘LE GACY OF THE SPIDER AMONG THE BARRELS’ Giovanni Allegrini’s influential art of winemaking RED HOT in the Fumane region of Italy 80 RED HOT RED BULL RUSH SHOTS 2017 RED BULL RUSH SHOTS 2017

10 Opulence Winter 2017/18 Personalized advice The resources of a global leader focused on you

Tiano, Armour & Smyth Wealth Managers J.P. Morgan Securities

Salvatore A. Tiano Top 100 Financial Advisors Forbes, 2017 Managing Director Top 400 Financial Advisors Financial Times, 2017 561.694.5635 Top 1,200 Financial Advisors Barron’s, seven consecutive years [email protected] Top 20 Financial Advisors in Florida Barron’s, six consecutive years

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“J.P. Morgan Securities” is a brand name for a wealth management business that offers brokerage and advisory products and services through its affiliate, MorganJ.P. Securities LLC, member of FINRA and SIPC. Awards or rankings are not indicative of future success or results. Published information is generally based exclusively on material prepared and/or submitted by the recognized recipient. To learn about selection criteria, contact the issuing third-party, non-affiliated organization(s). © 2017 JPMorgan Chase & Co. All rights reserved.

1117-0748-01 JPMS Tiano Ad-r1.indd 1 12/7/2017 9:55:38 AM 112

115 ASHFORD CASTLE: THE features IRISH GETAWAY BEYOND COMPARE (continued) 118 LOVING LESVOS 90 OIL PAINTS, FAST CARS & A CELLO Sharing my family journey to my father’s Classically trained Duaiv paints his world-renown masterpieces. homeland on this charming Greek isle

122 JFK & CIA SPYMASTER JAMES 100 HOUDINI SÉANCE JESUS ANGLETON With JFK expert Jefferson Morley

124 ROSE HILL PLANTATION A look at the remarkable post Civil War restoration of this architectural masterpiece in Bluffton, South Carolina.

101 THE MECCA FOR MAGICIANS The mystical and tantalizing history of the Academy of Magical CIVIL WAR TOKENS Arts and its Victorian mansion venue in Hollywood, California. 129 Simple tokens that provided stability during unstable times

THE AVIATOR LIVES ON EXCLUSIVE BESPOKE SOUTH 132 103 Howard Hughes’ famous “Spruce Goose” is alive and kicking AFRICA KALAHARI ADVENTURES 70 years after its inaugural (and only) flight. Discover the once-in-a-lifetime custom luxury safari at Tswalu Kalahari Private Game Reserve. 134 YACHTS, JEWELS, STOCKS, TRADE 108 TRAVELING IN THE PURSUIT Buying real estate with tangibles OF WELLNESS

111 WHEN YOU WISH UPON A LANTERN departments Sky lantern festivals around the world Editor’s Letter 14 Gadgets 16-17 112 LAPA’ LUXURY National Event Guide 18,20 Marvel in a visit to Lisbon’s Lapa Palace. Entertainment 21,23 Broadway Across America 22,24 Dining guide 25 Dishing With The James Beard Foundation President 26 Social Living 58 Fashion 59-62 What Women Want 63-64 Medical News 65 Gentlemen’s Corner 68-69 Art Worth Repeating 93 Antiquities Conservation 97 Business Profile 98 Real Estate 134-144 Condo Law 136

12 Opulence Winter 2017/18 Meticulous Architectural Scale Models

Sales models depicting your project’s true-to-life colors, materials, textures, lighting and fiber optics, with fully detailed vehicles and people

Sketch Scale 69 NW 9th Street, Suite 1 • Miami, Fl. 33136 (786) 449-2049 • e-mail: [email protected] www.sketchscale.com By appointment only editor’s letter HORIZON A HEARTFELT PUBLISHING EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER & OWNER David Hammond, CEO FAREWELL TO Jayne Hammond, President EDITOR IN CHIEF A PIONEER Robin Jay [email protected] SENIOR CREATIVE ART DIRECTOR Adriana Naylor e was known as a modern-day Renaissance [email protected] 954-331-3912 man. In 2010, Geoff Hammond (a Citadel MARKETING MANAGER scholar, engineer, songwriter, Air Force Top Melissa Bryant H [email protected] Gun pilot, author and businessman) listened intently as we presented the idea of launching 954-331-3390 South Florida Opulence magazine. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE Kim Golightly To many, the idea of starting a print magazine – one published on custom-milled stock [email protected] 954-999-9087 with unprecedented cover embellishments and intensely researched content – would have BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT sounded preposterous in an era in which paperless and postage-free digital media gained Michael Jay [email protected] market share at lightning speed. But not to Geoff. At the end of the presentation, the Chair- 954-593-5060 man and Co-Founder of CSI International (a firm providing facilities services to Fortune 500 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANT Karen Talbot Evans headquarters, buildings, universities and at that time property management to luxury con- 954-663-1786 [email protected] dominiums), stood, raised his eyebrow and paused. The silence was deafening. But then, CONTRIBUTING WRITERS the tall, shrewd and dashing Hammond stood and said, ‘Yes! Let’s do this. Let’s publish a John D. Adams Alona Abbady Martinez magazine so thoughtful in design and rich in content that readers will savor and collect it.’ Stephanie Bowman Diego Meraviglia Jose Boza Jill Patterson Music to my ears. Melissa Bryant Ava Roosevelt Shannon Casey Todd R. Sciore Nearly eight years later, the publication has not only persevered, it has grown beyond the Ana Colmenares Alex Starace Jana Soeldner Danger Elliott Stares borders of South Florida, becoming International Opulence magazine, with direct-mail dis- Karen Evans Susan Ungaro tribution to high-net-worth homes in multi-markets across the country. Hope Gainer Carleton Varney Steven Joseph Kelly Villasuso Dale King & Julia Hebert Jenifer Mangione Vogt Then, this past summer the unthinkable happened. The call came in from Mr. Hammond’s Nicole Kurtz Alexandra Wensley wife Jayne, President of CSI, that Geoff had passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. No Marla Horn Lazarus Mary & Hugh Williamson Gordon A. Lewis Jr. words can adequately express our sadness and dismay. PHOTOGRAPHERS FREELANCE GRAPHIC Josee Lubin DESIGNER Geoff was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, colleague and mentor. He made a last- Myrtho Jean Baptiste Terry Hertzfeld ing impression on all who met him. I am personally grateful for the trusted opportunity he PROOFREADER GENERAL COUNSEL Suzanne Shaw Barry Weiss graciously gave to me and my staff to build this magazine from the ground up – and we [email protected] proudly look forward to carrying on his legacy of publishing the finest lifestyle magazine we know how. International Opulence Magazine is published quarterly by Horizon Publishing LLC. Robin Jay Copyright © 2017. All rights reserved. Horizon Publishing LLC, 6700 North Andrews Avenue, Suite 400, Editor in Chief Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 – Vol. 7, No. 4 Winter 2017/18 (ISSN # 2157-5274)

Subscription Rates: $40 per year, $10 per issue. For subscription inquiries or change 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 be reproduced or transmitted in part or in full in any form or by any Geoff Hammond means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording and any information storage and retrieval system without first obtaining permission from the publisher.

14 Opulence Winter 2017/18 JD MILLER

Synthesis of a Dream | 3D Oil on Canvas | 72 x 72 in.

SAMUEL LYNNE GALLERIES 1105 DRAGON STREET | DALLAS, TEXAS 75207 214.965.9027 | WWW.SAMUELLYNNE.COM Gadgets & Novelties ▼ LUCID™ BY ADAM FRANK LUCID Cloud, a new type of glass mirror, functions as an ambient light source, mirror and unique decor image simultaneously by using a luminous 3D image behind the TIWAL surface of its glass mirror. Portrait size (15” x 13”). www.adamfrank.com INFLATABLE ▼ SAILBOAT $880 Packed in 2 bags, the inflatable sailing dinghy TIWAL can be assembled in less than 20 minutes and transported in a small car. www.tiwal.com $5,200

DALI CUCKOO ▼ CLOCK This MoMA Exclusive product, a quirky wooden clock with Salvador Dalí-inspired mustache motif, tolls each hour with a cuckoo on one side, and echoed chirping and a flowing river sound emanating from a horn on the other. www.store. moma.org $240 ▼ SMEG DOLCE GABBANA X SMEG TARATATÀ REFRIGERATOR This stainless steel 1950s style single-door refrigerator is hand- painted with “Sicilian Spectacle,” by Gianfranco Fiorein, in cooperation AIBO ENTERTAINMENT with Dolce & Gabbana. www. ROBOT (ERS-1000) neimanmarcus.com $50,000 The aibo robotic dog is intended to bring fun and joy to the entire family through its rich ▼ expressiveness and dynamic range of movements. aibo’s AI technology learns from interactions with its owners, slowly changing its personality over time to adapt to its unique environment. Release date: January 11, 2018. www. aibo.com/en $1,734.95

CUSTOM PREMIUM PLUSH ANIMALS ▼ Looks like your pet, www.cuddleclones.com

16 Opulence Winter 2017/18 ▼ CORAVIN MODEL TWO ELITE WINE SYSTEM Coravin’s Model Two Elite Wine System features chrome accents, a wine needle specially designed to pour wine both quickly and smoothly, and a capsule-loading chamber that creates an airtight seal. www.neimanmarcus.com $400

XOOPAR BOY MINI SPEAKERS ▼ A Bluetooth rechargeable speaker with selfie remote function and colorful LED light face. www.neimanmarcus.com $35

▼ THE FRAME FROM SAMSUNG Samsung’s 55” Class The Frame 4K UHD TV transforms into a piece of art when the 4K UHD TV is not being

viewed. www.samsung.com $1,999.99 ▼

THE CLASSIC ITALIAN ESPRESSO GRINDER Unlike contemporary electric units, this manual mill designed in Italy produces minimal heat and helps preserve the beans’ original aroma and flavor. www.hammacher.com $299.95

Featured in the 2017 Neiman Marcus Christmas Book

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 17 2017/18 National Calendar

NYC CHICAGO CHICAGO NEW YORK JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL CHICAGO RESTAURANT WEEK ART DESIGN CHICAGO January 10-23 January 26-February 8 Programs Throughout 2018 The Film Society of Lincoln Center Various Venues • choosechicago.com Various Locations • artdesignchicago.org 70 Lincoln Center Plaza, 4th Fl. Manhattan, NY • nyjff.org

NYC RESTAURANT BEVERLY HILLS, CA WEEK WINTER 2018 January 22-February 9 CALIFORNIA RESTAURANT Various Venues • nycgo.com MONTH Through January 31 NEW MUSEUM TRIENNIAL 2018 Statewide February 13-May 27 visitcalifornia.com/california-restaurant-month New Museum NBA ALL-STAR GAME 235 Bowery, Manhattan, NY • newmuseum.org February 13 STAPLES Center • 1111 S. Figueroa Street, NEW YORK FASHION WEEK Los Angeles, CA • staplescenter.com February 8-16 Various Venues • nyfw.com THE FLYING LOVERS OF VITEBSK February 23-March 11 The Wallis Annenberg Center BIG EAST MEN’S for the Performing Arts BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT 9390 North Santa Monica Blvd., March 8-11 Beverly Hills, CA • thewallis.org Madison Square Garden JAY LENO 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY • msg.com RODIN: SCULPTOR AND STORYTELLER March 16 NAEEM MOHAIEMEN: Fred Kavli Theatre-Thousand Through March 4 Oaks Civic Arts Plaza THERE IS NO LAST MAN The Art Institute of Chicago 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Through March 11 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL • artic.edu Thousand Oaks, CA Museum of Modern Art civicartsplaza.com 11 W 53rd St., New York, NY • moma.org SHEN YUN PERFORMING ARTS March 21-25 BEVERLY HILLS Rosemont Theatre FILM FESTIVAL 5400 N River Rd., Rosemont, IL • April 4-8 rosemont.com/theatre Venues to Be Announced • beverlyhillsfilmfestival.com WHISKYFEST CHICAGO March 23 TOYOTA GRAND PRIX Hyatt Regency Chicago OF LONG BEACH 151 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL • April 13-15 chicago.regency.hyatt.com The Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center THE CHICAGO 300 East Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA RITA HAYWORTH GALA gplb.com May 12 The Hilton Chicago 720 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL • alz.org

18 Opulence Winter 2017/18 TICKETS ON SALE NOW FEB 21-25, 2018 SOBEWFF.ORG Preferred Card

FEATURING Alton Brown Giada De Laurentiis Bobby Flay Robert Irvine Geoffrey Zakarian Anne Burrell Guy Fieri Alex Guarnaschelli Trisha Yearwood Andrew Zimmern

TITLE HOSTED BY & BENEFITING HOST HOTEL PREMIER OFFICIAL AIRLINE

PLATINUM

DIAMOND SPECIAL THANKS

Conﬁ rmed sponsors as of October 2017 2017/18 National Calendar

DALLAS/HOUST0N ATLANTA MIAMI

KATY PERRY WITNESS TOUR COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF VILLAGE PEOPLE FEATURING January 14, 2018 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP VICTOR WILLIS American Airlines Center January 8 December 31 2500 Victory Ave., Dallas, TX Mercedes-Benz Stadium Seminole Casino Coconut Creek 1 AMB Drive, Atlanta, GA 5550 NW 40th St, Coconut Creek, FL 2CELLOS collegefootballplayoff.com seminolecoconutcreekcasino.com January 16 Jones Hall ATLANTA WINE FESTIVALS 615 Louisiana St., Houston, TX • joneshall.org January 20 LANA DEL REY City Winery Atlanta February 1 650 North Avenue, NE Ste 201, Atlanta, GA BB&T Center 1 Panther Pkwy, Sunrise, FL • thebbtcenter.com atlantawinefestivals.com TREVOR NOAH THE ATLANTA OPERA BALL January 6 February 10 Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood The St. Regis Atlanta 1 Seminole Way, Fort Lauderdale, FL 88 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA seminolehardrockhollywood.com atlantaopera.org

ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER February 14-18

The Fox Theatre CIRQUE DE LA SYMPHONIE: 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA • foxtheatre.org CIRQUE GOES TO THE CINEMA January 26-28 Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center 2301 Flora St, Dallas, TX mydso.com

HOUSTON BALLET PRESENTS STANTON WELCH’S SWAN LAKE February 22-March 4 DANCING WITH THE STARS: LIVE! Wortham Theater Center 501 Texas Ave., Houston, TX – LIGHT UP THE NIGHT TOUR February 15 FABERGÉ: ROYAL GIFTS Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood FEATURING THE 1 Seminole Way, Fort Lauderdale, FL TRELLIS EGG SURPRISE seminolehardrockhollywood.com April 10-18 THE MIAMI OPEN Houston Museum of Natural Science 5555 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, TX March 19-April 1 hmns.org Crandon Park 6747 Crandon Blvd, Key Biscayne, FL miamiopen.com

20 Opulence Winter 2017/18 Entertainment VOLTA! Cirque du Soleil’s High-Speed Thriller BY JOSE BOZA

The show weaves the adrenaline rush of acrobatics into a visually striking world driven by a melodic score.

true potential, and the power of the group watch contestants scramble for a chance to to make that possible. It celebrates freedom become instant celebrities. In order to be as a movement. transformed into “Elites”, contestants must THEMES AND INSPIRATIONS first compete against one another in a trial of skill. When the 1,000th episode of QPQ Waz, a popular gameshow host, has lost begins, Waz’s life is about to take a sharp touch with his inner self in the pursuit of turn. On his high-voltage search for mean- fame. But as doubt sets in, Waz is enlight- ing, will Waz find the courage to relinquish ened by childhood memories as he en- his fame, reconnect with his true self, and irque du Soleil’s 41st original production counters free spirits who open doors to his shine bright? since 1984, and its 18th show presented inner soul he has long kept shut. Cunder the Big Top, Volta tells a spell- Authenticity as an antidote to superficiality – To see Volta in a city listed below, visit www. binding story about the freedom to choose Volta explores the themes of self-realization cirquedusoleil.com for tickets. and the thrill of blazing your own trail. and alienation in a world where technol- Miami, FL: Under the Big Top, next to Hard Rock Inspired by the adventurous spirit that fuels ogy often isolates people from one another Stadium, Dec. 3, 2017 - January 14, 2018 the culture of action sports – whether they rather than freeing them. Using the rise of Tampa, FL: Under the Big Top, Tampa Grey- are on a bike, hopping from rooftop to roof- the celebrity culture and reality TV as a sub- hound Track, February 14 - March 4, 2018 top, or barreling down a mountain, the en- text, Volta is an allegory on the flip side of thusiastic characters constantly challenge fame and the search for authenticity. East Rutherford, NJ: Under the Big Top, themselves and defy convention. QUID PRO QUO Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment, March 29, 2018 - April 22, 2018 The show weaves acrobatics in a visually Waz is the host of Quid Pro Quo (QPQ), the striking world driven by a stirring melodic most popular gameshow on TV in the world Uniondale, NY: Under the Big Top, Nassau score. Volta is a story of transformation. It is of Volta. Every week, everyone tunes in to Coliseum, May 17 - June 10, 2018 about being true to oneself, fulfilling one’s

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 21 Broadway 2017-18 Season

Thousand Oaks, CA Beverly Hills, CA Chicago, IL Naples, FL New York City Mar. 22 - 25, 2018 Feb. 17, 2018 Mar. 20 – Apr. 29, 2018 Jan 16-21, 2018 Thru April 1, 2018 Fred Kavli Theatre Saban Theater Broadway Playhouse Hayes Hall Stephen Sondheim at Water Tower Place Theatre

West Palm Beach, FL West Palm Beach, FL New York City Ft. Lauderdale, FL Chicago, IL Feb. 6-11, 2018 Jan. 2-7, 2018 Ongoing May 8-20, 2018 Feb. 14, 2018 – Kravis Center Kravis Center Shubert Broward Center Mar. 4, 2018 Cadillac Palace Theatre

New York City Thousand Oaks, CA Chicago, IL New York City West Palm Beach, FL Thru Jan. 14, 2018 Jan. 11 - 14, 2018 Mar. 13- April 15, 2018 Thru May 27, 2018 Mar. 6-11, 2018 Broadway Theatre Fred Kavli Theatre Oriental Theatre Palace Theatre Kravis Center

Naples, FL New York City Los Angeles, CA West Palm Beach, FL Thousand Oaks, CA Feb. 7-11, 2018 Ongoing Jan. 10 – Mar. 31, 2018 Jan. 19-21, 2018 Feb. 22 - 25, 2018 Hayes Hall Lyceum Theatre Pantages Theater Kravis Center Fred Kavli Theatre ◆ ◆ ◆ New York City New York City New York City Ongoing Ongoing Thru August 26, 2018 New Amsterdam Theatre Ambassador Theatre Al Hirschfeld Theatre

22 Opulence Winter 2017/18 Entertainment A Gentlemen’s Guide To Love And Murder

ony-Award®-Winning Best Musical, Broadway’s A Gentle- Tman’s Guide To Love & Murder tells the uproarious story of Monty Navarro, a distant heir to a family fortune, who sets out to jump the line of succession by any means necessary. He’s got to jug- gle his mistress (she’s after more than just love), his fiancée (she’s his cousin but who’s keeping track?), and the constant threat of landing behind bars! Of course, it will all be worth it if he can slay his way to his inheritance…and be done in time for tea.

James Taylor Odom (who plays multiple characters with more than a dozen lightning-fast costume quick-changes) and the cast of the Gentleman’s Guide tour “make this musical about murder look merry not monstrous,” according to experts at Broadway.com.

ACT I The show unfolds into a compelling and As the show opens, a group dressed in slapstick series of murders, suspicions, in- mourning enter and advise “those of you vestigations, rumors, arrests, scandals, trial, of weaker constitution” to leave the thea- more shenanigans – and a surprise ending. tre, as the show may prove disturbing. Don’t miss it!

In 1909, Lord Montague “Monty” D’Ysquith For tickets in first quarter 2018, review the city Navarro, Ninth Earl of Highhurst, is in jail. performance dates below and visit Broad- He says that he is writing his memoirs on wayAcrossAmerica.com or GentlemansGui- the eve of his possible execution, and that deTour.com. his story could be called A Gentleman’s Fort Lauderdale, FL: January 9-21, 2018 Guide to Love and Murder. And then the Tulsa, OK: January 2-3 story takes the audience back in time to Sioux Falls, SD: January 30-February 3 the beginning of the sordid story… College Station, TX: February 3-7 ACT II Portland, OR: Feb. 13-18 The curtain rises on Lord Asquith, Sr.’s fu- Huntsville, AL: March 2-4 neral. Monty delivers a stirring eulogy, but Springfield, IL: March 7 the assembled mourners are irritated at St. Louis, MO: March 9 the endless string of D’Ysquith memorials Atlanta, GA: March 13-18 they are compelled to attend. Austin, TX: March 20-25

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 23 Broadway 2017-18 Season

Dallas, TX Anaheim, CA Fort Lauderdale, FL Ft. Lauderdale, FL Houston, TX Feb. 27–Mar. 11, 2018 Jan. 20 - 21, 2018 Jan. 9–21, 2018 Jan. 5–7, 2018 Jan. 30–Feb. 4, 2018 Music Hall at Fair Park Grove of Anaheim Broward Center Broward Center Sarofim Hall - ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ The Hobby Center Chicago, IL Atlanta, GA Atlanta, GA Houston, TX ◆ Mar. 21, 2018 – Apr. 8, 2018 Feb. 20–28, 2018 Mar. 13–18, 2018 Mar 9–11, 2018 New York City Cadillac Palace Theatre The Fox Theatre The Fox Theatre Sarofim Hall - Ongoing The Hobby Center Winter Garden Theatre

Atlanta, GA Dallas, TX Houston, TX Chicago, IL Jan. 10–28, 2018 Mar. 28–Apr. 8, 2018 Jan. 9–14, 2018 Dec. 6, 2017 – Jan. 21, The Fox Theatre Music Hall at Fair Park Sarofim Hall - 2018 ◆ ◆ The Hobby Center Oriental Theatre ◆ New York City New York City ◆ Ongoing Ongoing Dallas, TX Ft. Lauderdale, FL Minskoff Theatre Brooks Atkinson Jan. 23–Feb. 4, 2018 Feb. 14–Mar. 4, 2018 Theatre Music Hall at Fair Park Broward Center for ◆ the Performing Arts Miami, FL ◆ Feb. 27–Mar. 4, 2018 New York City Adrienne Arsht Through Center June 10, 2018 Gershwin Theatre

Broadway just announced that in New York, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is closing Jan. 14, 2018 but it will now tour nationally. Watch for the Spring Opulence e-letter about when the tour will come to your state.

For tickets in Atlanta, Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and New York City, go to www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com; for shows in Chicago, go to www.BroadwayinChicago.com; to see what is playing in the Naples, Beverly Hills/Los Angeles area, go to Broadway.org; and in West Palm Beach, go to www.Kravis.org.

24 Opulence Winter 2017/18 National Dining Guide

DINE WITH A JAMES BEARD CELEBRITY CHEF The James Beard Foundation’s Celebrity Chef Tour dinner series brings a taste of what happens at the James Beard House in New York City to more than 20 cities across the country each year. For ticket information, visit www.JamesBeard.org.

Jimmy Bannos Jr. Maneet Chauhan Alex Becker Ted Allen Stephanie Izard HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC HOLLYWOOD, FL February 22, 2018 March 2, 2018 Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood 23 Ocean Lane, Hilton Head, South Carolina 1 Seminole Way, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314 Host Chef Hayden Haddox Masala House, Nashville Host Chef Alex Becker, JBF Award Winner Martín Rios Executive Chef, Kuro Jimmy Bannos Jr. Restaurant Martín, Santa Fe Emcee JBF Award Winner Ted Allen Purple Pig, Chicago Clayton Rollison Emmy Award–Winning Host Brandon Carter Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar, of Chopped and Chopped Junior FARM, Bluffton, SC Hilton Head Island, SC JBF Award Winner Stephanie Izard JBF Award Winner The Girl and The Goat, Chicago Maneet Chauhan Chauhan Ale &

Heather Terhune Justin Aprahamian Tory Miller Thomas Lents Jimmy Schmidt DETROIT, MI MILWAUKEE, WI February 28, 2018 March 7, 2018 Detroit Foundation Hotel Kimpton Journeyman Hotel 250 W Larned Street, Detroit, Michigan 310 E Chicago Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202 Host Chef Thomas Lents Ryan McCaskey Host Chef Heather Terhune Dan Jacobs and Dan Van Rite Nick Dostal Acadia, Chicago JBF Award Winner Dandan, Milwaukee Sixteen, Chicago James Rigato Justin Aprahamian Greg León Doug Hewitt Mabel Gray, Detroit Sanford, Milwaukee Amilinda, Milwaukee Chartreuse, Detroit Noah Sandoval Karen Bell JBF Award Winner Tory Miller Andy Hollyday Oriole, Chicago Bavette La Boucherie, Deja Food Restaurant Group, Selden Standard, Detroit JBF Award Winner Milwaukee Madison, WI Anthony Lombardo Jimmy Schmidt Justin Carlisle SheWolf Pastificio & Bar, Detroit Foodshed, Detroit Ardent and Red Light Ramen, Milwaukee

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 25 dishing with the James Beard Foundation President BY SUSAN UNGARO GIVE A LITTLE SOMETHING HOMEMADE THIS GIFTING SEASON

ment to stop and consider the many things James Beard once wrote, “We could recap- for which I’m grateful. It’s a long list, as you ture some of the happiness of Christmas can imagine, at the top of which is a career past if we just took the trouble to make, spent in service of promoting education rather than to buy, a few of the presents and celebrating all the great thought-lead- we give each year. My mother believed in ers of our food world. making all of her Christmas foods.” I always Susan Ungaro enjoy receiving homemade jams, cookies or Julia Child once said, “People who love to breads any time of year, especially around eat are always the best people.” I’ve certainly the holidays and I like it even more when found that to be true in so many ways. From the gift giver shares a copy of their “favorite” the chefs and restaurateurs who contribute recipe with the gift. Susan Ungaro thousands of dinners at the Beard House and JBF events around the country to the Here’s a great recipe from James Beard that This time of year always makes me reflec- food lovers who join us at the table to the I’m thinking of making for hostess gifts and tive, as I’m sure it does for so many of you kitchen and waitstaff who make a restau- family this year. May your new year be filled as well. In this holiday season, amidst the rant a home, there’s no doubt that sharing with good times and good food! hectic and happy pace of daily life at the good food and drink makes for great con- James Beard Foundation, I try to take a mo- versation and friendship.

RECIPE: JAMES BEARD’S CRANBERRY QUICK BREAD I love simple and versatile recipes like quick breads at this time of year. James Beard’s updated version of this classic American favorite is the perfect treat to gift to friends and colleagues, break out when unexpected guests arrive, and it also adds a wonderfully festive touch to your holiday table.

Ingredients 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon double-acting baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 2 eggs 1 cup sugar 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) melted butter 1 1/4 cups whole milk mixed with 1 teaspoon rosewater 1 1/4 cups cranberries, coarsely chopped 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans Spread the dough in the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55 Method to 60 minutes, or until the center of the bread springs back Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan. when touched lightly or a cake tester comes out clean. (The Sift the flour with the soda, baking powder, and salt. top will often crack, which is typical of soda and baking Set aside. powder breads.)

In a mixing bowl, by hand, or in an electric mixer, beat the Cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before removing from eggs and sugar until well blended. the pan. When thoroughly cooled, wrap in plastic or foil and let sit overnight or at least a day before cutting. Store in the Stir in the melted butter and the milk mixed with the rose- refrigerator. water. Stir in the flour until just moistened, and then fold in the cranberries and nuts. Do not overwork the dough. Yield: 1 loaf

26 Opulence Winter 2017/18 Winter 2017/18 Opulence 27 BY ALONA ABBADY MARTINEZ NORMAN VAN AKEN’S

1921 CULINARY MASTERPIECE 28 Opulence Winter 2017/18 ames Beard Awarded Chef Norman Van Aken, widely regarded yourself. The point is to put yourself in another as the founding father of New World Cuisine, has merged fine geography or another century or another way of art with his renowned cuisine in his latest endeavor, 1921 by looking at food. I wanted to see how I could interpret jNorman Van Aken. Located inside a quaint house built in 1921, a modern Florida cuisine and not repeat myself by uti- in the heart of Florida’s diverse agriculture region, the restaurant lizing so much of the Latin and Caribbean basis of the in Mount Dora is the latest culinary canvas for the chef credited cuisine I first experienceed in Key West.” by Smithsonian Magazine as having revolutionized the American Guests will not be disappointed, indulging in appetiz- restaurant scene. ers like Cape Canaveral White Shrimp with Jacksonville AT HOME WITH VAN AKEN 1921 by Norman Van Aken opened in September 2016 and features what Chef Van Aken calls Modern Florida Cuisine.

“I feel like a film director in some ways, where I purposefully try to push myself into a new arena and do something that I haven’t really done before. I think it’s impossible to completely remake

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 29 “I’ve always felt it was my duty to interpret Florida, ever since I broke away from the model of European gastronomy and began distinguishing myself as a chef.” – Norman Van Aken

Purple Rice Grits, ‘Nduja Vinaigrette and Ramp Butter ($14) “I love the philosophy of the artists, such as Nakashima. He really and Roasted Romanesco Salad with Pistachio and Caper Pesto, wasn’t about making a table or a bench as he was about repurposing Soft Farm Egg, Roasted Garlic Puree and Ash Oil ($12) and entrees the life of a tree. Something about that aesthetic really hit me,” he said. like Yellow Edge Grouper with Crispy Tofu, Herb Salad, Kaffir Lime & Van Aken speaks of one of his first mentors, a Japanese chef, who Garlic Chips ($36) and Smoked Beef Shoulder with Sunchoke Puree, worked with him when he was first starting out in Illinois, when Pickled Ramps, Summer Truffles and Black Truffle Jus ($38)- you can the connection between fine art and culinary arts was vividly clear. supplement with Australian Winter Black Truffle for an additional $13. “The Japanese chef would go out to the yard of the inn and collect AN ARTFUL DINING EXPERIENCE dandelion leaves to make a salad at a time when foraging wasn’t Chef Van Aken has partnered with the Modernism Museum next even thought of in the culinary mainstream. He was looking at na- door to the restaurant and incorporates many elements from the ture and what can be created with it. Similarly, Nakashima’s art phi- museum’s art collection as part of the eatery’s design. losophy was also about that.” 1921 combines both of these themes, “Ever since I was young, I was fascinated with art and felt like the as well. Why not venture to Mount Dora highest notion of living is about being artistic. I’ve been mightily for a curated culinary tour you won’t inspired by all kinds of artists.” soon forget.

The unprecedented museum collection contains works by Wendell Castle, George Nakashima, Paul Evans and Dale Chihuly in various This long-awaited cookbook embraces mediums, with a recent purchase of David Bowie’s collection of the history, the character, and the Memphis art to appear on display soon. flavors of the state of Florida that have inspired Van Aken’s famous fusion style With so many fine works of art, it’s hard for Chef Van Aken to pinpoint for over 40 years. www.amazon.com a favorite.

30 Opulence Winter 2017/18

TOPOLOBAMPO Chicago’s humanitarian chef Ricky Bayless has achieved what only one other chef has done before: earning the coveted “Outstanding Restaurant” award by the James Beard Foundation for his side-by-side restaurants

isiting Mexico for the first BY MARLA HORN LAZARUS time at 14 years old, Rick Bay- less fell in love and said, “I got there and felt like I was home. Mexico became part of my life.” Fast-forward 30-plus years and you might know Bayless Vfrom winning the title of Bravo’s Top Chef Masters or his highly rated 12th season Public Television series, Mexico–One Plate at a Time. AN UNDENIABLE FEAT Side by side, you will find Rick’s award- winning restaurants in Chicago. The casual Frontera Grill, founded in 1987 received the James Beard Foundation‘s Outstand- ing Restaurant award in 2007. Topolo- bampo, his fine dining restaurant, served its first meals in 1991, recently earned the James Beard Foundation’s award for Out- standing Restaurant in 2017. This unique accomplishment of award-winning, side- by-side restaurants has only been done by one other chef. From the first award to the most recent, Bayless said, “This is not common and well worth the 10 years of hard work. Different in spirit, but very similar in flavor, as their inspiration comes from the cuisines of central and southern Mexico. Being recognized by the Beard Foundation as standard bearers, we pride ourselves and are constantly reinventing, even though we have been around for 28 years.” GIVING FROM THE HEART Bayless has earned 7 James Beard Awards in various categories, as well as prestig- ious accolades, including Mexico’s official Order of the Aztec Eagle for his contributions to Mexican cuisine through his Chicago restaurants. In 1998, he won Chef Ricky Bayless Humanitarian of the Year by the James

32 Opulence Winter 2017/18 Beard Foundation, 2007 the Humanitarian living it each day, he said, “I tell my staff that travel and I’m huge into theater. I basically of the Year by the International Association no one comes here because they’re hun- document my life on social media.” With- of Culinary Professionals and in 2016, the gry. They come to be transported to open out realizing it, doing what he believes in, Julia Child Foundation Award, a prestig- their eyes and palates.” The Frontera Farm- with his wife Deann by his side. Inspira- ious honor to an individual who has made er Foundation, established in 2003, has tion comes from the world. “The world’s a profound and significant impact on the awarded nearly 200 grants totaling nearly such an amazing place,” he said. “I work way America cooks, eats and drinks. “Hu- $2 million. “Without small sustainable farm- mostly in the food side of things, but in manitarian of the year awards mean every- ers, great local cuisine is unreachable,” as my mind, I explore lots of different things.” thing because our restaurants are focused told to International Opulence. A powerful quote has become Bayless’ on trying to create communities,” Bayless FACE VALUE motto as he approaches life miraculously said. “As a mission-driven restaurant, we living it to the fullest. “There are two ways Being a very transparent person, Bay- want to do several different things, not the to live your life. One is as though nothing less said, “I post all my passions on social least of which to make our community a is a miracle and the other is as though media. I love to cook and entertain all better place to live.” Creating a legacy and everything is a miracle.” the time. I’m a passionate yogi! I love to – Albert Einstein

“There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle and the other is as though everything is a miracle.” –Albert Einstein

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 33 SPARKLING ROSÉ

THE NEW TREND BY DIEGO MERAVIGLIA

osé wine, never to be called “pink”, has been traditionally produced for centuries in specific regions of the old world R(Europe). Various regions in the continent boast an antiquity with this style of wine, amongst which the Italian regions of Puglia in the South, Lombardia in the North, Abruzzo with the traditional “ceras- uolo” and the French powerhouse regions of Provence and Rhone as the main rosé colored wine producers.

34 Opulence Winter 2017/18 The French say rosé, the Italians say tended maceration or winemaking tech- the French verb saigner, “to bleed”). This rosato, the Spanish say rosado, and the niques that produce a denser wine, closer is the most popular method (especially Germans call it weissherbst. Historically, to a proper red, or closer to a white wine in Southern France) and these wines are the creation of rosé can most likely be in the case of very subtle, light-colored meant to be consumed within 2-4 years. attributed to the poor and rustic wine- rosé wines the likes that are produced in METHOD #2: making techniques that resulted in little Provence, France. ROSÉ DE PRESSE - extraction from red grape skins, hence LIKE A WHITE WINE BUT There are fundamentally 3 main tech- providing little coloration to the wines. WITH RED GRAPES Originally, these wines were never pro- niques for the production of rosé wine: duced sparkling and were simply very light METHOD #1: METHOD #2 body and low color red wines that were ROSÉ DE SAIGNEE – WHITE WINE ROSÉ DE PRESSE generally far darker than purposely made LIKE A RED WINE WITH rosé today. LESS SKIN CONTACT WHITE GRAPES RED OR BLACK GRAPES

THE HISTORY OF ROSÉ METHOD #1 Although this category of wine possesses RED WINE ROSÉ DE SAIGNÉE a long history in some cases, it has only CRUSHING /DESTEMMING CRUSHING /DESTEMMING optional been in the last decade that we have RED OR BLACK GRAPES seen an explosion in rosé-producing regions around the globe, as well as a massive interest and market trend pushing After 12 hours of GENTLE PRESSING INTENSE PRESSING maceration, the free run 1-4 hrs. skin contact juice is “bled o .” on the “rosé all day” motto. Why has this CRUSHING DESTEMMING been the case? When American consum- ers think of rosé, they tend to think of the FERMENTATION FERMENTATION FERMENTATION • Juice only • Juice only ubiquitous and dubious quality, sweet • Juice only • Cooler and slower • Cooler and slower FERMENTATION • Cooler and slower • Takes 2-6 weeks • Takes 2-6 weeks White Zinfandel, but in fact most of the • Juice & Skins • Takes 2-3 weeks • Warmer & Faster world’s rosés are bone dry. • Takes 1-3 weeks AGING/MATURATION AGING/MATURATION (no need to press) • Usually in a tank • In tank (not barrel) It is fundamental to analyze the intrinsic char- • Sometimes in a barrel • – 3 months acteristics of rosé. As technology in the cel- • -1-5 months AGING/MATURATION AGING/MATURATION lars improved with temperature controlled • In barrel or tank • In tank fermentation tanks, improved know-how in • – 6 months - 2 years • – 4 - 5 months BOTTLING BOTTLING maceration, selected yeasts and a growing marketplace for these types of wines, rosé BOTTLING BOTTLING is being developed better than ever, lighter than ever and more versatile than ever.

Rosé is indeed a hybrid between a white wine and a red. it is the most technical of all wines made, meaning that the process White wines are made by crushing and is highly determined by man’s techniques gently pressing white grapes. The juice is quickly separated from the skins and fer- in the cellar. It possesses the drinkable, mented by itself. Making a rosé involves a thirst quenching and approachable char- A rosé de saignee can be the by-product few changes to this process. Red or black acter of a white wine with the added of making red wine, or an end product grapes are used instead of white, and to structure, food pairing versatility and red in itself. Red wines are made by crush- extract color, flavor and tannin. The press- fruit aromatics of a red wine. ing grapes and fermenting their juice in ing is more intense and the juice may be contact with their skins in order to ex- Rosé is normally categorized by its struc- allowed to sit in contact with the skins for ture, which is correlated to the darkness tract color, flavor and tannin. Sometime 1-4 hours, so it has a shorter lifespan and of its color. In most cases, the darker a between 12 and 24 hours of skin contact, should be consumed within 1-3 years. rosé, the bolder and more structured the a winemaker may “bleed off” some of the wine will be. This is a direct result of ex- juice that becomes a rosé de saignee (from Continued on next page

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 35 fermentation in the bottle) can age for the traditional classicalmethodofre- wines(onlyifproduced with sparkling not thecase. Indeed,many great rosé rosé, thelikesofChampagne, thisproves intentions ofthesewines. With blended freshness and fragrance are the prime for cellaring oraging, asapproachability, mostcases,In rosé isnotawineintended with fullblown reds. duck ordishesthat are served normally even of pairing withsteak, capability nins that resemble ared wine, withthe aromatics, andeven characteristics tan tend to andhave bethemoststructured duced in thismethod deed, rosé winespro a hybrid’.‘perfect In creates the result of white andared wine cept ofblendinga usually dry. The con ChampagneRosé is centuries ago). Clicquotand Madame Ruinart rignon, Dom devised by Pé Dom Champenoise,Methode pinpointed and in thebottleto create thebubbles(the wines, thenfermenting asecond time “base” wines),thenblendingthesebase winesfrom differentkling) grapes (the are madeby fermenting still(non-spar likeChampagne sical methodsparklers Champagne is a famous exception. Clas ing regions donotusethismethod, but to create arosé wine. winemak Most White wineandred winecanbemixed roséfor winesusingthismethod. making The French region ofProvence isfamous WHITE WINE – WITH BUBBLES – WITHWHITE WINE RED WINE WITHBLENDING METHOD #3: 36 Opulence Winter 2017/18 - - - - Mid-century songs, thelike of“Hotel Mid-century product soon became soon product asmashhit. California” by theEagles, mention “pink Champagneonice” andthe - - - -

California” by theEagleseven mention gobbled it up. the like of Songs “Hotel able by law, asaChampagne. Pop culture capabletobrid present itselfandqualifi made withChardonnay, to create ahy from Pinot Noirgrapes withwhite wines topagne blendingred resorted wines a red. The maisonsinCham pioneering word “Champagne” onthelabelcanbe wines andnowineproduced withthe denomination) doesnotaccount for red deed, theAOC Champagne (Champagne was thelackofred winesintheregion. In pagne wines. The motivation behindthis begin of lightly production colored Cham of Champagne hadthebrilliantideato bles, until in the 1950s, the French region wine regions to produce rosé withbub was never the historicalIt intention of experiences. sensorial taste-olfactory decades and provide us with amazing ------PHOTO: SIMONA MAFFEI newest master sommeliercolumnist asour Association, American Sommelier North Meraviglia, Education, President Of &Director International Opulence welcomes Diego The percentage of rosé wine consumed in for hundreds ofdollars. rosé winecategory, somebottlesselling wines arerosé at the top sparkling of the properly produced driven and quality tion andfor ofexperts, thevast majority complexity. is a winning combina It ofaromaticsthe lift andsmellsinawine’s ascatalystscapabilities, for butalsoact andfood freshness, pairing drinkability the wine, providing for layer anextra of Bubbles notonlyreinforce of theacidity soonbecameasmashhit. uct able cellar or wine list should lack. able cellar orwinelistshouldlack. an incredible experience that norespect bles into themixandyou’ve gotyourself “pink Champagne onice” andtheprod BUBBLES AND MORE BUBBLES fuller andlighter, ro andsweet, styles, dry seen. With of avariety has everhumanity roséthe bestquality how have brought us know- technology and past nineyears. Time, year forits every the any palate...add bub sés canpleasenearly grown by doubledig the United States has ------

QUINTESSENTIAL Home Cooking in Provence BY JANA SOELDNER DANGER

he salty smell of seawater mingling with scents of as browsing customers surround their stalls. Mullet, grouper, freshly caught fish and boat motor oil waft across octopus, tuna, eel and other species may be offered, and it is shallow blue tubs of still-flapping sea creatures on here at the Old Port that restaurateurs often come in search of tables lining the dock at the Old Port of Marseille. ingredients for bouillabaisse, the city’s signature dish, and locals TFamily fishermen and women who launched their small boats hunt for their evening dinners. at dawn offer catches they brought to shore a few hours later

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 37 The bustling market is the first stop on our Provence Gourmet adventure, a cooking class that includes a walking tour of the city and stops at different local markets where we will meet farmers, producers and shopkeep- ers. The tasty ingredients we gather will later become a delicious lunch, and as we walk, our host Gilles Conchy shares stories about the history and culture of Marseille, the city where he grew up. DIFFERENT SETTINGS In addition to Marseille, Gilles offers the classes in Aix en Provence and the Alpilles, and each one culminates in a cooking session at the home of a different family member. Participants are greeted warmly and the experience offers an opportunity to get to interact with local residents in their personal environments, surely one of the best parts of travel.

We will end our own day at the tastefully decorated apartment of Gilles’ mother. Cooking students in Aix en Provence will visit the local goat cheese farm and an area winery before arriving at Gilles’ own home, a contemporary, ochre-colored house designed with the help of an architect friend to take advantage of summer shade and winter sun. Part of the 12-acre property is devoted to Gilles’ organic vegetable garden.

In the Alpilles, the culinary journey ends near St. Remy de Provence in a beautifully reno- vated old barn set on 20 picturesque acres of French countryside, the home of Gilles’ aunt. Classes are small—from two to eight students—and are conducted in English, French or both.

38 Opulence Winter 2017/18 THE JOURNEY CONTINUES pare and eat fresh local produce from the farmers’ market or the After leaving the port, our next stop is a small farmers’ market where fishermen’s boats that are just reaching the shore,” he said. stalls burst with fresh produce like bright peppers, plump, firm toma- A CITY GUIDE toes, purple eggplants, crisp greens, and tender young artichokes. “I Before starting his cooking classes, Gilles worked in the garment like to visit markets where my favorite producers lay out their produce,” industry. Later he became a city tour guide, which provided an easy Gilles said. “When you visit a farmers’ market on a regular basis, you start segue into his cooking school. His love for good food and cooking, talking with the people there. Some even become friends.” his background in the States and the opportunity to host in beauti- Next, we stop at a small family butcher shop that Gilles has been ful homes made the new venture seem possible. frequenting for years. Cuts of beef, pork and lamb glisten in glass His favorite part? “I love meeting the people,” he said. “Last year I met cases, and when Gilles points to what he wants, the friendly butcher over 500 different ‘students’ from very different backgrounds and weighs and cuts the selection by hand. It’s a far cry from the plastic- cultures. There’s lots of curiosity and sharing during the Provence wrapped meats and poultry at self-serve American supermarkets. Gourmet sessions.”

Unlike the Alpilles and Aix en Provence, there is no winery in He usually chooses the day’s recipes at the last minute. “I like to Marseille, so we visit a local wine shop where bottles from Provence make up my mind on the menu the very morning of the class, and other parts of France neatly line the shelves. After Gilles describes depending on what is fresh and seasonal and available,” he said. the recipes, the proprietor chooses three different vintages for us. It’s Gilles’ favorite wine shop: “I always go there, because I know I will find A TASTY FINALE the perfect wines to pair with that day’s meal,” he said. When we have finished gathering our ingredients and learned a bit more about Provence and the Marseille, we climb the stairs A LOVE AFFAIR WITH COOKING to his mother’s apartment with a décor she designed herself to “As a kid, I was always hanging out in the kitchen baking cakes, pas- recall mid-20th-century France. Then we begin cutting produce tries and crepes with my mother, and she’d also ask me to help with and meat, rolling pastry dough and preparing our creative menu dinners,” Gilles said. “Both my grandmothers were good cooks, too, and of green olive tapenade, eggplant caviar, pissaldiere tart, grilled red I was always impressed with how they prepared large meals for family peppers, artichokes barigoule and lemon meringue tartlets. reunions. Food and cooking were definitely a big deal in my family.” At last we gather at a table on the sunny patio bordered by potted His recipes now focus on local Provencal cuisine with added green plants and flowers, uncork the wine and enjoy what we’ve Mediterranean and Italian influences. “Most of all, I like to pre- cooked, what we’ve learned and the new friends we’ve made. Bon appétit.

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 39 ONCE IN A

FourLIFETIME generations of Louis XIII cellar masters, united for the first time in history, share personal experiences as guardians of the cherished 100-year-aged cognac

WRITTEN BY STEVEN JOSEPH; INTERVIEW OF BAPTISTE LOUISEAU BY MICHAEL JAY

40 Opulence Winter 2017/18 istory has always proven Originally, he wanted to be a winemaker, intrinsic in the world-re- and traveled the world trekking as far away nowned Louis XIII cognac as New Zealand before returning home. “I house because each de- was always told the finest cognac house canter is the life achieve- in the world is Remy Martin. And so I knew ment of generations of to reach the highest quality in the Cognac cellar masters. You see, region, I had to be a part of them. But it’s Hevery vintage ages no less than 100 years not just what goes in the bottle that makes and so, quite literally, no cellar master ever Louis XIII so special,” Louiseau said. “It is gets to taste the final product of Louis XIII also the relationships. They are a family run cognac that he or she started blending. Im- business. They have been working with the pressively, this historic House of Remy Mar- same grape growers for generations.” tin has achieved yet another momentous THE HERITAGE feat– with the 2017 announcement of their Baptiste inherited a legacy of greatness that Louis XIII Legacy Edition. started in 1874. Louis XIII Grande Cham- Restricted to only 500 bottles, every pagne Cognac is a blend of more than crystal magnum decanter of Legacy 1,200 eaux-di-vies (brandies), aged Edition has been autographed 100 years in large grain white oak by the four living cellar masters barrels. The wood is felled from (there have only been five in all the Limousin forest 150 miles of history), including the cur- east of Cognac and undergoes rent and youngest cellar master, a medium toasting before the Baptiste Louiseau. Louiseau barrels are made. The barrels inherited the mission from themselves are aged 100 years Pierrette Trichet in 2014. before they can store a drop of Louis XIII cognac. When the cel- “She taught me everything,” lar master makes his or her final said Louiseau. “From the begin- blend – which was started decades ning, Ms. Trichet told me that I can’t earlier by a past cellar master, it is always be in control. I have to trust my then finished for a final rest of four more intuition. In the end, my decision will be years. “I have been trained in balance,” said the right one.” Louiseau. “When I find that all of the aromas Trichet was passed the baton in 2003 from follow one after another, without one over- Georges Clot, who himself was hand-picked taking the next, then I know it is ready.” by Andre Giraud (now 93) in 1990. Giraud held the vaunted position for 30 years before retiring, but has returned to the cellars for this incredible limited release event. The autographed bottles are housed in an Italian calfskin leather case and bear a numbered plaque. No two bottles are alike, making them works of art in themselves. “Each Bacca- rat Crystal decanter requires perfect synchro- nization of 11 craftsmen who first blow the crystal, hand-place characteristic ornaments and then decorate the neck with 20-carat gold in a balletic performance that is timed to complete each operation while the glass remains at perfect temperature,” Louiseau said. MORE ABOUT THE YOUNGEST CELLAR MASTER Baptiste is a native of the Grande Cham- (L-r): Louis Xlll cellar masters Georges Clot, Baptiste Louiseau, Pierrette Trichet and Andre Giraud pagne cru of the Cognac region in France. have all contributed to the history of Louis XIII.

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 41 set aside now won’t be tasted until well-beyond their lifetimes. “The youngest eaux-di- vie in my blending arsenal is still older than me,” explained Baptiste. “I am working with spirits that have been set aside by previous cellar masters. I have 150 cellars with 29,000 casks,” he said. Former Cellar Master Georg- es Clot elaborated, “We’ve selected the best for the next generation.”

The individual eaux-di-vie are created from white grapes sourced exclusively from the THE NOSE the aroma that stays in the glass when it is region. Only 3 percent of the spirits come from the Remy Martin-held farms, the rest One of Louis XIII’s most famous attributes empty. It is the fragrance of time,” Baptiste come from other local growers. “What is the aroma of myrrh, traditionally found gushes. makes the Cognac so special is the ter- in medicines and perfumes, and present Time is an appropriate theme for Louis XIII roir (French for soil). It is a combination of in the story of the first Christmas. “Myrrh is cognac, since the spirits the cellar masters the land, the climate, and the people,” said

42 Opulence Winter 2017/18 Louiseau. The grapes are traditionally har- “At the tasting of my first Final Blend, they vested the first Monday in October before (the tasters) turned to me and said, ‘No, being distilled 4-5 months in the win- you have not changed anything,’ and that ter. Blind tastings are then held for over was the finest compliment I could have 1,000 eaux-di-vie. “Only 10-25 will make received,” added Pierrette Trichet. it through the entire aging process to Louiseau concurs, “My mission is to become part of Louis XIII cognac. For the maintain the style.” For Baptiste, being a farmers, it is a great honor to have a spirit part of The Legacy Edition is a tribute to his selected,” said Baptiste. fellow cellar masters as well as the grow- THE LEGACY ers who contribute to his craft. “Yes I am a Each of the previous cellar masters have storyteller. But without them, there is no strived to preserve the legacy set before story to tell.” them by their predecessors. “They tasted it Louis XIII The Legacy will only be sold on again and again until they said, ‘It could not demand. For availability, please contact be better. Better does not exist,’” said oldest [email protected]. living Cellar Master Andre Giraud.

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 43 BRILLIANT FATHER TIME Celebrating New Year’s Eve extravaganzas worldwide BY ROBIN JAY

WINTER 2017/18 n 1612, engraving artist Jan Collaert II

You’re invited to a modern luxury experience. created a masterpiece he titled Veritas

Luxury was always meant to be playful. Experience it free from restriction with a new iconic timepiece every three months. Temporis Filia – which means ‘truth is This is Eleven James. This is permission to play. Ithe daughter of time.’ Today, it hangs in London’s British Museum, perhaps remind- ing all who see it about the origins of Father Time. The grand print depicts Cronos, an elderly winged man – Father Time – who

Discover more at elevenjames.com or call 855-ELEVEN-J is holding up and unveiling his daughter Veritas. In modern times, around the eve of The exquisite gear complications and gleaming the new year, we symbolize Father Time as diamonds inlaid in the Swiss watch face featured the bearded man who sports a dated sash on this issue’s cover of International Opulence rep- and an hourglass as he hands over Baby resents the brilliance and priceless value of time. New Year. It’s a one-of-a-kind Corum timepiece gifted to a talented musician in France and has no mon- In London, the first official New Year’s Eve etary price tag. It serves as a reminder this holiday fireworks presentation didn’t take place season to do good unto others and that the best until 2000. The BBC reported that 3 million things in life are free. As Father Time prepares to Londoners gathered around the Thames ring in yet another New Year, take a moment to River to watch the celebration in the sky Veritas Temporis Filia, engraving print by reflect on the history of the festivities and discover which, no doubt, reflected beautifully on Jan Collaert II. © The Trustees of the British places around the world that provide grand cel- Big Ben, as shown below. Museum ebration destinations… To find out about this year’s New Year’s Eve plans in London, visit www.london.gov..

44 Opulence Winter 2017/18 In Rome, the Roman dictator Julius Caesar may have envisioned that he himself was Father Time. Why? For the first time in Caesar’s reign, according to the Julian calendar (and History.com), the Romans celebrated New Year’s Day on January 1 in 45 B.C. Caesar concluded he needed to reform the Roman calendar, and so in the year 46, he added 90 more days to the annum in effort to synchronize the sun with his calendar.

In the modern world, it is the Gregorian calendar that feels most familiar to the way we celebrate New Year’s Eve. Some know it as Saint Sylvester’s Day or Old Year’s Day, always commemorated on the 7th day of the Christ- mas season, on December 31, with song, food, dance, drink – and, of course, fireworks to ring in the new year of renewed hope.

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 45 Auckland, New Zealand, is an intriguing destination to celebrate New Year’s because it’s one of the first cities in the world to ring in the New Year. When the clock strikes 12:01 a.m. in Auck- land on New Year’s Day on Monday, January 1, 2018, it will only be 4 p.m. Sunday in Miami and New York City and 1 p.m. in Los Angeles. What’s even more captivating is that Auckland is only a four-hour flight to Aitutaki, one of the Cook Is- lands, (see next page) and one of the last cities to reach New Year’s Day. So, thanks to the international dateline, it’s strangely possible to celebrate midnight on New Year’s in Auckland and then fly to Aututaki to ring in the New Year again a few hours later. SKYCITY Auckland, Sky Tower, is the perfect destination for New Year’s Eve with two hotels (4.5 and 5 star), a host of award winning celebrity chef restaurants, live entertainment, casino, a free concert on Federal Street, and New Zealand’s most iconic fireworks display from the Sky Tower at midnight, preceded by a three-hour laser animation show at 9 p.m. Auckland, New Zealand Taj Mahal For details vist www.skycityauckland.co.nz/ whats-on/events/new-years-eve-at-skycity

Singapore

In Singapore, a spectacular showplace to ring For New Year’s Eve event information, go to ory of his second wife Mumtaz Mahal, whose in the New Year is at Gardens by the Bay, a 250- www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en. death in childbirth in 1631 left the Emperor so acre nature park of reclaimed land adjacent to heartbroken that his hair is said to have turned In India, celebrate New Year’s like an emperor the Marina Reservoir. Park designers created it gray overnight. The luxurious Oberoi Hotel near the Taj Mahal in Agra. Described as the to transform Singapore from a “Garden City” in Agra offers exemplary resort accommoda- most extravagant monument ever built for into a “City in a Garden.” The initiative’s goal is tions and complimentary transportation to the love, this stunning mausoleum has become to enhance the quality of life with vibrant flow- nearby Taj Mahal. the de facto tourist emblem of India. It was ers and greenscapes. constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in mem- For details, visit www.oberoihotels.com/hotels-in-agra-amarvilas-resort.

46 Opulence Winter 2017/18 Aitutaki

Aitutaki, a Cook Island in the South Pacific nes- sis surrounded by white-sand beaches, a crystal To arrange to celebrate New Year’s in Aitutaki, visit tled on the opposite side of the International azure lagoon and a barrier reef teeming with www.aitutakilagoonresort.com. Visitors must fly Date Line, is one of the (inhabited) places in rays, bonefish and turtles. Quite the ideal restful into Rarotonga Island and boat over to Aitutaki. the world where guests can hear the last clock destination for adventurers who wish to time- Happy New Year! strikes to hit 12 a.m. on New Year’s Eve. Celebra- zone hop to ring in 2018. tors in Aitutaki can enjoy a serene, secluded oa-

TRAVEL TO THE CARIBBEAN FOR NEW YEAR’S & SUPPORT RECOVERY EFFORTS Or, donate your Marriott points to make a difference

With the heartbreaking consequences of the most recent natural disasters, many travelers continue to wonder how they can help the ongoing recovery efforts and make an impactful difference.

The Caribbean has something to offer for all types of vacationers: white sandy beaches, exotic wildlife, romantic sunsets, a plethora of delectable cuisine, vibrant-rich heritage and family-friendly activities. One example is the luxurious Santo Do- mingo JW Marriott Hotel shown here – the glorious rooftop view is a stunning location to celebrate and watch the fireworks on New Year’s Eve.

Marriott Rewards members can donate their Rewards points to help communities affected by hurricanes Irma and Maria. They can give Another way travelers can help is through the disasters that have struck the Caribbean and to one of Marriott’s featured organizations and MI Disaster Relief Fund established to sup- Latin American regions. support a variety of emergency services to help port Marriott’s efforts to assist communities, families recover and rebuild. Such services in- To find out more information about donating especially affected associates during times clude: cash contributions, in-kind donations, Marriott Rewards points, visit www.mrgivingus. of disasters. Currently the fund is focused on and employee volunteerism. com. helping communities impacted by the natural

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 47 ANNUAL COCKTAIL PARTY HONORING Contessa Maria Vittoria Colonna Rimbotti, President of the Friends of the Ufﬁzi Gallery JANUARY 29, 2018

Private Palm Beach Home: Raffaello Members: $1,000+ For event times and membership details, visit www.friendsoftheufﬁzigallery.org ANNUAL COCKTAIL PARTY HONORING Contessa Maria Vittoria Colonna Rimbotti, President of the Friends of the Ufﬁzi Gallery JANUARY 29, 2018

Private Palm Beach Home: Raffaello Members: $1,000+ For event times and membership details, visit www.friendsoftheufﬁzigallery.org SU FILINDEU Threads of God – World’s Rarest Pasta From Nuoro, Sardinia

BY MARLA HORN LAZARUS PHOTO: M.ANTONIETTA MARRAS M.ANTONIETTA PHOTO:

eople are coming from all over Europe just to taste it. For I don’t want to reveal,” Paola said. “But the secret is right in front of the past 300 years, Santuario di San Francesco attracts you. It’s in my hands and plenty of elbow grease.” hundreds of devout pilgrims each spring. The sacred This time of year, Paola wakes up at 7 a.m. to begin five-hour work- dish of Su Filindeu, known as the rarest pasta on earth, is days for a month to make 110 pounds of pasta, and for the larger only served to the loyal trekkers who complete a 20-mile nine-day feast in May, she’ll prepare four times as much. pilgrimage. This nighttime adventure takes you through PSardinia, on foot or horseback, from the city of Nuoro to the village of DELICATE AND IMPOSSIBLE TO REPLICATE Lula for the biannual Feast of San Francesco. Su Filindeu, made specifi- Beginning with ordinary dough of semolina wheat, water and salt, cally for the festival, is so specialized and mind-boggling intricate that Paola kneads and moistens it until it reaches a consistency reminis- only a few make it and only those who reach Lula will ever try it. cent of modeling clay and working it into a rolled-cylindrical shape. FAMILY TRADITION OR SECRET? Then comes the hardest part, a process she calls, “understanding Su Filindeu, also known as “threads of God,” is pasta made of hun- the dough with your hands.” When she feels it needs to be more dreds of tiny strands in a hillside town in Sardinia. It was nearly half elastic, she dips her fingers into a bowl of salt water. If it needs more a century ago that a 62-year-old woman, Paola Abraini, learned the moisture, she dips them into a separate bowl of regular water. “It technique from her mother-in-law, who had learned it from previ- can take years to understand,” Paola said. ous generations of mothers. As it’s so difficult and time-consuming A similar instinct guides her hands as they pull the dough into to prepare, that for centuries, no one can remember how or why increasingly thin strands without ever breaking them. When the these women started preparing Su Filindeu. The recipe has re- semolina reaches just the right consistency, she picks up the cy- mained in Nuoro, located on the slopes of the Monte Ortobene, lindrical strand to stretch and fold the dough, doubling it as she where only the women of a single Sardinian family know this pressed the heads of the Su Filindeu into her palms. This sequence special technique, having only been passed down through the is repeated in a fluid motion eight times. With each sweeping pull, women in Paola’s family, each of who has guarded it tightly. Her the dough becomes thinner and thinner. When complete, she’s niece and sister-in-law are the only two other women on the planet left with 256 even strands, about half as wide as angel-hair pasta. who still know how to make it. “Many people say that I have a secret Carefully laying the strands on a circular base, one on top of an-

50 Opulence Winter 2017/18 “It’s like a game with your hands. But once you achieve it, then the magic happens.” – Paola Abraini other, to form a cross, she trims any excess from the ends before Refusing to let the repeating the process. After three thin layers are formed, alter- tradition fade away, nating layers like latticework, it’s dried in the Sardinian sun for Paola made it her several hours, until the layers are hardened into delicate sheets of mission to share Su tiny threads resembling stitched lace. Filindeu with the world. In the last Traditionally, the pasta is the heart of the biannual festival, served few years, Italy’s at the San Francesco feast, enjoyed in an amazing thick soup premier food and of boiling sheep’s broth with grated sheep’s milk pecorino, similar wine magazine/ to a creamy feta. guide, Gambero THE LEGACY CONTINUES Rosso, invited her After hundreds of years in the same matrilineal family tree, these to Rome to film her threads of God may need a miracle to survive for future genera- preparing the dish. Recently, for the first time, she’s begun making Su tions. Only one of Paola’s two daughters knows the basic tech- Filindeu for three local restaurants, offering non-pilgrims a chance to nique, and lacks the passion and patience of her mother while her taste the labor of love from these three women. other two relatives who still carry on the tradition have yet to find At the end of the pilgrimage, the weary are rewarded with two willing successors among their own children. things: a footbath and a bowl of steaming noodles. The footbath is It’s obvious that this culinary art form is one of the most at-risk foods just a footbath, but the noodles are extraordinary and worth every of becoming extinct. Paola recognizes this and has done something luscious morsel. Paola said, “It’s a blessing just to be able to make previously unheard of with her family’s tightly guarded dish: She at- Su Filindeu. I’ve been in love with it since the first time I ever saw tempted to teach local girls how to make it. Unfortunately, it didn’t go it, and I love it more each day. I hope to continue to make if for well as she approached the local government to see if she could open many years ahead…but if one day I have to stop, at least I’ll have up a small school, but they told her there was no funding. Then, she a video.” agreed to invite students into her home. She states, “The problem was that once they saw how I actually do it, they’d say, ‘It’s just too much View the video online: www.internationalopulence.com work’, and wouldn’t come back.”

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 51 LEGACY OF ‘THE SPIDER AMONG THE BARRELS’ BY HOPE GAINER

Giovanni Allegrini’s influential art of winemaking in the Fumane region of Italy

Photo above: Giovanni Allegrini, wine brand founder and “The Spider Among The Barrels”

52 Opulence Winter 2017/18 In the ‘valley of many cellars’, the Valpolicella is nestled in the Fumane region of Italy, known locally for its winemaking since the 16th century. Generations later, in the 20th century, Giovanni Allegrini elevated the region’s esoteric winemaking legacy to what would become a global entity thanks in part to his innovative agricultural instincts.

Allegrini’s novelties included using barrique sized oak barrels besides ‘THE SPIDER the customary Slavonian oak barrels; he lessened the aging duration of his wine productions to retain the fruity aromatic flavor of his very favorite grape – the Corovina; and he developed new drying methods that conceptualized what he called the ‘Terre di Fumane.’ AMONG THE An unusual and enthusiastic wine innovator, Giovanni Allegrini earned the nickname, “The Spider Among the Barrels,” because he’d jump from [l-r]: Caterina, Francesco, Franco, Silvia and Marilisa Allegrini barrel to barrel in enthusiasm when presenting wine tastings to guests. the torch to the seventh generation: Marilisa’s daughter Caterina, Wal- THE ALLEGRINI DYNASTY ter’s daughter Silvia and Franco’s son Francesco. BARRELS’ Building the Allegrini wine dynasty did not happen overnight. In 1983, when Giovanni passed away unexpectedly at the age of 63, ATTENTION TO EXCELLENCE sixth-generation siblings Marilisa Allegrini and her brothers Franco The Allegrini focus has been on quality. Between their three estates and Walter (now deceased), spearheaded the family wine brand’s (one in Veneto and two in Tuscany), they have released more than expansion efforts. 60 wines rated 90 points or higher by Wine Spectator. They started in Veneto and expanded to Tuscany, adding Poggio al Tesoro in At that time, they were a modest producer of about 8,500 cases Bolgheri and Poggio San Polo in Montalcino, thus opening new per year, consisting of lighter Valpolicella Classico and the stronger doors for their children to make their mark. Amarone made from raisined grapes from the Veneto region. Marilisa has personally made it her mission to take their superior Today, the Allegrini family produces 350,000 cases annually (worth $36 Amarone wine on the road and also enhance the image of then million) of a more diversified mix of wines. 20 percent of their sales Valpolicella wine. Last year she was the only vintner appointed to occur in the United States. “Reaching the U.S. market was our biggest the board of SACE, the export bank, showing the importance of dream, but we also expanded to Germany, Switzerland, the United wine to Italy’s economic recovery. Kingdom – and now Asia,” explained Marilisa, who serves as CEO. “We practice sustainable viticulture and have organic certification. We want ACQUIRING THE RENAISSANCE MASTERPIECE: to minimize impact on the environment, both physically and aestheti- VILLA DELLA TORRE cally. Our land is our greatest asset. What we do today impacts what we Always up for the next challenge, Marilisa and Franco bought Villa th leave for our children tomorrow.” The Allegrini’s are preparing to pass della Torre, a 16 century estate surrounded by the Palazzo della

Giovanni Allegrini’s influential art of winemaking in the Fumane region of Italy

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 53 Villa della Torre

Torre estate vineyard, which their father had managed near the family’s In 2016, Villa della Torre opened as a five-star boutique Fumane hometown. Nobleman Giulio della Torre commissioned the hotel, with 10 luxury guest rooms available. The Allegrini family Italian Renaissance villa to be built by architects Giulio Romano and celebrated with a series of special guest dinners, including one to Michele Sanmicheli, with works by artist Giovanni Battista Scultori. host Italy’s Prime Minister, the U.S. Ambassador, Alibaba Founder Jack Ma and superstar singer Sting. Vinitaly, the largest wine ex- “I used to play in the villa and dreamed that one day it would be- hibition in the world, each April brings over 20,000 people to the long to my family,” said Marilisa. “Now our dream has come true. I region and VIP events are often held at Villa della Torre. Wine tast- am passionate about art, creative expression and beauty. I think ings and cooking classes are offered at the villa, as well as wed- these things are essential in the world of wine; wine and art are dings, honeymoons and special events like hot air ballooning natural partners.” and art exhibitions. Since the Italian government cannot take care of restoring all der- What does the famiily hope will motivate the next generation of elict properties in the country, Marilisa feels it’s the responsibility of Allegrinis? “Love and a strong sense of duty,” Marilisa said proudly. entrepreneurs to play their part in preserving Italy’s artistic legacy. Renovating Villa della Torre into Allegrini’s hospitality headquarters To learn more about Allegrini wines and Villa della Torre, became her pet project. She personally directed the interior design visit website.allegrini.it/en. and furnishings, as well as the seamless and thoughtful integration of new technology to preserve the villa’s ancient history.

LA GROLA 2010 LIMITED EDITION Celebrating 30 years of production, La Grola wine by Allegrini was released in 1983 and marked the cultural and oe- nological revival of the Valpolicella. On the occasion of this anniversary, the Company decided to commission Milo Manara, one of Italy’s best-loved Com- ic-Strip artists, to interpret La Grola and the local legends that surround it. Ac- cording to the ancient legend, it was on this amazing hill that Corvina Grapes borned, thanks to the miraculous intervention of a crow (“Grola” in Veronese Dawn at Allegrini dialect) that made the fortune of that vineyard.

54 Opulence Winter 2017/18 DINE LIKE A TUSCAN UPPERCLASSMAN Forte dei Marmi, helmed by Two-Michelin Star Chef Antonio Mellino, brings authentic Italian fare to the United States BY ROBIN JAY Villa della Torre ince the 18th century in northern Tuscany, tour- “Welcome to Forte dei Marmi,” he greeted ists from the Italian upper class have flocked to the in his charming Italian dialect. “I’m pleased Forte dei Marmi sea town ‘to breathe healthy air and to share with you tonight some of my fa- to sandbathe.’ Meaning Fort of the Marbles (referring vorite dishes I have created along with my to the Carrara stone quarried from the Alpi Apuane son Raffaele. We prepare our pasta from Smountains), a touch of Forte dei Marmi has come to Miami Beach, scratch from the finest imported Italian in- with international foodies flocking to taste the simple sensorial epi- gredients, our fish is fresh and wild caught curean cuisine of Two-Michelin Star Chef Antonio Mellino. – may I suggest the branzino – and we pre- THE NORTHERN TUSCANY DINING EXPERIENCE pare our desserts from the heart.” All guests here are treated with white-glove service, as if they might LET THE FEAST BEGIN be the next undercover critics on assignment from the coveted Soon from the kitchen arrived a parade of Michelin Guide, which rates the globe’s finest restaurants. A lucky authentic Italian dishes. We started with ca- few may earn one star. Chef Antonio Mellino has earned two stars. lamari ‘tagliatelle’ with petrossian caviar and lemon zest, followed by tuna tartare with Shortly after the start of sunset, when the maître d’ seated us at a ‘tonno pinna gialla’, avocado, baby capers quaint porch-front table, the silver-flocked and citrus gel, and then vitello tonnato with Chef Antonio – just having landed in hazelnut mayo, arugula, parmesan, corn Miami from London and still clad in his ‘taco’. Next arrived tagliolini with Alaskan crisp white Oxford and stylish den- crab, cherry tomatoes and chili oil, shad- im – sat down to join us for a flute of owed soon by Mediterranean Branzino Zuc- bubbling prosecco. chini filet with artichoke puree, spring onion and new potato chips. For dessert, we delighted in the home-churned pistachio ge- lato, served in a natural-cut travertine bowl from San Pietro marble quarry in Italy.

Need I say more? Certainly, there’s no wonder why the Italian Republic awarded Chef Antonio as Ambassador of the Best Medi- terranean Cuisine in the world.

Forte dei Marmi is located at 150 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, in the intimate 1938 Mediterranean revival building meticulously restored by acclaimed architect Chad Op- penheim in collaboration with Milan-based fabricator Henry Timi. For reservations, call (786) 276-3095 or visit OpenTable.com.

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 55 Culinary Business Profile BY ALONA ABBADY MARTINEZ

GoingMeet A Dynamic Duo Big with A Passion for Food

osana Calambichis’ voice is soothing and lyrical, a natural accompaniment to her friendly disposition. A lawyer by profession, she came to the United States in 1991 where she honed her business expertise with Rseveral successful endeavors before purchasing BigChef with her husband, restaurateur Mano Calambichis, in 2003. Together, they form a dynamic duo powered by creativity, passion, and business savvy, a combination that has garnered them multiple awards JOSEE LUBIN PHOTO: and certifications.

WE Magazine for Women named Rosana among the “Top 100 Together, the Calambichis have earned such honors as “Minority Woman in Ecommerce” and she was recently awarded the noble Manufacturer of the Year” by the U.S Department of Commerce and title of “Commander” by the Sublime PUMART Order Merit of Honor acknowledgment from the Top Platinum Green Business Bureau for in Rio de Janeiro-Brazil. their commitment to sustainable business practices.

56 Opulence Opulence Winter Winter 2017/18 2017/18 THE HOSPITALITY GURUS CULTURAL DIVERSITY customers span from Key West up to Wel- Mano owned two Greek restaurants be- “When we acquired BigChef, it was a com- lington and across the state to Naples and fore purchasing BigChef with Rosana. “He’s pany doing hors d’oeuvres and canapés Marco Island. They also ship orders overnight known as ‘The Miracle Man’ in this industry: for the tri-county area – Miami, Broward throughout the continental United States, Last minute things, ‘can you do this?’ and he and Palm Beach counties in South Florida,” cater South Florida inflight and yacht com- will make it happen!” said Rosana. Rosana said. “Since then, we have expanded panies, as well as cater to businesses and “If everything’s under control, you’re going and diversified.” As Rosana explained this, residences. And then there’s the café, where too slow,” said Mano, who noted he shares she pulled out multiple glossy brochures of guests have lunch or pick up orders. this mantra with a well-known racecar driv- BigChef’s menu offerings. “I love pictures!” er. Born in the Belgian Congo and raised in she exclaimed, and, as I get lost in images of SERVICE BAR NONE his family’s native country of Greece, Mano baby lobster ravioli, guava mint crowns, and The duo not only oversee every facet of the grew up around restaurants and clubs. In Parisian macarons the colors of the rainbow, operation, they are the face of the business, 1971, he moved to New York and in 1974, I can see why. meeting with each customer personally. became involved in his They also launched an first supper club ven- App for customers to ture with his family. By “FOOD IS A CELEBRATION. place their orders. “The 1976, he obtained his priority is the client. We degree in Computer I LIKE BEING A PART Science and Hotel & want them to feel com- Restaurant Manage- OF THAT.” – ROSANA CALAMBICHIS fortable.” ment at New York Uni- Diversification seems an understatement It goes without saying versity and was on his way to continuing when looking at all BigChef offers. They have they value the importance of their staff, a the family tradition. multiple lines of products, such as fresh can- critical component in BigChef’s success. “I call Rosana’s curriculum vitae is equally as impres- apés, puff pastry, dim sum, and dessert, each them ‘the key ingredient’,” Rosana said, beam- sive. “My drive to become a successful entrepre- with a long list of combinations from which ing like a proud parent. At that moment, En- neur began as a young girl,” continued Rosana, to choose. Their Karnis line provides Kosher, rique, one of the “brigadeiro specialists,” enters who was inspired by her mother’s achieve- items like hummus, shakshukah, and a Span- her office to discuss additions to their already ments as an award-wining chef and cookbook ish eggplant salad. Next on Rosana’s to-do 23 flavors of the favorite Brazilian bonbon. “I author and her father’s leadership practices. list is a Vegan line, although they do offer ve- want hazelnut for the holidays, okay?” she told Raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Rosana earned her gan products, just not a full line yet. him with a smile. degree in Family Law at PUC-SP. Believing in ed- The wide representation of culinary cultures ucation beyond the classroom, she traveled, re- How does BigChef run by a husband-and- is intentional. “It is international food because siding in Cali, Colombia and Angola, Africa and, wife team with only 38 employees provide South Florida is an international market,” Rosana ultimately, South Florida. “My understanding of said. “We just try to provide authentic flavors. I services for so many venues with so many different cultures enhances my knowledge of have about 16 represented nationalities work- options and do it with such success?Rosana’s international business and my appreciation of ing with us. This diversity becomes a strength.” explanation is surprisingly simple: world cuisine.” She’s also gifted with a extraordinary business acumen. In 2004, she earned an Tucked away in a quiet strip mall next to the “Food is a celebration. I like being a part MBA in Global Business Management. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, BigChef’s local of that.”

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 57 CARLETON VARNEY NEWBRIDGE SILVERWARE COLLECTION LAUNCH AT THE MARY MAHONEY STORE

LOUIS XIII COGNAC CELLAR MASTER BAPTISTE LOUISEAU ON HIS FIRST VISIT TO MIAMI/UNITED STATES IN OCTOBER

FALL 2017 ISSUE LAUNCH & NEW SEASON CELEBRATION WITH DAS MODEL MANAGEMENT

58 Opulence Winter 2017/18 The Kahlo Dress is pure floral poetry in motion. In a sweeping length, this halter dress is floaty and elegant in tiers of ruffled stretch silk. $598

FASHIONS BY TRINA TURK

PHOTO: HAMID KOOTVAL DAS Model Management

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 59 The Capote Jumpsuit is poetry in motion. In a luxe black crepe, this sleek, chic one piece features a soft, floaty silk georgette overlay that’s ankle length at the back and it flows across the bodice to reveal the crop length pant. It’s a unique and eye-catching way to dress for evening soirees and festive fetes. $398

FASHIONS BY TRINA TURK

PHOTO: HAMID KOOTVAL DAS Model Management

60 Opulence Winter 2017/18 With a sexy keyhole cut-out and halter neckline, the slinky Pam Dress is sure to turn heads this holiday season. With a sleek and figure flattering silhouette, this little black dress steals the scene in simple, chic style. $258

FASHIONS BY TRINA TURK

PHOTO: HAMID KOOTVAL DAS Model Management

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 61 A floor length frock with floral appeal has arrived in time for your evening soirees and upcoming fetes. In a sumptuous silk bouquet print, with metallic detailing, the Betton Dress delivers a luxurious look with a lace and see-thru net bodice. $398

FASHIONS BY TRINA TURK

PHOTO: HAMID KOOTVAL DAS Model Management

62 Opulence Winter 2017/18 What Women Want

A B

A: Russian Imperial Bee Earrings • store.metmuseum.org B: Mantero Archivio N.12 Square Silk Scarf - mantero.com/us, Nordstrom C: Mirenesse products • mirenesse.com D: Instantly Ageless eye firming cream • www.jeunesseglobal.com/en-US/instantly-ageless/m E: One-of-a-kind Susan Tancer bags - art that gives back to MD Anderson Cancer Center, www.susantancerstudios.com F: CREED White Amber • www.creedboutique.com

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 63 What Women Want

G: Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer in Fuchsia – neimanmarcus.com H: Edie Parker Jean Ripple Clutch – neimanmarcus.com I: Hugo & Victor Autumn/Winter Dessert Collection • hugovictor.com J: ICON Au Gold Infuser with Black Tea Tray – teaforte.com

Featured in the 2017 Neiman Marcus Christmas Book

64 Opulence Winter 2017/18 BY ROBIN JAY Medical Innovation News Revolutionizing Surgeon Powered Robotics

A new intuitive robotic wrist-mounted needle driver – which costs hundreds, FlexDex Co-founders (l-r) Shorya not millions – makes minimally invasive robotic surgery available to all Awtar, Sc.D. and James Geiger, M.D.

t seemed like futuristic science-fiction-come-to-life in 2000 sign architecture, which leads to the sub-optimal performance. when the FDA announced approval of the robotic da Vinci Our goal was to reduce this burden for the surgeon so more can Surgical System. Surgeons could control the intuitive device adopt minimally invasive (or laparoscopic) surgery and those who from a console to facilitate com- already perform such surgery can Iplex surgery using a minimally inva- do so more comfortably. sive approach. Problem was, the sys- Initial surgical robotic sys- “We had to completely reimagine tem cost millions, only one surgeon the interface between the surgeon at a time could use it (log-jamming tems cost millions of dollars. and the instrument. We recognized operating rooms), and the prohibi- FlexDex costs less than a the need to mount the needle tive expense made it available only thousand dollars. driver instrument on the forearm to a select few patients. However, and create a virtual center of rota- a Michigan-based company called tion for the instrument handle that FlexDex is about to revolutionize the coincides with the surgeon’s wrist,” robotic surgery industry with a new Awtar continued. “FlexDex not only intuitive mechanical wrist-mounted provides enhanced dexterity (or needle driver. wristed articulation) at the instru- INTUITIVE MEDICINE ment tip, its unique design allows “For all surgeons who perform mini- the surgeon to control the instru- mally invasive surgery (MIS), we ment via natural and comfortable have only had the use of basic func- hand movements. tioning instruments called ‘straight “The instrument becomes an ex- sticks.’ These instruments allow you tension of the surgeon’s hand in- to enter the body through small inside the patient’s body. This helps cisions, but have limited function- the surgeon perform complex ality,” said Dr. Geiger, M.D., FlexDex laparoscopic procedures with less Co-founder and CEO. “FlexDex physical and cognitive strain. Key provides intuitive control and articula- surgical procedures that can ben- tion of the instrument tip within the patient. This level of functionality efit from this functionality include hernia repair, bariatic surgery, is currently only found on expensive surgical robotic systems, which partial nephrectomy, hysterectomy, prostatectomy, to name a few.” cost millions of dollars. FlexDex costs less than a thousand dollars. Response from the surgeon community proves exciting. When “Shorya Awtar, Sc.D. and I began a collaboration in 2007 ini- asked about his experience with tially somewhat by chance (along with our business Co-founder FlexDex, Dr. Kent Bowden, a gen- Greg Bowles), but ultimately by a common goal to bring the eral surgeon in Cadillac, Michigan, benefits of MIS to patients anywhere in the world. I am one and one of the first surgeons to of the inventors, but Shorya is a brilliant mechanical engineer transform his practice using the who solved a problem that many others had tried but were device, replied, “I think FlexDex never successful.” will do for laparoscopy what lapa- Chief Technology Officer Awtar explained, “The existing laparoscopic roscopy did for general surgery.” instruments for MIS required a complicated and awkward move- About FlexDex: FlexDex Surgical ment by the surgeon. These instruments are counter-intuitive http://www.flexdex.com and result in poor ergonomics for the surgeon. For decades, FlexDex Co-Founder Greg Bowles traditional laparoscopic instruments have followed a certain de-

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 65 The speechless passenger fortunately recorded the moment on his cell phone and proceeded to take down Jean’s phone number, after informing him of his decades-long profession in business development and brand management within the entertainment industry. A A JOURNEY BEGINS The two gentlemen agreed to remain in contact. In subsequent months, a performance protégé was born. With video evidence of his newfound talent, Santelises made calls to his personal network of contacts in the music business, includ- VALIANT ing Gloria and Emilio Estefan, who Jean was lucky enough to meet. Over the summer of 2017, Jean sang for guests within the duo’s new restaurant, Estefan Kitchen. “Jean has a genuinely natural forte for singing opera – a diamond in the rough – and has waited too long for the break he deserves. Not only does he have a tremendous gift, but his story of displacement from his home country is VERISMO’S a heartbreaking one that many Haitians in South Florida can relate to. Jean has the potential and personality to become the next multi platinum artist,” Santelises said. THE OVATION Two months after their fateful initial Uber encounter, Jean was in- IMPOSSIBLE troduced to a wider audience during Miami Fashion Week at Ice Pal- ace Studios. Jean took to the stage to sing a full rendition of “‘O sole mio” in front of astonished attendees that included Miami Fashion Week’s honorary ambassador Antonio Banderas. The front row leapt to their feet with applause upon hearing Jean’s vocal splendor. “To have the privilege and honor of meeting Glo- DREAM ria and Emilio Estefan was a dream come true,” said Jean. “To then Haiti earthquake survivor is discovered become a featured artist at Miami Fashion Week and perform in in Miami as the next rising-star opera singer front of Hollywood royalty was an equally unforgettable experience. My friendship with Rich has not only demonstrated the kind- BY ELLIOTT STARES ness and generosity the people of Miami are willing to extend, but has opened my eyes toward understanding how professional guid- 28-year-old Haitian earthquake survivor has defied all ance can unleash one’s true potential. I aim to inspire and encour- odds, after starting a new life in South Florida and reveal- age other Haitians who may also have an undiscovered talent to be ing his remarkable talent as an aspiring opera singer to an patient and work hard toward living their dream.” inconspicuous Uber passenger who is now helping him JEAN’S EARLY LIFE fulfill his dream. A Jean was born in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, with a young- CHANCE ENCOUNTER er sister. His father was a diplomat for Haiti, and his moth- It was an ordinary summer evening in Miami, when long-time er was an architect by trade, who raised the family at home. Miami resident, Rich Santelises, was journeying home via his At 9 years old, Jean realized he had a voice that was unlike any- normal method of Uber transportation. His driver – 28 year- one else his age. He became increasingly mesmerized watching old Jean Vaillant, an earthquake survivor from Haiti’s capital, concerts by his favorite performers in America, while dreaming of Port-au-Prince, who relocated to South Florida with his family becoming a professional singer one day. By age 12, the operatic shortly after the disaster in 2010. classic, La Donna è Mobile, became Jean’s favorite song to practice. A friendly conversation ensued between the two, and Jean In high school, his voice matured and he distinguished himself as revealed his love for opera singing from childhood. A curious a talented tenor. Santelises couldn’t let the journey end without hearing a rendition WHEN TRAGEDY STRIKES from the young islander. Jean took a deep breath and began singing Jean remembers rehearsing for a school performance in the family’s lines from the Italian classic “‘O sole mio.” Santelises recounts the car wooden house in Port-au-Prince, when an earthquake pummeled vibrating with the bellowing base from the Haitian’s voice, resulting the country in 2010. He felt traumatized at the suffering of his fam- in a breathtaking interpretation of the chorus – perfect in both tone ily’s hometown and deaths of his fellow residents in the capital. and pitch – as if it were from Pavarotti himself.

66 Opulence Winter 2017/18 Two days after the earthquake shook the city to its core, Jean managed to drive with his sister from Port-au-Prince to the Dominican Republic, where they would fly to Miami for safety. Like many Haitians following the earthquake, Jean’s family gained temporary protective asylum status in the U.S., while his mom worked as a nursing assistant to generate a minimal income.In the summer of 2012, Jean moved to Sunrise and attended Broward College. His self-taught vocal instruction continued at home and Jean remained optimis- tic about his future performance aspirations. THE SILVER LINING After his talent was discovered at college, Jean was referred to a voice teacher. He en- rolled in the music program, becoming an avid member of the college choir. In doing so, Jean had the opportunity to sing for all of his teachers, after which his fellow students and professors compared him to members of the group Il Divo. He began using his talents for the greater good by singing in fundraisers for Haiti, which he continues today, together with his love for bartending at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Vaillant, along with Santelises (now his personal manager), is taking strides to gain additional exposure, with the next project being sessions in the recording studio and additional introductions to influential names within the music business for a potential label contract. An approach was made to the management team of the renowned tenor, Andrea Bocelli, who launched “Voices of Haiti” through the Andrea Bocelli Foundation – providing music education to children in Catholic schools throughout Haiti. The approach was well received by Bocelli’s management team with a view to a meeting being arranged between the opera legend and the aspiring Haitian artist.

To see Jean Vaillant’s performance at Jean remembers rehearsing opera for a school performance Miami Fashion in the family’s wooden house in Port-au-Prince, when an Week 2017, go to youtu. earthquake pummeled the country in 2010. be/3ZZHFoHQ1Sw.

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 67 Gentlemen’s Corner

68 Opulence Winter 2017/18 F G

A: Atomic Backland Skis • atomic.com/en B: Corum Golden Bridge Rectangular watch • www.carrazzajewelers.com C: Bottega Veneta Steel Suede Voortrekking Boot • bottegaveneta.com D: Oliver Peoples Remick Mirrored Brow-Bar Sunglasses, Blue • neimanmarcus.com E: CREED Aqua Fiorentina men’s fragrance and toiletries • www.CreedBoutique.com F: Montegrappa Game of Thrones Fountain Pen • montegrappa.com G: Ermenegildo Zegna Pelle Tessuta™ Vicuna Holdall • zegna.us/us-en/home H: Ralph Lauren Home Paxton Mixology Box • neimanmarcus.com I: Gucci Monaco Stretch Velvet Jacket • gucci.com

Featured in the 2017 Neiman Marcus Christmas Book

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 69 HYPERCAR AUCTION MANIA Factors Fueling Auction Mania On 5 High-Profile Hypercars

BY ROBIN JAY PHOTO: RM SOTHEBY’S PHOTO:

Steve Jobs’ BMW Z8 was estimated to bring $300,000 - $400,000 and was offered without reserve. To see the final selling price, visit www.InternationalOpulence.com.

70 Opulence Winter 2017/18 Winter 2017/18 Opulence 71 hat do His Holiness Pope Fran- Second is the desire to sit in a seat once empirical research journal Organizational cis, Apple Icon Steve Jobs, owned by someone of historic greatness Behavior and Human Decision Process. “… Grand Prix winner Michael – as if, somehow, the provenance might [Our] Study 1 reports that men’s testoster- Schumacher, Italian legend project similar qualities onto the new own- one levels increased and decreased…after Enzo Ferrari, American mus- ers. A third influence, extreme speed and driving an expensive sports car and an old cle-car designer Carroll Shelby, an engine-revving purr of power can spur family sedan, respectively.” W and former frozen chicken one’s quest to splurge on a rare sports car. 5 SUPERCAR AUCTIONS business tycoon Christian von Koenigsegg After all, supercars can exceed thousands MAKING HEADLINES have in common? Collectors are grappling of horsepower and hundreds of miles per Whether you have the purse to purchase a to get into their cars – and willing to pay hour, sparking an adrenaline rush at just the collectible supercar or simply appreciate the handsomely for the privilege. Automobiles idea of owning and mastering a vehicle so fine artistry, engineering and performance, owned by these icons of faith, technology potentially dangerous and life-threatening. you’ll enjoy this look at a few select high- and speed have, or will soon hit, auction A fourth scenario comes from behavioral profile hypercars that have been, or soon will blocks (some to benefit charities), with bid- scientists who say .there’s another factor be, up for sale to the highest bidder. ders registering in droves. Quick – get your that plays a significant role in a person’s su- bidding paddles! percar attraction: primal instinct. 1. The Last LaFerrari Aperta Fetches Record Price For Children’s Charity WHAT SPARKS “Using evolutionary psychology as a theo- THE BIDDING FRENZY? retical framework…conspicuous con- On September 9, 2017, Ferrari set a record If you’re wondering what motivates bid- sumption serves as a means by which men when the very last (210th unit) LaFerrari Ap- ding wars that bring a king’s ransom at communicate their social status to pro- erta sold for a staggering $7.9 million at high-profile hypercar auctions, we’ve un- spective mates,” wrote scientists Gad Saad auction during the Prancing Horse’s 70th covered four key influences: First, there’s and John G. Vongas in a 2009 issue of the Anniversary celebrations at the Fiorano the basic economic principle of supply and demand. These high-tech mega-machines are typically handmade and produced in very small quantities, rendering them rare mechanical works of art and tangible port- folio assets. PHOTO: RM SOTHEBY’S PHOTO:

This LaFerrari presents a unique metallic Rosso Fuoco livery, with double metallic Biano Italia racing stripe on its bonnet and tail. The final bid is a new record for a 21st century car.

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 71 This historic $22.55 million 1956 Aston Martin DBR1/1 is now the most valuable British car sold at auction

circuit. Proceeds benefited ‘Save the Children’, an organization that “Not only was the Z8 the halo car for an iconic brand and the Bond helps disadvantaged children in more than 120 countries worldwide. car for a generation, but it caught the eye of the most iconic and influential entrepreneur of our time,” said Don Rose, Car Specialist, According to RM Sotheby’s, the hybrid LaFerrari Aperta is ‘the result RM Sotheby’s. “Jobs’ legacy is all around us, with over one billion of seven decades of ingenuity…that embodies every aspect of the iPhones sold to date. However, he only owned one Z8, and this company and its founder, the late Enzo Ferrari.’ is that car. The BMW is a perfect fit within our ICONS event, while 2. The Most Valuable British Car Ever Sold At Auction: making it difficult to determine whether the icon in this case is the A 1956 Aston Martin DBR1 car or the man… I say both!”

At its flagship Monterey sale on August 18–19, 2017, the RM Sotheby’s 4. Lamborghini Huracán Built For His Holiness Pope Francis highlight was the sale of this legendary 1956 Aston Martin DBR1, chas- To Be Auctioned For Charity In May 2018 sis no. 1, which achieved $22,550,000. The sum set a world record not Donated to Pope Francis by Automobili Lamborghini, this 2018 only for an Aston Martin, but also for any British automobile at auction. Huracán was custom built in homage to the Vatican. The special Arguably the most important Aston Martin ever produced, DBR1/1 edition model pays tribute to the Vatican City flag colors, painted in carries a racing history that includes overall victory at the 1959 Nür- Bianco Monocerus with Giallo Tiberino details. burgring 1000 KM, as well as the greatest names in motorsport, from Carroll Shelby to Jack Brabham, Roy Salvadori, and Sir Stirling Moss. RM Sotheby’s will offer this one-of-a-kind supercar at its biennial Monaco sale, May 12, 2018, without reserve, with all proceeds to be 3. Steve Jobs’ BMW Z8 Sold At New York ‘Icons’ Sale donated to the Holy Father, who will allocate them accordingly to December 6, 2017 the Vatican’s preferred charitable organizations. For further informa- BMW’s most iconic car of the 21st century, this Z8 went to RM So- tion on the Lamborghini, please visit www.rmsothebys.com. theby’s ICONS sale in exemplary condition, having just 15,200 miles. 5. The Customer-Build Koenigsegg Regera – It was offered with its proper hardtop and hardtop stand, car cover, The First Fully Robotized Supercar – Now Sold Out owner’s and service manuals, two keys, navigation CDs and, ironi- cally, its BMW-branded Motorola cell phone, used by Jobs. Perhaps Any megacar enthusiast worth his salt knows Koenigsegg Automo- unsurprisingly, he was known to have hated that phone. tive in Ängelholm, Sweden, has traditionally built the world’s fast-

1966 Mustang Shelby

72 Opulence Winter 2017/18 est production cars since the brand’s inception. The Koenigsegg Regera continues the tradition, but with technology that produces outrageous speed, impeccable comfort, and a unique Direct Drive powertrain. The unrivaled system produces 670 horsepower and a breathtaking acceleration rate of zero to over 400 km/h in just 20 seconds. This power-to-weight ratio has never been seen in a road- legal electric drive system prior to the Regera.

But before you ring your investment banker and suit up in your racing gear, know this: Koenigsegg has recently announced the factory’s full allocation of custom-build Regera models has sold out! There’s no known auction date for one of these rare megacars to hit the secondary marketplace, but keep your eyes peeled and your fingers crossed if you dream of owning one, as a future auction- house sale is likely the only way you’ll ever get your hands on one. COURTESY OF LAMBORGHINI MEDIA COURTESY His Holiness Pope Francis signed this Lamborghini Huracán “The Regera is a new high watermark for Koenigsegg Automotive,” at its unveiling on November 15, 2017, in the Vatican. said company founder and CEO, Christian von Koenigsegg (yes, he’s also the frozen chicken business tycoon we mentioned at the beginning of this story). “It has been our greatest technical challenge and, as such, it is also our greatest technical triumph.”

Koenigsegg Regera

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 73 Living On Cloud 9 AT THE MONACO YACHT SHOW BY HOPE GAINER

uring the fall Monaco Yacht Show, the world’s greatest superyacht event on the quays of Port Hercules, CLOUD 9 debuted – it took my breath Daway when I set foot on board. The show curates extraordinary never-to-be-repeated superyachts built by the world’s most respected shipyards and CLOUD 9 made the cut to appear at this special show supported by his Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco. There is nothing better to whet one’s appetite for a lavish vacation aboard a superyacht than seeing her, meeting her crew and having a toast on deck. CLOUD 9 is like experiencing a slice of ‘heaven at sea.’ HER SPECIFICATIONS CLOUD 9, a custom-built 243-foot superyacht de- livered in May 2017, comfortably and luxuriously accommodates up to 16 guests (12 when chartering) across eight cabins, arranged as an owner’s suite, one VIP cabin and six doubles. In addition, space is provided for 22 crew members, plus an additional two cabins for four staff members.

Across all five decks are un- derstated color schemes with a wide diversity of oak juxta- posed with mother-of-pearl

74 Opulence Winter 2017/18 elements, marine-inspired artwork and unique bas-relief décor. An unusual feature of the vessel is the forward-living area located at the bow, which allows guests to enjoy outdoor living in total privacy and includes a unique party space ideal for karaoke evenings.

The Main Deck includes a swimming pool on the aft deck. Indoors, the main saloon can be transformed into a full-fledged cinema with a large screen and projec- tor descending from the ceiling. There is also a spacious spa area, equipped with a massage table, hair salon and private bathroom. Picturesque views of the ocean can be enjoyed from the fold- down balcony. Immediately forward are the six guest cabins with more variations of the oak wood. AH, THE OWNER’S QUARTERS The Owner’s Deck has private access to 4,305 square feet of sumptuous living space with a king-size bed facing the sea, his-and-her bathrooms and spacious walk-in closets. There is a media room with a sliding glass door opening onto the aft deck, which transforms into a private outdoor cinema.

CLOUD 9 is a powerful collaboration between CRN (a division of Ferretti Group), Zuccon International Project (Rome based architecture and industrial design studio), Winch Design (Exterior & Interior Yacht Design Company) and Bur- gess (Global superyacht company that guides clients through every aspect of the yachting experience including new construction supervision). It has over 10,764 square feet of design elements across all five decks and sub deck resulting in a world-class caliber superyacht.

CLOUD 9 is lauded as one of the most impressive new superyachts to hit the water this year.

Chartering CLOUD 9 is offered this winter in the Caribbean with weekly rates from $875,000 through Burgess as Worldwide Central Agents. www.burgessyachts.com

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 75 Artful

Master Interior Designer Perla Lichi shares her art of light BY JOHN D. ADAMS

hat do your favorite movies, photographs, artificial lighting combined affect the way color and texture is and paintings all have in common? Likely seen in a room.” one strong element is that all draw the view- Perla chose to emphasize features that other designers might er in through artful use of light and shadow. consider hindrances. A relatively low ceiling can constrict a And just like with any optical art piece, the room. But here, Perla employs silver leaf and an oversized, grand deft development of a lighting story will chandelier, to turn the ceiling into an essential deliverer of light bring the viewer subliminally into the environment. It’s the same W and ambiance. “It’s such a jewel for the room,” she says. “And the with interior design. silver leaf interacts with the chandelier and the natural light, To cast some light onto this most elemental design feature, we turn, bringing a gentle glow above the table… once again, to Master Interior Designer, Perla Lichi. Ebullient as ever, “We changed the lights to mini high hats to go all around Perla guides us through three projects, sharing her thoughts and the perimeter and changed the placement of the lights based intentions regarding her deployment of illumination. on the new ceiling design and the Venetian trim. We added a SOLID AND SUBLIMINAL dimmer to the electrical fireplace and to the lighting within the First, the basics: “When designing with lighting, it’s important to built-in cabinet.” keep in mind that lighting works with all the materials around Perla’s color choices also reflect the bluish and greenish natural light. it,” she begins. “Is that something which absorbs light or reflects “We also deliberately chose simple yet elegant window treatments light?” Just as important as solid materials, Perla emphasizes de- so that the outside light could filter in and interact with the room.” liberate consideration of existing light sources, such as doors or windows, illumination from other rooms, and permanent fixtures. LIGHT AND SIGHT A common mistake is only to light rooms downward, which LIGHT AND EMPHASIS leaves the entire ceiling in shadow. “Lose that single overhead Perla is known for her boundless imagination. Incredibly, she fixture and go for a balance of lamps combined with recessed seems to become even more inspired when working with the lighting,” says Perla. When light is directed upward, it bounces “constraints” of an existing space. Consider her transcendent off the ceiling. This brightens the room and creates the sensa- dining space (seen Right). Perla delivers a master class on the tion that the ceiling is higher and the room larger than it really is. distribution of multiple light sources. Perla delights in showing us her next image. Without the “The client wanted us to create a formal, classic dining room right use of light, this impressive hall/gallery could easily have ambiance, while keeping the wall unit, fireplace and their exist- become dark and confusing. For Perla, lighting allowed her the ing counter-high dining table,” she says. “There were also exist- opportunity to orchestrate and direct the viewer’s sightlines. ing doors and windows, so it was very important for us to study “We created coves and niches to bring more dimension and the natural sunlight that comes into the room… Natural and interest to the spaces. We can now tell a story.

76 Opulence Winter 2017/18 A relatively low ceiling delivers light and ambiance to this formal dining room under the masterful design direction of Perla Lichi. The silver leafed ceiling reflects light from the grand chandelier.

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 77 Perla Lichi created coves and niches that add dimension and interest in the transformation of an upstairs hallway into an impressive gallery of fine art. Accent lighting softly bathes the owner’s art collection.

“The overhead, curved niches mimic the inlaid floor design. They “Are you a cook or foodie?” asks Perla. “If so, we want to make are silver leafed and softly lit behind the mouldings to bring the sure we offer strong, directed light for prep areas while still pre- eyes gently upward and down the hallways. We punched in circu- serving a pleasing ambient to the rest of the room… lar niches and dropped in chandeliers to add an elegant way for “So we have the direct task lighting, then we included accent the eyes to pause. Then we bring the view back down by using ac- lights under the cabinetry to really show off the custom tilework. cent lighting to softly bathe the owners’ wonderful art collection.” Next, we illuminated the inside of the etched glass cabinets to A LIGHT FOR EVERY TASK really enhance those beautiful details. And of course, you have to Some rooms simply require even more direct attention to the add the jewelry! The clients really love eating at the marble coun- use of light. And the kitchen is king. Understanding first how you ter. I chose this chandelier because of the way the crystals bathe use this room can direct your choices. For the kitchen seen here, that part of the room in a more interesting, softer light. You feel Perla again emphasized a variety of lights for each job. transported to an elegant restaurant, watching the master chefs at work. And for me, that is the most important part of creating the right lighting plan. You want to create that fantasy.”

78 Opulence Winter 2017/18 Task and under-cabinet lighting are appreciated by the cook and also serve to enhance the gorgeous tilework in this luxurious eat-in kitchen. Illumination inside etched glass cabinets plus a chandelier that bathes the room in a more interesting, softer light combine to create the illusion of dining in a fine restaurant.

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 79 RED HOT RED BULL RUSH SHOTS 2017

COMPILED BY ROBIN JAY For more than three decades, the caffeine, taurine, B vitamins and carbs in the Red Bull energy drink have fueled the wings of seriously skilled athletes. For this editor, the adrenaline rush comes from the killer action photography that stealth Red Bull photographers capture in the wink of a shutter. Enjoy the selection of 2017 thrill shots we’ve scrapbooked for you here…

LUKASZ CZEPIELA AND DARIO COSTA PERFORM ABOVE PIOTRKOW TRYBUNALSKI, POLAND.

80 Opulence Winter 2017/18 JESSICA MACAULAY OF THE UK DIVES 18 METRES AT THE SNAKE- HEAD ON ISLET FRANCA DO CAMPO DURING THE RED BULL CLIFF DIVING WORLD SERIES. PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROMINA AMATO.

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 81 RED BULL ILLUME ATHLETE PETE TAKEDA IN HILLDALE, UT. RED BULL ILLUME IMAGE QUEST 2016, CATEGORY FINALIST: SPIRIT PHOTOGRAPHER GREG MIONSKE

82 Opulence Winter 2017/18 FEMALE CLIFF DIVING AZORES, PORTUGAL, July 7, 2017: Jessica Macaulay of the UK dives 18 metres at the Snakehead on Islet Franca do Campo during the first training session of the second stop of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series. Photography by Romina Amato.

VALERY ROZOV PERFORMS AT THE 7 BASE SUMMITS HUASCARAN IN HUAREZ PERU.

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 83 FOR

Redbull Illume Athlete Pete Takeda in Hilldale, UT. Red Bull Illume IMAGE QUEST 2016, REAL? CATEGORY FINALIST: SPIRIT PHOTOGRAPHER GREG MIONSKE

84 Opulence Winter 2017/18 FOR

The captivating hyper-realism of Australia-born sculptor Ron Mueck REAL?is so lifelike it genuinely may make your hair stand on end COMPILED BY ROBIN JAY

ustralia-born artist Ron Mueck relishes breaking depicted much smaller or larger than life – drew such magnificent museum attendance records with his astonishing crowds at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth a decade ago that hyper-realistic sculpture exhibits. The artist’s figures curators have invited him back for an encore showcase in 2018. A– extraordinarily lifelike, except in scale, and always Winter 2017/18 Opulence 85 THE GENIUS PROCESS cause it’s ordinary. There’s no math involved; I usually do a sketch Mueck often takes more than a year to develop his creations, first on paper and if it looks good to me, then I use that scale for the modeling his visions in clay with meticulous attention to detail. actual piece. The shift in scale draws you in and in some ways en- He casts the clay carvings in silicone, fiberglass, and/or resin and gages you at a different level. spends months refining and refining. “I spend quite a while making paper mock-ups and sketches of The somewhat reclusive Mueck rarely allows onlookers to watch varying sizes before I commit myself to sculpting the clay. I can still him at work. In a rare interview, he told experts at the Brooklyn change it all right up to the molding stage, by which time I know if Museum, “I change the scale intuitively, really avoiding life-size be- the size is working for me or not.”

86 Opulence Winter 2017/18 Winter 2017/18 Opulence 87 A CURATOR’S PERSPECTIVE “Drawing upon memory and reality, Mueck’s lifelike sculptures are instantly relatable on a human level,” said Andrea Karnes, senior curator at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. “Because he often portrays easily identifiable human experiences, as in Woman with Shopping, 2013, which depicts a woman carrying grocery bags, with her baby nestled in a sling at her chest, we immediately understand the situation through compassion. Yet Mueck’s calculated shifts in scale throw us off by adding an element of ambiguity between reality and artifice. For example, the woman in this piece is less than 4 feet tall, perhaps suggesting that she feels overwhelmed.” A LOOK AT THE ARTIST’S LIFE Mueck, 59, currently lives in the UK. Before shifting his focus to art in the mid 1990s, he worked on children’s television shows – including Sesame Street and The Muppet Show – as a puppeteer and puppet maker until 1983. Afterward, the creative soul transitioned into designing special effects models for television and film in the United States and London and then, eventually, evolved into a career as a fine artist.

88 Opulence Winter 2017/18 “Untitled (Seated Woman), 1999, based on his wife’s grandmother, is one of the most popular works in the Modern’s permanent collection and represents the early mature phase of his transition to sculpture,” Karnes said.

“Comfort and discomfort are pretty broad terms. Each viewer will arrive with their own comfort/discomfort levels,” Mueck once said. “The space has a huge effect on the works. With sculpture, the space creates a tangible context. You can’t really predict it; you have to work with it. There are always surprises.” SEE MUECK’S WORKS IN PERSON ‘New Works by Ron Mueck’ will be on view to the public at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth from February 16 through May 6, 2018. For ticket information, visit www.themodern.org.

Editor’s note: Some selections of Ron Mueck’s work shown in this layout aren’t necessarily included in the Fort Worth exhibit.

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 89 Classically trained Duaiv paints his world-renown masterpieces – sometimes on his cherished supercars – as he sways to the beat of his own music BY JOHN D. ADAMS &

ielding a palette knife loaded with vibrant oil paint, American-French artist Duaiv streaks the blade across a white canvas. It is a dramatic moment where reality col- Wlides with inspiration. And it is set to music. In front of a rapt audience.

90 Opulence Winter 2017/18 Fifteen minutes later, a tremendous seascape or raceway or expres- purest form of expression. I grew up near Bordeaux in France, so I sionistic flowers have come to life. “Playing” in this type of venue was always around the water and boats. That’s why I love to paint is just one of the multitudes of inspirational vehicles which drive sailboats. I always have. I studied cello at the Paris Conservatory of Duaiv. His destination? Always, perhaps, a desire to share his per- Music and even became a professional symphony musician.” spectives on the world and the delight he produces by sharing his Aside from his artist endeavors, Duaiv nurtures a lifelong passion for energy with others. When working from his prismatic studio re- racing, cars, and motorcycles. It seems the speed at which he can flecting the waters of South Florida, Duaiv begins a new piece by work, the movement reflected through color and form in every one placing his left hand on the pristine canvas. “I decide in my head, of his paintings, is again, a fortuitous intermingling with his other this will be an energy I will give to somebody who I don’t know passions. Several years ago, the artist began a successful side pro- yet,” said Duaiv. “I want to channel that energy, to express it through ject, painting luxury race cars, like Viper and Spider. paint. I don’t think it is an accident that when people enter a gallery they are immediately pulled toward one piece or another. They are drawn to more than the image. There is something more ephem- eral calling to them, too. And I believe that has been part of my success. Do you know, in 40 years, I have never had more than 10 paintings left in my studio each month?” INSPIRATION AND INTUITION Duaiv embodies a variety of artistic passions. A classically trained cellist, music came second to painting, but has never taken a back seat. It is not uncommon to find Duaiv busily painting, moving the oils in time to his own musical recordings. For those delicious moments, he is enveloped by both artistic expressions, creating something greater than the sum of its parts. “I speak best through my art,” he said in heavily French-accented English. “It is perhaps the

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 91 COLOR STORY moment ignited a passion in me. We moved to Cannes and I began “When you live a long time, you have many things to do,” remarked painting in the streets. Six months later, we were offered a spot in Duaiv. “If you are gifted like I was with music and art, you have to a gallery for one month. We sold out all of the work. And 15 years do this because it is part of your life.” It is this sense of urgency, of later, we are with galleries all over Cannes and Europe. We moved mission, that has opened many literal and figural doors for Duaiv. to the United States in 2003, and have been so fortunate to be rep- Many years ago, motorcycling through Spain with his newlywed, resented by Park West.” Today, Duaiv continues to share his kalei- Duaiv decided to drive to artist Salvador Dalí’s home. With a cour- doscope eye. “Now we travel all over the world, meeting collectors age born from youth and passion, and holding live painting events… Duaiv walked straight up to the “When you live a long time, you “Every performance is a challenge. front door and knocked. have many things to do.” You don’t know what you’re going “He opened the door himself,” to do. So people can see your mis- Duaiv recounted. “I couldn’t believe – Duaiv takes and how you handle those it. It was one of the most impor- mistakes. They are seeing the real- tant moments in my life. Dalí said to me: ‘If you trust yourself, if you ity of the art process. You aren’t hiding anything. And I love that believe in yourself, you will succeed if you want to succeed.’ That freedom, that openness to the world.”

See Duaiv’s art and live events on YouTube and by visiting the artist’s website at: www.duaiv.us

John D. Adams is an award winning writer and photographer.

92 Opulence Winter 2017/18 BY JENIFER MANGIONE VOGT Worth Repeating NEWS UPDATE: OPULENCE ORIGINALLY PRINTED THE STORY BELOW IN SPRING 2014. ON 11/15/17, THE SALVATOR MUNDI PAINTING, THE ONLY LEONARDO DA VINCI PAINTING PRIVATELY HELD, SOLD AT AUCTION FOR A RECORD $450 MILLION! LEONARDO LOST & FOUND Rediscovering the Salvator Mundi Yet, the pair moved slowly, aware of the criticism that would come with error. Simon went to Europe to conduct academic research. He visited the Royal Library at Windsor Castle, which houses da Vinci’s only two preparatory drawings for the painting, along with an etching of it made by artist Wenceslas Hollar, who worked for King Charles I. UNCOVERING CLUES The restoration revealed a pentimento, or “change of heart,” which showed the artists had moved the original placement of Christ’s thumb. Infra-red reflectography conducted by the Metropolitan Museum of Art revealed further changes made by the artist before the painting was completed. Still, more authentication was required. Simon called on Nicholas Penny, director of the National Gallery in London. He suggested the work be presented to an international team of Leonardo experts, including Oxford Renaissance scholar Martin Kemp, who said he knew immediately it was a Leonardo. “It had that kind of presence that Leonardos have,” Kemp said. His colleagues concurred and resoundingly authenticated it as a work done by the great master. In November of 2011, the work was revealed in an exhibit at the National Gallery, Leonardo da Vinci: Painter at the Court of Milan. There are only Leonardo da Vinci (Italian, 1452-1519) Salvator Mundi, Oil on panel, some 15 paintings by Leonardo that survive today, making the discovery 25.8125" x 17 .875" (65.6 x 45.4 cm), Private Collection. © 2011 Salvator Mundi LLC Photo: Tim Nighswander/Imaging4Art even more significant.

Where is the Salvator Mundi now? The painting resides with an owner The story of a lost Leonardo da Vinci painting sounds like the plot of who wishes to remain anonymous. “All I can say is that the painting a suspense novel or cinematic thriller. But it’s a true tale that has art is not available,” Simon explained. “But, it’s been requested for a 2015 connoisseurs in awe. “The painting was located in a family’s collec- show in Milan and I’m expecting it will be lent.” tion in the U.S. for 50 years,” said Robert B. Simon, PhD, an art historian who specializes in Italian Renaissance art. He was referring to TLeonardo da Vinci’s painting, the Salvator Mundi. The owners didn’t 1 2 know they had an original work by the old master. “It was there as a nice bit of religious wall decoration,” Simon said.

News outlets in 2011 speculated about the re-emergence of the painting, which depicts Christ making the sign of the blessing, and was first recorded in the collection of King Charles I in 1649. It vanished after being sold by British collector, Sir Frederick Cook, in 1958. Finally, after six years of research and restoration, its authenticity would be confirmed. 4 THE AUTHENTICATION PROCESS A photograph of the Salvator Mundi was shown to Simon in 2005. “I immediately recognized it as related to a lost Leonardo, but it was 3 covered with overpaint that disfigured it,” he said. “The hope was that it was by one of Leonardo’s assistants.” Simon took the painting to a renowned conservator, Mario Modestini, then 98, who had worked on Leonardo’s Ginevra de’Benci, now in Washington. “It was frighten- ing, but I wrapped the painting in a black garbage bag and hopped in a taxi,” Simon said. Mario knew it as a piece of importance and his Key signs of authenticity to Leonardo experts: (1) The alteration of the wife, Dianne, a professor of conservation at New York University, began thumb; (2) The hair ringlets nearly identical to the curls in Leonardo’s St. John the Baptist painting; (3) The extreme similarities of the mouth to clean the work. She discovered passages of extraordinary quality compared to the Mona Lisa; (4) The detail in the crystal globe that suggestive of Leonardo. It looked like they might have an original. showed inclusions and refractions of light.

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 93 Toy Town A quaint look into the German Toy Museum in Sonneberg, once the toy capital of the world

BY MELISSA BRYANT

ne can almost hear Julie Andrews humming ‘My Favorite Things’: Model steam engines and papier-mâché figures…bright-colored peep shows and dolls made of biscuit… miniature soldiers ready for battle – these are a few of the 5,000 most precious things… on display at the Deutsche Spielzeug- Omuseum (German Toy Museum) in Sonneberg. Much simpler, materialistically speaking, than the high-tech gadgets likely awaiting children in your family this holiday season, Germany’s oldest specialized toy collection is a tangible reminder of man’s ingenuity and a living legacy of a town once considered the toy capital of the world.

“The importance of toys is far more than just a commodity,” said Dr. Rein- hild Schneider, the museum’s curator/director. “They hold an imprint of their respective times and cultural areas.” THE TOY STORY BEGINS Historical accounts place the origins of Sonneberg’s toy-making industry in the late Middle Ages. Merchants from Nuremberg, a city in northern Bavaria, traveled a route near Sonneberg, over the crest of the Thuringian For- est, transporting “Nuremberg goods” (including toys), to fellow trade city Leip- zig. Before making their trek over the mountain range, the merchants would change escorts and rest. Through this interchange, similar products began being produced in Sonneberg.

94 Opulence Winter 2017/18 By 1735, for the first time, a descrip- designed doll faces, cutters and seamstresses sewed doll bodies tion of the city noted “all kinds made of leather or fabric [and so on].” of children’s goods”— swords, The Sonneberg toy industry experienced many highs and lows pistols, shotguns, pipes, vio- throughout history, from Heinrich Stier’s founding of the first doll lins, bowling games, nut- factory in 1852 to its slow decline following the outbreak of WWI crackers, rattles, cuckoos when toy-producing industries were established abroad. Eventu- “and the like more”—next ally, the aftermath of German reunification in 1990 proved insur- to commodities of wood. mountable for Sonneberg’s toy industry. Yet a new beginning was Around 1740, toymakers de- waiting just around the proverbial corner. veloped a more attractive material for their merchandise using NEW LIFE FOR OLD TOYS black flour and glue water. This doughy substance allowed crafts- “Today, the German Toy Museum, founded in 1901, is the visible men to freely form figures or mold parts. Though this new method document for what was probably the largest toy metropolis ever,” of toy production allowed for greater diversity, the delicate material said Dr. Schneider, who returned to her hometown of Sonneberg had a limited shelf life and was often ingested by mice and mites to teach at a specialized school for toy making during the last during shipments overseas. years of the German Democratic Republic (GDR). She later established a gallery for contemporary art before taking the helm at the A SOLUTION museum. The remedy to this sticky situation arrived at the beginning of the 19th century, when brothers Johann Friedrich and Nicol Gottlieb Each exhibit hall in the two-level museum follows a chronologi- Müller found papier-mâché to be an ideal alternative. Lightweight, cal order and boasts rare curiosities from nearly every part of the cheap and flexible, this medium’s favorable properties made it easy globe. The second floor is home to a menagerie of dolls, includ- to duplicate, ushering in a new era for the Sonneberg toy industry. ing the museum’s oldest exhibit—a terracotta doll’s head dating back to the 14th century BC—and what Dr. Schneider deems as “In the second half of the 19th century, dolls took the first “particularly impressive” dolls and cult objects from ancient Greece position among the Sonneberg products,” said Dr. Schneider. mostly made of clay or wood. “With increasing export product requirements, the number of occupations involved in the production of toys increased: modelers designed models, papier-mâché workers made doll heads, painters

(L) Ladies making dolls in a Sonneberg toy factory; (R) The “Gulliver in Lilliput” ensemble is based on Jonathan Swift’s famous novel “Gulliver’s Travels” and features miniature Lilliputians made of dough.

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 95 “For girls in ancient times,” she said, “the doll was both a playmate and to use these pictures to promote the Sonneberg industry,” and a protective amulet. At marriage, the young woman sacrificed said Dr. Schneider. “Möller managed to give each industry of the her dolls to the goddesses as a sign that adulthood is now beginning.” Sonneberg toy industry its own scene in the overall picture.”

THE REAL SHOWSTOPPER The preserved fairground ensemble features essentially all of the The central exhibit of the museum’s new extension is the “Thüringer components of papier-mâché, wood and textile from the original Kirmes,” or Thuringian Fairground, which debuted at the 1910 Brussels piece, which received the coveted “Grand Prix” (Grand Prize) at the World’s Fair. For this special exhibit, guests are seated in a dark room international showcase. According to a visitor’s report, the Queen as a bellowing German voice sets the stage for this lively depiction of of Belgium said the “Thuringian Fairground was the most beautiful a typical regional rural festival around 1900. As the lights flicker on, thing she had ever seen in her life.” More than 100 years later, the the sights and sounds of the festivities come alive. Some 67 almost scene promises to elicit such awestruck reactions for many decades life-size figures complete the scene (see photo above), everything to come. from dressed dolls and painted papier-mâché clowns, vendors and By year’s end, the German Toy Museum plans to introduce audio townspeople, to a working carousel with wooden mounts. guides in English with versions for both adults and children. “The exhibit’s designer Reinhard Möller chose the fairground theme www.deutschesspielzeugmuseum.de/expose_engl.html to capture the products of the Sonneberg toy industry in pictures,

96 Opulence Winter 2017/18 Antiquities Conservation IT CAME AS A SHOCK BY GORDON A. LEWIS, JR., VICE PRESIDENT, FINE ARTS CONSERVANCY IN PALM BEACH

or many years, one of my best clients was a major You can imagine what a shock it was to discover something so rare. private dealer in Asian antiquities. One day he handed me Today, this dagger remains in a private collection. a badly corroded spear blade (ostensibly Chinese) to re- move the corrosion. As I was working on the piece, I was Fshocked to discover a magnificent inlaid Bronze Age Mycenaean dagger blade emerge. The basic dagger is black patinated bronze (not Niello), with inlays of silver and gold on both sides. We do not know how they were used, but because of their design, we suspect they were ceremonial. What we do know is that the known ones were in circular burial graves with other ceremonial objects. THE UNEXPECTED REVELATION The inlays, as can be seen, were a series of figures on both sides; I realized that we had one of the rarest blades in existence, so I con- sulted with the owner, and we made the decision to leave some of the corrosion as evidence of its antiquity. We were certain that there would be many skeptics who would disbelieve its authenticity without remaining encrustation as proof, and indeed there were many who were initially skeptical.

These are so rare that both the British Museum and the Metropoli- tan Museum of Art only have electrotype copies of similar blades; photos of them can be seen on line, as well as pictures of the other few original ones. FROM AN ANCIENT GREEK CIVILIZATION The Mycenaean civilization was the last phase of the Bronze Age in ancient Greece (c. 1100 – 900 BC), and archaeologically known as the “Helladic period.” It represents the first advanced civilization in mainland Greece with palatial states, urban organization, works of art and a writing system. The Mycenaeans themselves As I was working are thought to have immigrated from Indo – Europe, and were the first advanced civilization in mainland Greece; they are known on the piece, from excavations at Mycenae and other sites. After the Mycenaeans defeated and displaced the Achaeans, they quickly extended their I was shocked to influence to Crete and established colonies in Italy, Sicily, and Asia Minor. Heinrich Schleimann was the first archaeologist to discover their existence in Sparta and Crete; other archaeologists followed discover a magnificent after 1876. Mycenae’s chronology roughly parallels that of the con- temporaneous Minoan civilization. inlaid Bronze Age The reasons for its disappearance are unknown, but speculation Mycenaean dagger blade ranges from the “sea people”, to the Dorian invasion, natural disasters, and climatic changes, among others. The Dorian invasion begins the beginning of the Greek “Dark Ages”. Today, remnants emerge. of Mycenaean stone architecture are common throughout the Peloponnese. – Gordon Lewis

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 97 Business Profile BY ALEX STARACE Animation Creation: Octopie Network Spreads its Tentacles

f you still think of animation as cartoons that air on Saturday mornings, you have a lot of catching up to do. As now-classics like The Simpsons, South Park and Aqua Teen Hunger Force can attest, the form is no longer targeted at just kids. These i days, animation appeals to a broader audience and often airs on prime time or late night. But the media landscape is changing. Increasingly viewers expect on- demand content streamed through a variety of devices. What does that mean for animation? And where can fans catch the next big thing? MEET THE MASTERMIND Micah Brooke, the Chief Content Officer of the Octopie Network, hopes to provide the answer. “We think that there is a huge opportunity right now,” said Brooke. “We look at something like Adult Swim [the Cartoon Network’s nightly 10-hour block of animation-based shows], which is killing it in broadcast … and there’s just a huge gap, where nobody really controls that space online.” Octopie Network is looking to change that. Micah Brooke

98 Opulence Winter 2017/18 Another of Octopie Network’s successful projects is bringing the first animation to Animal Planet, in the form of Celeb- rity Animal Encounters, which will air on the network in 2018. Very simple in concept, celebrities like Kristen Bell, Al Roker and Fabio narrate some of their more unusual animal experiences, while having the scene re-enacted via animation provided by Octopie Network.

In one story, actor Danny Trejo (from Machete, among many other action films) nar- rates how he stopped traffic to rescue an ung- roomed dog that had just plopped down in the middle of a busy road. Trejo eventually adopted it. “You really get some insight into who he is as a person,” said Brooke. “He’s a big teddy bear.”

With Octopie Network looking to launch its Brooke got his start managing user-up- “What’s been interesting to me is seeing that own network soon, this likely won’t be the loaded animated content at the video- because we get such immediate feedback last you hear from the company. “We’ve seen game themed website Machinima, where in the online space, we see how many views that there’s a model there to both scale and he eventually becoming the Director of a video is getting, we see how many likes grow an audience, but also a business model,” Programming. “That just sort of opened my versus dislikes it’s getting, we see the com- said Brooke. The goal of the Octopie Network eyes and I saw that there’s so much talent ments. We’re starting to see it’s not about is to become the number one online anima- out there and there’s so much passion for producing the most expensive, glossy, tion brand in the world. A heady ambition, but content creation,” he said. Previous to these beautiful content. It’s really about the voice.” they’re certainly off to a good start. digital platforms, there was very little op- Despite being less than two years old, Octo- Editor’s note: YouTube animation fans, be sure portunity for budding animators to get pie Network has already seen success find- to watch for an exciting new original content their work seen, since their options were ing the right spots for its creators. launch in 2018 from the Octopie Network. limited to major networks. THE SUCCESS STORIES “We were seeing the emergence of these The company helped LowBrow fledgling creatives really starting to find Studios develop Explosion Jones, their voice, really starting to develop. which is the first animated series Through that we feel like there is really an on the network El Rey. Starring opportunity to start to identify who’s go- Michael Madsen (of Reservoir ing to be the next Trey Parker [co-creator Dogs fame), it’s an inside joke-lad- of South Park], who’s going to be the next en send-up of 1980s and 1990s Seth MacFarlane [creator of Family Guy].” It’s action flicks. “We were able to with this spirit that Brooke started Octopie take these creators we’ve been Network with two partners, Lon Strickland working with for seven years, and Isaac Krauss, intending to connect to pair them with Robert Rodriquez, viewers via online media. a prominent filmmaker who’s BEHIND THE SCENES working on the show as a producer,” said Brooke. The online As the Chief Content Officer, it’s Brooke’s influencers whom Brooke had job to figure out which shows will succeed identified as possible stars are with proper backing and how to connect now putting their work in front them with the right projects. “For us it’s of a much larger (and still appre- about the voice, even if the animation isn’t ciative) audience. “For us, that’s a top quality. Do you have something to say? great story because it shows this Do you have a perspective that’s interest- formula works,” said Brooke. ing? That’s what we’re looking for.

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 99 The Houdini Séance BY DALE KING & JULIA HEBERT

Sadly, her efforts went unanswered. But “My séance,” she says, “is not about creep- her decade of trying sparked a global ing people out as much as it is to give tradition of holding séances annually on them an experience and making them Halloween to determine if Houdini’s spirit wonder, ‘Wait a minute. How could she had outsmarted the Grim Reaper. Cer- have done that?’” emonies known as Houdini Séances have No proof exists, she says, that Harry kept the famed escapist’s name and fame Houdini ever contacted anyone from be- alive for nearly a century. yond the grave. But there also exists no The Magic Castle in Hollywood, California, proof that he DIDN’T. And thereby hangs conducts several such séances each night, the mysterious conundrum that bedevils in a room appropriately called the Houdi- Houdini-philes even today. ni Séance Chamber. Three mediums stand ready to take 10 to 12 visitors per show on a spiritual expedition.

Misty Lee, a medium, illusionist and voice actor, shares séance work with Leo Kostka, a Magic Castle stalwart for some 30 years, Perhaps more than any human being, and magician/medium Rob Zabrecky. master magician and escape artist ex- Misty says Leo is “very informative, a proper traordinaire Harry Houdini wanted to historian” while Rob is “kind of funny.” Lee communicate with the dead. He even describes herself as “a little more intense.” struck a pact with wife Beatrice “Bess” Houdini that whoever passed away first Mystical ceremonies unfold in a room would desperately try to contact the oth- decorated in Victorian style that was er from the Great Beyond. once the bedroom of the home’s original owner. “He died here,” says Misty, amping Harry died of peritonitis from a ruptured ap- up the chamber’s goosebump factor. The pendix on Halloween 1926. For 10 years, on space that strikingly resembles Sherlock the anniversary of his death, Bess conduct- Holmes’ drawing room is also a repository ed a séance on the roof of the Hollywood of much Houdini memorabilia. Knickerbocker Hotel, hoping to reach her late husband across the spiritual divide.

100 Opulence Winter 2017/18 THE MECCA FOR MAGICIANS The mystical and tantalizing history of the Academy of Magical Arts and its Victorian mansion venue in Hollywood, California: The Magic Castle

BY DALE KING, JULIA HEBERT AND ROBIN JAY

as it an uncanny coincidence – or something more? At half past noon on Halloween 2011, some 120 firefighters descended upon the 103-year-old Victo- rian mansion at 7001 Franklin Avenue in Hollywood, California. The attic blaze Wwas extinguished within an hour, no one was harmed, and investigators deemed it accidental. Nothing more to see here, right?

Maybe not, but ponder these facts that didn’t make it into the police incident report: The date of the fire was the 85th anniversary of Harry Houdini’s death. It was also the 75th anniversary of the last annual séance Houdini’s wife Bess held on the roof of the Knicker- bocker Hotel Hollywood in an attempt to reach her beloved late husband. And – ready for this? The mansion where the fire took place (located just a mile from The Knickerbocker) is known as ‘The Magic Castle,’ home to the Academy of Magi- cal Arts, the only private club in the United States devoted to the advancement of magicians. Inside is tucked a room called the “Houdini Séance Chamber.” The walls of this storied space display artifacts once owned by the legendary magician, including his famous straightjacket and the only pair of handcuffs from which he was never able to escape. Fit- tingly, the Houdini Chamber is used nightly for séance performances open to AMA members and their guests. On the very evening

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 101 of that notorious 2011 Halloween fire, the venue’s annual gala – Guests must have an invitation from a member to get in. When eerily entitled “Inferno At The Castle” – had to be canceled. Could visitors utter the words, “Open Sesame,” a bookcase moves aside, this coincidental and intricate chain of events have been Hou- exposing a portal to the restored home’s Victorian-style interior dini’s long-anticipated communication from the Great Beyond? and vast expanses of historic posters, memorabilia and posh pre- MORE INTRIGUING ANTIQUITY sentments. OF THE MAGIC CASTLE TV host Johnny Carson, who dabbled in magic and created Certainly there is no scientific proof of Houdini communicating comic spiritualist ‘Carnac,’ was a frequenter who donated some from the dead at The Magic Castle, but regardless, there’s no of his trickster trinkets. question the mansion has a compelling history. The home was “One of our founding board members was Cary Grant, who agreed built in the early 1900s as residence to Rollin B. Lane, a banker, to participate with two conditions. No one would ask for an auto- real estate developer and philanthropist, and his wife, Katherine. graph and no one would ask for a photo. Those regulations still They called it “Holly Chateau.” apply today, known as the Cary Grant rules,” Furlow said. The couple died in the 1940s, and the home remained in the family Actor Neil Patrick Harris served six years on the board of direc- until the 1950s when it was sold to land developer Tom Glover. tors, three as president. He loved a drink called the Old Fash- In the meantime, the idea of an Academy of Magical Arts was ioned, and the club honored him by offering the beverage and announced by William Larsen Sr. in the April 1952 issue of “Genii,” naming it the NPH. Other A-lister guests have included Johnny an independent magazine of magic, which he edited. “Larsen felt Depp (who entered through the kitchen), Steve Martin, Arsenio there should be an association for magicians to swap secrets and Hall and, recently, singer Adele, whose presence caused a ruckus, network,” said Joe Furlow, General Manager of The Magic Castle. despite an advance security sweep.

When the elder Larsen died a year later, his wife, Irene and son, DARING ENOUGH TO JOIN? Bill Jr., continued publishing the magazine. But the Academy Who knows? If you choose to become a member of the Academy didn’t solidify until Larsen’s younger son, Milt – a writer for Bob of Magical Arts or convince a member to invite you to The Magic Barker’s ‘Truth or Consequences’ TV show – leased and restored Castle for dinner and a show, don’t be surprised if a sleight-of- the Holly Chateau, which had fallen into ruin and was about to hand celebrity magician drops by your table and says: “Pick a card, be torn down by Glover for a parking garage. any card.”

The refurbished turn-of-the-century structure reopened as The The Academy of Magical Arts is currently keeping a waiting list for Magic Castle on January 2, 1963. From an initial membership of anyone interested in joining the club as an Associate Member. The 50, the Academy has grown to a worldwide roster of 5,300 today. wait on the list is currently about four months. To be added to the wait list, contact the AMA’s Membership Department at member- Over the years, several additions have been added to the original [email protected]. Please provide your name, email ad- edifice for theaters, bars, a library and meeting spaces. Local celebri- dress and phone number when inquiring. ties have also found the Castle a draw. Past AMA members include Cary Grant, Tony Curtis and Johnny Carson. WHAT TO EXPECT An evening at The Magic Castle can feel entertaining, mystical, supernatural and, of course, magical. “For professional presti- digitators, magicians-in-training and conjuror aficionados, The Magic Castle is their Ground Zero,” said Furlow. “We encourage public interest in magic, with particular emphasis on preserving its history as an art form, entertainment medium and hobby.”

The current president of the Academy of Magical Arts is Randy Sinnott, a former Marine and owner of an L.A. law firm. He has an MBA and is a magician to boot. “This is what the founders wanted — a place where hobbyists can sit down with professionals and have a conversation about magic,” Furlow continued.

Counting dining areas, performance spots and the Houdini Sé- ance Chamber, the elegant structure with semi-circular parapets and plenty of hidden secret passages, holds 540 living people – and perhaps a few spirits – on any given night.

102 Opulence Winter 2017/18 EXCLUSIVE BESPOKE SOUTH AFRICA KALAHARI ADVENTURES Discover the once-in-a-lifetime custom luxury safari at Tswalu Kalahari Private Game Reserve

BY KELLY VILLASUSO

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 103 ow-lying, uninterrupted bush — into its storybook marvels through pre-set American representative for Tswalu Kala- rhythmic, swaying grasses dotted safari itineraries and fully customizable ad- hari, shared with International Opulence, with brilliant yellow flowers and ventures. “For affluent travelers, though,” “No matter time nor place in the Kalahari, L earth-toned fauna for as far as the shares Deborah Brye with Unique Travel of the treasures of the wild and rugged sa- eye can see, interposed solely by the scur- Palm Beach, Inc., “booking a tailor-made vanna are spectacular to behold — an rying of meerkats, porcupines or pango- safari is really the best way to be fully envel- experience enhanced exponentially by lins. Dunes undulate across the semi-arid oped in luxury, gain extraordinary access to the fully bespoke safari experience and landscape, like ocean waves gently flowing South African wildlife, and be fully immersed the astoundingly luxurious environs at into the majestic Korannaberg mountains in all the wonders on display there.” Accord- Tswalu Kalahari.” — cresting frequently against a brilliant ing to Travel & Leisure’s 2017 World’s Best VICARIOUS VIEWS OF red sky to provide unparalleled views of Safari Lodges, Tswalu Kalahari Private Game A TAILOR-MADE TSWALU winged and four-limbed inhabitants, such Reserve is one such place at which to em- KALAHARI SAFARI as lions, antelopes, giraffes, and zebras. It bark on a highly personalized — and often “Tswalu means ‘a new beginning’,” Berlin is the promise of scenes such as these that life-changing — interlude with South Africa. said, “and every moment of every day at has propelled South Africa to the top of the The breathtaking, ever-changing South the reserve is custom-designed to help bucket lists of affluent travelers — individu- African terrain of the Kalahari savanna at each guest achieve that.” Every five-day, als, couples, and families, alike; travelers Tswalu Kalahari, the Oppenheimer fam- four-night itinerary is designed to fit the seeking full immersion into the timeless, ily’s 272,000-acre private game reserve, desires of each Tswalu Kalahari guest — natural beauty of the motherland of civili- peacefully invites you to bear witness to as opposed to fitting the guest into a pre- zation and into luxurious environs. its natural wonders — great and small, set itinerary. There is a plethora of safari lodges on the and envelopes you in awestruck serenity The highlights below depict astound- subcontinent ready to help travelers escape and subtle elegance. Brooke Berlin, North ing moments from an actual interlude at

104 Opulence Winter 2017/18 Tswalu Kalahari from which you can live experienced a traditional fire-lit Boma After a few laps in our pool and a mas- vicariously or from which you can draw feast high up on the dunes. sage in our private Tarkuni spa, we had a inspiration for your own bespoke adven- leisurely lunch overlooking the watering Highlights of Day Two: ture into the birthplace of humanity. hole near the house. We set out on a sunrise horseback ride MEMOIRS OF OUR TIME into the Kalahari with our personal guide We went on an afternoon safari during AT TSWALU KALAHARI and tracker to get unbelievably close to which we saw a male Kalahari Black- Highlights of Day One: giraffes, Hartmann’s Mountain Zebras, por- Maned Lion fight his brother over En route from the private airstrip to our cupines, and the eland — Africa’s largest dominance of a female just beyond our accommodations, breathtaking scenery re- antelope. A full breakfast was served to vehicle. Once in a lifetime! energized us after our lengthy journey and us — tablecloth and all — out in the bush. the diversity of game around every turn — Continued on next page from oryx, roan, and elands, to buffalo and giraffes — kept us on the edge of our seats.

Tarkuni, the Oppenheimer family’s home and our glorious accommodations, took what was left of our breath away. We were met by our personal staff who quickly reaffirmed that nothing at Tswalu has a time frame to it — whatever we want to do is exactly what will happen. Here’s to new beginnings!

We tracked rhinoceroses on foot through the bush, enjoyed traditional sundowners as the sun set out over the Kalahari, and

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 105 106 Opulence Winter 2017/18 After dinner on our patio, we took a walk in the bush under the Big Sky with the lead researcher (and flashlights in tow) to track the endangered, nocturnal pangolin as it foraged for its food before balling up and rolling back into its den. Incredible!

Highlights of Day Three: We arranged a private, pre-dawn trek with reserve habituators to observe the sunrise rituals of the meerkat and delighted in their antics as they popped out to greet the day.

On safari today, we saw a momma cheetah teaching her cubs how to hunt and enjoyed a little leopard tortoise sighting!

Instead of returning to Tarkuni for dinner and bed, we spent the night glamping at the Malori in the middle of the Kalahari under the diamond sky — 10 miles from the watch — atop an elevated platform. After dinner, our team left us nestled in a gorgeous bed sipping champagne as the cool, crisp wind whispered good night in passing.

Highlights of Day Four: For our last full day at Tswalu, we took a private helicopter tour over the vast expanse of the reserve, touching down occasionally to talk to wild life managers in the bush.

We also chose to sponsor a rhino notch- ing to try to play a more instrumental role in the conservation activities of the Tswalu Foundation and to help protect these animals from poaching. We got up close with the Tswalu research team and learned so much about these spectacular animals!

We spent the late afternoon relaxing alone in our pool and sipping gin and tonics (the traditional sundowner) as we watched the sun slip below the Kalahari horizon for the last time.

Our chef served us the most spectacular gourmet dinner tonight. The only thing that topped the food and the night stars was the delicious South African wine that just kept flowing!

Highlights of Day Five: We set out on our last game drive at Tswa- lu Kalahari, capturing in our minds’ eye as much of this glorious land as possible before heading off to the airstrip for our flight home, our hearts full of new beginnings.

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 107 TRAVELING IN PURSUIT OF WELLNESS BY KELLY VILLASUSO

My experience is that by following [the wellness program] of a healing hotel, your body feels light and invigorated … but also your soul is flying.” — Elisabeth Ixmeier, Co-Founder and CCO, Healing Hotels of the World

More and more travelers are veering away from traditional vacation escapades, such as unhealthy eating, excessive drinking, poor sleeping, and disruption of fitness rou- “tines. Instead, they are consciously designing trips that promote or enhance healthy, clean living; provide for rejuvenation and rebalance; and often move them to find inner peace and purpose in life again.

Whether dealing with concerns resulting from the pressures of a modern lifestyle, including lack of movement, stress, and poor nutrition, or with other chronic issues, such as diabetes and obesity, today’s vacationers are actively engaging in wellness travel — travel for promoting health and well-being through physical, psychological, or spiritual activities — and are looking for their invigorated souls to fly.

KAMALAYA KOH SAMUI– Located in Koh Samui, Thailand, Kamalaya is centered around a cave that once served as a place of meditation and spiritual retreat for Buddhist monks. Kamalaya, which translates to lotus realm, symbolizes the growth and unfolding of the human spirit — the underlying goal of most wellness travelers.

108 Opulence Winter 2017/18 THE QUEST FOR WELLNESS: IT’S ONLY HUMAN According to the Global Wellness Institute’s 2017 Global Wellness Economy Monitor, the wellness tourism segment of the global wellness industry has developed into a $563 billion industry. How- ever, the quest for transformative experiences to rejuvenate the body, mind, and spirit is nothing new. The practice of wellness travel has been documented since ancient times — such as the earliest walks to the Dead Sea to bask in its therapeutic properties, journeys by the Japanese to hot springs for healing and a sense of community, and jaunts by the Romans to baths for purification and spiritual rituals. Clearly, the need for antidotes to the stresses of daily life — regardless of time or place — is very human. WELLNESS WITHOUT BOUNDARIES Through the advent of modern-day people movers (planes, trains, boats and automobiles) as well as the computer, wellness travel today truly has no boundaries. From Bali, Brazil, Costa Rica, and Japan, to Ecuador, India, Germany, Maldives, Thailand, and every country in between, wellness-seekers like you can find a myriad of locales offering regionally rooted, transformative experiences that resonate profoundly with body and soul.

Elisabeth Ixmeier, Co-Founder of Healing Hotels of the World, shared that the best wellness program must “consider each person as a whole — physically, emotionally, and spiritually — and address his or her special needs and preferences through such things as alternative medicine treatments, healthy nutrition, and movement.”

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 109 Whether looking to improve your physical health through Ayur- vedic medicine or therapies such as yoga or tai chi, or wanting to connect with your spiritual self through meditation, there are a plethora of wellness programs at your fingertips. With a clear understanding of your goals and innermost motivations, you will find a transformative experience that speaks both to who you are and one that helps you move toward who you wish to become.

Healing Hotels of the World’s vision is to help guests find a wellness program that helps them “become whole again in body, mind and soul, freeing them to enjoy the sacredness and abundance of life.” To learn more about the carefully curated wellness and healing programs promoted through the Healing Hotels of the World, visit www.healinghotelsoftheworld.com.

Kamalaya’s Naturopaths customize health programs for each guest from their extensive range of holistic medicine, and spa and healing therapies to deliver a personally fulfilling experience. www.kamalaya.com.

110 Opulence Winter 2017/18

WHEN YOU WISH UPON A LANTERN BY STEPHANIE BOWMAN magine looking up in wonder as you see thousands CHIANG MAI YI (YEE) PENG FESTIVAL of wishes floating up toward the night sky, each one This festival of lights takes place in Northern Thailand and typically wrapped up in a ball of amber light. They eventu- occurs in early winter—though the exact dates are released just ally create a radiant blanket, overpowering the night’s a few weeks before the event. The local celebration of Yi Peng is a Idarkness until finally becoming distant pinpoints concealed religious ceremony that pays homage to the late Buddha. During in the night’s dusk. This magical scene is experienced at sky the festival, onlookers are entertained by traditional Thai dances, lantern festivals around the world. For years, people have lit and beauty pageants and firework shows. But the final spectacle, the released paper lanterns in hopes of sending their wishes up to release of the lanterns, is the most mesmerizing facet of the entire the heavens, or for some, warding off bad spirits. The most popu- event. While making a wish, people release thousands of paper lar festivals occur in Asia, causing thousands of tourists to flock lanterns into the sky, transforming it into a sea of lanterns. From to the continent each year. After gaining a bad reputation due to local monks to tourists traversing from all over the world to expe- the fire hazards they pose, many states in the U.S. have banned rience it, everyone leaves taking the extraordinary moment when their use altogether. Since it’s likely that you won’t be seeing any the lanterns turn into bright orange stars with them. sky lanterns in the US of A, you can always travel to the following PINGXI SKY LANTERN FESTIVAL festivals to experience one for yourself: In an effort to bring their country’s traditions onto an international CHINESE LANTERN FESTIVAL stage, The Tourism Bureau began scheduling numerous festival-relat- Falling on the 15th day of the first lunar month, the Lantern ed events all over Taiwan, making this jamboree the country’s major Festival marks the end of the traditional Chinese New Year tourist attraction. Rated one of the best festivals in the world by The celebrations. Though there are many different tales about the Discovery Channel, the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival in Taiwan is one you origins of this festival, they all involve the desire of good for- won’t want to miss. From folk performances, lantern riddle contests tune and health. Lanterns of various shapes and sizes are hung and street carnivals, it’s not surprising that this festival appears on outside of homes and paraded down the streets. Riddles, which every “must see” travel list. During the event, thousands of lanterns are have become an essential part of the festival, are included released simultaneously, taking people’s wishes along with them. It is in some lanterns, luring riddle-loving visitors to the lantern believed that by making a wish during the launch, the wish will rise up owner’s doorstep. Should the speculator solve the riddle cor- into the heavens, resulting in a priority delivery to God. Skeptic or not, rectly, they are rewarded with a small gift. Traditional dishes, one thing that can’t be denied is the beauty created by thousands of customary lantern dances and magnificent fireworks are also lanterns covering up the night’s sky. important elements of this festival. All of these festivals have one similarity: Their magic is undeniable. If it’s impossible for you to experience all three, make sure you promise yourself you’ll witness at least one in your lifetime.

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 111 n the Lapa’ luxury. I don’t really like to play on words, but I just can’t help it this time around. The Lapa Palace in Lisbon, Portugal, once the residence of the Portuguese Court, is one of the most perfect places to stay in the world - and II mean that. The palace, located in the hills overlooking the beautiful city of LAPA’ Lisbon, offers just about every amenity one could wish and the décor accents the MARVEL IN A VISIT TO LISBON’S charms of yesterday. Color-wise and furnishing-wise, all who know and love the LAPA PALACE time of black and white movies will appreciate this hotel.

LUXURYBY CARLETON VARNEY

Lapa Palace dining room

Rui Palma, the hotel concierge, is in attendance blue and white tiles, featuring the scenes of to care for your every need — including mail- Lisbon landscapes or edifices. ing packages home that you do not want to Portugal is about fine wines and fine vine- carry on a long airplane ride back to America. yards, and about olive groves and about Concierge Rui can also tell you what and handmade rugs. Special rug designs can where to go in the city of the seven hills. take three to four weeks, but are worth the ARTISAN TILE GALORE wait. Portugal is about ceramics, bed linens, If one were to ask what one must see in Lis- and lace. The shops catering to the tourists bon, you can begin knowing that Portugal is are also filled with cork: cork bowls, cork pic- all about tile work, and the imagery in tiles ture frames, cork boots, and cork-finished will fascinate you. Even the walls above your wallets. Don’t ask me how a wallet can be bathtub at Lapa Palace are decorated with covered in cork. I don’t know how they do it, but they do.

112 Opulence Winter 2017/18 BASK IN YESTERYEAR ELEGANCE Portugal is about sunshine and about music and dining in the manner of yesterday. I love the Lapa Palace dining room with its trellis-covered walls, its chandeliers from Murano, its ceiling – all hand-painted with puffy white clouds. The waiters are gen- tile, immaculately dressed, and the Maître d’hôtel Chainho de Oliveira knows exactly how to treat a guest.

Lapa Palace has a swimming pool, set among the trees and bougainvilleas. All rooms have terraces with sliding doors that open to an outdoor pleasure spot where room service will bring you afternoon tea, breakfast, or a cocktail before dinner – why not? The terrace is a romantic place to view the sparkling city below. TO START YOUR DAY Breakfast at the Lapa is perfection — a breakfast room with outside garden and with handsome flower-decorated china is the total atmosphere. Not since Lady Bird Lapa Palace’s swimming pool, set among the trees and bougainvilleas. Johnson created her flower china have I seen one pattern as pretty. On pink linen cloths, you’ll find a buffet of mangos and all Portugal is about sunshine and colorful fruits, and all bounty of Portugal — caviar, smoked salmon, breads, croissants, about music and dining in the yogurts. When in Lisbon, you must see the Elevator of manner of yesterday. Santa Justa. The city abounds with lifts and elevators to carry you up its seven hills. The Santa Justa elevator was fabricated of cast iron in 1902, designed by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard. From the top of the elevator you will see an unforgettable view of the city.

The Panteão Nacional (The National Pan- theon) is an impressive monument to Por- tugal’s past. Illustrious figures from the past are laid to rest here. From the pantheon, you can view the Tagus River flowing into the Atlantic Sea.

All of Lisbon is a tile museum and the exte- riors of many buildings are decorated with panels and logos in a multitude of colors. A visit to the Museu do Azulejo is a must. If you are in Lisbon on a weekend, visit the craft market on the waterside. There Elevator of Santa Justa you’ll find designs in tiles, wooden puzzles,

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 113 The Panteão Nacional

jewelry, linens, ceramics, glassware, and all the art from photographs to cork accessories. While there, I made some small purchases of glass soap dishes in a fish-like form, as well as a wooden cow puzzle for my grandson Bowie. TAPAS, TAPAS, TAPAS There are so many tapas restaurants in Lis- bon that I suggest you find nearby recom- mendations from Rui Palma, that wonderful concierge at Lapa Palace. I shall leave you with one dining recommendation: For a treat of the best freshly baked croissants I have ever had, visit La Boulangerie close by the Lapa Palace.

Lapa Palace, Lisbon

Museu do Azulejo

Carleton Varney, President of Dorothy Draper & Co. Inc., is an American decorator, designer, lecturer and author.

114 Opulence Winter 2017/18 ASHFORD CASTLE The Irish Getaway Beyond Compare

BY ALEX STARACE

tunning cliffs, verdant hills and bucolic cottages punctuate a journey along the weathered west coast of Ireland. In County Mayo, a little off the coast, sits one of the region’s crown jewels: Ashford Castle.

Named the top resort hotel in all of Ireland by Travel and Leisure, Ashford combines the charm of a medieval structure on the water of Lough Corrib with the modern amenities of the twenty-first century resort. “The castle has welcomed royalty, politicians, movie stars and travelers,” said general manager Niall Rochford, “And all of them have marveled at the natural beauty of the location.”

Originally built in 1228 as a stronghold against the O’Connors of Connaught, it was controlled for over 300 years by the De Burgo family, Anglo-Normans who became the House of Burke. The castle was eventually confiscated by Sir Richard Bingham, Lord President of Connaught, in 1589, as punishment for a tax rebellion led by the Burkes. Ownership changed hands two more times as the centuries rolled by, and the estate began to take on a more genteel aspect.

The Guinness family, of brewery fame, expanded its acreage to 26,000, developing the woodlands and gardens for typical Irish country pursuits during the mid-1800s. And then, 114 Opulence Winter 2017/18 S Winter 2017/18 Opulence 115 116 Opulence Winter 2017/18 in 1905, the Prince of Wales planned a visit. To honor him, a special dining room with paneled walls and Waterford Crystal chandeliers was built. Upon his arrival, he had a drink at the castle’s bar, before dining in the room custom-made for the event. To this day, both the bar and dining room bear the prince’s name: The Prince of Wales Bar and the George V Dining Room, for the prince was destined to become King.

The castle barely made it much longer. “It was almost burnt down in the 1920s, during the Irish War of Independence,” explained Rochford. At the time, the Irish Republic Army (IRA) had a tactic of burning down large estates across the country. When the local IRA received orders to set Ash- ford ablaze, they refused. The Guinness family, who were still owners of the property, had been too good to the community. The arson was never committed, and the castle was saved from ruin.

Long-time stewards of the property, the Guinness family finally sold in 1939, and the estate was converted into a first-class hotel known for its picturesque scenery. In fact, the grounds and the nearby town of Cong formed the backdrop for the Oscar Award-winning 1952 film The Quiet Man, directed by John Ford. Starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara, the tale of tempestuous lovers courting was nominated for seven Acade- my Awards, and won Best Director (Ford’s fourth and final Oscar) and Best Cinematography. It was one of the few Hollywood films to ever include Gaelic and it made Cong the tourist attraction that it is today.

The castle continued evolving, adding a golf course and doubling the size of its grounds in the 1970s. While it remained stately during this period, by 2013 it needed some attention. The Red Carnation Hotels Collec- tion purchased it and undertook a massive restoration. “The goal of the restoration was to bring the property back to the former glory days of the Guinness era,” said Rochford.

The 789-year-old stonework was tuckpointed, 800 original windows were replaced with modern glass and over 30 tonnes of lead were used to reinforce the castle’s roof. Thirty guest rooms from the Guinness-era were restored, as were a number of authentic Victo- rian-era paintings in various guest rooms. The Prince of Wales Bar was meticulously maintained.

“Not since the Guinness family originally purchased and transformed the estate had so much love, care and money been lavished on the property,” said Rochford. In addition to restoration, expansion was also on the menu: A glass conservatory was constructed to house a world-class spa. A cinema, billiards room and cigar terrace were added. And the piece- de-resistance? “The transformation of the former servants en- trance and coal bunkers into a wine cellar and tasting room. It illustrates the creativity and vision the designers had when planning the restoration.”

Now truly an elite getaway, the Ashford Castle hosted the wedding of four-time major-champion golfer Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll this past summer. It recently won the Irish Cocktail Festi- val’s best cocktail award with a concoction featuring Conne- mara 12-year peated whiskey and Atlantic sea salt. Regularly listed as one of the best places to stay in the world, Ashford Castle’s evolution continues to fascinate.

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 117 Loving

BY ALEXANDRA WENSLEY

How grateful am I? One of the best aspects of having a father who lives in Greece is planning our family vacation to visit him every other summer. My father and his 90-year-old sister Maria live on the Greek island of Lesvos in a small farming town. Although Lesvos, Greece’s third-largest island, is not on the radar of many Americans, it is full of historic villages with gorgeous beaches, medieval castles, delicious food and an abundance of natural beauty. The Greek tradition of hospitality is prevalent throughout the island, making Lesvos a great place for families and couples who want a quiet, fun vacation destination. It’s a charming gem in the northern Aegean.

MYTILENE We arrived in Lesvos mid-July via a short 45-minute flight from Athens to Mytilene, the capital of Lesvos and a lively port city. We rented a car and made our way through the maze of crowded streets. Our first stop was the medieval castle, one of the largest castles in the Mediterranean. Mytilene Castle, built in the 6th century AD, is perched atop a hill on the edge of the city. We spent several hours touring the ancient ruins, tunnels and towers. It was grand and picturesque with incredible water views from every corner.

118 Opulence Winter 2017/18 Sharing my family journey to my father’s homeland on this charming Greek isle

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 119 another. On many evenings, we visited the blue water, excellent seafood and grand island’s seaside taverns with my father and architecture all in one place. We walked his friend where they shared a bottle of ouzo. along the cobblestone streets to a small har- Drop one or two ice cubes in a small glass bor where octopus tentacles are hung to dry with a little ice water, pour a small amount before grilling. We chose one of the casual of ouzo on top and watch as the ouzo turns seaside spots for lunch, and enjoyed an ex- from crystal clear to a smooth white chalk. cellent meal of Greek salad, souvlaki and, of Now ready to drink, “only sip it and slowly,” course, grilled octopus. We spent the evening my father instructs my husband, and enjoy it watching the sunset – it was dreamy, making with small plates of mezze: feta cheese and for the perfect photo op. olives (there are 11 million olive trees on Les- Just outside of Molyvos, it’s worth a visit vos), fresh sardines, fava beans drenched in to the coastal villages of Petra and Anaxos, olive oil, and fried eggplant. Drinking ouzo each offering resort-style beaches with sun A short drive from Mytilene is the famous is a Greek tradition and a ritual meant to be beds, umbrellas and spectacular views. In Monastery of Agios Raphael (St. Raphael) in savored with the traditional cuisine. Petra, we arrived at Mojo Bar, a recommen- Thermi. It’s dedicated to one of the most im- MOLYVOS dation from a friend, and loved the lively portant places of pilgrimage in Lesvos. We On one morning, a herd of sheep with music and the comfortable beach loung- wandered around this sacred and impressive bells clanking around their necks blocked ers. I enjoyed a Frappe while my husband house of worship filled with inspiring stories traffic as we made our way to Molyvos, and boys indulged on honeydew and of miracles and visionaries. It’s also worth a an incredibly picturesque town of stone watermelon handpicked that morning visit to another prominent monastery, Moni homes that cascade down a hill under from my father’s farm. Taxiarchon, located on the north side of the a Byzantine castle. Molyvos has some island in the town of Mantamados. While We spent many leisurely days on the is- of Greece’s main attractions – crystal the monastery was fascinating, we went to land’s beautiful beaches. The kids played taste the famous loukoumades, the Greek paddle tennis on the sand and burned version of a fried doughnut sprinkled with more energy on the cool inflatable tram- sweet honey and cinnamon served at the polines and slides floating in the sea. We cafe on the monastery’s compound. discovered new places, ate delicious gyros THE OUZO CAPITAL on-the-go and were spoiled with gourmet OF THE WORLD meals prepared by Aunt Maria. We feasted on homemade dishes of okra cooked with Plomari on the southern coast of Les- fresh tomatoes and olive oil, lamb stew vos is known for some of the island’s with peas from the garden and pastitsio, best beaches, olive oil and the local a traditional pasta dish made with ground ouzo. On the winding road leading beef topped with béchamel sauce. This is into town there are many ouzo the Greek island living that I most cherish factories and the ouzo museum. providing an enchanting getaway for all One learns how ouzo is made and Molyvos, historic town on island of Lesvos, Greece that are blessed to discover it. what distinguishes one brand from

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ince the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, 10 presidents, Lyn- don B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barrack Obama and Don- ald J. Trump, all with a vast array of intelligenceS resources available to them, have not succeeded in resolving the most scrutinized and investigated cold case in American history: The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

“I am ordering today that the veil finally be lifted,” said President Trump while commissioning the release of the JFK files on the 54th anniversary of the assassination on November 22, 2017. Under a 1992 law, the National Archives was supposed to have released all of the remaining records by midnight — unless the Presi- dent objected on national security grounds. In the end, the release of 2,891 of at least 3,140 documents was allowed, with the remainder subject to a 180-day review for redactions from objecting agencies. The White House said later that the remaining records would be released “on a rolling basis in the coming weeks.”

I sat down for a follow-up interview with Jefferson Morley, a journalist and former Washington Post re- porter, who specializes in ‘stories of untold American history’ and has intensely researched the JFK con- troversy. Morley also tells us about his latest book, The Ghost: The Secret Life of CIA Spymaster James Jesus Angleton.

Ava: What is the legal basis for thwarting the deadline set by Congress to release the JFK assassination documents? Jefferson Morley: The 1992 JFK Records Act mandat- ed that all assassination-related records in possession of U.S. government agencies had to be made public 25 years from the date of enactment. This did not hap- A 1961 pastel portrait of John F. Kennedy pen. About 90 percent of the records that were sup- by Shirley Seltzer Cooper, on display at the National Portrait Gallery. posed to become open to the people remain secret.

122 Opulence Winter 2017/18 Jefferson Morley: Trump acceded to the CIA’s request to keep 18,000 records secret. He could have looked at any document he wanted. I doubt he read many of them.

Ava: What do you suspect are the real reasons the agencies want the JFK assassination documents withheld? Jefferson Morley: What remains hidden in the JFK files are probably the details of the CIA’s pre-assassination surveillance and manipula- tion of Oswald before JFK was killed. These officers, all of them now deceased, included James Angleton, William Harvey, David Phillips, George Joannides, and Howard Hunt. These men had some significant role in the JFK story. All of their files are still secret.

Ava: What do you think will happen in 180 days when President Trump makes his final decision about releasing the remaining documents that the agencies want withheld? Will we see yet another President kick-the-can down the road? Jefferson Morley: It depends on how much public, political and social media attention is paid to the story for the JFK files and to the story of the CIA men who knew the most about Oswald while JFK was still alive.

Ava: Have you spoken with any of the Kennedys to get their input? Jefferson Morley: No. The Kennedy family doesn’t want to be involved in the disposition of these files. I respect that. There is a clause in the National Archives Act that says if there are current or future national security concerns, the documents Ava: What are the key highlights of your new book The Ghost? don’t have to be released. The theory, as Morley pointed out two Who was James Angleton and why do you say he was the keeper years ago in Opulence, is that the records will show mishandling of more national security secrets than Herbert Hoover? of the Oswald surveillance and the records are being held back to avoid Jefferson Morley: One of the most important features in The Ghost embarrassment. is the story of how Angleton targeted Oswald for counterintelli- gence attention in November 1959 and used him for intelligence Ava: Does this still hold true? What have we learned so far? purposes over the next four years. If Oswald was a “lone nut” as cli- What are they hiding, if anything? ché holds, he was an isolated sociopath whose movements were Jefferson Morley: The JFK Records Act gives agencies the right to carefully monitored by a top CIA official right up until JFK went postpone release of specific documents after 10/2017, if the agency to Dallas. can show “identifiable harm” that would be done by release and that the harm is greater than the public interest in disclosure. That said, The Ghost is not a JFK book nor does it have any conspiracy theory. It’s the biography The most important record in the new files was a memo from FBI of a brilliant but dangerous spymaster who used director J. Edgar Hoover, dated November 24, 1963, two days af- secrecy and secret intelligence to build an intel- ter JFK was killed. In the memo, Hoover tells subordinates that the ligence empire. Angleton collaborated with J. Ed- government had to convince the public that Oswald was “the real gar Hoover in spying on Americans and infiltrat- assassin.” Portions of this memo had been made public before but ing the civil rights and antiwar movements. He we had never seen the whole thing. The investigation of the mur- was a ghost of American power. der of the president had just begun, Oswald had denied he shot Kennedy, and the nation’s top law enforcement officer had already decided Oswald had acted alone. And the FBI and Warren Commis- sion obeyed Hoover’s command. The fix was in.

Ava: In your opinion, who made the decision to release only 10 percent of the JFK assassination documents? Ava Roosevelt is the author of The Racing Heart. She is also a Palm Beach philanthro- Jefferson Morley: Only President Trump had the power to make pist and wife of the late William Donner that decision. Roosevelt, grandson of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Ava: Do you believe President Trump was privy to the entire set of documents or was he merely told why only 10 percent could be released?

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 123 TURNING BACK THE HANDS OF TIME ON ROSE HILL PLANTATION A look at the remarkable post Civil War restoration of this architectural masterpiece in Bluffton, South Carolina

BY MARY AND HUGH WILLIAMSON

he actions and investments of generations of residents have made Bluffton, South Carolina, a model for respecting the past, adding greatly to the present and guiding the future. What is required for the inspiration to do just that is provided in this southern community of architectural value; significant historic structures in all levels of repair. Factor in individuals who have the interest, the tenacity and the resources to make an impact andT who are true visionaries, and wonderful things can happen. These Blufftonians have led the efforts to make the opportunity for historic preservation, restoration and renovation a reality. The town has also invested in the ongoing effort, and real estate developers have warmed to the theme. The town has continued the spirit, charm and character established in the mid-nineteenth century, as plantation owners sought reprieve from the summer heat and mosquitos of nearby Hilton Head Island to the breezy bluffs above the May River.

124 Opulence Winter 2017/18 Winter 2017/18 Opulence 125 A LITTLE HISTORY AND LIFE GOES ON Bluffton’s antebellum history lives on in the downtown area over- Following the Civil War and beyond, some of these remaining summer looking the May River, where Union forces launched the fateful Civil retreat homes were painstakingly restored to period accuracy. Others War “burning of Bluffton” on June 4, 1863. Most, but not quite all, evolved to meet the changing needs of the modern family. One home homes were decimated. Of the surviving structures, several remain connected the detached “summer kitchen”, originally meant to seques- private residences, one a museum, and one until 1999 operated as ter the heat and cooking smells from the main house. Now, with modern a bed and breakfast. Two serve as headquarters for ministries of the technology it is integrated into the living space. There are other examples Church of the Cross. Thought to be spared because of its beauty, of alterations that some preservation purists would perhaps dismiss as ill- the ca.1857 church itself is an important architectural treasure in advised. However, those types of changes, as American lifestyles the Carpenter Gothic style, designed by acclaimed South Carolina- evolve, mean that historic and maybe simply “vintage” structures can born architect Edward Brickell (EB) White (b. 1806). His book of realize reinvention and a new life that is feasible in the American com- work includes Market Hall and the Huguenot Church in Charleston, munity, while ensuring their longevity and relevance in our modern South Carolina, as well as landmarks in Savannah, Georgia. How- world. So – a careful balance of restoration and renovation can yield ever, most of the surviving Bluffton buildings are less elaborate in interesting, sustainable outcomes. design, being of the simpler farmhouse or summer cottage styles. A FASCINATING EXAMPLE These antebellum structures are more than enough to set the tone A stellar model of adaptive reuse, restoration and renovation is found for the low-country South Carolina town where this burgeoning, in the Rose Hill Plantation House, some 12 miles from historic down- charming community continues to give a nod to nineteenth cen- town Bluffton, though a part of the same 1718 Devil’s Elbow Barony, or tury local vernacular with the town’s recent, thoughtful develop- the tongue of land extending from the May River to the Colleton River. ment and restoration. Happily, it is sometimes difficult to tell the Built along the banks of said Colleton River, the plantation house (ca. new from the old pre-Civil War edifices.

126 Opulence Winter 2017/18 1858) is an amazingly beautiful example of the Carpenter Gothic style, ABOUT AMERICAN GOTHIC STYLE sharing many characteristics with the Church of the Cross. Likely also designed by Edward Brickell White, the mansion has a very compelling Less elaborate and less elegant ver- story. Originally occupied by planter John Kirk and his wife Carolina, the sions of Gothic revival architecture stunning and then nearly complete plantation house was abandoned emerged, thanks to the introduc- by the family in 1862 as the rumblings of war threatened the state. The tion of the scroll saw (or fretsaw). Civil War is also called the War Between the States, or in the deep south Intricate scrollwork then became “that recent unpleasantness”. And unpleasant it was. Current Rose Hill commercially feasible. A pedal- Plantation House owners Robin and Robert “Rusty” White have uncov- operated invention, this tool aided ered many relics on the property surrounding the mansion, including in the popularity of the eclectic belt buckles and Union force buttons from many states. These finds Carpenter Gothic style of the mid- seem to support the theory that the mansion was occupied by Union nineteenth century found often officers, as the troops camped on the grounds. It also explains why the in the heartland. It is recognizable home escaped the fiery fate of so many structures in the Bluffton area. from the 1980 Grant Wood painting, “American Gothic”, depicting And why not? The beautiful newly-built but abandoned abode offered midwestern farm architecture.

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 127 comforts, and the Colleton River afforded easy transportation to other battlefields in Beaufort County, a hub of the war. TIMELINE Following the war, the house remained vacant for decades, seeing 1718 Earliest known date of existence. Granted to Sir John Colleton. It was then a part of the Devil’s Elbow Barony squatters and more. It was then purchased in 1946 by John Stur- 1790 The plantation came under the ownership of John Rose geon and wife Betsy, and was lovingly restored. After the death of Sturgeon in 1979, and a subsequent re-imagining by the Rose 1799 Upon Rose’s death, the plantation was inherited by his stepson, James Kirk Hill Development Company, the property was met with another 1830s The plantation was given to Dr. John and Caroline Kirk as calamity as a long restoration project ended; faulty wiring caused a wedding present from James Kirk a consuming fire in 1987. 1858 House began construction (completed in 1860) by Dr. John Kirk and wife Caroline Fast-forward to 1996, when Robin and Robert “Rusty” White, having seen an ad listing the Rose Hill home for sale in Historic Preservation Magazine 1862 Plantation House was vacated due to Civil War activity fell in love with the grand but distressed, burned out landmark. After 1863 Bluffton area was targeted by Union forces purchasing the mansion, the couple began an astounding 17-year resto- 1865 Civil War ends ration that has resulted in a sought-after romantic wedding venue, tour 1946 John and Betsy (Gould) Sturgeon purchased the house destination, and a local organization event location. As the White’s now and completed it embrace the value of sharing, it is greatly appreciated by local residents 1979 John Sturgeon passed away as well as architecture students from around the world. The White’s cour- 1981 Rose Hill Plantation Development Company, a David and John Welton pursuit, purchased the land for de- age, vision and passion have served the community well. velopment of a planned residential community. Their rehabilitation team then spent nine months repairing The Rose Hill Plantation House is not a museum. It is a vital and lovely and rehabilitating the house private home, whose owners have afforded an opportunity for locals 1982 The house was opened to the public for tours and tourists to experience a glimpse into the gracious South Carolina 1987 A fire severely damaged the house, and it would sit way of life in the mid-nineteenth century. The interior is punctuated by empty for nearly a decade Gothic revival furniture and accessories, but it is not a total immersion 1996 Rose Hill Plantation House was purchased by the into the style. It is a wonderful example of how an historic property can Middleton-White Foundation and restoration as a private retain the magic of the era, while evolving to provide a comfortable en- home began vironment for a family, and a valuable resource for the community. 2009 Rose Hill Plantation House achieved substantial comple- tion by Rusty and Robin White of the Middleton-White Foundation 2017 The Plantation House continues to welcome the public Mary and Hugh Williamson are and groups for tours and events Bluffton, SC residents, and celebrate the beautiful area and the special For more information, please reference: resources that are a part of Bluffton, Jeff Fulghum’s book, The Bluffton Expedition (Bluffton, S.C., 2012) where opportunities to bring history to life still remain. The Town of Bluffton’s website, www.townofbluffton.sc.gov The Rose Hill website, www.rosehillmansion.com

128 Opulence Winter 2017/18 Stability During Unstable Times

BY TODD R. SCIORE

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 129 hen it became clear after the Battle of Manassas that the Union would not win a quick Wand easy war, Federal currency was hoarded and virtually disappeared from commerce, states John Ostendorf, a COIN IMAGES COURTESY OF JOHN OSTENDORF numismatic author and Secretary of the Civil War Token Society, an educational, non-profit collector organization. “The Federal Govern- ment’s (mintage) output was insufficient and so quickly hoarded that most Americans probably did not see a federal coin between 1862 and 1864.” A shortlived attempt at using postage stamps as money was tried, but they were too delicate for the demands of every day commerce. As such, these simple tokens became our nation’s workhorse small change currency during the Civil War.

While various fields of study are dedicated to the research and preservation of Civil War artifacts such as battle used weapons or original documents, collecting Cvil War tokens offers Sutler tent – a civilian provisioner to an army post often with a shop on the post. one of the more readily accessible ways to build a personal connection to that period in American history. Civil War tokens are generally by various merchants. The merchant name metropolitan area, and female or African- divided into three categories - Patriotics, Store and line of business usually appeared on the American merchants are also small in num- Cards and Sutlers, with each serving a generally obverse, while the reverse generally contained ber and highly sought after. similar yet specifically different function. “a patriotic theme or design similar to an In- SUTLER TOKENS dian cent.” PATRIOTIC TOKENS Sutler tokens are the rarest of the three types Patriotic tokens were used as a replacement This type of token is highly collected by state, and as John notes, “were issued by sutlers for the Federal one cent coin. The obverse on town, merchant, industry, theme, etc…, with who followed various military units in the some carried a design similar to the Indian rare pieces, even in lower states of preservation, field and provided goods to the soldiers, head pennies of the day, while others fea- easily selling for several thousand dollars. With often at highly inflated prices.” These tokens tured coronet or French liberty head devices. that said, more prolific issues in high grades are prized by collectors in that not only do George Washington, Andrew Jackson and can be acquired for very reasonable prices. they contain the name of the sutler, but the USS Monitor were also popular obverse With a note on rarity, Ostendorf advises that often identify the military unit they were designs. The reverse often contained generic “pricing is strong for rare pieces, yet extremely associated with. If you knew what battles legends, such as “Good For One Cent,” the cheap compared to federal coinage, but a col- a particular unit participated in, you would contradictory “Not One Cent,” or the indeter- lector has to be patient as they aren’t for sale have an idea where the subject token may minate “Value Me As You Please,” among oth- very often. A Civil War token with less than 20 have been when it traded hands. ers. Many issues also contained patriotic slo- known may sell for less than $200 in collectable While Federal coins capture the headlines for gans, such as “Union Forever” or “The Federal grades. No way that happens for a federal coin.” record auction prices, Civil War tokens offer a Union It Must And Shall Be Preserved.” There The rarity scale ranges from R-1 (very snapshot into the past with the potential for are numerous obverse/reverse combinations common with greater than 5,000 extant historical research on a particular issuer and with rare examples commanding thousands examples) to R-10 (unique with only one a rarity factor often exceeding that of their of dollars, if and when they come to market. example known). In comparison to regular more popular cousins. This has made them STORE CARDS U.S. Mint issues, even a moderately priced, a favorite of luminary numismatic collectors Store cards had the same basic function as mid-range R-5 token has a paltry 76 to 200 and scholars like Q. David Bowers. a patriotic token (replacing the one cent coin known examples. Store Cards from rural ar- Anyone who would like to learn more about for making change in daily commerce) but eas, such as Tennessee or West Virginia, are this interesting branch of numismatics is were essentially advertising pieces issued tougher to find than those from a major encouraged to visit www.CWTSociety.com.

130 Opulence Winter 2017/18 TOP GIFTS FOR MEN WHO LOVE TO TRAVEL BY ANA COLMENARES, LUXURY SPECIALIST WANDERLUST:4 That urge to leave the comfort of your surroundings and venture out into the world — or maybe it is business that pulls you to travel. Regardless of the reason, there are definitely products that can make your travels easier and more pleasurable. This holiday season we have identified the top four gifts for the man who is constantly on the go.

CARRY-ON LUGGAGE: RADEN 22 This ultralight carry-on suitcase makes the perfect travel companion. The Raden 22 has a sleek design, yet it is durable and flexible enough to resist impact. The best part: Its ergonomic carry handle doubles as a scale to determine its weight. Additionally, its built-in charger will make sure your phone — or phones, thanks to its two USB ports that enable dual device charging — never runs out of battery. Raden 22’s proximity sen- sors leverage Bluetooth technology, so it can help you locate your bag. $295 • www.raden.com

CIGARS: GURKHA TUBOS Gurkha’s Tubos are the perfect gift for the traveler who likes to enjoy a great cigar. The luxury cigar company has introduced Tubos for some of their signature cigars, including the Cellar Reserve (12-year-old aged tobacco), the Cellar Reserve (15-year-old aged tobacco) and the Royal Challenge. The three-cigar tubos are perfect for a quick business trip. The cylinder-tube packaging is easy to carry with you and helps keep cigars fresh, ensuring a wonderful consistent smoke wherever your travels may take you. To purchase, check with your cigar retailer. www.gurkha.com

OVER THE EAR HEADPHONES: SENNHEISER MOMENTUM WIRELESS These well-designed headphones make for an ideal gift because, let’s be honest, there comes a moment in everybody’s life when you simply want to tune out the world. With these headphones, you can. The Sennheiser Momentum Wireless not only features great stereo sound to enjoy your favorite music, but it is also equipped with an active noise-cancellation for optimum isolation from background noise and better audio performance. Also, the headphones fold up for more compact storage so that you can just stick it in your carry-on bag. It also has dual microphones for use as a cell phone headset for those quick calls before boarding your flight. $499.95 • www.en-us.sennheiser.com

CIGAR TRAVEL CASE: GURKHA’S SNIPER CASE Gurkha’s Sniper is the must-have gift for that person in your life who loves to travel to rough terrain, but still enjoys the luxury of a fine cigar. The pelican case protects up to 30 cigars. It is waterproof and keeps your cigars safe from the elements, making it essential for camping and fishing trips. The case is easy to carry on aircraft and you can transport more than enough cigars to enjoy with the boys. To purchase, check with your cigar retailer. www.gurkha.com

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 131 The Spruce Goose The Aviator Lives On Howard Hughes’ famous “Spruce Goose” is alive and kicking seventy years after its inaugural (and only) flight

BY ALEX STARACE

oward Hughes’ life swung AERONAUTIC GENIUS wildly between genius and The biopic of Howard Hughes’ life, starring madness, so it’s only fitting Leonardo DiCaprio, is entitled The Aviator that the story of the “Spruce for good reason. His aeronautical derring- Goose” feels more like a mad- do included surviving four airplane crashes, Hcap caper than fact. A large flying boat setting the landplane airspeed record and made entirely of wood? Check. A project flying around the world in 3 days, 9 hours, that was finished years too late? Indeed. 17 minutes – four days fewer than the pre- A triumph that was preserved at great ex- vious record. To honor the latter, he was pense for decades? Yes. This is the story of given a 1938 ticker-tape parade in New the Spruce Goose, one of America’s oddest York’s Canyon of Heroes. flying machines. Howard Hughes at the cockpit of the Spruce Goose

132 Opulence Winter 2017/18 “New York hails Hughes and companions, New York City — In the greatest reception since Lindbergh’s, Howard Hughes and his four gal- lant companions paraded up Broadway July 15 almost smothered beneath Manhattan’s ticker-tape accolade recognizing their record- smashing Round-The-World flight. This picture Hughes H-4 Hercules Spruce Goose in flight shows Hughes, center, waving to the cheering thousands. On the left is Grover Whalen, com- missioner of the New York 1939 World’s Fair plane, officially known as the H-4 Hercules, & Space Museum in McMinnville, Oregon, and on the right is Al Lodwick, Hughes’ flight flew about a mile, at 70 feet above the wa- proposed to keep the marvel in perpetuity, manager. 7-15-38. Credit Line (ACME).” ter, reaching a speed of 135 mph. putting it back on display in 2001 after an eight-year restoration. “It’s an amazing thing So, in the midst of World War II, when the After proving the Spruce Goose could fly, to see in-person,” said private pilot and Inter- United States needed to get supplies across Hughes built a custom hangar and hired a national Opulence EVP Dan Brooke. “You’re the Atlantic without risk of being sunk by U- staff of 300 to maintain it indefinitely, at a wondering, ‘Is this real’? You’re knocking on boats, Hughes was asked to develop a mas- rumored cost of $1 million a year. The staff the spars and the walls and reminded that it sive flying transit ship on behalf of the U.S. was reduced to 50 in 1962, and all were let is actually wood.” On the VIP tour, you can sit War Department. There was just one catch: go upon Hughes’ death in 1976. No one in the cockpit, stand on the wing and walk The project couldn’t use any metal, as that knew what to do with the Spruce Goose; it through the fuselage. The level of restoration was already dedicated to current war efforts. was almost chopped up and distributed to and the knowledge of the staff make for a museums. Instead, it was saved as a tourist In 1942, in collaboration with steel mag- truly remarkable experience, said Brooke, attraction in Long Beach, next to a docked net Henry Kaiser, Hughes decided upon who recommends a pilgrimage to aviation Queen Mary (also a tourist attraction), but an eight-engine colossus six times larger enthusiasts of all stripes. that proved to be a money-loser. than any plane yet constructed. It would Now that the Spruce Goose is 70 years old, be made almost entirely out of birch. (The SAVING THE BEHEMOTH and still in mint condition, it may be time to derisive appellative “Spruce Goose” stuck PLANE FOR PUBLIC VIEWING make the journey. despite very little use of spruce.) As with any In danger of being junked a second time unprecedented undertaking, there were in the early 1990s, the Evergreen Aviation delays. Kaiser dropped out and it wasn’t until 1947 that a prototype was completed, using $18 million in federal dollars and $7 million of Hughes’ money. THE SPRUCE GOOSE TAKEOFF The result: a wingspan exceeding the length of a football field, an aircraft roughly five stories high, with its tail reaching eight stories. It had yet to leave the ground. As part of a media push, Hughes and crew took the press aboard and taxied on the water off Long Beach, California. The craft had not yet flown, nor was that part of the plan. However, Hughes had other ideas. On the third taxi along the channel, he unexpectedly took off with 32 people on board. The Martin Scorsese’s “The Aviator” (2004)

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 133 Yachts, Jewels, Stocks, Trade – Buying Real Estate With Tangibles BY KAREN EVANS

e all know the traditional meth- Voila…we had a deal! Wedding bells were “A popular variation on the first scenario is ods of purchasing real estate, ringing and the original homeowner began for the stock of the U.S. company owning but you may not realize real es- enjoying that yacht he always wanted. the U.S. real estate to in turn be owned by tate can also be purchased for JEWELS a company registered in a foreign country,” W Alan continued. “This is done when that tangibles – such as boats, jewelry, trades of In my research, I found another very inter- foreign country more strongly protects the other real estate, and foreign and domestic esting scenario in which a multimillion-dol- identities of the shareholders who own stock portfolios. Here are just a few options lar home was exchanged for both cash and stock in companies registered in that coun- for acquiring REAL property in this manner. diamonds. The sellers were happy because try or does not require any information at all TRADING REAL ESTATE they were able to sell a home they were no about the shareholders of companies that A few years ago, I had buyers wishing to longer using in exchange for tangibles that are registered there. This second option is purchase an oceanfront town home they would use and enjoy more than the especially popular with foreign buyers of in Highland Beach, Florida, for $2.5 home. The buyer, a prominent jeweler, was U.S. real estate who are concerned about million, but they needed to sell their happy because he could provide a larger the threat of kidnapping if it becomes home on the Jersey Shore prior to ex- and more luxurious home for his family and known through U.S. records that the foreign ecuting an offer. Fortunately, their all he had to give up was some of his dia- buyer has assets in the U.S. And this second property was also valued at a simi- mond inventory to make up for the differ- scenario (if executed properly) also greatly lar price. I discussed my buyers’ ence in cash in order to close. This became reduces the tax rate that is applied to in- dilemma with the listing agent a win-win. come produced by the real estate while it is for the Highland Beach property and, much FOREIGN NATIONALS & STOCKS owned and when it is sold.” to my surprise, he said his sellers may be I reached out to Alan Krinzman, a prominent These are just a few examples of utilizing interested in an exchange. I quickly drafted Miami real estate attorney with Assouline & your tangibles in exchange for real estate. a proposal for both sellers and within 24 Berlowe. Alan has had a number of dealings The possibilities are almost endless if you hours, we were moving forward on an even with foreign nationals. He shared some very hire a great attorney and a clever realtor. Of exchange of the two properties. All I had to interesting experiences with me relative to course, you should always check with your do was to locate an attorney well versed in foreign nationals buying real estate in the financial advisers before attempting these this process and sort out how the respec- United States. tive realtors would be compensated and we and other methods for buying and selling had a deal that made everyone happy. “Foreign buyers of real estate in the U.S. real estate. Happy hunting! sometimes choose to buy the shares of a A YACHT-SIZE EXCHANGE U.S. company that is the registered owner I once had a buyer who was living on his of the real estate, rather than directly taking yacht. Cupid paid him a visit, he fell in love title to this real estate in their own name,” with the woman of his dreams and, you said Krinzman. “This is done for many rea- guessed it, she wanted a home. She didn’t sons. Here are three: mnimization of estate mind living on the water, but the venue had tax, a way to assure transfer of ownership of to change. I found them a lovely waterfront the property to other family members, and home where the owner would accept the reducing liability to third parties. exchange of the yacht and a bit of cash. Karen Evans is a Broker Associate for Signature International Premier Properties in Palm Beach County

134 Opulence Winter 2017/18 Bespoke Properties, Signature Service

Providing 16 years of award-winning Realtor services in Southeast Florida; Palm Beach, Broward & Miami-Dade Counties.

Karen Evans, PA Broker Associate, CDPE, TRC, CIPS Cell / Text : 305.810.9415 Signature International Premier Properties, LLC [email protected] 6699 North Federal Highway, Suite 103, Boca Raton, FL. 33487 www.KarenEvansPA.com Condo Law BY NICOLE KURTZ TACKLING THE NEW WEBSITE REQUIREMENT FOR FLORIDA CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATIONS

Nicole Kurtz

lorida condominium associations with 150 or more units, ciation’s counsel should then assess whether or not the agreement which do not manage timeshare units, must have an inde- details the terms of transitioning the association’s website content. F pendent website or web portal by July 1, 2018, according Ownership of the website will come into play if, and when, your as- to Section 718.111, Florida Statutes. These websites or web portals sociation decides to terminate the management agreement, as the can either be wholly owned and operated by the association, or association may be accused of violating the law if such termination operated by a third-party provider. It is important that associations causes the website to be shut down for any period of time. that meet the 150+ unit prerequisite begin to take the necessary In light of the foregoing, associations may wish to consider steps to ensure that they are in compliance with the new law by hosting their own independent website. If creating an in-house the July 1st deadline. website proves to be too burdensome, we encourage associations If your association utilizes a management company, the board of to contract third-party providers who can assist in developing directors may wish to first reach out to the management com- a statutory-compliant website or web portal. If you or your pany to determine if such company will be offering independent association’s representatives have any questions regarding this new website or web portal services that comply with Section 718.111, legislation, feel free to email us at [email protected]. Florida Statutes. However, even if your association’s management Attorney Nicole Kurtz with the South Florida law firm of Siegfried, company will be providing such services, it is important that your Rivera, Hyman, Lerner, De La Torre, Mars & Sobel focuses exclusively on community association’s counsel reviews your management con- community association law. www.srhl-law.com, www.FloridaHOA- tract to determine who owns the website. If it is established that the LawyerBlog.com, 305-442-3334. management company reserves ownership of the site, your asso-

136 OPULENCE Winter 2017/18 Title Here Liking your lawyer is great. Trusting your lawyer is priceless.

Legal Counsel to Community Associations Since 1977

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

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 137

SR ads 1pg Opulence.indd 2 10/28/15 3:14 PM Real Estate News New York’s Quintessential Real Estate Brokerage Expands Its Miami Footprint BY SHANNON CASEY

Phil Gutman

rown Harris Stevens, New York’s offices throughout Miami and Palm Beach. Stevens Miami’s websites attract more than quintessential real estate brokerage, 70,000 visitors worldwide every month. Brown Harris Stevens Miami continued to continues to demonstrate its com- Among those users are buyers, sellers, in- B demonstrate its dominance in South Florida mitment and prowess in the South Florida vestors and even agents from other broker- with the acquisition of Opulence Interna- market. ages who favor the functionality and design tional Realty in October. of the sites over using the MLS. The impeccably reputed firm originally “Bringing members of the Opulence team entered the South Florida market with Looking toward the future, Brown Harris Ste- Real Estate Isn’t About Who You Know. over to Brown Harris Stevens Miami was a the much-buzzed-about acquisition of Zil- vens Miami unveiled a new, comprehensive natural fit,” said Gutman. “Having been fo- It’s Who We Know. bert International Realty in 2015, followed multi-media branding campaign and will cused on new development for most of my with the acquisitions of Ocean Club Realty close out 2017 having achieved a number of career, I was well aware of their leadership in in 2016 and Avatar Real Estate Services record-breaking deals and landing as a top pre-development sales. As we grow Brown in 2017. Continuing strategic acquisitions of five market share firm making it one of South Harris Stevens Miami, we look for individuals offices throughout Miami and Key Biscayne, Florida’s fastest growing real estate brokerages. who possess the qualities of professionalism, Brown Harris Stevens sought Phil Gutman as knowledge and discretion for which Brown “We are proud of how so many powerful its new Executive Vice President for Brown Harris Stevens has been known since 1873.” individuals and companies have unified to Harris Stevens Miami. TECHNOLOGY become the Brown Harris Stevens Miami THE BHS PEDIGREE we operate as today,” said Gutman. “Our new With a growing, dynamic team, technology Gutman, who had previously led New De- branding campaign highlights the core val- There is a reason Brown Harris Stevens has had a reputation as the preferred is key to the level of service Brown Harris luxury real estate brokerage for 144 years. We know our clientele. And they know us velopment Sales for Douglas Elliman, joined ues of the Brown Harris Stevens brand, as Stevens Miami delivers for buyers, sellers as the brokerage with the most distinguished properties and the most accomplished Brown Harris Stevens Miami in the sum- well as the talent and discretion that sets us and agents. In 2017, Brown Harris Stevens agents in New York City, the Hamptons, Palm Beach and now, Miami. mer of 2017 to continue the firm’s ongoing apart. My inspiration for breaking into the launched a new website, BHSMiami.com. How do we continue to raise the bar after over a century at the top? By focusing successful expansion throughout South real estate industry almost 20 years ago was our formidable talent, experience and innovative technology, on fulﬁ lling the CONNECT WITH THE WELL CONNECTED The site is regarded as one of the firm’s most Florida. Under his leadership, Brown Harris people and relationships. Brown Harris Ste- particular needs of our clientele, and by always putting them ﬁ rst. Luxury has valuable assets. Powered by the exclusive been our neighborhood since 1873. Let us show you around. BHSMiami.com/Connect 833.BHS.MIAMI Stevens added over $160 million in new lux- vens Miami is emblematic of what can be technology developed by real estate tech- ury listings and has grown its South Florida achieved when you love what you do and nology pioneer Mark Zilbert, Brown Harris footprint to consist of 300 agents and 10 work hard while putting others top of mind.”

NEW YORK THE HAMPTONS PALM BEACH MIAMI

138 Opulence Winter 2017/18 Real Estate Isn’t About Who You Know. It’s Who We Know.

There is a reason Brown Harris Stevens has had a reputation as the preferred luxury real estate brokerage for 144 years. We know our clientele. And they know us as the brokerage with the most distinguished properties and the most accomplished agents in New York City, the Hamptons, Palm Beach and now, Miami. How do we continue to raise the bar after over a century at the top? By focusing our formidable talent, experience and innovative technology, on fulﬁ lling the CONNECT WITH THE WELL CONNECTED particular needs of our clientele, and by always putting them ﬁ rst. Luxury has been our neighborhood since 1873. Let us show you around. BHSMiami.com/Connect 833.BHS.MIAMI

NEW YORK THE HAMPTONS PALM BEACH MIAMI

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 139 Marianna Dubinsky: Concierge for Building Your Custom Home BY JILL PATTERSON

With a law degree and expertise in new-home Patterson, former Broker of Opulence and the JP: This was a spec home, but I know construction, Marianna Dubinsky holds the team’s leader, to chat about what’s happen- you specialize in custom-built homes. record for selling the highest priced home ing in the luxury home building world. Why would someone come to you ($7.4 million) in the esteemed Pinecrest, to build custom? JP: Congratulations on your record- Florida. Miami HEAT player Dion Waiters MD: Sometimes they don’t start that way. breaking sale, which sold for almost $2M purchased the stunning new-construction Sometimes we meet clients in a model more than the past record in Pinecrest. residence, built by full-service luxury home home that we’ve built, but when we show What’s your secret? builder Pioneer Inter-Development. Marian- the cost savings and other advantages, of- MD: I think the new construction product na sold the property while still at Opulence ten they decide to build custom. It really we sell is far superior to what other people International Realty, which was recently ac- comes down to educating the customer are offering, so it makes it easier. In addi- quired by Brown Harris Stevens. Marianna and demonstrating that the process is not as tion, Pinecrest hasn’t really felt the slow- has remained part of the Opulence Group daunting and time-consuming as they might down in the market other areas have felt. inside Brown Harris. She sat down with Jill

140 Opulence Winter 2017/18 This custom built home is run entirely on a self contained geo-thermal energy system. The lawn requires no maintenance and is made of high tech astroturf. The home’s water, including the pool, is alkaline.

think. I hold their hand through the entire finishes. There is this constant involvement; we process. The house is built at cost plus, which hold our client’s hand through the entire pro- means the value is already built into the home. cess. We can even furnish their homes, down With resale homes, there is already a markup. to the blinds. We want the process to be hassle Every single one of our clients has made mon- free and turnkey. ey on their resale. They pick the architectural JP: You take the client shopping? style and every single finish. It usually takes 12 MD: Yes, we try to get a feel for the client’s months to build. Once you educate people on palate. They will also get our negotiating the process, they are likely to pursue the design- power, so you won’t get the vendor’s price, build option. you will get our negotiated price. For in- stance, one of our customers wanted a very JP: What is the process? special kitchen. The kitchen architect is flying MD: First, we figure out their needs. Some men in from Paris to sit down with the client to might want a “man cave.” Some women might design the kitchen together. want a special “china” room. That is all part of the architectural program. In the end, there JP: You attend trade shows and industry is a number assigned in terms of square foot- conferences. What trends and cutting- age. Then, we factor in architectural style. For edge products are you seeing? example, do they prefer Mediterranean, transi- MD: Home automation, better health and tional, colonial or modern? We factor in the lot clean energy efficiency. Soon, every home size needed, the cost associated, and reach a will have some sort of automation. Lutron is final bottom line figure. We give them a pack- one of the leaders in home automation and age with a preliminary budget proposal, and they are coming up with an eco-automation once they agree, we go about finding the lot system for a more green, clean way of living. and creating architecture plans. There may not It saves on your electric bill since it regu- be an available vacant lot on the market, so we lates your lighting and energy expenditure look to find off-market properties that suit the by programming. Once Italians figured out client’s needs, which may involve knocking on LED lighting, they are killing it. They are indoors. We negotiate the right property at the tegrating light, sound, and A/C systems into right price. Then, we take them shopping for a single product. They also can replicate the

Winter 2017/18 Opulence 141 various quality of light that the sun creates throughout the day.

One German sound system for the shower- has no electrical wires. It uses the actual shower as a subwoofer. There are voice-command plumbing fixtures. There are shades integrated in the window glass and shower doors that can turn opaque for privacy at the With better technology than the US Open, this touch of a button. There are holistic shower heads and steam showers that integrate custom built home came equipped with a smart aroma therapy, chromo-therapy – light therapy. It’s a great sell to clients because after tennis court developed by Playsight Smartcourt. a busy day, everyone wants to come home to a private oasis. The court calls the shots “in” or “out” and counts

JP: Any client requests that you couldn’t your strokes, as well as where you place them. execute? MD: Not so far. We have one client who wanted a geo-thermal home. We drilled over 300 feet into the aquifer. The entire home is powered with geo-thermal energy and is completely self-sustaining. The home and pool have a built-in alkalizing system. They also have a tennis court that calls the shots as they land in or out, and keeps track of ground strokes.

JP: That’s crazy. Finally, any advice for new home buyers? MD: Educate yourselves on building custom versus buying a resale home. The process is not as overwhelming, time-consuming or expensive as you might think, and you can be king of your custom domain, while saving money.

To speak with Marianna to learn more about building custom, call (305) 432- 7555 or go through the Opulence Group at Brown Harris Stevens (305) 203-9985.

Jill Patterson is the former Broker of Opulence Interna- tional Realty and now the head of the Opulence Group at Brown Harris Stevens brokering residential and commercial trans- actions. [email protected]

142 Opulence Winter 2017/18 Winter 2017/18 Opulence 143 SUNRISE TO SUNSET VIEWS ICON SOUTH BEACH 450 Alton Road, Unit 2807 Miami Beach, FL 33139 2 BD / 2 BA / 1 HB 1,815 SF $2,399,999

JILL PATTERSON (305) 203-9985

BOATER’S PARADISE DEEP WATER DOCKAGE 6110 Bahama Shores Drive South St. Petersburg, FL 33705 4 BD / 3 BA / 2 HB 3,484 SF $1,249,000

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CUSTOM BUILD RECORD SETTER NEW CONSTRUCTION 9400 SW 60th Court Pinecrest, FL 33156 7 BD / 8 BA / 1 HB 10,000 SF $5,684,800

MARIANNA DUBINSKY (305) 432-7555

BRICKELL OASIS DIRECT WATER TOWER SUITE AT THE EMERALD 218 SE 14th Street, TS103 Miami, FL 33131 2 BD / 2 BA / 1 HB 1,298 SF $795,000

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